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- Comcast to launch Xfinity Streampix streaming video service, challenge Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon?
- Pulse Surface Controller System: bangs the drum, desk, window
- Ubuntu's full desktop OS coming to multi-core Android devices
- Simulated NASA mission to ask 'Are there snacks on Maaaaaaarrrrrs?'
- Raspberry Pi wears a new Fedora (video)
- Microsoft Office for iOS gets blurrycam treatment in weird party-room
- Huawei's alleged 10-inch slate shows up at photoshoot ahead of MWC
- Engadget Giveaway: win one of two PlayStation Vitas, courtesy of Tanga!
- Qualcomm's fifth gen Gobi unveiled, supports a Lollapalooza of LTE, 2G / 3G bands
- Samsung Galaxy S II announced for US Cellular: 'coming soon' for $230
- Pantech Element review
- LightBeam pico projector turns any surface into a display, any object into a remote (video)
- Barnes & Noble 2012 Q3 Report: loss-making Nook generates sales, tears
- Barnes & Noble unveils 8GB Nook Tablet for $199, slashes Color to $169
- Canon lens patent suggests mirrorless camera plans, can't let Nikon have all the fun
- Single atom transistors point to the future of quantum computers, death of Moore's law
- Qualcomm Krait S4 SoC fully benchmarked, diagnosed as 'insane'
- China Telecom to get the iPhone 4S, stores brace themselves for March 9th chaos
- Samsung's iCloud rival delayed after in-house service deemed 'unsuitable'
- BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now ready for download
- Xperia S UI poses for Mr. Blurrycam, calls itself 'UXP NXT' (video)
- LG busts out a trio of L-series phones in the run up to MWC
- Google looks to plant a field of satellite dishes in Iowa
- Google pads IP portfolio, purchases Cuil's pending search-related patent applications
- Samsung's GT-i9300 is probably not the Galaxy S III, as revealed by its low-res screen
- Taser's on-officer cameras catch you in the act, right to remain silent imperative
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy mini 2 officially revealed, launch first in Europe
- Oracle drops patent from Google lawsuit, Google moves to strike Oracle's third damages report
- Kisai Stencil LCD watch keeps it vague, outlines the time (video)
- ZTE Mimosa X official: ICS, Tegra 2, HSPA+ and 4.3-inch qHD display, arriving in Q2
- Rinspeed gives Smart Fortwo ED two extra wheels, more junk in the trunk
- Droid RAZR ICS screenshots leaked, could this be the next Blur?
- Apple's 2012 environmental report reveals giant solar array
- Nokia Siemens HSPA+ Multiflow lets one device connect to two cell sites simultaneously
- Must See HDTV (February 20th - 26th)
- Apple patent shows designs for more accurate water damage sensors
- Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM
- Microsoft finds Google bypassed Internet Explorer's privacy settings too, but it's not alone (update: Google responds)
- Ceton officially drops the InfiniTV 4 price to $199
- Lenovo IdeaPad U300e Ultrabook available now, pricier than we thought
| Comcast to launch Xfinity Streampix streaming video service, challenge Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon? Posted: 21 Feb 2012 09:54 AM PST  It was only a matter of time, right? The Wall Street Journal reports that Comcast is rolling out a VOD competitor for Amazon, Netflix and Hulu so it can grab a slice of the streaming video pie. Called Xfinity Streampix, it brings shows from NBC and ABC, along with movies from Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Scheduled to launch this Thursday, the service will be rolled in for free with some existing cable packages and available on its own for $4.99 a month. For your five bucks, you get access to a back catalog of shows and movies on any internet-capable device, though, naturally we don't know exactly how much content will be available when it goes live. What we do know is that price point puts Streampix well beneath the $7.99 asking price of its competition, so here's hoping a VOD price war ensues. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pulse Surface Controller System: bangs the drum, desk, window Posted: 21 Feb 2012 09:36 AM PST | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ubuntu's full desktop OS coming to multi-core Android devices Posted: 21 Feb 2012 09:11 AM PST  Ubuntu for Android at MWC - world's first full-featured desktop on a docked smartphone Carry less, do a lot more. All the productivity and apps of the full Ubuntu desktop, built into your Android phone. London, 22nd February, 2012: Canonical today unveiled Ubuntu for Android, bringing the world's favourite free desktop experience to multi-core Android smartphones docked with a keyboard and monitor. Use Android on the phone and Ubuntu as your desktop, both running simultaneously on the same device, with seamless sharing of contacts, messages and other common services. The phone experience is pure Android - it's a normal Android phone. When the device is connected to a computer screen, however, it launches a full Ubuntu desktop on the computer display. It's exactly the same desktop used by millions of enterprise and home users on their Ubuntu PCs, and includes hundreds of certified applications, from office productivity to photography, video and music. All data and services are shared between the Ubuntu and Android environments, which run simultaneously on the device. So Android applications such as contacts, telephony and SMS/MMS messaging are accessible from the Ubuntu interface. Indeed, all data on the smartphone can be accessed at any time, docked or not. Ubuntu for Android gives mobile workers a company phone that is also their enterprise desktop. Government and private institutions have embraced Ubuntu on the desktop because of its ease of use, security, manageability, superb range of native applications and excellent support for web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. The desktop can also include Windows applications, using thin client and desktop virtualisation tools. Today's IT departments commonly support a PC and at least one desktop phone for every employee. Many also provide and manage mobile phones. Ubuntu for Android presents a compelling solution to IT complexity by reducing that burden to a single device. The first PC for the next billion knowledge workers could be a phone - but they won't just want to use it as a handset. They will want all the flexibility and productivity of a full desktop, as well as the convenience of a smartphone on the move. Ubuntu for Android represents the first opportunity for handset makers and network operators to address this growth opportunity in emerging markets. "The desktop is the killer-app for quad-core phones in 2012" says Mark Shuttleworth. "Ubuntu for Android transforms your high-end phone into your productive desktop, whenever you need it" Manufacturers targeting the corporate phone, as well as the next-generation enterprise desktop and thin clients can easily add Ubuntu for Android to their smartphones. The customized version of Ubuntu drops in cleanly alongside the rest of Android, and the necessary Android modifications are designed for easy integration. Hardware requirements include support for HDMI and USB, standard features in high-end handsets planned for late 2012. Ubuntu for Android justifies the cost to enterprise customers of upgrading to higher bandwidth 4G connections and contracts. Cloud apps like Google Docs work best with a full desktop, and shine with the lower latency of LTE. Network operators can deliver their own branded applications and services as part of the Ubuntu desktop, in partnership with Canonical. Canonical leads the traditional Linux ecosystem in support for the ARM architecture, having co-founded Linaro (linaro.org), the consortium dedicated to the unification of Linux on ARM and the simplification of Android integration and delivery. That industrial experience, combined with Canonical's long-standing leadership in desktop Linux and deep relationships with global PC brands enables Canonical to deliver an ARM-optimised desktop tightly integrated with Android, on silicon from a range of ARM vendors. Useful Links and Contacts Product information and specifications at www.ubuntu.com/devices/android Contact us to bring Ubuntu for Android to market: www.ubuntu.com/devices/android/contact-us | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Simulated NASA mission to ask 'Are there snacks on Maaaaaaarrrrrs?' Posted: 21 Feb 2012 08:55 AM PST  When we've been forced to travel to an alien world, the one thing that makes us more likely to turn feral and murder our crew-mates than anything else is a lack of variety at mealtimes. Fortunately, Cornell University has teamed up with the University of Hawaii to build a simulated Mars mission to determine which foods people don't mind constantly consuming, given that there are no In-N-Out Burger franchises on the red planet. The mock base will be constructed in the midst of a Hawaiian lava flow, with the crews dressed in "spacesuits" and eating a mix of NASA-issue rations and shelf-stable foods like flour, sugar and freeze-dried meat. Applications for the four-month program remain open until the end of the month, so if you fancy all the free (bland) food you can manage, head on down to sign up! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Raspberry Pi wears a new Fedora (video) Posted: 21 Feb 2012 08:24 AM PST  If you've been keeping an eye on this tasty little computer, you'll know it's a pretty exciting concept already. To further sweeten the deal, it just got its own version of Fedora. A special "remix" edition has been ported over to the micro-machine by a team at Seneca College. Although there's already a Debian release for the diminutive device, the project's official blog states that Fedora Remix is the distribution it'll be recommending to users. The OS image fits on a 2GB memory card, and comes complete with a GUI, programming and system administration tools, web browser and other essential apps to get you going. If you want to see the Pi in action, there's a video after the break demonstrating the OS, along with a look at that user interface. As for that February 20th release date, sadly that seems less reliable. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Office for iOS gets blurrycam treatment in weird party-room Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:51 AM PST  What you see before you is a single image purporting to be Microsoft's new Office app for iOS. We can certainly believe such an app exists, and according to The Daily, the UI is similar to OneNote with an added dash of Metro. You'll be able to produce and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files locally and online, but the app is still to run the Cupertino's approval gauntlet. The report also claims an Android version Update: We incorrectly reported that an Android version was forthcoming, we've edited to correct our mistake -- please accept our sincere apologies. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Huawei's alleged 10-inch slate shows up at photoshoot ahead of MWC Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:33 AM PST  Shortly after Huawei's Ascend D1 made a trip to the studio for some glamour shots, an incognito slate is following suit. A set of photos from Russian site hi-tech@mail reveals what could be in store from the Chinese outfit at MWC 2012 (you know we'll be there), though the lack of full-body pics makes us question whether it's in fact the 10-inch tab it claims to be. Aside from the questionable size, we do see a tour around its purported metal casing, which is very reminiscent of that T-Mobile-bound MediaPad we showed you last year. Allegedly, the tablet will come sporting an 8-megapixel rear shooter, Ice Cream Sandwich and will be priced at about 20,000 Russian Rubles (or around $670). Those of you feeling intrigued can hit up the source link below to catch the rest of the sneaky shots.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget Giveaway: win one of two PlayStation Vitas, courtesy of Tanga! Posted: 21 Feb 2012 07:01 AM PST  This week's contest is all about the hotness, and if a brand new PlayStation Vita doesn't do the trick, we don't know what will. We have two WiFi / 3G units to hand out to our awesome readers, and it's all made possible by Tanga. The e-tailer is known for offering tech magazine subscriptions on the cheap as well as plenty of other daily deals. So take a peek, browse through the rules and fire off a quick comment to enter the giveaway! The rules:
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| Qualcomm's fifth gen Gobi unveiled, supports a Lollapalooza of LTE, 2G / 3G bands Posted: 21 Feb 2012 06:41 AM PST  Qualcomm this morning took the wraps off the fifth generation of its Gobi reference platform, which offers up LTE via FDD and TDD networks. It also plays nicely with past favorites, including the likes of HSPA+ and EV-DO, keeping your globe trotting self connected on that skinny laptop, tablet or convertible. The reference platform is designed to work with Windows 8 and Android devices and a number of processors, including, naturally, the San Diego-based company's own dual- and quad-core Snapdragons and good old x86. More information and lots of quotes from big name companies who think the bouncing new baby Gobi is just swell after the break.
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| Samsung Galaxy S II announced for US Cellular: 'coming soon' for $230 Posted: 21 Feb 2012 06:10 AM PST  We already had a strong hunch that it was coming to US Cellular, thanks to the FCC, but now it's official: Samsung's iconic Galaxy S II is finally making its way to the regional carrier in the coming weeks for $230 on a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate. This version of the GSII offers the same 1.2GHz dual-core Exynos CPU found in the original version, as well as a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), an eight megapixel rear camera and 16GB internal storage are also confirmed, though we think it's highly likely this unit will feature the same specs as the rest of the series. Sadly, the device lacks support on USCC's brand new LTE network, so brace yourself for 3G speeds if you plan to pick one of these up. Check out the full press release below for all the details released so far, and we'll keep you posted as soon as we hear an official release date or any other deep dark secrets. SAMSUNG GALAXY S II COMING SOON TO U.S. CELLULAR Android-Powered Smartphone Delivers High-Speed Multi-tasking Capabilities CHICAGO (Feb. 21, 2012) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Galaxy S® II. The Android™-powered smartphone is designed to deliver advanced multimedia features with a powerhouse 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. The 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display shows brilliant colors, providing a vivid and crisp viewing experience. The Galaxy S II runs on U.S. Cellular's high-speed nationwide 3G network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier. It will be available for $229.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. The Galaxy S II is ideal for the multi-tasker who also wants easy access to entertainment wherever they go. You can quickly update your calendar and browse the web to read the latest news, check the weather or get driving directions. The multimedia functions allow you and your family to keep up with your favorite TV shows and keep the kids entertained while you're traveling with HD Games. With its superior screen display, camera, webcam and access to thousands of helpful applications in the Android Market™, customers will be able to get more done throughout the day. "The Galaxy S II is the ultimate phone for people looking to simplify and organize their lives," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "The features combined with U.S. Cellular's unique benefits, like our Battery Swap, make it the go-to device for customers who depend on their smartphone to keep up with their busy schedules." Highlighted features: · 1.2 GHz dual-core processor (Samsung Exynos C210) · Powered by Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) · 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED Flash · Swype™ technology for quick text, picture and video messaging · 16 GB user memory – supports up to 32GB microSD™ cards Smartphone enthusiasts who switch to U.S. Cellular get unique benefits, like new phones faster without continuously signing contracts, free Overage Protection and can participate in U.S. Cellular's Trade-In Program. Through the U.S. Cellular Trade-In Program, customers can receive up to $150 on qualifying smartphones by trading in their current phone. U.S. Cellular offers customers the only points-based rewards program in the industry to get benefits for doing simple things like paying their wireless bill on time, adding a line or referring friends and family. Points can be used for new phones faster, additional lines, devices, accessories and ringtones. It's one of the reasons U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless. For more information about all of U.S. Cellular's deals, plans and phones, and other restrictions on these offers, visit any U.S. Cellular store, go to uscellular.com or check out U.S. Cellular on Facebook. The Samsung Galaxy S II will be available for $229.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. Purchase of a data plan is required, and a new two-year agreement and activation fee may apply for new customers. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 21 Feb 2012 06:00 AM PST  You've heard of singin' in the rain (and have likely seen the movie). You may have even attempted it once or twice, but tableting in the midst of a downpour? That doesn't exactly conjure the same whimsy and spontaneous dance numbers. Yet, Pantech's making such joyous, on-the-go content consumption possible with the aptly named Element. It's yet another addition to the growing stable of LTE devices propping up AT&T's newly expanded 4G fort. Rather than run the risk of this being seen as another garden-variety Honeycomb tablet, though, Pantech's imbued this guy with waterproofing. Of course, that's not all this skinned Android slate's bringing to the party. With a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060 CPU complemented by 1GB RAM, a 1024 x 768 TFT XGA display and a healthy 6,400mAh battery, this impermeable tab stands on equal spec footing with its post-PC peers. At $299 on two-year contract, it's certainly priced to sell, but should you dish out the dollars for a middle-ground tablet from the likes of a lesser-known manufacturer? Does a limited and possibly frivolous imperviousness to water warrant your attention? Should you stash that plastic until Pantech confirms an ETA for that Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade? Find all this out and more after the break, as we force this 8-incher to brave the elements. HardwarePantech previously tested the waters of unconventional design when it launched the low-end, oddly shaped Pocket late last year. Though that flair for non-conformity isn't really on display here with the Element, there's still a certain je ne sais quoi about its build. Lift it out the box and you'll immediately be struck by how elegant this middle-of-the-road tablet appears. True, the company opted for lightweight plastic throughout, eschewing the heavier (albeit premium) materials weighing down HTC's Jetstream. But it hardly matters: this slate simply feels great in hand. It's not an altogether perfect fit, ergonomically speaking -- the plastic bordering the perimeter sticks out ever-so slightly to interrupt the smoothly curved edges. It's a minor imperfection that would be really irritating were it not for this guy's 16.6-ounce weight, which makes it neither too heavy to hold for long periods of time, nor so light that it feels flimsy. Whereas the Xyboard 8.2 is tall, thin and trim, the Element is possessed of a huskier build; it's short, squat and rife with asymmetry. At 8.36 x 6.12 x 0.42 inches (212.34 x 155 x 10.67mm), this is clearly an acquired taste compared to more refined offerings. Still, that idiosyncratic design comes with benefits. Like that microSD card slot tucked away at the base, giving users the option to expand the slate's 16GB of internal storage with a 32GB card. That slot, along with HDMI-out, micro-USB and an easily accessible SIM, are hidden under grooved plastic flaps designed to keep water at bay for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one foot. That same motif comes into play again where other hardware keys are concerned, although the structural implementation is drastically different, with a mostly smooth cover shielding the headphone jack on the left and a rectangular rubber cushion surrounding and rising above the power button up top. The volume rocker is the only external detail to not benefit from any of this waterproofing.  Changing things up a bit is the placement of the Element's speaker and 2-megapixel front-facing camera, both of which reside on the tablet's left bezel, when held in landscape. Normally relegated to the upper most corner of a tablet, this new location communicates a subtle message: that the device should be held in portrait. Indeed, that orientation is the most comfortable option for handling the device. Check out the other side, and you won't be greeted with much aside from that glossy, subtly patterned plastic back, a prominent 4G LTE logo and the 5-megapixel camera located in the upper right. Beneath the non-removable casing are the aforementioned Qualcomm APQ8060 chip (the same as in the LG Nitro HD and HTC Vivid) and that 6,400mAh battery. Display and soundWhile it pales in comparison to sharper 1280 x 800 panels used on other 7- and 8-inch tablets, the Element's TFT XGA screen offers up a reasonably sharp image given its 1024 x 768 resolution. Truly, this device appears suited for heavy media consumption, as we noticed little loss in visibility and contrast when handling the tablet from a variety of positions. Take it outside, however, and you'll be hard-pressed to discern anything on screen, even with the brightness bumped up to the maximum. It's a minor ding that hampers the Element's overall ruggedness, so if you plan to call this tab your own, make sure to head for the shade.  Unlike the powerful, dual-speaker setup found on the HTC Jetstream, the sole, front-mounted one used on the Element is serviceable at best, though thankfully the audio doesn't suffer from tinniness. That said, it's easy for the sounds to be overpowered by environmental noise and, we can say that with confidence after having repeatedly cranked the volume to its highest setting. Suffice to say, we recommend keeping a pair of headphones close by. Cameras When we first took the Element's 5-megapixel camera out for a spin, we suspected something might be amiss, that the module itself was busted or that, despite its sealed enclosure, water had seeped into its interior during a twenty-minute walk in the rain. Our fears arose from our initial crop of photos, taken just before a light dusting of snow fell, leaving us with a handful of blurry, washed-out stills that seemed to mock our attempts to manually tap-to-focus. And forget about using the zoom function; we had zero luck attaining a clear, usable image. Surprisingly, shots taken in macro fared much better, but, again, performance was largely hit-or-miss. Later on in the day, after the temperature had risen slightly, we found our growing catalog of pictures taking on a much more distinct (albeit muted) quality. Weather conditions aside, this rear shooter delivered consistent results when shots were framed within a shallow depth of field. Move outside of that narrow range and expect the level of detail to drop drastically. Amateur photogs looking to mess about with a host of scene modes and exposure settings won't be disappointed by the array available in the Element's camera app. You'll find the usual selection (Portrait, Landscape, Indoor, etc.) but on the whole, the menu is structured so haphazardly that finding your desired filter will entail a few missteps. When it comes to 720p video, the Element once again under delivers. With little to no movement of the device itself, the scene captured will evince only a slight reduction in frame rate and clarity. Move gently from side to side, though, and that's when you notice how severe of an effect this dearth of image stabilization has on the product, proving this HD capture feature is most ideal for capturing fleeting, YouTube-able clips. Audio playback was slightly muffled, but that was partly due to the high winds whipping at the time, given we were still able to hear traces of the surrounding intersection. Network speeds There are two immediate truths about AT&T's LTE network in New York City: when it's available, it's mind-bogglingly fast, maxing out at 60Mbps down. And when it's MIA, you won't really notice. Why? Well, with HSPA+ as a default network option, you'll still be treated to fairly high speeds that hover in the mid-teens. Indeed, this type of downlink performance is a clear demotion from the typical 30Mbps and up we achieved in real-world LTE testing, but unless you're monitoring a speedtesting app, you probably won't notice. Those fallback 4G frequencies are strong enough to shoulder the demands of streaming music and video, texts and emails, all while delivering various email and other push notifications. Understandably, if you're paying for use of that 700MHz spectrum, you should want abundant, unfettered access to it. Unfortunately, the operator's still in the baby steps build-out phase, so coverage around New York City, at least, is spotty, with our connection frequently dropping down to HSPA only to latch onto LTE a block later. Overall, those high-end 4G speeds stayed within the 30Mbps to 50Mbps range for downlink and 9Mbps to 11Mbps up. Performance and battery life Bolstered by that dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm APQ8060 CPU and 1GB of RAM, the Element zips along without nary a hiccup. Tellingly, in all of our time testing the tablet, we didn't once encounter the lag and hesitant transitions so often associated with skinned Android devices. The touchscreen is responsive, shifting between the five preset home screens with ease, and that same fluidity is on display when you tap the app drawer and loading applications. Browsing on the tablet is much of the same, with quick page renders when connected to LTE, and without any of that tiling that besots other Honeycomb slates.
As far as benchmarks go, Pantech's tab consistently outclassed the lower-clocked Xyboard 8.2 and T-Mobile Springboard in our usual suite of testing, save for SunSpider and NenaMark 1, respectively. Those particular losses were marginal at best and don't speak to the remarkable daily performance. So is there a big, fat battery to keep this tab humming along and indulge its LTE capability? Why, yes, there is and a tremendous 6,400mAh at that. The Element is, without doubt, going to get you through a long flight or Netflix marathon with enough juice left over to surf the web and shoot off some Twitter updates. With light usage, we found the Element lasted the span of a couple of days, and that's with LTE enabled -- all told, in line with the company's claims. Factor in the demands of a power user and, according to Pantech's PR, this slate should survive up to 12 hours on a charge -- and it does exactly that, if you happen to be in an HSPA+ only area of coverage. Put through the paces of our formal battery rundown while connected to LTE, however, and that half-day stamina shrinks to a workable nine hours.
Software We know most of you are hankering for a cold taste of Ice Cream Sandwich -- that's if you haven't already bought into Google's most recent Nexus flagship -- but you won't find your appetite for Mountain View's latest sated here. All we know is, it's coming at some unspecified point this year. For now, you've got Android 3.2 Honeycomb and a skinned version, at that, with the typical assortment of home screen shortcuts and widgets at your disposal. Don't fret, as the customizations are seriously minor and won't impede your ability to navigate the OS. What might give you pause is the collection of 20-plus apps that come pre-installed. It's not that we don't expect to see crapware like Enzo's Pinball, Bug Village and AT&T's bevy of apps (Code Scanner, Navigator, etc.) shoveled onto Android devices at this stage in the game, but we'd like to see the practice executed with a measure of restraint. Most frustrating of all, you can't uninstall any of that bloat from the settings menu and return your tab to the virgin state you'd expect to find it in. Pricing and data plansPantech, as a brand, doesn't have the cachet of other, more boutique device manufacturers, so it can't rely on name recognition alone to sell its LTE duo: the Element and Burst. Which is why a limited time bundle offered by AT&T makes sense for subs looking to take the plunge (almost quite literally) with this tab and its accompanying smartphone sibling. Both devices are currently available for $250 on a two-year contract, along with the requisite minimum service plans: $35/mo for the Element, in addition to $40/mo for voice and $20/mo of data for the Burst. If you choose to go solo with your tablet purchase, but still want to take part in that subsidized pricing, you'll be able to snag the Element for $300 on contract with one of two set options: 3GB/mo plus access to AT&T's WIFi hotspots for $35 or a $50 option that nets you 5GB of data. Unlike T-Mobile and Verizon, however, you will have to pay $10 for every 1GB of data over your allotted monthly limit. Those looking to steer clear of carrier chains can fork up $450 to buy this tablet outright -- pricing that puts it on par with T-Mobile's Springboard and undercuts the $600 Xyboard 8.2 -- to take advantage of a tad more plan flexibility. If you only intend to make extremely light use of your tablet, there is a $15/mo choice that gets you 250MB and the same access to the operator's hotspots. Be mindful, though, that every 250MB over your allotment will result in an additional $15 fee. Wrap-up Admit it: an 8-inch waterproof, LTE-enabled tablet makes for a pretty compelling purchase on paper. Couple those sweet-spot features with solid, everyday performance, a smooth Honeycomb-based user experience and a 6,400mAh charge that'll last through nearly half a day of heavy use and you've got yourself several strong reasons to think long and hard about this guy. But when you factor in the sad state of the Element's dual camera setup and its poor outdoor visibility, you might start to feel precognitive pangs of buyer's remorse kicking in. So, what's the verdict? Should you clasp this slate to your breast and dance about in a torrential downpour, belting out showtunes and banging out tweets in full gale force, or do we order Pantech's tab to walk the plank, and sink below its one-foot threshold? Well, we'll let price be the deciding factor here and at $300 on two-year contract, it's perfectly positioned to lure consumers away from Motorola's comparatively overpriced ($430 on contract) and underperforming Xyboard 8.2 -- all you're missing out on is that familiar Droid branding. Take AT&T up on its tempting limited time bundle that pairs this unit up with Pantech's other LTE spawn the Burst and you'll really be stretching the limits of your purchasing power. As a standalone product, however, and without the backing of a major marketing push, the Element's likely to disappear, undeservedly, into the unending stream of me-too Android tablets; a middle-ground oddity coming out of nowhere and attracting little-to-no attention. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LightBeam pico projector turns any surface into a display, any object into a remote (video) Posted: 21 Feb 2012 05:35 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barnes & Noble 2012 Q3 Report: loss-making Nook generates sales, tears Posted: 21 Feb 2012 05:17 AM PST  It's that time of the year when Barnes & Noble's accountants reveal the figures for the quarter to determine if the age of print is over. Turns out there's some good news for bookseller. Overall sales for the chain increased five percent: the company took $2.4 billion through the cash registers. That was split $1.49 billion (up two percent) in high-street retail, online sales took $420 million (up 32 percent year-on-year) and the Nook in all its forms and glories took $542 million (up 38 percent). The only grey cloud was that sales in college-only stores dropped three percent, thanks in part to renting textbooks to impecunious freshmen. They're probably all using that money on buying digital content on their Nooks: digital content purchases increased by 85 percent in a single quarter. Like rival Amazon, it wouldn't release how many devices were sold, except to say it likely maintained its market share. However, all of that (pretty) good news is a bit of a smokescreen: B&N won't reveal its profits after interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization has been deducted. Pre ITDA income dropped 12 percent from the same period in 2011 and the company has revealed that the BN.com and Nook businesses made a combined loss of $94 million, with annual income looking to be in negative figures. Update: A tidbit from the conference call, the company believes the device currently holds around 30 percent of the overall e-reader market: using numbers direct from the publishers themselves. Barnes & Noble Reports Fiscal 2012 Third Quarter Financial Results Barnes & Noble Comparable Store Sales Increase 2.8% BN.com Comparable Sales Increase 42% THIRD QUARTER SALES Total sales increased 5% as compared to the prior year, from $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion. Barnes & Noble store ("Retail") sales increased 2% from $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion. Comparable store sales increased 2.8%, on top of a 7.3% increase a year ago. Retail core comparable store sales, which exclude sales of devices, accessories and warranties, increased 4.2% over last year. Barnes & Noble College ("College") sales declined 3% from $540 million to $525 million, due to a shift from selling new and used textbooks to lower priced textbook rentals. Comparable store sales were flat as compared to a year ago. College comparable store sales reflect the retail selling price of a new or used textbook when rented, rather than solely the rental fee received and amortized over the rental period. BN.com sales increased 32% over the prior year, from $319 million to $420 million. Comparable sales increased 42%, on top of a 64% increase a year ago. This increase was driven by continued growth of NOOK device and digital content sales, offset by a decline in online physical product sales. The consolidated NOOK business across all of the company's segments, including sales of digital content, device hardware and related accessories, increased 38% during the third quarter to $542 million, on a comparable sales basis. NOOK unit sales, including NOOK Simple Touch™, NOOK Color™ and the new NOOK Tablet, increased 64% during the third quarter as compared to the same period last year. Digital content sales increased 85% on a comparable basis. Content sales are defined to include digital books, digital newsstand, and the apps business. BN.com and NOOK comparable sales reflect the actual selling price for eBooks sold under the agency model rather than solely the commission received. Additionally, it includes all deferred eReader device revenues, and includes device sales to channel partners on a "sell-in" basis net of estimated returns. THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) declined 12% as compared to the prior year, from $170 million to $150 million. Retail EBITDA grew from $178 million to $207 million, driven by comparable sales growth, higher product margins and store expense leverage. College EBITDA declined from $43 million to $37 million, impacted by the increased adoption of textbook rentals, where earnings are deferred over the term of the rental, rather than recognized at the point of sale. In the third quarter, an incremental $12 million of EBITDA from textbook rentals was deferred as compared to last year, the majority of which will be realized in the fourth quarter. BN.com EBITDA losses increased from $50 million to $94 million, as the company continued to invest in its rapidly growing NOOK business, including advertising costs and personnel. Total company net income was $52.0 million for the quarter. Excluding the impact of the textbook rental deferral, net income was approximately flat with last year. Third quarter earnings per share was $0.71. Fiscal 2012 third quarter earnings per share was impacted by the dilutive effect of the convertible preferred shares held by Liberty Media, which diluted earnings by 15 cents per share. Excluding the dilutive effect of the preferred shares and the impact of the textbook deferral, earnings per share would have been $0.99 for the quarter. FULL YEAR GUIDANCE The company is reiterating its guidance announced on January 5, 2012. The company expects full fiscal year 2012 consolidated sales between $7.0 billion and $7.2 billion. Comparable sales at Barnes & Noble stores are expected to increase 1%, Barnes & Noble College sales are expected to be flat, and sales are expected to increase 40% to 50% at BN.com. The consolidated NOOK business is expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion in comparable sales this fiscal year. The company expects full year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to be in a range of $150 to $180 million and full year losses per share to be in a range of $1.40 to $1.10. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barnes & Noble unveils 8GB Nook Tablet for $199, slashes Color to $169 Posted: 21 Feb 2012 05:00 AM PST  Barnes & Noble Introduces NOOK Tablet™ – 8GB For Incredibly Low Price of $199 New Addition to Hot-Selling, Highly Rated NOOK Tablet Line Offers Fastest, Lightest, Most Powerful Tablet with the Best in Reading and Entertainment, Now in 8GB, at an Amazing Value Award-Winning NOOK Color™ Now Offered at its Lowest Price Ever – $169 New York, New York – February 21, 2012 – Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today expanded its portfolio of bestselling NOOK® devices with the introduction of NOOK Tablet – with 8GB of memory, a tremendous value for the company's fastest and lightest tablet at just $199. NOOK Tablet – 8GB version offers reading and mobile entertainment enthusiasts another great option in the NOOK family of devices. In addition, the company's highly popular NOOK Color just became an even greater value at $169. "For any customer who likes to read digitally, watch movies or TV shows, browse the web, or help their kids read and learn through interactive books and apps, our new $199 NOOK Tablet with 8GB is the best product value on the market," said William Lynch, Chief Executive Office of Barnes & Noble. "NOOK Tablet is the highest-rated wireless media tablet in the 7-inch class, ultra-portable at under a pound, offers our exclusive VividView™ screen technology, and since its introduction this holiday has received rave reviews from customers about all its great features. We're pleased to now offer customers the ability to experience NOOK Tablet's unmatched content experience for only $199." The newest member of the NOOK Tablet family offers the great features of top-selling NOOK Tablet – 16GB, but with 8GB of on-board memory, 512MB of RAM and a lower cost of just $199. NOOK Tablet – 8GB version includes all of these great features also available on NOOK Tablet – 16GB ($249): A highly tuned 1GHz dual-core processor for streaming video and lightning-fast Web browsing so customers can surf their favorite sites, and built-in email to stay easily connected with friends and family Breakthrough battery life, with 11.5 hours of reading time or nine hours of video viewing With on-board storage plus convenient microSD memory expansion, customers have ample space for their reading and entertainment content, regardless of Wi-Fi availability The world's most advanced VividView display for viewing content, with 16 million colors and a resolution purity that's simply gorgeous Popular movies, TV shows and music from top services including Netflix, Hulu Plus™, Flixster, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, Grooveshark, MOG and many more. Thousands of top-rated, high-quality NOOK Apps, all optimized for NOOK Tablet's ultra-responsive 7-inch color touchscreen, in categories including Games, Kids, Travel, Education, Lifestyle & Interest, News & Weather, Social, Productivity and others. Favorites including Cut the Rope, Disney Publishing's It's a Small World and more are coming soon to the robust NOOK Apps catalog. Barnes & Noble's award-winning reading experience, featuring more than 2.5 million digital books, periodicals, children's books and more, including: NOOK Newsstand™: An expansive collection of more than 450 digital periodical titles, which includes the largest digital collection of top 100 magazines available for subscription and single copy purchase. Colorful interactive magazines offer Barnes & Noble's ArticleView™, animated page turns and smooth pinch, zoom and panning. Many special edition NOOK Magazines™ feature videos, quizzes, image galleries and more. NOOK Kids™: More than 1,400 interactive children's picture books, some featuring animation and engaging activities, and more than 12,000 chapter books. With Read and Record™, customers can use NOOK Tablet's built-in microphone to record and save their reading of any NOOK Kids picture books so children can listen to their favorite storytellers anytime. NOOK Comics and graphic novels: A vast collection of full-color comics, graphic novels and kids' comics in high resolution and the largest digital collection of Marvel's graphic novels available through a third party, as well as other titles from leading publishers including Archie, IDW and Dynamite. Through a partnership with VIZ Media, LLC, the largest publisher of anime and manga in North America, NOOK customers can access more than 30 series, featuring nearly 430 volumes. Books and more: Continuously expanded NOOK Store™ with the vast majority of books available for $9.99 or less. Barnes & Noble's digital book collection includes PagePerfect™ NOOK Books™ featuring cookbooks, craft and art books rendered with rich precision to retain all the beauty of their stunning print versions, and enhanced reading with PDF thumbnail page views, and image pinch, zoom and pan in books and PDFs. Discover and socialize: Learn what to read next from Barnes & Noble's knowledgeable booksellers with personalized recommendations, or connect through NOOK Friends™ to share thoughts, lend books through the exclusive LendMe® technology and more via email and sites like Facebook. Continuous reading: Read what you love, anywhere you like™ on NOOK devices and with FREE NOOK Reading Apps. Sync your library, last page read, bookmarks, etc. across all of your devices through NOOK Cloud. Sleek and thin with a soft touch back design, and lightweight at under a pound (14.1 oz.), making it easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase, backpack or suit jacket pocket for reading and entertainment on-the-go. Customers can, as always, access their personal NOOK Library™ through the free, reliable and secure NOOK Cloud™ service, which also powers the seamless integration and synchronization between devices, as well as NOOK's best-in-class shopping experience and social features. Says Lynch, "NOOK Tablet, NOOK Color and NOOK Simple Touch™ represent the highest-quality portfolio of reading and entertainment products on the market at the best value. Whether it's movies, music and apps on-the-go that you crave, or a simple, immersive reading experience, we offer great products and more choices than ever before with our product portfolio, starting at just $99." NOOK Color: Now $169 The highly acclaimed NOOK Color, offering access to top video and music services, popular apps, comics and more, is now available at a new low price of just $169, starting today. The first Reader's Tablet, NOOK Color combines an award-winning reading experience with tablet essentials including apps, Web and email. NOOK Color customers can download Netflix to watch movies and TV shows, access a wide array of books, periodicals and comics, enjoy top music services and thousands of apps, browse the easy-to-use, social and streamlined NOOK Store. Availability NOOK Tablet – 8GB version is available for purchase today for $199 at www.nook.com and in Barnes & Noble stores, and will be available in leading retailers including Best Buy, Target and Walmart in the coming weeks. NOOK Color is now available in Barnes & Noble stores and www.nook.com for $169. Experience NOOK Tablet, NOOK Color and NOOK Simple Touch at www.nook.com or at the NOOK Digital Shops™, which feature the full portfolio of NOOK digital devices and FREE NOOK Reading Apps™, or displays in one of Barnes & Noble's nearly 700 bookstores and other leading retailers. Barnes & Noble offers Always Free NOOK Support in all of its neighborhood bookstores, with more than 40,000 NOOKsellers across the country ready to assist customers with setting up their NOOK devices or choosing their next great read. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canon lens patent suggests mirrorless camera plans, can't let Nikon have all the fun Posted: 21 Feb 2012 04:38 AM PST
It looks like Canon's finally decided to get involved in that nebulous area we call mirrorless cameras. A patent application spotted on Japanese site Egami outlines the type of lens we may see on Canon's first effort. Admittedly, the leaked details aren't particularly thrilling; it looks like a typical kit lens, with an 18-45mm focal length and aperture settings from f/3.5 to f/5.6, but if Canon is getting into the game, the world of ILC is about to get a little more interesting. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Single atom transistors point to the future of quantum computers, death of Moore's law Posted: 21 Feb 2012 04:14 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Qualcomm Krait S4 SoC fully benchmarked, diagnosed as 'insane' Posted: 21 Feb 2012 03:51 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| China Telecom to get the iPhone 4S, stores brace themselves for March 9th chaos Posted: 21 Feb 2012 03:23 AM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung's iCloud rival delayed after in-house service deemed 'unsuitable' Posted: 21 Feb 2012 02:53 AM PST  Korean newspaper ETNews is developing a reputation for bold claims, the latest being that Samsung's "answer" to iCloud, S-Cloud has been significantly delayed. SDS, the conglomerate's IT infrastructure division had originally been tasked to build the network, but its work was found to be "unsuitable." After the setback, Samsung's Media Solution Center had to enlist KT, operators of public cloud services in Korea and Amazon to help move things forward. An unnamed "cloud industry" source who spoke to the daily pointed out that one of the burdens of releasing so many (oh so many) devices is that the company has to work a lot harder to ensure all of them are compatible with any unified cloud service -- but them's the breaks, eh? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now ready for download Posted: 21 Feb 2012 01:33 AM PST  BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Available Today New OS delivers an enriched user experience for BlackBerry PlayBook tablet users Waterloo, ON - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) announced that the new BlackBerry® PlayBook™ OS 2.0 will be released for download today. BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 delivers an enhanced tablet experience and allows you to use the BlackBerry PlayBook in new ways throughout the day - at work and at play. "Building on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet's proven web browsing, multimedia and multitasking strengths, the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces a range of new communications and productivity enhancements as well as expanded app and content support," said David J. Smith, SVP Mobile Computing, Research In Motion. New BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 features include: • Integrated email client with a powerful unified inbox: With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 you have the option to use a unified inbox that consolidates all messages in one place, including messages from Facebook®, LinkedIn® and Twitter®, as well as personal and work email accounts. • Social Integration with Calendar and Contacts apps: The built-in calendar harnesses information from social networks and makes it available where and when users need it. Contact cards are also dynamically populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to create a consolidated view of contacts. • Updated BlackBerry Bridge app: BlackBerry® Bridge™ is a unique app that provides a Bluetooth® connection between your BlackBerry PlayBook and core apps on your BlackBerry® smartphone (including BBM™, Email, Contacts, Calendar and Browser) in order to let you view the content on the larger tablet display. With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, it's easier and quicker than ever to take documents, web pages, emails and photos that appear on your BlackBerry smartphone and display them on your BlackBerry PlayBook for an optimized viewing and editing experience. The updated BlackBerry Bridge app also provides a new remote control feature that allows a BlackBerry smartphone to be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook. • Improved mobile productivity: Updated document editing functions, the new Print To Go app, and increased control and manageability of corporate data with BlackBerry® Balance ™ allow you to get more out of your BlackBerry PlayBook every day. Plus, an updated virtual keyboard with auto correction and predictive next word completion learns how you type to enable faster, more accurate typing. • New apps and content: Thousands of new apps are being added to BlackBerry App World™ today (including a range of Android® apps that will run on the BlackBerry PlayBook). A new BlackBerry Video Store1 is launching today. Enhanced web browsing capabilities are also available with BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0. In conjunction with the release of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, RIM is making available an initial release of BlackBerry® Mobile Fusion that will include support for managing BlackBerry PlayBook tablets and BlackBerry smartphones2 in an enterprise. The full release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion (with mobile device management capabilities for iOS and Android devices) is planned for general availability in late March 2012. For more information about BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, please visit www.blackberry.com/mobilefusion. Availability The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update is now available as a free download for all BlackBerry PlayBook tablets. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xperia S UI poses for Mr. Blurrycam, calls itself 'UXP NXT' (video) Posted: 21 Feb 2012 01:21 AM PST We've seen the Sony Xperia S before, heck, we've even gotten our grubby mitts on it. The Xperia S UI, on the other hand, has been a bit of an elusive beast. That is, until now -- the tech world's very own out-of-focus paparazzi caught a look at the handset's upcoming UI, revealing a slightly blurry view of the Xperia S' finer details. The UI is apparently being christened "UXP NXT" and is slathered on top of Android 2.3, though a 4.0 update is reportedly on the way. The video shows off the home and lock screens, gallery, music player and a new rendition of Timescape. Anywho, feel free to check out the above vid in all its blurrycam glory. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LG busts out a trio of L-series phones in the run up to MWC Posted: 21 Feb 2012 12:22 AM PST  LG'S NEW DESIGN STRATEGY FOR MOBILE DEVICES TO BE REVEALED AT 2012 MWC LG Takes Design Philosophy to the Next Level with Line-up of Stylish Smartphones SEOUL, Feb. 21, 2012 – LG Electronics (LG) makes its boldest move yet in its strategy to attain smartphone leadership with the launch of its new design identity, L-Style, at the 2012 Mobile World Congress (MWC). The core essence of L-Style involves a timeless design with finer details that further differentiate LG's mobile devices from the competition. LG's design leadership has been well established in the past with a successful track-record that includes the Black Label Series phones such as the Chocolate and Shine. "Design is consistently the top or second most important factor for customers when choosing a mobile phone," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "With smartphones, we sometimes took a more functional approach to design but with L-Style we're going back to our roots as a company focused on how our products fit into the lifestyle of our customers." L-Style's design philosophy is comprised of five aesthetic elements: Modern Square Style for a comfortable grip, Floating Mass Technology for a slimmer look, Seamless Layout for a more intuitive arrangement of keys, Harmonized Design Contrast utilizing metallic accents and Sensuous Slim Shape that naturally draws one's attention. Three new smartphones to be unveiled at MWC will initially feature the L-Style look. The Optimus L3, with a 3.2-inch display, will first launch in Europe this March. This smartphone will be followed by two other devices in the first half of the year running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: Optimus L5 with a 4.0-inch display and Optimus L7 featuring a 4.3-inch screen. Market availability and additional hardware specifications of all three models will be announced at a future date. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google looks to plant a field of satellite dishes in Iowa Posted: 20 Feb 2012 11:42 PM PST  Iowa. Fertile home to 14 million acres of corn, nine million acres of soybeans, and -- if the FCC looks favorably on a recent application from Farmer Google -- a blooming array of 15-foot satellite dishes too. The request for a "receive only earth station" comes from Google Fiber, and the bands it hopes to receive are typical satellite TV frequencies, hinting that the purpose of the station will be to receive audio and video content that will then be piped through a high-speed fiber data service. First stop, Kansas City! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google pads IP portfolio, purchases Cuil's pending search-related patent applications Posted: 20 Feb 2012 10:44 PM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung's GT-i9300 is probably not the Galaxy S III, as revealed by its low-res screen Posted: 20 Feb 2012 09:16 PM PST  Straight from the Dana Scully school of debunking, Android Community has poured cold water on the notion that the GT-i9300 is the quasi-mythical Galaxy S III. Having happened upon the user agent profile of the device bearing that codename, the stats reveal a lackluster 1024 x 600 resolution display that's easily beaten by the Galaxies Nexus and Note. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled at Mobile World Congress and hope that Samsung isn't planning to ruin the pedigree of the handsets that have previously born that code: the i9200 was the Galaxy S II and the i9250 was the Galaxy Nexus, after all. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taser's on-officer cameras catch you in the act, right to remain silent imperative Posted: 20 Feb 2012 08:01 PM PST  TASER Sets New Bar for Law Enforcement Video with AXON Flex System Point of View Video System Mounts on Oakley Eyewear and Introduces Advanced Bluetooth™ Streaming to Smartphone Platforms SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2011 – TASER International, Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR), a global provider of safety technologies that prevent conflict, protect life and resolve disputes, today introduced the AXON™ Flex™ on-officer camera – an on-body video recording system that captures video evidence from the officer's perspective. TASER, the world leader in on-officer cameras, created the new AXON Flex point of view camera, a technological breakthrough in the world of on-officer video devices. With multiple mounting options, including a seamless integration with Oakley, Inc's Flak Jacket eyewear, AXON Flex™ systems are TASER's newest offering in the field of evidence-capturing technology and allows officers flexibility, simplicity and wearability. In addition, AXON Flex systems feature Looxcie Inc.'s proprietary video over Bluetooth™ streaming technology that allows officers to review events on a smartphone application supported by Apple iOS™ and Google Android™ operating systems. To complement the camera solution, TASER provides EVIDENCE.com™ service, an industry-leading, military-grade encryption and evidence management system with the option of "cloud" or on-site storage capabilities. NEWS FACTS • AXON Flex on-officer camera system is a self-contained, tactical, audio-video recording and networking device designed for and worn by law enforcement officers • AXON Flex system's ability to capture evidence from the officer's point of view helps protect officers from false claims, enhance public trust, improve civilian behavior, decrease litigation and make communities safer at a lower cost than incar dashboard cameras or other video solutions • AXON Flex technology is a customer-centric product, designed to address officer requests for simplicity, flexibility and ease-of-use by incorporating features such as smartphone compatibility • AXON Flex cameras can be worn on one of Oakley's top-selling eyewear accessories, the Oakley Flak Jacket. AXON Flex systems also offer the following additional mounting options at launch, with more to come: − Collar Mount − Epaulette Mount − Ball Cap Mount− Helmet Mount • TASER will provide free access to the secure, cloud-based evidence storage solution EVIDENCE.com service for a full year to every agency purchasing the new AXON Flex cameras o EVIDENCE.com service provides a level of data security and management that agencies simply cannot provide for themselves without a dedicated IT staff • AXON Flex units are expected to begin commercial shipments in the first quarter and will be competitively priced at $700 for the base camera with a wide variety of accessories available • Features of the AXON Flex system: − The extended controller module offers 12-hour battery life for a full-shift video buffer that can record the 30 seconds preceding an officer's activating the unit so incidents are fully captured − The hardware has been designed to protect the camera from impact and withstand the elements with IPX2 weather resistance − AXON Flex cameras uses an industry-leading imager and sensor, which have been engineered to mimic the human eye's capabilities, capturing a high level of detail in low light conditions − The head-worn Flex DVR camera and magnetic clip weigh only 15 grams, resulting in significantly greater comfort than any other law-enforcement video system • Using the AXON Flex™ Mobile app (available for Android and iOS enabled platforms), officers can use their own smartphones to view a live feed of Flex footage, review videos stored on the camera and add information such as notes, timestamps or GPS location to those videos. • Looxcie and TASER joint-developed the video-to-smartphone technology in order to bring an advanced, hands-free durable camera targeted for the law enforcement market | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy mini 2 officially revealed, launch first in Europe Posted: 20 Feb 2012 06:54 PM PST  Samsung introduces the new GALAXY Ace 2 and GALAXY mini 2 February 21, 2012 Welcome to Samsung's AndroidTM experience with the two new members of GALAXY smartphones SEOUL, Korea – February 21, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced two new additions to the GALAXY smartphone range: GALAXY Ace 2, which will be available in UK from April, and GALAXY mini 2, which will be available in France from March before being rolled out globally. Building on the market success of GALAXY Ace and GALAXY mini since their release last year, GALAXY Ace 2 and GALAXY mini 2 are ideal devices for users with active lifestyles who value individuality and style without compromising on performance or affordability. "Launched in 2011, GALAXY Ace and GALAXY mini have been a huge success in the global market. Today, we introduce GALAXY Ace 2 and GALAXY mini 2 with upgraded features and services," said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. "Our goal remains the same-to continue to create new and improved mobile experiences that deliver something suitable for everyone. This is the hallmark of Samsung's GALAXY range and what has made the GALAXY brand such a runaway hit with consumers around the world." Double-Engine Power, GALAXY Ace 2 GALAXY Ace 2 delivers efficient multitasking, lightning-fast screen transitions and high-quality graphics for even the most demanding applications and games. HSPA 14.4 connectivity provides an enhanced browsing experience and fast content downloads with minimal lag-times. Additionally, 4GB of internal storage ensures that films, photos and a whole array of personal multimedia content can be easily stored and taken out and about; a 1,500mAh battery adds to GALAXY Ace 2's on-the-go performance for active, demanding use. Enhanced Samsung Hubs and ChatON services ensure that users are never far from the content or social connections they care about. Music Hub allows one-step access to over 17million tracks at anytime; Game Hub offers users the very latest gaming titles; Social Hub allows users to view their instant messages, social network and email communications all in one single inbox. Samsung's ChatON service connects users with other phone users – across any platform – into a single community, providing easy multi-format instant messaging and group chatting. Compact and Trendy for more fun, GALAXY mini 2 GALAXY mini 2 packs a real performance punch into its slim and colorful 11.9mm-thick casing. The 3.27" HVGA touch-screen enables high-quality multimedia viewing while maintaining the device's portability. The compact GALAXY mini 2 ensures comfortable Web browsing and easily handles the demands of the most resource-intensive applications. An improved 1,300mAh battery capacity also guarantees extended multimedia usage and longer chat sessions. 4GB of storage allows users to comfortably store videos, music and images. Like GALAXY Ace 2, GALAXY mini 2 keeps users connected through ChatON and Social Hub, while Music Hub allows one-step access to over 17million tracks at any time. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com. Note to Editors: Samsung GALAXY Ace 2 Product Specifications: Network HSDPA 14.4Mbps 900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 Process 800MHz Dual-Core Processor Display 3.8" WVGA(480x800) PLS TFT OS Android 2.3(Gingerbread) Camera Main(Rear): 5 Megapixel Auto Focus Camera with Flash Sub(Front): VGA Camera Video Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, VC-1, VP8 Playback/ Recording: 720p Audio Codec: MP3, AAC, AAC＋, eAAC＋, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis Music Player with SoundAlive 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo FM Radio with RDS Value-added Features& Services Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel UX Samsung Apps Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air Samsung Hub - Social Hub Integrated Messaging(Email, SNS), Contacts, Calendar Sync - Music Hub - Game Hub Samsung Hub Widget - Music Hub/ Game Hub Samsung ChatON mobile communication service Polaris GPS/ Glonass Connectivity Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 Wi-Fi b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct Sensor Accelerometer, Digital compass, Proximity, NFC (optional) Memory 4GB User memory ＋ 768MB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB) Dimension 62.2 x 118.3 x 10.5 mm, 122g Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 1,500 mAh ＊ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. Samsung GALAXY mini 2 Product Specifications Network HSDPA 7.2Mbps 900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 Process 800MHz Processor Display 3.27" HVGA(320x480) TFT OS Android 2.3(Gingerbread) Camera Main(Rear): 3 Megapixel Fixed Focus Camera Video Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264 Playback: WVGA@30fps Recording: VGA@25fps Audio Codec: MP3, Vorbis(OGG), AAC, AAC＋, eAAC＋, AMR-NB/WB, WAV, MIDI, WMA, FLAC Music Player with SoundAlive 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo FM Radio with RDS Value-added Features& Services Samsung TouchWiz/ Samsung L!ve Panel UX Samsung Apps Samsung Kies / Samsung Kies air Social Hub - Integrated Messaging(Email, SNS), Contacts, Calendar Sync Music Hub (Downloadable via Samsung Apps) Samsung ChatON mobile communication service GoogleTM Mobile Services - Android Market™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Search™, Google Maps™, Syncing with Google Calendar™ ThinkFree (Downloadable via Samsung Apps) A-GPS Connectivity Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 USB 2.0 Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA Sensor Accelerometer, Digital compass, Proximity, NFC (optional) Memory 4GB User memory ＋ 512MB (RAM) microSD (up to 32GB) Dimension 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.9 mm, 106.8 g (NFC) 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.6 mm, 105.3 g (Non-NFC) Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 1,300 mAh All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 222,000 people in 205 offices across 71 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com. Android, Google, Android Market, Google Maps, YouTube, Gmail, Google Talk, and Google Search are trademarks of Google Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oracle drops patent from Google lawsuit, Google moves to strike Oracle's third damages report Posted: 20 Feb 2012 06:37 PM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kisai Stencil LCD watch keeps it vague, outlines the time (video) Posted: 20 Feb 2012 05:30 PM PST
The Kisai Stencil is the latest fan-submitted design to make it through to Tokyo Flash's online shelves. It brandishes the same always-on LCD display of its stablemates, with the time displayed through a combination of lines and dots, with the digits taking up the full width of the watch's display. The Stencil arrives in five different display colors, alongside both white or black leather strap options and arrives on Tokyo Flash's trademark early-bird discount; buy in the first 48 hours and you'll net a $40 discount, dropping the price down to $99. Obtuse timepiece fans can take a closer look in a video right after the break. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ZTE Mimosa X official: ICS, Tegra 2, HSPA+ and 4.3-inch qHD display, arriving in Q2 Posted: 20 Feb 2012 04:30 PM PST  And then there were three. Not 24 hours after announcing a pair of Android 4.0 handsets, ZTE is back with the Mimosa X, a 4.3-inch, HSPA+ device running Ice Cream Sandwich. Interestingly, this is the first time since NVIDIA acquired wireless chip maker Icera that we've seen a phone packing both Tegra 2 and an NVIDIA-made modem (in this case, the 21Mbps-capable Icera 450). In its press release, NVIDIA also goes so far as to say this is the first time "a premium mobile computing experience is coming to the mainstream smartphone market," as if Tegra 3 hadn't already pushed Tegra 2 down into mid-range territory. Anyhow, marketing spin aside, this is indeed a middle-of-the-road device, with a qHD (960 x 540) display, 5-megapixel camera and 4GB of internal storage. It also supports A2DP Bluetooth and DLNA, and makes room for dual mics and a gyroscope. No word yet on how much it'll cost or even what markets it'll hit, though we do know it will go on sale sometime in Q2. Until then, something tells us we might get our first look much sooner, sometime in Barcelona next week. First Tegra-powered Smartphone Announced with NVIDIA's Icera Modem Technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rinspeed gives Smart Fortwo ED two extra wheels, more junk in the trunk Posted: 20 Feb 2012 04:02 PM PST | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Droid RAZR ICS screenshots leaked, could this be the next Blur? Posted: 20 Feb 2012 03:27 PM PST  Last week Moto unveiled in detail its rollout plans for the mighty ICS treat that's heading towards its handsets and slates. Now, if a set of screenies is to be believed, we have a quick glimpse into what we can expect once its promised Q2 outing comes around -- at least for Big Red's RAZR variants. At first glance, the alleged Ice Cream Sandwich build isn't much different than what you'd see in its native state. That said, there are bits that would make it easy for any connoisseur to tell 'em apart, including: different icons, dialer and drop-down menu, as well as a redesigned shooter UI. Unfortunately there's no word as to when it'll legitimately hit the masses, but all you RAZR fans can see more screenshots of what Motorola may have in store at the source below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple's 2012 environmental report reveals giant solar array Posted: 20 Feb 2012 03:02 PM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia Siemens HSPA+ Multiflow lets one device connect to two cell sites simultaneously Posted: 20 Feb 2012 02:38 PM PST  Nokia Siemens Networks delivers faster, more flexible 4G (HSPA+) Presents first ever demo of HSPA+ Multiflow on commercial infrastructure equipment, delivering up to double the cell edge data speed Operators will be able to offer enhanced mobile broadband with a new feature for HSPA+ networks from Nokia Siemens Networks and Qualcomm*. Known as HSPA+ Multiflow, it allows devices located close to the edge of a mobile base station's cell to connect with a second base station serving a neighboring cell. The 'Multiflow' name refers to the two different paths data can then take to reach a device. The feature makes far more efficient use of network resources, delivering up to double the data speed and up to 50% faster response compared to existing HSPA+ networks. A live demonstration** at Mobile World Congress 2012 of the feature will be based on Nokia Siemens Networks' commercial Single RAN offering and Qualcomm's prototype USB dongles. "With 100 million smart devices being added every month, we see a consequent increase in 'smart' applications that make use of their advanced capabilities. Not only is network traffic rising dramatically, much of it is also unpredictable in nature, and this can impact user experience," said Keith Sutton, head of the WCDMA business line for Nokia Siemens Networks. "This is where HSPA+ Multiflow helps operators – it reduces imbalances that typically occur in network resource usage, and increases HSPA+ speed and capacity." HSPA+ Multiflow enables simultaneous transmission of two data streams from base stations in two adjacent cells to a single user device instead of one data stream from one base station as is the case with HSPA+*** today. Overall, this can up to double throughput (data speeds) for users at cell edge. Due to Nokia Siemens Networks' highly scalable Single RAN equipment, operators can protect their earlier network investments, by evolving their existing HSPA networks to the new technology with a simple software upgrade. "We are working with Nokia Siemens Networks to drive the evolution and deployment of technologies like HSPA+," said Serge Willenegger, vice president of product management at Qualcomm. "This demonstration confirms that HSPA+ Multiflow will enable us to further enhance the HSPA+ mobile broadband user experience, and is thus a valuable contribution toward enhancing the HSPA+ value proposition and further expanding global mobile broadband coverage." The HSPA+ Multiflow feature is expected to be 3GPP standardized**** by mid 2012, and will be available commercially from Nokia Siemens Networks by second half of 2013. To share your thoughts on the topic, join the discussion on Twitter using #MWC12, #HSPA+ and #mobilebroadband. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Must See HDTV (February 20th - 26th) Posted: 20 Feb 2012 02:09 PM PST  Fringe We've completely lost count of the alternate universes and timelines at play in Fox's show at this point, but for sci-fi on network TV there aren't a lot of other options. The winter finale is this week and we're pretty sure Walter will say something funny, Pacey/Peter will figure something out at the last second and odds are 50/50 one of the Olivias will shoot someone. (February 24th, Fox, 9PM) NBA All-Star Weekend / Linsanity The Jeremy Lin movement enters its third week and shows little sign of slowing down. Sure the New york Knicks point guard finally lost a game, but he put up some monster stats against the defending NBA champs over the weekend, and has already seen his name penciled in to Friday night's Rising Stars game as a result. It's a toss up over which game is more anticipated, that one or the main ASG Sunday -- or is it the Lin vs. LeBron showdown Thursday night? (All Weekend, TNT) Academy Awards The 84th Annual Academy Awards take place Sunday night and we're figuring this will takes its place on the list of Twitter/TV events, so either work on your @Tront style jokes or just plan to do something else for a few hours. We'll be watching to see who walks away with the Best Picture statue. (February 26th, ABC, 8:30PM) Blu-ray & Games
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| Apple patent shows designs for more accurate water damage sensors Posted: 20 Feb 2012 01:41 PM PST  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM Posted: 20 Feb 2012 01:15 PM PST  It's Monday, and almost as regular an occurrence as the day itself, we're here to help by letting you listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat as you listen in. BBC 3D London Olympics plans include one live sporting event, daily highlights Premium cable TV comes to XBMC, GoodPlayer and more via InfiniTV 4 tuner Boxee and the NCTA debate if ClearQAM is good for us March Madness streams to more platforms in 2012, but not everything is free Blockbuster On Demand pulls back from TiVo and others, is it on its way out? HBO Go rolls out to most Samsung Smart HDTVs -- but not through all providers Xbox 360 system update gets its colors in order, makes it mandatory Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC? Comcast slows the flood of video customer losses in Q4 2011 Time Warner Cable's TWC TV launches for PC, brings live TV streaming to the desktop Aereo puts TV antennas in the cloud, streams OTA broadcasts on the internet Onkyo debuts new entry level receivers, HTIBs for 2012 Must See HDTV (February 20th - 26th) Online video chat by Ustream
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 20 Feb 2012 12:59 PM PST  There was quite a stir sparked last week when it was revealed that Google was exploiting a loophole in a Apple's Safari browser to track users through web ads, and that has now prompted a response from Microsoft's Internet Explorer team, who unsurprisingly turned their attention to their own browser. In an official blog post today, they revealed that Google is indeed bypassing privacy settings in IE as well, although that's only part of the story (more on that later). As Microsoft explains at some length, Google took advantage of what it describes as a "nuance" in the P3P specification, which effectively allowed it to bypass a user's privacy settings and track them using cookies -- a different method than that used in the case of Safari, but one that ultimately has the same goal. Microsoft says it's contacted Google about the matter, but it's offering a solution of its own in the meantime. It'll require you to first upgrade to Internet Explorer 9 if you haven't already, then install a Tracking Protection List that will completely block any such attempts by Google -- details on it can be found at the source link below.As ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley notes, however, Google isn't the only company that was discovered to be taking advantage of the P3P loophole. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's CyLab say they alerted Microsoft to the vulnerability in 2010, and just two days ago the director of the lab, Lorrie Faith Cranor, wrote about about the issue again on the TAP blog (sponsored by Microsoft, incidentally), detailing how Facebook and others also skirt IE's ability to block cookies. Indeed, Facebook readily admits on its site that it does not have a P3P policy, explaining that the standard is "out of date and does not reflect technologies that are currently in use on the web," and that "most websites" also don't currently have P3P policies. On that matter, Microsoft said in a statement to Foley that the "IE team is looking into the reports about Facebook," but that it has "no additional information to share at this time." Update: Google's Senior Vice President of Communications and Policy, Rachel Whetstone has now issued a statement in response to Microsoft's blog post. It can be found in full after the break.
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| Ceton officially drops the InfiniTV 4 price to $199 Posted: 20 Feb 2012 12:37 PM PST 
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| Lenovo IdeaPad U300e Ultrabook available now, pricier than we thought Posted: 20 Feb 2012 12:16 PM PST  Back when we first quietly met the IdeaPad U300e at CES, we were told it'd be carrying a $799 price tag; but contrary to that statement, Lenovo's put the 13.3-inch Ultrabook up for grabs starting at $959 on its site. That near-grand amount will get you Intel's Core i5-2476m CPU and HD3000 graphics, 4GB of RAM, a hybrid drive (32GB SSD mixed with 500GB HDD), as well as a Premium copy of Windows 7. More importantly, the machine wouldn't gracefully fall under the "Ultra" category if it wasn't flaunting a relatively slim form factor, in which it tightly squeezes through the standards at 0.7-inches in thickness. It's also about half a pound heavier than its pricier, better specced sibling. Need some additional visuals to decide if it's worth adding to your cart? Be sure to check out our photo gallery here. |
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