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- Raspberry Pi impressions: the $35 Linux computer and tinker toy
- NVIDIA GeForce R302 drivers get Windows 8 certification, available for download soon
- Cisco sues TiVo to nullify four DVR patents, claims TiVo's just a big meanie
- Denon turns up the volume with 11 new headphone models featuring iOS app integration
- AT&T CEO predicts data-only plans within two years
- Microsoft Smart Glass coming at E3, AirPlay-style streaming from iOS, Android and Windows Phone?
- Hacker pod2g to speak and run hacking workshop at JailbreakCon's WWJC
- Google to hold Maps event ahead of WWDC, hopes to make Apple sorry for dropping it
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012
- Bing now more social in the US, hopes you 'like' it and tweet about it
- Engadget Podcast 296 - 06.01.2012
- Samsung buys Nanoradio, hints at very low-power WiFi in your next Galaxy
- Google to flag 'censored' searches for Chinese users (video)
- Hubble reveals unavoidable collision between our galaxy and Andromeda
- Griffin, Threadless again team up to bring community art to your iPad, iPhone
- HTC Desire C goes on sale at Three UK
- Samsung discusses Galaxy S III design using the language of Magnetic Poetry
- Distro Issue 43 has arrived with Thomas Dolby: TED talks, cell phone deals and the Floating City
- Microsoft details Windows Store changes, adds desktop apps, better navigation
- Viewdini hits Play to help find video, if you're on Verizon
- Livermorium and Flerovium take a seat at the Periodic Table
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: e-readers
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: bags & cases
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: gaming
- New smaller SIM format gets standardized, shrinks 40 percent (update: Nokia gives bitter OK)
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: docks
- Statcounter: Chrome overtakes Internet Explorer in global browser share for the first time
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: home entertainment
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: cameras
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: desktops
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: portable audio
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: smartphones
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: tablets
- Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: laptops
- Microsoft sets 'do not track' as default on IE10, ruffles feathers
- BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta ready for download: better portrait mode and Android app support
- HTC One S shows up in Taiwan with 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, speed lovers wail
- Virgin Media names the first 80 tube stations to get WiFi hotspots
- PSP gets its own homebrew online gaming network, outweighs Sony's own efforts (video)
- Mouth-based bling MP3 player puts your tunes on retainer
| Raspberry Pi impressions: the $35 Linux computer and tinker toy Posted: 01 Jun 2012 11:00 AM PDT The ledgers of history are littered with the rotting corpses of well intentioned, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempts to put computers in the hands of the young, underprivileged or severely impoverished. Some, like Intel's Classmate wanted to put cheap, durable Wintel machines in every American classroom, while others, like the OLPC program, focused their efforts on developing nations. Okay, perhaps it's a bit hyperbolic to compare those initiatives to decomposing bodies, but there's no denying they haven't exactly flooded the world with low-cost PCs the way they were envisioned. So, here comes the Raspberry Pi, another effort with lofty goals, both in terms of purpose and price. Of course, the approach is different here -- more barebones, with a healthy dose of inspiration from Arduino and the DIY movement. The question is, what has it learned from those that have come before it? And, most importantly, where does the Raspberry Pi go right and where does it go wrong? To find out, keep reading after the break.
The high price of low cost If there's one place the Pi has been an unquestionable success, it's been on cost. The $10 laptop? Never materialized. The $35 tablet? It cost closer to $60. And OLPC's $100 laptop? It was pushing $200 by the time it started shipping. The Raspberry Pi, on the other hand, never drew a line in the sand, so, the fact that it clocks in at a measly $35 for the advanced model is all the more impressive. Granted, it hits this Arduino-level price point by eschewing things like storage, a display, wireless radios and even a protective case. What you get instead, is a capable, but low-end ARM CPU with integrated RAM and a surprisingly powerful GPU on an exposed board with a small, but versatile assortment of connectivity options. There's an exposed SD slot on the underside (where you'll need to stick your bootable media), a pair of USB ports, an Ethernet jack and, your output options are HDMI or an RCA video plug, paired with a 3.5mm headphone jack. You'll also spot a microUSB port, used exclusively for power, and a set of 26 general purpose I/O pins.
At the heart of the Pi is a Broadcom BCM2835 SOC. The 700MHz ARM11 core certainly isn't a barn burner. In fact, the foundation itself compares performance to a 300MHz Pentium II, but with "much, much swankier graphics" thanks to the Videocore 4 GPU. The chip itself is capable of not only decoding 1080p video, but of hitting Xbox (we're talking original, not 360) levels of 3D performance. In practice those claims seem to be about spot on. While some crafty devs have managed to get Quake III up and running on the diminutive Pi, it struggles to keep up with even modest modern demands. Firing up the Midori browser in the Debian "squeeze" distro suggested for use with the board and opening a couple of tabs is enough to bring the entire system to a standstill. In fact, simply launching Engadget was enough to pin the CPU and bring the OS to a standstill for at least a few minutes. And don't even think about watching streaming videos -- there is no support for Flash or HTML 5 at the moment. And, in case there was any doubt in your mind about how painful just web browsing could be on this thing, we ran SunSpider (which also pinned the CPU) and got a score of 44,230. By comparison, our OG Droid (which is clocked at just 550MHz, but has the advantage of being a Cortex A8 chip) pulled a 11,188. Booting up and poking around On the software front, things are currently a tad underwhelming. You have your choice of three officially supported Linux variants (Debian Squeeze, Arch Linux ARM and QtonPi) and a port of XBMC, dubbed Raspbmc. We fired up Debian (the most beginner friendly of the official options) and the media center and came away slightly bemused. Each suffered from its own strange limitations and collection of glitches that leads us believe they wouldn't be particularly useful as general purpose machines, even in a classroom. Under Debian, we never managed to get sound working and finding compatible apps for the Linux desktop is an exercise in futility. What's more, on first boot you're dumped into a command prompt -- because apparently it's the lack of time spent punching arcane commands into a terminal that has killed interest in computer science. If you're not comfortable in the command line you can launch the LXDE UI by typing "startx" and get to pointing and clicking with a mouse. The environment should be simple enough to figure out for anyone who has ever used Windows. The default app selection is a bit sparse, but the big sells here are the development tools, including Scratch which is meant as an introduction to programming for kids. Scratch is interesting, and certainly simple enough for a child to understand, but it's hardly intuitive and very rough around the edges.
XBMC center fared slightly better in our testing, but not much. It boots up fast enough (as does Debian) and works more or less as advertised, provided you're the patient type. The now ubiquitous 1080p copy of Big Buck Bunny took about 15 to 20 seconds to load up from a USB key, but once it did, played reasonably smoothly, audio included. We also loaded up a decidedly busier clip -- a 720p copy of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Miguel Cotto fight -- and it was also reasonably stutter free experience. Though, we angered the Pi when we tried (but did not succeed) to skip past the ring entrances and straight to the bout. Web-based content was a completely different story. We managed to install the Engadget and YouTube add-ons, but both failed to deliver. Launching an episode of the Engadget show took several minutes and, once the video began playing back, we were presented with what amounted to a slide show of the nicest guy in tech delivering his opening monologue. YouTube was an even more disastrous endeavor, crashing the entire system, forcing us to pull the plug. Wrap-up More InfoIn the end, it's important to remember that the Raspberry Pi's goals are not to be an everyday PC or a media player, but more like a tinker toy. It's supposed to be a low cost computer for developing apps or a flexible and powerful option (at least compared to the Arduino) for your DIY projects. Honestly, as an introduction to the world of hardware and software hacking, the Arduino seems like a more natural and simpler entry point. For the moment, the community around the Pi is small. People are fascinated with it, but that has yet to translate into a wealth of projects, hacks or software. As production ramps up and more people figure out just how to leverage those I/O pins we expect that to change. Till then, we'll just have to be satisfied with marveling at what it accomplishes for a lowly $35. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NVIDIA GeForce R302 drivers get Windows 8 certification, available for download soon Posted: 01 Jun 2012 10:44 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cisco sues TiVo to nullify four DVR patents, claims TiVo's just a big meanie Posted: 01 Jun 2012 10:29 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Denon turns up the volume with 11 new headphone models featuring iOS app integration Posted: 01 Jun 2012 10:17 AM PDT If you're looking for something new to wrap around your noggin this coming season, then put it on your radar that Denon will be bringing 11 new sets of headphones to store shelves this August. That number might seem like quite a lot to digest, but it becomes a lot easier when broken down by category. First is the Exercise Freak lineup, a wrap-around earbud design that sells for $149 and will be available in black, blue and yellow. Beyond that, the company has three additional lineups -- the Music Maniac, the Urban Raver and the Globe Cruiser -- and each will be available in earbud and over-the-ear form factors. The Music Maniac headphones ($349 and $499) are designed to cater to audio purists with an acoustically flat signature. Most notable about the Music Maniac lineup is the top shelf Artisan model, which rings in at a healthy $1,199 and pits itself against other audiophile mainstays such as the Sennheiser HD800 and Audez'e LCD2. Meanwhile, the Urban Ravers ($249 and $399) place a heavy emphasis on bass, whereas the Globe Cruisers ($179 and $499) feature noise cancellation. As a nice touch, each of the models feature built-in microphones and volume controls. Denon is supplying iOS apps for each family of headphones, which is a bit of a novel idea, but they vary significantly among lineups. Music Maniac purchasers will be treated to a music app that combines EQ adjustment and integration with TuneIn Radio, while the app for Urban Raver owners focuses on sharing and discovering new music via Facebook and Twitter. Globe Cruiser users will (oddly enough) be treated to a travel app, whereas Exercise Freak owners will find an app that features GPS integration for activity tracking. If it's any redemption for the fragmented assortment of apps, Denon owners may purchase each individual selection in the App Store for $0.99. If your head isn't spinning yet, feel free to check out the PR after the break.
DENON INTRODUCES ELEVEN NEW LIFESTYLE-ORIENTED HEADPHONES New Lineup Includes Highly Differentiated Features and New Apps for iPhone & iPod Touch to Enhance Listening Experience MAHWAH, NJ, May 31, 2012 – Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home and personal audio products, today announced eleven new additions to its headphone line. Designed and engineered from the ground up to meet the specific needs of several targeted consumer lifestyles, the new lineup incorporates 18 patent-pending designs and technologies developed by Denon®. "Denon has leveraged more than 100 years of experience in producing the best quality audio products, our aptitude for developing and incorporating new technologies, and our passion for listening to the end consumer to develop this highly differentiated headphone lineup centered around their individual needs," commented Petro Shimonishi, D+M's Senior Global Product Manager of Headphones. "The result is a best-in-class personal audio experience for the consumer. Simply put, our new models are engineered to Sound Like You, Move Like You, and Fit Like You, so you can Feel the Music like Never Before." New Denon Headphones designed for Four Different Lifestyles / Use Cases Denon's new lifestyle-oriented lineup offers headphones designed for four different "lifestyles" or use cases. Denon's new aptly named line of Music ManiacTM headphones is designed for the traditional audiophile with a focus on acoustic purity and audio quality. An additional lifestyle, which Denon calls Urban RaverTM, features models targeted to the younger music enthusiast that listens to contemporary genres of music with a heavy emphasis on bass. Denon Globe CruiserTM headphones are designed specifically with the needs of the frequent traveler in mind, while Denon Exercise FreakTM headphones are designed for the fitness enthusiast. All new line additions will be available this summer. Advanced Features throughout the new Denon Lineup: Professional Audio Tuning by Denon Acoustic Engineers Focused on the Music Needs & Tastes of the End User: Integrated Microphones and Controls on all new models: Denon's Patent-pending Pentagonally-shaped Memory Foam Ear pads (All Over & On Ear models): Enhancing the Activity While Worn: Wired for Some Models / Bluetooth Wireless for others: Apps to Enhance the Listening Experience of Each Lifestyle: Denon Audio App – For use with the Music Maniac headphone, this app allows users to customize their EQ & EQ Presets to set music levels for optimum performance. The app features an integrated audio player for playback of all music stored on the iPhone or iPod touch, allows for instant playlist creation directly from the app and offers simple access to internet radio via TuneIn, which offers over 60,000 internet radio stations worldwide. Denon Club App - For use with the Urban Raver, this app allows users to easily update Facebook / Twitter statuses on music they like from the Urban Raver Community, look up lyrics to their favorite songs, share artist information, discover new artists and customize their EQ & EQ Presets, giving the user full power over their music. Denon Travel App - Specifically designed to maximize the travel experience when used with Denon Globe Cruiser Headphones, the app offers users easy access to their most frequently used travel apps. Denon Sport App - Created in conjunction with MapMyFITNESS, features GPS tracking for outdoor activities. With access to an online community via Facebook and Twitter users can easily share their workout progress with friends and track their fitness goals in a workout journal. The app even lets you map your location, how fast you're going and how long it should take to complete your run at your target pace! The Denon Audio, Club, Travel and Sports Apps are each available for $.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AT&T CEO predicts data-only plans within two years Posted: 01 Jun 2012 09:59 AM PDT The fact that modern smartphones still actually make voice calls may well come as a surprise to many users happy to use their mobile devices as pocket-sized computers. Carriers, on the other hand, seem content to keep the "phone" in smartphone. AT&T's Randall Stephenson told an investor conference this week that he sees a time in which carriers offer up data-only options for subscribers -- a time that may well come in the next two years or so. The CEO said he'd, "be surprised if, in the next 24 months, we don't see people in the market place with data-only plans." It's hardly an announcement, but it certainly comes from a guy who knows a thing or two about where the industry is headed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Smart Glass coming at E3, AirPlay-style streaming from iOS, Android and Windows Phone? Posted: 01 Jun 2012 09:45 AM PDT Windows 8 is coming and it features more and better Xbox integration than we've yet seen in an operating system from the company -- but it looks like Microsoft has something even bigger up its sleeve. We've just seen a presentation indicating the company will launch something called Smart Glass next week, a so-called "companion application" that will act much like AirPlay for the Xbox 360. Using the app, users will be able to play video and other media on tablets and phones and, more interestingly, push that content right to their consoles for playback on the big(ger) screen. But, it gets better: this app is said to be available for tablets and phones running Windows, Windows Phone, Android and iOS. Yes, it'll be about as multiplatform as it gets, and if this presentation proves to be legitimate, we'll be learning a lot more next week when E3 gets underway. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hacker pod2g to speak and run hacking workshop at JailbreakCon's WWJC Posted: 01 Jun 2012 09:23 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google to hold Maps event ahead of WWDC, hopes to make Apple sorry for dropping it Posted: 01 Jun 2012 09:02 AM PDT According to rumors, Apple will soon ditch Google Maps for a service of its own (reportedly to launch in iOS 6), but far be it from the search giant to take that snub silently. The company will reportedly hold an event to give the press a "behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision" on June 6th. According to the invitation, Google will demo new features that "will get people where they want to go -- both physically and virtually." That shindig will go down just five days before Apple's WWDC, where Cupertino will likely announce its own Google Maps replacement. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012 Posted: 01 Jun 2012 09:00 AM PDT It's that time of the year once again, friends. As you make your recreation and travel plans for the upcoming balmy weather, we're sure you're looking to snag a few new gadgets. Who doesn't like to take the latest and greatest camera or smartphone with 'em on that trip to Yellowstone? Well, we're looking to offer some help navigating the vast expanse that is the world of gadgetry. Here, you'll find the hub of our Summer Gear Guide -- think of it as the Grand Central Station for all your warm-weather tech suggestions. From this library of sorts, you'll be able to navigate easily to the category of your choice for a quick read on our gear favorites this season. So, what are you waiting for? It certainly isn't going to get any cooler out for a few months. Grab a glass of lemonade and head out on the porch before perusing our picks --- all accessible through the list of links below.
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| Bing now more social in the US, hopes you 'like' it and tweet about it Posted: 01 Jun 2012 08:47 AM PDT There's no doubt the Redmond team is spending a hefty amount of time enhancing its search engine at any chance it gets. Adding to the Linked tweaks we'd previously seen, Microsoft's now making Bing more social -- at least in the US of A. The most recent changes bring a Metro-driven interface to the homepage, which boasts that Microsoft "three column design" we laid eyes on earlier this month. Naturally, the revamp will open the doors to improved search results, but this, of course, will depend heavily on if you're up to linking your Facebook, Twitter or other social network accounts with Bing. That said, something tells us you're definitely up to it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget Podcast 296 - 06.01.2012 Posted: 01 Jun 2012 08:21 AM PDT  The Engadget Podcasters are doubling down on tech talk this week, filling the empty shelves of your patent office with news you can use about the hottest cloud- and hard drive-based operating systems released this week. The jock from That 70's Show also gets more than his fair share of discussion, as he tends to do. Like a pixelated bat out of a Ghouls n' Ghosts hell, it's The Engadget Podcast. Host: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater, Terrence O'Brien 00:04:00 - The Engadget Show 33: Indie Game: The Movie, Fifth Avenue Frogger and The Art of the Video Game Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace.
Download the podcast This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung buys Nanoradio, hints at very low-power WiFi in your next Galaxy Posted: 01 Jun 2012 08:12 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google to flag 'censored' searches for Chinese users (video) Posted: 01 Jun 2012 07:51 AM PDT Google is announcing that it's going to place a flag on contentious search terms for users in mainland China. Mountain View's Alan Eustace euphemistically described how some searches break a connection to the service, leading to users being frozen out for around a minute each time. He theatrically added that the company has checked its servers several times and found no error, so whatever issue causes these outages must be external. Whenever a term is typed that is likely to cause an "outage," the error message in the picture above will appear, with a suggestion to search for something else, or use Pinyin to search for a term where contentious keywords appear inside otherwise natural searches. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hubble reveals unavoidable collision between our galaxy and Andromeda Posted: 01 Jun 2012 07:32 AM PDT The Hubble team over at NASA has confirmed what it's suspected for a while: that our galaxy is destined for a direct collision / love fest with Andromeda, culminating in the birth of "Milkomeda." But don't go lobbying Virgin Galactic for ring-side tickets just yet because the fireworks won't go off for another four billion years -- and last another two billion after that. Scientists also predict that the earth won't be threatened thanks to the sheer amount of empty space between stars, but we could lose the sun as its flung out to some other part of the new system. You hear that? We could lose the freakin' sun!! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Griffin, Threadless again team up to bring community art to your iPad, iPhone Posted: 01 Jun 2012 07:08 AM PDT Mobile accessory purveyor Griffin Technologies and artist collective Threadless have unveiled the latest updates to their iPad and iPhone case lines. The co-op -- now in its third year -- is bringing a new form-factor to the fold with the Ethan Folio for iPad ($50, pictured above), and is making a handful of new designs available for its "super slim" iPhone armor ($25). If the run-of-the-mill coverings available at your local Apple Store don't jive with your laid-back steez, mosey on over to Griffin's website and have a peek at the new wares. Griffin + Threadless Partnership Launches iPad & iPhone Accessories Inspired by Artistic Designs from Threadless' Online Nashville, TN – May 31, 2012 – Griffin Technology, one of the world's foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, in partnership with Threadless, a Chicago-based company transforming artwork from its 1.8 million+ members into exciting products, have debuted a new series of accessories for iPad and iPhone inspired by the authentic designs of the Threadless.com community. "This is the third year of our partnership with Threadless, and together we continue to provide the cure for case boredom with new selections featuring designs by emerging artists from the Threadless community," said Mark McGlon, Creative Director at Griffin Technology. "We're especially excited to extend the Griffin + Threadless collection to iPad today with our new Elan Folio for iPad, showcasing bold, graphic artwork printed on heavy-duty canvas." "At Threadless, we're constantly seeking new design opportunities for our artist community and canvases to display their creative work," said Tom Ryan, CEO of Threadless. "Working with Griffin has been a wonderful opportunity for our community to transform their designs onto Griffin's awesome array of cases, and we're excited to support the newest Griffin + Threadless collection." The Elan Folio, $49.99, allows the user to carry an iPad like a personal notebook. It features a protective cover that flips open for quick access to the Multi-Touch display and closes like a book to protect against dirt and smudges. The cover also locks into place in back to turn the folio into an adjustable stand for optimal viewing and typing. The new Griffin + Threadless Elan Folio collection includes four original Threadless designs: "Peacock," "City Canals," "Circle Dots," and "Atlantis." The case features a long-wearing canvas exterior, microsuede interior lining, and a handy loop to conveniently store a stylus. The new Elan Folio cases for iPad are now available at both www.griffintechnology.com and www.threadless.com. For iPhone, the new additions to the Griffin + Threadless collection include two super-slim cases from Griffin with original artwork from the Threadless community. The case snaps on to provide protection from scratches, dust and boringness, while adding only about a millimeter of thickness. Check out the new designs, "Is That An Amp in Your Pocket?" and "A Happy Day in the Backyard," both $24.99 at www.griffintechnology.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTC Desire C goes on sale at Three UK Posted: 01 Jun 2012 06:49 AM PDT HTC's Desire C has made its way onto Three's speedy network in the UK. The budget-conscious handset (C is rumored to stand for "cheap") comes with 4GB storage, microSD slot and a 5-megapixel camera. You'll be pawing at Ice Cream Sandwich via a 480 x 320 display which is driven by a surprisingly decent 600MHz processor. You can snatch one on contract for as little as £13 a month, or buy the thing outright for £150 from today. HTC Desire C - available now on Three. Plus, with built-in Beats Audio™ technology, the HTC Desire C provides the best, most authentic music quality straight out of the box. Sylvia Chind, head of handsets at Three said, "The HTC Desire C is a great all-rounder with a really powerful battery life, meaning that people can stream videos and music to their heart's content over Three's fast network." The HTC Desire C is available from £13 a month with no upfront cost on the Ultimate Internet 100 plan. Both the Essential Internet and Ultimate Internet plans offer a fear-free mobile internet experience, with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges. The smartphone is also available on Pay As You Go for £149.99 All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and All-You-Can-Eat data for a 30-day period. Key features: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung discusses Galaxy S III design using the language of Magnetic Poetry Posted: 01 Jun 2012 06:31 AM PDT Samsung has a tendency to, well, get a bit pretentious when it comes to talking about its products. At the launch event, Sammy described the Galaxy S III as being "nature inspired" and "designed for humans." But, we know you've been hungering for more head-scratching, Madlibs-esque, non sequiturs to describe the form and function of the company's latest flagship. Thankfully, you'll plenty of comparisons to "infinity pools" and mentions of its "minimal organic" aesthetic at the source link. Would you describe the HyperGlaze finish on the handsets as "intriguing?" We suppose that all depends on what your second adjective was. Honestly though, we're ok with Samsung getting a little flowery, so long as it promises to stop stalking us. Click on the source link for more. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distro Issue 43 has arrived with Thomas Dolby: TED talks, cell phone deals and the Floating City Posted: 01 Jun 2012 06:15 AM PDT What's that? You've already worked your requisite 40 hours this week and you're ready to throw in the towel? Well, we've got something far more enjoyable for your Friday afternoon relaxation. Hot off of the e-presses, this week's issue of Distro is packed with a week's worth of leisurely readings. The focus this time around is on Thomas Dolby and our own Brian Heater details the '80s pop star's journey back to the stage with TED, cellphones and his own virtual world. As far as reviews go, we spend some quality time getting to know the latest Chrome OS arsenal from Google, ASUS Zenbook Prime UX21A and the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S III. Our hands-on section is still a young Padawan, but this week we breakdown Nokia 808 PureView sample shots and the recently outted Facebook Camera app. Do you have gaming on the brain with E3 less than a week away? If so, Reaction Time should hold you over with new releases and a discussion of the aforementioned gaming expo. Stat takes a look at copyright and piracy claims, we go eyes-on with the Lumia lineage, BAROBO's Graham Ryland stops by for the Q&A, Switched On tackles Cisco, IRL let's you get cozy with our gear and Rehashed looks back at the week that was in 140 characters or less. The days are winding down until it'll be too hot to enjoy that hammock, so don't waste any more time. Hit your weekly download link and snag a copy of our tablet mag. Distro Issue 43 PDF This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft details Windows Store changes, adds desktop apps, better navigation Posted: 01 Jun 2012 05:56 AM PDT Microsoft is opening up about the changes its made to the Windows Store as the premiere date for the new OS draws near. It'll be available in 26 markets (so far) and Redmond's listened to concerns consumers had about getting around. In response, it's added a navigation bar that also links users directly to the apps they already own. Desktop apps will appear from June 1st (today), although when clicking a link, you'll be redirected to the developers own website to make the purchase. The company has tweaked the terms and conditions to insist that app-builders make the primary experience take place "within the app," rather than merely linking elsewhere. Additionally, everything submitted must fully support keyboard / mouse and touch controls, so people can switch controls if necessary. The company's also mandating that apps must rely upon mechanisms provided by Windows 8, such as process management and using swipe-implemented menus. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Viewdini hits Play to help find video, if you're on Verizon Posted: 01 Jun 2012 05:38 AM PDT A week and change after it announced Viewdini, Verizon has it ensconced in the Google Play store. If you're on Android 2.2 or greater and have a 4G LTE plan, you can install the app at no charge, and start your search by typing in the name of a movie, actor or genre you want to see. The app will scurry off and check net-based providers like Hulu, mSpot and Netflix, along with cozy new chum Comcast's Xfinity, and bring back relevent titles along with their price and availability. Further pawing will reveal critic reviews and ratings, filmographies, related picks and other info -- just keep one eye on that data limit. [Thanks, Artem] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Livermorium and Flerovium take a seat at the Periodic Table Posted: 01 Jun 2012 05:18 AM PDT Just when we thought those pesky scientists had stopped messing with the Periodic Table, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry goes and ratifies another two. The pair of elements were discovered in partnership between the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Russia and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the States. Element 114 has taken on the spell-check-worrying nomenclature Flerovium (Fl), while 116 becomes Livermorium (Lv). Eagle-eyed readers will notice that both take a name from the labs where they were discovered, the former named after Georgiy N. Flerov and the latter after Ernest O. Lawrence -- both atomic pioneers in their respective countries. The official names will get their first official publication in July's edition of Pure and Applied Chemistry. We guess those textbook makers will be rubbing their hands in glee at all those revised editions it'll sell next term. [Image courtesy of the BBC / Talkback Thames] Element 114 is Named Flerovium and Element 116 is Named Livermorium IUPAC has officially approved the name flerovium, with symbol Fl, for the element of atomic number 114 and the name livermorium, with symbol Lv, for the element of atomic number 116. Priority for the discovery of these elements was assigned, in accordance with the agreed criteria, to the collaboration between the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Livermore, California, USA). The collaborating team has proposed the names flerovium and livermorium which have now been formally approved by IUPAC. For the element with atomic number 114 the discoverers proposed the name flerovium and the symbol Fl. This proposal lies within tradition and will honor the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions where superheavy elements are synthesised. Georgiy N. Flerov (1913 – 1990) – was a renowned physicist, author of the discovery of the spontaneous fission of uranium (1940, with Konstantin A. Petrzhak), pioneer in heavy-ion physics, and founder in the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (1957). It is an especially appropriate choice because, since 1991 this laboratory in which the element was synthesized, has borne his name. Professor G.N. Flerov is known also for his fundamental work in various fields of physics that resulted in the discovery of new phenomena in properties and interactions of the atomic nuclei; these have played a key role in the establishment and development of many areas of further research. For the element with atomic number 116 the name proposed is livermorium with the symbol Lv. This is again in line with tradition and honors the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (1952). A group of researchers of this Laboratory with the heavy element research group of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions took part in the work carried out in Dubna on the synthesis of superheavy elements including element 116. Over the years scientists at Livermore have been involved in many areas of nuclear science: the investigation of fission properties of the heaviest elements, including the discovery of bimodal fission, and the study of prompt gamma-rays emitted from fission fragments following fission, the investigation of isomers and isomeric levels in many nuclei and the investigation of the chemical properties of the heaviest elements. The Recommendations will be published in the July issue of the IUPAC journal Pure and Applied Chemistry which is available online at Pure Appl. Chem., 2012, Vol. 84, No. 7 (doi: 10.1351/PAC-REC-11-12-03). Priority of claims to the discovery of the elements of atomic numbers 114 and 116 was determined by a Joint Working Party of independent experts drawn from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). The group's report was published in July 2011, Pure and Appl. Chem., 2011, Vol. 83, No. 7, pp 1485-1498 (doi: 10.1351/PAC-REP-10-05-01). A new Joint Working Party, appointed by the Presidents of IUPAC and IUPAP has begun work to assign priority for the discovery of elements 113, 115, 117, 118 and heavier elements, for which claims may be submitted. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: e-readers Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:50 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. Editors' Choice
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| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: bags & cases Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:45 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right.  Sure, you'll want to snag some new tech candy for your summer mountain expedition or ocean excursion. But once you splurge for that new gadgetry, you'll need something to keep it safe for the duration of your travels. Whether it's a go-to rucksack to carry your mobile workstation or added protection for that shiny, new GoPro camera, we've got you covered. In this portion of the Summer Gear Guide, we'll take a look at the bags and cases that will cradle your valuables -- and perhaps even enhance their utility. Read on to view our seasonal recommendations. Editors' Choice
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| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: gaming Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:40 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. Editors' Choice
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| New smaller SIM format gets standardized, shrinks 40 percent (update: Nokia gives bitter OK) Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:38 AM PDT ETSI has given the nod to a new SIM format standard, which will be 40 percent smaller than the existing micro-SIM design. Agreeing to the design in Osaka, Japan, the shape will be 12.3mm by 8.8mm and will measure the same thickness as existing SIMs at 0.67mm thick. The design promises to work with existing hardware and appears to fly closer to Apple's suggested size, following plenty of crossed words between manufacturers over the next iteration of the card. Update: Nokia has since put out a statement saying it will honor ETSI's decision and license out the needed patents on fair terms after the standards group made sure the vote was fair. We detect more than a small number of sour grapes from Espoo over having its own design rejected, though: it still sees Apple's nano-SIM as "technically inferior" and thinks the existing micro-SIM will still be the "preferred option." We can think of a couple of reasons why Nokia might not be so keen to switch. [Thanks Prodan] Jon Fingas contributed to this report. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: docks Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:35 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Statcounter: Chrome overtakes Internet Explorer in global browser share for the first time Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:32 AM PDT Chrome's share of internet use just inched past Microsoft's Internet Explorer last month, laying claim to king of the web browsers. Statcounter's analytics measured that 32.43 percent of its 15 billion page-views were done on Google's browser, while Internet Explore took 32.12 percent and Firefox 25.55 percent. According to StatCounter, an upswing of over 0.6 percent to Firefox (from Internet Explorer) helped Chrome claim the top spot. The month rounds off some impressive growth for Chrome in 2012, which claimed second place in Statcounter's results at the start of the year. Now, if Google could just get that mobile version out to more handsets, we could see how it fares against small-screen competition. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: home entertainment Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:30 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right.  Forget heading outside to battle the sun, bugs and whatever other dangers may lurk in the wild -- we'll be inside near the TV. Of course, the summer programming schedule can often leave something to be desired, so we'll have to take that into account in our hardware suggestions going into the break. Also key is access to our preferred programming wherever it might be, broadcast or online. So, which devices are absolute must-have's to keep you chilling where the AC blows through October and beyond? Check past the break to find out. Editors' Choice
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| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: cameras Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:25 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. Editors' Choice
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| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: desktops Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:20 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: portable audio Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:15 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right.  With summer approaching, you're likely looking to get away from that stuffy apartment and out into the fresh air -- and if you're like us, you probably like to take your music with you wherever you go. Keeping that in mind, if you're ready to ditch the (likely) passable in-ears that came with your smartphone / PMP or want to find speakers that can move with you, we've rounded up a few new listening devices that might be worth having on your radar. Ready to bite the bullet and enter the big leagues of portable audio? Head down beyond the break for the ear-tingling details. Editors' Choice
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| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: smartphones Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:10 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. Editors' Choice
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| Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: tablets Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:05 AM PDT In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | Consistently raising the bar for the rest of the world to follow, Cupertino's slate is the unsurprising choice for No. 1. Beating rivals both in user experience and specifications, the 2012 model is the first that hasn't felt like a luxury purchase. We've seen people using the 5-megapixel camera in place of a point-and-shoot, the Retina display has to be seen to be believed and it's ideal for photos, video and working on the go. Legendary build quality, elegant design and user-friendly software mean it remains our default choice -- deservedly so. |
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 | ASUS' adherence to the three Ps (Power, Performance and Price) enabled the company to produce a budget version of its Transformer Prime that really doesn't make too many compromises. Powerful Tegra 3 internals and 8-hour battery life impress, while the keyboard dock adds four hours of extra power, a USB 2.0 port and an SD card slot -- although a word of warning, it's not comfortable enough to help you finish that term paper. Best of all, while the feted (if sometimes troubled) Transformer Prime costs a hefty $650 (dock incl.), the Transformer Pad is a much more reasonable $400. |
 | If you're waiting for the 10-inch Note to arrive, then might we suggest the equally impressive (if not stylus-friendly) Galaxy Tab 7.7? It's not cheap, but inside that slender shell is a battery rated for 12 hours, a 1280 x 800 Super AMOLED Plus display and performance that puts bigger tablets to shame. Eschewing flimsy plastics for a brushed metal body, it feels sturdy and expensive when in use. Best of all, you can buy it with an LTE/CDMA modem inside, which will turn it into the biggest novelty cellphone you'll ever see... or use. |
Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: laptops
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 04:00 AM PDT
In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right.
If you've been in the market for a new laptop, you've done the wise thing in waiting until now to buy: both Intel and AMD are putting the finishing touches on their newest mobile chips, which means a torrent of fresh notebooks is on the way. (Power users can already pick up a gaming machine or desktop replacement running one of Intel's new quad-core CPUs.) For the widest selection, we suggest waiting until mid-June or so, but in the meantime, we present you three of the best laptops money can buy right now. Enjoy, and do stick it out, if you can, for the inevitable Ivy Bridge refreshes. But if you must pull the trigger immediately, jump down past to the break to read our summertime suggestions.
Editors' Choice
 | For now, at least, there's truly nothing like it. At 3.5 pounds and .58 inches thick, the Series 9 isn't just thin and light for a 15-inch laptop; it's wispy even compared to most Ultrabooks. (The 13-inch Series 9 laptop - a skinny Ultrabook in its own right - is just 0.08 inches slimmer.) But make no mistake, this all-metal laptop isn't just a $1,500 status symbol; it also brings robust performance, a matte, high-res display and an impressive seven and a half hours of battery life. The biggest downside is that it's currently shipping with a last-gen Sandy Bridge processor, but Samsung is already teasing a refreshed version with an Ivy Bridge CPU. |
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 | Though Apple's featherweight ultraportables are growing long in the tooth, they remain best-in-class, with elegant aesthetics and a comfortable keyboard-and-trackpad combo -- something far too many Windows-based Ultrabooks are lacking. Even with its aging Sandy Bridge processor, the performance in the 13-inch model is twice as fast as what you would have enjoyed with the previous generation, though smart shoppers will hold out a month or two longer until Apple invariably refreshes its lineup with Ivy Bridge CPUs and more powerful integrated graphics. |
 | Even amid the flood of Ultrabooks making their way into stores, the Spectre is memorable: after all, who could forget a laptop fashioned partially out of glass? With its reflecting pond-like lid, glass-coated palm rest and metal chassis, this Ultrabook has a design that's striking, beautiful and refreshingly different from what other PC makers are doing. For the money ($1,400 and up), you'll also get a 14-inch, 1600 x 900, IPS-quality display -- a clear step up from the glare-prone, lower-res panels used on most other ultraportables. Other perks include a backlit keyboard, full copies of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements, a two-year subscription to Norton antivirus software and a generous two-year warranty. |
Microsoft sets 'do not track' as default on IE10, ruffles feathers
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 03:42 AM PDT
Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 won't be the first major browser to pack a "do not track" component, but it'll be the first to have it switched on by default. Though Microsoft doesn't yet support the feature on its own websites, it plans to help hammer out the protocols by cooperating with industry, government and standards organizations in the months ahead. With Twitter's support for the measure, the crew in Redmond isn't the only one kicking the privacy ball forward. The Digital Advertising Alliance, however, isn't pleased with the development, in no small part because it struck a deal with the White House to honor "do not track" so long as it's not a default setting. Despite the move, Microsoft said it hopes users will choose to share their data with advertisers to receive more relevant advertising. Hit the more coverage links for added details on Microsoft's feather ruffling.
[Image credit: Tomas Fano, Flickr]
BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta ready for download: better portrait mode and Android app support
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 03:25 AM PDT
That Michael Clewely is a man of his word. Not only has the PlayBook OS 2.1 beta version arrived just when he promised, but it also brings some handy additions that nudge the tablet a little closer to the land of fulfilled potential. There's portrait support for the Email, Calendar and Contacts apps, along with full device encryption and some smaller tweaks like .png screenshots and improved email folder support. The Android runtime has also been bolstered to allow multiple apps to run in separate windows, access the camera module and support in-app payments via the BlackBerry Payment SDK. There'll be more stuff in this update, according to RIM, but we'll have to wait (there's that word again) until the commercial release. You'll find the beta registration link below.
HTC One S shows up in Taiwan with 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, speed lovers wail
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 03:04 AM PDT
We'd been wondering just where the HTC Ville C would go with its odd mix of a 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3 and the One S' otherwise sleek hardware. Of all places, it's HTC's home turf of Taiwan: although the One S is still branded as the same phone, the usual 28-nanometer, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 we've come to love has been replaced with a high-frequency version of its ancestor. When grilled about the switch by ePrice, HTC insisted that the new version would "provide consumers [with] the same experience." We're not so sure after having seen lower Nenamark scores, but we suspect many owners will be too happy with the micro arc oxidized body and rapid-fire camera to notice. All the same, charging NT$17,900 ($600) for a less efficient take on the same formula makes us wonder if supply for the 28-nanometer S4 didn't force a swap.
Virgin Media names the first 80 tube stations to get WiFi hotspots
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 02:21 AM PDT
Transport for London and Virgin Media have announced the first 80 London Underground stations that'll receive free WiFi in time for the Olympics. By the end of July, users will be able to surf from the train platform, ticket offices and escalators -- ideal for a few extra rush-hour injuries. The partnership will offer the internet free during the games season before switching to a pay-as-you-go model, with plans to swell the network to 120 by the end of the year. If you'd like to know if your morning commute is about to get some extra connectivity then head past the break for the full list.
| Aldgate East | Elephant & Castle | London Bridge | St Paul's |
| Angel | Embankment | Manor House | Stepney Green |
| Archway | Euston | Mansion House | Stockwell |
| Arsenal | Euston Square | Marble Arch | Stratford |
| Barbican | Finsbury Park | Marylebone | Swiss Cottage |
| Bayswater | Goodge Street | Mile End | Temple |
| Bermondsey | Green Park | North Greenwich | Tottenham Hale |
| Bethnal Green | Hammersmith (District/Picc) | Old Street | Tower Hill |
| Blackhorse Road | Heathrow T1-3 | Oval | Tufnell Park |
| Borough | Heathrow T4 | Oxford Circus | Vauxhall |
| Brixton | High Street Kensington | Paddington (Main) | Victoria |
| Caledonian Road | Highbury & Islington | Piccadilly Circus | Walthamstow Central |
| Camden Town | Holborn | Pimlico | Warren Street |
| Canada Water | Holland Park | Queensway | Warwick Avenue |
| Canary Wharf | Hyde Park Corner | Regents Park | Waterloo |
| Canning Town | Kentish Town | Seven Sisters | Wembley Central |
| Chancery Lane | Kings Cross/St Pancras | Southfields | Wembley Park |
| Charing Cross | Lambeth North | Southwark | West Ham |
| Clapham North | Lancaster Gate | St James Park | Wimbledon Park |
| Covent Garden | Leicester Square | St Johns Wood | Westminster |
| Edgware Road (Circle) | Liverpool Street |
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First stations named for London Underground WiFi launch
Customers will soon be able to connect to the internet at Tube stations across the capital
Oxford Circus, Stratford and King's Cross among stations WiFi enabled for free this summer
Service on track for up to 120 stations connected by end of 2012
London Underground and Virgin Media have named the first London Underground stations that will be WiFi enabled for free this summer. Stations including Oxford Circus, Stratford, Liverpool Street, Leicester Square and King's Cross will be among the first to launch, with around 80 stations WiFi enabled by the end of July 1.
With the eyes of the world on London this summer, Virgin Media's next generation WiFi service will be made available to all Tube passengers for free throughout the summer. Millions of commuters and visitors to London will be able to get online at Tube stations and find their way around the capital with up-to-the-minute TfL travel information, access social media whilst they wait for their next train on the station platform or browse the web to discover the very best London has to offer this summer.
Gareth Powell, London Underground's Director of Strategy and Service Development, said: "Our customers will soon be able to connect to the internet for live travel information while they are on the move through stations.
"Bringing a next generation WiFi service to one of the world's oldest underground transport networks is progressing as planned and the forthcoming service is testing well.
"The first stations include some of our busiest and most well-known destinations and we're on-track for a successful launch this summer – all delivered at no additional cost to fare payers or tax payers."
Jon James, Executive Director of Broadband at Virgin Media, said: "In partnership with TfL, we've been working around-the-clock to install and test WiFi on London Underground and are about to connect some iconic and world famous Tube stations with a WiFi service London will be proud of."
Virgin Media and London Underground engineers continue to test and prepare the forthcoming WiFi service, including recent capacity testing at Chancery Lane underground station where hundreds of devices were connected to the station's WiFi service at exactly the same time to reproduce the service experience of a busy Tube train arriving at the station2.
The new free online portal will offer up-to-the-minute TfL service information including TfL's journey planner and entertainment and news content useful for a commute to work or trip into town.
Full details of the new service will be confirmed at launch. Stay up-to-date at www.virginmedia.com/wifi.
PSP gets its own homebrew online gaming network, outweighs Sony's own efforts (video)
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 01:53 AM PDT
Sony made much ado of the PSP's position as one of the first online gaming consoles, but unless your idea of online play involves Skype calls, there hasn't been a lot to go on since 2004. Team PRO is addressing that deficit through Prometheus, a completely community-driven rival to PSN. The hack lets PSP games with support for ad hoc WiFi play go online by wrapping the normal local-only multiplayer in an emulator library that broadcasts to other Prometheus players. It requires a second-generation or newer PSP as well as a wireless router that can expose the PSP in DMZ mode, but there's a live who's-playing board and even an in-game chat mode to coordinate that round of Fat Princess as it happens. Of course, using a wholly separate gaming network outside of Sony's rubric involves a whole lot of warranty-voiding risk; if you're willing to live on the edge, though, Internet games of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker or Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 will let you put off that possible PlayStation Vita purchase for a little longer.
Mouth-based bling MP3 player puts your tunes on retainer
Posted: 01 Jun 2012 01:32 AM PDT
It's time to give your pockets a rest. Take a cue from Parsons student Aisen Chacin and stick your MP3 player where it belongs: in your mouth. The catchily-named Play-a-Grill combines bone-conducting music playback with a classic bit of bling-based technology. This "attempt to provide an unusual display and interface in comparison to typical audio/visual stimulation and digit based control panel" utilizes an iPod Shuffle knockoff, which sits in the roof of the wearer's mouth for some good, old fashioned tongue control over music playback. At the moment, the player looks to be more art project than consumer product (complete with a Nelly-quoting paper), but perhaps this is the iPod killer everyone's been searching for all along.
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