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- White Epic 4G Touch to grace Sprint come January, proves your wildest dreams can come true
- Tech's biggest misfires of 2011
- Oops: Droid 4 makes an early appearance in Best Buy promo
- The morning after: PlayStation Vita sales go cold during first full week in Japan
- Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash
- Verizon confirms latest LTE outage restored, again claims 3G operated normally
- Leaked memo details Verizon's $2 fee for paying your bill; autodraft or ACH the only way out
- Verzo Kinzo unboxing and impressions
- N-Control dismisses marketing consultant, discounts PS3 Avenger pre-orders
- Engadget Mobile Podcast 119 - 12.29.2011
- Jawbone Up refunds start rolling out, feel free to keep your bricked band (or not)
- 60beat GamePad connects to iOS devices, requests 50 bucks for the privilege
- 1 million Galaxy Notes shipped worldwide, US fans throw money at their screens
- Slime molds could hold key to new kinds of intelligence, help Statue of Liberty walk
- Scientists scan damaged audio discs, resurrect fresh beats
- CyanogenMod Compiler project allows Android tweakers to easily make custom blends
- HTC updates bootloader unlock utility to support latest Android lineup
- LG unveils 84-inch 'ultra definition' 4K TV it's bringing to CES 2012
- MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video)
- SIM-LEI EV gets a video walk-through: shaped like a fish, has a big screen (video)
- Researcher finds vulnerability in WPS protocol, looks for manufacturers to offer fix
- RunCore outs new storage solutions for CES, Marvell-based Falcon series included
- Japanese vending machine doubles as WiFi hotspot -- no purchase required
- Windows Phone Marketplace hits 50,000 app-submission milestone
- Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!
- DISA gets a spoonful of Froyo, approves Dell Venue for military use
- IRL: Pioneer Kuro PDP-6010FD, Tonium Pacemaker and the Samsung Galaxy Note
- Verizon experiencing nationwide data outage? (update: Verizon confirms)
- Wicked Audio's Solus headphones let you listen like a DJ at the flick of a switch
- Intel starts shipping Atom N2600, N2800 processors for netbooks, ten hours of battery life promised
- HP TouchPad Go gets reviewed, but remains already long gone (video)
- M-Edge suit accuses Amazon of corporate bullying, patent infringement over Kindle cases
- Gameloft fends off winter blues with dollar sale on Android Market
- It's not a flying fish, it's a submarine-launched UAV
- Microsoft job opening hints at forthcoming backup / restore features for Windows Phone
- Sprint caps year of Network Vision milestones with first LTE cluster deployment in Kankakee, Illinois
- Android and iOS share a merry little Christmas: seven million total device activations
- ZVOX intros three new Z-Base models, lowers the pricing soundbar
- XBMC Eden finally makes it to beta, promises HTPC superpowers
- CM9 launcher available in alpha, ROM flashers tweak in anticipation
| White Epic 4G Touch to grace Sprint come January, proves your wildest dreams can come true Posted: 29 Dec 2011 09:59 AM PST  |
| Tech's biggest misfires of 2011 Posted: 29 Dec 2011 09:00 AM PST  The past 12 months have been a boon of technological innovation, particularly in the world of mobile devices, where top companies have been waging an arms race for the top of the smartphone and tablet hills. Not everything has been smooth sailing, however -- 2011 has also been dotted by delays, false starts, security breeches and straight up technological turf outs. Check out some of the lowlights from the year that was after the break.  AT&T / T-MobileIt was a troubled engagement from the get-go. The moment AT&T announced its plans to swallow up T-Mobile, the word "monopoly" was on the tip of everyone's tongues. After all, it would have effectively meant the loss of one of the top players in a market ruled by four companies. Much to AT&T's very vocal chagrin, The FCC and Department of Justice put the proposed marriage under the legal microscope, a fact that the telecom giant cited as chief amongst the catalysts for its decision to back out of the deal in December. AT&T exited with its tail between its legs and $4 billion poorer.  Carrier IQThe mystery software, which was first spotted back in November, turned out to be surprisingly widespread, having been deployed on some 150 million mobile devices, according to the company. Carrier IQ has since repeatedly claimed that its software is simply installed for diagnostic purposes, but the secrecy with which it exists on devices has given the tech media and privacy advocates cause for concern, with a number of hardware manufacturers and carriers offering up conflicting answers as to whether or not they've utilized it for their own devices.  Cisco Flip CamThe company that became synonymous with pocket camcorders died an unexpected death this year, shut down by Cisco after being picked up by the IT giant for a cool $590 million in stock just two years earlier. Cisco announced its exit from consumer products back in April, a move that effectively shuttered the once booming Flip Video business, even as companies like Sony and Kodak have continued to duke it out for market share.  Duke Nukem ForeverOkay, okay, we knew we were destined for disappointment after waiting roughly a decade and half for the latest installment in this FPS series, but even with all of the arguably unrealistic expectations that come with such delays, the title ultimately proved a major disappointment, with bad controls and, not surprisingly, extremely dated gameplay -- all the more reason to look forward to Duke Nukem Forever II, which should arrive in the second half of 2030.  Fusion GarageFusion Garage company already delivered a major tech belly-flop in the form of the JooJoo, which was delivered late, underpowered and overpriced, belying its sub-$200 roots. When the company announced its triumphant return in the form of the Grid10, Grid4 and GridOS, we were excited at the prospect of a new take on the tablet market. Once again, however, the tiny company had taken on far more than it could manage, delivering buggy software and, in the case of the Grid4, nothing at all.  HTC ThunderboltThere's certainly a lot to like about the Thunderbolt -- namely, its 4.3-inch display and zippy data speeds, courtesy of Verizon LTE. The smartphone has one fatal flaw, however: truly awful battery life. Oh, the pitfalls of first-generation devices.  iPhone 5The iPhone 5 makes it onto our list for committing the unforgivable act of simply not existing. As ever, the rumor mill ran wild ahead of this year's rather belated iPhone event, promising the delivery of yet another revolutionary device from Cupertino. Instead, we got the iPhone 4S. Sure, the handset offered up some improvements over its similarly named predecessor, most notably the introduction of Siri, but the added features were ultimately a disappointment in the face of ever increasing competition in the crowded smartphone race.  Jawbone UpProducts like the MotoACTV offered up a new spin on fitness gadgets in 2011. And then there's the Up, Jawbone's take. The wristband promised an innovative approach to workout gadgetry, but ultimately fell flat, with widespread reports of device bricking and skimpy battery life. Add a limited feature set and iOS-only compatibility, and you've got a straight up disappointment on your wrist.  Kobo VoxWe love rooting for the underdog, and Kobo has certainly given competitors like Amazon and Barnes & Noble a run for their money in the e-reader market, but the company's entry in the budget tablet category came up short compared to the likes of the Nook Tablet and Kindle Fire. The Vox delivered abysmal battery life, limited multimedia functionality, an uninspired take on Gingerbread and last-gen hardware specs.  Kno TabletMark this one down as another hardware maker biting off more than it could chew. The Kno was a rather ambitious dual-screen take on the tablet world marketed toward students. After several delays, the company actually began shipping the devices only to pull the plug after fulfilling a few hundred pre-orders. In the end, Kno announced that it would be exiting the hardware business, licensing designs to Intel and focusing on the software side of things.  Netflix Qwikster How did we know that Netflix's Web-only initiative was in trouble from the outset? For starters, the company failed to secure the Qwikster Twitter handle, which remained in the possession of someone with a pot smoking Elmo icon. After large scale public outrage, the company backtracked on the initiative less than a month after first announcing it. If nothing else, you've got to give Reed Hastings and Co. a little credit for responding to  Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad ProThe 3DS wasn't even the first product that Nintendo unleashed on the world without being fully-baked. To the company's credit, however, it did address the situation, offering up a major price drop, some apologies and tossing some free games at early adopters who paid full price. Nintendo's hardware fix, on the other hand, wasn't quite so graceful. The portable console will be getting a right circle pad in February, courtesy of the Circle Pad Pro, a massive, $20 piece of plastic that cradles the rear of the device.  Notion Ink AdamIt's not every day that "broken promises" and "unrealized dreams" make it onto the cons list of one of our reviews, but the Notion Ink Adam was a special product indeed. Like the Grid10, the Adam was the story of a startup taking on behemoths, ultimately over-promising innovation and under-delivering with aplomb. The Froyo-packing tablet was a massive disappointment on both the hardware and software fronts -- facts that its innovative design couldn't disguise.  PSNA network outage is bad; a breach that potentially exposes personal user information for tens of millions of users is tough to walk away from. The PlayStation Network nightmare seemingly took forever to unfold, and things just kept getting worst for Sony. The network finally started going back up in mid-May, nearly a month after it first went offline. A month later, Sony launched its "Welcome Back" campaign, offering up free games for affected users -- for some subscribers, however, the olive branch was hardly enough to rejoin team PSN.  Research in MotionSurely, few companies are looking forward to the end of 2011 quite so eagerly as RIM. This year was a rough one for the Canadian handset maker, with its market share further eroded by the likes of iOS and Android. The PlayBook fell flat, as did its BBX operating system, which was re-branded BlackBerry 10, due to trademark disputes. The long-awaited next-gen OS was also put on hold in a big way, and is now expected to drop toward the end of next year. And outages? RIM had those too, going offline globally with the largest blackout in the company's history.  webOSBlackBerry 10 may have been a non-starter, but in the world of mobile OSes, 2011 may well go down as the year that HP effectively killed webOS. After the TouchPad launch was met with disappointing reviews and lackluster sales, the company announced that it was pulling the plug on its line of hardware running the beloved, but troubled mobile operating system. The Touchpad did see a temporary resurgence, however, thanks to a $99 fire sale, briefly becoming the second best selling tablet, according to some studies. webOS may have seen a reprieve as well, when new CEO Meg Whitman told her staff that webOS may, in fact, be getting a second life in the wonderful world of open-sourcing. |
| Oops: Droid 4 makes an early appearance in Best Buy promo Posted: 29 Dec 2011 08:16 AM PST  |
| The morning after: PlayStation Vita sales go cold during first full week in Japan Posted: 29 Dec 2011 07:32 AM PST 
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| Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash Posted: 29 Dec 2011 06:44 AM PST 
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| Verizon confirms latest LTE outage restored, again claims 3G operated normally Posted: 29 Dec 2011 05:55 AM PST  |
| Leaked memo details Verizon's $2 fee for paying your bill; autodraft or ACH the only way out Posted: 29 Dec 2011 05:31 AM PST  For those unaware, AutoPay automatically drafts the most recent amount from either a linked checking / savings account or a credit card on file, and while we can understand VZW's desire to better control when it's getting paid, charging customers to make it happen is just downright ludicrous. Here's a thought, Verizon: enforce stricter penalties on late payments, or just offer those that shift to AutoPay a small discount for going out of their way to make your life a little easier. Or, you know, for all those hours that your network has been down during the holidays. |
| Verzo Kinzo unboxing and impressions Posted: 29 Dec 2011 05:00 AM PST  It matters not if your device is mediocre when the packaging is fancy -- that's clearly the takeaway here, with a massive box containing layer upon layer of foam, translucent plastics and other refinements. Once you're done peeling everything away you're left with the Kinzo smartphone, a leather case, a manual, the aforementioned Sygic voucher, V-MODA-like earbuds, a micro-USB cable, Li-Ion battery, Euro-spec USB AC adapter, Verzo-branded microSD adapter with case and a snazzy stainless-steel USB car charger. Strangely, the North American USB AC adapter and carholder ship separately in a generic package. After you've recovered from all the unboxing drama, you're basically presented with a bulky device that's a cross between the EVO 4G and the Nexus One. Just like the box it came in, the Verzo Kinzo is massive -- at 131.62 x 72.36 x 12.30mm (5.18 x 2.84 x 0.48 inches) and 155g (0.34 pounds), it makes even the Galaxy Nexus look small. Most of this heft comes from the slab-like design and a bezel that's wider than a 10-lane freeway in LA. The handset isn't really that heavy, but its shape isn't particularly hand-friendly, especially since the sides are wider in the middle and taper towards the ends. Angles and lines are everywhere, with motifs reminiscent of diamond facets. It's almost elegant.  Other than the 4.3-inch WVGA glass-capacitive touchscreen, most of the smartphone is made of molded plastics with noticeable flash lines and and gate marks, and is finished using a two-tone gunmetal-colored paint scheme. Despite the sea of cheap materials, build quality is decent and the Kinzo feels solid (it's manufactured in Taiwan). In front you'll find the earpiece, sensors and a VGA front-facing camera, plus the usual four capacitive buttons (menu, home, search, back) and a mic. The back features a 5 megapixel AF camera and flash, along with Verzo's and designer Novague's logos. A micro-USB connector and speaker live on the bottom edge, and the power/lock key is at the top. The left side is home to the 3.5mm headphone jack and a volume rocker, with nothing on the right. The battery door conceals slots for a standard SIM and for microSD storage, plus the aforementioned 1,530mAh battery. A Verzo-branded 8GB card comes pre-installed. Spec-wise, the Kinzo's guts are last year's glory with a 1GHz Texas Instruments OMAP 3630 CPU, PowerVR SGX 530 GPU, 512MB of RAM, unlocked tri-band HSPA (2100/1900/850MHz) and quadband EDGE radios, plus WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, AGPS and the usual bevvy of sensors (light, proximity, accelerometer, compass). Everything works as expected -- call quality and network performance are perfectly adequate on AT&T. While we didn't put the battery through our usual array of tests, we didn't have much trouble using the handset for an entire day. The 4.3-inch 800x480 TFT display provides reasonably good contrast and surprisingly nice viewing angles but turns into a mirror at the first hint of direct sunlight. We took the camera for a spin and while the 5 megapixel AF module appears capable enough the software is a mess. Pictures snapped with the Kinzo are systematically overexposed, washing out colors, although dropping the EV to -2.0 usually improves things. Even our better images lacked detail, and while not terrible, low-light performance only matches last year's crop of mid-range cameraphones. The flash is also rather weak. But our biggest complaint is with the continuous autofocus, which is slow and inaccurate. While Verzo chose to use the default Android camera app, it removed the feature wherein tapping the on-screen shutter key initiates autofocus, holding it locks focus (allowing to reframe) and releasing it actually takes the shot. Video recording is a complete disaster, resulting in systematically corrupt MP4 files. While it supports up to 720p, it only captures 12fps using a 4:3 aspect ratio and extremely low-fi AMR audio, regardless of the resolution setting. On the software front, it's back to the future with a mildly customized version of Android 2.2. Yes, FroYo. In late 2011. Weep now. The skin is subtle, with changes to the layout of the dock at the bottom of each homescreen, and cosmetic tweaks to the app tray. You'll also find that some menus, like the settings, have been rearranged slightly and while the number of homescreens can be adjusted between three and seven, the dock can't be edited. Beyond the standard set of pre-installed Google apps, the handset includes a bespoke date / time / weather widget and a file manager. Strangely, the TellMe app demoed in our video was removed from the Kinzo during a factory reset, and we've been unable to locate it in the Market or on Verzo's website. This app provides a way for users to communicate with the manufacturer directly by suggesting and voting on improvements to the device. Sygic's offline navigation app doesn't really offer much more than Google's free navigation app -- other than the ability to work offline off course, which is a significant feature. We only learned after making our video that Sygic doesn't support streaming maps over the network at all, requiring instead that the data be downloaded and installed ahead of time using a separate app (Sygic Downloader, duh). Once we sorted this out, using the app was a rather unpolished experience, with some UI elements missing localized strings and displaying such informative text as "menu.main.settings" and "button.quit". Performance-wise, the Verzo Kinzo generally feels responsive enough, but with a Quadrant score of about 1,250 it's nothing to write home about. We occasionally ran into some issues with touchscreen sensitivity, but this looks like it's software-related.  Ultimately, we can't recommend the Kinzo. It's too little too late, especially in a world where a new Xiaomi Phone costs less ($310), and spending a little more buys you a new Meizu MX ($398), both unlocked dual-core handsets running Gingerbread -- not to mention that worthy devices like the Nexus S and Galaxy S II are readily available on the used market. We can only hope Verzo further drops the price to $259, improves the materials, fixes the camera and updates the OS. No matter what, please spare us the over-the-top packaging and branding next time. We're just not hip enough. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| N-Control dismisses marketing consultant, discounts PS3 Avenger pre-orders Posted: 29 Dec 2011 04:12 AM PST  Not the gossiping type? Here's a quick recap: When N-Control's latest Avenger add-on missed its November 8th street date, customers with pre-orders were left wanting. Some reached out for answers, hoping they could still get their PS3 Avenger before Christmas. All they got in reply, though, were some *ahem* choice words from N-Control's third party marketing contractor, Paul Christoforo -- a man who gained instant notoriety when his emails caught the attention of Penny-Arcade's Mike Krahulik. Krahulik took exception to Christoforo's insults, threatening tone and name-drop posturing (that's where we came in) and responded by publishing the marketing mishap on his comic's website. Suffice to say, it hasn't ended well for Paul Christoforo -- N-Control has released a statement saying that he and his marketing operation have been "categorically dismissed," stressing that Christoforo owns no stake whatsoever N-Control. After ejecting the elephant from the room, N-Control went on to announce that all PS3 Avenger pre-orders would be given a $10 discount, and penned in a new ship date for January 15th. "I created the Avenger to make people happy," said inventor and company founder Dave Kotkin, who originally designed the controller for a student who had a physical disability, "I deeply regret that so many people have any negative feelings toward it as a result of what has happened." N-Control seems bent on moving on -- which is fine by us, so long as they keep their customers better informed. After all, it's not everyday that such an awkward-looking gadget blows us out of the water. Read on for N-Control's full and apologetic press release. AVENGER CONTROLLER DISMISSES MARKETING CONSULTANT, TAKES BACK MARKETING AND SALES OPERATIONS Miami, FL--- Wednesday, December 28, 2011--- N-Control, makers of the Avenger Controller accessory, have categorically dismissed third party contractor Paul Christoforo and his marketing operation, known alternately as Ocean Distribution or Ocean Marketing. This separation from Mr. Christoforo extends to all business interests of N-Control, its founders, and its officers. Mr. Christoforo does not and never did own, in whole or in part, a stake in N-Control LLC nor its affiliated companies (Kotkin Enterprises, iControl LLC). Following the publication of an email chain between Mr. Christoforo and one of N-Control's customers, punctuated by Mr. Christoforo's acknowledgement of his conduct, N-Control immediately proceeded to extricate Mr. Christoforo's access to their email and social media accounts, a process that is still ongoing. In the interim, a Gmail address and Twitter account (AvengerDefender@gmail.com and @AvengerDefender, respectively) have been set up for press inquiries and customer service needs. David Kotkin, the inventor and founder of the Avenger Controller, created the product to help one of his students who had a physical disability. The student wanted to play games the way that everyone else could. The Avenger evolved from a homemade solution for a deserving child into an even more sophisticated controller accessory, capable of enhancing even the most skilled gamer's performance. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to be a part of the gaming community in a fun, positive way." said David Kotkin, Avenger founder. "I created the Avenger to make people happy. I deeply regret that so many people have any negative feelings toward it as a result of what has happened, especially since I've seen first-hand what an impact it can have on gameplay." Kotkin continued, "What I'm most concerned about is doing right by our customers. We have dropped the ball by giving them delivery estimates that did not come through as expected. We didn't expect that the demand would be so great, and we should have done a better job communicating that. Our new team is taking all necessary action to correct that going forward. I hope that people will give us a chance to earn back the faith they may have lost." All existing orders will be honored, and PS3 Avenger pre-order customers will all be extended the same $10 discount that some have already received. To clarify, customers who have already received $10 off their pre-order are not eligible for an additional discount. N-Control agrees with "Customer Dave" that all of our PS3 early adopters deserve to be rewarded for their trust in the Avenger. N-Control would like to publicly apologize to existing and potential customers, as well as the gaming community at large, for allowing Mr. Christoforo to abuse his power so unforgivably. The Avenger was invented to provide greater accessibility to disabled gamers, and bullying tactics are the last thing that should be associated with this product. In the effort to dispel various misconceptions that have been forwarded via news reports and social media, N-Control is offering the following clarifications on a variety of subjects: N-Control has hired an independent consultant, Austin, Texas-based Moisés Chiullan (@moiseschiu), to field press inquiries and oversee sales and marketing operations going forward. They ask that customers and the press alike bear with them as they field the tens of thousands of emails and other messages that N-Control has received. It is his intent that N-Control should respond personally to everyone who has emailed the info@avengercontroller.com address regarding this situation. "We have to move forward and take care of Avenger's customers," Chiullan said. "I can't worry about the fact that there isn't a bus big enough for me to throw Paul Christoforo under. The internet did that for me. I think they set him on fire too." He continued, "I just hope that people will have the common decency to leave his wife and child out of all this. They didn't send those emails, Paul did." All PS3 Avenger pre-orders are currently slated to ship by January 15th at the latest. Some orders will ship in advance of January 15th. In consideration of the events of the past two days, N-Control ask their customers to bear with them as they sort out updating individual order estimates. General updates regarding shipping will be regularly delivered to customers starting next week. At no time during his tenure with N-Control did Mr. Christoforo have direct access to customer credit card information. N-Control does not retain any customer credit card data for online orders, which are all processed via Google Checkout or Paypal. Ocean Marketing aka Paul Christoforo owns no stake in the Avenger Controller nor N-Control, and does not stand to profit from further sales of the device either through N-Control or authorized resellers. Contrary to how Mr. Christoforo may have presented events (in public or private), N-Control never directly endorsed nor had knowledge of his communication with customers in the manner found in his correspondence with "Customer Dave", who still wants his Avengers, despite everything that has transpired. Steps have been taken to ensure that all future customer communication is transparently visible to management at N-Control. N-Control regrets sincerely that the trust they placed in Mr. Christoforo was so abused and betrayed and, as a result, may have tainted their reputation with existing and potential customers and partners. Regarding "Afternoon Artists", a company registered with the Florida Division of Corporations that lists Paul Christoforo as Treasurer, N-Control has the following statement: "This secondary business has never so much as opened a bank account, much less operated in any form outside of paperwork being filed. It was originally intended that Mr. Christoforo would serve as an investor in this company, which, again, has never operated in any capacity, nor will it in the future." N-Control employs Eli Schwartz as a part-time Social Media Consultant. He is an enthusiastic high school student who became one of the Avenger's earliest super fans, meeting the founder at a trade show. Mr. Kotkin is proud to encourage the development of a bright, enthusiastic young person like Eli. Eli Schwartz is not, however, in charge of Marketing or PR for N-Control. Previous news reports have credited him as Marketing Manager, a title Mr. Schwartz gave himself without the consent or advance knowledge or N-Control management. This occurred during the period of greatest upheaval following Mr. Christoforo's dismissal, and N-Control regrets that this mixed messaging reached the public. All press inquiries and media requests should instead be directed to Moisés Chiullan at the AvengerDefender@gmail.com address. Contrary to rumors and speculation, Eli Schwartz's Twitter account is his own and not controlled by Paul Christoforo. Mr. Schwartz is a minor, and consequently, N-Control would appreciate the press and the public's discretion in their dealings with him. For the foreseeable future, N-Control's official Twitter account will be "@AvengerControl", as N-Control does not have access to "@NControlAvenger". N-Control is not responsible for the content of any Twitter feeds associated with Paul Christoforo. For the foreseeable future, N-Control requests that customers discontinue use of the toll-free phone number displayed on the AvengerController.com website, as well as any other means of contact found there. Instead, customers should direct communication to AvengerDefender@gmail.com. They ask for patience due to the events of the last two days. Keep an eye on @AvengerControl on Twitter for updates. |
| Engadget Mobile Podcast 119 - 12.29.2011 Posted: 29 Dec 2011 03:22 AM PST  Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen Guest: Mat Smith Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) 00:03:40 - Pantech Pocket review 00:14:20 - Samsung: No room for ICS on Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab, TouchWiz to blame 00:48:57 - LG Prada 3.0 sashays over to South Korea because Android phones are so hot right now 01:04:06 - HTC Fireball and LG Spectrum may bring global awesomeness to Verizon's LTE lineup Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile 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 podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com. Follow us on Twitter @tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile @thatmatsmith This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Jawbone Up refunds start rolling out, feel free to keep your bricked band (or not) Posted: 29 Dec 2011 02:22 AM PST  |
| 60beat GamePad connects to iOS devices, requests 50 bucks for the privilege Posted: 29 Dec 2011 01:32 AM PST  iOS devices certainly aren't lacking for gaming accessories, but we're always willing to welcome a new contender. 60beat believes it's got the ideal solution in the shape of this familiar-looking controller. It connects to an iPhone, iPad or iPod through the headphone jack and offers up some familiar gaming options in the shape of dual-analog sticks and digital inputs. Unfortunately, the controller's been saddled with a $50 price tag and is only fully enabled with two games. More games are promised for next year, and here's hoping they'll include some big hitters. Anyone rolling in cash money can check out 60beat's hard sell -- and some unusual spa relaxation music -- in its promo vid right after the break. 60BEAT INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE GAMEPAD CONTROLLER FOR APPLE IOS DEVICES Designed to be Instantly Familiar to Gamers, Device Plugs Into Headphone Jack New Britain CT, December 2011 – With proprietary technology that uses the headphone jack as the interface, the 60beat® GamePad significantly improves the IOS gaming experience by moving the controls from the screen to a fully-featured hand-held game controller. Developed to look, feel and operate like widely-used external controllers, GamePad easily and instantly transforms an iPad®, iPhone® or iPod touch® into a game console. The ergonomic design delivers superior comfort and control. Buttons and joysticks are engineered to deliver precise response and the tactile sensations gamers expect. |
| 1 million Galaxy Notes shipped worldwide, US fans throw money at their screens Posted: 29 Dec 2011 12:35 AM PST The Galaxy Note, Samsung's unconventional powerhouse, has managed to ship 1 million units in under two months. While eager US customers still wait for the 5.3-inch tabletphone hybrid to arrive on their shores, the Galaxy Note has apparently struck a chord in Europe and Asia. The number of units shipped is always more substantial than the number devices out there in end-users' (preferably large) hands, but it bodes well for the device's eventual reception in the US. Now, whether it will include an LTE radio, we'll have to wait and see. Samsung Electronics Ships over 1 Million Units of Galaxy Note Globally Samsung's flagship smart device Galaxy Note has reached 1 million global shipping. Samsung Electronics said on the 29th that it has shipped more than 1 million units of Galaxy Note globally. The worldwide sales of Galaxy Note are also on the rise in Europe and Asia including France, Germany, Hongkong and Taiwan. The rapid global sales of Galaxy Note are notable since it is creating a new market for something between smartphone and tablet pc. The speed of the global sales is expected to accelerate further next year when it will be available in the US. Recently, Financial Times reviewed highly of Galaxy Note, commenting it as"a happy medium for consumers who want to carry just one device, rather than both a smartphone and a tablet and whatever other portable gadget they pick up on their way out". A Samsung official also said "1 million global shipping of Galaxy Note means it has well positioned itself as a market creator," also adding "Samsung will continuously strengthen its leadership in the global smartphone market as well as create new markets with innovative devices." |
| Slime molds could hold key to new kinds of intelligence, help Statue of Liberty walk Posted: 28 Dec 2011 11:33 PM PST  Over at Kyushu University, researcher Atsushi Tero told the AFP news agency: "Computers are not so good at analysing the best routes that connect many base points because the volume of calculations becomes too large for them. But slime molds, without calculating all the possible options, can flow over areas in an impromptu manner and gradually find the best routes." Tero and other researchers have expressed hope that slime mold networks could be used in future designs of new transportation systems, electric transmission lines and understanding the human nervous system. Just remember, if you're going to coat the interior of the Statue of Liberty with some pink slime you found in the sewer, make sure you play some upbeat music to go along with it. It's just a good idea in the long run. |
| Scientists scan damaged audio discs, resurrect fresh beats Posted: 28 Dec 2011 10:40 PM PST   |
| CyanogenMod Compiler project allows Android tweakers to easily make custom blends Posted: 28 Dec 2011 09:18 PM PST  |
| HTC updates bootloader unlock utility to support latest Android lineup Posted: 28 Dec 2011 07:56 PM PST  |
| LG unveils 84-inch 'ultra definition' 4K TV it's bringing to CES 2012 Posted: 28 Dec 2011 07:14 PM PST  LG'S 3D UD TV PRESENTS IDEAL COMBINATION OF IMMERSIVE 3D WITH UNRIVALED DISPLAY QUALITY With Industry-Best 3D Technology and Ultra Definition Display, LG's 3D UD TV Raises the Bar for 3D Experience in the Home SEOUL, Dec. 29, 2011 – LG Electronics (LG) will unveil the world's largest 3D Ultra Definition (UD) TV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. By combining LG's industry-leading 3D technology and Smart TV function with UD display technology, the 84-inch TV breaks new ground in immersive 3D home entertainment. "LG is pushing the limits of home entertainment innovation with this 3D UD TV," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. "We are bringing together all our Smart TV and 3D knowledge in the 3D UD TV in order to demonstrate to the CES audience that LG is committed to being the world's leading brand for immersive home entertainment in 2012 and beyond." LG's 3D UD TV boasts superb picture quality with 8 million pixels, four times the resolution clarity (3840x2160) of existing Full HD TV panels. Combined with LG's Slim and Narrow Bezel Design, the 3D UD TV provides the most convincing 3D viewing experience currently available outside of a movie theater. What's more, 3D Depth Control allows users to customize their viewing experience by controlling the 3D effect while 3D Sound Zooming provides users with 3D sound that rivals the output of all but the best home theater systems. Via the superior display panel, users can access LG's Smart TV ecosystem, which comprises over 1,200 apps and gives users access to a growing range of premium content services such as the 3D Zone where viewers can select from a wealth of 3D movies. The imbedded 2D to 3D conversion engine expands the availability of 3D content to limitless levels. Users can easily browse and navigate the Smart TV ecosystem using LG's new, ergonomically-designed Magic Remote which now recognizes four different types of command input: Voice Recognition, Wheel, Magic Gesture and Point. |
| MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video) Posted: 28 Dec 2011 06:14 PM PST  |
| SIM-LEI EV gets a video walk-through: shaped like a fish, has a big screen (video) Posted: 28 Dec 2011 04:59 PM PST  |
| Researcher finds vulnerability in WPS protocol, looks for manufacturers to offer fix Posted: 28 Dec 2011 03:55 PM PST  The US-CERT has picked up on this and advised users to disable WPS on their routers. Viehbock, in turn, claims to have attempted to discuss the vulnerability with hardware vendors such as Buffalo, D-Link, Linksys, and Netgear, but says he has been roundly ignored and that no public acknowledgement of the issue has been released. As a possible final step, Viehbock has promised to release a brute force tool soon, thereby pushing the manufacturers to work to resolve the issue. In other news, that evil supercomputer from the movie War Games just got a few more digits of the nuclear launch codes -- maybe one of Stefan's pals can look into that one. |
| RunCore outs new storage solutions for CES, Marvell-based Falcon series included Posted: 28 Dec 2011 02:52 PM PST  RunCore to Showcase new Consumer Storage Solutions at the Upcoming CES December 28, 2011 RunCore is proud to announce that it will be attending one of the most massive tradeshows CES 2012. The 45th International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will open its doors on the 10-13 January in Las Vegas, USA. The Consumer Electronic Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, and is now considered as one of the biggest and most influential platform with products from computers to cars, vacuums to 3D big-screen TVs. With the support and attention from its overseas agents and distributors as well as media partners, RunCore is now geared up for CES 2012. This time RunCore has prepared innovative SSDs solutions to be displayed at the booth (37015), products including Xapear, Falcon series and Pro V 7mm 2.5" SSD, along with other production representations. RunCore Xapear is the world's first encryption solid-state drive that has the technology of RFID and the function of Mobile Phone Encryption. RFID User access control uses AES128 encryption algorithm to control the access permission, and the private space of the drive can only be recognized and accessed if users were using the authorized RFID tag. Also, users can check the SSD status or activate the self-erase function by using a mobile phone with the binding SIM card through the GSM network. With the world's leading data encryption technology, Xapear is the most preferable solution for the anti-compromised applications of military, government as well as high-end enterprises. Falcon series and Pro V 7mm 2.5" SSD are the two new products that RunCore is intending to have them launched in the exhibition. Falcon series is another super-performance product that is Marvell-based. Comparing it to Pro V SATA 6Gbps SSDs, it has even higher R/W IOPS, which is able to better satisfy those customers who seeks high-end performance. In addition, for the possibility of a dramatic increase in Ultrabooks in the near future, RunCore has added a new SSD to its Pro V series which will also be displayed, 7mm 2.5" SATA 6Gbps with the R/W performance of 540/500MB. For more information please send your enquiries via email to sales@runcore.com or visit www.runcore.com/en. |
| Japanese vending machine doubles as WiFi hotspot -- no purchase required Posted: 28 Dec 2011 01:46 PM PST  |
| Windows Phone Marketplace hits 50,000 app-submission milestone Posted: 28 Dec 2011 12:42 PM PST  |
| Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET! Posted: 28 Dec 2011 11:45 AM PST  Myriam. Brad. Mat Smith? Yes, we have another in-house guest to grace the airwaves and offer perspective on the mobile world as we quickly approach the new year and CES. So join us at 5PM ET -- same bat time, different bat day -- as we chat (and vent) about phones. It'll be peachy! Update: ...and we're done! Stay tuned for the recorded version, which we'll hopefully have up and ready tomorrow. |
| DISA gets a spoonful of Froyo, approves Dell Venue for military use Posted: 28 Dec 2011 11:06 AM PST  Remember when the DoD approved the Android-powered Dell Streak for military use? Well the DISA's latest list of approved gear now includes Dell's Venue and the custom version of Froyo that it runs. Sadly, there are some limitations: operatives won't have access to the Android market, all surfing has to go via a secure proxy server and there's a ban on all classified information being received on the handset. Now if you'll excuse us, we're gonna imagine a unit of Venues at boot camp all chanting "If I play Angry Birds in a combat zone, box me up and send me home." |
| IRL: Pioneer Kuro PDP-6010FD, Tonium Pacemaker and the Samsung Galaxy Note Posted: 28 Dec 2011 10:32 AM PST Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.  For those of you who think all we do in IRL is wax nostalgic about gadgets we've owned for years, you'd be... mostly right. Indeed, this week we've got Mr. Ben Drawbaugh talking up the HDTV he owns (as opposed to the one he wants), and James is here to break down the limitations of his discontinued Tonium Pacemaker. We've got one happy new gadget owner, though, and that would be Zach Honig, who recently traded his iPhone 4 for a Samsung Galaxy Note. So how's that S-Pen working out for him? Head past the break to find out. 60-inch Pioneer Kuro Up until I bought my Pioneer Kuro in 2007, it was hard for me to make it each year without buying a new HDTV -- I mean, it's been increasingly difficult to ignore the latest smart TVs with 3D panels, super thin bezels, low power consumption and larger screens. But every night when I come home (and find time to watch it) I'm amazed by the deep blacks that have made the Kuro so sought after -- Kuro does mean "black" in Japanese, after all.Even besides the great picture quality, my PDP-6010FD has served me well. Sure, I never use more than one HDMI input (thanks to my AVR), nor the HDMI-CEC, CableCARD slot or even the included remote. But as a monitor for my Blu-ray player and HTPC, it hasn't missed a beat in four years. It hasn't been perfect, though. For starters, the power supply does have a slight buzz that's only audible during rare quiet moments in my house. And the whites have always been a bit dingy. All that said, I still look forward to replacing it one day with something bigger and better. For now, though, there isn't another TV in the world that I'd rather have -- well, besides the 103-inch Panasonic that I can't afford. -- Ben Drawbaugh Tonium Pacemaker If you're into DJi'ng and gadgets, it won't be long before you discover the Tonium Pacemaker. It'd be crude to call this thing an iPod for DJs, but I suppose that's kind of what it is. Sorta. It sets itself a relatively simple task -- cram the functionality of two decks, a mixer and a hard drive into the palm of your hand. Suffice to say, it does this job well, but not without a few twists along the way. The original Pacemaker packed a 120GB hard drive, but mine is the cheaper second-generation with "only" 60GB on board (that's plenty for me, anyway). Cleverly, it's about the size of a first-generation PSP, so all the cases for Sony's handheld happen to fit the Pacemaker.All told, it packs a surprising amount of functionality into such a small space. Then again, I've used full-blown DJ consoles with fewer features, that manage to do those few things better. The Tonium's pitch / speed control is forever going out of time, and needs constant readjusting to bring tracks back into the mix (great practice!). The EQ controls make swapping the bass on track A for that of track B pretty clumsy. To be fair, it has a feature to appease this, but it's not the same, and using it can be fiddly at best. Despite all of this, despite the mediocre battery life, it's still a joy to behold -- as long as you don't take it too seriously. I almost never use mine to mix out loud, beyond the privacy of my headphones. It's just a luxurious toy, and since Tonium doesn't make them any more, it's one that many will never get to enjoy. -- James Trew Samsung Galaxy Note Yes, I realize it's the size of a small book, and no, it doesn't have Ice Cream Sandwich, but man am I in love. The Samsung Galaxy Note is one of the few pieces of technology I've bought in the past year or so -- besides my laptop, of course -- but I don't feel a bit of buyer's remorse. I purchased my Note at Carphone Warehouse for roughly $900 (after VAT refund) during a recent trip to the UK, popped a $25 SIM inside and had a total blast using it around London for a week. When it was time to come back home to the States, my AT&T SIM worked just fine on HSPA+, after some minor (and well-documented) APN tweaks in the settings menu.The Note is certainly not for everyone, if only because of its massive screen, but I've found the size tradeoff to be quite worthwhile. It still fits in my hand and pocket, and the benefits of having such a large touchscreen at all times are plentiful. Naturally, the 5.3-inch, 1280 x 800 display is gorgeous for web browsing, but you can also use that extra real estate to add more icons to the home screen, watch videos with friends, and -- perhaps most notable of all -- take advantage of an enormous onscreen keyboard, both in portrait and landscape modes. I typically use Swype, which often works just as well on smaller handsets, but if you need to type out individual letters, having larger keys is an enormous help. If I have any complaints regarding the Note, it's about that S-Pen -- Samsung's more-than-a-stylus instrument has a tiny button near the tip, but it's incredibly difficult to press. You need to use it to bring up the quick memo mode or to take a screenshot, and I find myself searching every time. Still, you don't have to use the S-Pen at all, though I do find it quite useful when I need to sign documents, make a quick note or type while wearing gloves. Beyond that, the experience is top-notch. The 2,500mAh battery lasts the entire day (and then some), the camera is decent enough for casual use and the phone is unlocked, so I can use it almost anywhere in the world while paying local rates. The Note is part of my life now, and I can't imagine being this happy with anything else. -- Zach Honig |
| Verizon experiencing nationwide data outage? (update: Verizon confirms) Posted: 28 Dec 2011 10:14 AM PST  That phone on Big Red having problems with data? Apparently you're not alone, as the carrier appears to be having issues again judging by the metric ton of emails we've gotten from you experiencing LTE, and in some cases EV-DO, blackouts across the country. Our Galaxy Nexus in New York is chugging along with 1xRTT while a Thunderbolt in Washington DC is doing just fine with EV-DO. We've just pinged Verizon and will update if we hear back.Update: Verizon wrote in with the following statement: Update 2: And it's back. Both our our Droid RAZR and Rezound are getting LTE goodness here in chilly San Francisco. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| Wicked Audio's Solus headphones let you listen like a DJ at the flick of a switch Posted: 28 Dec 2011 09:37 AM PST  Update: A representative for the company has sent over some specs for cans:
Empire Brands' Wicked Audio Unveils Mind-Blowing Sound With New Solus Headphones Releasing at CES 2012 is the newest Solus headphones featuring striking design and a DJ switch Lindon, UT (December 28, 2011) – Empire Brands, manufacturers of aesthetically appealing headphones, will be releasing its new Solus (Latin for "Be Yourself") headphones, at CES 2012. The Solus headphones are the next big thing from Wicked Audio, with the highest quality design and most impeccable sound yet. The soon-to-be-released Solus headphones is the first Wicked Audio product of 2012 to sport the companies brand new packaging. These headphones are available in a black/red dual-colored design and feature a thick braided cord for the ultimate in on-the-go convenience. The headphones also come equipped with a built-in volume control as well as a DJ switch, allowing users to switch from DJ to stereo sound, to experience impressive music sounds in both or either ears. "At Empire Brands, we're constantly striving to create a variety of headphones that appeal to all of our customers, from fashionistas to musicians," said Paul Marshall, VP of Sales, Empire Brands. "We are thrilled to unleash our newest Solus headphones at CES 2012 which sport the brand new packaging now being used for all Wicked products, delivering an immaculate look. These are the best sounding Wicked headphones to date, which breaks us into another mass appeal market while still delivering the unique design qualities our customers know and love." The Solus headphones will be available January 2012 for $100 at www.wickedaudio.com. |
| Intel starts shipping Atom N2600, N2800 processors for netbooks, ten hours of battery life promised Posted: 28 Dec 2011 08:54 AM PST  We've already seen a few benchmarks and other hints that they'd soon be shipping, and Intel has now officially announced that its new Cedar Trail Atom processors are finally available, with the first systems using them set to roll out early next year. The two chips you'll likely be seeing the most of are the Atom N2600 and N2800 -- both dual-core, and both designed for use in netbooks, where they promise to allow for up to ten hours of battery life and "weeks of standby," and offer support for 1080p video playback. Also rolling out today are the D2500 and D2700, which are designed for use in entry-level desktops and all-in-one computers, as well as more commercial systems. As for all those systems themselves, details remain a bit light, but Intel says you can expect to see some from Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba. Intel Begins Shipping New Intel® Atom™ Processors; New Features, Great Battery Life on Tap Systems Using New Intel® Atom™ Processor Available in Early 2012 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS Third-generation Intel Atom processor-based platform introduces several new features for low-power designs such as netbooks, retail and healthcare IT devices. Platform's power management features provide the potential to improve performance and battery life by 20 percent compared to previous generation. Netbooks based on this platform offer up to 10 hours of battery life, weeks of standby and full 1080p high-definition video. Systems using new Intel Atom processor-based platform from Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba will debut in early 2012. SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 28, 2011 – Intel Corporation today announced the availability of the latest mobile Intel Atom processor-based platform, formerly codenamed "Cedar Trail." Designed to provide small, compact, on-the-go computing with great battery life at an affordable price, the latest platform adds several new features to netbook computers made popular by students, families, and those looking for light productivity and Internet browsing. These devices will be available in early 2012 from major OEMs including: Acer*, Asus*, HP*, Lenovo*, Samsung*, and Toshiba*. The new design's dedicated media engine enables full 1080p high-definition playback of videos and Blu-Ray content and includes additional digital display and output options including HDMI and DisplayPort. The integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3600/3650 combined with the integrated memory controller provides enhanced performance and system responsiveness, including an improvement in graphics performance up to 2X compared to the previous generation platform. Systems based on the new Intel Atom processors may have up to 10 hours of battery life and weeks of standby, allowing for all-day use between charges. Additionally, Intel increased processor and overall system performance while reducing power consumption up to 20 percent compared to the previous platform. Based on Intel's leading-edge 32nm process technology, Intel incorporated several new features into the platform such as Intel® Wireless Display and Intel® Wireless Music. With these new features and wireless enabled devices, people can share videos or photos wirelessly from their netbooks to a television, or stream music through their home stereo speakers. Additional features such as Intel® Smart Connect Technology allows users to have an instant Internet connection as soon as they open their netbook, and have email, Twitter* and RSS feeds automatically updated even in sleep mode. Intel® Rapid Start Technology enables fast resume from standby mode and helps conserve battery life. The dual-core Intel Atom processor N2600 and Intel Atom processor N2800 are paired with the Intel® NM10 Express Chipset and feature a small form factor package size that saves system board real estate and enables thinner netbook designs. In addition to the mobile processors, Intel offers the Intel Atom processor D2500 and D2700 for entry-level desktop and all-in-one designs, as well as intelligent system solutions. The platform supports a range of operating systems including: Windows*, MeeGo*, and Tizen*. New Features, Lower Power Have Broad Appeal The new Intel Atom processors provide a lower thermal design power (TDP) and power management features such as Intel® Deeper Sleep and Intel® SpeedStep Technology that enable lower power designs, making it especially attractive for netbooks as well as intelligent systems including: healthcare equipment, retail systems and entry-level digital signage. In health care settings, the improved battery life and enhanced graphics means medical professionals can enhance patient care and bring infotainment services to a patient's bedside. ARBOR* technology will release a new patient infotainment bedside terminal, based on the Intel Atom processor N2800 that helps clinicians improve workflow management and work efficiency, reduce human error, and enhance healthcare quality. Patients can also enjoy access to plenty of multi-media entertainment, hospital information and communication services on the system. The always on, always connected capabilities are also ideal for entry-level point-of-sale systems with the ability to boot up instantly to serve customer's at a moment's notice. Point-of-sale terminals based on the Intel Atom processor D2700 and manufactured by NCR Corporation* will be installed in restaurant and retail locations throughout the U.S. beginning in the first quarter of 2012. Intelligent system designs are offered 7-year lifecycle support, as well as support for Windows Embedded Standard 7*, Windows XP and XPe*, Windows Embedded Compact*, Yocto Project* and Wind River VxWorks* operating systems. |
| HP TouchPad Go gets reviewed, but remains already long gone (video) Posted: 28 Dec 2011 08:29 AM PST |
| M-Edge suit accuses Amazon of corporate bullying, patent infringement over Kindle cases Posted: 28 Dec 2011 07:34 AM PST  |
| Gameloft fends off winter blues with dollar sale on Android Market Posted: 28 Dec 2011 06:31 AM PST  The French game publisher already sprinkled 99¢ allspice on its iOS and Amazon Appstore titles, plus a two-for-one deal on the Xperia Play, but soon it'll bring that volume-not-margin recipe to the Android Market too. Almost all of its paid titles will reportedly go for less than a dollar between December 26th and January 5th, so if you're about to click 'Buy' on a premium purchase like Asphalt 6: Adrenalin, 9mm or The Adventures of Tintin, then it might be worth relaxing your trigger finger. The notable exception is Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation, which will apparently only be discounted for a single day sometime around New Year's Weekend -- though hopefully not while you're still preoccupied with running around in yesterday's clothes and hugging random strangers. |
| It's not a flying fish, it's a submarine-launched UAV Posted: 28 Dec 2011 05:25 AM PST  |
| Microsoft job opening hints at forthcoming backup / restore features for Windows Phone Posted: 28 Dec 2011 04:28 AM PST  |
| Posted: 28 Dec 2011 03:33 AM PST  [Thanks, Xavier] Sprint delivers 3G network upgrades coast-to-coast, marks significant milestones in Network Vision deployment As 2011 draws to a close, Sprint customers from New York City to San Francisco now enjoy enhanced 3G coverage, resulting in faster data speeds and fewer dropped calls LTE deployment is on track for 2013 OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), December 27, 2011 - As part of its Network Vision program, Sprint (NYSE:S) doubled its 2011 capital investment over 2010 to make tens of thousands of capacity upgrades, resulting in a better wireless experience for its customers. Smartphone penetration is expected to double over the next four years.* With Network Vision, Sprint is making it easier for data to travel, so its smartphone customers – who use on average 10 times more data than feature phone customers* – can use their devices the way they were intended. As a result of the network improvements across the country, voice service is enhanced and Sprint customers can expect to see better performance on their smartphones, mobile broadband connection cards and mobile hotspots when using the Sprint 3G network. Performance improvements include: Faster data speeds that enable instant web access for news updates, HD viewing and game-playing, quicker video downloads and clear video chats Better signal strength when making a call or using the web Fewer dropped calls for peace of mind when talking to friends, family or colleagues "With the network investments we made in 2011 and as the only national wireless carrier to offer truly unlimited data plans while on the Sprint network, we continue to offer better value than Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T." said Bob Azzi, SVP – Network, Sprint. "But our commitment to an exceptional wireless experience doesn't stop there. Sprint's on an aggressive path to roll out Network Vision, and in collaboration with our partners, have already achieved many significant milestones that offer improved customer experience on the Sprint 3G network, and we expect to maintain and even accelerate this momentum in 2012." Throughout 2011, Sprint achieved a number of significant milestones in the deployment of Network Vision. It is on track to offer LTE devices by mid-year 2012 and complete the majority of its Network Vision rollout in 2013. Sprint expects to make additional announcements about the timing of LTE markets and devices early next year. Milestones include: Completed development and integration of back-office systems to support the new base stations to ensure a seamless rollout Finished lab testing of all components of the Network Vision platform, eliminating most technical risks of the program and validating rapid LTE deployment schedule Launched Sprint Direct Connect® on CDMA and introduced three devices, allowing our iDEN customers to move to a truly mobile data experience with a comparable platinum push-to-talk experience Launched first multi-modal base station in Branchburg, N.J., and validated improved 3G data performance metrics, such as voice quality, drops and blocks and data speeds Launched first cluster of cell sites in Kankakee, Ill. and completing field integration testing Nationwide, Sprint is overhauling its entire network and replacing existing equipment with the newest, most advanced equipment available in the industry through a program called Network Vision. Announced in December 2010, Network Vision is planned to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers. Network Vision and the recent upgrades reflect Sprint's commitment to customer service, which tied for the No. 1 spot among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction in the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. The survey showed Sprint as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, over the past three years. |
| Android and iOS share a merry little Christmas: seven million total device activations Posted: 28 Dec 2011 01:55 AM PST  |
| ZVOX intros three new Z-Base models, lowers the pricing soundbar Posted: 28 Dec 2011 12:26 AM PST 
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| XBMC Eden finally makes it to beta, promises HTPC superpowers Posted: 27 Dec 2011 11:12 PM PST  |
| CM9 launcher available in alpha, ROM flashers tweak in anticipation Posted: 27 Dec 2011 08:50 PM PST  |
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