Sponsored
Engadget News |
- Handmade particle accelerator unveiled at Milan Design Week, Higgs-Boson a no-show
- PSA: I'm Watch smartwatch series ready to ship, as soon as it confirms the destination
- Verizon selling 700MHz spectrum, but only if government approves its AWS purchase
- Google announces Brand Activate Initiative for online advertising, hopes to establish new standard
- The Engadget Show returns Friday, April 20th -- get tickets to the taping!
- Whiteman Technology unveils Delta DVR for hopeful HD lovers
- Spotify: the iPad app is 'in the works'
- Sergey Brin clarifies Apple and Facebook critique, says statement was 'distorted'
- Bella KillerKeys brings desktops shortcuts and control to iOS for $20, we go hands-on (video)
- AT&T announces new GoPhone data packages are coming on April 22nd
- AT&T confirms HTC One X to land May 6th for $199
- Dolby 3D on prototype 4K display and HTC Evo 3D hands-on (video)
- Windows Phone exec exits five months after being poached from Samsung
- HTC One X gets software update, minor fixes reported
- RIM announces 'budget' BlackBerry 9220 for Indian socialites
- Windows Server 8 gets a new name, roses retain their sweetness
- Huawei Ascend P1 arriving in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia by May
- Digital Storm launches Marauder series of desktop PCs for gamers on a budget
- G-Technologies' G-Raid with Thunderbolt drive now on sale, yours from $700
- Samsung Galaxy Beam crosses paths with FCC, sports 3G connectivity for AT&T
- Around 140,000 Apple machines still infected with Flashback malware, says Symantec
- Panasonic forms new Eco Solutions unit, aims to be 'leader in green innovation' by 2018
- DirecTV DVRs available in over 100 hotels, never miss the restaurant opening times again
- University of Glasgow scientists print drugs in 3D, pave the way for in-home pharmacies
- ASUS won't release Transformer Prime GPS dongles in Italy or Greece (updated)
- Custom clock pays homage to CPU, separates geeks from the squares (video)
- Logitech reveals Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the third-gen iPad, a set of keys that protect your slate for $99
- Breaking News gets a TV app, channel-agnostic news ticker
- Pantech FCC filing hints at LTE Breakout successor for Verizon Wireless
- Acer's A100 and A500 tablets getting Ice Cream Sandwich on April 27th
- Zero Trace gadget bags dodge 'digital exploitation,' schadenfreude
- Wiipop incorporates Kinect camera and several Wiimotes into a veritable electric boogaloo
- Sandia National Laboratories generates neutrons in a radical way
- DTS and SRS Labs to combine into one big happy family
- HTC and Sina Weibo debut One S with dedicated microblog functions (video)
- Samsung reportedly axes Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 production to add quad-core CPU (update: not true)
- Google Earth adds balloon and kite aerial imagery, invites you to contribute
- Lenovo roadmap outs Intel Chief River Ivy Bridge-equipped laptops for June 5th
- Microsoft details memory reclaiming process within Metro-style apps
- Acer Iconia Tab A510 now available, 10.1 inches of Olympian ICS and Tegra 3 for $450
| Handmade particle accelerator unveiled at Milan Design Week, Higgs-Boson a no-show Posted: 18 Apr 2012 11:18 AM PDT
When it comes to particle science, it's not all about huge winding tunnels and god particles. Super/collider, a group that aims to promote science through eye-catching creative methods, teamed up with designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating to craft this relatively simple -- but working-- particle accelerator for Milan Design week. The setup involves several hand-blown bulbs, with a vacuum inside them allowing electrons to rocket from side to side, lit in a purple haze thanks to a phosphorous screen at one end. The whole thing is fashioned from the relatively commonplace gear you see above, although a how-to guide still remains unfortunately non-existent. |
| PSA: I'm Watch smartwatch series ready to ship, as soon as it confirms the destination Posted: 18 Apr 2012 10:59 AM PDT
All things I'm Watch went a bit quiet following the unveiling of its latest series of smartwatches at CES 2012 several months ago. Now there's finally been an update -- we've heard from a kindly reader that the Italian manufacturer is now ready to deliver on its preorders, requesting a final confirmation of delivery details before they leave the warehouse. Those willing to stump up the substantial amount -- prices start from €340 ($445) -- for these sapphire glass-coated timepieces will get to dabble with a watch-friendly version of Android 1.6. While this means the device will only be able to access a fraction of Google's app catalogue, at least there's a whole gamut of colors and material finishes to choose from -- with the requisite price difference, of course. [Thanks Owen] |
| Verizon selling 700MHz spectrum, but only if government approves its AWS purchase Posted: 18 Apr 2012 10:41 AM PDT
Seems odd that Verizon would decide to sell off some of it's wireless spectrum considering it told the FCC that it doesn't have enough space for its future LTE needs. Yet Big Red's doing just that, pledging to pawn off its 700MHz A and B licenses should its purchase of AWS spectrum from a contingent of cable companies be approved by the FCC and DOJ. Why would Verizon do such a thing? It appears that the 700MHz upper C band (where VZW's LTE service currently resides) combined with the new AWS licenses will provide Big Red the bandwidth it needs. Plus, selling off some of its other spectrum will surely grease the wheels with the governmental powers that be, and perhaps even assuage Verizon's competition arrayed against its AWS acquisition. Of course, the A and B licenses being offered for sale don't blanket the nation, but they do cover quite a few large metropolitan markets. Check out the full list after the break. [Tower photo via Shutterstock] VERIZON WIRELESS TO CONDUCT SPECTRUM LICENSE SALE Stephens Inc. to Manage Offering Process BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless today announced plans to conduct an open sale process for all of its 700 MHz A and B spectrum licenses in order to rationalize its spectrum holdings. The licenses cover dozens of major cities across the country, as well as a number of smaller and rural markets. Verizon Wireless obtained the 700 MHz A and B licenses, as well as nationwide 700 MHz upper C licenses (with the exception of Alaska which has since been acquired), in FCC Auction 73 in 2008. Verizon Wireless is deploying its 4G LTE network, which currently covers more than 200 million people, on its nationwide 700 MHz upper C spectrum. If Verizon Wireless is successful in acquiring additional AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum licenses, it will use AWS spectrum in conjunction with its 700 MHz upper C band spectrum to deploy additional LTE capacity. Accordingly, the sale of the A and B licenses is contingent on the close of Verizon Wireless' pending purchases of AWS licenses from SpectrumCo (an entity jointly owned by Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks), Cox and Leap Wireless. These transactions are at varying stages of review by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and are expected to close by mid-summer. The company is announcing the sale plans now and will begin the process of soliciting interest from potential buyers to ensure the process can move forward quickly once the AWS license transfers have been completed. "Since wireless operators, large and small, have expressed concern about the availability of high-quality spectrum, we believe our 700 MHz licenses will be attractive to a wide range of buyers," said Molly Feldman, vice president of Business Development for Verizon Wireless. "Moreover, provided our acquisition of AWS spectrum is approved, our open sale process will ensure these A and B spectrum licenses are quickly and fairly made available for the benefit of other carriers and their customers." Stephens Inc., a nationally recognized, independent financial services firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been engaged to manage the offering process. Interested parties may contact Stephens Inc. at vz_spectrum@stephens.com or 501-377-8134. Stephens Inc. will later release information about efforts to reach out to potential bidders, including minority-owned and female-owned businesses, to participate in the process. All sales will be subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Editor's Note: Following is a list of the markets covered by the 700 MHz A and B licenses: A Block Licenses (Economic Areas) New York, Philadelphia, Washington-Baltimore, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio (CMA area only), Denver, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco and Sacramento B Block (Cellular Market Areas) Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Cincinnati, Rochester, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Greensboro-Winston Salem, Charlotte, Youngstown, Raleigh-Durham, West Palm Beach, Fort Collins, Pueblo and Colorado 4 – Park; Bradenton and Florida 3- Hardee; Athens, GA; Idaho 5 – Butte; Lake Charles, Alexandria, Louisiana 1- Claiborne, Louisiana 2 – Morehouse and Louisiana 3 – De Soto; Maryland 3 – Frederick; Billings, Great Falls, Montana 8 – Beaverhead, and Montana 9 – Carbon; Nevada 3 – Storey; New Mexico 5 – Grant and New Mexico 6 – Lincoln; Rapid City and South Dakota 1 – Harding; Lubbock, Amarillo, Waco, Longview-Marshall, Tyler, Texarkana, Odessa, Laredo, Midland, Texas 2 – Hansford, Texas 6 – Jack and Texas 18 – Edwards; Utah 1 – Box Elder, Utah 4 – Beaver, Utah 5 – Daggett and Utah 6 – Piute; Virginia 10 – Frederick; Washington 2 - Okanogan; Casper and Wyoming 2 - Sheridan |
| Google announces Brand Activate Initiative for online advertising, hopes to establish new standard Posted: 18 Apr 2012 10:21 AM PDT
When Google makes a new move in advertising, people are bound to take notice, and it's made a fairly big one today. It's announced what it's dubbed the Brand Activate Initiative at the Ad Age Digital Conference today, something that initially consists of two new services for advertisers: Active View and Active GRP. The latter is a so-called gross rating point metric that's modeled to some extent on TV advertising, while Active View is something that Google hopes will become a standard for all online advertising. In short, it measures both how long an ad remains on a person's screen and how much of it is viewed -- if at least 50 percent of it is viewable for at least one second it's counted as an viewed impression. Both of those options are rolling out today, but they're apparently just the beginning of the broader initiative. You can see Google itself explain it in the video after the break, and on its DoubleClick blog linked below.
|
| The Engadget Show returns Friday, April 20th -- get tickets to the taping! Posted: 18 Apr 2012 10:00 AM PDT |
| Whiteman Technology unveils Delta DVR for hopeful HD lovers Posted: 18 Apr 2012 09:46 AM PDT
Do you fancy a HTPC gussied-up as a DVR? Well, you're in luck, because Ryan Whiteman's just built one: the Delta DVR. Powered by an AMD system-on-chip, it runs Windows and Media Center for embedded devices, recording up to six HD channels at once on its 3TB HDD. It can also stream PC game titles from the Happy Cloud and run Android apps, controllable with any gamepad that'll plug into one of the four front-mounted USB ports. It'll also act as a DLNA node pulling stored photos, music and movies from your home network over 802.11n WiFi. It'll be unveiled tomorrow at the DEMO trade-show and we've pinged the company to find out when we can expect news on a release date or price. Whiteman Technology Introduces Revolutionary New Consumer DVR The Delta DVR Enables Consumers to Replace Multiple Home Entertainment Devices With a Single, Easy to Use Device SANTA CLARA, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 18, 2012) - Whiteman Technology today revealed the Delta DVR. Based on Windows Embedded, the Delta DVR is one of the first Set-Top-Boxes utilizing Windows Media Center. While capable of recording up to 6 HD channels simultaneously to a 3TB hard drive, there is much more to the Delta DVR than just watching and recording television. Voice control has been integrated into the Delta DVR, providing consumers with a fun and innovative way to interact with their television. The newest AMD Embedded APU has been leveraged to support advanced 3D graphics for gaming. Android Applications can be downloaded, providing users with a plethora of applications from the start. All of this is accessed through the familiar Windows Media Center, delivering users a smooth and streamlined interface. For more information about the Delta DVR, visit www.WhitemanTechnology.com or visit us in the DEMO Spring 2012 pavilion at booth # D15. The Delta DVR will be demoed live from the DEMO Spring 2012 stage at 3:48 PM on Thursday, April 19th, 2012. |
| Spotify: the iPad app is 'in the works' Posted: 18 Apr 2012 09:34 AM PDT
It's never a great sign when the first thing you see upon entering a press conference is a giant Coca-Cola logo. iPad and web platform rumors aside, today's Spotify "special announcement" event was all about the soft drink side of things, marking a partnership between the music streaming service and Coke, which involves, at present, some Spotify / Coke apps. The first question from the audience, however, revolved around the rumored tablet version of the service. Spotify founder Daniel Ek acknowledged that it is indeed "in the works," otherwise evading the question, insisting that the event was all about the Coke partnership, to the relief of the two beverage reps who joined him on stage. |
| Sergey Brin clarifies Apple and Facebook critique, says statement was 'distorted' Posted: 18 Apr 2012 09:24 AM PDT
Sergey Brin wasn't too happy with how his critique of Apple and Facebook was represented in the media following an interview he gave to the Guardian. In a post on Google+ (hey, if he won't use it, who will?) Brin lamented that, "my thoughts got particularly distorted... in a way that distracts from my central tenets." The founder believes that undue attention was given to his complaints about Facebook and Apple's "restrictive" walled gardens, when he sees oppressive governments and state-sanctioned censorship as much larger issues. Of course, while Brin does say he admires his competitors, he never truly backpedals from his criticism or says that it was taken out of context. To let Sergey explain himself, hit up the source link. |
| Bella KillerKeys brings desktops shortcuts and control to iOS for $20, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 18 Apr 2012 08:59 AM PDT
Creative types working their magic on Windows may already be familiar with KillerKeys, a desktop app that brings push-button control to most Adobe apps, Microsoft Office, Sony Vegas and a few others, letting you tap a preset action rather than digging through a multi-layer menu or remembering hundreds of keyboard shortcuts -- if you use any of these apps as part of your workflow, the $10 (and up) investment certainly seems to be worthwhile. Now, Bella, the company behind KillerKeys, is bringing the tool to iOS (the iPad, more specifically), letting you tap your intentions on your tab, rather than using the mouse to click around the desktop. You can group buttons by function, and the panel adjusts automatically to match the current app -- there's also an application launcher available at the bottom corners of the display, which helps to minimize your mouse time. To that end, you'll also find an on-screen trackpad (which unfortunately wasn't functional during the company's demo at NAB), and once it's enabled you'll be able to reposition your pointer from the tablet, letting you hide that cumbersome mouse. Initially, the app will only be available for iOS when it ships next month, though an Android version is in the works, as is a Mac OS version of KillerKeys, which should launch with the iPad app. The mobile application will set you back $10, and you'll also need to pick up a copy of KillerKeys, which ranges in price from $10 for a home and student addition to $90 for the whole shebang. Check out the hands-on demo after the break.
|
| AT&T announces new GoPhone data packages are coming on April 22nd Posted: 18 Apr 2012 08:41 AM PDT
Earlier today, AT&T announced it's bringing new data packages to its pay-as-you-go plans starting on April 22nd. These packages will be available to folks using either the $50 Unlimited Talk & Text or the cheaper, text-only $25 offering. With the recent changes GoPhone's data bundles will now give you 1GB, 200MB and 50MB for $25, $15 and $5, respectively. Essentially, you'll be enjoying twice the amount of data while keeping your wallet usage to a minimum. You can check the full PR just past the break. New & Improved Prepaid Data Packages From AT&T DALLAS, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the following new data packages with double the data or more for the same price for GoPhone customers, available April 22. 1 GB $25 200 MB $15 50 MB $5 Data packages are available on GoPhone's fantastic line up of monthly plans. All data packages are available on the $50 Unlimited Talk & Text nationwide plan for GoPhone smartphones and the $25 Unlimited Text with 250 minutes nationwide GoPhone plan. Both plans offer GoPhone customers great options, flexibility and freedom on how to use their service. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. © 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE AT&T Inc. |
| AT&T confirms HTC One X to land May 6th for $199 Posted: 18 Apr 2012 08:16 AM PDT
If you were waiting for confirmation as to when you might be able to get your hands on the HTC One X in the US, circle May the 6th on your calendar. AT&T has just confirmed that this is when the flagship handset will launch, at a price of $199 (with a two year commitment.) It's the dual-core LTE version, of course, and is also the first phone to launch with Ice Cream Sandwich on the network. If you want a slice, pre-orders will be open from April 22nd, or head on down to the source link for more info. [Thanks, Marko] HTC One X Available Exclusively From AT&T Beginning May 6 For $199.99 4G LTE Entertainment Superphone features Amazing Camera and Beats Audio Experience, Runs on Android 4.0 and HTC Sense 4 DALLAS and BELLEVUE, Wash., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Key Facts The first smartphone from AT&T* to launch with the latest version of the Android operating system (4.0), the HTC One X, will be available from AT&T beginning May 6 for $199.99. HTC One X is AT&T's first smartphone with Beats by Dr. Dre™ Audio built-in to the hardware and software. HTC One X is the first smartphone from AT&T to offer HTC Sense™4 to deliver an amazing camera with improvements to the lens, sensor and software, an authentic sound experience with Beats by Dr. Dre Audio, and long-lasting battery performance to accommodate heavy mobile use. Pre-orders for HTC One X will begin April 22. Customers can visit any company-owned retail store or http://www.att.com/onex for more information. An all-around workhorse with unique customer benefits, the HTC One X is the flagship of HTC's One line of smartphones. Combined with the nation's largest 4G network, with 4G LTE backed by AT&T's HSPA+ network, the One X becomes the complete package for Android users. AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network, covering nearly 250 million people. As 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you're on a much slower 3G network. Sound at its Finest HTC One X is the first device from AT&T with HTC's authentic sound experience featuring Beats by Dr. Dre Audio integration, offering rich, full sounds with professional-grade sound engineering to play the music how the artist intended. Beats Audio provides a distortion-free sound at higher volume and rich bass at all levels whether you are watching movies, playing games or streaming music. HTC One X is custom tuned for the best audio performance when used with Beats by Dr. Dre accessories,** including the Beatbox (AT&T exclusive), Wireless HD Stereo Bluetooth Headphones, Beats™ Solo™ HD Headphones, and UR Beats™ In-ear Headphones. With built-in software on the HTC One X, customers can connect it to a computer and HTC's Sync Manager software automatically installs to your computer and once connected, makes it easy to move music and playlists to your phone from your music library. Entertainment Everywhere Consumers' ability to incorporate their smartphones into every aspect of their lives continues with the HTC One X. Watching TV shows or movies will be even more enjoyable on its 4.7-inch 720p HD screen with sharp images that appear detailed and visible from every angle – even angled up to 80 degrees. HTC Watch gives you access to thousands of Hollywood blockbusters and offers companion content to find out more about the film. You can begin watching the movie moments after it starts downloading and wirelessly share the content on any HD TV using HTC's wireless HDMI Media Link HD adapter.** The laminated cover glass and touch layer significantly reduce light reflection for superior sharpness and clarity, and is protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass. HTC One X is made with a beautifully crafted polycarbonate unibody design that showcases its clean lines and seamless construction. Superior Camera For many consumers, their smartphone doubles as their camera. HTC One X's 8MP HD camera features ImageSense and rivals traditional digital cameras with improvements to every part of the camera including the lens, sensor and software, while integrating HTC's new ImageChip to make quality picture taking a breeze. Fumbling with the menu and settings on your smartphone is frustrating when the perfect shot is right in front of you. Within seconds, you can launch the camera from the lock screen and the camera quickly autofocuses and zeros in on your subject. Zero shutter lag also lets you take continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button. HTC One X takes beautiful photos under low-light, no-light, and back-light conditions. The Video Pic feature allows the capture of still pictures while recording video in HD as well as the ability to capture a still image from previously recorded video. The HTC One X's next-generation 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 dual-core processor allows customers to run heavy duty tasks such as creating and editing homemade videos smoothly without any lag, while the 1,800 mAh embedded battery, and software enhancements that improve battery performance by 50-100 percent over previous HTC phones, offers hours of uninterrupted entertainment time. HTC Sense 4 HTC One X will be one of the first devices in the U.S. with the simple and intuitive HTC Sense 4 user experience. It helps make the Beats Audio experience possible while listening to any audio component and features camera enhancements including a quick launch feature for the camera on the HTC One X – dramatically cutting down the time needed to move from the lock screen to snapping a picture. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. **Accessories sold separately. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network. Limited-time offer. HTC One X requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req'd. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $35. Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov't assessments. These are not taxes or gov't req'd charges. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn m |
| Dolby 3D on prototype 4K display and HTC Evo 3D hands-on (video) Posted: 18 Apr 2012 08:11 AM PDT
Truth be told, we haven't been wildly impressed with the glasses-free 3D solutions we've seen to date, be it because of the limited viewing angles, unconvincing picture or lack of availability here in the US. That could soon change, however, if Dolby's version of the three-dimensional experience makes its way to a production-ready television set. Best known for its audio technologies, the company just launched its own 3D standard in cooperation with Philips, called Dolby 3D. The platform-agnostic solution is far from ready to make its way into your living room, but it's conceptually sound, and the prototype 4K 3D TV and mobile versions being demonstrated at Dolby's NAB booth make us hopeful for the future. As with all displays -- especially those that support 3D -- you'll really need to see to believe, but we had an opportunity to do just that, and walked away very impressed. The 56-inch 4K prototype display is viewable from nearly any angle, with 24 different viewpoints, though you'll really need to be front and center for the greatest 3D effect. Side viewing is certainly possible; you'll just sacrifice some depth in the process. Even from the front, 3D appears slightly muted compared to what we've seen with passive- and active-glasses equivalents, though we can't say that we mind much, considering that the image is still dramatic enough when you need it to be, such as when displaying scenes with significant depth. The company was also demonstrating Dolby 3D on an HTC Evo 3D along with a nondescript tablet, where an on-screen slider lets you dim the three-dimensional intensity just as you would adjust the volume, enabling you to customize the experience to suit your needs. Since Dolby 3D is merely a display standard, we won't be seeing any branded televisions or smartphones, though perhaps we'll see some third-party adaptations come CES 2013. Jump past the break to see it in action.
|
| Windows Phone exec exits five months after being poached from Samsung Posted: 18 Apr 2012 07:52 AM PDT
Microsoft's Gavin Kim was a high-profile capture for Redmond, as it poached the former Samsung and Motorola exec to bolster its Windows Phone marketing team. Now, just five months into the job, he's departing after marshaling the "Smoked by Windows Phone" campaign into the world. The company wouldn't go into specifics beyond saying that it was a personal decision to leave and Microsoft bears him no ill will -- but then that's what they always say. He'll be replaced by Eugene Ho, who now has the job of continuing the burgeoning platform's upward trajectory and winning around those European carriers who've greeted it with little more than apathy. |
| HTC One X gets software update, minor fixes reported Posted: 18 Apr 2012 07:29 AM PDT
HTC One X owners, remember this number: 1.28.401.9. All right, you don't actually have to memorize the thing, you just have to go into the Software Updates section of your phone's settings to grab the decimal-happy upgrade for your beloved new smartphone. According to Android Central, the Android 4.0.3-based upgrade brings some "minor changes" to the smartphone, addressing some menu key and brightness issues among others. A battery life fix is also supposedly on-board for the upgrade. Let us know what other fixes you're seeing, should you take the upgrade plunge. |
| RIM announces 'budget' BlackBerry 9220 for Indian socialites Posted: 18 Apr 2012 07:08 AM PDT
There are a lot of Indian hands out there, hands in which there could also be a BlackBerry smartphone. A fact not lost on RIM it would appear, as it's set to released its "most affordable" Curve -- the 9220 -- over there. Naturally, the ubiquitous BBM service takes center stage, even having its own dedicated button. The new handset also comes fully laden with all the usual social networking goodies, and for the launch RIM's kindly throwing in a selection of apps from BlackBerry World worth 2500 rupees (about $50) if you get on board before June 30th. You might want to find a WiFi hotspot to download them though, as there's no 3G, but you can tune into Radio Mumbai via the FM receiver to take your mind off that omission. Camera-wise it's a fairly humble 2-megapixel affair, which combined with the memory card slot, should allow a stack of photos for sharing. Wondering exactly how affordable it is? Lay down 10,990 rupees (about $210,) and it's yours -- as of tomorrow that is. RIM Introduces a New, Easy to Use and Easy to Own BlackBerry Smartphone for India Sleek, stylish, affordable BlackBerry Curve 9220 puts Indians in control of their social life India – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced its most affordable BlackBerry® 7 smartphone for customers in India. The new BlackBerry® Curve™ 9220 smartphone offers all the market-leading BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features that people love in India. Designed to be easy to use and easy to own, this compact and sleek smartphone provides many conveniences and applications to help keep users connected to the people and information that matter most to them. It also offers the longest lasting battery life yet in a BlackBerry Curve model, allowing users to make the most of their day. "India is a very important market for RIM and we are extremely proud and excited to officially unveil and launch the new BlackBerry Curve 9220 for the first time here in India," said Carlo Chiarello, SVP, Smartphone Business at Research In Motion. "The new BlackBerry Curve 9220 offers a unique mobile experience that young Indians will love thanks to its affordable pricing and unmatched messaging and social connectivity features," said Sunil Dutt, Managing Director for India at RIM. The BlackBerry Curve 9220 has everything a user needs to stay socially connected throughout the day. It even features a dedicated BBM™ key, bringing the power of RIM's popular mobile social network up in an instant. The Facebook® for BlackBerry and Twitter® for BlackBerry apps are included as well as Social Feeds, which allows users to post updates to multiple social applications simultaneously and capture updates from news sources (RSS), social apps and instant messaging apps all in one consolidated view. BlackBerry® 7.1 OS supports the full complement of BlackBerry services and the smartphone's built in Wi-Fi® can provide smooth and fast Internet browsing without incurring mobile data usage costs. It also includes a built-in FM radio, allowing users to tune into their favorite local stations, and listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services. The user experience with this compact and sleek smartphone is further enhanced with a long lasting battery, giving users up to 7 hours of talk time or up to 28 hours of music playback or FM radio listening on headphones. Free applications for download As part of the launch in India, BlackBerry Curve 9220 customers can download a selection of apps from BlackBerry App World worth 2500 Rupees, for free*. The offer is valid until June 30, 2012 and includes a wide range of apps that will roll out in a phased manner, including utilities, games and other apps. Pencil Camera, Photo Studio Pro, Horoscope Oracle - Follow Your Lucky Stars, Drive Safely Pro and Ultimate Cricket are just a few of the popular apps that will be available through this promotional offer. The BlackBerry Curve 9220 will be available from April 19th for purchase from authorized retailers and distributors across India. It is expected to be available in other markets starting in the coming weeks. For more information please visit: http://in.blackberry.com/Curve * Separate data charges may apply for users on limited data plans. |
| Windows Server 8 gets a new name, roses retain their sweetness Posted: 18 Apr 2012 06:48 AM PDT
A wise man once said that names don't matter, because what something's called won't change how mustard tastes. Microsoft has clearly taken that wisdom to its heart, spending two seconds (we hope) in deciding that official title of Windows Server 8 will be... Windows Server 2012. In other news, System Center 2012 -- Microsoft's private cloud software for enterprise users -- is now available for evaluation and purchase. Carry on. Customers Find Success With Microsoft Private Cloud IT professionals use new System Center 2012 to embrace cloud computing for business. LAS VEGAS - April 17, 2012 - Today at the sold-out Microsoft Management Summit, Corporate Vice President Brad Anderson spoke to nearly 5,000 IT professionals about their opportunity to deliver fast, reliable services with cloud computing. His keynote speech highlighted how customers around the world are already using Microsoft System Center 2012, available today for evaluation and purchase, to create private clouds. Anderson also discussed how IT professionals can evolve their roles with cloud computing to help their businesses be more competitive. "Cloud computing gives IT professionals an opportunity to increase their strategic value to their businesses while building new skills," Anderson said. "Microsoft's private cloud solutions help IT professionals become cloud innovators for their companies, managing and delivering the applications people need to be productive across private, hybrid and public clouds." In addition, Anderson provided a preview of how Microsoft's private cloud will become even more powerful with Windows Server "8" and announced that the operating system will officially be named Windows Server 2012. The new "cloud-optimized OS" is due out later this year. Management Makes the Difference for Customers IT organizations that use System Center 2012 and Windows Server with Hyper-V for cloud computing are helping their companies move faster, save money and compete better. For example, EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services, a luxury car service headquartered in New Jersey, has used a Microsoft private cloud to reduce datacenter costs by 50 percent amid 30 percent company growth during the past 18 months. With more than 1,000 employees, EmpireCLS relies on the Microsoft private cloud to deliver a reliable reservation system to customers in more than 700 cities around the world. Using System Center 2012, EmpireCLS also used its cloud environment to create a new business with its BeTransported software as a service offering. The application is now in use broadly within the car service industry. Similarly, The Walsh Group, a construction firm based in Chicago, switched to a Microsoft private cloud to automate delivery of virtualized servers and applications for 5,000 employees. In addition to business efficiencies, the company has been able to reduce hardware and energy costs by 20 percent. "With Microsoft, we are moving beyond virtualization to cloud computing, so we can automate and manage our IT environment as a whole," said Patrick Wirtz, manager of Technology Innovation at The Walsh Group. "It's all about giving our engineers, tradespeople and software developers the computing resources they need to build roadways, bridges and high-rises." In another case, Apartments.com, a national online apartment search service in Chicago, needed a more dynamic and responsive IT infrastructure to stay competitive in the market and deliver faster service to its 6 million site visitors each month. With Microsoft's private cloud, the company realized 50 percent faster server provisioning for new services and 75 percent lower licensing costs. |
| Huawei Ascend P1 arriving in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia by May Posted: 18 Apr 2012 06:26 AM PDT
Looking to sail the smartphone seas on Huawei's dual-core flagship? Good news if you happen to reside in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Australia: the 4.3-inch 1.5GHz Ascend P1 will be arriving in your locale by next month. Oh, and Latin America, don't worry, Huawei hasn't forgotten about you. The phone will be bringing its eight-megapixel camera to that part of the world in June, followed by Europe at some other point in the summer. More mystery regions will be getting their chance at the P1 at another undisclosed time. In the meantime, more info can be found in the press release after the break.
|
| Digital Storm launches Marauder series of desktop PCs for gamers on a budget Posted: 18 Apr 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Digital Storm gets plenty of coverage for its boutique gaming PCs and coma-inducing prices, but its latest Marauder lineup serves as proof that it's willing to also build quality, affordable rigs for the masses. Consumers may choose between four configurations, which feature AMD processors on the low-end and Intel counterparts on the high-end. For example, the entry-level Marauder sells for $799 and offers a quad-core 3.6GHz AMD FX-4100 CPU and a Radeon HD 7750 GPU, whereas the most expensive variant sells for $1,299 and includes a quad-core 3.3GHz Intel Core i5 2500K CPU and a Radeon HD 7870 GPU. Regardless of system, consumers will fetch a Corsair Vengeance C70 case, a similarly respectable Corsair GS 600W power supply, 8GB of Corsair Vengeance RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium. In every case, the prices rival the DIY alternative quite well, and if you'd like to take a look at the full array of configurations, just hop the break for a spec sheet and the PR. Digital Storm Debuts the Marauder Line for PC Gamers New Marauder line of affordable high-performance gaming PCs pack game demolishing components while starting at $799 Fremont, Calif. - (April 18, 2012) – Digital Storm, the predominant name in computer system integration and engineering, proudly introduces the Marauder line of high performance gaming PCs with a ground-breaking price. Designed with PC gamers in mind, the Marauder gaming line delivers an incredibly immersive gaming experience while being one of the most affordable gaming PCs ever offered by Digital Storm. Gamers who have endured lag filled game-play with unimpressive low-resolution visuals finally can break free thanks to Digital Storm's Marauder gaming line, the first gaming PCs built around Corsair's Vengeance C70 chassis. No longer do gamers have to settle for sub-par performance because of a limited budget thanks to the Marauder's ground-breaking price. "With this new line, we've set a new standard for the price versus performance ratio. Our engineers have always wanted to create a line of powerful gaming PCs that are within reach of every gamer," said Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm's Director of Product Development. "With complete systems starting at $799, this is the very first time Digital Storm has offered such an affordable gaming PC." "Digital Storm is known for building dream PCs with leading-edge technology, uncompromising quality, and aggressive styling," said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager of the Components Business Unit at Corsair. "So we are extremely honored that Digital Storm has selected the Corsair Vengeance C70 case as the perfect foundation for their new Marauder PCs." Marauder systems are made with the same boutique level quality and care that every Digital Storm system is famous for. Prior to shipping to the customer, each Digital Storm system undergoes a rigorous 72-Hour Stress-Test. Digital Storm technicians stress-test and benchmark the system via industry standard testing software coupled with a proprietary testing process that detects components which can be prone to future failure. To view Digital Storm's Marauder line of gaming PCs, click here: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/marauder.asp |
| G-Technologies' G-Raid with Thunderbolt drive now on sale, yours from $700 Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:20 AM PDT
Thunderbolt-equipped RAID options from the likes of LaCie and Promise not satisfying your desire for a 10Gbps storage option? Good news, as Hitatchi's G-Technology is finally ready sell its G-Raid with Thunderbolt, which might just throw a smile on your face. We now know that you'll pay $700 for 4TB or storage, $850 for 6TB and $1,000 for 8TB. If you'll recall, the unit features a duo of T-Bolt ports for daisey-chains and two 3Gbps 7,200RPM HDDs that can be configured in RAID 0 for extra pep or RAID 1 for redundancy. That said, it'll require plug-in power, so don't expect to go mobile. Looking for more details in the meantime? Move your cursor over to the links below.
|
| Samsung Galaxy Beam crosses paths with FCC, sports 3G connectivity for AT&T Posted: 18 Apr 2012 04:57 AM PDT
The FCC comes across many smartphones in its daily routine, but it's hardly an everyday occurrence for one of those handsets to rock a miniature projector. That's the claim to fame of the Samsung Galaxy Beam, which just made its way through the regulatory body with full 3G support for AT&T's 1900MHz and 850MHz bands. We were first introduced to this updated version of the original Galaxy Beam at Mobile World Congress, and for a quick refresher, the Android 2.3 device packs a dual-core 1GHz CPU, 768MB of RAM, a 4-inch WVGA display and a projector that'll toss 50-inch imagery onto the wall. Naturally, whether AT&T chooses to sell the smartphone is another consideration entirely, but this certification will keep users in proper standing with the feds, and that's a good thing. |
| Around 140,000 Apple machines still infected with Flashback malware, says Symantec Posted: 18 Apr 2012 04:21 AM PDT
By now, we're all quite familiar with the Java-driven trojan that's affected thousands of Apple's rigs, and while the numbers seem to have drastically dropped since the first Cupertino fix, there's still a plethora of machines carrying the bug. According to Symantec, the number of infected computers is now at around 140,000, seeing a decline of over 460,000 since April 9th. Still, the security outfit remains puzzled by the fact, as it expected the digits to be somewhere near the 99,000 mark by now. Perhaps this is due to some folks not even being aware of Flashback's existence, or maybe not checking for software updates as often as most of us. Either way, we hope you've already used one of the tools Apple handed you. |
| Panasonic forms new Eco Solutions unit, aims to be 'leader in green innovation' by 2018 Posted: 18 Apr 2012 03:56 AM PDT
Panasonic has been touting its eco-minded efforts for quite some time now, but it's gone one step further at the currently-happening Fortune Brainstorm Green Conference. The company has announced the formation of a new Eco Solutions business unit, which will be focused on "end-to-end energy solutions" for the United States and Canada. Things remain a bit vague beyond that, but the company will apparently help design, implement and finance various renewable and energy efficient projects, and Panasonic hopes that the new unit will help it become "the leader in green innovation in the electronics industry by 2018." It does have one firm commitment to get things started though; the new division has partnered with the Denver-based Renewable Social Benefit Funds to develop commercial-scale solar projects in North America -- something Panasonic itself already has a fair bit of experience with. Panasonic Announces Formation of Panasonic Eco Solutions North America Company Aims at End-to-End Energy Solutions in U.S. and Canada, Aligns With Renewable Social Benefit Funds to Drive Renewable Energy LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FORTUNE BRAINSTORM GREEN CONFERENCE -- Today at the FORTUNE Brainstorm Green Conference, Panasonic announced the establishment of Panasonic Eco Solutions North America, a new business unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America that will focus on the design, implementation and financing of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the U.S. and Canada. The new unit also made public a strategic alliance with Denver, CO-based Renewable Social Benefit Funds, L3C (RSB Funds) to provide development and financing capabilities to organizations interested in solar photovoltaic solutions. "Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) is committed to becoming the leader in green innovation in the electronics industry by 2018, and the launch of this company will take us one step closer to achieving that goal," explained Jim Doyle, President, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America. "With a focus on the long term, Panasonic recognizes that saving, generating and storing energy are fundamental needs that require practical solutions both now and moving forward. Panasonic has a broad range of technologies from solar panels, to lighting controls, to high-capacity energy storage batteries to create solutions." Panasonic Eco Solutions North America will provide comprehensive renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to corporate and public sector organizations from the planning and engineering stages through implementation, construction and permanent financing, as well as ongoing system maintenance. Among Panasonic's accomplishments in the field is a major renewable energy installation at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, which uses more than 1600 Panasonic HIT solar panels and related technologies. The high-efficiency solar panels cover 41-percent of the track's energy usage, making Infineon one of the world's most energy-efficient raceways. More recently, Panasonic completed a solar panel system installation at Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners. Panasonic Eco Solutions North America has established an exclusive relationship through the end of 2012 with RSB Funds for the co-development of commercial-scale solar projects in North America. The two will work together to provide financing, building and maintenance of commercial solar PV projects for the private sector as well as nonprofits, municipalities, hospitals, schools, low-income housing projects and other tax-exempt entities. The first Panasonic-RSB Funds collaboration was the creation of a 115 Kilowatt solar power generation installation on the corporate campus of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in Agoura Hills, CA. "As a company that aims to help enable a sustainable future, Panasonic is delighted to be working with RSB Funds," continued Doyle. "They have a great record of achievement in making the benefits of solar power available to non-profits and other similar organizations." Panasonic is a bronze-level sponsor of the three-day FORTUNE Brainstorm Green Conference in Laguna Niguel, CA, April 16-18. Learn more about Panasonic's commitment to sustainability and our energy solutions business by visiting www.panasonic.net/eco. About Panasonic Corporation of North America Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics brand to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom. Renewable Social Benefit Funds, L3C Renewable Social Benefit Funds (RSB Funds) is an alternative energy company focused on bringing solar power to nonprofits, municipalities, hospitals, schools, low-income housing projects and other tax-exempt entities. RSB Funds develops solar projects for its clients that require no initial investment, provide the best-in-breed operation and maintenance, and always reduce energy costs so that savings can be used to support mission-critical programs. SOURCE Panasonic |
| DirecTV DVRs available in over 100 hotels, never miss the restaurant opening times again Posted: 18 Apr 2012 03:27 AM PDT
On-demand TV viewing continues to secrete itself into the fabric of your lives and now its squeezing more viewing hours out of you from hotel rooms across the US. DirecTV's HD DVRs pack the typical programming guide and recording options, plus the ability for hotels to add up to 50 channels of their own content to the recorders -- meaning plenty of hotel infomercials dying to be paused, live. DirecTV has now officially launched its Residential Experience, bringing its DVR technology to 110 hotels across the country. Fortunately, the systems also include the hygienic touch of an anti-microbial remote. Classy. Pause, Rewind and Record Live TV Shows from More Than 100 HD Channels with DIRECTV's DVR - Now Available as Part of the DIRECTV Residential Experience for Hotels EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pausing, rewinding or recording live TV programming may become as routine as raiding the mini-bar for guests who stay in hotels that offer DIRECTV's Residential Experience service, which recently won first runner-up award for 'Most Innovative Hospitality' at Hotel Technology Next Generation's (HTNG) 8th annual North American conference in Chicago. DIRECTV is now offering HD DVRs as part of its Residential Experience service for the lodging industry, designed to offer guests a home away from home video experience. As hotel guests unwind after a busy day, they'll also be able to rewind, pause and record live DIRECTV programming - not missing a moment of their favorite show or game broadcast when room service arrives or the phone rings. The DVR feature is part of the second phase of DIRECTV's initiative to completely transform the TV viewing experience in hotels, turning guest rooms into living rooms with a full residential channel line-up of over 100 HD channels controlled with an anti-microbial remote and easy-to-use interactive programming guide. In addition to DVR functionality, the DIRECTV Residential Experience for Hotels will now also support local content insertion - hotels can customize the in-room television experience with the ability to insert up to 50 of their own content channels seamlessly integrated into the channel guide; and an enhanced HD programming guide - the same one guests see at home - that is faster, smarter, easier-to-use and can also be co-branded with the hotel. "DIRECTV's Residential Experience for Hotels provides the best and most convenient entertainment for business travelers and hotel guests today," said Oswin Eleonora, senior vice president, Emerging Markets. "Offering DVR functionality in rooms is just one more way hotels can provide their guests with a true 'home away from home' experience while they travel, which in turn will create a more loyal customer base that will to help to increase revenue for lodging institutions across the country." The DIRECTV Residential Experience for Hotels is currently in 110 properties across the country. The service delivers programming to compact, easily hidden set-top boxes in each hotel room so that guests can enjoy the same great DIRECTV experience they get at home. "Our guests tell us that they want a TV experience similar to or better than what they have at home," said Josh Weiss, vice president, brand and guest technology, Hilton Worldwide. "As we couple the DIRECTV Residential Experience, which includes more than 100 HD channels and a user-friendly programming guide, with HDTVs now deployed across our portfolio, we continue to build an in-room experience that delights our guests." DIRECTV's service for lodging and institutions provides access to state-of-the-art technology, superior service and unmatched programming to rooms in hotels, motels, hospitals, dormitories and senior living establishments through a selection of programming packages or on an a la carte basis. DIRECTV offers a single-dish solution, which enables properties to install one dish per rooftop, and if a property is already wired for video distribution, installation is that much easier. For more information on DIRECTV for hotels of other businesses, please visit directv.com/business. |
| University of Glasgow scientists print drugs in 3D, pave the way for in-home pharmacies Posted: 18 Apr 2012 02:54 AM PDT
|
| ASUS won't release Transformer Prime GPS dongles in Italy or Greece (updated) Posted: 18 Apr 2012 02:29 AM PDT
We're afraid we've got some bad news. Transformer Prime users
Update: Looks like there's some confusion between the company's Italian arm and the rest of Europe. Readers have forwarded links to various European-country pages to apply for a dongle before July 31st this year. Update 2: ASUS got in touch to clarify the position, saying that only customers in Italy and Greece won't be able to get GPS dongles, but all other customers are invited to check if they're eligible on the official website (More Coverage), adding that
[Thanks, Carmine] |
| Custom clock pays homage to CPU, separates geeks from the squares (video) Posted: 18 Apr 2012 01:44 AM PDT
Pop quiz: Can you tell what the device pictured above is? If you answered "a clock that represents the essential building blocks of a CPU while using binary and HEX numerals to display time," then you're certifiably crazy -- and correct. The brainchild of tinkerer extraordinaire Lior Elazary, the "CPU clock" mechanically emulates the application of computer concepts -- codes, instructions and checks -- to create a "simple" wall clock. To display the time, the middle register uses binary numbers to indicate the hour (a reading of "0010" indicates 2 o'clock, for example). For minutes, the clock uses the HEX numerals on the outer edge of the device, so "05" represents "5," "0A" indicates "10," and so forth. Keeping the clock up to date is a ball that goes around and activates the various levers to change the time. Given all its geeky goodness, this one easily takes the nerd cake from the wordy QLOCKTWO W and super flashy Sci-Fi watch. For a more clockwork-like explanation about its inner workings, check out the video after the break. |
| Posted: 18 Apr 2012 01:00 AM PDT
Ever thought to yourself that those Smart Covers would be so much better if they somehow had a keyboard built in? Perhaps not, but Logitech is looking to fill the void anyway. The outfit has announced its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for this year's iPad. On the business side of the accessory, you'll find a full Bluetooth keyboard with function keys that will last up to six months on a single charge -- that is, if you can manage to limit your use to under two hours a day. Securing your slate during those heavy typing sessions is a built-in stand that sits atop the keypad; however, it appears that you're stuck with only one viewing angle. Around back, the cover will protect that precious Retina display while providing instant on / off functionality like the original Smart Covers did, complete with magnetic clip. Don't fret, it'll also play nice with the second-gen model, just in case you haven't committed to the latest Apple tablet. Available later this month in both the US and Europe, the keyboard cover will cause you to fork over $100 before employing either of its services. Full details are in the PR below and a few press shots wait in the gallery that follows. Logitech Delivers Protection with Style for the New, Third-Generation iPad Ultrathin Keyboard Cover Helps You Make the Most of the iPad Experience NEWARK, Calif. - April 18, 2012 - Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today extends its tablet lineup with its latest keyboard accessory – the Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Cover – made for the new, third-generation iPad® as well as the iPad 2. Leveraging Logitech's extensive heritage of high quality, reliability and design, this all-in-one solution provides an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard so you can type easily and travel without worry. "The third-generation iPad and its apps are designed to give you more control and creativity, whether you are editing photos and movies, making music or writing a novel," said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech. "The new Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover – with its ultra-sleek, smart design and extended keyboard battery life – provides a convenient way for you to make the most of your iPad no matter what activity you are using it for." The perfect partner for your iPad, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover protects your screen with a stylish, slim aluminum cover that adds minimal weight to your tablet, and features a built-in keyboard that pairs through Bluetooth. When you're ready to type an email or watch a movie, the keyboard's built-in stand holds your iPad at the best angle. Similar to a Smart Cover, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover attaches quickly and securely to your iPad with a magnetic clip. It has an instant On/Off feature, which means your iPad automatically wakes up when you open the cover, and switches to standby when you close it. And with a six-month battery life (based on two hours-per-day usage), you can spend more time typing and less time worrying about your keyboard losing power. With function keys for enhanced navigation, and a piano-black finish, this keyboard cover adds both functionality and style to your iPad. Logitech also confirmed that the Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 and the Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad from its current tablet accessories lineup are compatible with both the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad. Pricing and Availability The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in April 2012, for a suggested retail price of $99.99. For more information please visit www.logitech.com. |
| Breaking News gets a TV app, channel-agnostic news ticker Posted: 18 Apr 2012 12:28 AM PDT
Do you ever wish you could have a news ticker on your TV, regardless of what channel you're watching? Neither do we really, but we're sure there's someone out there who does. If that person also happens to own a Samsung Smart TV or Blu-ray player, well then, have we got some Breaking News for you. (See what we did there?) The premiere, primarily Twitter-based news aggregation service Breaking News now has an app in the Samsung TV Apps Store. Just install it, launch it and enjoy while breaking headlines are fed to your screen, regardless of what you're watching. You've even got the option to have a constant stream of headlines or only alerts for seriously breaking news. Fire up the Apps Store to download it now. |
| Pantech FCC filing hints at LTE Breakout successor for Verizon Wireless Posted: 18 Apr 2012 12:06 AM PDT
We've just stumbled across a subtle hint from the FCC that suggests the Pantech Breakout will need to watch its back from now on -- it seems there's a successor in the pipeline. The Korean manufacturer just passed a new LTE handset through the regulatory agency with support for Verizon's particular flavor of 4G. Known so far only as the Starq (or Star Q), the phone will offer 802.11b/g/n, and while it lacks 5GHz WiFi, we're pleased to see that it'll support the new, low-power Bluetooth 4.0. Only time will reveal the true nature of this handset, but for the moment, we're given reason to hope that Verizon will soon receive a powerful, entry-level smartphone that's closer in specification to the Pantech Burst on AT&T -- and because it never hurts to dream, perhaps this time we'll see a better camera. |
| Acer's A100 and A500 tablets getting Ice Cream Sandwich on April 27th Posted: 17 Apr 2012 11:45 PM PDT
With April nearly over, it's high time Acer came clean on when exactly its promised Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade for the A100 and A500 would land. Today the company did just that, revealing that US owners of either tablet can opt-in for their frozen makeovers starting on the 27th. Bad news if you're rocking AT&T's variant of the latter though, as the listing on the company's support page for the A501 says "no update planned." Those not tied Ma Bell can expect Acer's skin -- including that ring launcher -- grafted onto Google's latest, much like the A200's ICS upgrade back in February. Already pumped? Go ahead and bookmark that source link. Do it, we won't judge. |
| Zero Trace gadget bags dodge 'digital exploitation,' schadenfreude Posted: 17 Apr 2012 10:52 PM PDT
|
| Wiipop incorporates Kinect camera and several Wiimotes into a veritable electric boogaloo Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:42 PM PDT
Sure, we've seen plenty of dancing games harness the Wii and Kinect's unique motion capture systems, but the Wiipop prototype takes things to another level, combining the technology of both with some pro-level dance moves. The game utilizes the Kinect's 3D camera and up to eight body-mounted Wiimotes, letting players improvise freestyle dance moves in a SingStar-like game, matching body pops to beats in a song. The game's not quite ready for primetime, but when it is, Christian "Mio" Loclair sees its potential beyond simple gameplay. The title could, perhaps, be used to help design choreographed productions or to generate and trigger visual effects for live performance. In the meantime, pop and lock into the video after the break. |
| Sandia National Laboratories generates neutrons in a radical way Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:46 PM PDT
The Responsive Neutron Generator Product Deployment Center (say that quickly five times) at Sandia Labs in Albuquerque, NM has discovered a way to take the conventional cylindrical tubes out of the equation and introduce a more computer-chip like, mass-produced neutron source on an astonishingly smaller scale. For those seeking lay terms, we're hearing that possible practical applications include implantation close to tumors in cancer patients to minimize time in the hospital for treatment, and sensors for contraband. Sandia Labs' technical staff has created what it calls a "neutristor," which produces one neutron per transistor, a concept that was directly inspired by the two transistors per bit on microchips. The team is currently seeking funding to ensure future viability, and well, to pay for stuff. Check out the video after the break, as well as further information at the source. |
| DTS and SRS Labs to combine into one big happy family Posted: 17 Apr 2012 08:07 PM PDT
You've probably heard of both DTS and SRS Labs or seen their logos, but you might not be able to explain exactly what these companies do. To put it simply: both enhance the sound from our electronics, and now, they'll be doing it together. In a cash-and-stock deal worth just under $10 a share DTS will acquire SRS Labs, giving the new company over a thousand audio related patents (what else?) and trademarks. The deal is valued at about $148 million and expected to be accretive to DTS by 2013. It's hard to predict what this might mean for us consumers, but we're sure both hope that when two great companies get together they find new ways to make better products. Of course,, that isn't always how these deals turn out.
|
| HTC and Sina Weibo debut One S with dedicated microblog functions (video) Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:38 PM PDT
Just when you'd warmed to the idea of three navigation buttons on HTC's One lineup, the company went back and re-added a fourth button to the row -- in mainland China, anyway. To follow the debut of its Desire (aka Dragon) lineup, HTC has introduced a One S variant that it designed in collaboration with Sina Weibo, the country's most popular alternative to Twitter. The phone sports a dedicated Sina microblog button, along with a set of bundled software from the popular weibo service, but otherwise remains true to its namesake. The handset will be available in both black and gunmetal blue enclosures, and will sell for 4,688 yuan, or approximately $740. Our associates at Engadget China recently snagged a hands-on with HTC's latest, and have provided a video tour for English audiences to enjoy. Take a peek after the break.
|
| Samsung reportedly axes Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 production to add quad-core CPU (update: not true) Posted: 17 Apr 2012 07:06 PM PDT
This is, well, a little strange. The fine folks over at Netbooknews are reporting that Samsung has ended production on the GT P5100 -- better known as the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. The story comes courtesy of an unnamed "Korean Samsung insider" who claims the device is getting upgraded to a quad-core CPU. Whether the chip in question is the much lauded 32nm Exynos 4412, which packs not only four Cortex A9 cores, but four Mali 604 GPU cores as well, is unknown. It's also not clear how this is going to affect US launch plans. Rumors are the Galaxy Note 10.1 will be getting a similar brain transplant before hitting the market. Sadly, all we can do right now hold our breath and wish real hard that both will hit shelves sooner rather than later and with an extra pair of cores in tow. Sammy better get a move on too if it's gonna have to give Uncle Sam another crack at this slate. Update: Samsung reached out to us to confirm that the above report is not true. The US version of this tablet will still have a dual-core CPU and it's still shipping on May 13th, with pre-orders starting on May 4th. |
| Google Earth adds balloon and kite aerial imagery, invites you to contribute Posted: 17 Apr 2012 06:40 PM PDT
Google Earth already offers quite a variety of ways to explore the planet, but the folks in Mountain View never seem content to leave things alone for long. Their latest addition is some aerial imagery of a slightly different sort -- images shot from ordinary balloons and kites. That initial batch of photos comes courtesy of The Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science, which is itself a grassroots effort that anyone can contribute to. And that's apparently what Google hopes folks will do in order to expand the aerial views available -- as Google notes on its Lat Long blog, all that you need to get started is a digital camera and about $100 in parts, plus a little initiative. Complete details on how to start your own DIY mapping effort, or simply explore the options now available, can be found at the links below. |
| Lenovo roadmap outs Intel Chief River Ivy Bridge-equipped laptops for June 5th Posted: 17 Apr 2012 06:27 PM PDT
Has the anticipation of finding out when Intel's Chief River Ivy Bridge chipsets might finally become available got you all hot and bothered? Well, here's something to cool you down a bit, for now. A product roadmap from Lenovo explicitly lists June 5th as the official on-sale date for its apparently upcoming, yet still unannounced batch of laptops equipped with the silicon. As is still the case, the flow of information from Intel about its Ivy Bridge offerings has been less than a trickle -- if only the company itself would detail an official rollout date on its own for the stuff. You'll find the full document at the source link below, with the juicy details on listed on page 33. |
| Microsoft details memory reclaiming process within Metro-style apps Posted: 17 Apr 2012 05:46 PM PDT
Microsoft has made clear that Metro-style apps will be "suspended" when they aren't the foremost app that's running, enabling the associated CPU to divert its power to more... shall we say, pressing matters. But for those wondering about memory in the aforesaid scenario, there's an entire post now dedicated to explaining precisely that. Microsoft's own Bill Karagounis -- group program manager on the Fundamentals team -- has penned a behind-the-scenes look at how memory will be reclaimed within Windows 8, even when Metro-style apps are suspended. The long and short of it is this: starting with Windows 8 Consumer Preview, "whenever Windows detects memory pressure on the system, it will repurpose nearly all the memory that suspended Metro style apps would otherwise hold onto; [the OS] can reclaim this memory without having to terminate an app." For those seeking an even deeper understanding, the source link has your name written all over it. |
| Acer Iconia Tab A510 now available, 10.1 inches of Olympian ICS and Tegra 3 for $450 Posted: 17 Apr 2012 05:19 PM PDT
Ah, Acer's Olympics-themed Iconia Tab A510. If you'll recall, after months of staying quiet about its A500 successor -- which was already viewable in public -- Acer finally made the 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) slate official when it went up for pre-order last month. Fast forward to today, and the company's US website is now listing the tablet as in-stock and ready to ship. Notably, the A510 is Acer's first tab loaded with NVIDIA's quad-core Tegra 3 SoC and Android Ice Cream Sandwich (slightly modified) -- a duo of delicacies seldom found together in tablets up for grabs as of late. To refresh your memory, its $450 price tag also gets you 32GB of storage with 1GB of RAM, your choice of a white or black bezel and other goodies, including a 1-megapixel front-facing camera and an auto-focusing 5-megapixel shooter on back. Not too shabby for device that can reportedly handle 12 hours of video playback. Sweet tooth tingling? Hit up the source link below for all the details. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Engadget News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment