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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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ViaSat Exede review

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Broadband in the boonies has long been an unreasonable ask. As slack-jawed farmers are fond of telling lost tourists "Ya can't get there from here," broadband-starved country bumpkins have heard from cable companies, "We don't offer service in that location." Options have been few, like paying said cable company thousands to run some copper a few miles down the road, or making a second mortgage payment for a dedicated T3 line.

Over the years satellite internet has been offered as an alternative for broadband in places where bears do their business, but as we've seen it's never really worked. Bandwidth has been low, latency high and pricing on the tall side of average have made services like WildBlue and HughesNet untenable to all but the most dedicated wilderness lovers.

Now a new player approaches, and the offerings certainly sound compelling. It's called Exede from ViaSat and it promises speeds of up to 12Mbps down and 3Mbps up -- comparable to your average household "broadband" connection. However, with monthly fees ranging from $50 to $130 depending on how much data you need, this has the potential to be considerably more costly. Worth it? Put on your best pair of overalls then click on through to find out.
ViaSat Exede review

Hardware

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Usage of satellite services necessarily requires a receiving dish to catch all that internet that's streaming down from space, and such is the case here. The Exede service relies on a 28-inch dish that can be mounted in a variety of ways. Typically it'd go on the side or roof of a home, but it can be positioned on a pole sunk in concrete if circumstances allow. For the purposes of our testing we opted for a temporary mount on the roof.

The modem features obnoxiously bright blue LEDs that will ensure you can safely traverse your entire house at 2am without relying on a single nightlight.

What you will need is clear sky pointing to the south (246 degrees at a 46-degree elevation, to be precise) but, despite the testing taking place at a home in a densely wooded lot, ViaSat's technicians were able to spot a gap in the trees and make the data flow. From there a coax cable runs to a modem positioned in your home. It's made of black plastic and is reasonably sized, but features obnoxiously bright blue LEDs that will ensure you can safely traverse your entire house at 2am without relying on a single nightlight. Anyone who hates blinkenlights will be reaching for a healthy roll of electrical tape after powering this up.

The modem has Ethernet and USB connectivity for piping into some other network hardware or, if you must, directly to a PC. We did most of our testing connected to a Netgear N750 router, and we'd definitely recommend you use something similar to aggregate the signal and keep your private infos hidden behind a firewall.

And of course make sure you lock that wireless signal down with some sort of protection system. Bandwidth thieves live in the country, too, and with the rigid usage caps here you'll want to make sure your flow of data is kept under lock and key.

Performance

ViaSat Exede
We'll get right to the important numbers. As mentioned above ViaSat advertises "up to" 12Mbps down and 3Mbps up. We actually managed to best that in testing a few times -- on the down side, at least. Over the course of a weeks-long trial we naturally ran countless speed tests and a few clocked in as high as 14Mbps down. Those were rare, though, with average speeds falling in the 5 to 8Mbps range. Upload speeds averaged 1.8Mbps.

Those are fairly respectable numbers in the grand scheme of things, but a serious internet user will know there's one more statistic that's vitally important when it comes to online satisfaction: latency. This is the measurement of how long it actually takes your request to actually make it out to the internet and back, and it's where Exede necessarily stumbles compared to terrestrial-based options. Typical latency was in the 700 - 800ms range, figures that are upwards of ten times greater than your average cable or DSL broadband connection.

This is most noticeable when you're frantically Googling for something, clicking on a bunch of links in search of this, that or some other bit of random trivia. With each click you're looking at nearly a second's delay before anything really happens, and rapid-fire web surfing can be a frustrating experience.

That said, after a few days of exclusive use we almost got used to it. Stick with this for long enough and you won't mind that pages take longer to appear than they did back in the Internet Explorer 3.0 days. But, should you get a taste of lower-latency surfing elsewhere, you'll quickly feel constrained again.

Exede offers fairly respectable download and upload figures, but a serious internet user will know there's one more statistic that's vitally important when it comes to online satisfaction: latency.

Stepping away from frantic online activities, we found Exede to be more than serviceable. Netflix movies streamed in HD without complaint, though they did take a little longer to buffer at the outset. Large file downloads and uploads hummed along without a problem and anything that doesn't require a lot of back-and-forth network traffic was more than respectably quick. Even VoIP chats on Skype and the like sounded fine, though you'll definitely notice that latency.

There is, however, one thing that simply won't fly here, and that's gaming. If you're a gamer and you're looking to play anything faster-paced than online chess you won't be satisfied here. Any sort of action game won't be playable through the cloud. We couldn't even get Xbox Live titles to let us into an online match of any kind, and that was probably for the best.

As far as availability goes, we had a particularly mild winter this year so we can't say for sure the direct impact inclement weather has on such a service, though we did manage to have one decent snowstorm during our testing. Performance was unaffected. That said, we did suffer a few outages over the course of our tests. Most were short, inside of an hour, with only one stretching for a few days. That was apparently due to a satellite system update gone awry, something we've been assured will never, ever happen again.

Pricing and plans

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There are three levels of Exede pricing, all of which offer the same 12 down / 3 up maximum speeds, so they differ only in the size of the download cap. The $50 "Moderate" plan gives you 7.5GB of fun before cutting you off, "More" steps up to $80 and gives you 15GB while the "Most" you can get is 25GB for $130. You're also looking at a $10 monthly lease fee on top of any of those for the hardware, but if you plan on staying around for awhile you can pay $220 up front.

But wait, there's more. There's a $150 "one-time account setup fee," and it's worth noting that the above monthly prices all come with a fun 24 month contract. Everybody loves a good contract, but those looking at terminating early should be prepared to cough up an extra $15 per remaining month. There are no contract-free pricing options.

Now, you might be wondering just what happens when you cross into uncharted territory above your chosen bandwidth cap, and the answer is nothing... at first. You'll be allowed a little bit of leeway before the throttling begins. ViaSat says it may "severely slow, restrict, and / or suspend your service" depending on how far north of your limit you go. We're told the company won't be enforcing this too strictly, at least to begin with, but we're hoping the ability to purchase extra data each month is added. Even 25GB is rather light these days.

Wrap-up

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We can safely say that ViaSat's Exede service is not a one-to-one replacement for your average wired broadband service. The data caps are low, the prices are high and the latency is a deal-breaker for online gamers. Even so, that doesn't stop this from being a very impressive offering. If you aren't looking to set new online heights on Horde mode in Gears of War and have an modicum of patience for web surfing we think you'll find the service perfectly usable. In fact, we used it as our primary connection for a period of a few weeks and rarely found it wanting.

Of course, we weren't worrying about the data caps, and that's a luxury those who sign the next two years of their ISP independence away will not have. Anyone used to a wired internet connection will have to make some adjustments to their usage patterns to stay comfortable, and with Verizon launching its similarly-priced HomeFusion residential LTE service we'd hate to be locked in to a two-year contract. But, for the moment, Exede is finally a compelling source of high-speed connectivity for those who need to live out there.

Four HUBOs 'Come Together' for a Drexel Engineering MET-lab demo

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 10:43 AM PDT

Robot Beatles cover band? Check. Students at Drexel University's Music and Entertainment Technology Lab (MET-lab) have developed software that allows HUBO robots to create tunes following a musical score. The Roboband plays the song without human control during the performance -- a demo that combines humanoid tech and creative expression research. Four HUBOs jam the arrangement of the Beatles' "Come Together" by MET-lab student Matthew Prockup on Ringo's mini-kit and three "Hubophones." Drexel and seven other universities in the States are part of a humanoid research collaboration with KAIST, the designer of the HUBO robot.

Sprint LG Viper 4G goes on pre-order April 12 for $100, release date still TBA

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 10:24 AM PDT

Amazon Instant Video app for the PS3 brings both Prime subscriptions and VOD along

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 10:17 AM PDT

While Amazon has continued to grow both its video on-demand and all you can eat Prime Instant Video services content-wise, playback on the TV is still limited to relatively few devices. You can add a major one to the list however, since the app has just started popping up on the PlayStation 3, as pointed out above by Joystiq. While the Xbox 360 has always supported the downloadable files brought over from PCs since the days of Unbox, beyond the Roku boxes and a limited selection of Blu-ray Players and HDTVs, the PS3 is immediately the service's most widely available connected TV platform. If you're looking for it, it should pop up right below competitor Netflix under the video services tab the next time you power on your console.

Update: PlayStation.Blog has posted some official information, hit the link below or check out a video demo embedded after the break.


Show full PR text
AMAZON INSTANT VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE ON PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM
Customers can now stream Prime Instant Videos and rent or buy the latest movies and TV shows on PlayStation Network

Amazon.com, Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment LLC (SCEA) today announced the launch of the Amazon Instant Video app for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, as well as an agreement to prominently feature the app on all PlayStation 3 game systems in the U.S. This makes the PS3 system the first and only video game console system to offer Amazon Instant Video. Customers can access Amazon Instant Video on their PlayStation 3 system for free by installing the Amazon Instant Video app directly from the TV/Video Services category on the XMB (XrossMediaBar). The Amazon Instant Video app can also be found in the PlayStation Store, under the Media & Apps category. For more information on how to get started visit, www.amazon.com/instantvideo/ps3.

Starting today, Amazon Prime members can watch Prime Instant Videos on PlayStation Network, streamed directly to their PS3 system. In addition to receiving free two-day shipping on millions of items and access to thousands of books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, Prime members can instantly stream more than 17,000 TV shows and movies, all for just $79 a year. Prime Instant Videos include hit TV shows like Glee, Downton Abbey and Sons of Anarchy and classic movies such as Office Space, The Graduate and Brokeback Mountain. Non-Prime members can start their free one-month trial today.

The Amazon Instant Video app also offers more than 120,000 TV shows and movies to buy or rent, including the latest hit movies like The Descendants, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and War Horse and popular TV shows like Mad Men, Vampire Diaries and Justified. Plus, to celebrate the launch of the PS3 system app, Amazon is offering the first episode of more than 100 TV shows for free instant streaming to both Prime and non-Prime customers.

The Amazon Instant Video app is custom designed to harness the powerful entertainment capabilities of the PlayStation 3 system and provide customers with the best Amazon Instant Video experience to date including:
· Instant streaming of nearly 25,000 high-definition movies and TV shows that start and resume in just seconds.

· New smart lists such as Recently Watched, Next Episode and Personal Recommendations. These lists appear on the home screen of the PS3 system app and update dynamically based on what customers watch and buy. They make it easy for customers to find the next thing they want to watch-- start watching an episode where they left off, watch the next episode in a series and introduce them to new TV shows and movies that they will love.

· Whispersync lets customers seamlessly switch from one device to another. Start streaming a movie on Kindle Fire, then pick up right where you left off on your PS3 system - avoid the frustration of having to find your spot.

· Your Video Library gives customers access to purchases from Amazon Instant Video on the PlayStation 3 system or any of the hundreds of other devices enabled for Amazon Instant Video. For a list of compatible devices click here.


"PlayStation 3 is a powerful home entertainment system and is incredibly popular with our customers. Since the launch of Prime Instant Videos one of the top customer requests has been to provide customers with an app for PlayStation 3," said Bill Carr, VP of Video and Music. "Pushbutton, which we acquired specifically for their expertise in TV entertainment app development, has done a fantastic job of developing our best video app yet. We are excited to deliver the PS3 app to customers today."

"We're always looking for new ways to expand the digital entertainment offerings across PlayStation Network, and we're thrilled to be the first game console to deliver Amazon Instant Video to our community," said Jack Buser, senior director of PlayStation Digital Platforms, SCEA. "Working with Amazon is a prime example of our commitment to providing our community with a wealth of options so they can experience entertainment the way they want."

About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon's new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant color touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.


About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develop and markets the PlayStation®2 (PS2) computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system. SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994. PS2® system further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP® system is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3™ system is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors. PS Vita system is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Suite, a cross platform and cross device initiative. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Sony Computer Entertainment Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.

TomTom confirms leap year bug is affecting a 'limited number' of GPS devices

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 10:07 AM PDT

TomTom confirms leap year bug is affecting a 'limited number' of GPS devicesHas your TomTom GPS let you down over the past few days? Then it looks like the company may have pinpointed your problem. It confirmed today that a leap year bug is preventing at least some models from obtaining a GPS position -- something that has apparently been occurring since March 31st. Exactly which GPS devices are affected isn't clear, with TomTom only saying that a "limited number of models" have been experiencing the problem. Unfortunately, the company doesn't have a permanent fix just yet, but it says that a hard reset of the device will temporarily resolve the issue if you find yourself in a pinch. Instructions to do that can be found at the source link below (you can also sign up to be notified when the permanent fix is available).

Instagram for Android hands-on

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 09:40 AM PDT

By now, you've got to be familiar with Instagram. Sure, you may have never used the app, which until mere minutes ago had yet to make its way beyond iOS, but you've surely seen the results, in tweets, emails or littering your Facebook feed. And beginning this very moment, you can join in on the fun, even if you've never owned an Apple device. We took instantly to Instagram for Android -- the app offers an experience nearly identical to the iOS version, though the ability to capture and manipulate images on a larger device brought a unique twist to the wildly popular image manipulation experience.

We decided to start off our snaps with a Samsung Galaxy Note, which not only offers a brilliant 1280 x 800-pixel display, but also a 5.3-inch surface on which to frame images and preview filters. Beyond the enormous variety of capture tools now available, it seems that not much has changed -- your favorite filters are still there, making those smartphone shots glow just as brilliantly as before. And, if you happen to despise the Instagram effect, this would probably be a good time to take that long-planned holiday from social media -- if it hasn't already, your screen is about to explode with colorful perfect squares of image funk goodness.
Instagram for Android hands-on

Update: It appears that the Android version has yet to add the selective focus tool available in the iOS app. You can, however, brighten up the image and add or remove a frame.

LG LS831 goes back to FCC, reveals 5MP camera, Sprint intentions

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 09:34 AM PDT

Sprint's been kept pretty quiet on the Windows Phone front, but it looks like the Now Network is getting back into the game. Well, at least soon. The LG LS831 has made a return visit to the FCC, this time showing some visible hardware. That includes a Sprint-only 800MHz CDMA radio (with support for 1900 MHz), a front-facing camera and a 5-megapixel primary shooter on the back. Now that the FCC's given its nod of approval, we can start the guessing game for what Sprint will eventually christen the device.

Instagram comes to Android, available to download now

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 08:44 AM PDT

We've waiting for what feels like forever, but the Android contingent can finally carry on with life knowing that at least some things are (semi) fair. Yes, Instagram is now available for Android. Keeping with tradition, the app itself is free to download, and the outfit seems overjoyed with finishing up what it's (accurately) calling "one of the most anticipated releases on the Android platform to date." It's also clear that the team has done more than a simple port, and while the exact same filters will be found here as on the iOS version, the team has worked to make the app responsive and fluid on Android's vast landscape. We are told, however, that there are a few features that will not be included in the first version of the Android app (Tilt Shift / Blur, Share from Feed, Live Preview and Share to Flickr), but upcoming versions are intended to bridge any differences.

For now, any phone running Android 2.2 or above (with support for OpenGL ES 2) is compatible, but Android tablets are not. There's a maximum resolution support of 2,048 x 2,048, and the company assures us that the "exact same filters and algorithms are implemented on both [iOS and Android builds], so there is no difference in the output other than the raw image quality that differs between phones." Eager to get going? Head to Play on your device, or visit the source link below.

Update: Check out our hands-on!
Instagram for Android screenshots
Show full PR text
We have exciting news to share: We've launched Instagram for Android as a public download on the Google Play store. You can download the app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android.

We're excited for this launch because it is one of the most anticipated releases on the Android platform to date. As part of this excitement, we'd like to provide you with useful info to understand and cover the announcement. To help with this, we've created a Press Center: http://instagram.com/press. Here you'll find:

Screenshots & Logos for use in press
Instagram Statistics
In-depth questions & answers we anticipate
Product Info & Technical Specs


We've put an incredible amount of effort into this app to make a first-class experience for Android users everywhere – we hope you'll take a moment to download the app, review the press center and reach out with any questions you might have.

Google voting patent democratizes restaurant choices, Top Model eliminations

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 08:39 AM PDT

Let's imagine you're both fortunate enough to have nine friends and you want to take them all out to dinner... tonight! So you send them all an invitation message, but the restaurant you've picked offends half of them for some reason. You suggest something else, and the other half object, making it a drawn-out and painful process. Worse still is that all of the SMS cross-talk is going to eat into your plan unless everyone's signed up to ChatOn. Instead, wouldn't it be great if you could just text four options in a single text message and let good old-fashioned democracy work its plan-saving course? Well thanks to the patent that Google was granted today, perhaps in the future you'll be able to do exactly that. Just remember that if you always want to get your own way, make sure both your voting group and choices are heavily biased in your favor, you wouldn't want to get dragged out to the Cabbage Soup Shack by accident, would you?

Sony Xperia S, P and U to visit America, Brightstar to buy the tickets

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 08:05 AM PDT

Sony Xperia S, P and U to visit America, Brightstar to buy the tickets

Sony may be readying the Xperia Ion for US shores, but we haven't heard any news yet on whether the phone-maker's NXT family of phones will ever visit all those states. That's where Brightstar comes in. The wireless distributor has announced that it'll be offering up the Xperia S, P and U -- but hasn't yet offered up any concrete dates or specific markets. This means we may see the three Sony phone appearing on smaller, possibly lesser-known carriers -- Brightstar mentions its "regional and local expertise." The distributor's excitable press release is right below.

Show full PR text
Brightstar Brings Flagship Xperia Smartphones from Sony to the U.S.

MIAMI – April 2, 2012 – Brightstar Corp., the world's largest specialized wireless distributor and a global leader in services and solutions for the wireless industry announced today they will bring the newest Xperia™ smartphones from Sony to the U.S. market. Brightstar's ability to deliver to national and regional operators will ensure devices such as the highly anticipated Xperia NXT series including the Xperia S, Xperia P and Xperia U, will become available to consumers across the country in urban or rural markets.

Brightstar will provide Sony Mobile Communications with various services including forward logistics, programming, reverse logistics with warranty support and customized go-to-market solutions. The agreement will leverage Brightstar's regional and local expertise.

"We are thrilled to expand Sony Mobile Communications' presence in the U.S. with Brightstar, offering a broader range of our Xperia portfolio to consumers," said Paul Hamnett, President of Sony Mobile Communications, North America."

Sony is widely recognized as one of the most prominent entertainment technology brands worldwide, and the Xperia NXT series of devices meet the consumer needs for content integration, placing the smartphone at the center of the four screens they use the most: the television, tablet, computer and smartphone. The Xperia smartphones from Sony are expected to become available through Brightstar's extensive distribution channels this summer.

"Brightstar's ability to serve national and regional operators will enable Sony Mobile Communications to reach a wider audience with its Xperia smartphones," said Marcelo Claure, Chairman and CEO of Brightstar. "We look forward to bringing innovation across the country, especially to underserved communities."

Brightstar's North American distribution network leverages more than 450,000 square feet of warehouse facilities and provides support to tens of thousands of points of sale in the United States.

BlackBerry Mobile Fusion integrates RIM, iOS and Android device management

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 07:37 AM PDT

With iOS now offering business-friendly security features, the shift away from BlackBerry is well underway, and the transition hasn't exactly played out well for RIM. Now, the company even appears to be embracing the recently established competition, by launching BlackBerry Mobile Fusion. Beginning today, the new enterprise management tool will support not only BlackBerry devices and PlayBook tablets, but also Android and iOS tablets and smartphones, through the Universal Device Service. Business customers will be able to use Mobile Fusion to configure devices with email and calendar access, create groups, establish security policies, manage lost phones, detect rooting and jailbreaking, and even control roaming to help curb pricey fees. RIM is offering the service with a free 60-day trial, with full pricing info likely to roll out before that two-month e-taste dissolves. You'll find more details at the BlackBerry for Business Blog by clicking through to the source link below.

Motorola HS1101 and MBP2000PU Android Home Phones get examined, detailed by the FCC

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 07:04 AM PDT

We imagine that the vast majority of Android users have since abandoned or even eliminated landline service, but if you're still tethered to the grid at the homestead, your DECT cordless might as well be running Android. Motorola demonstrated such a concept at an event way back in 2010, and it now looks like the company may finally be readying a pair of production models, dubbed the HS1101 and MBP2000PU Android Home Phones. Based on published user manuals, both of the handsets appear to be virtually identical, with the exception of color scheme -- the HS1101 is covered in a glossy black finish, while the MBP2000PU is decked out in silver and white.

The WiFi-equipped handsets could be running Ice Cream Sandwich (based on a screenshot of the HS1101), and each include a 3.2-inch 400 x 240 LCD, a front-facing camera with video capture, stereo 1.5-watt speakers, microSD storage, along with micro-USB and a standard headphone port. Naturally, you'll be able to download apps (through SlideMe), while some selections, including an Aldiko e-book reader and a Digital Answer Machine come preloaded. Whether or not consumers ever plan to buy another cordless set remains to be seen, but if you're in the market, you might as well hang tight for a Motorola Android Home Phone. Both models have passed through the FCC, so the grueling wait for an ICS-powered DECT cordless may soon come to an end. Jump past the break for a closer look at both models, or hit up the source link to thumb through those meaty manuals.

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Scientists train Kinect to follow your tongue wagging

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 06:32 AM PDT

We've seen Microsoft's diverse little Xbox motion controller go on to do a heck of a lot more than the company ever indeed, but up to now, it hasn't really done much to capture the majesty that is the human tongue. Thankfully, a team of researchers at the University of Electro-Communications in Japan are working to right that wrong, developing a system that can detect tongue movements, using the relative positions of a user's eyes and nose. The feature has been demoed with an Asteroids-like shooting game -- stick out your tongue to fire and move it left or right to adjust your aim. The whole thing has some practical applications beyond just making people looking goofy on video -- scientists see it as a way to train the tongue for folks with speech and swallowing disorders, one that doesn't require an unhygienic tongue attachment. Don't worry, you don't have to attach anything to your mouth to watch the video after the break, either.

HTC One X and One S come to Orange, T-Mobile on Thursday

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 05:58 AM PDT

If you've already decided whether you're Team One X or Team One S, and live in the UK, then get ready to flex the plastic on Thursday. Both T-Mobile and Orange have announced that's the day you can pick one up in store and online (and even over the phone if that's how you roll.) Both networks are offering the One X for free if you don't mind paying £41 a month, or you can scoop up the One S for a slightly more reasonable £36 -- if you're okay with the smaller screen estate and number-of-core bragging rights. In the mean time, you'd best start brushing up on that new UI...

Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 05:23 AM PDT

If you thought your Sunbeam electric blanket or those Hello Kitty foot warmers were advanced pieces of kit, then you'd best divert your eyes from this story out of the UK. In an effort to eliminate the mess of power cables and extraneous batteries from a soldier's tech gear, one British company is currently experimenting with conductive fabrics as the basis for future military uniforms. The material is able to deliver power to any number of devices -- all from a single battery -- and also features a redundancy aspect, with the ability to reroute power should the fabric become torn or damaged. The company, known as Intelligent Textiles, recently received a £234,000 grant from the Ministry of Defense and hopes to begin field trials of its equipment next month. While these high tech uniforms may see a limited military issue by year's end, it's thought unlikely that the gear will become widespread until 2014 or beyond.

Report: Google TV coming to Europe in September

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 04:52 AM PDT

Report: Google TV coming to Europe in SeptemberSony is making some more definitive statements on its plans to bring Google TV across to Europe. According to financial paper, Les Échos, Sony France's marketing director said that two devices, a set-top box, priced at €200 ($266) and a Blu-ray player, selling for €300 ($399), will launch in France this September. The paper reports that it could launch across the UK, Spain and Germany at the same time. Sony's Stephane Labrousse added that remotes for the new devices would also include a dedicated Android Market Google Play button to access the Android progenitor's apps and media content. The Japanese manufacturer's own Music Unlimited service will also be baked inside. Phew. There's no word just yet on whether these are the older Intel-based models or the new, possibly cheaper, ARM range set to ship later this year. However, we expect to hear plenty more noise from Sony on its Smart TV intentions over the next few months.

Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi joint venture Japan Display fires up operations

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 04:28 AM PDT

The joint venture that is Japan Display agreed on its formalities back in November, and has now finally started operating. While Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi all have a 10 percent stake in the business, the main investment comes from the government-backed INCJ. The collaboration hopes to champion the middle- and small-sized display sector, and has around 6,200 employees, and ¥230 billion (about $2.8 billion) of capital to help it on its way. Now that the wheels are finally in motion, an announcement of its operational divisions, which include "Mobile Business" and "Automotive" hint at what we might expect from the business going forward. Assuming no one sells up that is.

Motorola now officially being investigated for abusing its patents in Europe

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 04:06 AM PDT

Motorola now officially being investigated for abusing its patents in EuropeBoth Apple and Microsoft have formally complained about Motorola's alleged abuse of "standards-essential" patents, and today the European Commission has been equally formal in starting an antitrust investigation into their claims. In fact, there'll be two separate investigations -- one to discover whether Motorola Mobility failed to honor its FRAND obligations when it sought injunctions against the sale of Apple and Microsoft products, and the other to assess whether Motorola has been unfair in the way it has offered to license its standard-essential patents. The authorities have given no clue as to how long this process could take, or what kind of punishments could be meted out at the end of it, but the (almost) Google-owned company is now certainly in for some tumult.
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European Commission - Press release

Antitrust: Commission opens proceedings against Motorola

Brussels, 03 April 2012 - The European Commission has opened two formal antitrust investigations against Motorola Mobility Inc. The Commission will assess whether Motorola has abusively, and in contravention of commitments it gave to standard setting organisations, used certain of its standard essential patents to distort competition in the Internal Market in breach of EU antitrust rules. The opening of proceedings means that the Commission will examine the cases as a matter of priority. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigations.

Following complaints by Apple and Microsoft, the Commission will investigate, in particular, whether by seeking and enforcing injunctions against Apple's and Microsoft's flagship products such as iPhone, iPad, Windows and Xbox on the basis of patents it had declared essential to produce standard-compliant products, Motorola has failed to honour its irrevocable commitments made to standard setting organisations. In these commitments, Motorola engaged to license those standard-essential patents on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. The Commission will examine whether Motorola's behaviour amounts to an abuse of a dominant market position prohibited by Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU).

In addition, the Commission will also assess the allegation by both Apple and Microsoft that Motorola offered unfair licensing conditions for its standard-essential patents in breach of Article 102 TFEU.

Background
In line with the Commission's guidelines on horizontal cooperation agreements (see IP/10/1702 and MEMO/10/676), standard setting organisations require the owners of patents that are essential for the implementation of a standard to commit to license these patents on fair reasonable and non-discriminatory ("FRAND") terms. This commitment serves to ensure effective access to standardised technology.

Motorola gave such FRAND commitments to the relevant standard setting organisations, when the second and third generation ("2G" and "3G") mobile and wireless telecommunications system standards, the H.264 video compression standard and the standards for wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies were adopted.

In order to guarantee undistorted competition and to reap the positive economic effects of standardisation it is important that FRAND commitments be fully honoured by the companies concerned.

On 30 January 2012, the Commission has opened proceedings against Samsung (see IP/12/89) in order to investigate whether Samsung has failed to honour a FRAND commitment in licensing negotiations, including by seeking injunctive relief before the courts of certain Member States in relation to standard essential patents.

On 13 February 2012, the Commission approved the acquisition of Motorola Mobility Inc. by Google (see IP/12/129), without prejudice to potential antitrust concerns related to the use of standard essential patents.
Article 102 TFEU prohibits the abuse of a dominant position which may affect trade and prevent or restrict competition. The implementation of this provision is defined in the Antitrust Regulation (Council Regulation No 1/2003) which can be applied by the Commission and by the national competition authorities and courts of EU Member States. Pursuant to Article 16 of that Regulation, national courts must avoid giving decisions which would conflict with a decision contemplated by the Commission in proceedings it has initiated.

The Commission has informed Motorola and the Member States' competition authorities that it has formally opened proceedings in this case.

Garmin Approach S3 golf watch provides assistance for 27,000 courses (video)

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 04:00 AM PDT

If you're looking for the latest dose of technology to compliment your time on the green, then take a gander at Garmin's Approach S3 golf watch. An upgrade from the Approach S1, this GPS-enabled gadget adds a touchscreen to the mix and now provides assistance for 27,000 courses across the globe. While it won't help with your swing, users will benefit from a wealth of location-based guidance such as layup distances, green overviews and precise yardages to the front, back and middle of the next green. The waterproof wristwatch offers eight hours of continuous battery life, and while its $350 retail price may deter some, it could be a wise investment should your game involve a friendly wager. Ready for more? Just hop the break for Garmin's promo video and the full PR.

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Garmin® Continues its Commitment to the Golf World with the Approach™ S3 Touchscreen GPS Golf Watch

OLATHE, Kan./April 3, 2012/Business Wire - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the Approach™ S3 touchscreen GPS golf watch – a stylish, rugged and waterproof, high-resolution glove-friendly touchcreen device that comes preloaded with 27,000 worldwide courses and counting, without subscriptions or fees. The Approach S3 is sleek enough to wear as a day to day timepiece and with features like Green View with manual pin positioning, distances to doglegs and layup points, customizable yardage points and digital scorecards golfers will have a "virtual" caddie with them during every stroke.

"With its new features, like the innovative Green View, digital scoring and design of the glove-friendly touchscreen, the Approach S3 creates a new advantage for golfers all over the world," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "It's light-weight, it includes a round timer to keep track of time played and the color options will make it a talking point on and off the course."

With the Approach S3, Garmin continues to make good on its promise toward free golf course information availability by offering 27,000 worldwide courses and counting. Golfers who find themselves travelling to unfamiliar courses throughout the world will have many of these courses available right out of the box. Garmin offers free course updates throughout the year that add new courses and make enhancements to the current lineup to help ensure accuracy. Just as courses change, so do the pin placements – with the new Green View feature golfers can see a true image of the current green and the flag can be adjusted for the current day's pin placement with the simple touch of the screen. As adjusted, it displays the distance to the pin, front and back of the green. To see the S3 in action, go to www.garmin.com/golf.

Weighing a mere two ounces, the Approach S3's high-resolution sunlight readable touchscreen display provides large, bright numbering so that it does not slow down the game. The Approach S3 even offers layup distances. Golfers can add custom points on the watch that they want to measure or zero in on hazards or obstacles that may affect their shot, and zoom in for a closer look at the green. With eight hours of playing time on one charge and lasting up to four weeks as a day to day timepiece the S3 makes it easy to charge its internal battery. Its custom charging cradle is a small magnetic clip that fastens to the S3 with ease and can be set down with the peace of mind that it will be ready, with a full charge, to take to the course the following morning.

Keeping track of a player's score throughout the round is made simple with the Approach S3. Golfers can review their scores right on the device, or download and access a printable version of their own round on their computer. Scoring options include Stroke Play and Stableford.

The new Approach S3 is expected to be available in April 2012 and will have a suggested retail price of $349.99. The S3 will be available in both golf white with red trim and black with gray trim options and gives users the power to select between white or black background colors. Approach S3 is the latest solution from Garmin's growing outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users' outdoor experiences. Whether it's Golfing, Hiking, Hunting or Geocaching, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiast of all levels. For more information about Garmin's other outdoor products and services, go to http://www.garmin.com/us/products/onthetrail/, www.garmin.blogs.com and http://twitter.com/garmin.

NTT, Sharp, Gainax make a Japan-only Neon Genesis Evangelion phone, get your plane tickets now

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 03:31 AM PDT

If someone offered you the chance to buy a Neon Genesis Evangelion NERV-branded phone, you'd jump at it right? After all, there's nothing better than pretending you live under constant threat of alien attack, or that the teenage clone of your dead mother could turn into a giant and... moving on. Sharp, NTT DoCoMo and Gainax teamed up to produce this SH-O6D with a custom case, new hardware buttons and a (as yet unfinished) skinned version of Gingerbread that resembles the readouts you're likely to see in the depths of Tokyo-3. See America? This is how you appeal to fans, by making the tiniest amount of extra effort, rather than just slapping a logo on the bottom of whatever regular handset you're selling.

Dropcam HD WiFi monitoring camera now shipping for $149

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 03:00 AM PDT

We've had the opportunity to spend time with an early version of the Dropcam HD WiFi monitoring camera prior to its CES unveiling, and now the company is finally ready to get the product out to the masses. Starting today, the bantam security camera is shipping from the outfit's site for $149, with that tally netting you a USB-powered camera with automatic night vision, HD-quality video, two-way audio support, optional DVR-style recording ($9.95+ per month) and always-on access. As stated in our review, users can access a live stream of what it's watching (or they're watching, if using multiple cams) from any web browser, iPhone or Android-based device, and privacy advocates should know that all streams are "encrypted with bank-level security, and streamed through the cloud, not your computer, so it's safe in case of any computer trouble or theft." Head on past the break for the full spiel, or hit the source link to get your order in.

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Dropcam Now Shipping the World's Smallest Wi-Fi Monitoring Camera

Dropcam HD sets up in 60 seconds and is ideal for families, home owners, pet owners, small businesses

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 3, 2012 – Today, Dropcam announced that the award-winning Dropcam HD Wi-Fi Video Monitoring Camera is now shipping and that the pre-order period is over. Dropcam HD's automatic night vision, HD-quality video and always-on access make it effortless to use live and recorded video to check in on the kids, share moments of a new baby, keep an eye on a pet, or make sure your home is safe when you are away.

You can access the live video stream from your Dropcam HD camera anytime, anywhere - from a computer, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. When your camera detects motion or loud noises, you'll get an email and mobile push notification making it easy to stay up to date with what's happening at home when you're busy and on the go. For privacy, your video is encrypted with bank-level security, and streamed through the cloud, not your computer, so it's safe in case of any computer trouble or theft.

About the size of a yo-yo, and in décor-friendly monochromatic colors, this small camera is designed to fit ambiently into your home while it acts as your eyes and ears when you're not there. Dropcam HD plugs into a wall outlet, so it's always on and capturing live video whenever you need it – you'll never worry about running out of battery power.

Dropcam HD offers all of these features in one video monitoring camera:

· Easy 60-second setup. 1. Plug it in. 2. Select your Wi-Fi network. 3. Personalize it. Dropcam HD is online and ready to go in three automated, pain-free steps.

· Night vision. Reasons to keep an eye on what you care about don't stop when the sun goes down. Dropcam HD's superior night vision turns on automatically and allows you to see even the biggest living room clearly.

· Talk back with two-way audio. Respond to what you're watching as it happens with two-way audio, even on your smartphone.

· DVR Recording. While real-time viewing of your video is free and always accessible, Dropcam offers 24/7 offsite cloud recording so you don't miss an important moment. Dropcam's DVR helps you go back in time to see what you didn't catch with real-time viewing. (Dropcam DVR is optional and starts at $9.95 per month.)

"The positive feedback we received at CES was very exciting. We saw more orders placed for Dropcam HD in the first week of its announcement than for all our previous camera models in 2011," said Greg Duffy, CEO and Co-Founder of Dropcam. "We are so proud of our team for developing the best home Wi-Fi video monitoring camera out there."

Dropcam HD is the only video monitoring camera in its class optimized to stream the highest-quality video stream across a standard home Wi-Fi network. Unlike a traditional IP camera, Dropcam HD is made to stream live, wide-angle, 720p video around the clock. Intelligent networking algorithms ensure Dropcam HD avoids throttling and bandwidth caps from your service provider.

Previously available only through pre-order, the Dropcam HD will now ship immediately. Dropcam HD ($149) is available on www.dropcam.com. Orders will be received within 5 - 7 business days via standard shipping.

Smartphone Users Watching More Video Than Ever

The market for mobile video is set to grow exponentially in the next five years. In-Stat, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based researcher, recently estimated that by 2015, 86% of smartphone and tablet users will watch videos on their mobile devices. Additionally, Cisco predicts mobile video traffic will account for 71% of all mobile data by 2016.

Research shows video is becoming more and more pervasive on smartphones and Dropcam is at the center of this growing trend. People are not only streaming YouTube videos, but are looking to stream content that is more personal to them, such as accessing live video of their children and pets.

PAL-V ONE makes maiden voyage, gives new meaning to 'Flying Dutchman' (video)

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 02:20 AM PDT

The Netherlands made a lot of noise in the tech world last year for stuff like net neutrality and the legal herping and derping between Apple and Samsung. Now it's making some noise of the whirly kind after the successful maiden flight of its very own flying car. Dutch company PAL-V christened its flying car the, uh, PAL-V ONE -- short for Personal Air and Land Vehicle. Like the Terrafugia Transition flying car, the PAL-V ONE also sports a push propeller, which it uses for forward speed. The Dutch flying car, however, doesn't have side wings and relies on an auto-rotating rotor to create lift instead. The vehicle -- which supposedly complies with all air and road traffic regulations in major markets -- chugs good, old regular gas (biodiesel and bio-ethanol versions are planned as well) for a range of 350 to 500 kilometers in the air and about 1,200 kilometers on the ground. For more adventurous land drivers, the PAL-V ONE also features a "cutting-edge system" for tilting at windmills, allowing it to power through curves like a motorcycle. See it in action in the video after the break, along with some company PR.

[Thanks, Barry]

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Flying Car Makes Successful Maiden Flight

The Dutch company PAL-V Europe NV has successfully concluded test flights of its flying car, PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle). During the past two weeks, several test flights were conducted at the Gilze Rijen Airport (The Netherlands). The patented vehicle flies in the air like a gyrocopter with lift generated by an auto-rotating rotor and forward speed produced by a foldable push propeller on the back. On the road it drives like a sports car. No new infrastructure is required because it uses existing roads and airstrips.

Dutch Innovation

A team of top engineers has been working on the first prototypes since finalization of the design concept in 2008. Renowned institutes such as the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory and Delft University have also been involved in the development. The driving prototype was fully tested in 2009 and now the flying-driving prototype has made its first flights. The PAL-V complies with existing regulations in all major markets, which means that the vehicle is allowed both in road traffic and in the air.

Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V commented: "We are very proud to announce this successful maiden flight of the PAL-V and we now invite investors to create the future with us. We know there is a lot of interest for the PAL-V. Prior to announcing these test flights, we were already approached on a daily basis by potential customers and dealers wanting to be part of this exciting project."

Door-to-Door Mobility

A PAL-V offers the choice of flying like a plane or driving like a car. This means fast door-to-door mobility for private individuals as well as professionals and organizations. The flying range will be between 350 (220 miles) and 500 km (315 miles), depending on the type, pay load and wind conditions. Driving, a PAL-V will have a range of about 1200 km (750 miles). It runs on gasoline like a conventional car and there will also be versions that use biodiesel or bio-ethanol. It can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 miles/h) both on land and in the air.

On the ground the slim, aerodynamic, 3-wheeled vehicle combines the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle thanks to its patented, cutting-edge, 'tilting' system. Driving, a PAL-V accelerates like a sports car and drives through curves like a motorcycle.

Flying, a PAL-V is like a standard gyrocopter. It is quieter than helicopters due to the slower rotation of the main rotor. It takes off and lands with low speed, cannot stall, and is very easy to control. This makes a PAL-V one of the safest types of aircraft. Obtaining a licence requires only 20 to 30 hours of training.

Thanks to its very short take off and landing capability, it is possible to land a PAL-V practically anywhere. For take-off, a strip of 165 meters (540 feet) is enough and it can be either paved or grass.

Governments are already preparing for increasing traffic with Personal Air Vehicles like the PAL-V. In the United States and in Europe government-funded development programs are determining the infrastructure of 'digital freeways' to provide a safe corridor using GPS technology. The technology is available today to allow personal air traffic to grow safely. PAL-V Europe N.V. is determined to play a leading role in this market.

The Company

PAL-V Europe NV, the company that initiated the development of the PAL-V, is located in Raamsdonksveer, The Netherlands. The management consists of a team of Dutch entrepreneurs with expertise in aviation, automotive, research, and marketing. PAL-V Europe succeeded in gathering the best talent available. The company was initially funded by a group of informal investors and also received a loan (Innovatiekrediet) from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Three Dutch ministries are supporting the project based on its technical innovation and economic potential.

Professionals and corporations are investigating the efficiency and improved effectiveness a PAL-V will bring to their operations. Potential lead customers such as police, the military, and flying doctors have expressed interest for surveillance, mobility, aid in post-war situations, and homeland security. Initial talks about specific requirements are underway.
Now that the final product development phase has been reached, PAL-V Europe will invite new investors to fund the development of the commercial product and the market launch.
A flying car has been a dream cherished for almost 100 years. Now it has become reality. This will be a revolution in door-to-door transportation similar to the transition from horse-and-buggy to the automobile. Leave home and fly-drive to almost any destination. Avoid traffic jams and cross lakes, fjords, rivers or mountain ranges like an eagle. Touch down on the other side and drive to your final destination. The PAL-V combines in one vehicle the freedom and excitement of flying like a bird in the sky with the choice of breathtaking driving performance on the roads and highways. It offers an unprecedented freedom in mobility.
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More information and high res images can be found at www.PAL-V.com
Press contact is Robert Dingemanse, tel. +31 162 580 560, E-mail Press@PAL-V.com

Mighty morphing hexapod bot is back, now rolls with the punches

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 01:41 AM PDT

It's been awhile since we last saw Kåre Halvorsen's morphing hexapod ball-shaped bot, and in the interim it picked up some new tricks. Before, the MorpHex could only maneuver by scurrying around on its six legs, but now it can move around while still in spherical form. It works by periodically protruding its polycarbonate panels to get rolling, and it stops and turns in similar fashion. Additionally, it's learned some nifty new dance moves and acquired the ability to flummox small children. Don't take our word for it, though, see the thing in action after the break.

Is this the LTE-ready Sprint HTC Evo One?

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 12:36 AM PDT

Is this Sprint's LTE-ready HTC Evo One?

Did the likes of HTC's One X and One S catch your attention? Well, those looking for something with a seasoning of Sprint might interested in the phone nestled in the middle. According to Pocketnow, this is a press shot of the HTC Evo One, supposedly packing a 4.7-inch 720p display, a dual-core Snapdragon processor and LTE capabilities. We have our reservations on that name (Evo HD?) and those slightly dated style lines, but know that the Now Network and HTC are primed to show off something tomorrow. Rumors add that a 2650mAh battery and (hopefully intelligently placed) kickstand could also be part of the offering. Expect to hear some definitive answers at Sprint's big reveal -- we'll be there.

ARM seeks better security for connected devices, teams up with Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:50 PM PDT

ARM is famous for its low-power chip designs, Gemalto is known for its NFC security features, and Giesecke & Devrient brings some nice nano-SIM notoriety to the table. As a trio, these companies want to push forward a security standard that could be readily used in a wide range of web-connected devices, including tablets, smart TVs, game consoles and smartphones. The standard itself is built on ARM's TrustZone hardware-based security, which has been around for a while and is built into every ARM Cortex-A series processor, but which still isn't as widely used as it could be. By founding an off-shoot company with its partners, ARM hopes to nudge the things along faster and turn TrustZone into the "Blu-ray" of mobile security standards.
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ARM, Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient Form Joint Venture To Deliver Next-Generation Security For Services Running On Connected Devices

03 April 2012

Industry leaders invest to accelerate adoption of a common security standard, creating a vibrant ecosystem that simplifies, improves and extends our digital lives

CAMBRIDGE, UK; AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS; & MUNICH, GERMANY - 3rd APRIL 2012- ARM, Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient today announced the creation of a joint venture dedicated to delivering a secure, accessible environment for advanced services running on the growing range of connected devices.

This includes tablets, smart-TVs, games consoles and smartphones. All three companies are investing to accelerate adoption of a common security standard and create a vibrant ecosystem that will enable a new generation of innovative services. Security is critical for companies that wish to do business over these types of connected devices and provide the rich, seamless services that consumers expect. With improved security, delivered in a way that is easy to use, consumers will engage with a greater level of trust in the devices and services available.

The joint venture, which is subject to regulatory approval, will provide a secure environment for a new wave of advanced services to flourish, based on easy to use, accessible and consistent device security. Technology developed by the joint venture will be based on established solutions from the founding companies. It will provide a practical solution for manufacturers to deliver devices that enable services with a new level of trust. This trust will mean that consumers are able to simplify, improve and extend their digital lives. Faster, more secure and richer access to the services they want will then be possible, wherever and whenever they want it.

Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient are both leading companies and long-standing ARM partners that offer security solutions to governments and for the financial and mobile industries. Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient have agreed to contribute their respective software expertise to the joint venture. This will accelerate standardization and interoperability, based on industry standards, to ensure that existing customer investments are future-proofed. All three companies will contribute assets to the new venture, including patents, software, people, cash and capital equipment. ARM will own 40% of the joint venture, with Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient each owning 30%.

Secure, Accessible Environmentfor Smart Connected Devices The new venture will focus on improving security for smart connected devices by developing a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) based on the established ARM® TrustZone® security technology. This common, secure environment for software execution will utilize advanced hardware security coupled with industry standard software interfaces, such as those from the GlobalPlatform industry association. By providing this secure environment for multiple silicon, software and device manufacturing partners, the joint venture will enable greater operational efficiency across the ecosystem and the industry as a whole.

Devices with a TEE will provide consumers with more secure, user-friendly experiences that simplify and speed up how they interact with their digital world. This will enable them to use their smart, connected devices more frequently to access an increasing range of applications and services in a secure way. This includes mobile payment, enterprise productivity and mobile banking applications, as well as online commerce and premium content services.

"The integration of the hardware, software and services necessary for system-wide security has been slow," said Warren East, CEO, ARM. "I am confident that this new joint venture will accelerate the adoption of a common security standard, enabling a vibrant ecosystem of secure service providers to emerge. This will be of significant step in terms of improved consumer trust in secure transactions on connected devices."

"Gemalto has been an early mover in developing its software and servicing capabilities to remotely manage sensitive data for different security implementations on connected devices, and we are excited to be part of this new venture that will pave the way for accelerating the adoption of a Trusted Execution Environment utilizing ARM TrustZone technology," said Olivier Piou, CEO of Gemalto. "Our combined efforts will result in the ecosystem as a whole being able to capitalize on the built-in security architectures, especially for transient data such as encryption keys for digital movie rentals, and reduce uncertainties for service providers wanting to launch and manage new services."

"Giesecke & Devrient were the first to establish, with Mobicore, a Trusted Execution Environment that can be securely managed over the air. It allows mass market development of an open, trusted application environment and is complementary to the existing secure elements offered on the basis of smart card technology. Through our mobile security OS software Mobicore we became trusted partners to some of the biggest semiconductor companies and device manufacturers," said Karsten Ottenberg, CEO of Giesecke & Devrient. "The new venture unites the leading players in Trusted Execution Environments and will accelerate the market for secured services."

"ARM integrates its TrustZone architecture into every ARM Cortex™-A family processor to help our silicon partners deliver the deepest level of security in their hardware," said Ben Cade, CEO of the new venture. "The new venture will combine the security operations from three leading organizations. This will provide a trusted software environment capable of utilizing security from the hardware level up, in a consistent, open and accessible manner. This will pave the way for service providers to innovate advanced, trusted services that will enhance user experiences whilst also reducing risks and improving privacy."

Sony PMW-100 camcorder brings 50Mbps bitrate in an itty-bitty package

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:00 PM PDT

When is full 1920 x 1080 footage not really HD? When a broadcaster rejects it for not meeting its 50Mbps bitrate criteria. There's only a few handheld cameras that can capture video with such gentle compression, and a lot of those require a third-party add-on recorder to achieve it -- but not Sony's new XDCAM shooter, the PMW-100. It has a 1/2.9-inch Exmor sensor sitting behind a 40-400mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens and outputs 1080p, 1080i, and 720p at up to 50Mbps using MPEG HD422 compression. SxS cards are the primary media, but there's HD/SD-SDI output too should you still need it. Sound recording is equally data-heavy, letting you hear interviewees dodge questions in four channels of glorious 24-bit uncompressed 48kHz audio -- unless of course your diminutive kit fools them into thinking you're harmless. The PMW-100 should start shipping in May for an as yet undisclosed price, but in the meantime you'll find more specs in the PR after the break.
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Sony introduces the full-featured yet light and compact PMW-100 handheld camcorder.

The PMW-100 joins the ever popular XDCAM HD422 line-up – making it the smallest and lightest camcorder in the XDCAM family.

Advancement in digital imaging technology has enabled professional journalists and videographers to cover stories by using portable devices such as mobile phones, DSLRs and consumer camcorders. However, when compared to main-stream shoulder mount camcorders, there is still a significant gap in image quality, ease of editing and data management. The PMW-100 achieves the best of both worlds, by recording full broadcast quality MPEG HD422 video within a hand-held form factor.

Equipped with a newly developed 1/2.9-inch "Exmor" CMOS sensor, it delivers excellent picture performance and also achieves the minimum illumination of 0.08lx. Featuring a 5.4-54mm (40-400mm in 35mm equivalent) zoom lens, the versatile PMW-100 allow users to work in virtually any production environment where mobility and flexibility is highly valued.

"The PMW-100 combines exceptional picture quality with portability and outstanding manoeuvrability based on the proven XDCAM workflow, taking professional users to a whole new level of productivity. The development of the PMW-100 is a natural step in the progression of the XDCAM range and is a direct response to our customers requirements. Long-time XDCAM users requested a light and compact camcorder that will not only work seamlessly on its own, but also alongside other XDCAM cameras such as the acclaimed PMW-500," said Bill Drummond, Strategic Marketing Manager, Sony Europe.

The PMW-100 supports full-HD video at 1080i, 1080p and 720p up to 50 Mbps MXF recording and playback based on the MPEG HD422 codec using the standard MPEG HD422 Long GOP compression technology. It is also switchable to MPEG HD420 35/25Mbps or DVCAM 25Mbps. The PMW-100 can also record high quality 24-bit four-channel audio at an uncompressed 48kHz.

It offers utmost flexibility of using a variety of recording media including the high speed SxS memory card as well as Memory Stick, SD card and XQD as the emergency secondly media. The new "SxS Memory Card Management Utility"* software will provide additional operational convenience with SxS memory card, such as the data back-up function and the lifetime indication of the card in use.

Focusing on your subject and reviewing recorded footage is a breeze with the full colour 3.5-inch WVGA (852x480) LCD. The Slow & Quick Motion function enables users to create artistic fast and slow-motion footage from 1fps to 60fps in 720p mode and from 1fps to 30fps in 1080p mode.

The camera also incorporates HD/SD-SDI output, Composite output, Genlock input, time code input/output, i.LINK (HDV/DV) input/output, and A/V output.

The PMW-100 will start shipping in May 2012.

* "SxS Memory Card Management Utility" will be available to download from May 10th.

Canon EOS 60Da: the DSLR for that astrophotographer in your life

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:32 PM PDT

What if all the answers to the universe resided in the stars? What if your real home was in space? What if you had a camera engineered specifically to capture the beauty of the night sky? You do. Canon has just outed the proper successor to the EOS 20Da, with the 60Da "catering to astronomers and hobbyists" who'd rather spend their clicks on galaxies than flowers and Earthlings. According to Canon, there's a "modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity" -- something that presumably means the world to astronomers. In more understandable terms, it's packing an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C), a 3-inch Clear View LCD (you know, the flip-out kind), a nine-point autofocus system and TV-out support. The Silent Shooting feature that we already praised on the EOS 5D Mark III is here as well, as is a native ISO ceiling of 6,400 and an expandable range that reaches 12,800. Canon also throws in its RA-E3 remote controller adapter -- a vital accessory for those looking to shoot timed exposures greater than 30 seconds -- as well as an AC adapter kit for those all-night sessions. It'll hit select dealers later this month for $1,499, and no, this is not a joke.
Canon EOS 60Da DSLR press photos
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NEW CANON EOS 60Da DSLR CAMERA FOR ASTRONOMY ENTHUSIASTS CAPTURES THE TRUE COLORS OF THE COSMOS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 3, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS 60Da Digital SLR Camera, a long-awaited successor to the EOS 20Da that is optimized for astrophotography. This DSLR caters to astronomers and hobbyists who enjoy capturing the beauty of the night sky by offering a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity. These modifications allow the camera to capture magnificent photographs of "red hydrogen emission" nebulae and other cosmic phenomena.

"The EOS 60Da is a testament to the constant desire to meet the needs of every customer, including those in specialized fields," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., "This new camera enables an accurate depiction of a part of our solar system which is hard to achieve with conventional cameras but should be enjoyed and celebrated."

The Canon EOS 60Da camera packs a powerful 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C) that produces sharp and high-contrast images of astronomical objects, a major enhancement over the EOS 20Da model's 8.2-megapixel sensor. The improved infrared-blocking filter is a modification suited specifically toward astronomy enthusiasts to achieve a hydrogen-alpha light sensitivity that is approximately three times higher than that of a normal Canon DSLR camera. This produces a 20-percent higher transmittance of Hydrogen Alpha line, or Hα wavelength, allowing astronomers to capture crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae.

Enhanced Features

Crisp images of the stars and planets can be viewed on the EOS 60Da's improved 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots for detailed focusing. The flip-out Vari-angle screen allows photographers to adjust the screen for easy viewing without straining even while the camera is mounted to a telescope via a third-party T-ring adapter. Optimized for stargazing with friends or in an educational setting, astronomy enthusiasts can connect the camera to a TV with the provided AVC-DC400ST Stereo AV Video Cable and display the night sky on a TV monitor using the camera's Live View mode. Moreover, the EOS 60Da's Live View mode is equipped with a Silent Shooting feature that eliminates shutter-induced vibration for maximum camera stability when the camera is mounted to a telescope or super-telephoto EF lens.

Enhanced noise reduction on the EOS 60Da sensor offers photographers the ability to experiment with the wide array of ISO settings and increased ISO speeds up to 6400 expandable to 12800. Other features include an intelligent nine-point autofocus system, full manual controls, and RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG image recording capabilities.

Accessories

The EOS 60Da helps capture the wonders of the night sky with its use of Canon's award-winning EF and EF-S lenses along with other EOS accessories. Additionally, the EOS 60Da is packaged with Canon's RA-E3 Remote Controller Adapter, providing the ability to connect a Canon Timer Remote Control such as the TC-80N3 (optional accessory). The TC-80N3 is ideal for controlling time exposures longer than 30 seconds as well as capturing a series of consecutive time exposures that can be composited during post-processing for improved image quality. This is especially useful when the camera body is connected to a telescope[i] or an EF super telephoto lens.

Canon has also included an AC adapter kit with the EOS 60Da, allowing the camera to be powered through an AC wall outlet or a battery-powered inverter, ideal for long exposure image or video capture at home or in the field.

Availability

As a specialized product, the EOS 60Da is only available to order from select authorized dealers. The estimated retail price is $1,499.00 and it is expected to be available this month.

Smithsonian's super squeaky clean meteorite lab makes your room look like a pig sty (video)

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:22 PM PDT

If you think you're a clean freak, then you obviously haven't been to the Smithsonian Antarctic meteorite storage facility. See, when it isn't kicking up the video-games-as-art debate or showing off our future overlords, the Smithsonian also dabbles in the study of fallen rocks from space. So just exactly how clean is the Smithsonian's Meteorite Clean Room? Well, let's just say it's highly unlikely that you'll find microscopic traces of that peanut butter and jelly sandwich that the intern had for breakfast on any of the facility's 15,000 Antarctic meteorites. As shown in the behind-the-scenes video after the break, the research facility goes to great lengths to prevent sample contamination, from the surgical-looking staff prep to dry nitrogen storage. After all, no researcher would like to be the poor sap who studies a contaminated meteorite and mistakenly announces to the world that Mars not only had peanut butter but jelly as well.

CSIRO snatches $220m windfall in WiFi patent dispute with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 07:06 PM PDT

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization keeps bowling 'em over -- in the courtroom, anyway -- with its hardy WiFi patent. The government-funded research group has chalked up another $220 million win after AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Acer, Lenovo and Sony each agreed to establish licenses with the litigious group. CSIRO now holds agreements with 23 companies and has pocketed more than $430 million from its courtroom activities. Australian Senator Chris Evans estimates that 90 percent of the industry is now paying licensing fees for the technology, but with the patent set to expire next year, we'd be mighty paranoid to be among that final ten percent. You'll find the full PR, chock-full of Aussie pride, after the break.
Show full PR text
Aussie scientists bring home millions in WiFi windfall

01 Apr 2012

Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, today announced CSIRO had successfully settled litigation in the United States to licence the wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, invented in Australia in the 1990s.

The WLAN technology was invented by a team of CSIRO scientists - Dr John O'Sullivan, Dr Terry Percival, Mr Diet Ostry, Mr Graham Daniels and Dr John Deane - and is now in more than three billion devices worldwide.

CSIRO first initiated litigation in 2005 and settled major cases in 2009 against 14 companies, recording proceeds of $205 million for that year. Since that time, additional licenses have been granted. CSIRO will receive more than $220 million from this round of WLAN licensing.

"People all over the world are using WLAN technology, invented right here in Australia, to connect to the internet remotely from laptops, printers, game consoles and smart phones in their homes, workplaces and cafes," Senator Evans said.

"The work in radioastronomy by CSIRO scientists here at home is having a positive impact on the way people live right around the world.

"It's hard to imagine an Australian-invented technology that has had a greater impact on the way we live and work.

"The licensing of CSIRO's Wireless LAN invention is an outstanding result for CSIRO and is recognition of the important contribution this invention has had on modern communication."

More than five billion products, including laptop computers, smart phones, games devices and consumer media products, will be sold incorporating CSIRO's invention by the time the patents expire in 2013.

CSIRO now has license agreements with 23 companies, representing around 90 percent of the industry, with total revenue earned from this technology now more than $430 million.

"This is a great example of how research done right here in Australia can have a huge impact right around the globe," Senator Evans said.

"We have Australian scientists doing fantastic work that continues to impact on the way we live our lives."

Senator Evans congratulated all those involved, including the core Australian team who have been pursuing this outcome; Mike Whelan, Nigel Poole, Terry Healy, Denis Redfern, Katrina O'Leary, and Kiara Bechta-Metti.

The lead inventor of the WLAN invention, Dr John O'Sullivan, was awarded the 2009 Prime Minister's Award for Science. All five inventors have been recognised for this invention winning a number of awards.

The Government is a strong supporter of CSIRO's resolve to defend its intellectual property, and its plan to use the proceeds for the benefit of Australia.

CSIRO is Australia's leading patent filing enterprise and holds more than 3,000 granted or pending patents or other forms of intellectual property (including trademarks, designs and plant breeders' rights). CSIRO-generated intellectual property and expertise has resulted in more than 150 spin-off companies.

ICS reaches 2.9 percent of active Android devices, 63.7 percent still on Gingerbread

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:17 PM PDT

As we check back in on Android's Platform Versions dashboard for the first time since January, we can finally see notable growth in the percentage of devices running some flavor of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, up for 0.6 percent then to 2.9 percent. That's likely fueled by the release of updates for the Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation family of devices, and is a sharp uptick from last month when it registered on 1.6 percent. Gingerbread (2.3) still reigns supreme, running 63.7 percent of the Android hardware that accessed the Play market in the last two weeks, but its growth seems to finally be slowing. Last year at this time that position was filled by Android 2.2, with 2.3 on just one percent of the hardware and Android 3.0 barely registering at all, a point which highlights the long cycle of upgrades. Call it fragmentation or flexibility, app developers can use these stats to plan their releases going forward, although it may be a little while still before the majority of the crowd can access any Ice Cream Sandwich-specific features.

Lensbaby Composer Pro gets Samsung, Sony, Micro Four Thirds mirrorless mounts

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 05:28 PM PDT

Lensbaby faithfuls awaiting a mirrorless-compatible Composer Pro lens need not hold out any longer. The company's high-end creative optic is now shipping for mirrorless mounts of the Samsung NX, Sony NEX and Micro Four Thirds variety -- including the Panasonic Lumix G and Olympus PEN. These latest additions join Canon, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax K and Four Thirds versions, which are all available for 300 bucks at the source link below.
Show full PR text
Lensbaby Announces Availability of Composer® Pro for Mirrorless Cameras

Now the Composer Pro delivers ultra-smooth creative control for photographers with Micro 4/3rds, Sony α NEX and Samsung NX cameras too

Portland, OR – April 2, 2012 - Lensbaby announces its popular SLR creative effects camera lens, the Composer Pro, is now also available for Micro 4/3rds cameras (including Panasonic Lumix™ G Micro System and Olympus PEN®), Sony® α NEX, and Samsung NX cameras. The Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras is compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap® System and ships with the Double Glass Optic installed.

The Composer Pro, launched in March 2011, refined and enhanced the popular and award winning Lensbaby Composer® by upgrading the swivel ball and focus mechanism to provide professional performance. The Composer Pro's metal swivel ball design and refined focus mechanism deliver ultra-smooth focus and tilt control. The updated focus mechanism features a fluid and accurate dampened focus ring comparable to the focus mechanisms of the highest quality professional manual focus lenses. This smooth, fluid operation makes the Composer Pro the perfect choice for discerning professional photographers and videographers who want to create ground-breaking creative imagery – and now they can do so with their mirrorless cameras as well.

The Double Glass Optic, a 50mm f/2 selective focus optic, creates a Sweet Spot of sharp focus that photographers can move around the photo by tilting the Composer Pro's swiveling lens body. The Composer Pro is compatible with the complete range of creative optics in the Lensbaby Optic Swap System including the Edge 80, Sweet 35, Fisheye, Soft Focus, Pinhole/Zone plate, Single Glass, and Plastic. Each optic can be swapped into the Composer Pro to deliver a different creative effect.

The Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras joins Lensbaby's growing family of lenses, which now includes the Composer Pro for SLR cameras, Composer, Scout, Muse, and Control Freak.

"We're excited to give mirrorless camera shooters full access to the Lensbaby Creative Effects system. With so many photographers opting for these smaller cameras for on-the-go shooting situations, our one lens with so many creative effect options will make a great addition to their set-up," said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer.

Composer Pro for Mirrorless Cameras Specs:
Refined metal ball design delivers ultra-smooth focus and tilt control
Ships with the Double Glass Optic installed
Compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System
Focus Type: Manual
Size/Weight: 2.25" (5.71cm) high x 2.5" (6.35cm) wide / 4 oz (113.4g)
Tilt range of up to +/- 17.5 degrees

Double Glass Optic Product Specs:
Focal Length: 50mm
Low dispersion, high refractive index, multi-coated optical glass doublet
Aperture Type: Interchangeable, magnetic aperture disks
Apertures: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
Selective focus optic (creates a sweet spot of focus surrounded by gradual blur)
Focus distance when used with Composer Pro: 18" to infinity
37mm front threads accept all Lensbaby accessory lenses
Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras is available now from Lensbaby-authorized photo specialty stores worldwide and from lensbaby.com. Composer Pro for mirrorless cameras retails for $300 MSRP.

BMW i8 Concept Spyder takes to the road, sounds almost as gorgeous as it looks (video)

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 04:46 PM PDT

It's been less than a year since our first opportunity to get up close and personal with BMW's i8 plug-in electric car, and now the German automaker is back to tease a whole new beast. The Concept Spyder made a static appearance over the weekend, but today the sportier i8 has returned to the spotlight, with video footage in tow. BimmerPost managed to share some clips via YouTube, including a straight-cut-gear-fueled drive around a parking lot and across a lamp-lit bridge, somewhere in the Eastern U.S., believe it or not (take note of the I-95 sign in the first few seconds). You can also gawk at some side-to-side pans of the Spyder's exterior, with a few HD interior close-ups to boot. And where can you find said stimulating simulations? Buckle up and click past the break.

Update: That's Miami there in the bridge scene. A perfect setting for the Spyder test drive.





Twitter for BlackBerry 3.0 brings easier photo-uploading, automatic link-shortening, BBM integration

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 04:04 PM PDT

Listen up, you BlackBerry users, you: RIM's just released a new version of its Twitter app, and though the list of new features is hardly earth-shaking, they should all be welcome additions to those of you who've been making do with version 2.0. On board we've got automatic link-shortening, for starters, along with BlackBerry Messenger integration (read: the ability to link your Twitter account with BBM). So far so good, right? You can also upload photos to pic.twitter.com directly from your device's camera, or as you're composing tweets. Finally, Twitter says it's made it easier to share websites from within the browser. So long as you've got BlackBerry 5 installed as your OS, you can get your download on at the link below. Still haven't upgraded from 4.6? Sorry, folks, you're stuck with version 2.0.

Must See HDTV (April 2nd - April 8th)

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 03:24 PM PDT

NCAA Basketball Tournament Championship(s)
A field of many has been reduced to two in both the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournament, and while tonight's matchup between Kentucky and Kansas is the higher profile, don't overlook Baylor vs. Notre Dame on Tuesday night. Whether you prefer to watch Anthony Davis or Britney Griner going to work on their opposition in the paint, there should be excellent hoops action found in both games.
(Kentucky/Kansas Men's Championship April 2nd, CBS, 9PM)
(Baylor/Notre Dame Women's Championship, April 3rd, ESPN, 7:30PM)

2012 Masters Tournament
The Master's Tournament takes place this week and it should be better than ever, with Tiger Woods back in the winning category, and a collection of young talent to contend with. There's coverage on ESPN, ESPN 3D and CBS throughout the week and DirecTV customers can look forward to the usual multiview assortment of cameras to keep an eye on everything at once.

The Killing
After a highly controversial finale to season one, AMC's whodunit returned last week with a two hour season premiere that... didn't suck. Is it enough to get fans of the show back on board for another round? We're not completely sure yet, but it may be worth taking a look if you were ever a regular viewer.
(April 8th, AMC, 9PM)





Blu-ray & Games
  • War Horse
  • We Bought A Zoo
  • The Poseidon Adventure
  • Kinect: Star Wars (Xbox 360)
  • Devil May Cry HD Collection (Xbox 360, PS3)

Monday

  • Kentucky/Kansas NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship Game, CBS, 9PM
  • Bones (season premiere), Fox, 8PM
  • The Voice, NBC, 8PM
  • Dancing With The Stars, ABC, 8PM
  • The Secret Life of the American Teenager, ABC Family, 8PM
  • Being Human, Syfy, 9PM
  • House, Fox, 9PM
  • WWE Raw, USA, 9PM
  • American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior, Discovery, 9PM
  • Make It or Break It, ABC Family, 9PM
  • Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, MTV, 10PM
  • Castle, ABC, 10PM
  • Smash, NBC, 10PM
  • Lost Girl, Syfy, 10PM

Tuesday

  • Top Gear (season finale), History, 9PM
  • Chasing Classic Cars (season premiere), Velocity, 10PM
  • Tosh.0 (spring finale), Comedy Central, 10PM
  • Baylor/Notre Dame NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Championship Game, ESPN, 8:30PM
  • Heat/76ers, NBA TV, 7:30PM
  • Penguins/Bruins, NBC Sports, 7:30PM
  • Raising Hope, Fox, 8PM
  • Dancing With the Stars, ABC, 8PM
  • New Girl, Fox, 9PM
  • The Voice, NBC, 9PM
  • Ringer, CW, 9PM
  • Doomsday Preppers, National Geographic, 9PM
  • Breaking In, Fox, 9:30PM
  • Justified, FX, 10PM
  • Body of Proof, ABC, 10PM
  • Top Shot, History, 10PM
  • Ducks/Canucks, NBC Sports, 10PM

Wednesday

  • One Tree Hill (series finale), CW, 8PM
  • Best Friends Forever (series premiere), NBC, 8:30PM
  • Bent (season finale), NBC, 9 & 9:30PM
  • Happy Endings (season finale), ABC, 9:30PM
  • The Slap (season finale), DirecTV, 10PM
  • Cardinals/Marlins, ESPN, 7PM
  • Thunder/Heat, ESPN2, 8PM
  • Survivor, CBS, 8PM
  • American Idol, Fox, 8PM
  • Betty White's Off Their Rockers, NBC, 8PM
  • Criminal Minds, CBS, 9PM
  • Sons of Guns, Discovery, 9PM
  • Car Warriors, Speed, 9PM
  • Whitechapel BBC America, 10PM
  • CSI, CBS, 10PM
  • Psych, USA, 10PM
  • Rock Center with Brian Williams, NBC, 10PM
  • Monster Man, Syfy, 10PM
  • South Park, Comedy Central, 10PM
  • Ugly Americans, Comedy Central, 10:30
  • Lakers/Clippers, ESPN, 10:30PM

Thursday

  • Scandal (series premiere), ABC, 10PM
  • I Just Want My Pants Back (season finale), MTV, 11PM
  • Delocated (season finale), Comedy Central, 11:59PM
  • Knicks/Magic, TNT, 7PM
  • Celtics/Bulls, TNT, 9:30PM
  • Community, NBC, 8PM
  • Missing, ABC, 8PM
  • American Idol, Fox, 8PM
  • 30 Rock, NBC, 8:30PM
  • Rules of Engagement, CBS, 8:30PM
  • Touch, Fox, 9PM
  • Person of Interest, CBS, 9PM
  • Impact Wrestling, Spike TV, 9PM
  • Up All Night, NBC, 9:30PM
  • Awake, NBC, 10PM
  • The Mentalist, CBS, 10PM
  • All Star Dealers, Velocity, 10PM
  • MMA Junkie Live!, Spike TV, 11PM

Friday

  • Who Do You Think You Are?, NBC, 8PM
  • The Finder, Fox, 8PM
  • WWE SmackDown, Syfy, 8PM
  • CSI: NY, CBS, 9PM
  • Grimm, NBC, 9PM
  • Fringe, Fox, 9PM
  • Fairly Legal, USA, 9PM
  • In Plain Sight, USA, 10PM
  • The Ultimate Fighter, FX, 10PM
  • Royals/Angels, ESPN2, 10PM
  • Rockets/Lakers, NBA TV, 10:30PM

Saturday

  • Blackhawks/Red Wings, NBC, 1PM
  • Escape Routes, NBC, 8PM
  • Magic/76ers, ESPN, 8PM
  • Cops, Fox, 8PM
  • Seattle Superstorm, Syfy, 9PM
  • The Firm, NBC, 9PM
  • Being Human, BBCA, 9PM
  • Q'Viva! The Chosen (season finale), Fox, 11PM
  • Saturday Night Live: Sofia Vergara / One Direction, NBC, 11:30PM

Sunday

  • Nurse Jackie (season premiere), Showtime, 9PM
  • The Big C, (season premiere), Showtime, 9:30PM
  • The Borgias (season premiere), Showtime, 10PM
  • CSI: Miami (season finale), CBS, 10PM
  • The Pitch (series premiere), AMC, 11:04PM
  • White Sox/Rangers Sunday Night Baseball (season premiere), ESPN, 8PM
  • The Shadow Line (season finale), DirecTV, 9PM
  • Life's Too Short (season finale), HBO, 10:30PM
  • Bulls/Knicks, ABC, 1PM
  • Masters 2012 Final Round Coverage, CBS & ESPN 3D, 1PM / 4:30PM
  • 60 Minutes, CBS, 7PM
  • Frozen Planet, Discovery, 8PM
  • Once Upon a Time, ABC, 8PM
  • The Amazing Race, CBS, 8PM
  • Harry's Law, NBC, 9PM
  • The Apprentice, NBC, 9PM
  • Game of Thrones, HBO, 9PM
  • The Killing, AMC, 9PM
  • Inside West Coast Customs, Velocity, 9PM
  • Mythbusters, Discovery, 9PM
  • Mad Men, AMC, 10PM
  • Eastbound & Down, HBO, 10PM
  • GCB, ABC, 9 & 10PM
  • Breakout Kings, A&E, 10PM
  • Full Metal Jousting, History, 10PM

Fisker Nina / Atlantic gets unofficially pictured in official form

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 03:06 PM PDT

We got a quick glimpse of Fisker's once-halted Project Nina the other day courtesy of Autoblog, and we now have our best look at the car to date thanks to some seemingly official press photos that have turned up on Autoforum.cz. Now being dubbed the Atlantic, the car promises to be a smaller and more affordable version of Fisker's Karma sedan and, as those earlier shots indicated, we should soon be seeing plenty more of it at this week's New York Auto Show. Apart from an expected BMW-sourced four-cylinder engine, though, details on the car itself remain decidedly light -- including any indication of a possible price tag or rollout date. In the meantime, you can find more photos where this one came from at the links below.

Oracle and Google get a trial date, April 16th is the start of Android armageddon

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 02:37 PM PDT

As regular readers of this site are well aware, Google and Oracle have had an ongoing legal spat for nearly two years now. In the time since the lawsuit's filing, the legal claims have been narrowed, damages claims have been adjusted, reduced, and reduced again. All that activity, plus continuous settlement talks caused the trial to be delayed several times. But now it appears that the two sides have officially reached an impasse, and so the tech giants will go to trial on April 16th to determine if Android illicitly pulled code from Java. Will Oracle get paid? Will Google and its green bots be gloating in the end? Pop some popcorn and settle in, folks, we'll start getting some answers in a couple weeks.

Facebook updates iOS app with Retina iPad support, more languages

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Shortly after making some high-res changes to the desktop site, Facebook's now doing the same to its application for Apple's freshest slab on the block. Aside from the crisper look and higher resolution UI on the new iPad, the universal app also adds support for Czech, Danish, Indonesian, Malaysian, Norwegian, Portuguese and Thai languages. Furthermore, v4.1.1 now allows you to hop offline from chat, while it also fixes bugs known to keep various pages from displaying correctly. Facebook's updated app is live in the App Store, so head on over with your iOS device or hit up the iTunes link below to get your social quest on.

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:55 PM PDT

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.



Online video chat by Ustream


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

Motorola MOTOACTV software update allows for pairing with non-Moto devices

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Good news for fitness junkies who like to mix and match their gadget brands: MotoACTV's accompanying application will now work on pretty much all Android phones, and not just those that happen to be made by Motorola. The only catch so far as we can tell is that your handset must run Android 2.1 (Eclair) or later -- a near-certainty in 2012. Already rocking a Moto device? You might still want to take the time to install this update, as it brings several other new features, including the ability track fitness goals on your phone, as well as use your handset to configure WiFi networks for your MotoACTV. You can also plan workouts on your device of choice, access them on MotoACTV and then send your workout data back to the phone. So far, the Engadget staff can confirm the update works just fine on LG devices, so we're optimistic the latest software will play nice with the Samsungs, HTCs and Huaweis of the world. Hit up the source link below to get your download on and as always, let us know how it goes.

Microsoft kicks off Kinect Accelerator program to take 11 Kinect-centric start-ups to the next level

Posted: 02 Apr 2012 12:57 PM PDT
at 11:46 AM

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