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- HP issues LaserJet firmware update, hopefully ends exploding printer saga
- Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 4PM ET!
- Go Daddy pulls support for SOPA amidst backlash, too late to satisfy Wikipedia
- Growing Up Geek: Steven Troughton-Smith
- NEC outs pair of displays that tell you their carbon footprint, how economically awesome they are
- Motorola Droid Xyboard 10.1 hands-on impressions (video)
- Introducing the gdgt databox!
- RIM gets kicked while down, sued over BBM trademark
- Engadget Podcast 269 - 12.23.2011
- Engadget's Holiday Blues-buster 2011: win an iPad 2 16GB WiFi, courtesy of Broadcom!
- Screenshots of Windows 8 build 8172 emerge, looks a lot like Windows 8
- FCC Fridays: December 23, 2011
- Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video)
- Distro Issue 19: Peter Rojas plays 20 questions and Zach Honig boards Boeing's 787 Dreamliner
- Roku brings v3.1 software update to first-gen boxes, Amazon Instant Video channel gets refaced
- Samsung: No room for ICS on Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab, TouchWiz to blame
- Nokia responds to questions over Symbian name swap
- India: cellphones generate radiation, send a text message instead
- Mega Man X blasts onto iOS, Reploids still struggling with free will
- Linaro member boards get accelerated builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich
- Stream TV launching glasses free Ultra-D 3DTV tech at CES, again
- US Cellular launches the Huawei Ascend II next week, costs you nothing (after rebate)
- Galaxy Tab 8.9 gets a taste of homemade Ice Cream Sandwich (video)
- Rambus, Broadcom sign licensing deal, agree to share toys
- Motorola MOTOACTV firmware bump gives you marathon-battery life (video)
- Design your own Boeing 787 Dreamliner... but good luck affording one
- Kia's Ray EV hasn't heard about aerodynamics, sets out to defy naysayers in Korea
- Dropbox knows you're an early adopter, gives you a sneak peek of its new Android app
- FCC approves AT&T's $1.9b purchase of Qualcomm's 700MHz spectrum (update)
- Louis CK makes $1 million in 12 days, proves that DRM-free content is valued
- OnLive now fully supports the Xperia Play, virtual thumbsticks and external controllers need not apply
- Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video)
- Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80
- Razer Blade gaming laptop delayed until mid-to-late January due to SSD upgrade
- Republic Wireless changes stance: unlimited will be truly unlimited, 'no thresholds' or asterisks
- Steve Jobs awarded posthumous Grammy for 'significant contributions to music'
- GTA III goes on sale for the holidays, brings violence and cheer to Galaxy Nexus owners
- FCC approves first white space device and database for Wilmington, NC
- Amazon stops blocking rival e-reading apps on Kindle Fire
- The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!
| HP issues LaserJet firmware update, hopefully ends exploding printer saga Posted: 23 Dec 2011 11:08 AM PST  HP LaserJet Firmware Update Now Available PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 23, 2011: On Nov. 29, HP announced that the potential existed for a certain type of unauthorized access to some HP LaserJet printers and confirmed it has received no customer reports of unauthorized access. HP today issued the following statement: HP has built a firmware update to mitigate this issue and is communicating this proactively to customers and partners. No customer has reported unauthorized access to HP. HP reiterates its recommendation to follow best practices for securing devices by placing printers behind a firewall and, where possible, disabling remote firmware upload on exposed printers. The firmware update can be found at www.hp.com/support and selecting Drivers. Additional printer security information is available at www.hp.com/go/secureprinting. About HP HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com. |
| Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 4PM ET! Posted: 23 Dec 2011 10:45 AM PST  Just because there are a few celebrations going on this time of year, doesn't mean mobile news stops coming -- for one, AT&T lobbyists and lawyers are getting some well-deserved time off for the holidays! So in honor of the season, we feel like getting a little jolly today and are ready to crank out a podcast for all the world to hear. So join Myriam and Brad -- and our very own Richard Lai -- for a special holiday episode of the Engadget Mobile Podcast today at 4PM ET! Note: The recorded podcast will likely not be available for download until after the weekend. All the more reason to join us today for the livecast! December 23, 2011 4:00 PM EST This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Go Daddy pulls support for SOPA amidst backlash, too late to satisfy Wikipedia Posted: 23 Dec 2011 10:14 AM PST  It looks like the prospect of widespread boycott was more than Go Daddy was willing to face as a result of its support for the Stop Online Piracy Act -- the domain name registrar announced today that it has officially withdrawn its support for the controversial bill. In a statement, the company said that "fighting online piracy is of the utmost importance, which is why Go Daddy has been working to help craft revisions to this legislation - but we can clearly do better," adding that it will support new legislation "when and if the Internet community supports it." That move proved to be too late for a number of prominent Go Daddy customers, however, including Wikipedia, which coincidentally announced today that it will be moving all of its domain names away from Go Daddy due to its stance on SOPA. Go Daddy's full announcement is after the break. Go Daddy No Longer Supports SOPA Looks to Internet Community & Fellow Tech Leaders to Develop Legislation We All Support SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 23, 2011) - Go Daddy is no longer supporting SOPA, the "Stop Online Piracy Act" currently working its way through U.S. Congress. "Fighting online piracy is of the utmost importance, which is why Go Daddy has been working to help craft revisions to this legislation - but we can clearly do better," Warren Adelman, Go Daddy's newly appointed CEO, said. "It's very important that all Internet stakeholders work together on this. Getting it right is worth the wait. Go Daddy will support it when and if the Internet community supports it." Go Daddy and its General Counsel, Christine Jones, have worked with federal lawmakers for months to help craft revisions to legislation first introduced some three years ago. Jones has fought to express the concerns of the entire Internet community and to improve the bill by proposing changes to key defined terms, limitations on DNS filtering to ensure the integrity of the Internet, more significant consequences for frivolous claims, and specific provisions to protect free speech. "As a company that is all about innovation, with our own technology and in support of our customers, Go Daddy is rooted in the idea of First Amendment Rights and believes 100 percent that the Internet is a key engine for our new economy," said Adelman. In changing its position, Go Daddy remains steadfast in its promise to support security and stability of the Internet. In an effort to eliminate any confusion about its reversal on SOPA though, Jones has removed blog postings that had outlined areas of the bill Go Daddy did support. "Go Daddy has always fought to preserve the intellectual property rights of third parties, and will continue to do so in the future," Jones said. About Go Daddy Go Daddy is a leading provider of services that enable individuals and businesses to establish, maintain and evolve an online presence. Go Daddy provides a variety of domain name registration plans, as well as website design and hosting packages. Go Daddy has a broad array of cloud-based products and services. These include products such as SSL Certificates, Domains by Proxy private registration, ecommerce website hosting, blog software, search engine optimization utilities, email marketing tools, website design services, website security software and online storage solutions. Go Daddy has more than 51 million domain names under management. Go Daddy registers, renews or transfers more than one domain name every second of every day. GoDaddy.com is the largest worldwide mass-market hosting provider by annual revenue according to Tier1 Research (Mass-Market Hosting Report-Winter 2011) and is the world's No. 1 domain name registrar according to Name Intelligence, Inc. Go Daddy registered more than one-third of all new domain names created in 2010 for in the top six generic top-level domains, or gTLDs, including .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz and .mobi. |
| Growing Up Geek: Steven Troughton-Smith Posted: 23 Dec 2011 10:00 AM PST Welcome to Growing Up Geek, an ongoing feature where we take a look back at our youth and tell stories of growing up to be the nerds that we are. Today, we have a special guest: programmer, app designer, artist and geek, Steven Troughton-Smith.  As a child of four I was exposed for the first time to a computer -- a Macintosh IIsi. When I wasn't playing SimCity 2000 or Spelunx, I was dabbling in Photoshop 3.0. I was fascinated by the Mac and would spend hours learning all the intricacies of how it worked. I discovered an Amstrad 286 in our attic at some stage -- my mom's old work computer -- and set to work trying to figure out the arcane incantations to show something more interesting than a DOS prompt onscreen. (Eventually I found some Windows 2.03 floppy disks about the house and forcibly upgraded it -- it wasn't much better off for my efforts). Then, in 1998, I met RealBASIC. I know kung fu In early 2002 (late to the party, I know), I managed to get my hands on a Mac OS X v10.1 disc. I'd 'borrowed' an OS X Developer Preview 1 CD from my dad's work a couple years before and happily installed it on my PowerMac G4 (the first computer I had that belonged to me), only to erase it in disgust a couple hours later. The early Developer Previews of OS X I found horrid; I remember thinking 'this is too much like Windows' at the time. Now, a couple years later, OS X was on the shelves, and was like a completely different OS to what I'd tried some years back. I chose to go all-out on OS X from the get go, and RealBASIC had been updated to create apps that could run on both OS 9 and OS X from the same binary so it continued to take up all my hobby time.  Before this point, I hadn't really realized that there were more OSes than Mac OS and Windows out there. With the OS X release, I had been reading a lot about NEXTSTEP, and my curiosity led me to virtualizing all sorts of OSes in Virtual PC: BeOS (one of my favorites!), Solaris, Red Hat 5, QNX and every pre-release build of Windows I could find (these were the days of Longhorn, filled with grandiose visions and crazy new features appearing every other month). I learned to appreciate all the differing takes on what an OS should be, and I pulled them all apart with gusto trying to learn as much as I could.Meanwhile, I stuck with RealBASIC until I was sixteen when I finally reached the limits of what I could do with it, and conveniently Apple had just released Xcode 1.0. I had been putting off learning how to make Cocoa apps, but this time I had no choice so I decided to delve head first into Xcode and not come out until I'd figured out how to recreate everything I was doing in RB. Before long, I'd crossed the point of no return; although everything was that tiny bit harder to do, everything I was making was a hundred times better than before. For the rest of my school days I made all sorts of Mac apps, even posting some online, but never going as far as selling anything. It's a UNIX System. I know this! Then, the iPhone happened. It was my final year of school, and I'd been rocking a Nokia 6630 for three years at this point. Little known fact: I was a complete Symbian fanboy up to 2007. I had started with the 7610 and had two N-Gages before the 6630; it was a real OS, with real apps, running on a phone. The mere idea of writing apps for it was thrilling, but unfortunately writing anything for Symbian at the time was a nightmare. I was the kid who sat in his dorm room compiling an open source Symbian toolchain for OS X for hours just to try and create 'Hello World'. After several failed attempts I'd given up trying, but then, halfway through my final year, Steve Jobs stood up on a MacWorld stage and announced Apple had built a phone, with a touchscreen, and it ran OS X. The concept blew me away -- OS X! On a phone! I was fascinated by it, and followed all iPhone-related news closely, hoping that someone would be able to hack it and create their own apps to run on it.A couple days before the news broke, a hacker friend of mine sent me a screenshot showing a 'Hello World' app running on his own iPhone -- it was possible! I tore the OS apart, put together my own toolchain, and set to work on reverse engineering just enough to figure out how to build an app. It stunned me how similar this was to desktop OS X; even though everything was different, it was still built in the same way, still had all the same design patterns. I already knew how to write for it! It was going to be months before I had an iPhone or iPod touch of my own, but that didn't stop me; I emailed a copy of my app to a friend in the US who would see if it ran, screenshot it, then send me the results ('remote debugging'). I would go on to build several apps and hacks for the iPhone that year (including a popular one you may know called 'Stack'). The final puzzle piece came in 2008, when Apple announced the App Store; finally, I knew what I wanted to be -- I had a professional career in app making ahead of me. End of Line You can check out Steven's work at High Caffeine Content and follow him on Twitter (@stroughtonsmith) |
| NEC outs pair of displays that tell you their carbon footprint, how economically awesome they are Posted: 23 Dec 2011 09:39 AM PST  |
| Motorola Droid Xyboard 10.1 hands-on impressions (video) Posted: 23 Dec 2011 09:00 AM PST  So, let's face that elephant in the Xoom head-on: this iteration of the Xyboard is lighter at 1.33 pounds (603 grams) and considerably thinner at just 0.35 inches (8.8mm). Gone are the hard edges that marred Moto's original tab and, instead, we're treated to the same curved edges that made their debut on the Droid RAZR, as well as a flanking of soft touch plastic. Immediately, you'll notice the device's ergonomic improvements over its predecessor, but it's still a far cry from being a pleasure to hold. In fact, those awkward angles dig into your palms no matter how you orient the slate. Sure, the Xyboard's looks serve to set it apart from the competition, but we're not sold on this build as the model going forward. Though this fella was meant to be a clean break from the company's tablet past, it appears as though Motorola simply couldn't part with its ill-advised decision to mount the power button and volume rocker on the device's backside -- here somewhat easily locatable on the upper right. It takes some getting used to, but we acclimated to this placement soon enough. Soft touch plastic surrounds the gunmetal grey aluminum back, which neatly stacks Motorola's insignia atop that of Verizon's own and the operator's 4G LTE logo. Up top, the slate's 5MP rear camera with single LED flash lies centered between the stereo speakers. Ports are mainly relegated to the bottom, where you'll find a removable tray for the SIM card, as well as a micro-HDMI out and micro-USB. While the 3.5mm headphone jack is left by its lonesome on the opposite end, with the 1.3MP front-facing camera just beneath it.
The O.G. Xoom repped a 1,280 x 800 WXGA display which, although decent for its time, literally pales in comparison to the Xyboard's TFT-IPS. Colors are noticeably bolder, the panel is brighter and images come across much crisper. Motorola's claim of 178-degree viewing angles are no joke, either -- the screen retains a stunning visibility even when tilted nearly full out of eyesight. Obviously, this bump in quality should go over well with folks who intend to consume mass amounts of streaming video on the tablet.  With skinning comes crapware and the Xyboard has it a plenty. Third party apps like Amazon Kindle, Citrix, Dijit, Evernote, Fuze Meeting, Let's Golf 2, Madden NFL 12, Netflix, Quickoffice, and Slingbox come pre-installed. That list doesn't include Verizon's own branded offerings which help to crowd the app drawer. Certainly, some of these applications are useful, but we'd like app downloads to ultimately be the user's choice and completely uninstallable. Verizon's LTE service in New York City hasn't fared so well in the past few days, dropping off and defaulting the Xyboard to a 3G connection due to network issues. Things look to have been fixed on the operator's end since and we're back to enjoying those blistering speeds, which maxed out at 27.64Mbps down and 8.12Mbps up on the Xyboard. Typically, performance will hover between 17Mbps to 22Mbps down and 5Mbps to 7Mbps up, so if you're planning on a marathon Netflix session, you won't be left wanting. Big Red's 4G coverage has had the benefit of an early head start and, consequently, signal strength was relatively hardy.  Perhaps to add that extra value oomph to the Xyboard, Motorola's bundled a stylus into the box. But don't let that get your hopes up, the functionality reeks of last minute add-on. Wondering why Evernote comes pre-loaded? Wonder no more, the app is one of three options made available when the stylus icon is activated from the tablet's dock on the lower right. Users wielding Moto's pen, which itself is actually well-made and feels great in the hand, can choose between Floating Notes to create and save memos, Open to see a list of saved memos and the aforementioned Evernote. Integration doesn't run too deep, as you'll only be able to choose from three distinct pen tip / eraser widths and eight colors. The handwriting recognition software showcases an apparent lag, trailing behind our hand's movements and forget about resting your palm on the screen, as that'll impede your ability to write. That's not to say it totally fail to recognize your attempts at legible scrawl, but it's definitely a hit or miss experience. Navigation and typing can also be managed via the stylus, although it's not ideal. For the power user, Motorola's released a slew of accessories to extend the Xyboard's functionality. There's an HD station for docking the tablet that packs an extra three USB ports and HDMI out so you can watch content on your flatscreen, a portfolio cover that flips back to create an impromptu stand and a wireless keyboard with portfolio. We took the Bluetooth keyboard for a trial run and despite its decidedly less than premium construction, its usefulness actually exceeded our low expectations. The hard-edged square keys are stiff, but have just enough travel to make typing surprisingly fluid and natural feeling. We did occasionally encounter difficulty locating some of the modifier keys, shrunken as they are to fit the layout, but Motorola did manage to include shortcuts for menu, home, back and search. Depressing any of the alphanumeric keys while viewing the homescreen accesses the tablet's search function, displaying a list of relevant contacts, search terms and applications. And to make up for the lack of a trackpad, there's a soft rubber-coated mouse button that lies centered between the G, H and B keys. It's implementation is actually more frustrating that helpful, as it's overly sensitive and difficult to control. So much so, that we found ourselves defaulting to touch navigation out of resignation.   Thankfully, the Xyboard 10.1 doesn't adhere to a one storage size fits all proposition and comes in a variety of configurations akin to Apple's iPad 2 setup, albeit more expensive with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models going for $530, $630 and $730, respectively. Is it worth the inflated price tag? The answer to that question depends largely on your need for an always-on LTE connection and affinity for Google's Android ecosystem. As it stands, Honeycomb is still a flawed tablet OS; a situation which should be remedied when that planned Ice Cream Sandwich update hits next year. It's clear Motorola put thought into refining the cosmetics of the slate, even going so far as to distance it from the Xoom with a new moniker. But looks aren't everything and that attention to surface detail should've also extended to the choppy UX. With ASUS' quad-core tablet king already available for order, you'll be hard pressed to find a compelling reason to buy what Moto's selling. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 23 Dec 2011 08:44 AM PST  |
| RIM gets kicked while down, sued over BBM trademark Posted: 23 Dec 2011 08:19 AM PST  It's been a long December for RIM, and there's reason to believe this year won't be any better than the last. This month, the company was sued for its use of the BBX trademark and was forced to change its name to BlackBerry 10; then, it all hit the fan when co-CEO Mike Lazaridis broke the news that phones running the aforementioned OS won't arrive until late in 2012. And let's not even get started on the quarterly earnings report. Sadly, it's not over: BBM Canada, a Toronto-based broadcast industry group that has used the BBM moniker in one way or another for six decades, wants to reclaim its name -- used and made popular by RIM's BlackBerry Messenger service -- and has filed a lawsuit against the phone maker for trademark infringement. BBM Canada CEO Jim MacLeod says he's made several attempts to resolve the matter with them in hopes of avoiding the courtroom -- even to the extent of offering to rebrand his own company as long as RIM footed the bill -- to no success.MacLeod told The Globe and Mail that "I find it kind of amazing that this wouldn't have been thought about before they decided to use the name -- the same thing goes for BBX." And according to court documents, it actually was: in February 2010, RIM attempted to apply for the BBM trademark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, was told that it wasn't registerable, and still went ahead and used it for its BlackBerry Messenger service anyways. We'll see what kind of explanation the company has for going ahead and using the three-letter acronym in a couple weeks, since a hearing has been scheduled for January 11th. |
| Engadget Podcast 269 - 12.23.2011 Posted: 23 Dec 2011 07:41 AM PST  Host: Brian Heater, Tim Stevens Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Just a Dream 01:37 - Engadget Distro now available on Android Market and iOS Newsstand! 04:46 - AT&T abandons T-Mobile merger plans (updated) 11:02 - Sony PlayStation Vita review (Japanese edition) 24:38 - Microsoft's CES 2012 keynote won't deliver 'significant news,' more of 'a wrap-up' 32:09 - SOPA hearing delayed until the new year as petition signatures top 25k 35:47 - T-Mobile, Motorola respond to Senator Franken's Carrier IQ questions 37:20 - Two days in the desert with Apple's lost founder, Ron Wayne 41:55 - Fusion Garage's website goes dark -- has it bitten the dust? (update: it's back?) 45:00 - The Engadget Interview: Fusion Garage's Chandra Rathakrishnan... post-fallout 50:02 - Indian villagers walk a dozen miles to charge cellphones 53:14 - Listener questions Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens. Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @bheater, @timstevens This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Engadget's Holiday Blues-buster 2011: win an iPad 2 16GB WiFi, courtesy of Broadcom! Posted: 23 Dec 2011 07:01 AM PST  The contest: December 19 - Roku 2 from Broadcom December 20 - Unlocked GSM iPhone 4S from Wyse December 21 - Unlocked Samsung GT-I9100 Galaxy S II (international version) from Broadcom December 22 - Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy Nexus LTE from Appitalism December 23 - iPad 2 16GB WiFi from Broadcom The rules:
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| Screenshots of Windows 8 build 8172 emerge, looks a lot like Windows 8 Posted: 23 Dec 2011 06:31 AM PST  |
| FCC Fridays: December 23, 2011 Posted: 23 Dec 2011 06:00 AM PST  We here at Engadget tend to spend Phones
Tablets and peripherals |
| Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video) Posted: 23 Dec 2011 05:38 AM PST  |
| Distro Issue 19: Peter Rojas plays 20 questions and Zach Honig boards Boeing's 787 Dreamliner Posted: 23 Dec 2011 05:15 AM PST  Distro Issue 19 PDF Distro on the iTunes App Store Distro in the Android Market Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Roku brings v3.1 software update to first-gen boxes, Amazon Instant Video channel gets refaced Posted: 23 Dec 2011 04:52 AM PST  Furthermore, we're told that issues found when navigating channels that display content in a grid screen have been solved, and perhaps most importantly, there's support for Amazon's downright delightful new Instant Video channel. Every last unit should see the update pushed their way in the coming hours, but if you're not exactly the "patient" type, just head to Settings -> Playing info -> Check for update. |
| Samsung: No room for ICS on Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab, TouchWiz to blame Posted: 23 Dec 2011 04:26 AM PST  |
| Nokia responds to questions over Symbian name swap Posted: 23 Dec 2011 04:02 AM PST  "We are still using Symbian Belle with some audiences like developers but now we also have the flexibility of using Nokia Belle when referring to our greatest and latest Symbian software update." There, that should clear it up. Or maybe not. The idea of switching between different names for the same product might be considered bad branding, and the notion of developers being an "audience" is confusing too. But what more can you expect from a single sentence? In other news, the update also clarified that Nokia/Symbian Belle will be coming to the Nokia 500, along with the devices mentioned yesterday, and that it's delay until February 2012 was due to this being a "major software update" that will "make such a big difference in the user experience." |
| India: cellphones generate radiation, send a text message instead Posted: 23 Dec 2011 03:31 AM PST  Is your cellphone bad for your health? India's government seems to think so, because it's planning a law that will require all phones to display how much electro-magnetic radiation they generate. Radiation is measured in SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) and the Indian limit has been lowered to match the USA's 1.6W/kg, whereas before it followed the European ceiling of 2W/kg. But even handsets that meet this criterion may have to declare their SAR level, and also carry a message asking people to keep their calls or short or use SMS instead -- implying that the Indian government regards radiation as dangerous at any level. [Thanks, Yogesh] |
| Mega Man X blasts onto iOS, Reploids still struggling with free will Posted: 23 Dec 2011 02:56 AM PST  |
| Linaro member boards get accelerated builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich Posted: 23 Dec 2011 02:15 AM PST  Remember Linaro? How could you forget, right? The non-profit engineering organization that formed back at Computex 2010 has been plugging away for over 1.5 years now, and its most recent development involves everyone's fav-o-rite build of Android: Ice Cream Sandwich. The company has just released ICS builds supporting accelerated graphics on two of its member's low cost development boards: the Samsung Origen and ST-Ericsson Snowball. The outfit already displayed videos of Android 4.0.1 running on TI's PandaBoard and Freescale's i.MX53, and the accelerated graphics support that has been made available today makes use of the ARM Mali-400 processor. For those unaware, developers are able to create optimized Linux-based devices with the support of Linaro, and if you're in one of those member groups, you'll also enjoy DS-5 with Gator and libjpeg-turbo support. Head on past the break for a smattering of videos. Accelerated builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich now available on Linaro member boards Cambridge, UK - 21 December 2011 - Linaro, a not-for-profit engineering organization consolidating and optimizing open source software for the ARM architecture, today announced the availability of builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) supporting accelerated graphics on two of its member's low cost development boards: the Samsung Origen and ST-Ericsson Snowball boards. Just over a month ago, within a day of Google's release of the 4.0.1 ICS version of Android, Linaro showed videos of it running on the Texas Instruments (TI) PandaBoard and shortly after that on the Freescale i.MX53 Quick Start board, the Samsung Origen board and ST-Ericsson's Snowball board. The accelerated graphics support that has been made available today makes use of the ARM Mali-400 graphics processor used by two of these boards. This graphics processor is integrated with a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor: on the Samsung Origen board in Samsung's Exynos 4210 SoC, and on the ST-Ericsson Snowball board in ST-Ericsson's NovaTM A9500 SoC. Users of these boards can view videos of these latest builds on Linaro's YouTube channel and download the accelerated builds for the Snowball and Origen boards on Linaro's releases.linaro.org website. Developers are able to create optimized Linux-based devices with the support of Linaro. For example, Linaro uses the latest GCC 4.6 toolchain to build Android, enabling Linaro's Android to outperform standard Android builds in benchmarks and real-world tasks. The 4.6 toolchain allows developers to optimize for the latest SoCs like ST-Ericsson's Nova A9500 processor and Samsung's Exynos4210, which leads to an improved user experience. Furthermore, the toolchain gives early access to the performance improvements Linaro has been developing in the next release of GCC, as well as the many correctness fixes identified and provided through working with the Linaro community. As an example, the Linaro 4.6 toolchain includes features to allow software to manually or automatically parallelize compute tasks across the multiple cores in the chips. Linaro operates openly, and these accelerated builds are the latest downloads enabling advanced product development on hardware from its member companies. Linaro's goal is to provide consolidated and optimized open source software building blocks that provide companies with a foundation on which they can rapidly build and deliver innovative, differentiated solutions. Join us for Linaro Connect Q1.12 Linaro Connect is held every three to four months to bring the Linux on ARM community together to work on the latest system-on-chip (SoC) developments, plan new engineering efforts and hold engineering hacking sessions. These events give the Linux community an opportunity to be a part of the Linaro team and help to define the ARM tools, Linux kernels and builds of key Linux distributions including Android and Ubuntu on member SoCs. Join us for our next event February 6-10th in San Francisco, California. Learn more at connect.linaro.org About Linaro Linaro is a not-for-profit engineering organization working on consolidating and optimizing open source software for the ARM architecture, including the GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) toolchain, the Linux kernel, ARM power management, graphics and multimedia interfaces. Linaro's key value is in working on generic ARM technology that is common to all ARM SoC vendors. In this way engineering costs are shared, rather than each vendor having to implement core software technology themselves, which has historically resulted in fragmentation and overhead in maintaining code that cannot be upstreamed to the mainline Linux kernel and other open source projects. Linaro's output is used by its members, and by distributions including Android, Ubuntu and OEM/ODM customized versions of Linux. Linaro's goals are to deliver value to its members by enabling their engineering teams to focus on differentiation and product delivery, and to reduce time to market for OEM/ODMs delivering open source based products using ARM technology. For more information, please visit www.linaro.org |
| Stream TV launching glasses free Ultra-D 3DTV tech at CES, again Posted: 23 Dec 2011 01:33 AM PST  Stream TV Networks, Inc. Prepares to Launch Groundbreaking 3D Without Glasses Product Line at CES 2012 Proprietary Ultra-D technology surpasses all available 3D viewing experiences PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Stream TV Networks, Inc. announced today that it will unveil its new Ultra-D technology at CES 2012. Ultra-D is a next generation 3D without glasses display technology that surpasses all 3D viewing experiences offered to date. Developed by Stream TV Networks, Inc., the producer of the eLocity brand of mobile tablets launched first in 2010, the Ultra-D technology is strictly proprietary and leverages custom hardware, middleware techniques and software algorithms to create unprecedentedautostereoscopic 3D imagery. This technology will provide consumers with access tounlimited 3D content by enabling real-time conversion of: 2D content into 3D autostereoscopic (without glasses) 3D stereoscopic content (with glasses) to 3D autostereoscopic (without glasses) The Ultra-D technology thus supports the immediate adoption of 3D consumer hardware despite limited availability of 3D content. Real-time conversion of 2D to 3D and 3D with glasses to 3D without glasses works seamlessly with various content formats including Blu-ray, DVD, PC gaming, Internet, cable and satellite content. Another key differentiator of the Ultra-D technology enables customization of the 3D effect to address individual differences in spatial perception and the varying impact of 3D rendering on viewer comfort. The technology allows users to increase or decrease the real-time 3D rendering effect, adjusting for variance in content quality and source as well as personal preference so that consumers can use all Ultra-D products to achieve the optimal 3D picture every time. "We are extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with our Ultra-D technology. It is capable of creating a significant shift in the way people view media, comparable to the transition from black and white to color TV," said Mathu Rajan, CEO of Stream TV Networks, Inc. "Our ultimate goal was to create a solution that addresses existing concerns impeding the adoption of 3D-consumer aversion to expensive glasses, viewer discomfort, variance in individual vision and preference and the slow creation of 3D content. It seemed we were aiming for the impossible but we've made it possible and will be sharing these hard-won achievements with consumers in 2012. Ultra-D is the next generation 3D technology designed to replace 3D with glasses and win preference over 2D devices." The Ultra-D brand includes 3D-enabling products in the following categories: TVs Converter Boxes Tablets Desktop All-in-One PCs Gaming Laptops Digital Signage Mobile Phones Digital Picture Frames More information on the Ultra-D product line will become available for the first time to members of the press at the Ultra-D Launch Press Conference at 8:30 am on January 9, 2012 at CES 2012. Additional demos can be scheduled by appointment at Stream TV Networks, Inc.'s CES booth #14815 in the Central Hall of LVCC during the tradeshow. Stream TV's mission is to bring to market innovative products featuring state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance consumer experience and simplify their digital lifestyle. Its line of consumer products stands to take the media viewing experience to new levels through high end displays and graphics technologies. Please direct all sales and general inquiries to contact@streamtvnetworks.com. Press inquiries should be directed to esther@southardinc.com or janina@southardinc.com. ABOUT STREAM TV NETWORKS, INC: Stream TV Networks, Inc. is a Philadelphia-based new media company founded in 2009 to serve a consumer market seeking enhanced entertainment and communications experiences through superior quality devices with unlimited accessibility. Through its brands, Stream TV Networks, Inc. intends to reshape the current media landscape by releasing computer-enabled devices that create an environment where on-demand access to content is available anytime and anywhere, where interactive user feedback is standard, and where creative participation and community formation around media content is nurtured. The company's mission is to redefine "new media" so that it reaches its true dynamic potential and real-time interactive relationship with the media consumer. |
| US Cellular launches the Huawei Ascend II next week, costs you nothing (after rebate) Posted: 23 Dec 2011 12:17 AM PST  Coming next week to a US Cellular website near you... we give you the Huawei Ascend II. The carrier's first Huawei device is no stranger on American soil, having spent a good five months on Cricket's lineup. While the handset was available for $180 with no contract on Cricket, US Cellular is offering it for free with a two-year commitment -- after a $100 mail-in rebate. Perhaps it's not as likely to induce salivation as we were hoping, but it may still be a temptation for a few smartphone fans on a budget that don't mind a contract. The Android 2.3 device, complete with a 3.5-inch HVGA display, 5MP camera and 600MHz CPU, is available online next week and will be offered in stores in early January. |
| Galaxy Tab 8.9 gets a taste of homemade Ice Cream Sandwich (video) Posted: 22 Dec 2011 11:32 PM PST  |
| Rambus, Broadcom sign licensing deal, agree to share toys Posted: 22 Dec 2011 10:28 PM PST  |
| Motorola MOTOACTV firmware bump gives you marathon-battery life (video) Posted: 22 Dec 2011 09:03 PM PST  |
| Design your own Boeing 787 Dreamliner... but good luck affording one Posted: 22 Dec 2011 07:43 PM PST  P.S. - Drop us a line in comments if you find a 'Buy Now' section that takes The Centurion Card. |
| Kia's Ray EV hasn't heard about aerodynamics, sets out to defy naysayers in Korea Posted: 22 Dec 2011 06:59 PM PST  Kia introduces Korea's first production electric vehicle - Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era in Korean motoring - EV assembled on same production lines as regular models - Range up to 139 km (86 miles) with fast-charging in 25 minutes (SEOUL--Korea Newswire) December 22, 2011 -- Kia Motors introduced Korea's first electric vehicle today (Thursday), with the launch of the new Kia Ray EV – a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge. For supply exclusively to the domestic Korean market, the Kia Ray EV is a close relative of Kia's 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. It shares that model's major dimensions and, in a global first for an EV manufacturer, can share a production line with conventional combustion-engine cars. The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor. Although the Ray EV weighs 187 kg more than the gasoline model, the electric motor's generous torque – 167 Nm (an increase of 77%) – ensures responsive performance. The EV's acceleration is brisker than the gasoline models (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph (81 mph). Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode. The Ray EV's automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in 'D' drive. 'E' (or 'eco') mode optimizes the delivery of the motor's torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range. 'B' (or 'brake') mode can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power. Bearing the same striking exterior styling as its gasoline cousin, the Kia Ray EV has four small distinguishing points. A flap in the front radiator grille covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode, another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) is fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models, special decals on each front door proclaim the 'Zero Emissions EV' message and super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag. Inside, the Ray EV features a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that features a 7-inch screen and provides crucial information for EV drivers such as the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. The display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge. Currently there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations in Korea, and the government plans to increase that figure to 3,100 stations by the end of 2012. The Kia Ray EV embodies numerous innovations. The electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The lithium ion polymer battery's cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors' systems. The on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) each features advances over previous equipment. Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system featuring an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model, to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. The result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car's battery. Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV generates no engine noise, which can be a potential problem with pedestrians being unaware of the approaching car. To prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 kph (12 mph) this system delivers a mixture of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also emitted whenever the car is backing up. Japan and the USA are already considering the introduction of a legal requirement for EVs to have a virtual engine sound, and Kia has taken the first step to commercialize this system in order to anticipate the global industry's trend. To ensure that the Ray EV is as safe as gasoline cars, it is equipped with six air-bags, and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) – as standard. During 2012, Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV, which will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia's long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade. Additional Kia Ray EV images as well as other Kia related video, stills and other press material are available at Kia Motors' Multimedia Library (http://kia.synapticdigital.com), powered by Synaptic Digital. Content is available in HD, broadcast, and streaming-quality formats, including PAL and NTSC, and can be downloaded utilizing the industry's fastest download technology. |
| Dropbox knows you're an early adopter, gives you a sneak peek of its new Android app Posted: 22 Dec 2011 05:57 PM PST  Update: Dropbox has released it to the Market, so just hit update to grab the latest version or check out the official blog for more details. |
| FCC approves AT&T's $1.9b purchase of Qualcomm's 700MHz spectrum (update) Posted: 22 Dec 2011 05:20 PM PST  Christmas has come early to the execs at AT&T, who are likely celebrating the FCC's 3-1 approval to purchase Qualcomm's block of the 700MHz spectrum for $1.9 billion. The news comes as a bittersweet victory for Ma Bell, whose efforts to acquire T-Mobile turned sour earlier this year. Qualcomm's block of the airwaves, once used to facilitate FLO TV, now sits unused. Once the acquisition is complete, AT&T will use the new share of spectrum to increase download capacity for its burgeoning LTE network. For the FCC's part, it has approved the deal with only a few stipulations: AT&T will be required to satisfy interference requirements and must offer data roaming to its competitors on the spectrum. That's not to suggest everyone's pleased, however. Rural cellular providers asked that, as part of the deal, AT&T must ensure that its LTE network is interoperable with the bands used by smaller networks. Sadly, the FCC has denied this request, ostensibly limiting the little guy from receiving Ma Bell's hand-me-downs. Update: AT&T has gone ahead and released a wee bit of celebratory PR, which we're including after the break. Most importantly, it expects to wrap up the finer details in the next few days. AT&T Receives Regulatory Approval for Purchase of Wireless Spectrum from Qualcomm DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AT&T* announced today that it has received all required regulatory approvals for AT&T's acquisition of spectrum from Qualcomm. AT&T is purchasing 700 MHz spectrum licenses covering more than 300 million people for approximately $1.9 billion. "This spectrum will help AT&T continue to deliver a world-class mobile broadband experience to our customers," said Bob Quinn, senior vice president-Federal Regulatory, AT&T. "We appreciate the FCC Chairman, the Commissioners and their staff for completing its review before the holidays. "As spectrum is the lifeblood of the U.S. wireless industry, we are pleased that the FCC did not reduce the spectrum screen, however, we continue to believe any changes to the process by which it is allocated should be subject to open and transparent public discussion and clear to everyone with an interest in ensuring the health of our industry." The companies expect to close the transaction in the coming days. |
| Louis CK makes $1 million in 12 days, proves that DRM-free content is valued Posted: 22 Dec 2011 04:54 PM PST  |
| Posted: 22 Dec 2011 04:11 PM PST  OnLive Brings Console-Class Gaming to Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY Smartphone Free OnLive App Update Enables Xperia PLAY Slide-out Game Controls, Enabling Top-Tier Titles First Mobile Device to Play Console-performance Games using Built-in Controls Palo Alto, CA – December 22, 2011 – OnLive, Inc., the pioneer of cloud gaming, today announced that its free OnLive app for Android has been updated to support the slide-out game controls on the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY smartphone*, enabling gameplay of almost all OnLive games, including the latest AAA console-class titles. The Xperia PLAY combines Android smartphone touchscreen control with what every console gamers dreams of: slide-out dedicated gaming keys, analog touch joysticks and shoulder buttons. The just-updated free OnLive Android App delivers the missing piece: AAA high-performance console-class games playable directly with the slide-out controls, streamed over the Internet for instant on-demand play. "From the moment we launched our OnLive Android app, gamers began asking about Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY game control support," said Steve Perlman, OnLive Founder and CEO. "We listened and delivered. Now Xperia PLAY gamers in the US and UK can play almost all of OnLive's 200 premium titles-including hit AAA games like Saints Row: The Third and Assassin's Creed: Revelations-on their Xperia PLAY smartphone with a full console-class experience, including multiplayer and social features." Released to the Android Market on December 8, the free OnLive app is the first cloud gaming app to enable users to play high-performance, console-quality games-previously playable only on the highest-end computers and gaming systems-on devices as simple as smartphones and tablets. Unlike downloaded games, OnLive games are streamed over the internet just like streaming music and video, never taking up storage. And OnLive games are cross-platform-meaning you can start play on your PC or Mac®, then pick up your game on your smartphone and finish on a friend's TV via the OnLive Game System with all your save game data intact. Or, play multiplayer with friends on entirely different devices. Now, with Xperia PLAY, gamers will be able to extend OnLive's high-performance game touch experience with the greater control, better accuracy and the physical feeling of a game console controller, all in a single compact smartphone. Customers can find the OnLive app in the Android Market by following this link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.onlive.client. Tablet and smartphone owners who don't own an Xperia PLAY can choose two other ways to play on an Android tablet or smartphone. They can jump instantly into free demos of 24 touch-playable games, such as Dirt 3 and Defense Grid Gold, which have been either redesigned with native touch controls or include various virtual gamepads on-screen. Or, they can play nearly every game in OnLive's growing library using the recently released and highly-acclaimed Universal OnLive Wireless Controller, designed to optimize wireless play across tablets, smartphones, PCs, Macs, TVs and Blu-ray players. For more information on the OnLive app and the Universal OnLive Wireless Controller, visit www.onlive.com or www.onlive.co.uk. *OnLive has no affiliation with Sony- Ericsson, and the OnLive Android App is compatible with a wide range of Android smartphone and tablets, including the Xperia PLAY. |
| Portable Jaguar modder gives Ben Heck a run for his compact gaming money (video) Posted: 22 Dec 2011 03:39 PM PST  We bet you thought Ben Heck's Atari Jaguar mod would be the first and only portable hack of the ill-fated "64-bit" game system you'd ever see. Well, you were wrong. User Evil Nod, over at the Made by Bacteria forums, has whipped up a rather impressive compact console using the seemingly ubiquitous PS1 screen as a display. At about 1.75-inches thick, it's a bit bulkier than Heck's build, but it also doesn't have a giant battery or cartridge slot hanging off the back -- everything is tucked neatly away inside the textured black shell. Check out the source links for a build log and a few more photos of the finished product. You'll also find a bonus video of the prototype after the break. |
| Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80 Posted: 22 Dec 2011 03:02 PM PST  Wahoo Fitness Reveals the Blue HR, the World's First Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Monitor Unveiling at CES 2012, the Blue HR harnesses the power of Bluetooth Smart Ready Devices, transforming your smartphone into an all-in-one training partner Atlanta, GA – December 22, 2011 – Wahoo Fitness, the leader in smartphone fitness technology, announces the Wahoo Fitness Blue HR, the world's first Bluetooth Smart heart rate monitor. Using the latest in Bluetooth technology, the Blue HR (Heart Rate) will communicate directly with the iPhone 4S and other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices, providing users with real-time heart rate readings on their smartphone. With Wahoo's Blue HR and the fitness app of your choice, you now have your heart rate data, music playlists, phone, GPS maps and more, all in one place. Priced at $79.99, Wahoo's Blue HR will hit stores nationwide in January of 2012. To see Wahoo Fitness' Blue HR product test, click HERE Blue HR is launching with full support of several of Wahoo Fitness' app partners, who have been working with Wahoo's Open API to support the Blue HR. Already tested and released in the App Store are several of the most popular fitness apps - MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, 321Run, Runmeter, and MotionX – with more to come in 2012. Without ties to a specific app, Wahoo's heart rate strap provides the millions of users already using these apps, with the heart monitoring information they need, regardless of sport, in a customizable application of their choice. "So many smartphone fitness monitors limit you to using their own smartphone application," says Chip Hawkins, CEO of Wahoo Fitness. "Wahoo has been working with the top fitness app developers on other smartphone fitness monitors for years, so the Blue HR is simply the next step. Our partnerships allow users to easily incorporate all their fitness data into the app they already know and love. Whether you log your miles on Runkeeper, MapMyRide, or one of the other top 100 fitness apps, the Blue HR will seamlessly integrate your heart rate data into the interface of your choice." The Blue HR also marks the first release of a Bluetooth Smart app enabled accessory for the iPhone 4S. Like the iPhone 4S, by the end of 2012, virtually all new smartphones will include the Bluetooth v4.0 technology that is in all Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. Bluetooth Smart is a low-energy wireless technology that provides longer battery life, enhanced range, and creates new opportunities for Bluetooth product developers and manufacturers, specifically in the markets of health care, sports, fitness, security, and home entertainment. Wahoo Fitness Blue HR features include: • Wirelessly relays heart rate information via Bluetooth Smart technology to your iPhone 4S and other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices, no additional hardware or key needed • Generates heart rate information in real-time, providing the most accurate number of calories burned during workout • Compatible with the most popular fitness apps, including Runkeeper, MapMyRun, and the free Wahoo Fitness App • Optional Wahoo Armband provides comfortable protection for your iPhone 4S with full touch screen access The Wahoo Fitness Blue HR will hit store shelves in January of 2012. |
| Razer Blade gaming laptop delayed until mid-to-late January due to SSD upgrade Posted: 22 Dec 2011 02:37 PM PST  |
| Republic Wireless changes stance: unlimited will be truly unlimited, 'no thresholds' or asterisks Posted: 22 Dec 2011 02:32 PM PST  In a world filled with GoDaddys, PayPals, SOPAs and CarrierIQs, it's downright incredible to see a 180 in this direction. And yes, as part of that legal amendment, everyone who has purchased or purchases a phone during beta will be guaranteed the opportunity to enjoy unlimited service, without fear of cancellation, until the end of beta. The only snippet you should know about is the "unacceptable use" clauses, which state that you can't resell Republic's service or leave the phone "always on" as a conduit for other uses obviously beyond what would be normal for a personal smartphone; wildly enough, the outfit has promised to "reevaluate those provisions, too." Three cheers for listening skills, eh? |
| Steve Jobs awarded posthumous Grammy for 'significant contributions to music' Posted: 22 Dec 2011 02:02 PM PST It's pretty difficult to argue that both Apple's iPod and -- to an even greater extent -- its contentious iTunes software haven't had a massive impact on the music industry. The Recording Academy has decided to recognize this, naming the former CEO and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs for a Trustees Award for "outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity." It will be the second Grammy to celebrate Apple's contributions to the music industry -- its work in recording netted it a Technical Grammy exactly ten years ago. |
| GTA III goes on sale for the holidays, brings violence and cheer to Galaxy Nexus owners Posted: 22 Dec 2011 01:40 PM PST  |
| FCC approves first white space device and database for Wilmington, NC Posted: 22 Dec 2011 01:18 PM PST  FCC CHAIRMAN GENACHOWSKI ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF FIRST TELEVISION WHITE SPACES DATABASE AND DEVICE FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology Issues Public Notice to Start Operation of Spectrum Bridge's TV White Spaces Database System and Authorization of a TV White Spaces Device Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. – Today, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Public Notice announcing that the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has approved Spectrum Bridge Inc.'s television white spaces database system, which may provide service to devices beginning January 26, 2012. OET has also approved a device by Koos Technical Services, Inc. (KTS) as the first product allowed to operate on an unlicensed basis on unused frequencies in the TV bands. The KTS device will operate in conjunction with the Spectrum Bridge TV band database. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "With today's approval of the first TV white spaces database and device, we are taking an important step towards enabling a new wave of wireless innovation. Unleashing white spaces spectrum has the potential to exceed even the many billions of dollars in economic benefit from Wi-Fi, the last significant release of unlicensed spectrum, and drive private investment and job creation." Unused spectrum between TV stations – known as "white spaces" - represents a valuable opportunity for provision of broadband data services in our changing wireless landscape. This unused TV spectrum provides a major new platform for innovation and delivery of service, with potential for both research and commercial applications. Development of unlicensed radio transmitting devices has already led to a wave of new consumer technologies, including Wi-Fi and other innovations like digital cordless phones and in-home video distribution systems that have generated billions of dollars of economic growth. This new technology will build on that track record and provide even more benefits to the U.S. economy. Commission rules require that unlicensed TV band devices contact an authorized database system to obtain a list of channels that are available for their operation (i.e., channels not occupied by authorized radio services) at their individual locations and must operate only on those channels. The approval granted by OET allows Spectrum Bridge to commence operational service to new devices that can take advantage of the TV spectrum to provide service over greater ranges than those of Wi-Fi devices operating on higher frequencies. Initial operation under this approval will be limited to Wilmington, NC and the surrounding area and will expand nationwide pending completion and activation of the Commission's facilities for processing requests for protection of unlicensed wireless microphone at event venues. Parties in the Wilmington area that wish to register wireless microphones for event venues during this period of limited operation must send a request to OET by e-mail in accordance with the instructions provided in the Public Notice. The new KTS TV bands device is designed and approved for fixed operations that serve any broadband data applications. The device will contact the Spectrum Bridge database to identify channels that are available for operation at its location and can provide high-speed Internet connectivity. Read the Public Notice here: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-2043A1.doc. |
| Amazon stops blocking rival e-reading apps on Kindle Fire Posted: 22 Dec 2011 12:58 PM PST  |
| The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM! Posted: 22 Dec 2011 12:30 PM PST  Vacation? Ha! Vacation is for suckers. Tim and Brian are back, podcasting from their respective undisclosed locations, bringing you all kinds of holiday cheer in the form of the latest tech news with help from Darren. So nestle up with some nog and join us in the chat, after the break. Update: We're through, folks. We'll have the recorded version up tomorrow! |
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