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Saturday, March 24, 2012

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Chrome OS coming to ARM?

Posted: 24 Mar 2012 11:36 AM PDT

ImageMany moons ago, Google made it quite clear we wouldn't be seeing its browser-based OS on any tablets or phones, but it never said Chrome OS wouldn't run on devices powered by similar silicon. In fact, the issues tracker at the Chromium OS project shows that work's being done to get Chrome OS compatible with ARM architecture, and in particular a Samsung Exynos 5250 chip. That Sammy silicon appears to be inside a new bit of hardware, codenamed "Daisy," but deeper digging failed to provide further details about the mystery device. While it certainly seems like Google's working on a new ARM-powered gadget, it's important to note that the Chromium project functions largely via user contributions, so the work might not be directed by Mountain View. You don't have to take our word for it, though. Head on down to the source link to see the evidence first hand, and feel free to form your own opinion.

Apogee MiC review

Posted: 24 Mar 2012 10:00 AM PDT

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It's no secret that a few of us here at Engadget HQ have an affinity for mobile recording tech. Perhaps you could blame some of our fledgling amateur music careers, but at any rate, we love to get our hands on tech that allows us to lay down tracks on-the-go. It's also no surprise that Apogee would offer up another product that would look to do just that. As a complement to the outfit's Jam guitar adapter, the Apogee MiC is the latest foray into mobile recording. Much like its guitar specific counterpart, the MiC is both iDevice and Mac compatible and its compact stature won't take up precious real estate in your travel pack. But, as you may expect, staying mobile comes at a premium. So, is the $249 price tag a deal breaker for the MiC? Is it a small price to pay for adding a solid microphone to your mobile recording setup? Journey on past the break to find out.
Apogee MiC review

Hardware

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The first thing we noticed about the MiC is how well built this piece of kit is. We were pleasantly surprised to find a durable, all-metal housing instead of a plastic frame like we encountered a few months back with the Jam. The same three-color LED status indicator makes its home on the face of the mic, telling us when the tech was connected but not quite ready, go-to-go or that the input level was too darn high. Aside from that, there weren't any other discoveries, as the peripheral is pretty straightforward in terms of design. On the microphone's right side, lies the lone on-board control: a gain dial for monitoring input levels and a feature also present on the guitar tech. While the left side is bare of any added controls, the USB / iOS connector finds its home on the base and is the sole output.

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Naturally, inside the sturdy metal exterior is the real heart of the matter. The MiC is of the studio-grade, cardioid condenser sort and features 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion at 44.1 / 48kHz. It also makes use of a PureDIGITAL connection tech to cut down on unwanted noise when capturing either vocals or acoustic instruments. This ended up being a nice touch, as we never encountered any unwanted sounds in the captured tracks (more on that later). You won't find a battery compartment either, as the device is powered by either your iPad / iPhone or via the USB of your computer. Yeah, we know. Marathon recording sessions won't happen with iDevices, since charging-while-tracking isn't an option. However, you're sure to get a solid couple of hours in which will be ample time for most tasks.

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While the gain control is definitely a useful feature, we would have loved to see a built-in mute switch as well. Sure, we're aware that this is a device meant to be as lean as possible without sacrificing audio quality, but the inclusion of a small button for such said purpose wouldn't have completely thrown a wrench in things. Let's be honest, the inevitable coughing fit mid-podcast is bound to happen at some point, right?

If you're worried about toting around a microphone on top of everything else in your bag, that should be the least of your concerns here.


If you're worried about toting around a microphone on top of everything else in your bag, that should be the least of your concerns here. The Apogee MiC hits the tape at about 1.5 x 4.5 inches (38.1 x 114.3mm) and it's only about an inch and a half thick but still packs quite a punch. Not too shabby for a well-built mic capable of tracking vocals and your acoustic axe. Included in the box is a small tripod stand for desktop / tabletop use and both iOS and USB compatible cables. None of these items will take up too much space in the ol' backpack either -- honestly, the entire package could fit inside an acoustic guitar case. It rested nicely in ours, anyway.

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Think you may need some extra tools to get the job done? Well, the outfit also has a MiC Stand Adapter for use with any stand that you may have lying around. If the 0.5m cables are just too short for your comfort, a duo of 3m cables are available for purchase as well for an extra $20. We made use of both the longer cables and the clip during our tests and found them quite useful in some scenarios -- like using a mic stand to record vocals while standing. And if you just have to have a dedicated carrying case for the entire kit, one will soon be available. No exact arrival date or pricing has been announced for the case or the stand adapter as of yet, though.

Software

As with the Jam, Apogee recommends that you use GarageBand when recording on your iPad or iPhone. We weren't in too much of a hurry to venture elsewhere, as the plug-and-play (er, record) type setup that we encountered with the guitar adapter was the experience here as well. Sure, GarageBand will work just fine on the desktop (or laptop for that matter) side and that's what we used for review purposes. However, Apogee promises that Logic Pro, MainStage, Pro Tools (version 9 or higher) or any other Core Audio software will play nice with the MiC. Chances are, if you're recording in your studio or office, you may already have invested in one or more of these trusty applications. This will of course make the initial investment a bit easier on your piggy bank.

General use and sound quality

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Recorded using GarageBand on OS X 10.6.8, with no editing or post-processing.

Like we mentioned before, setup for this bad boy is a breeze. If you have the requisite software already installed, the MiC is ready to capture as soon as you can unbox it and connect the necessary cables. Of course, you'll have to do some fine-tuning inside the application of choice. However, connecting the microphone and getting it ready to capture those vocal chops or folky guitar licks can be done in just a few moments. For the audio sample above, we positioned the MiC about two feet away from our Washburn acoustic and carefully adjusted the on-board gain dial to insure proper input levels. This was the only adjustment we made, though, and what you hear was tracked with a flat EQ and no editing or tweaks made post-recording.

Immediately, we noticed the clarity of the MiC and picking up exactly what we intended it to. Though the A/C was running in the office we recorded in, the microphone only picked up a smidge of ambient noise that wasn't coming from our D10SCE guitar. The overall warmth of the instrument was captured nicely and string noise was welcomed while remaining super clear. Speaking of clarity, we never really had an issue with muddy sounds so long as our input level remained at a proper setting. Our only really gripe with the sound quality is the overall range of tones. While treating highs and mids like kings, we would like to hear a tad bit more bass in the raw recordings. Sure, we can adjust those things later on, but for recording instruments while traveling down the highway or minimal podcast setting, we would prefer a bit more low end. Don't get us wrong, though, the sound quality here is great but bumping up the lows a few ticks would be icing on the cake.

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We captured both vocals (read: someone talking, no Chris Cornell-esque pipes here) and the aforementioned axe with both an iPad to test the Apogee microphone out. As with any recorded track, the tunes will need to be tweaked a bit post-production. But again, we thought that the sound quality was great of the raw recordings -- especially for a more mobile-worthy kit. Of course, this is our ideal use for the device but it is well-suited for studio use as well, if you don't mind the connection options. We also used the MiC for some light podcasting duties with a MacBook Pro and found it to work quite well there too. Its small size would make it useful when traveling and you're looking to pack as few extras as possible. You know, when you'd rather not pack that Yeti Pro. However, we have to mention here again the lack of a mute switch. Its absence is most noticeable in this sort of live situation where you don't really have the luxury of a second take.

The competition

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Here's where we'll discuss the real cost of purchasing the Apogee MiC: how hard it'll hit the ol' wallet. Priced at $249, this is a pretty steep investment for something that you may only use while on the road. Not only the upfront cost, but if you're currently rolling without any mobile recording software, you'll have to drop some extra coin for that as well -- perhaps a decent amount if you find that GarageBand doesn't suit your needs. So let's take a look at some other options.

Not only the upfront cost, but if you're currently rolling without any mobile recording software, you'll have to drop some extra coin for that as well.


In the USB game, the first name that comes to mind is Blue Microphones. Even though sub-$100 USB mics abound, for the sake of comparison here, we're going to limit ourselves to the Yeti (note: not the Yeti Pro), Snowball and the upcoming Spark Digital. If you're mostly desktop / in-studio recording or podcasting, you could opt for the regular Yeti for $149, saving you about $100 over the Apogee MiC -- though it is much larger and a few stones heavier. The Yeti only features USB connectivity, so connecting to your Apple slate right out of the box isn't an option here, but it is both Mac and PC compatible. While the Snowball is iPad compatible, the $100 offering is definitely more suited for your weekly podcast or Skype calls; however, it can be used to capture your best Jack White impersonation should you so choose.

And then there's the recently announced Spark Digital. Sporting both USB and iPad compatibility, this Blue Mic also offers a studio caliber condenser for both voice and acoustic instrument recording. You'll find a MiC-esque gain control on the Spark's exterior as well. But, more than that, a built-in headphone out for monitoring, volume control and instant mute come standard too. This option will set you back $199 and includes a desk stand with built-in shockmount, all the requisite cables and a six month trial of SoundCloud Pro paired with Gobbler access. What's the hold up here? It's not on shelves yet and there's no definite arrival date. Bummer.

Wrap-up

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There's no doubt that the Apogee MiC is a more than capable piece of recording equipment. Its sound quality is great for such a compact tracking peripheral and the ability to connect to an iPad / iPhone or firmly planted desktops are both great features. However, it is expensive. A little too expensive? That really depends on the size of your recording budget and your level of commitment. As for us, we'd like a few more built-in options on the microphone's exterior to make the ease of use that much better. And, it wouldn't hurt to throw in some kind of software that can be fired up as soon as the cables are connected, especially after shelling out over two hundred bones. If you're not in any hurry, you may consider waiting on the Spark Digital. While we can't speak on its sound quality yet, the lower price tag and additional on-board features should draw some consideration. However, if you're looking to record while you're on that excursion this summer via your shiny new Apple slate, the Apogee MiC will serve you well -- if you don't mind parting with $250 for the mic alone.

RIM putting BlackBerry 10 test units in developers' hands in May

Posted: 24 Mar 2012 08:36 AM PDT

It's telling, perhaps, when a VP for your company uses the word "finally" while discussing plans to release test models for your upcoming mobile operating system -- but it's certainly a pretty accurate sentiment when dealing BlackBerry 10. Talking up RIM's plans to release up to 2,000 prototypes running the OS at the BlackBerry Jam conference in May, executive Alec Saunders had this to say: "It's tangible evidence of the company making progress to finally shipping the device." Barring any further setbacks, the operating system formerly known as BBX is set to hit before year's end.

[Thanks, Neil]

Chevrolet replacing 120-volt power cords on most Volt automobiles

Posted: 24 Mar 2012 05:43 AM PDT

ImageIf you're one of the 10,000 or so folks who pay insurance on a Chevrolet Volt, you may have a new cable coming your way. According to The Detroit News and Yahoo! Autos, General Motors will soon be sending out replacement 120-volt charging cords for Volt automobiles, which are said to "offer some more consistency in charging," while also making it more durable. We're told that some of the newfangled chargers have shipped with recent Volts, but the majority of customers were sent home with the older model. Of note, GM won't be swapping out any of those optional 240-volt cords, and the company won't consider this a recall or safety issue. As for getting your replacement? Owners are slated to be notified directly in the "next few weeks."

Epic Mickey 2 controllers invoke the power of the brush, are made for you and me

Posted: 24 Mar 2012 03:28 AM PDT

Do you like your M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E with a side of eXtreme? So do the developers at Junction Point, which is why a sequel to the mouse's first Epic is on its way. But the impending release of that title's not all grown-up Mouseketeers-cum-gamers have to look forward to, as two special WiiMote peripherals are also apparently on deck. Shown off at a preview event for Epic Mickey 2, the prototype accessories are made to mimic in-game "weapons," like Oswald's controller and Mickey's paintbrush. The designs aren't final, but as you'll see in the source below, they should make for an excellent addition to any diehard's Disneyana collection.

Huawei Fusion arrives hits AT&T's GoPhone lineup, prepaid Gingerbread for $125

Posted: 24 Mar 2012 01:17 AM PDT

Hey, not everyone needs a bunch-of-core superphone tied down to a two-year contract, so it's always nice to have some solid prepaid options, right? If you shook your head yes to that, you'll be pleased to know that AT&T's just added the Android Gingerbread-loaded Huawei Fusion to its GoPhone lineup. The device features a 3.5-inch (320 x 480) display up front, while on back there's a 3.2-megapixel shooter. Other goodies include Bluetooth 2.1, FM radio functionality and support for up to 32GB of storage via MicroSD. If you're still nodding your noggin, the Fusion and its (essentially) utilitarian specs can be yours for the keeping, sans contractual commitment, for just $125. You'll find more info at the links below.

NVIDIA CEO suggests Kepler GPUs could be headed to future 'superphones'

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 10:54 PM PDT

NVIDIA looking for a piece of next-generation smartphones shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone, but CEO Jen-Hsun Huang dropped a few details in a recent email to staffers that's sure to spur at least a little excitement. As AnandTech reports, in addition to marking the launch of the company's new Kepler-based GeForce GTX 680 graphics card, he also looked towards future possibilities for the GPU, noting that "today is just the beginning of Kepler," and that "because of its super energy-efficient architecture, we will extend GPUs into datacenters, to super thin notebooks, to superphones." Not surprisingly, that's about as specific as things got as far as mobile devices are concerned, with no mention whatsoever as to when we might see such Kepler-based "superphones."

Motorola Connected Home Gateway home automation all-in-one hits the FCC with Verizon tags

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 08:33 PM PDT

We first got our eyes on Motorola's Connected Home Gateway home automation box during CES 2012, and now that it's passed through the FCC it should be ready to do its all-in-one magic in real consumer's homes sometime soon. What makes this device special is its ability to speak more than one of the various wireless home control protocols currently in use, easily connecting to, controlling and spitting out macros to make multiple things happen with a minimum of user interference or setup. Want to dim the lights, lower the temperature and turn on security cams as soon as you step outside your door? It can do that. This will all be a part of Verizon's Z-wave based Home Monitoring and Control system at some point, if you're still wondering what possibilities are out there, check out our CES demo video embedded after the break.

Permoveh personal vehicle prototype can travel sideways, diagonally (video)

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 06:58 PM PDT

We've seen all sorts of great ideas to assist with personal mobility, and we think this prototype is up there with the rest of them. The Permoveh (from Personal Mobile Vehicle) was developed by Komori Masaharu, an associate professor from Kyoto University. Using a clever wheel-in-wheel system, the buggy can travel diagonally and laterally, with no need for turning space. The idea allows wheelchair users access to places that otherwise might have been too difficult with existing vehicles. Sadly we don't know whether we'll see this in production any time soon, but if you head on over the break, you'll see its creator showing off its moves.

US Army debuts app marketplace prototype: iOS first, Android coming soon

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 05:33 PM PDT

The promise of an Army app store has been bandied about for quite a while now, but it looks like it's slowly becoming a reality. The US Army has today officially announced a prototype of the Army Software Marketplace, a web-based app store that currently includes twelve different training apps that have been approved for Army-wide use. That includes just iOS apps initially, but the Army promises that it will soon include apps for Android devices as well. It's also of course looking to expand considerably beyond those dozen odd apps, noting that the prototype is just "a first step in establishing and exercising new submission and approval processes that will eventually enable Army members, organizations and third-party developers to release applications for Army-wide distribution." And you thought the approval process for some of the current app stores was stringent.

[Thanks, Souheil]

FCC Fridays: March 23, 2012

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 04:00 PM PDT

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We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!
PhonesTablets and peripherals

Xbox 360's Comcast Xfinity TV app in beta testing, won't count against data caps when it launches

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 02:33 PM PDT

We're still waiting for the Comcast Xfinity TV app to appear on our Xbox 360 dashboards, but word is its beta tests have expanded to cover more Microsoft and Comcast employees, and it could launch as soon as the next week or so. In case you're wonder exactly what its capabilities will be when it will arrives, a post over at AVSForum points out a support page that's already live and details both the requirements for service and content available. Customers that have Xbox Live Gold and both internet and video services from Comcast will be able to log into the app with their ID and view video on-demand (no live TV) including free videos, national broadcasters and premium channels. That includes access to HBO Go (which will already have an app) and additional content from Max Go, as well as other premium stations -- basically the same lineup currently available on the Xfinity website. Also notable is confirmation that the cross-provider content search Microsoft is so proud of will apply here, and that any video viewed through the app won't count against those 250GB data caps Comcast has in place. Hit the link below for all the answers currently available, we'll wait until its actually launched to try out the promised Kinect voice and gesture control features.

[Thanks, Tyler]

Rdio inks deal to license UK music, but doesn't offer up a visit date

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 02:01 PM PDT


One of those other music subscription services has inched towards British shores, announcing a licensing deal with PRS for Music, a not-for-profit organization representing around 85,000 songwriters and music publishers. The San Francisco-made music service has already launched across Europe, the US and Brazil, but still remains out of reach for Brits. While it's far from a confirmation of intent, the service might have plans to jump across to the land of royalty, Rich Tea biscuits and RPattz pretty soon.

Apple updates iTunes Movie Trailers app, lets your Retina watch high-res teasers

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 01:25 PM PDT

Following in the steps of apps like Kindle, Evernote, Vimeo and most recently Netflix, Apple's Movie Trailers app has been on the receiving end of a Retina-friendly refresh. Version 1.1 doesn't reveal any other changes besides the 2048 x 1536 compatibility, which should be more than enough reasons to make you a happy camper. Now you'll be able to drool over The Avengers teaser over and over in 1080p -- a well-deserved retreat after flicking through your stack of CMX-HD books. The resolutionary app is up for grabs now, and you can get it straight from your shiny new iPad or via the source link below.

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast at 5PM ET, with special guest Sascha Segan!

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 01:01 PM PDT

We enjoy having special guests on the podcast from time to time, because it's nice to get a unique perspective on some of the latest happenings in the world of mobile. And we think you'll be happy with this week's honored selection, PCMag.com's very own Sascha Segan. So join us as we welcome him onto the show and discuss the hot topics (Heatgate?) -- and maybe a few cold ones (Ice Cream Sandwich?) -- and all the lukewarm stuff in the middle. Who knows, it could get pretty crazy. Join us at 5PM ET!

March 23, 2012 5:00 PM EDT

MOG opens its doors to Windows with new desktop application

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 12:46 PM PDT

Been aching to get your MOG on, now that music streaming service is all over the news, after all that acquisition talk? The proposition just got a bit easier with the introduction of a new application for Windows. The desktop-bound version of the service features built-in AirPlay support, a native audio decoder and a UI that should prove familiar to browser-based users. To get the Windows version like the blue fuzzy fellow above (or the boring old Mac app), click the source link below.

Insert Coin: Galileo, the remote control camera from the men behind the Gorillapod

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 12:33 PM PDT

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
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FaceTime conversations always commence with "left a bit, no, up a bit, no no, that's too far..." as we balance our iOS handsets to find a flattering angle. Gorillapod designers Josh Guyot and JoeBen Bevirt want to put an end to it with Galileo, a 360 degree motorized remote-control base for your iPhone or iPod Touch. If your buddy moves out of frame, just swipe in their direction and it'll pan around to follow. Designed as a video conferencing tool, it would also be useful as a baby monitor, remote camera or for clever photography projects. You'll also find a universal 1/4" tripod mount screw, rechargeable lithium polymer battery and it'll double as a dock when not in use. The project has currently reached $10,093 of its $100,000 goal, with the pre-order price of one of the units pegged at $85. If you'd care to see it in action, we'd suggest taking a trip downtown past the break.

[Thanks, Max]


Previous project update: Tabber's still got 27 days to reach its funding goal, which is good because funding currently stands at a measly $4,331.

Engadget Podcast 286 - 03.23.2012

Posted: 23 Mar 2012 12:08 PM PDT

We'd normally use this space to give you a little insight into what might happen on this week's edition of the Engadget Podcast but if you're reading this, you probably already know, and Tim's not around this week to tell us how to run things, so we'll just go ahead and do the practical thing here and try to attract a couple new demographics by telling you that this episode of the Engadget Podcast is the perfect companion to waiting in line for The Hunger Games alone after school at the mall for an hour and change.

Host: Brian Heater
Guests: Terrence O'Brien, Billy Steele
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Orbital - Never

00:06:15 - iPad review (2012)
00:15:50 - Apple touts three million new iPads sold since launch
00:22:00 - Apple: don't worry about hot iPad reports, it's cool
00:28:00 - Apple announces dividend and share repurchase program for 2012, expects to spend $45 billion over three years
00:32:44 - Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 preview (video)
00:40:25 - Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (Verizon Wireless LTE)
00:48:21 - Wacom Intuos5 touch review
00:53:45 - Samsung Rugby Smart review
00:59:30 - Angry Birds Space now available for download, pigs will fly
01:03:50 - Listener questions

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