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Friday, April 6, 2012

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Keep Google Weird

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 11:15 AM PDT

There's a sign that hangs in the windows of shops in downtown Santa Cruz, California. "Keep Santa Cruz Weird." It's not unique to that town, of course -- the best known implementation of the slogan is the one seen all over Austin, Texas. Localized versions have also been spotted on t-shirts and bumper stickers in places like Portland and Boulder -- any area where the undercurrent of independent thinking does daily battle with the threat of homogenized commerce. The Santa Cruz example sticks in my mind in particular, of course, due to the five years I spent in that town, whose weirdness never fully recovered from the '89 earthquake, a natural disaster that both wreaked havoc on the landscape and caused a shift in the local zeitgeist, opening crumbled and abandoned storefronts up for Starbucks and Taco Bells -- chain stores devoid of the character that makes the town so unique. So weird.

There are, naturally, growing pains with any company -- particularly one that has had so meteoric a rise as Google has experienced over the past decade and a half. Evil claims aside for the moment, the transformation from a dorm-based project to an international corporation nearly always risks the loss of the character and principles on which the project was initially founded. After taking the helm as CEO last April, co-founder Larry Page stressed the need for focusing the company's countless product lines, announcing during an earnings call that, "We've [...] done substantial internal work simplifying and streamlining our product lines."

It's easy to appreciate the sentiment. As Google grows at a tremendous rate, it risks losing focus, following in the footsteps of companies like Yahoo, which never did all that great a job subscribing to its own "Peanut Butter Manifesto," by pruning away its ever-growing list of redundancy. Surely no one can fault Google for opting to pump more resources into successful properties like Android -- brands with large user bases that require, arguably, even more attention than the company has been able to allot thus far.


That aforementioned "simplifying and streamlining" meant, among other things, that certain pet projects would go on the chopping block. Notable among the losses was Google Labs -- a segment of the company that always felt like more than simply a department. It felt like a philosophy, a concerted effort to keep some connection to the engineering pet projects that helped keep Google so innovative for so long, allowing employees time to develop on their own projects, without the manner of bureaucracy that can sometimes bog down larger teams. Google described the concept as "a playground where our more adventurous users can play around with prototypes of some of our wild and crazy ideas and offer feedback directly to the engineers who developed them." And sure, many, if not most, never really got anywhere, but those that did offered a more unfettered sense of innovation, be they as actual products or simply ideas that helped drive larger concepts.

Google Labs felt like more than a simple department; it felt like a philosophy.

The sentiment reared its head again back in October when Google's VP of product management Bradley Horowitz told the crowd at AsiaD that his company would be "doing less of throwing things against the wall," instead focusing on fewer products. Products like Google+. We certainly weren't shy about our disappointment. Sure it was a touch hyperbolic to suggest that the dream was "dead" at the time, but it certainly felt like this Google wasn't our Google.

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In a letter released this week celebrating a year running the company, Page opened by reiterating the philosophy of focus. "Google has so many opportunities that, unless we make some hard choices, we end up spreading ourselves too thin and don't have the impact we want," Page wrote. "So we have closed or combined over 30 products, including projects like Knol and Sidewiki." The executive wraps things up with a decidedly different message, recounting a beloved college course centered on the principle of "a healthy disregard for the impossible," a philosophy that surely informed the launch of the search engine once known as BackRub. "It may sound nuts," explains Page, still waxing a bit nostalgic, "but I've found that it's easier to make progress on mega-ambitious goals than on less risky projects."

It's a sentiment that's surely felt a bit out of place for those monitoring Google's projects, as of late. The example that Page jumps to in his letter is Google+ Hangouts, the product of "a small committed team that was crazy enough to believe this was possible." For most, however, Google+ has exemplified the opposite -- a once crazily innovative company that has spent more recent times focused on more mundane projects. In the grand scheme of things, it's hard to frame the company's Facebook killer as a direct manifestation of the spirit that altered Page's way of thinking one crazy undergraduate summer. Sure there are innovative features to be had, but taken as a whole, the project feels like a play at an existing property -- a play we've already seen Google make a number of times.

It's hard not to view the company as having lost some of that creative steam, some of that craziness, some of that weirdness that helped Google redefine the technological landscape.

It's hard not to view the company as having lost some of that creative steam, some of that craziness, some of that weirdness that helped Google redefine the technological landscape. From time to time, the company drops a reminder of such innovation, however, a hopeful sign that Googlers are, in fact, still toiling away on pieces of nascent disruption -- be it in the mysterious X lab or elsewhere. The company's self-driving cars certainly captured our imagination, as did the slew of April Fool's pranks it cooked up, even if those were created only in jest. ProjectGlass, the augmented reality glasses that we've been hearing whispers about, which finally got a name this week. Google announced that it will begin testing the project in public, and began soliciting feedback from the company, an honest attempt to reach out, from a position that makes it easy to forget the needs of a consumer. Even Page's fellow co-founder Sergey Brin was spotted rocking a prototype pair.


With the release of those images and an accompanying concept video, the company has managed to do something it's largely failed to accomplish with projects like Google+: it's captured the public's imagination. And sure, there's seemingly a pretty good chance that, sadly, the heads-up displays may never make it to the eyes of the consumer, but even if they fail completely to reach a final version, the company will surely have plenty of applicable lessons to apply to other businesses moving forward.

Here's hoping that properties like ProjectGlass are not simply remnants of an earlier era, but are instead a sign that, for as large and seemingly vanilla as Google has become as one of the biggest companies in the world, that there's still an undercurrent of weirdness below the surface, constantly waiting to bubble up.

Toray unveils new self-repairing film for devices, fixes scratches in under 10 seconds

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 10:51 AM PDT

Toray unveils new self-repairing film for devices, fixes scratches in under 10 seconds

Toray's advanced film department has finished its new self-cure coating and is set to start using it as a decorative layer on a series of as-yet unannounced notebooks. Fortunately, the company is already chasing down more pervasive uses on smartphones and touch-panels. The science involves a wet coating method that adds a special recovering layer to PET film. Alongside that mutant healing factor, the layer responsible also throws in some elastic and cushioning properties. During Toray's demonstration (what, no video?) scratches made with a metal brush apparently repaired themselves, resulting in the rehabilitated glossy surface you see above. According to the Japanese manufacturer, the ability to heal improves at lower temperatures, but room temperature is apparently enough to make scratches disappear in 10 seconds or less -- more than fast enough to differentiate Toray's offering from existing solutions. The film can repair itself around 20,000 times in succession, although if pierced beyond the layer, it's -- unsurprisingly -- unable to recover any damage done. The screen is also softer than the typical protective surfaces found to devices. Maybe Toray and Gorilla Glass should get together. GorillToray?

AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones this Sunday, April 8th (update)

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 10:23 AM PDT

We've just received word of a spicy strategy change, to be enacted this Sunday, that's sure to please the AT&T iPhone-loving masses. On Easter, select Ma' Bell customers with iPhones -- those off-contract with accounts in good standing -- will be able to request a carrier unlock for their device. Once freed, any micro-SIM can be used -- provided its carrier's frequencies are supported -- by the smartphone. An AT&T spokesperson was able to confirm that "a policy change concerning iPhones" would indeed be rolled-out on Sunday, but declined to elaborate further. That sound you hear? International Love, being quietly spun from the corner office of Ralph de la Vega.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Here's AT&T's official statement on the matter:

Beginning Sunday, April 8, we will offer qualifying customers the ability to unlock their AT&T iPhones. The only requirements are that a customer's account must be in good standing, their device cannot be associated with a current and active term commitment on an AT&T customer account, and they need to have fulfilled their contract term, upgraded under one of our upgrade policies or paid an early termination fee.

Google offers Floor Plan Marker app to businesses so they can improve indoor mapping

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 09:49 AM PDT

Are folks still getting lost in the faux marble expanse of your airport or shopping mall, even after you've uploaded the floor plan to Google Maps? Then maybe it's time you went the extra mile and improved indoor mapping using the official Floor Plan Marker app. It instructs you to walk around the "entire surface" of your place of interest, while gathering position data from GPS, public WiFi signals and cell towers. Once added to Google's database, this extra info will allow the familiar blue dot to function on your customers' Android phones even when your actually-concrete building gets in the way of their satellite signal. The app's already available at Google Play, so go ahead -- make the schlep now so that others don't have to.

American Idol gets Shazamed, Captain Marvel ashamed to be eliminated before the live finals

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 09:02 AM PDT

Shazam has a-ha-ha-ha-nounced that the re-he-ma-hay-ning episodes of vowel-adding warble-fest American Idol will be tied into its music-identifying app. During each of the shows, it'll offer up the set list, behind the scenes videos and let you buy both the live cover versions and original editions of classic songs -- usually hewn from a simpler, gentler time before Mariah Carey was seen as someone worth em-hem-hem-ulating. In addition viewers will be able to get photos of their favorite contestants, but we won't be interested unless there's a generous dose of Jeff Winger Ryan Seacrest tucked in there too.

Show full PR text
AMERICAN IDOL Episodes are Shazam-Enabled

Now with more than 200 million fans, Shazam helps viewers buy music performed by their favorite contestants, view more video and photos and get in the conversation with friends!

Los Angeles, CA – April 5, 2012 - Shazam®, the world's leading media discovery company, today announces that AMERICAN IDOL will be Shazam-enabled through the rest of the season to give fans another way to experience more of their favorite show in real time. Now, when they use Shazam while watching the program, fans can get immediate access to the song list with links to buy the music for all the performers; links to Twitter feeds from insiders and the general public; links to the official social media channels; and video and photos from www.americanidol.com.

"As we surpass more than 200 million users worldwide, this initiative marks another major achievement for Shazam – AMERICAN IDOL is the first live series following the successful Shazam for TV integration of this year's Super Bowl and GRAMMY Awards. We're really excited to make another flagship show Shazam-enabled, after the world's biggest sporting event, the biggest night in music, and now television's most-watched show," said Andrew Fisher, Shazam CEO.

Tune Wednesday nights 8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on FOX, when the remaining AMERICAN IDOL finalists perform songs from the eighties. When fans use Shazam anytime during the show, they will have a quick and easy way to access:
· List of songs – see what the finalists are performing with links to buy the music both by the finalist and the original artist.
· www.americanidol.com video and photos – see additional videos and photos of the show, including clips from previous episodes.
· Sharing – get in the national conversation! Follow the Tweets from "insiders" and the public and share your own thoughts about the show on Facebook and Twitter!

AMERICAN IDOL will be Shazam-ready all the way through to the end of the two-night Grand Finale on Tuesday, May 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Wednesday, May 23 (8:00-10:07 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

For people who don't yet have the Shazam application on their smartphone, it is available for every major platform and can be found on iTunes App Store, Android Market, Amazon App Store and GetJar.

Amped Wireless High Power R10000G Router and Smart Repeater hands-on

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 08:17 AM PDT

Until now, Amped Wireless has been best known for its industrial networking gear, capable of maintaining a signal up to 1.5 miles away from the base station. Now, though, the outfit's also selling some equipment for folks with a more modest setup: the R10000G Home Router and SR10000 Smart Repeater, which promise to coat 10,000 square feet of your abode / office in robust, high-quality WiFi. Of course, we just had to test these claims out for ourselves, and see if these units really were formidable enough to leave our own router crying in the corner. We devised three simple experiments to see how they hold up in the real world -- head on past the break to find out how they fared.
Amped Wireless R10000G Router and Smart Repeater hands-on
Amped Wireless R10000G Router Unboxing

Setup

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When we opened the pair of boxes from Amped, we were expecting these devices to have a gravitas befitting such a fêted device. It was almost a disappointment to learn they're as light, if not lighter than most of the networking gear we've seen. Two Ethernet cables dangle from each unit out of the box, one bearing a "Plug into Modem" tag, the other reading "Plug into PC." Power users may feel patronized, but it's clear the company has taken the time to ensure no one's left out here.

The installation menu is flawlessly designed, easing you through the process with little fuss. Compared to some routers we've reviewed this year, the modest effort to make a potentially tedious setup process painless bodes well for the outfit's attention to detail. In under five minutes, we were up and running, slurping down internet from all over the house.

Round one

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We began with a simple enough question: in real-world conditions, can the device actually serve enough internet to blanket 10,000 square feet? The company supplies a WiFi analytics tool for Android, so in the same way you'd go hunting for metal on a beach, we went hunting for a signal. For the purposes of this test, we compared the signal to what we got from BT's branded HomeHub 3.0, a Technicolor / GigaSet router that comfortably covers around 2,000 square feet.

The R10000G was available as a discoverable network 115 feet from our front door, but didn't offer up any tangible connection until we'd moved within 55 feet of the base station. All in all, we managed to get around 8,000 square feet of good coverage before it became too flaky to use. Given that it was passing through five walls followed by an extra 31 feet outdoors, we could get signal around three times as far as the stock BT router.

Round two

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For our second test, we installed the Smart Repeater in a house across the street, with roughly 150 feet separating the two devices. It took a little prodding to get the Repeater to connect, but once we had a connection, we were able to cover the street in broadband. During the few hours we spent testing this, we could stand and surf (okay, tweet) from the middle of the street without ever switching to cellphone data. We won't lie: there's something immensely satisfying (albeit dangerous) about knowing that you could watch web video out in the middle of the road. If you've got a big back yard, the last thing you want is to be trapped inside because of a weak network extender, but that, too, is something you shouldn't have to fret about.

Round three

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ImageFor our final test, we took the gear off to a secret location: a disused Victorian courthouse and prison that's been turned into a private home. Including the cell block, there's living space of around 8,000 square feet, littered with heavy brick walls, lead-lined doors and maze-like construction. The only place the residents can latch onto a WiFi signal is the room as where their Huawei HG521 router is situated. To be clear, this test isn't in response to any claim Amped is making; it just seemed to us that a home so unfriendly to WiFi would be a telling place to put this robust gear through its paces.

We set up the R10000G in the study, at which point the internet was instantly able to penetrate all of the rooms on that side of the cell block -- previously unheard of in this house. It roughly covered around 4,000 square feet, including all of the various offices and the courthouse. However, the signal wouldn't travel beyond the cell block, so we decided to place the repeater at the farthest end of the building to see if we couldn't use it to break through the barrier. It was able to scan for the router and register it with around 60 percent signal strength, but despite repeated attempts, it simply refused to connect. The steel and iron bars, lead-lined doors and walls that encircle the wing simply too strong even for world-class kit like this.


Wrap-up

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There's something satisfying about tech that's made with care and does its job well. In this case, we're not going to gloss over the fact that the router and repeater will set you back a combined $260 -- it's a hefty commitment, to be sure. But for those of you who require constant connectivity, or have to make do with a home that isn't WiFi-friendly, then the little extra you'll pay up front will more than compensate for all the mindless web surfing you'll enjoy thereafter.

Engadget Podcast 288 - 04.05.2012

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 07:30 AM PDT

If you look at this edition of the Engadget Podcast through our own pair of tortoise shell-framed, azure-lens'd Google Glasses it looks like Darren is saying "Welcome to the Ghost Rider 900 edition of the Engadget Podcast" from beyond the void.

Host: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater, Darren Murph
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Orbital - Never

00:03:20 - HTC One S review
00:03:30 - HTC One X review
00:04:00 - HTC One X vs. One S: which phone is The One for you?
00:11:25 - Nokia Lumia 900 review
00:16:30 - Instagram comes to Android, available to download now
00:16:45 - Instagram for Android hands-on
00:36:50 - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE preview (video)
00:45:20 - New York International Auto Show
00:45:40 - Fisker Atlantic EVer unveiled in New York, we go eyes-on
00:49:05 - Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)
00:53:05 - Nissan NV200 Taxi of Tomorrow hands-on (video)
00:53:35 - Nikon D4 field review
01:00:30 - Google testing heads-up display glasses in public, won't make you look like Robocop
01:12:00 - HTC Sense 4 review

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Friendcaster for Facebook gets shiny new 5.0 update on Android, rocks new UI

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 06:51 AM PDT

When it comes to alternative Facebook apps, Friendcaster checks in as one of the more robust options for Android. Now the app is getting a major status update thanks to a 5.0 makeover. Highlights touted by the Friendcaster team include design improvements, real-time notifications, higher resolution news feed images, the ability to tag more than one friend at a time in a post, a new check-in interface and memory improvements. The update -- which is compatible with Android 1.6 and higher -- also kicks off with a suite of themes in six fresh colors, with more in the works. After all, if you're gonna ignore yet another Farmville and Texas Hold'em request, you may as well do it in style.

Distro Issue 35 gets smart with the Smartphone Buyers Guide, HTC's army of Ones and Nokia's Lumia 900

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 06:15 AM PDT

Just last week, Nielsen announced that smartphones now account for almost half of US mobile ringers. As such, we thought it only fitting to dedicate this, the 35th issue of our fine weekly, to those intelligent pocket dwellers. In it, we'll bring you our top handset picks from the big four and beyond, with the Spring 2012 edition of our Smartphone Buyers Guide, as well as our in-depth impressions of the HTC One S, One X and Sense 4 UI and Nokia's Lumia 900. Also in this issue, a look back at the history of the smartphone in this week's Stat, a Q&A with Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhoto and the comic stylings of Dustin Harbin for the Last Word. So hit the appropriate link below and enjoy!

Distro Issue 35 PDF
Distro on the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Android Market
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

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DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 05:34 AM PDT

DARPA's Grand Challenges have already helped put plenty of self-driving cars on (closed) roads, but it looks like the agency has something a bit different in mind for its next one. As first reported by Hizook, DARPA has apparently set its sights on humanoid robots as its next target -- specifically, robots that are human-like enough to navigate rough terrain, drive a vehicle and manipulate regular tools (the idea being to simulate assisting in an industrial disaster zone). What's more, participants will have to develop robots that can do all of that "semi-autonomously," with only "supervisory teleoperation" permitted. No word on a timeline for the challenge just yet, but DARPA will apparently have more to say when it makes things completely official within the next few weeks.

[Thanks, Travis]

Intel 313 SSDs bring improved caching to ultrabooks, desktops, life in general

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 04:55 AM PDT

Intel 313 cache SSDJust like Intel's older 311 batch of small cache SSDs, the new 313 series is designed to sit alongside a traditional spinning HDD in order provide a tasty blend of speed and capacity. These newer drives are still SATA II, so there's no 6Gbps action here, but they use superior 25nm SLC flash, offer faster speeds for the same price (starting at $120 for 20GB) and are explicitly approved for use in the coming wave of Ultrabooks -- so don't be surprised if that's where you meet 'em next.

London 2012 Olympics to get live 3D coverage from Eurosport and Sky 3D

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 04:30 AM PDT

Didn't score a ticket to the 2012 Olympics in London this summer? If you're in the UK at least you can still catch the games live and in 3D, since even though the BBC is tape delaying its 3D coverage, there will be live action available on the dedicated Sky 3D channel from Eurosport. There's no word on what other carriers or regions may have access, but those two are promising over 100 hours of 3D action over the course of the games, with eight hours of live coverage alongside four hours of highlights. That's enough to cover events including the opening and closing ceremonies, men's 100m dash final, gymnastics, swimming, basketball and more. Also, Sky plans to open up the channel to all of its current HD subscribers during the Games instead of just the current 250,000 subscribers, so all you'll need to bring is a 3D-ready HDTV and glasses (maybe). There's a press release after the break with all the details currently available, and also Stephen Fry's introduction to the channel for no reason other than that it's Stephen Fry.




Show full PR text
05 April 2012
Eurosport to bring Sky customers first ever Olympics in amazing 3D

Eurosport's comprehensive 3D coverage of the London 2012 Games to be available to all '3D Ready' Sky homes

Eurosport, the pan-European broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympics, will broadcast more than 100 hours of 3D action over the course of this summer's Games. And, to ensure that British viewers can enjoy a truly immersive Olympics experience, Eurosport will showcase the action on Sky 3D, the UK's first and only dedicated 3D TV channel.

Sky 3D is already enjoyed in more than 250,000 Sky homes as well as thousands of pubs nationwide. However, for the duration of the Games, Sky is opening up Sky 3D to all High Definition subscribers, so more than 4 million homes will have the opportunity to experience Eurosport's comprehensive 3D coverage. To enjoy the Olympic action like never before, they will simply need to purchase a 3D TV and then connect it to their 3D-ready Sky+HD box.

The channel will broadcast exclusive 3D action every day during the Games. This will be a mix of around 8 hours of live coverage alongside 4 additional hours of the day's main highlights and will provide the most comprehensive 3D coverage of the Games on British television.

Events to be covered include set-piece events such as the opening ceremony, closing ceremony and the men's 100m final, alongside a wide range of other events that will be broadcast in 3D for the first time, such as gymnastics, swimming, basketball and canoeing. Sky will also make a wide range of 3D Olympic highlights available on Sky Anytime, Sky's video on demand service.

Eurosport's 3D action will complement the comprehensive High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) coverage on the Sky platform that will be made available across 48 new channels created specifically to showcase every second of the BBC's coverage of the Games.

John Cassy, Director of Sky 3D, comments: "We know from our own extensive experience that sport in 3D is captivating and we expect the Olympics to be no different. It's fitting that the London 2012 Games will be the first 3D Olympics and we're delighted to partner with Eurosport to ensure Sky customers are able to become immersed in the action like never before. Whether you're enjoying the Games in High Definition or 3D, viewers will never have felt so close to the action."

Jean Thierry Augustin, Eurosport's Managing Director of Rights Acquisition, Distribution & Development said: "Eurosport has been innovating to provide fans with the best live sports experience for many years. We pride ourselves on giving a truly global view of the Olympic Games, letting supreme sporting performances drive our coverage. This opportunity to present the London 2012 Olympics in 3D to Sky customers will give British fans an unforgettable experience of their "home" Games and the international sporting heroes it will generate."

Eurosport is an official broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games and will devote its entire channel to daily coverage from the event. This includes broadcasting 13 hours of live HD action alongside a breakfast news show, daily highlights and overnight replays of the best action. London 2012 will be the 12th consecutive Olympic Games broadcast on Eurosport.

END

Corsair debuting Vengeance gaming headset, PC case at PAX East

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 03:48 AM PDT

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You don't need a webcam-charted mood-graph to tell you that gaming can be a frustrating, enraging experience. Unbridled rage only begets revenge -- lucky for you, then, that Corsair is beefing up its Vengeance gaming line-up. Its $149 Vengeance 2000 2.4GHz wireless 7.1 headset, for instance, hopes to help you suss out the location your foe with its optimized HRTF (head-related transfer function) positional audio chops. Failing that, you could always wrap your hardware in the outfit's new C70 PC gaming case, a rugged rack designed to look like an ammo-box. This $139 steeled exterior case has room for eight PCI-E slots, 10 fan mounts, dual USB 3.0 ports and six SSD-ready hard drive bays -- in arctic white, gunmetal black and the traditional military green. You can mosey on past the break for a peek at Corsair's official press release, but folks in Boston will be able to able to check out the new digs in person at PAX East this weekend. If, you know, Vengeance is your thing.

[Thanks, Justin]
Show full PR text
Corsair Adds Wireless Headsets and PC Cases to Vengeance Gaming Line

– Corsair Vengeance 2000 Wireless 7.1 Gaming Headset and Vengeance C70 PC Case Debut at PAX East Gaming Event in Boston, April 6-8 –

BOSTON, Massachusetts - April 5, 2012 - Corsair®, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced the Vengeance® 2000 Wireless 7.1 Gaming headset and Vengeance C70 PC case. The new products are the first wireless headset and first PC case in the company's growing arsenal of award-winning Vengeance PC gaming products.

"Our Vengeance wired headsets have built a loyal following by giving gamers a competitive advantage with detailed positional audio, reliable voice communication, and comfort that lasts over marathon gaming sessions," said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager of the Components Business Unit at Corsair. "The new Vengeance 2000 wireless headset relieves gamers from the hassle of accidentally rolling over cables or ripping their headset connector out of their PCs during the heat of battle."

"The Vengeance C70 case was designed in an ammo-box style, with an all-steel exterior for extra durability, and metal flip-up handles for easy transport to LAN Parties," said Ruben Mookerjee. "We also made sure that the case had plenty of cooling and expandability options, so gamers and builders can be assured that the case will accommodate just about anything they can throw at it."

Vengeance 2000 Wireless 7.1 Gaming Headset: Untethered gaming with amazing audio fidelity

The Vengeance 2000 7.1 Wireless gaming headset uses rock-solid 2.4GHz wireless that frees and untangles gamers with battery life up to ten hours and a range up to 40 feet. Whether it's a 5.1 or 7.1 audio source, the headset's optimized HRTF positional audio technology gives gamers an edge with precise information about the location of opponents. It also features custom-engineered 50mm drivers and careful acoustic tuning for audiophile-grade sound with superior clarity and tight bass response. For immersive audio and hours-long comfort the Vengeance 2000 employs circumaural, micro-fiber memory foam earpads and a padded headband. The high-sensitivity, noise-cancelling microphone helps ensure effective team play. The headset comes with a Micro-USB charge cable that can also power the headset if the battery runs low.

Vengeance C70 PC Gaming Case: Ruggedized and Portable

The Vengeance C70 computer case has convenient built-in carry handles and a steel front panel instead of plastic for enhanced durability. Eight PCI-E slots give you the freedom for the multi-GPU setups, and dual USB 3.0 I/O ports and six SSD-ready hard drive bays (in two removable drive cages) enable the PC to be tuned for raw performance. The C70 has up to 10 fan mounts, making it a great case for air-cooling, plus the C70 also features room for water-cooling with spots for the Hydro Series™ H100 or other 240mm radiators on top. The bottom hard drive cage can also be removed to install a second 240mm radiator. The case is available in three colors: Arctic White, Gunmetal Black, and Military Green.

See the New Products at PAX East in Boston, April 6-8

The new Vengeance 2000 Wireless 7.1 gaming headset and Vengeance C70 PC case will make their public debut at the PAX East gaming event in Boston, Massachusetts from Friday, April 6th to Sunday, April 8th. For more information on PAX East, visit www.paxsite.com.

Pricing and Availability

Vengeance 2000 7.1 wireless gaming headsets have an MSRP in the United States of $149 USD and are expected to be available in June. The Corsair Vengeance C70 PC case has an MSRP of $139 and is expect to be available in May.

Samsung expects to double Q1 profit versus last year, sends itself a love note

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 02:54 AM PDT

Sammy has issued guidance for its financial performance between January and March 2012, ahead of a fuller earnings report due later this month. In contrast to HTC's latest news, the Korean giant looks rosy enough -- it's predicting an operating profit of 5.8 trillion won ($5 billion), which is almost double the quarterly profit from last year. Overall revenues continued to grow steadily too, rising nearly 22 percent to 45 trillion won ($40 billion). We'll need to wait for more detail to see where the growth is coming from, but it'd be cheesily nice to think our affection for the Galaxy Note had something to do with it.
Show full PR text
Samsung Electronics Announces Earnings Guidance for First Quarter 2012

Consolidated revenues estimated at 45 trillion Korean won
Operating profit at 5.8 trillion won

SEOUL, Korea – April 6, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced its earnings guidance for the first quarter, 2012.

Consolidated Sales : Approximately 45 trillion Korean won
(Range: 44 – 46 trillion Korean won)

Consolidated Operating Profit : Approximately 5.8 trillion Won
(Range: 5.6 – 6.0 trillion Korean won)

The above figures are consolidated earnings estimates based on K-IFRS

Dropbox enables drag-and-drop uploads on web browsers

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 02:23 AM PDT

Dropbox enables drag-and-drop uploads on web browser Finished convincing friends, family and perfect strangers alike to sign up to Dropbox -- and selfishly upping your own storage in the process. The cloud storage service has just made changes to its web-baser interface, adding drag-and-drop functionality from your folders and desktop. The feature works across Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers and once the site detects the movement, it'll start uploading to that ethereal data cloud in the sky. You can start dragging those files around at the source now.

HTC's unaudited Q1 2012 financials: revenue down by 35 percent

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 01:31 AM PDT

HTC's unaudited financials have just hit the wires and it looks like the negative trends from last year are continuing. For the first quarter of 2012, revenues are down nearly 35 percent year-on-year, with revenues of 67,790 million Taiwanese dollars (around $2.3 billion) for the period. Operating income was 5,099 million Taiwanese dollars (roughly $173 million) and profits after tax 4,464 million Taiwanese dollars ($151 million). The company must be hoping that this represents the end of the nasty hangover from its previous scatter-gun approach to phone production. Now that it's gone with the sleek and slender One series lineup, we'll see how well the company's about-turn does in the next two quarters.

The Big Bang Theory S1 and S2 will finally hit Blu-ray July 10th

Posted: 06 Apr 2012 12:23 AM PDT

Considering the usual subject matter of The Big Bang Theory it's a bit bizarre that the first couple of seasons weren't already available in high definition, but Warner Home Video has now announced they will be released on Blu-ray July 10th. While later seasons have already seen Blu-ray releases, those looking to start back at the beginning for Leonard, Sheldon, Penny and the rest of the crew had been stuck with DVDs. Assuming you're a fan of CBS' comedy series, you can preorder each Blu-ray / DVD combo release now, priced at $23.99 for the first season and $54.97 for the longer second season. Of course, what we're really wondering is what this means for other orphaned releases that only have some or none of their seasons available on Blu-ray as studios have shifted strategies, we're still waiting for How I Met Your Mother season one. Drop a note about any other shows you're following that have holes in their HD releases in the comments below, or just check out a video clip of the show with the canned laughter cut out -- it's... different.

BlackBerry PlayBook with '4G' out and about, wants to know where you put its SIM

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 10:54 PM PDT

Jim Balsillie might be on the outs, but it looks like his once boastful pet-project -- a BlackBerry PlayBook with integrated cellular wireless -- is finally coming to fruition. Per CrackBerry's forums comes the above snap of the Canadian slate donning a SIM card slot, nary a month after we first spotted the company's HSPA+ and LTE tablets pass through the FCC. That also lines up nicely with a previously leaked roadmap, promising a summer arrival. Will the mythical 4G-wielding PlayBook ever make it to market? Or like it's WiMax brother, will it never be given the chance? While you ponder that, more pics await at the source.

Update: A few more photos have surfaced on the CrackBerry forums, showing what appears to be native BBM on the device.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin spotted wearing Project Glass prototype IRL

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 10:02 PM PDT

Wondering what it might be like to sport Google's Project Glass augmented reality HUD in your daily life? It would appear company co-founder Sergey Brin already knows, as he was spotted by tech pundits Robert Scoble and Thomas Hawk rocking a prototype at a Dining in the Dark charity event for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Scoble has already posted a couple of pictures with Brin on Google+, mentioning more photos would be forthcoming from Hawk after the event concluded and that he'd heard other people, including Google exec Vic Gundotra, have the devices already. For now he mentions the glasses appeared to be "self contained" and that he could see a blueish light flashing on Brin's eyes. Hit the source link for more pics and details, we'll let you know if we find out more later -- details on where to snag a set may remain confidential until we've had a chance to try them on first, of course.

Android 4.0 arriving for HTC Rezound today, Droid RAZR update delayed

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 09:46 PM PDT

April 4th has come and gone, and sadly, both the Droid RAZR and RAZR Maxx remain without their promised bites of Ice Cream Sandwich. The latest communique from Best Buy confirms the delay, and similarly, a tweet from Motorola Mobility adds that a new release date has yet to be established. As a touch of silver lining to the otherwise gloomy news, the Best Buy crew reiterates that the HTC Rezound is set to receive Android 4.0 today -- in all its Sense 3.6 mediocrity. Cross your fingers, Rezound owners: this looks to be the big day.

[Thanks, VoxPCS]

Larry Page looks back at a year of leading Google, promises velocity, execution and focus in the future

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 08:34 PM PDT

Larry Page looks back at a year at the head of Google, promises velocity, execution and focus in the futureA year and a day after taking over the reins at Mountain View, Google co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Larry Page has plenty to say about where the company has been recently, and where it's going. While there aren't any Project Glass bombs dropped, in this open letter he's promising a Google that will achieve even more, and faster, as it goes forward. First, a spoiler alert: he really likes Google's products. From Google+, to tighter integration with results for things like weather and airfare to that little Android side project there's plenty of praise to go around. One of the longest segments is dedicated to the "love and trust" Google desires to deserve from its users, mentioning that creating "a much better, more intuitive experience across Google" is a focus for 2012. Hit the source link to have your own look at the Google boss' innermost thoughts -- do you think he's on the right track?

Shocker: People who read e-books read more

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 07:27 PM PDT

Are you ready for a bombshell? Turns out people who read e-books read more books than those don't. That tidbit comes from the number crunchers at Pew. According to a new report titled "The Rise of E-Reading," the e-book readers read an average of 24 books in the past year, versus the 15 books read by those who didn't. Also, not particularly surprising is the fact that the percent of folks reading e-books is on the rise as well -- the number who claimed to have read an e-book in the year prior made a bit of a jump from 17-percent in December to 21-percent in February. Naturally, the whole printed thing is still a bit more widespread, with 72-percent claiming to have read a paper-type book in the year prior, when surveyed back in December.

ASUS placates Transformer Prime owners with free GPS Extension Kit add-on

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 06:16 PM PDT

ASUS took a few OTA stabs at fixing the Transformer Prime's satellite blindness, sure, but now the outfit is taking a more direct approach at fixing its GPS reception woes: hardware. New Prime owners registering their slab on ASUS' member site are now being greeted with an application for a GPS Extension Kit, a free dongle that "may help improve signal reception and optimize the user experience." According to a series of emails posted by an XDA forums user, the kit is due to ship in mid-April, and will "be a flush fit on the bottom of the unit if held in landscape, matching the color of your Prime Chassis." ASUS says the dongle will be available to all customers who picked up the tablet, and carefully notes that the accessory does not "replace, alter or amend any existing warranties." Fair enough. Now, what if we want to type while we find our way around the world?
Transformer Prime GPS Extension Kit Application

Intel and Nissan collaborate on Infiniti's 2013 infotainment system, Atom inside

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 05:28 PM PDT

Intel is notorious for marking its territory on a wide array of consumer gear, but one piece of kit that's unlikely to sport that famous sticker is the infotainment system of Nissan's 2013 Infiniti lineup. Unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show, the in-vehicle computer represents a collaboration between Intel and Nissan and was showcased within the Infiniti LE concept vehicle. On the inside lurks an Atom CPU, which bucks the general trend toward ARM architecture in these systems. Both companies put their collective heads together to create cloud-based services for smartphone users such as video surveillance, vehicle control and monitoring. As another nice refinement, users will also be able to use their phone's NFC capabilities for keyless entry to the carriage -- no word on whether it can similarly activate the ignition. You'll find the full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Intel Technology Selected for NISSAN Motor Company's Next-Gen In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems

Business Wire -- April 5, 2012 12:00 PM EDT

Intel Corporation announced today that the next-generation in-vehicle infotainment system (IVI) for select NISSAN Motor Company* production vehicles will be powered by the Intel® Atom™ processor beginning in 2013. The IVI system features an innovative twin-display that was unveiled in the Infiniti LE, a luxury zero-emissions concept vehicle, at the New York International Auto Show today. Infiniti is the luxury vehicle brand of the NISSAN Motor Company.

"Technology and vehicles are integral components of everyday life and by combining the two, we can we achieve a truly connected, mobile lifestyle," said Ton Steenman, vice president of Intel's Intelligent Systems Group. "The processing power of the Intel Atom processor enables NISSAN to deliver information and entertainment to drivers and passengers simultaneously in a safe manner and opens the door to more enjoyable driving experiences."

NISSAN selected Intel as a technology partner to jointly develop rich in-vehicle experiences that will keep NISSAN drivers and passengers informed, entertained and productive while maintaining optimal safety. The industry-leading, twin-display will enable the driver to see vital traffic information and navigation while simultaneously delivering entertainment, such as movies, to passengers.

"The Infiniti LE showcases the concept of smart hospitality," said Andy Palmer, executive vice president, NISSAN Motor Company and in charge of Infiniti. "The twin-display, developed with Intel technology inside, is a breakthrough feature that presents driving-related information in the right place and at the right time."

The product development builds on a longstanding relationship between Intel and NISSAN, which includes joint research through Intel Labs to explore new ways to customize applications and enhance mobile device connectivity in the car. Sharing a similar user-centric approach to research and product development, combined with Intel's experience in consumer electronic devices as well as expertise in delivering hardware and software computing solutions and NISSAN's strong understanding of the automotive industry and driving needs, the two companies are helping the automotive industry deliver new driver and passenger experiences.

The joint research focused on several areas of exploration, including mobile device-to-vehicle fusion, cloud-based services for vehicles, and vehicle video surveillance via smartphones, as well as vehicle access and control via smartphones. For example, by using in-car connectivity and cameras and sensors already in the car, the car is able to notify the owner via smartphone when the vehicle is struck in a parking lot. Additionally, using near-field communications or a barcode to securely pair a smartphone with a car enables the smartphone to become a virtual key for remote keyless entry to the vehicle.

The announcement follows additional efforts toward realizing Intel's vision for the connected car including the recent creation of the $100 million Intel Capital Connected Car Fund, the opening of a new global Automotive Innovation and Product Development Center in Karlsruhe, Germany, an academic outreach program focused on IVI and telematics, and the expansion of Intel Labs Experience and Interaction Research in automotive.

Webcam programmed to capture your face while playing Xbox: gauges your excitement, graphs ennui

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 04:51 PM PDT

Webcam programmed to capture your face while playing Xbox: gauges your excitement, graphs ennui

Sometimes, those Modern Warfare sessions really take their toll. Now, there is a way to measure the emotional rollercoaster you're subjecting yourself to when you login for those regular gaming stints. Dale Lane decided to hook up the webcam above his main TV to grab a shot of his face every 15 seconds. This then wings its way to the Face.com API, which calculates all sorts of information about the image and sends it back to Dale, who uses a Python script to cook it into these graphs. This one measures his early evening session playing Blur on Xbox Live. Yeah, red means angry.

LaCie eSATA Hub Thunderbolt Series now available for $200

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 04:17 PM PDT

Back at CES, we first got word of the LaCie eSATA Hub Thunderbolt Series that would put two hard drives of the eSATA sort to good use. The company announced today that the storage peripheral is available now via its online store with a $199 price tag. If you recall, the device will allow you to daisy chain up to 12 drives (six hubs) to a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac while still showcasing 3Gbps eSATA speeds. If you're wanting a closer look or you're ready to commit, visit the source link below.
Show full PR text
Upgrade Existing Storage with the LaCie eSATA Hub Thunderbolt™ Series

Paris, France – Today LaCie announced the availability of the eSATA Hub Thunderbolt™ Series, its latest peripheral featuring Thunderbolt technology. This product delivers a solution for connecting eSATA hard drives to Thunderbolt-compatible Mac® computers, making them backwards compatible. The eSATA Hub also boosts transfer speeds and allows users to daisy chain with other Thunderbolt peripherals.

Give New Life to eSATA Drives
Consumers with new Macs who are interested in getting the best possible speeds with their existing multi-interface drives are no longer limited to USB or FireWire connections. In addition, businesses, photographers or other creative professionals who have upgraded their Macs to versions without ExpressCard/34 slots are now able to capitalize on their previous investment in eSATA hard drives.

Daisy Chain Capability
The eSATA Hub's dual Thunderbolt ports allow users to daisy chain other Thunderbolt peripherals. This means users can connect up to 12 eSATA drives (6 Hubs x 2 eSATA drives per Hub) to a Mac while maintaining full eSATA 3Gb/s speeds. It also helps organize desktops by connecting both a Thunderbolt compatible display and storage device via a single cable (sold separately from www.apple.com) to their Mac.

Availability
The eSATA Hub Thunderbolt Series is available through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Storage Partners starting at the suggested retail price of $199.00.

Time Warner Cable app for Android tablets with live streaming is (still) right around the corner

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 03:39 PM PDT

To be fair, when we heard that Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app for Android tablets might add live TV streaming by the end of March it was described as a "very loose" projection, so it's not much of a surprise we're still waiting for it now, in April. It is still coming however, and a new post is up on the blog teasing the above image of the app in action and promising to make the feature available in the next few weeks, certainly by Memorial day. we should also note, it's for Ice Cream Sandwich loaded tablets only -- they have the required "security and stability" (read: DRM) necessary. Also noted is that developing a live video streaming app for iOS was easier simply because of the limited number of manufacturer, OS and hardware combinations, which mirrors what we heard previously from Netflix. Still, it's on the way, so if you're looking to use your slate as an extra TV screen in the home, you should look next to your manufacturer to make sure it's been updated with ICS.

Caption Contest: HTC's down-to-earth photo shoot

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 03:06 PM PDT

With the Android handset market as jam-packed as it is, it can be tough to distinguish your device from the maddening crowd. We've seen some bizarre and sublime attempts to do so over the years, but few have reached the terminal velocity of HTC's skydiving fashion photoshoot aimed at promoting its new One line of phones. Has the company hit the bullseye here, or is it and its accompanying light-headed skydivers destined to splatter all over the advertising landscape? It just might take a caption contest to find out for certain.

Zach Honig: "If I make this reverse overhead shot do you promise to attach a parachute to my string?"
Sean Buckley: "Drop test #3 will commence in 3.. 2.."
Christopher Trout: "Who needs a facelift when you have wind effects like these?"
Darren Murph: [Yelling, to combat the wind] "WHY DO WE HAVE FOUR PEOPLE TO PROMOTE THE ONE LINE?"
Brian Heater: "Another dropped call from AT&T."
Myriam: "Looks like we fixed that bug in the accelerometer! It's working just fine right now..."
Tim: "Hang on, trying to decide which Instagram filter to apply... so many choices..."
Michael: "Well, whaddya know, Face Unlock works while free-falling at 10,000 feet!"
Zach Lutz: Despite the fabulous view, Guy couldn't resist his overwhelming urge to check for available software updates.
Sharif Sakr: As if throwing Dr Dre and his Beats Audio out of a plane wasn't enough, they had to shoot him in the back with an arrow.
Richard Lawler: What do you mean there aren't any FourSquare badges for this?
Jose Andrade: "Don't move. I'm almost done with this DrawSomething drawing"
Billy Steele: "You just hold the phone and I promise I'll pull the 'chute. Maybe."

See a Qbo robot built from scratch in a minute-and-a-half (time-lapse video)

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Ever wondered just how fast a Qbo robot can be built from scratch? Perhaps not, but TheCorpora is happy to show you anyway. The answer is just under three hours (by a skilled engineer, of course), but the company has managed to whittle that down to a minute-and-a-half thanks to the magic of time-lapse video. Head on past the break to see it for yourself -- and, if you haven't already, catch up with some of the tricks the bot is able to do once it's fully assembled.


Sprint announces ICS for the Nexus S 4G, official download now available

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 02:06 PM PDT

To all the broken-hearted owners of the Nexus S 4G waiting for their chance to play with an official build of Ice Cream Sandwich: wait no longer. Sprint announced in a forum post (and subsequently on Twitter) that it's finally ready to unleash Android 4.0.4 to the anxious masses -- not just the adventurous souls willing to try out the leaked version last weekend. If you own this phone, we're guessing you're no longer reading this post. But, if you are, go check to see if your update is available. Do it.

[Thanks, Brent]

Show full PR text
Nexus S 4G Gets Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, Update Starting Today

Nexus S™ 4G from Google will be the first Android™-powered smartphone available on Sprint to get Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich. The over-the-air update will begin rolling out to users today, and all users should receive the update in the next month.

When your Nexus S 4G is eligible for the update, it will automatically download. Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to install the update. Installation will take a few minutes, and your device will be disabled during the installation process. It will be ready to use when the process is complete.

Android 4.0 adds numerous enhancements and new features, including:
· A refined, evolved user interface that is simple, beautiful and useful
· Android Beam™: quickly share web pages, apps, contacts and YouTube™ videos with your friends by simply tapping two Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled phones together
· Redesigned camera, which introduces panorama mode, effects like silly faces and background replacement and a powerful photo editor
· Data Usage helps you avoid data overage charges by allowing you to instantly see your data usage for any period of time or any app – and get notified before reaching your limit; you can even restrict background data for individual apps
· Web browser now lets you sync Google Chrome™ bookmarks, request full desktop versions of sites, see your open tabs in a new layout and even store web pages for offline reading
· People: browse friends, family and coworkers, see their photos in high-resolution and check their latest status updates from Google+ and other social networks
· Improved keyboard with incredibly accurate typing, an inline spell checker and improved copy and paste support
· New Calendar app that lets you add events quickly, sync with Google Calendar™ or Microsoft Exchange and even pinch to adjust your calendar display
· Redesigned Gmail™ app that now lets you swipe between conversations to catch up quickly, and search for emails even without a data connection
· Google+ integration that lets you hangout and video chat with up to 10 friends using your front-facing camera

GSM Galaxy Nexus seeing signal issues after Android 4.0.4 update?

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 01:55 PM PDT

Sometimes, updates aren't as sweet as they initially sound. Such is the case with Android 4.0.4, which recently rolled out to owners of the GSM Galaxy Nexus. According to an increasingly vocal swath of members at xda-developers (and confirmed by a listing on Google's own Support page), there are mysterious signal issues now troubling the device. For many users, there's an inexplicable loss of signal -- a complete inability to make or receive calls and text messages -- after applying the v4.0.4 update, though it's beginning to look like Sleep is the issue. For some, preventing the phone from going to into a deep sleep mode has solved the dilemma, but it has also created a life where a nearby AC outlet is more of a necessity than usual. Hit up the source link to submit a bug report if you're experiencing precisely this, and let us know of any potential fixes down in comments below.

The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 01:30 PM PDT

Hey! We're back! And this time out, Tim and Brian will be joined by the Darren Murph, the Engadget staff's foremost expert on Nic Cage trivia. Follow along, after the break.


*** You can also stream the show live on your iPhone or iPad by clicking here.

Panasonic KX-TG7740 and KX-TG7730 cordless phones feature Link2Cell, iPhone ringtone integration

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 01:02 PM PDT

Sure, you may have long ditched the landline, but you could still be in the market for a cordless phone. Two such rigs from Panasonic let you tap your mob for a voice connection, with Link2Cell. The KX-TG7740 and KX-TG7730 can both sync up with Bluetooth-enabled phones, letting you make calls through your smartphone as it charges in another room. You can also transfer up to 3,050 address book entries to the household system, while this year's models add an extra layer of iPhone integration, enabling ringtone matching and transfer -- you'll now be able to hear that iOS jingle through any connected handset. Both models also include the standard gamut of features, including talking caller ID, call block for pre-programed numbers and a handset locator. The 7730 series ships with three handsets for $100 (TG-7733S), two handsets for $80 (7732S) or a single handset for $60 (7731S). Likewise, the 7740 adds a dial pad to the base, and is available with five handsets for $150 (7745S), three for $110 (7743S), two for $90 (7742S) or one for $70 (7741S). You'll find the full PR rundown just past the break.
Show full PR text
Panasonic Expands Phone Lineup with Convenient Features for Ease-of-Use

New 2012 Lineup includes Two New Link2Cell® Phones Which Integrate with iPhone Ringtones

SECAUCUS, NJ (April 4, 2012) – Panasonic today announced six new DECT 6.0 Plus telephones that offer an array of convenient features for landline phone users including a simplified keypad layout with oversized buttons, large white backlit display, talking caller ID and amplified handsets. Each of the new 2012 model series are expandable up to 6 handsets, to create a truly robust home communication solution that grows with a user's needs.

The two new Link2Cell® models, the KX-TG7740 and KX-TG7730 series, allow consumers to make and receive cell phone calls on any of the comfortable Panasonic handsets throughout the home. As an added benefit, iPhone users can import their ringtones to the Link2Cell phone system so that each call rings throughout the home with the same tone as the cell phone.

Link2Cell works with or without landline telephone service. Simply place the base unit wherever cell reception is strongest and then pair up to two Bluetooth®-enabled cell phones to the system. Once paired, cell phone calls will ring on all compatible Panasonic handsets, ensuring that important calls will not be missed. Additionally, since it is Bluetooth compatible users can transfer up to 3050 entries from a cell phone address book to the handset with the touch of a button.

"Panasonic continuously seeks to provide consumers with innovative telephony products that deliver a superior experience for their communication needs," said Desirae Dolphin, Product Manager, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "With the ever-changing landscape of communication tools, our goal is to deliver phones that are easy-to-use and offer unique features that enhance the home communication experience."

The Panasonic KX-TG4740 and KX-TG4730 series are expandable digital cordless answering systems which feature a simplified keypad layout with fewer, larger buttons making it easier to dial. Each series is equipped with a side volume key on each handset, similar to cell phones making it easy to users to adjust the volume during a call, and allow for up to 4-way conference calling. The new KX-TG4753B expandable digital cordless answering system with three handsets includes all the great features of the KX-TG4730 series in addition to a range extender which doubles the effective transmission distance between the base unit and the cordless handsets.

The new Panasonic KX-TG4770 series is an expandable digital answering system with one corded and additional cordless handsets which features a large LCD screen on the base unit with a simplified button layout for ease of use. The cordless handsets feature Power Back-Up Operation, a feature exclusive to Panasonic phones, which allows for up to three hours of talk time after the power has been lost.

All six new phones are equipped with Panasonic's DECT 6.0 PLUS technology which takes the superb sound quality and outstanding range of DECT 6.0 to a new level with an increased frequency of error correction of up to 80 times, improving sound quality and extending transmission range. Additionally, adjustable Tone Equalizer allows users to customize the tone of incoming calls to maximize clarity or accommodate for mild to moderate hearing loss. Depending on their particular hearing loss frequencies, users may boost bass, mid-range, or treble tones, making voices easier to understand.

Additional features of the 2012 lineup of consumer telephones include:

· Intelligent Eco Mode – Automatically lowers the power consumption when using the handset close to the base unit

· Talking Caller ID – Announces Caller ID information in between rings so users don't have to stop what they are doing to answer unwanted calls

· Light Up Indicator – A visual indicator on the handset will flash brightly when there is an incoming call

· Silent Mode – Program any handset, such as a bedside phone, not to ring during specified hours

· Call Block – Block unwanted calls by entering the caller ID information into the phone's memory

· Handset Locator – To locate a misplaced handset, simply touch a button on the base and the handset will ring

The new phones are now available at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco and Amazon.com:

· KX-TG4734B expandable digital cordless answering system (4 handsets) $109.95, (3 handsets) $89.95; KX-TG4732B (2 handsets) $69.95;

· KX-TG4745B expandable digital cordless answering system with dial keypad on base (5 handsets) $139.95; KX-TG4744B (4 handsets) $119.95; KX-TG4743B (3 handsets) $99.95; KX-TG4742B (2 handsets) $79.95; KX-TG4741B (1 handset) $59.95.

· KX-TG4753B expandable digital cordless answering system with three handsets: $109.95

· KX-TG7733S Link2Cell® Bluetooth® Convergence Solution ((3 handsets) $99.95; KX-TG7732S (2 handsets) $79.95; KX-TG7731S (1 handset) $59.95.

· KX-TG7745S Link2Cell Bluetooth Convergence Solution with dial key pad on base (5 handsets): $149.95; KX-TG7743S (3 handsets) $109.95; KX-TG7742S (2 handsets) $89.95; KX-TG7741S (1 handset) $69.95.

· KX-TG4771B expandable digital cordless answering system with 1 corded and 1 cordless handset $69.95; KX-TG4772B (2 cordless handsets) $89.95; KX-TG4773B (3 cordless handsets) $109.95.

For more information about Panasonic telephones, please visit www.panasonic.com/phonestuff.

Novero Solana convertible netbook gets flipped by the FCC

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 12:32 PM PDT

If you're excited about convertible tablets but can't wait for the IdeaPad Yoga to arrive, then perhaps Novero's Solana might give you a temporary fix. It's a dinky netbook (yes, netbook) that runs both Windows 7 and Android, but you can flip the display over in its frame to turn it into a tablet PC. It's packing a dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom N2600, Intel GMA 3600 IGP Graphics, 2GB of RAM and a choice of 32 or 64GB of solid-state storage. Fortunately, it looks like it won't be long before we get to clench it to our chests since it's now been given the thumbs-up from the assembled experts down in the FCC's underground bunker. For around $800, you too can pretend it's 2009 all over again, just remember to bring the Flo Rida.

Image

Is that a 3D prototype in HTC's EVO 4G LTE making of video? (update: nope)

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 12:09 PM PDT

An HTC Evo 4G LTE with dual cameras could only mean one thing, right? It's unclear whether the 3D rig in the company's intro video is simply a design mock-up, or a functional prototype of a model to come, but there's definitely something of the sort floating around HTC's labs. The device in question looks identical to the Evo we saw at yesterday's Sprint launch event -- kickstand and all -- save for that unique dual-lens design. And if such a smartphone did come to fruition, what could we expect for a name? Sprint HTC EVO 4G 3D LTE? We sure hope not. We've reached out to HTC to get a better idea of what we're looking at, but for now, this clip will have to do. You'll find the video in its entirety just past the break, but you'll want to skip to the 25 second mark for the 3D proto.

Update: Well, we just heard back from HTC and the company confirmed that it's not a prototype of any future device. Apparently, it's just an early design when HTC and Sprint were considering carrying over the 3D feature, but it didn't make the cut. Mystery solved!

YouTube lets you watch 1080p 2D videos in '3D' with your anaglyph specs

Posted: 05 Apr 2012 11:59 AM PDT

Another day, another bit of news out of Mountain View. Stereoscopic 3D videos have been on YouTube for nearly three years, and since last year, the site has given viewers the option to transform "short-form" 2D content to 3D -- with a single click on the settings bar, that is. Today, the beta feature comes to 1080p videos, meaning you'll now be able to watch your favorite Phillip DeFranco and Shay Carl vlogs with extra chromatic impact in full HD. YouTube notes that it's "constantly improving the underlying conversion technology," which figures out how to simulate the effect based on characteristics of the video itself and true 3D videos uploaded to the site. We'd say there's still something slightly amiss about using folding blue and red glasses to watch two-dimensional HD video in faux anaglyph 3D, but you can make the call for yourself by reading up about the magic at the source link below.
at 11:53 AM

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