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Engadget News |
- Tiny N64 controller guaranteed to cause serious crampage
- Leaked Rayman Legends for Wii U trailer showcases NFC feature (video)
- USC develops printable liquid solar cells for flexible, low-cost panels
- IRL: gfxCardStatus, Nyko Charge Base 3 for PS3 and the OG iPad
- Business-minded HP 'Slate 8' tablet surfaces in leaked image
- Fujifilm X-Pro1 mirrorless camera review
- Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year
- Nokia 808 Pureview goes up against Nokia N8, should probably pick on someone its own age (video)
- Nintendo's gunning for retailers, expanding eShop offerings for Wii U, 3DS
- Sony outs new waterproof HDR-GW77V Handycam, available May 25th in Japan
- Distro Issue 38: a peek at the Navy's Robotics Laboratory and an interview with MSI's Jeans Huang
- Google Zerg Rush: That was an order, soldier
- PSA: Space Shuttle Enterprise flying over NYC this morning
- Maingear's Pulse 11-inch gaming laptop has designs on M11x mourners
- Panasonic teams up with NHK on 145-inch 8K Super Hi-Vision plasma TV
- Verizon ICS update schedule leaks: Rezound, RAZR and Xoom being tested now
- Wolfram Alpha releases first desktop PC app for Windows 7, makes homework even easier
- Ikea cardboard digital camera: when Instagram isn't authentic enough
- Fujitsu Laboratories wants to take your mobile's 2D videos to another dimension
- Sun stops shining on E Ink Holdings: company reports first loss in two years
- Dropbox adds automatic photo uploads for Windows and Mac, up to 3GB just for using it
- Sony patent suggests Xperia Play with dual keyboards, it's slidingly slidable
- Sharp posts $1.4 billion extraordinary loss, refocuses on mobile displays
- Project Glass makes a TV appearance on Charlie Rose, flashes its rear for the cameras
- Star Castle finally finds a home on the Atari 2600, gets a redesigned cartridge
- TomTom's new sat nav: perfect for your van down by the river
- LG's IPS monitors head downmarket with 2D-only IPS4 series launching soon
- First image of Sony NEX-F3 leaked, outs 16.1 MP sensor
- LG Optimus True HD LTE's European assault begins in Portugal, Germany and Sweden
- Samsung patent application explores the possibility of phasing out human crossing guards
- Steam for Linux captured on video, one step closer to reality
- Engadget Mobile Podcast 135 - 04.26.2012
- Samsung's Q1 2012 profits nearly double year-over-year on higher margins for TVs and phones
- Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more
- Hot shoe adapter for Sony NEX-5 and NEX-5N gets the hands-on treatment
- Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores
- MakerBot printing out Robot Petting Zoo for Maker Faire
- Some Iconia Tab A500s getting Ice Cream Sandwich early, Acer Ring is MIA
- Logitech president celebrates end-of-year earnings with management cull
- iFixit tears open an HP Z1, finds it impossibly easy to repair
| Tiny N64 controller guaranteed to cause serious crampage Posted: 27 Apr 2012 11:04 AM PDT
On the list of nerd pastimes, miniaturization ranks pretty high. So, we're not exactly surprised to see a tiny N64 controller, but we're kind of amazed that this rather extreme hack managed to avoid detection since January. The itty bitty controller isn't a mod, but an original construction built around a PIC microcontroller. You might notice that the yellow C buttons are absent, instead Kirren (the creator) went with a tiny four way switch, which you'll see above the blue and green A and B buttons. The design skips the L key, but you'll find R and Z on the rear face. For a short clip of it in action head on after the break and, if you want to build one yourself, hit up the source. |
| Leaked Rayman Legends for Wii U trailer showcases NFC feature (video) Posted: 27 Apr 2012 10:43 AM PDT
If you're counting down the days till the Wii U is released, you might recall that back in January Nintendo chief Satoru Iwata said the console will ship with an NFC chip inside. Well, you can now get a taste of how games will incorporate that feature, thanks to this just-leaked trailer for Rayman Legends. According to the video, Rayman Rabbid action figures can jump into the game when a player taps them to the Wii U's screen. (It looks like that trick will work with an Assassin's Creed Ezio Auditore da Firenze figurine too.) Check out the trailer, courtesy of Gamekult, while you can -- after all, Ubisoft didn't want you to glimpse the U's magical powers just yet.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| USC develops printable liquid solar cells for flexible, low-cost panels Posted: 27 Apr 2012 10:21 AM PDT
Solar cells are becoming more viable sources of energy -- and as they become more efficient, they're only getting smaller and cheaper to produce. Liquid nanocrystal cells are traditionally inefficient at converting sunlight into electricity, but by adding a synthetic ligand to help transmit currents, researchers at USC have improved their effectiveness. The advantage of these liquid solar cells? They're cheaper than single-crystal silicon wafer solutions, and they're also a shockingly minuscule four nanometers in size, meaning more than 250 billion could fit on the head of a pin. Moreover, they can be printed onto surfaces -- even plastic -- without melting. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to pave the way for ultra-flexible solar panels. However, the scientists are still experimenting with materials for constructing the nanocrystals, since the semiconductor cadmium selenide they've used thus far is too toxic for commercial use. |
| IRL: gfxCardStatus, Nyko Charge Base 3 for PS3 and the OG iPad Posted: 27 Apr 2012 10:10 AM PDT Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.  Different strokes for different folks. While Darren may have long since sworn off tablets as productivity machines, our very own Billy Steele (a designer by trade, don'tcha know) has been using one to workshop projects with clients. For Darren, anyway, productivity means having a laptop with a discrete GPU at the ready -- except for when the GPU drains his battery life, which is where an app called gfxCardStatus comes in. Rounding things out, we've got Jason Hidalgo talking up the different ways he's attempted to charge his needy PS3 controllers. All that and more after the break. Forgetting about gfxCardStatus -- Darren Murph Nyko Charge Base 3 for PS3 The Charge Base 3 has two slots for rejuicing two controllers, which dock automagically with the device via a magnetic adapter. In brief, the $25 charge stand offers a convenient way to top off your controllers even when you're not using your PS3. A yellow indicator light means the device is charging while a green light lets you know that the controllers are all juiced up. It also has a shut-down circuit so you can leave your controllers in the device overnight without worrying about drawing vampire power. Nonethless, I have my share of niggles: charging is supposed to only take an hour and a half, but I've seen it take several. The clip-on adapter covers up the player indicator lights. Unlike with a direct USB connection, you also can't use your controllers to play while charging with the device. Overall, though, the Charge Base 3 is a convenient way to keep your controllers charged. It even doubles as a tidy holding station, which helps with organization when you've got a gajillion controllers for other consoles. Just watch out when folks bring little kids over. This thing's a toddler magnet. -- Jason Hidalgo First-generation iPad Never once have I wanted to take a picture with my iPad, and I can't imagine that I ever will. If I need to snap a quick photo of something to tweet or reference later, my phone has a more than capable shooter for that. Most of the time, if I know photos will be a possibility, I carry the ol' NEX-C3 along anyway. As long as the folks in Cupertino continue to update iOS for the original iPad, I'll still prefer it over dropping coin on the latest hardware. But, if they figure out a way to integrate a BBQ smoker, I may be forced to reconsider. -- Billy Steele |
| Business-minded HP 'Slate 8' tablet surfaces in leaked image Posted: 27 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT
This one is still very much unconfirmed, but a "trusted source" recently provided Neowin.net with the image you see above, which purports to be a mockup of a forthcoming business-minded tablet from HP dubbed the Slate 8. That's obviously a Windows 8 tablet and, if the details are to be believed, you can expect a 10.1-inch display, eight to ten hours of battery life, optional pen-based input, a docking station of some sort, an outdoor viewing option and a number of business-friendly security measures -- all in a package that's 9.2mm thick and about 1.5 pounds. Adding some weight to leak is ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, who hasn't been able to confirm it outright, but says that after a bit of investigation she is "inclined to believe this is a real mock-up and is part of HP's line up of business desktops and laptops it will be touting this year." |
| Fujifilm X-Pro1 mirrorless camera review Posted: 27 Apr 2012 09:00 AM PDT
 Hear any mention of retro-styled cameras with exorbitant price tags and it's hard not to get suspicious. That kind of talk brings to mind Leica's incessant re-branding of Panasonic Lumix models, or those unicorn limited editions out of Japan that just leave us baffled. But it's okay, you can relax with the Fujifilm X-Pro1. At $1,700 for the body only it's crazily expensive, sure, but not when you compare to an $8,000 Leica M9-P. Besides, it's a legitimate heir to a strong line of Fuji shooters that includes the much-loved X100 and the more accessible X10. That's a strong pedigree, and no matter how deeply you peer into its mirrorless aperture, the X-Pro1 should offer up enough technology to stop you being cynical. Like what, you ask? Well, a genuinely surprising bespoke 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, for starters, plus a hybrid viewfinder designed to keep everyone happy all of the time, and a Fuji X lens mount that already has a Leica M9 adapter available (plus others, like Nikon, if you scan eBay). It all adds up to something special, but before you go tweeting this article to whimsical rich uncles, there are also some complicating factors you ought to be aware of. Even in a utopian paradise where everyone could afford this sip of photographic luxury, it's far from certain whether everyone would choose it over other interchangeable lens cameras. Read on past the break and we'll explain why.
Hardware
Unboxing could be a full-on culture shock for the uninitiated. The X-Pro1 is designed to appeal to rangefinder lovers who dig over-sized control wheels along with over-sized everything. That's not everyone's tipple: we gave the camera to a seasoned photojournalist freshly returned from the Middle East who normally shoots on a Nikon D3, and she was repulsed. In her mind, it was too big to be a compact, too conspicuous, and too retro for her: "I'd be embarrassed if other photographers saw me with this." That said, it's all subjective. Yours truly also has a foreign news background, though I've generally shot video rather than stills, and I experienced no such allergic reaction. On the contrary, the X-Pro1 brought back memories of when my first employer sent me off with a celluloid Nikon F3 to "go and learn about lenses." Yes, I was surprised by the size: at 140mm (5.5 inches), the body is significantly wider than the new Olympus OM-D Micro Four Thirds camera and 20 percent wider than even the non-ILC Canon G1 X. No one could dispute that the X-Pro1 is solidly built and surprisingly lightweight for its size -- around 650 grams (1.4 pounds) with the 35mm lens attached, and easily usable with one hand. However, despite all its volume and mass, this camera is not weather-sealed, which will put some serious photographers off from the get-go. The moral of the story? You need plenty of hands-on time with this camera before you take the plunge, and you need to be clear on what type of (hopefully dry) applications you want it for. Oh, and don't feel obliged to splash extra on the LC-Xpro1 leather case if you already use a camera bag -- it isn't strictly necessary considering the natural sturdiness of the chassis, and it perhaps pushes the retro thing a tad too far. On the flip side, it'd go great with safari shorts.
One of the biggest contributors to the X-Pro1's size (and no doubt its price) also happens to be one of its most useful specs: the hybrid viewfinder, which has been carried over from the X100. It simply caters for any possible situation, by allowing you to switch between optical and electronic modes. Optical gives you the brightest and most direct view of your subject because you're looking at them straight through a piece of glass. Electronic mode, which has an 800 x 600 resolution (or 1.4 million dots), gives you the most precise preview of your final image, with framing and focus displayed before you press the shutter. Both modes can be overlaid with all the information you need, including a live histogram, spirit level and lens-matched frame guides optical mode. Helpfully, the OVF also changes its magnification automatically when you switch lenses, so you get a broadly more similar view to what your lens sees. Overall it's not quite as natural as a DSLR's reflex system, but it's as good as you'll get on a compact. Of course, there's also full viewing through the three-inch LCD panel, with an effective resolution of 640 x 480, which we found to be bright and clear when shooting outdoors. It's even usable in direct (albeit British) sunlight, which we guess is at least partly thanks to the RGBW configuration. Before we get to the controls, a quick word on the lenses: there's already a Leica adapter in case you just happen to have some Leica lenses lying around, but for now the camera is mainly stuck with the three prime lenses for its all-new mount. These are truly delicious: an 18mm f/2.0 lens for your wides, a 35mm f/1.4 beauty for general use and a 60mm f/2.4 for zooms, portraits and macro photography. All these lenses come with quality metal hoods. What we'd really like is a nice, fast and quiet zoom lens to go with this camera and it's all-new mount, and Fuji assures us that such a thing is in the works. Currently, unless you happen to have a bunch of Leica lenses lying around, you're stuck with these three primes. Working with these lenses will reduce your hit-rate if you're not already used to 'thinking' in terms of primes and planning ahead so that you have the right glass equipped for the shot you want to grab. For someone who's been raised on a lazy diet of powerful zooms, this is bloody difficult, but it can hardly be blamed on the X-Pro1. Over time, the discipline required to shoot with primes can only be healthy to learn. User Interface Now, those controls: they're perfect, or at least almost perfect. There's no ISO dial, but we're beginning to realize that Engadget staff may be more concerned about that than the average photographer, because we're forced to take so many close-up shots of gadgets in low-light situations. What we get instead is three other dials that all make a ton of sense for most situations, plus the aperture ring on the lens itself. The shutter speed dial works exactly like you'd expect, except it has a slightly superfluous lock button to stop you accidentally shifting it out of Auto. To its immediate right sits the exposure compensation dial, which feels like a more natural part of the workflow as result of not being a two-stage setting like on many other compacts and DSLRs. The dial is too easy to knock accidentally, but only until you learn to be a bit careful. At the back of the camera is a mystery dial that at first seems to be useless -- especially when you make a habit of never reading the manual. But when you discover what it does, there's a genuine "Oh, right!" kind of moment. This dial works hand-in-hand with the Q button, which brings up a quick settings screen. This screen is comprehensive rather than customizable: every likely adjustment is offered; you use the direction buttons to navigate the grid and select the one you want to change; finally you twiddle the anonymous dial to choose the right setting. You don't have to accept your changes, which means that all these settings are brought within a three-step reach. Three separate actions just to change ISO or white balance might sound like a lot, but the point is that you can access them without taking your eye away from the viewfinder (because the Q screen appears as an EVF overlay as well as on the rear panel) it works a treat. In addition to Q, there's also an assignable Fn button next to the shutter release. You can stick ISO or any other function on this button instead if you prefer, but it won't really speed things up: it's still a three-stage process to hit Fn, select ISO with the arrow keys and then hit Menu / OK to accept. Other functions will have less steps and therefore make more sense, such as depth of field preview. Battery life and performance It needs to be said that the X-Pro1 with the prime lenses doesn't auto-focus as fast as a regular DSLR kit, especially in low light, and the focusing is noisier too. You could spend $1,000 on a Nikon D5100 and a fast lens and get better AF performance, including the ability to get macro shots without having to tell the camera first. There's something slightly icky about that thought, and it's a reminder that our skeptical photojournalist friend might have a point -- in fact, the slow autofocus was also one of her biggest criticisms. It's so bad the continuous focus mode seems almost redundant -- we couldn't use it to track anything, even the object was right in the center of the frame. The shot above was taken with continuous focus, and neither the guy nor the houses are sharp. Shooting from a standing start was less rapid -- it took around five seconds to power up, focus through the EVF and snap a shot. Using the OVF or rear LCD reduced that to four seconds. This is all way slower than the Sony NEX-7, for example. Meanwhile, the Drive performance was great. Shooting RAW+Fine duplicates at the 6fps drive mode setting, we fired off 11 shots in 1.8 seconds before the buffer filled up, which is just under 0.2 seconds between each shot. Shooting Fine JPEGs we could keep going, achieving 37 images in the space of 11 seconds, with slightly inconsistent gaps between each shot, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 seconds. Another positive is the battery life: we repeatedly lost track of it, for the simple reason that it lasted so long. As these words are being written, the camera has been used on five separate occasions over four days without being recharged, with 680 Fine JPEGs, 100 RAW images and four minutes of 1080p video captured. The battery still shows two out of three bars. It took another 11 minutes of 1080p to finish it off. The X-Pro1 does crash occasionally -- three times for us so far. We simply loosened the battery to restart the camera, and it wasn't so annoying because we tended to be previewing images when it happened. Hopefully it's something future firmware updates will fix; Fujifilm has a decent track record in that respect. Image and video quality Ah yes, the magic ingredient: the X-Pro1's bespoke Fuji X-Trans CMOS sensor. It's the right size for the resolution: anything smaller than APS-C would make the 16 megapixels too crowded, while anything bigger would make focusing even harder. More importantly, though, it delivers surprising results: images you just could not predict and that you almost don't deserve. If you've ever taken a shot on celluloid, processed it and then thought "Wow, did I shoot that?" then you'll know what we're on about. If photography were an Olympic sport, this sensor would be the equivalent of nandrolone.
In our hands, clumsy shots were transformed into hobby-level art. In the hands of a street-fighting pro like Steve Huff (see the More Coverage link), the results are just awesome. Why? Well, maybe it has something to do with the extra randomness in the sensor's array of red, green and blue pixel units. Regularly arranged color pixels can cause moire interference and false colors, which forces manufacturers to send light through an optical low-pass filter before it reaches the sensor. Like Nikon's D800E, the X-Pro1 does away with that filter, but due to the random pixel arrangement Fuji claims we should see all the benefits and none of the drawbacks of that omission. Certainly, we saw no moire patterns in our shots -- just wonderfully sharp images with incredibly stable colors that bring a sense of un-realness in the same way that celluloid used to. We didn't mess too much with the in-camera digital filters, which promise to replicate the look of different Fuji film stocks. Those kinds of things can be done in photo editing software afterwards, but nevertheless it was nice to have these options and play with them occasionally to add some subtle nostalgia. Images at high ISO settings were pretty good compared to other compacts we've reviewed, including the NEX-7 and the G1 X. Shots at ISO 3200 looked fine, and where we did spot grain at higher sensitivities it had a pleasant mottled look to it -- in keeping with the X-Pro1's analog vibes. We wouldn't reel 'em off at ISO 25600 necessarily, but there's nothing scary about 6400 or 12800. Video was less exciting. It was just typical compact camera 1080p, with handheld wobble creating all the usual rolling shutter problems, and with slow autofocus and a bit too much hunting. If tripod-mounted and set to manual focus the X-Pro1 could potentially yield decent results, but how many people will use it like that? Ultimately, Fuji has just tacked on video recording because it felt it had to, relegating it to a slot at the bottom of the drive settings menu, and we'd just as happily have gone without it.
The competition
We've got a feeling that many people who buy the Fuji X-Pro1 will do so for its particular build as well as for the output of its unusual sensor. Since both those things are subjective and hard to quantify, it makes sense to leave them aside and compare the camera against its rivals based on more concrete specs. This brings up obvious comparisons with the Micro Four Thirds Olympus OM-D E-M5, priced at $1,000 body-only, and the Sony NEX-7 at $1,200. We haven't reviewed the OM-D yet, but our preview hinted at promises of much better autofocus. It also has five-axis image stabilization and our few test shots revealed very good high ISO performance too. The OM-D also has a faster 9fps burst mode, is drastically cheaper and overall promises to be a real challenger to the X-Pro1's perhaps more emotional virtues. On the other hand, the X-Pro 1 puts more manual controls at your fingertips, and for a lot of people that's a primary concern. The upcoming fight between these two cameras ought to be on pay-per-view. And the NEX-7? We were smitten with it, but it's already starting to lose some of its luster compared to newer competitors. It has 10fps continuous shooting, great battery life, decent high ISO performance and EVF, but none of that elevates it above either the OM-D or the X-Pro1. Its real advantage over the X-Pro1 is the $500 savings, but then the OM-D threatens in that area too. Another option is the X100, which has accumulated many steadfast fans due to its quality optics and goes for around $1,000. It has the same hybrid OVF/EVF in its favor, a much lower price (especially now), and primarily only loses out in terms of its less impressive sensor. Lastly, there has to come a point where you look at what a DSLR can deliver. $1,700 can buy you a weather-sealed Nikon D7000 or a Canon 7D with cash left over for a decent lens. These cameras will deliver superior autofocus performance, less noise and quicker burst rates. The only sacrifice is the size and weight -- so you have to find those two things seriously off-putting before you rule them out. Wrap-up The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is a work of art, and like any masterpiece there'll be some who hate it and others who get into heated bidding wars. If you're sensible and price-conscious, then by rights you should be waiting for the auctioneer to bring out the Olympus OM-D E-M5. Or you should be looking at the X100, or even considering a DSLR, before investing this amount of money. But if the retro form factor befits your personality, you have an abundance of cash and you care about the subtleties of the sensor's output, a powerful viewfinder and great controls, then there's every reason to buy in. Zach Honig contributed to this report. |
| Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year Posted: 27 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT
All eyes are on Nintendo, now that it has revealed losses of $460 million. Buried in all of the financial paperwork were the revelations that it sells the 3DS at a loss, its plans for digital distribution and its projected sales figures for this year. It aims to flog 18.5 million 3DS handhelds and 10.5 million Wii consoles by March 31st 2013. But wait, what about the Wii U? That figure actually encompasses both old and new hardware, so it is either hoping for a sharp fall in Wii sales or a tough opening for the new baby. It's a bold pair of figures that relies upon how well New Super Mario Bros 2, Animal Crossing and the new hardware capture the public's imagination in a time when people are tightening their belts (especially if they've been using Wii Fit). |
| Nokia 808 Pureview goes up against Nokia N8, should probably pick on someone its own age (video) Posted: 27 Apr 2012 07:53 AM PDT
Aside from a brief video ad to show off its own motion-capture chops, it's gone a little quiet on Nokia's 808 PureView. The imposing 41-megapixel cameraphone, or phone-camera, is Nokia's latest Symbian device so why not run it (almost) side-by-side with the Nokia N8? The screen looks substantially more impressive on the 808 PureView, which is 0.5 inches larger than its older relative, but that brighter showing probably has more to do with the new phone's placement center-stage in exx10sive's hands-on video. Arguably Nokia's last Symbian big-hitter, the 808 PureView seems far more responsive to touch; apps appear to launch almost immediately, while the Belle UI also seems better suited to the newer device, with larger menu text and icons in view. The camera app has also been given a more modern flavor, in line with other smartphone camera UIs. A full-fat eight-minute comparison lies in wait after the break. Hopefully, those hints at a May launch will hold true -- we're waiting for the camera, not the Symbian.
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| Nintendo's gunning for retailers, expanding eShop offerings for Wii U, 3DS Posted: 27 Apr 2012 07:13 AM PDT
Nintendo is going to sell its 3DS and Wii U games through the eShop as well as on the high street. Concerned about the money wasted in "inventory," the company will let consumers choose where they get their fix from. The first two games to get the treatment will be New Super Mario Bros 2 and Onitore Brain Training (working title) for the handheld, with more expected in the future. As consumers transition to downloads, the company will keep its brick-and-mortar partners on-side by allowing them to sell "activation codes" to the digital titles -- although that does mean you'll have to drive down to Gamestop and back. |
| Sony outs new waterproof HDR-GW77V Handycam, available May 25th in Japan Posted: 27 Apr 2012 06:41 AM PDT
Despite having launched a full battalion of Handycams back at CES, Sony left the adventurous crowd out by not introducing any ruggedized shooters. With that in mind, the Japanese outfit has taken the wraps off of its first waterproof (and dustproof) Handycam, which packs a mouthwatering 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor capable of 1080p video at 60fps. Staying true to its Handycam roots, the HDR-GW77V sports a 3-inch swivel screen while also offering 16GB of internal storage and a 10x optical zoom. Sony claims the camcorder can handle up to 16 feet of water as well as sustain a five-foot freefall. The HDR-GW77V will be hitting Japanese shelves late next month for 70,000 yen (around $860), and there's no word on when -- or if -- it'll make a trip outside its home turf.
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| Distro Issue 38: a peek at the Navy's Robotics Laboratory and an interview with MSI's Jeans Huang Posted: 27 Apr 2012 06:15 AM PDT
Ah, yes. The end of the week is upon us. Of course, this means that the latest installment of our tablet publication has arrived. Stepping up to the plate this time around, Brian Heater takes a look inside LASR, the Navy's Robotics Lab, and Richard Lai chats with MSI co-founder Jeans Huang. After a strong debut last week, Ludwig Kietzmann is back with Reaction Time and his take on Journey. Our brand spankin' new hands-on section looks back at Spotify's Android preview, Alexandre Herchovitch's HP Pavilion DM1, MIT's Arduino-powered DrumTop and Google Drive. We spend some quality time with the T-Mobile HTC One S, LG Viper, ASUS TF300 and MSI GT70 while Switched On tackles Kickstarter project funding. Looking for something more? IRL reveals our personal gadget stash, the Stat takes a look at tech jobs, Tapbots co-creator Mark Jardine handles the Q&A and Box Brown offers the Last Word on Facebook's recent purchase. Go ahead and hit your favorite link below to snag your copy of this week's e-magazine. Distro Issue 38 PDF This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Google Zerg Rush: That was an order, soldier Posted: 27 Apr 2012 05:59 AM PDT
Zerg Rush is Google's latest easter egg and it's admittedly a little late for the holiday itself. Search for the term (it's a Starcraft thing), and you'll be welcomed by a point-and-shoot mini-game where your enemy is an infinite number of color-coded, marauding o's. These will proceed to decimate your search results, which is currently a bizarre meta view of people explaining the game's existence. Get your trigger finger ready -- the internet needs you. (You also can publish your final score with pride on Google Plus.) [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| PSA: Space Shuttle Enterprise flying over NYC this morning Posted: 27 Apr 2012 05:43 AM PDT
JFK may be a place that many, many people have gone to before, but it's safe to say that the Space Shuttle Enterprise will be going there boldly. Much like the Space Shuttle Discovery turned heads in DC last week, Space Shuttle Enterprise will be stopping traffic in New York City today. NASA has confirmed that today's 747-100 ferry flight across Manhattan is a "Go" and that the duo will "fly at a relatively low altitude over various parts of the New York City metropolitan area on Friday" before landing at JFK. The Shuttle will then, in the coming weeks, be put on a ferry of a floating variety and brought to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Today's flying tour is scheduled to take place between 9:30 and 11:30 am and... oh look, at the time, we must be going. Update: NASA has confirmed takeoff from Dulles! The flight plan is not known, but as before your best bet is to follow the #spottheshuttle hashtag on Twitter. |
| Maingear's Pulse 11-inch gaming laptop has designs on M11x mourners Posted: 27 Apr 2012 05:39 AM PDT
Gamers who'd been eyeing up an Alienware M11x may have been rightly irked when the 11-inch form factor was yanked off shelves. Fortunately, Maingear is stepping in with a laptop that slots an Ivy Bridge CPU into equally compact hardware. The Pulse 11 has an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 LED-backlit display, supports up to 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 RAM while packing HDMI-out 1.4a, USB 3.0 and THX TruStudio Pro sound. Graphics-wise, there's an NVIDIA GeForce GT650M with 2GB RAM for fragging your enemies, and an Intel GMA HD GPU for fragging your spreadsheets. The hardware will begin shipping on June 3rd, with prices starting from $1,099 for a Core i5, 8GB RAM and a 320GB HDD. |
| Panasonic teams up with NHK on 145-inch 8K Super Hi-Vision plasma TV Posted: 27 Apr 2012 05:11 AM PDT
We thought the 8K 85-inch Super Hi-Vision LCD we saw during CES was impressive, but Japanese broadcaster NHK is already looking to surpass that by going even bigger. To that end it worked with Panasonic (above: that's Panasonic's Keishi Kubota on the left, Yoshio Ito of NHK on the right) to create this 145-inch prototype plasma, unveiled today as an example of the kind of displays we can expect to see once broadcasts jump to the higher resolution some day. The world's first self-illuminating Super Hi-Vision TV, it features every pixel of its expected 8K resolution -- 7,680 x 4,320. After working for months on smaller (only 85- or 103-inch) 4K plasmas, the two companies had to come up with an entirely new drive method for the display that works by scanning the pixels vertically to achieve a uniform picture quality. The NHK plans to show off the new display at its open house in May, although we're a bit more interested to see if we can watch the Olympics on it this summer. Check the gallery below for a few more pictures from DigInfo.TV's Ryo Osuga, or hit the more coverage link for a breakdown of the difficulties encountered in building a high resolution display that's this massive. [Image Credit: Ryo Osuga, DigInfo.TV] |
| Verizon ICS update schedule leaks: Rezound, RAZR and Xoom being tested now Posted: 27 Apr 2012 04:41 AM PDT
While there are already vague Android update plans for Verizon-connected Samsung devices, a leaked screen from somewhere within the Big Red bunker has offered up some more details. It looks like the Rezound, Droid RAZR and RAZR Maxx are closest to the upgrade finish-line with testing likely to finish by May 7th for the HTC model and May 17th for the Motorola duo. According to Droid Life, Verizon's Motorola Xoom (you know, the Android tablet) is getting its update direct from Google, but it hasn't been deigned worthy of a concrete release date. A handful of software updates are also pegged for the likes of the Bionic, Thunderbolt, Revolution, Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Xperia Play, but they look likely to be more incremental than outright OS upgrades. For those interested in some new firmware numbers, we've included those update details after the break. |
| Wolfram Alpha releases first desktop PC app for Windows 7, makes homework even easier Posted: 27 Apr 2012 04:12 AM PDT
Have a habit of letting Wolfram Alpha do your math for you? Well, say hello to one more tool in your computational arsenal -- the Wolfram|Alpha Brings Its Line of Mobile and Tablet Apps to PCs & Ultrabooks™ Champaign, Illinois-April 26, 2012-Wolfram|Alpha, the leaders in computational knowledge, today announced a partnership with Intel bringing all Wolfram mobile applications-including the #1 reference app, the Wolfram|Alpha App-to Ultrabooks™ through the Intel AppUp center. Wolfram|Alpha has rapidly become the world's definitive source for instant expert knowledge and computation. Wolfram|Alpha Executive Director Luc Barthelet said this partnership marks the first delivery of Wolfram|Alpha's computational knowledge to the world of PC apps. "We're delighted to bring the polished UI from our mobile and tablet devices to the PC, specifically laptops and Ultrabooks™," said Barthelet. "We have a growing line of mobile apps and are looking forward to bringing all of them to the AppUp center by the end of the year." The Wolfram|Alpha App for PCs & Ultrabooks™ features an optimized user interface that takes advantage of the full PC screen. The app also features a specialized keyboard, easy resizing of results, and extended copy and paste of query results and graphics. Students and professionals use Wolfram|Alpha in a variety of subject areas. Students can enter their specific homework problems and get immediate answers, including a "Show steps" feature for math-related queries. Later this year, Wolfram|Alpha will release its series of Course Assistant Apps through the AppUp center in subjects such as calculus, astronomy, physics, and chemistry. Other specialized Wolfram|Alpha-powered apps include resources for professionals and in-depth reference materials in a vast array of subject areas. To see a preview of what apps will be available on the store this year, please view the complete collection of Wolfram|Alpha-powered apps here. The Wolfram|Alpha App for PCs & Ultrabooks™ is available for purchase for $2.99 starting today. To learn more about Wolfram|Alpha, please visit www.wolframalpha.com. |
| Ikea cardboard digital camera: when Instagram isn't authentic enough Posted: 27 Apr 2012 03:48 AM PDT
Forget TVs. Want something more whimsical and lo-fi than Instagram? This is a digital camera made of cardboard that Ikea included with its press kit at this year's Milan Design Week. It runs on two AA batteries (Ikea-branded, natch) and features a swing-out USB plug, viewfinder cutout, shutter key and paperclip-friendly erase button. While there are no details on the sensor, lens or storage capacity, the camera holds up to 40 pictures. It's expected to land in Ikea stores at some point but exact pricing and availability are still a mystery. No matter -- this camera is sure to impress hipsters everywhere (and yes, that includes us). |
| Fujitsu Laboratories wants to take your mobile's 2D videos to another dimension Posted: 27 Apr 2012 03:32 AM PDT
Fujitsu Laboratories has developed technology that will let any phone grab pictures and video with some of that third-dimension spice. Using a small attachment with cleverly positioned mirrors, the widget sits atop your phone's plain old 2D camera and breaks the incoming image into two. Once the data has been grabbed, you then send it off to Fujitsu's servers, whereupon it'll be converted into a 3D format. This isn't the first 2D-to-3D idea, but the main advantage, of course, is that your poor phone doesn't have to do all the leg-work -- but it undoubtedly comes at the expense of some quality. The gadget will get properly announced at the IEEE ISCE conference in Harrisburg on June the 4th along with pricing and availability. In the meantime you can step into the Japanese dimension -- i.e. the press release -- below for more info. |
| Sun stops shining on E Ink Holdings: company reports first loss in two years Posted: 27 Apr 2012 02:50 AM PDT
E Ink Holdings made a loss of over $25 million last quarter, despite supplying its backlight-free panels to popular e-readers like the Kindle and the Nook. Why the poor showing after ten quarters of solid money-making? The company's accountants blame "off-season effects" and "inventory adjustments" by customers, which may simply be corporatese for "the screens aren't selling so well." Overall revenue tumbled 63 percent compared to the same period in 2011 and the outlook remains "conservative" -- although it's hard to believe that everyone suddenly wants to stay indoors and stare at pixels. |
| Dropbox adds automatic photo uploads for Windows and Mac, up to 3GB just for using it Posted: 27 Apr 2012 02:42 AM PDT
Dropbox isn't short of aficionados, but it's undoubtedly lost some of its gleam since Google drove the cloud war into a frenzy. In response, Dropbox's devs have been at the squat rack pumping up their multimedia credentials, recently adding auto photo and video uploads to their Android app and now extending that feature to any camera, tablet, smartphone or SD card via the Mac or Windows utility -- an add-on that was previously beta-only. Access the web interface and you'll see your stills arranged in a handy new Photos page, which displays them as large thumbnails bunched together by month. There's a blunter enticement too: your first auto upload will secure 500MB in extra storage, with subsequent efforts also rewarded up to 3GB. Perhaps that cardboard isn't looking so soggy after all. |
| Sony patent suggests Xperia Play with dual keyboards, it's slidingly slidable Posted: 27 Apr 2012 02:02 AM PDT
Okay, so maybe physical keyboards were a bigger deal back in 2010 when this thing was filed, or maybe -- just maybe -- we'll one day see an Xperia Play smartphone with both a gamepad and a full QWERTY counterpart. A patent for such a contraption was just granted to Sony by the USPTO, which stakes its claim for a device with two sliding mechanisms in addition to the display. When the primary sliding mechanism is engaged, the second will come along for the ride -- and for those curious, it seems the default option is the keyboard. Once both are open, the sliding units may be disengaged from one another, so that when one of the units retracts, the other will remain accessible. It all sounds quite feasible, and if the mechanism works well enough, what's a few extra millimeters among friends? |
| Sharp posts $1.4 billion extraordinary loss, refocuses on mobile displays Posted: 27 Apr 2012 01:20 AM PDT
Notice of Recording of Restructuring Charges (Extraordinary Item in Other Expenses) Sharp Corporation ("the Company") announces that it recorded restructuring charges as an extraordinary item in other expenses in consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2012. 1. Reason for recording of restructuring charges Maintenance cost of inactive noncurrent assets incurred in establishing framework for the conversion of production to LCD panels using IGZO 37,717 2. Impact on financial performance |
| Project Glass makes a TV appearance on Charlie Rose, flashes its rear for the cameras Posted: 27 Apr 2012 01:02 AM PDT
Google fellow, founder of Project X and self-driving car pioneer Sebastian Thrun became the latest to publicly rock a Project Glass prototype (after company co-founder Sergey Brin) on a recent episode of Charlie Rose, and managed to show off a whole new side of the project in the process. While the 19-minute interview was mostly unremarkable product-wise with a focus on higher education and his Udacity project, we did get to see him take a picture of the host (about a minute in) by tapping it, then posting it on Google+ by nodding twice. Also, as Electronista points out, in a brief reverse shot (17:20) of Thrun we see for the first time what appears to be a small battery pack / transmitter portion lodged behind his ear. Of course, we're still not any closer to rocking the latest in bionic man-chic ourselves, but at least we can start getting fitted for one now. |
| Star Castle finally finds a home on the Atari 2600, gets a redesigned cartridge Posted: 27 Apr 2012 12:27 AM PDT
Halo may have made its way to the Atari 2600, but wouldn't porting a retro game to this '70s-era console be more appropriate? MAKE Magazine has the skinny on former Atari dev Scott Williamson's port of the Cinematronics shooter Star Castle. Though Atari execs decided the title was too complicated to bring over in the '80s, Williamson took it upon himself to make that transition possible. The result of some serious coding is 8K of ROM and 128 bytes of RAM's worth of good ol' space war. But he didn't stop there -- he redesigned the cartridge with a transparent casing and LEDs that flash during gameplay. Click through to the source link for the full step-by-step. |
| TomTom's new sat nav: perfect for your van down by the river Posted: 26 Apr 2012 11:46 PM PDT
If you're prone to hitting the road in a trailer or camper, you probably know that the road isn't exactly made to accommodate to your less-than-dainty vehicle. In a bid to express its deepest sympathies (and, you know, make money), TomTom is unveiling a device made specifically for caravan owners. In addition to offering the standard TomTom Live features for keeping up to date with traffic and weather reports, the Go Live Camper and Caravan includes warnings for narrow roads, low bridges and the like, and it also highlights the nearest rest stops and other points of interest for road trippers. And because you probably trade in that motorhome for a smaller set of wheels on occasion, TomTom lets you switch to a different profile, complete with customizable specifications for size, weight and speed. The Go Live Camper and Caravan will set you back £349.99, and as the price indicates, it's currently only set up to handle roads across the pond. TomTom has launched the GO LIVE Camper & Caravan. This specialist navigation device provides tailored routes by vehicle type and has pre-installed Points of Interest that make it easy for drivers to find camper and caravan sites and services. The TomTom GO LIVE Camper & Caravan includes new navigation software which adjusts routes and arrival times to match a vehicle's size, weight and maximum speed. Drivers can set separate profiles for their camper, caravan, car, van and trailer, and use the device whatever vehicle they are driving. See the viral video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq5ANAVE3rY&feature=youtu.be · Custom Points of Interest for campers and caravans: locates over 20,000 Points of Interest such as camping areas, chemical toilet facilities and camper service spots. · Camper / Caravan / Passenger Car Options: adjust routes to match the vehicle. · Dual Mounting System: enables the device to be mounted on either windscreen or dashboard. · 1 year FREE LIVE Services: provides access to a range of services including TomTom Weather, TomTom HD Traffic, Local Search with Google™, Search & Go with TripAdvisor and Expedia, and destination sharing with Twitter™. · Voice command and control: drivers can navigate without taking their hands off the wheel, planning their route using only the sound of their voice. · Hands-free calling: allows drivers to make and answer phone calls safely while driving. · Advanced Lane Guidance: gives extra clarity at difficult junctions. · IQ Routes: uses real travel information shared by millions of drivers to get the best routes and arrival times at every time of day. |
| LG's IPS monitors head downmarket with 2D-only IPS4 series launching soon Posted: 26 Apr 2012 10:46 PM PDT
While LCD monitors with in-plane switching technology were once decidedly settled at the high end, LG apparently thinks its time for everyone to have one and is launching its mainstream IPS4 line. Executive VP JJ Lee says the aim is for IPS monitors to become "ubiquitous in every room", bringing better color reproduction, picture quality and wide viewing angles with them. So far we know they're slotting in just below the 3D-capable models shown off at CES, but there's nothing mentioned in the press release (included after the break along with another pic) about prices, sizes, specs or model numbers. If you're in the market however, expect to find out more soon since they will roll out to Asia first in May, followed by Europe and North America in "the coming weeks". LG MAKES DYNAMIC VIEWING EXPERIENCE MAINSTREAM WITH NEW IPS MONITORS IPS4 Monitor Delivers Stunning Picture Quality, Lifelike Color Expression, SEOUL, Apr. 27, 2012 –- LG Electronics (LG) today announced the availability of a new line of monitors, the IPS4 series. These monitors feature In-Plane Switching (IPS) rather than conventional Twisted Nematic (TN) panels, allowing for superb color reproduction, exceptional picture quality and unmatched color shift-free wide viewing. Thanks to an impressively wide viewing-angle (178 degrees), the new IPS monitors enable viewers to enjoy superb picture quality without any color shift whether sitting, standing or lying down. Smooth Color Change also eliminates blur generated from rapid motion in action scenes, sports or video games so that viewers feel less eye fatigue even during longer viewing sessions. When all of these technologies are combined, the result is a richer, more comfortable viewing experience. By boosting color consistency and minimizing color changes, the IPS4 series is able to reproduce original colors, virtually eliminating the gap between what is shot and what is shown. As such, the IPS4 monitors are ideal for anyone engaged in photography or video editing. "Despite strong sales and dominating the professional market, IPS monitors were less popular with the majority of consumers due to the cost of high-quality IPS panels," said J.J. Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of IT Business Unit of LG Home Entertainment Company. "With the launch of the affordable IPS4 series, LG is taking a huge step in making IPS monitors ubiquitous in every room." A number of easy-to-use functions add to the appeal of the IPS4 series. For instance, the Dual Smart Solution feature uses a simple one-click set-up to run dual monitors, and even creates a dual taskbar and auto-optimized dual web split screen. The Dual Screen feature optimizes the window size to automatically divide the screen to view multiple web pages, making it easier than ever before to multitask online. Efficiency has also been improved. The monitors are equipped with a cable management design that does away with the messy snarl of wires. The IPS4 series is much more energy-efficient compared to conventional LED monitors without sacrificing picture quality. LG's IPS4 series will first become available in Asia in May followed by Europe and North America in the coming weeks.
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| First image of Sony NEX-F3 leaked, outs 16.1 MP sensor Posted: 26 Apr 2012 10:11 PM PDT
Leave it to photography buffs to leak product shots that are decidedly unblurry, if poorly framed. Dpreview forum goer Bibogue outed a sneak peek at the Sony NEX-F3, a mirrorless shooter that seems to be poised to replace the NEX-C3. The leaked picture appears to reveal a 16.1 megapixel sensor, a built in flash and a 180-degree tilting screen, and Bibogue says the unit sports a new peaking level feature to help fine-tune manually focused shots. The new unit seems to retain its predecessor's proprietary accessory connector as well, so prospective buyers should choose their peripherals wisely. |
| LG Optimus True HD LTE's European assault begins in Portugal, Germany and Sweden Posted: 26 Apr 2012 09:31 PM PDT
While the latest LTE and HD equipped addition to LG's Optimus line has already landed across Asia (Korea, Japan) and North America (US - AT&T, US - Verizon, Canada) under a few different names, the newly rebranded Optimus True HD LTE is finally prepared for a European debut. As seen by the flags flying above, this week LG will begin rolling out to Portugal, Germany and Sweden, with Britain and France on deck for the second half of the year when LTE service is available. The other flags present represent further Asian rollouts in Hong Kong and Singapore. The plan, described in the Korean press release linked below (Update: English PR after the break), is apparently to make LG synonymous with LTE, although we can't see how renaming its current dual-core standard bearer every other week is helping. LG EXPANDS GLOBAL LTE SMARTPHONE FOOTPRINT WITH ROLL-OUT OF OPTIMUS TRUE HD LTE IN EUROPE AND ASIA |
| Samsung patent application explores the possibility of phasing out human crossing guards Posted: 26 Apr 2012 08:40 PM PDT
We have definitely seen our share of robots and crossing guards, but we almost never really see a combination of the two. An application filed by Samsung today at the US Patent & Trademark office seems to suggest that at least some people have been thinking long and hard about bots helping humans conquer the mean streets of our cities using a multitude of on-board tech -- from infrared and proximity sensors -- to devices enabling wireless communication between traffic lights and other robots. According to the application, the machines could inherit the traditional reflective properties often associated with crossing guard attire -- you know, the perfect guise for keeping their true intentions concealed. |
| Steam for Linux captured on video, one step closer to reality Posted: 26 Apr 2012 06:42 PM PDT
Yesterday, Phoronix had encouraging news about the prospect of Steam for Linux: photo evidence of Left 4 Dead running on Ubuntu 11.10 with AMD Catalysts drivers. Today, the site followed up with video footage of that same scenario, posting a hastily shot clip to show that Valve is indeed making progress -- slow as it may be -- on porting the game engine to Linux. Got 14 seconds? Check out the video demo below the break. |
| Engadget Mobile Podcast 135 - 04.26.2012 Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:55 PM PDT  We live in exciting mobile times, and it's up to you, the enthusiastic consumer of phones, voice and data, to make sure you're getting the most for your time and cash. It's up to us, the Engadget Mobile Podcasters, to keep you in the loop. This week we enlist the help of Slashgear's Chris Davies to give us an international perspective on the picture. Hurry along now, and hit that play button before the newest news slips away right before your ears. 00:02:53 - LG Viper 4G LTE review Hear the podcast This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Samsung's Q1 2012 profits nearly double year-over-year on higher margins for TVs and phones Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:20 PM PDT
The numbers for Samsung's first quarter of 2012 are in and as it expected they are up sharply over the same period from 2011. After predicting profits of 5.8 trillion won it managed to top that, notching an operating profit of 5.85 trillion won ($5.16 billion US) for the quarter, a 98 percent gain over a year ago. Phones accounted for 73 percent of the profit, contributing 4.27 trillion won to the bottom line. As the world awaits the debut of what we assume will be the Samsung Galaxy S III May 3rd powered by its Exynos 4 Quad CPU, there's clearly no shortage of demand for the Galaxy S II and Note. Sales of chips and TVs decreased from last quarter, but like its competitor LG, growing sales of high res tablet panels (we wonder which one that might be), 3DTVs and OLEDs increased profitability. Specifically, the high end 7000/8000 series of HDTVs increased sales by 50 percent from last year, while the company plans to focus on "region-specific" LED models for emerging markets, and high end (and high priced) flat-panels for developed markets. We're listening in to the earnings call at the moment, and we'll let you know if there's any other details that come out of what is mostly boring numbers talk. So far it's all pretty businessy, although in response to a question executives did confirm that they expect the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note to occupy different segments in terms of size. So there you have it -- the Galaxy S III will (shockingly) not have a 5.3-inch screen. Also, it predictably is trying to continue the trend of global launches, although that hardly puts to rest the issue of how long we may end up waiting for carrier-specific versions here in the US. Check out the rest of Samsung's details in a press release and a few slides from the report embedded after the break. Samsung Electronics Announces First Quarter 2012 Earnings Results For the quarter, the company's consolidated operating profit reached an all-time high of 5.85 trillion won representing a 98-percent increase year-on-year. Consolidated net profit for the January-March period was 5.05 trillion won. Despite a decrease in sales of semiconductor chips and TVs due to seasonal factors, an increase in profitability in display panels and mobile phones pushed up quarterly operating profit margins by 1.7 percentage points to 12.9 percent. In its earnings guidance disclosed on April 6, Samsung estimated first-quarter consolidated revenues would reach approximately 45 trillion won with consolidated operating profit of approximately 5.8 trillion won. Samsung's strong performance in the quarter was driven mainly by the IT & Mobile Communications (IM) segment, which is comprised of four businesses, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, IT Solutions and Digital Imaging. In particular, solid growth in the Mobile Communications business, with brisk sales of flagship GALAXY Note and GALAXY S II devices contributed to the company's profitability. The consolidated operating profit for IT & Mobile Communications businesses reached 4.27 trillion won on revenue of 23.22 trillion won. The Display Panel business rebounded in the first quarter with operating gains of 280 billion won, following an uptick in demand for high-margin panels used in tablets, 3D/ LED TVs and premium OLED panels. "Despite difficult business environments including seasonal low demand for major products such as PCs and TVs amid a global economic slowdown, we achieved record quarterly results based on our differentiated products and technology leadership. We cautiously expect our earnings momentum to continue going forward, as competitiveness in our major businesses is enhanced," said Robert Yi, Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations. Looking into the second quarter, Samsung expects to improve profitability in the chip business with a recovery in PC DRAM price and by expanding its new product category with mobile application processors based on 32 nanometer-class process technology. Samsung plans to also bolster its competitive edge in mobile phones with the debut of new high-end smartphones, and by reinforcing the full lineup of products and its presence in emerging markets. Capex 7.8 Trillion Won in Q1 Capital expenditure in the first quarter was 7.8 trillion won, with 5.8 trillion won invested in the Semiconductor Business and 1.3 trillion won in the Display Panel segment. Earlier this year, Samsung announced plans to spend a total of 25 trillion won in capex for 2012. Fifteen trillion won will be invested in the Semiconductor Business that consists of Memory and System LSI. For the Display Panel segment, 6.6 trillion won has been allocated for investment. Organizational Change Starting from the first quarter, the business segment financial disclosure will reflect the organizational changes, which took place in December, 2011. We will provide sales and earnings of Device Solutions, including Semiconductor and Display Panel businesses; and Digital Media & Communications, including IT & Mobile Communications and Consumer Electronics (CE) divisions. IT & Mobile Communications includes Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, IT Solutions and Digital Imaging; and CE includes Visual Display and Digital Appliances. Seasonal Factors Dampen Chip Demand Samsung's Semiconductor Business – including Memory and System LSI – posted an operating profit of 760 billion won in the first quarter. Revenue retreated to 7.98 trillion won on-year, a 13-percent decrease compared with the same period last year. Weaker-than-expected off-peak season demand and a global supply crunch of HDDs coupled with low demand for PC DRAM chips and the oversupply of mobile DRAM impacted profit margins, in which the memory portion saw its revenue slip to 4.89 trillion won. For NAND, spot price remained weak due to sluggish demand compounded by early stage products from geometry migration flowing into the channel market. Despite adverse market conditions, Samsung's chip business was buoyed by strong demand for server DRAM and by expanding our value-added product mix such as products based on the 30-nanometer-class and 20-nanometer-class process technologies.Increased orders for Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Embedded Multimedia Cards (eMMC) also helped the chip business to cushion the market squeeze. Looking ahead, the global HDD supply shortage is expected to be alleviated in the second quarter and demand for specialty DRAM products including mobile and server DRAMs will be strong. However, elevated competition among manufacturers of 30-nanometer-class chips will lead to a price decline. In the second quarter, Samsung is poised to ramp up supply of high-capacity, power-efficient DRAM for servers based on our green memory solution. As for NAND, we will spur growth by expanding the 20-nanometer-class portion. Sales of CMOS image sensors will remain high in the April-June quarter, as demand for smartphones equipped with high-resolution cameras is expected to be strong. Display Business Swings to Profit Operating profit for the Display Panel Business turned around from the previous quarter to register 280 billion won on revenue of 8.54 trillion won in the first quarter. Despite traditionally weak seasonality, continued economic stagnation in Europe, and the prolonged supply shortage in the PC industry, the Display Panel Business was able to improve profitability by expanding sales of high-end premium panels such as LED TV and 3D panels, which pushed TV panel sales up in the mid-20 percent range on-year. Increased sales of high-resolution panels for tablet PCs and OLED panels for smartphones also helped boost profit in the quarter. Looking ahead, although the market for monitor panels will remain stagnant, demand for tablet and notebook panels is expected to increase on seasonal education-related demand while TV panels are expected to lift due to Chinese Labor Day sales and the London Olympics. Moving forward with the establishment of Samsung Display Corporation, the company will continue to enhance profitability by expanding sales of premium panel products such 3D, large size and LED panels, while smartphone demand is expected to continue to fuel OLED panel sales. Profits Propped Up by Strong Sales of Smart Devices The IT & Mobile Communications division – including Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, IT Solutions and Digital Imaging – registered quarterly operating profits of 4.27 trillion won for the first period. Revenue reached 23.22 trillion won, and the mobile unit accounted for 18.90 trillion won, up 86 percent year-on-year. Growth in shipments of Samsung's flagship GALAXY Note and GALAXY S II and other premium mobile devices yielded high returns, with significant growth in China, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Samsung is expected to continue its strong growth momentum in the second quarter, following the announcement of the next GALAXY device in London on May 3. The Telecommunication Systems business saw growth both in revenue and operating gains due to an increase in LTE (Long Term Evolution) wireless broadband technology equipment. In the case of IT Solutions, a boost in sales of mid-to-high-end products, including PCs and printers improved quarter-on-quarter earnings. We expect to further solidify our leading position in LTE business in the US market and make further inroads into countries newly adopting the service. Premium TV Sales Lift Profitability Samsung's Consumer Electronics businesses, which encompass Visual Display and Digital Appliances, registered an operating profit of 530 billion won in the quarter, up 550 percent year-on-year, on revenues of 10.67 trillion won. Although weak seasonality led to a quarter-on-quarter dip in revenue, strong sales of premium TVs in developed markets and LED TVs in emerging markets saw shipments outstrip market growth and drive a sharp increase in profitability. Highlights for the quarter included an increase in sales of more than 50 percent for Samsung's flagship 7000/8000 TV series on-year, while the Digital Appliances Business improved profitability, both on-year and on-quarter, by increasing its portion of premium product sales. In the second quarter, market growth for flat panel TVs in the mid-single digits is expected on rising demand in emerging markets and increased sales of LED TVs which are forecast to account for over 60 percent of the TV market in the quarter. In emerging markets, Samsung aims to expand its presence with region-specific LED TV models, while its range of Smart TV models with enhanced features will continue to maintain the company's leadership in developed markets. As for digital appliances, demand is expected to rise led by growth in emerging markets. Samsung will aim to improve profitability in the quarter by enhancing R&D efficiencies, expanding sales of premium products and sales in emerging markets, and capitalizing on strong seasonal demand for air conditioners. |
| Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more Posted: 26 Apr 2012 05:10 PM PDT
Clearwire's hardly throwing in the towel after that whole "WiMAX" thing; instead, the outfit has its sights firmly set on bringing TDD-LTE to the masses here in America, starting with an initial rollout in early 2013. A release put out today confirms that New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle will be among the 31 cities where the company will launch the aforesaid network, though there's no breakdown on which of those metro markets will be forced to wait until "mid-2013" to get served. Speaking of, Clearwire's making no bones about the fact that "high demand hot zones" will be the ones targeted initially, and in a bid to outshine those LTE networks already live, President and CEO Erik Prusch is suggesting that his firm's 4G network "will show that not all LTE networks are created equal." Bold words, sir. Clearwire TDD-LTE Network to Serve 4G "Hot Zones" in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle and More TDD-LTE Network Planned for High Demand "Hot Zones" in 31 Markets BELLEVUE, Wash., April 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Clearwire Corporation (Nasdaq:CLWR) today announced that New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle will be among the 31 cities where the company will launch its TDD-LTE network during the first half of 2013. Deployment of Clearwire's TDD-LTE network will target high demand "hot zones" in major urban centers where demand for 4G mobile broadband access is high and the need for deep 4G capacity resources is most acute. "Our new 4G network will show that not all LTE networks are created equal," said Erik Prusch, President and CEO of Clearwire. "Clearwire's LTE Advanced-ready network will deploy our deep spectrum resources for the next great era in mobile broadband in which capacity is king. We're positioned to bring much needed capacity on a wholesale basis to address the unbridled demand for mobile data and the scarcity of spectrum in major urban and suburban markets." Clearwire LTE: The Next-Generation of 4G Clearwire's next-generation LTE Advanced-ready network will be a major advancement over the current LTE networks deployed in the U.S. By leveraging its deep spectrum holdings to commercialize large contiguous swaths of spectrum in a given market, Clearwire believes its LTE Advanced-ready network will further differentiate it as a leader in next-generation 4G mobile broadband technology, capable of serving the current and anticipated future demands of wholesale and retail customers. The company will announce the additional cities where it will launch TDD-LTE service at a later date. |
| Hot shoe adapter for Sony NEX-5 and NEX-5N gets the hands-on treatment Posted: 26 Apr 2012 04:47 PM PDT
The Sony NEX-7 we reviewed last month is the only cam from the NEX line to include a hot shoe for attaching an external flash, but NEX Proshop just introduced an unofficial workaround for the NEX-5N and NEX-5, a hot shoe adapter that will ship for $79.99. Engadget Chinese got to handle a unit and gave it a spin on the NEX-5N. In addition to allowing for an external flash, the adapter lets you automatically sync with the internal one, with the recommended max shutter speed being 1/ 250s. Our sister site's hands-on version didn't allow for tightening the screw position with a coin, which resulted in the adapter coming a bit loose -- so perhaps this isn't the exact model that will ship. Hop on over to the original post for more photos. |
| Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores Posted: 26 Apr 2012 04:23 PM PDT
Although Sprint is winding down iDEN services here in the US, it hasn't turned its back on the technology completely. The nation's third largest wireless carrier has announced a new push-to-talk service offering, dubbed International Direct Connect. The $10 monthly add-on will allow Direct Connect push-to-talk users in the US -- utilizing its CDMA network -- to communicate with iDEN PTT users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru free of charge. Although not explicitly stated, the aforementioned nations are referred to as "initial" markets, implying that more countries will be added to this list at some point in the future. All the details about the business-focused proposition, along with the press sheet, can be found after the break. Sprint extends Sprint Direct Connect internationally Sprint's gold-standard, CDMA-based push-to-talk service now connects customers directly with Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), April 26, 2012 - Sprint today announced the launch of International Direct Connect? on Sprint Direct Connect, Sprint's broadband push-to-talk service on its CDMA network. Initially, users can directly connect – at the press of a button – to iDEN international push-to-talk users in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile. Sprint Direct Connect users can make dialed phone calls to anywhere in the world. Pricing for International Direct Connect, is simple, and includes an optional $10 per month unlimited international push-to-talk calling plan. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/sprintdirectconnect. "International Direct Connect is very important to a core group of our Sprint Direct Connect customer base," said Uday Patel, director-Business Marketing. "Providing them with broadband voice and data capabilities and, now, international push-to-talk, expands their business and communication opportunities exponentially." Sprint's history of push-to-talk leadership has proven to change the game for business customers in industries such as health care, manufacturing, and transportation that need reliable instant access. Now with Sprint Direct Connect, instant access extends to customers seeking to reach across U.S. borders to businesses, friends and family. International Sprint Direct Connect marks a major push-to-talk milestone for Sprint. With more than 18 years of expertise, Sprint is the industry leader in push-to-talk. Last year, Sprint launched Sprint Direct Connect – the industry's next generation of push-to-talk service – on its broadband CDMA network. Sprint Direct Connect comes packed with broadband data capabilities, familiar push-to-talk features, rugged and reliable handsets, and a broadening push-to-talk coverage map expected during 2012. Over the past six months, Sprint has announced four rugged Sprint Direct Connect handsets catering to push-to-talk users: Kyocera DuraMax, Kyocera DuraCore, Kyocera DuraPlus and the Motorola Admiral™. Sprint Direct Connect is powered by Sprint's 3G data network and enhanced push-to-talk platform. Broadband speeds enable customers to experience the latest in technology applications, such as enterprise business productivity applications, social and multimedia support, and even advanced push-to-X capabilities in the future. "Our Sprint Direct Connect customers have sought broadband capabilities on a push-to-talk phone for years, and Sprint has delivered," Patel said. "We saw steadily increasing demand for faster data speeds, better and broader coverage, and more applications on push-to-talk devices. Sprint Direct Connect is designed to solve for all three." |
| MakerBot printing out Robot Petting Zoo for Maker Faire Posted: 26 Apr 2012 04:22 PM PDT
Sure, it's no $500 3D printer, but the folks at MakerBot always have plenty of fun stuff floating around their Brooklyn headquarters. Stuff like, you know, a Robot Petting Zoo. The company's prepping a slew of 3D printed 'bots for display at the upcoming Maker Faire in California. CNET's got shots of the robots, each of which have special functionality like old Button Bot pictured above -- not so great for petting, but he likely knows more tricks that your average sheep. More images at the source link below. |
| Some Iconia Tab A500s getting Ice Cream Sandwich early, Acer Ring is MIA Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:52 PM PDT
Last week, Acer announced that Ice Cream Sandwich would make its way to Iconia Tabs A100 and A500 in Canada and the US starting April 27th, but Phone Arena reports that some owners of the 10.1-inch A500 are getting the option to update a day ahead of schedule. If you're one of the lucky few to be in on the early upgrade, you should be ready to rock with Android 4.0.3 after a 30-minute install. The one potential downside to getting ICS ahead of time? You'll have to wait for the Acer Ring hub, which didn't make the cut for this update. |
| Logitech president celebrates end-of-year earnings with management cull Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:26 PM PDT
Logitech's Q4 and full-year report makes for uncomfortable reading. Despite profits increasing by a factor of nine in the last quarter of the year, overall annual profit fell 44 percent from $143 million to $71 million. The company has already parachuted in former Whirlpool exec. Bracken P. Darrel to turn things around and recover the losses made when the company went big on Google TV. His first action has been to kick-start a restructuring operation that will save $80 million in costs, starting by cutting a whole management layer -- demoting current product VP Junien Labrousse and firing sales VP Werner Heid. Mr. Darrell is now working directly with his team on a new lineup of "stronger" products to be unveiled later this quarter, with an emphasis on Windows 8 peripherals and LifeSize video conferencing gear. [Image credit: Wikimedia Commons] Logitech Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Financial Results for FY 2012 New President Initiates Transformation to Simpler, Faster, More Consumer-Centric Company, Including Restructuring NEWARK, Calif. - April 25, 2012 and MORGES, Switzerland, April 26, 2012 - Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of Fiscal Year 2012. Sales for Q4 FY 2012 were $532 million, down 3 percent from $548 million in Q4 FY 2011. Excluding the unfavorable impact of exchange rates, sales decreased by 2 percent compared to the prior year. Operating income was $24 million compared to $4 million in the same quarter a year ago. Net income for Q4 FY 2012 was $28 million ($0.17 per share) compared to net income of $3 million ($0.02 per share) in Q4 of FY 2011. Gross margin for the quarter was 36.4 percent compared to 32.8 percent in the same quarter one year ago. Logitech's retail sales for Q4 FY 2012 decreased year over year by 2 percent, with an increase in EMEA of 13 percent, an increase in Asia of 12 percent, and a decrease in the Americas of 17 percent. OEM sales decreased by 9 percent. Sales for the LifeSize division decreased by 10 percent. For the full fiscal year, sales were $2.32 billion, compared to $2.36 billion in FY 2011. Operating income was $72 million, down 50 percent from $143 million a year ago. Net income for the full fiscal year was $71 million ($0.41 per share), down 44 percent from $128 million ($0.72 per share) in FY 2011. Gross margin for FY 2012 was 33.5 percent compared to 35.4 percent in FY 2011. "I look forward to leading Logitech to improved performance," said Bracken Darrell, Logitech president. "To get back to sustained, profitable growth, we need to be simpler, faster and more consumer-centric. Some of this transformation has already begun, with the management team's work to reinvigorate the product portfolio. We now need to simplify the organization through restructuring. With board approval, I have eliminated a layer of business and sales executive management; the leaders of our business groups and sales regions now report directly to me. In addition, we will consolidate brand management and product portfolio management under the leadership of the business groups, and streamline most other functions. I expect most of this restructuring to be completed by the end of the current quarter, freeing up resources to pursue our growth opportunities. The restructuring should result in a reduction of approximately $80 million in annual operating costs." "I believe the organizational streamlining that Bracken is driving is a decisive step for Logitech's future," said Guerrino De Luca, Logitech chairman and chief executive officer. "Looking ahead, I am also excited about what I believe is a strong lineup of new products with a much clearer value proposition to consumers. We expect that increasingly differentiated products will provide strong up-sell opportunities across all of our businesses. The majority of these new products will launch in Q2." The company expects to benefit from a stronger product portfolio, the simplification of the organization and processes, and cost savings from the restructuring, resulting in improved financial performance in the second half of Fiscal 2013. --- Logitech Announces Changes in Executive Management Elimination of Executive Layer is Part of President Bracken Darrell's Initiative to Transform Logitech into a Simpler, More Consumer-Centric Company NEWARK, Calif. - April 25, 2012 and MORGES, Switzerland, April 26, 2012 - Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) today announced that the company has eliminated two executive management positions as part of its transformation strategy, which includes a plan to restructure the company, announced separately today. The position of executive vice president of the products group and president of Logitech Europe, held by Junien Labrousse and reporting to Logitech President Bracken Darrell, has been eliminated. The leaders of the individual business groups, which formerly reported to Mr. Labrousse, now report directly to Mr. Darrell. Mr. Labrousse has assumed the role of senior vice president of the business group responsible for PCs, Macs and tablets. The position of senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, held by Werner Heid and reporting to Bracken Darrell, has been eliminated. The leaders of each of Logitech's sales and marketing regions now report directly to Mr. Darrell. Due to the elimination of his position, Mr. Heid will be leaving Logitech effective May 15, 2012. "These changes enable me to work more closely with our product and sales teams," said Bracken Darrell. "Together, we can become more responsive to the changing needs of today's consumers as we address new opportunities with greater speed and flexibility. "I would like to thank Werner Heid for his contribution to Logitech over the last three years. His talent and expertise have helped the company navigate through challenging times. Werner strengthened Logitech's market position in key developed markets and provided the foundation for our growth opportunities in emerging markets." Details regarding the changes in executive management, including related changes in compensation, are included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission. ---
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| iFixit tears open an HP Z1, finds it impossibly easy to repair Posted: 26 Apr 2012 03:05 PM PDT
Those guys and gals at iFixit love nothing more than destroying something beautiful and, in the process, finding out exactly what makes it tick. The latest victim of their reckless deconstructive tendencies is HP's Z1. The all-in-one turns out to be just as beautiful on the inside as it is outside. The components aren't haphazardly tossed inside the tight enclosure or soldered in place. The impressively repairable and replaceable parts all slide out easily, with at most the turn of a few screws. Only the LCD and glass pane posed an obstacle, but even that turned out to be relatively simple to remove. For more photos of the tiny workstation torn asunder, check out the source link. |
Years and years ago, Apple made MacBook Pro laptops that wouldn't even survive a single Apple liveblog. I literally lugged around an external battery just to make it through. In those days, 
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I got my 
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