Sponsored
Engadget News |
- Samsung becomes a Platinum-level Linux Foundation member, open-source gets a Korean accent
- Google's Peter Birch: 'committed' to bringing all of Maps' features to iOS, other platforms
- Clamcase's Clambook gives Android phones and iPhones a laptop shell, feels decidedly Airy
- Google Earth utilized by HALO Trust to clear minefields in Cambodia, Angola
- Google Maps, Earth take on full 3D imagery
- Google shows off new backpack-worn Street View capture tool, may eventually rent them out
- PSA: Get your Samsung Galaxy S III pre-orders right here
- Google Maps for Android gets offline support
- Google Street View cars have driven 5 million unique miles, collected 20 petabytes of images
- Google's 'next dimension of Maps' liveblog
- HBO Go launches for Kindle Fire but continues to avoid other Android tablets
- Qualcomm building babel-fish chip to support multiple LTE bands
- ROCCAT's Lua and Kone XTD gaming mice shown off at E3, we go hands-on
- Ray Bradbury dies at 91, our world is that much poorer
- One day, Portal 2 in motion DLC will come to PS3, it's such a shame the same will never happen to Xbox
- Sony launches web store for e-Books, Android app also gets refresh
- Apple hits HTC with third ITC dispute, One series goes under the gun
- Editorial: Engadget on Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo's E3 Keynotes
- IndieCade at E3 2012
- AVADirect and Eurocom laptops hop on the GeForce GTX 680M bandwagon
- Google patents location-based mobile alerts that know where you're going to
- Square now available at Walgreens, Staples and FedEx Office
- Mad Catz unleashes the Wii U accessories at E3, we go hands-on
- Lego Minecraft arrives, sudden drop in productivity expected when the UPS man gets here
- GAEMS G155 Sentry suitcase for Xbox 360 hands-on
- CloudOn launching its iOS, Android tablet apps in 16 more countries, Office hounds rejoice
- Panasonic gearing up to offer $635 million bailout to save troubled Olympus
- Konka tries to differentiate with familiar-looking Kanzi 3D UI
- NEC reveals LaVie Z Ultrabook will ship with third-gen Intel chips, 1600 x 900 screen resolution
- Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 keeps it cool, refuses to cook your breakfast (video)
- SCHOTT claims Xensation glass is toughest, tells Corning to come get some
- Microsoft has sold over 600 million Windows 7 licenses
- Army scientists juice battery voltage, hike life up to 30 percent
- China elevates the art of KIRF, copies Austrian village of Hallstatt
- IPv6 lands today, do you copy?
- Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP2 ready to download now
- Orange San Diego Medfield phone: a closer look at Computex 2012 (update: video)
- Nokia introduces Asha Touch range of keypad-free feature phones (video)
- AMD shows off its first Windows 8 concept tablet, we go hands-on (video)
- ASUS shows off a touchscreen Zenbook Prime Ultrabook, we go fingers-on (video)
| Samsung becomes a Platinum-level Linux Foundation member, open-source gets a Korean accent Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:11 AM PDT Samsung's business virtually revolves around open-source code and Linux, both through obvious software like Android and Tizen as well as behind-the-scenes code for TVs and even home appliances. It almost shouldn't be a surprise, then, that the company just became a Platinum-level member of the Linux Foundation, giving it much more control over how the platform advances. The favor is being returned in kind, both through a $500,000 cash injection as well as a Samsung pledge to become a better open-source neighbor. Any long-term plans of Samsung's are being kept under wraps, but going to the Platinum tier puts it at a rare level enjoyed only by the likes of core Linux supporters like IBM, Intel and Oracle -- it's even higher than Google. Samsung Electronics Joins Linux Foundation at Platinum Level By Linux_Foundation - June 5, 2012 - 3:54pm World's largest device maker places strategic, long-term investment in the Linux platform YOKOHAMA, Japan, June 6, 2012 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced that Samsung Electronics, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, is joining the organization as a Platinum member. The company's investments in Android and other Linux-based operating systems and tools are contributing to its success as the world's largest device maker. Samsung Electronics uses Linux throughout its company, across product lines, divisions and geographies. For example, Samsung Electronics' Android-based Galaxy series has been met with positive reviews and is experiencing high demand in all regions around the globe, alongside other Linux-based consumer electronics such as televisions and home appliances. By using Linux, the company can innovate on device design and functionality, offering a large variety of electronics products at varying price points. With today's announcement, Samsung Electronics is reiterating its commitment to Linux and investing its resources in a platform it believes will help sustain its global leadership position. The company will work with The Linux Foundation on streamlining its participation with the kernel community and adopting open source best practices. "By becoming a leader among its peers in Linux and open source software, Samsung Electronics is clearly raising the bar for innovation once again," said Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation. "The company's commitment to Linux and investment in its development firmly plants it in a position to continue its achievements in the mobile, embedded and consumer electronics markets. This is a strategic business decision that will result in advancing Samsung Electronics' success and accelerating Linux development work." "The Linux Foundation is an important organization. It brings the right people and resources together to help companies and developers advance Linux for everyone," said WonJoo Park, Vice President, Samsung Electronics. "We're looking forward to increasing collaboration and support for our growing portfolio of Linux-based devices and to making contributions that advance Linux for all." There are three classes of corporate membership at The Linux Foundation: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Platinum level of membership is the highest level of membership. Samsung Electronics joins an influential group of companies that have exhibited tremendous leadership and support for Linux and, as a Platinum member, will have a seat on The Linux Foundation's Board of Directors. The mobile and embedded markets are rapidly growing areas for Linux. The Linux Foundation hosts technical projects and Linux events, as well as focused Linux training services that help advance the platform in these areas. Examples include the Consumer Electronics Linux workgroup, Yocto Project, The Linux Foundation Labs project Tizen and Embedded Linux Conferences, among others. For more information about Linux Foundation Corporate Membership, please visit: http://www.linuxfoundation.org/about/join/corporate. |
| Google's Peter Birch: 'committed' to bringing all of Maps' features to iOS, other platforms Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:54 AM PDT There was a Google event today, but you'd hardly know it based on the Q&A session. Question and question was hurled at Peter Birch, Product Manager for Google Earth desktop, mobile, and API, surrounding Apple. With discussion around Apple's desire to introduce a mapping system of its own in iOS 6 to unseat Google from its preloaded app selection, Peter fielded lots of inquiries on the matter. He did an admirable job of dodging the obviously asinine bits, but continued to impress upon the crowd that Google itself was "committed" to bringing all of the features in Maps -- 3D, offline, turn-by-turn, etc. -- to iOS and other platforms. That was largely in response to a question as to why Google Maps Navigation for Android was so superior to Maps on iOS, but honestly, it's hard to know where the truth sits. We've heard that politics have kept the two sides from coming to terms, but it's pretty clear that Google's more than happy to bring its world-class mapping platform to other mobile operating systems... so long as terms are agreeable, naturally. The good news is that 3D maps will be coming to Android and iOS "in the coming weeks," which makes one wonder if iOS 6 will be available for some time. As for offline on iOS? Your guess is as good as ours, but it sure sounds as if the ball's in Apple's court. Can't we just all play nice, guys? Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here! |
| Clamcase's Clambook gives Android phones and iPhones a laptop shell, feels decidedly Airy Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:53 AM PDT The idea of creating a full-fledged laptop companion to a smartphone isn't new -- just ask the former Palm team -- but rarely has it come across as so pretty. Clamcase's upcoming Clambook, while it has more than a slight hint of MacBook Air about it, is really meant as a large canvas of sight and sound for an Android phone or iPhone. Although the Clambook can at least be used as a big, 16:9 ratio display for an iPhone, the emphasis is clearly on more Google-inclined users that can use an MHL port: the one cable provides audio, video, power, an Android 4.0-native keyboard and a multi-touch trackpad. More recent Motorola phone owners might get the most out of it, since Webtop's full-size Firefox browser and windowed interface will kick in without needing one of Motorola's proprietary docks. We're still waiting on many basic details, like exact device support and the all-important matter of pricing, but the Clamcase should be ready for supersized Real Racing sessions by the holidays. |
| Google Earth utilized by HALO Trust to clear minefields in Cambodia, Angola Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:36 AM PDT Sure, Google Earth is a neat program to play around with and it's easy to take for granted, but plenty of groups are taking advantage of the technology to help improve -- and save -- lives all over the world. One such organization is the HALO Trust, a group that's dedicated to clearing war-riddled countries (such as Cambodia and Angola) of minefields. Taking advantage of Google Earth, the Trust has been able to survey land, validate data and produce maps for governments and other organizations, thus making a huge impact on people left impoverished as a result of these minefields. Check out the video below to learn more about the HALO Trust's efforts, and head to the More Coverage links if you're curious to see how this group is working with Google to make a difference. Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here! |
| Google Maps, Earth take on full 3D imagery Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:20 AM PDT Google is keeping the string of Maps launches going -- it's just rolling out very, very detailed 3D maps for technology like Google Earth, using a "new process" to get extra depth. In some areas, such as San Francisco, it models every building and delves down into the trees. The new fully textured, fully modeled imagery is coming both to Android and iOS in the "coming weeks," and Google even made a point of showing the update running on an iPad. Just how deep this rabbit hole goes is an unknown right now, but it certainly ups the ante for Apple's rumored giant iOS 6 Maps revamp and the 3D mapping it might be using from C3 Technologies. Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here! |
| Google shows off new backpack-worn Street View capture tool, may eventually rent them out Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:15 AM PDT It looks like Google's Street View will soon be expanding to even more places than it already covers. The company has today taken the wraps off a brand new capture tool that can be worn on a person's back in order to map and photograph areas that are too difficult for even a bicycle or snowmobile to reach. Naturally, it's Android-powered, and it packs two batteries that Google says will last a full day -- although its 40-pound weight will likely necessitate a few breaks during that time. No word on when we'll see the first results from it, but Google intends to take to National Parks, the Grand Canyon, castles, ruins, and more -- even the ski slopes, as seen in another picture after the break. Update: We just spoke with Luc Vincent more in-depth about the new backpack, and what we learned is after the break. We just spoke with Luc Vincent after the event to learn a bit more about the backpack, and we discovered some pretty fascinating nuggets. For one, it took around a year to build, relying on a low-power computer with Android onboard and an application that does little more than "start and stop recording." It taps into 15 five-megapixel cameras up top, with all of the imagery being captured locally to a hard drive. From there, it's brought back to Google, stitched and analyzed, before being uploaded to the web. It's also working to make the backpack smarter; it'll eventually analyze one's gait, and if it senses unusual vibrations, you'll be able to select the capture frequency to get higher-quality images. Also, it's absolutely not designed for indoor use -- "the images would be too blurry," Luc said. For now, Googlers will start out by testing the hardware, and once the kinks are worked out, Google may reach out to partners, or even rent them out. For instance, if a university wanted to map a new courtyard, they could rent one for a day and do just that. Pretty swank. We also casually mentioned the idea of offering them in different colors, and Luc chuckled -- "We're thinking about that!" Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here! |
| PSA: Get your Samsung Galaxy S III pre-orders right here Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:11 AM PDT The phone companies have begun accepting your money in exchange for a place in the queue for a Galaxy S III. If you've yet to splash the cash, then you've got a choice between AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and US Cellular. We've included links to the pre-order and sign-up lists for each company below, including what arrival information we have. Not that we'd suggest you base your purchasing decisions on that alone since like all things, they're liable to change. Read - AT&T - (June 18th) |
| Google Maps for Android gets offline support Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:02 AM PDT Google's Maps event has just given us a much-requested feature: true offline map support. Android users can soon opt to download full maps for given areas (instead of just caching routes) without needing a cellular or WiFi connection. It's a big boon for those of us who have to travel abroad to unfamiliar cities, or just to areas where underground tunnels might cut off Internet access before GPS. Unfortunately, that's all that Google was willing to share: Android phones and tablets will only be getting the upgrade sometime "soon." Still, that's one less advantage for Nokia Drive, and one more hurdle to jump for Apple at WWDC next week. Relive the memories in our liveblog... right here! |
| Google Street View cars have driven 5 million unique miles, collected 20 petabytes of images Posted: 06 Jun 2012 09:47 AM PDT Regardless of how you may feel about Google Street View cars and what kind of effect it may have on your privacy, they're still on the roads throughout every continent in the world (heck, even Antarctica is represented). And, in impressive fashion, Brian McClendon, VP of Google Maps, just announced that the fleet of camera-topped vehicles has driven a total of 5 million unique miles and collected an impressive 20 petabytes of imagery. That's no small feat, to be sure. To hear more from Google on its latest developments in Maps, check out our liveblog! |
| Google's 'next dimension of Maps' liveblog Posted: 06 Jun 2012 09:30 AM PDT |
| HBO Go launches for Kindle Fire but continues to avoid other Android tablets Posted: 06 Jun 2012 09:19 AM PDT The HBO Go streaming app has been available on Android since it launched last year, however despite a steady flow of updates and even Android 4.0 support, until now it hasn't supported Android tablets. That changes today, however for now at least the only one on the list is Amazon's Kindle Fire, while other tablet owners will have to fall back to their browser and Flash streaming workarounds for access. There's a press release and quick video trailer promoting the launch after the break, while Fire owners who are also HBO subscribers (and satellite / cable TV subscribers, of course) can grab it for free on Amazon's Appstore now. |
| Qualcomm building babel-fish chip to support multiple LTE bands Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:59 AM PDT Qualcomm has revealed that it's developing a new mobile radio that'll operate across multiple LTE bands. While dreams of a cross-network standard were burned to the ground last July, the chip company revealed that the MSM-8960 will connect to three frequencies below 1GHz and four above. Qualcomm has said that the hardware will make its way into handsets by the end of the year at the same time it voiced opposition to the FCC's plan to standardize the lower 700MHz band -- something the smaller networks feel is necessary to prevent them being squeezed out by the big three. |
| ROCCAT's Lua and Kone XTD gaming mice shown off at E3, we go hands-on Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:33 AM PDT Before the craziness commenced here in Los Angeles, ROCCAT got its E3 party started with announcements concerning two gaming mice. The outfit unveiled the three-button Lua and the more high-end Kone XTD to suit gamers who prefer a truckload of programmable options and those who fancy a much simpler set-up. We grabbed some hands-on time with the pair on the show floor to see just how the two stacked up. We were particularly impressed with how both felt in the hand and how comfortable they were to use for all our gaming-related movements during the mini session. For a close look at both the Lua and the Kone XTD, stop by the gallery below or head on past the break for a few thoughts on the gaming peripherals. As we mentioned before, the ROCCAT Lua is geared towards those who prefer a stripped down option for taking to the battlefield. Aside from the trio of buttons, the kit sports a Pro Optic R2 senor capable of firing up the DPI setting to 2,000 and back down to 250 with five other presets in between. You can also configure the rig's lighting to change when you're approaching an intense face-off in whatever title you're playing. On the outside, the unit is covered with a soft-touch material and features no-sweat sides in order to offer the best grip possible in those high-stress mission scenarios. Speaking of which, the Lua will be the smallest mouse in the company's gear locker. We found that the slimmed down design only increased how well the kit felt in our hand. Looking for a lefty option? You've got one here, as this mouse is designed for use on either side. We're told this gaming accessory will drop in July and will set you back around $50 -- up from the $30 price tag we saw earlier in the week. For those looking for a more elaborate set-up, you may want to opt for the Kone XTD. E3 is one of the first places that ROCCAT is showing of this particular mouse, so we were sure to snag a few moments of hands-on time with it. While it is for right-handed gamers only, the device sports a braided cable and the same overall design from the original Kone gaming mouse. Grooves on both sides of the kit give your thumb a nice place to rest and keep your hand as comfy as possible. Internally, you'll discover a 8,200 maximum DPI Pro Aim R3 laser sensor and integrated tracking control that calibrates the sensor to your gaming surface with the help of the outfit's drivers and software. Speaking of which, said application also offers profile management for the peripheral where you can link up to three different games to keep your macros sorted for your various duties. Housing 12 buttons on its facade, the Kone XTD can be configured to carry up to 24 controls via Easy Shift [+] technology. Tap one of the thumb buttons on the mouse and you're in Easy Shift mode, ready to access the second bank of tools you'll need to eventually take down your nemesis. In the base of the peripheral, you'll find a spot for making the XTD a bit heavier that can carry up to four small weights. And if custom hues are your thing, you'll be able to fine tune all four the rig's multi-color LEDs to suit your unique preferences. If you're looking to go this route in October, you'll have to cough up just over $100. ROCCAT also chatted up the R.A.D. achievements display with tracks your mouse activity and awards gaming cred for insane amounts for scrolling and several thousand clicks. As you may have guessed, you'll be able to share all of those with you mates for mouse-wielding bragging rights through Facebook and Twitter -- if you so choose. |
| Ray Bradbury dies at 91, our world is that much poorer Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:17 AM PDT It's a sad day for science fiction fans everywhere, as Ray Bradbury has passed on at the age of 91. We'll always know him best as the author of Fahrenheit 451, but it's really massive legacy in short stories that defined his role in technology. Collections like The Illustrated Man and The Martian Chronicles made it a point to illustrate technology's impact and to never let our gadgetry trample human nature. Appropriately, for all of his ability to envision the future, he was actually rather cautious about embracing it: he only reluctantly allowed e-books and was worried the world was rushing too quickly towards devices. The irony of paying tribute on a technology website to this trepidation isn't lost on us, but we sincerely appreciate Bradbury's literary legacy -- he kept us honest (and entertained) in an industry that sometimes needs a reality check. He'll be missed. [Image credit: Alan Light, Flickr] |
| Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:56 AM PDT Remember Razer's Hydra controller that came with a motion-controlled version of Portal 2? PS3 owners will be receiving those same levels as a DLC later this year with added support for the PlayStation Move. Players will be able to manipulate objects in order to solve puzzles with more flailing limbs than you can shake a stick at when it arrives later this year. |
| Sony launches web store for e-Books, Android app also gets refresh Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:31 AM PDT Sony has decided to join the web-based shopping party, launching an online reader store for its e-inked devices and companion apps. Any e-Books purchased will arrive ready-to-read on the Reader app or other suitably wireless device, with titles also working on any Adobe DRM-supported apps and devices. Sony's Reader app has benefited from a UI redesign, the addition of a landscape view and improved stability. Hit up the source to grab the update -- before your phone tells you to. Reader™ Store gives you more freedom to read anytime, anywhere Hey book lovers! In our mission to continue to offer the best reading experience, the Reader™ Store is happy to announce a new web-based Reader Store and Android™ Reader App, giving you more freedom to read the content you love, anytime and anywhere. Our new web-based Reader Store now allows you to access your Reader Store account from any web browser, and sign in and purchase content without having to install any software to your computer.¹ The web store officially supports the latest browsers on Windows® and Mac®, including Internet Explorer®, Safari®, Chrome™ and Firefox®. Now you can discover your next story and buy it whenever it is convenient for you, and any eBook you buy from a web browser will be waiting for you on your Reader App or wireless device. It is that easy. Reader Store eBooks work with any Adobe® DRM supported app or device, so you can download and read content in a number of new ways, including on some other non-Sony® devices (although we think the Reader Apps and devices are the best!). You can start now at ebookstore.sony.com. We also have launched a new update for the Android Reader App, now available for download at Google Play™. Reader by Sony offers the same user-friendly reading experience we have always offered, but with some nice improvements: the Reader App now also features a sharper user interface, landscape viewing capabilities and an overall improved stability. So, give both our new web store and Android Reader App a shot and let us know what you think, and, as always, happy reading! |
| Apple hits HTC with third ITC dispute, One series goes under the gun Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:07 AM PDT Apple chief Tim Cook might have said that he doesn't like lawsuits, but he must have left a loophole open for International Trade Commission disputes. His company quietly filed a third challenge against HTC on June 4th (just now coming to light) that -- surprise -- claims HTC is still violating patents that it supposedly worked hard to avoid. If successful, Apple would slap down 29 devices that include a much more modern set of hardware than the first two disputes, including the One X (and EVO 4G LTE), One S and One V. Apple had success in December with the final results of its first ITC complaint and may simply be rolling the dice to try for more. Whatever throw Apple lands, there's no doubt that HTC and its fans are exasperated at the thought of more launch delays, or worse. |
| Editorial: Engadget on Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo's E3 Keynotes Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT  It's early June and we're in Los Angeles, and that can only mean one thing: it's time to get our game on at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. The show is now in full force, the floor having opened up yesterday at noon Pacific Daylight Time. But even though the convention just kicked off, much of the big news is already out of the way. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have each had their time to shine with pre-show press conferences. So, how did the big console makers perform? Is this an E3 for the record books or just a year of lackluster demos? Our editors sound off after the break. Tim:
I hate picking "winners" at these things because E3 isn't quite so simple -- he who has the flashiest presentation today may not have a console that's in the best position six months from now. He who has the most success during the holidays is, of course, the true winner. But still, it's hard not to compare each of the big three pre-show events and think about which was most impressive. Sadly, Sony was the least. Its event ended with a thrilling demonstration of The Last of Us, and Beyond (from Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream) was visually stunning. But, it's hard to get past the painfully long demo of the Wonderbook, something that should have been a footnote. Nintendo was only slightly more engaging. What should have been a thrilling demonstration of high-quality launch titles instead degraded into a tedious slog through NintendoLand mini-games. Such tiny titles may be fun to play, but none are fun to watch. It was Microsoft, then, who impressed the most, but even that presentation lagged at times. Still, the demos of SmartGlass look like they could establish cross-device gaming in a new way. The only question, then, is what the developers will do with it. I'm optimistic they'll make some magic. Darren:I can't say for sure that any of the big three "won" or "lost." That said, I can say that this year's E3 excited me like none in the past ever have, and it's largely because the directions of Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have changed significantly compared to just a decade ago. Granted, Sony tried to pivot towards home entertainment by shoving a Blu-ray player into the PlayStation 3, but it was clearly a console delivered ahead of its time. Now, however, the world has caught up, and there's no better proof than Microsoft's keynote.
I've never seen so much genuine life squeezed out of a seven-year-old console. The Xbox 360 is perhaps even more compelling today than it was back when I was minor. How is that possible? While Sony and Nintendo have both impressed me -- Sony with its fantabulous title roadmap and Nintendo's plans to finally embrace high-definition televisions -- Microsoft has done the most to move the home console forward. The ecosystem plays with Xbox Music, SmartGlass and Windows 8 cannot be understated, and Xbox gamers who may have found it easy to brush off Windows Phone and Win8 just months ago are likely rethinking their loyalties. Now, if only that 24/7 WatchESPN offering on the 360 were available as a standalone monthly purchase, separate from a pay-TV subscription, I'd be happy to hand out a gold medal. Brian:All eyes on Nintendo. That was theme of the show's first two days. After all, the Mario-maker was the only member of the big three expected to roll out any major hardware, with new consoles by Sony and Microsoft still a ways down the road. And, as expected, the latter two didn't pull out any big tricks this year. Microsoft's SmartGlass certainly shows a good deal of promise, and Sony's WonderBook is interesting (even if the demo wasn't).
After promising a blanket of coverage, Nintendo didn't really give us a lot at its pre-show event. We got a broad "holiday" date for the Wii U's release and no pricing. The new console's hardware was glossed over, and no trailers particularly managed to "wow" the crowd. Nintendo spent even less time showing off the 3DS, announcing yet another press conference to discuss its titles. For a company with too much to say for a single keynote, Nintendo ended up not saying a heck of a lot -- a turn of events that doesn't bode well for the company's future. Don:
If we learned one thing from this year's E3, it's that one big screen in the living room may no longer cut it -- or so the big three game companies hope. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo each showed off their own spin on the "second-screen experience," offering three decidedly different takes on the same basic concept. Nintendo is, of course, opting for the all-in-one approach with its Wii U console: the controller is the second screen. Sony is going in-house, but not all-in-one, relying on its PlayStation Vita handheld as a second screen. And Microsoft has chosen to go the bring-your-own-device route with its SmartGlass technology, which lets you use any smartphone or tablet as the second screen. Each option has its advantages and challenges, but Sony's certainly seems to face the toughest road to widespread adoption -- and, indeed, it is placing the least emphasis on it of the three. Nintendo is arguably making the biggest bet, and it's also the hardest to judge at the moment, with its success largely dependent on things still unknown -- namely, price and some truly must-have games and applications. That leaves Microsoft, which has already turned the Xbox 360 into a full-fledged media device, and now seems set to make it an even more connected one. Its less-integrated approach may reduce the number of unique gaming experiences, but it's rolling it out to a large base of existing Xbox 360 users, many of whom already have a smartphone or tablet. That's an advantage that's tough to ignore, and gaming may prove to only be a secondary consideration for SmartGlass if it's also able to make the Xbox 360 even more of a hub for other activities than it already is. Terrence:Who "won" E3? Well, I can tell you for sure it wasn't the anti-violent video game advocates. In fact, it's hard to remember a more stomach-turning set of teasers, trailers and tech demos. Logically, the Wii U's innovative controller should have stolen the show at Nintendo's keynote, but NintendoLand was simply overshadowed by the darkness of Batman Arkham City and the gore of Ninja Gaiden 3. Trying to keep track of the number of zombies, aliens, terrorists and just plain fellow human beings who were blown up, shot or shanked in the neck (and whoa, was there a lot of neck stabbing) was an exercise in futility. Even Quantic, the makers of Heavy Rain (a landmark, plot-driven title) crammed an unseemly amount of explosions and crashes into the Beyond: Two Souls trailer, which started with a perfectly pleasant police interrogation of Juno.
Without much new hardware to speak of, perhaps that's was what this E3 was all about -- breaking through our thick layer of desensitization and making violence shocking again. If that's the case, then the winner is clear: The Last of Us. While some games (Halo, Splinter Cell, Far Cry) seem to relish in a bit of the ol' ultra-violence, The Last of Us goes there because it has to if it wants to collect your gaming coin. It, like the protagonist Joel, kills not for joy, but for survival. And it makes sure you know just how tough of a decision that is. When you choke out an enemy the camera spins around and zooms in on the face of your victim, who claws and thrashes as you squeeze the last bit of life from his body. From there things only get more intense. When he runs out of ammo, Joel charges at another (presumably) bad guy, slamming him into a wall, crushing his windpipe with his forearm -- producing a crunch that made us glad we hadn't eaten recently. A little later in the trailer, another man is burned alive with a molotov cocktail and yet another has his head literally blown off in gruesome detail by a pointblank shotgun blast, while he begs for his life. The problem for me is not so much the violence, but the lack of context. I'm sure that at least some of these games have perfectly legitimate (or at least logical) reasons for the extreme levels of savagery, but I'm not seeing that in the trailers. Instead every game simply looks like a mindless blood bath, and the winner is whoever most successfully taps into our destructive urges and proclivity towards bloodlust. So, with that in mind, I'd like to crown Nintendo the "winner" of this year's E3. The continued focus on fitness is, if nothing else, admirable and the company produced the only vaguely interesting-looking title that doesn't involve putting a knife through someone's throat: Pikmin. Mat: My PS3 shuffles toward its
Despite the appearance of South Park creators and Usher on stage, Microsoft still came up with the most cohesive collection of reasons to get an Xbox -- in its seventh year. Canny subscription model or not, SmartGlass chooses to be platform-friendly, sharing its AirPlay-esque wealth across platforms -- whether iOS, Android or Windows Phone. Even at this early stage, it's an intelligent move for Microsoft to gear it toward all users. The tie-in with Nike+ is inspired -- working with a sports company that seems to get technology, although the idea of a phone-based reminder sounds both useful and infuriating. On a final (pretty selfish note), where are the price-cuts? If Nintendo shaves a few notes off that 3DS, you might get it added to the rest of my portable family. Likewise, the PS Vita remains a pricey curio that isn't grabbing all that many gamers -- something that's unlikely to change any time soon. |
| Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT It's fitting, really, that IndieCade opted to set up shop in the Los Angeles Convention Center for this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. After all, there's a sense the organization is focused on lowering the barrier of entry. And what better way to demonstrate that at an industry-only show like this than to let interested parties drop by the booth, badge or no? It's a compelling spectacle, too -- one that beckons nearly everyone who crosses its path to pop their head in for a moment to make sure everything's okay. Out front, five people in trench coats stand in a square in front of a giant wooden sculpture of a Space Invader. They try to snatch clothespins from each other's pockets, a strange spectacle orchestrated by a guy in a train conductor's cap. The whole thing is accidentally soundtracked by a well-dressed trio of classical musicians playing video game music on the other side of a black curtain, as part of a separate booth promoting a museum exhibit. Things are a bit more subdued inside. It's all couches and tables, with players crowded, both sitting and standing, around games on all manner of platforms.
This year marks IndieCade's sixth appearance at E3, launching during a time when the industry was suffering what it deemed a "creative crisis" of sorts. The organization sets the stage thusly on its site: "In 2005, at his annual 'State of the Industry Address,' E3 expo founder Doug Lowenstein gently admonished the game industry for its narrowness of vision." Arguably not all that much has changed since then, of course -- after two days spent attending press conferences from the industry's largest names, it's clear that game makers are as fixated as ever on milking every last drop from successful franchises. The cracks are certainly starting to show. Platforms like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network have helped open the door to two-, three-person development teams. The playing field is hardly level, of course -- spend a minute or two walking through the stark white Nintendo booth, and you'll realize just how quaint IndieCade's ragtag group of independent developers are. But as those on the leather couches of IndieCade's booth discussing the implications of Minecraft will happily tell you, it's perfectly possible to become a millionaire in this circuit. At the very least, one can actually avoid starving to death while working as an indie developer. "A lot more developers are able to actually support themselves -- especially the mobile ones," IndieCade's founder and CEO, Stephanie Barish tells Engadget. "One guy's game did so well, he doesn't have to work anymore. And Spelltower did really well, so we have that here. It made -- not a ton of money, but enough so that he can begin work on his next game." New York City-based developer Ramiro Corbetta is living the dream, having left work at a larger studio to develop his own titles. His self-described "minimalist sports game" Hokra is certainly a singular vision. He created the entire title single-handedly, save for the audio -- a task he handed off to a friend. And while the prospect of becoming, say, the next Braid, may compel a foolish few, Corbetta, like so many at the IndieCade booth, are in it for the sheer art of creating. "I don't care about making money," he tells me, adding jokingly, that I shouldn't divulge this information to his wife. His wife happens to be standing a few feet away, playing a round of Hokra with a few strangers seated on a couch in front of the TV. A woman on the far left fills her square full of boxes, winning the round. Cheers erupt, then high-fives from people Corbetta assures me he's never met. "You see people playing this for the first time high-fiving. That's what I'm in it for," he says. IndieCade is in it for the love as well. The organization is holding its fifth festival in Culver City, Calif., in early October. Barish refers to the festival as a video game Sundance of sorts. "We wanted to be the place where the public can see these games. We've had support from the ESA (the body behind E3), as well. They want to help support diversity," she says. It's a diversity that's certainly welcome amongst the countless sequels that govern the show floor. And a few seconds watching those smiling attendees playing the games in the IndieCade booth demonstrates something that's sometimes overlooked in the hustle and bustle of E3: a simple love of play. |
| AVADirect and Eurocom laptops hop on the GeForce GTX 680M bandwagon Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:04 AM PDT NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 680M has made an impact in Alienware and Origin PC laptops so far. Some of us like our mobile gaming a little more barebones, however, and both AVADirect as well as Eurocom are taking their turn at carrying the graphics powerhouse in portables using heavily customizable, Clevo-made designs. AVADirect's 15.6-inch P150EM and 17.3-inch P170EM, as well as their matching Eurocom Racer 2.0 and Neptune 2.0 brethren, can take advantage of all 1,344 processing cores and that abundant 4GB of RAM. Do brace for a hit to the pocketbook for the sake of that increase in frame rate: although Eurocom is staying quiet early on, AVADirect is charging a $536 upgrade price on top of any given configuration. |
| Google patents location-based mobile alerts that know where you're going to Posted: 06 Jun 2012 05:41 AM PDT To date, the term smartphone's mostly been a misnomer for larger screen, albeit still dumb, handsets imbued with rich web browsing experiences. With the exception of the Galaxy S III's SmartStay feature and the Droid RAZR, not many other high-end devices can lay claim to "intelligent," user-adaptive behavior. Which is why our eyes are trained on this recently awarded Google patent that stands poised to turn future Android (we presume) devices into location-aware assistants. Originally submitted back in September of 2011, the USPTO filings describe a software-based profile alarm that seems eerily reminiscent of Motorola's own Smart Actions -- a fitting appropriation given the just wrapped acquisition. Using a combination of GPS and network address data, as well as prior travel habits, the system outlined in the docs would ping a user with tailored mobile profiles configured with contextually relevant settings, information and apps. Effectively, your phone would become the ultimate personal assistant, pandering to your on-the-go needs without the irritating need for praise and positive feedback. That's if this software ever makes it out of Google's IP stronghold and into the light of day. |
| Square now available at Walgreens, Staples and FedEx Office Posted: 06 Jun 2012 05:24 AM PDT While a roster of competitors are trying to get their foot in the mobile payments door, Square's busy getting a foothold in retail stores. With Walgreens, Staples and FedEx Office locations now carrying the credit card reader, it's available at more than 20,000 physical shops throughout the US -- joining Apple, Best Buy, OfficeMax, Radio Shack, Target, UPS and Wal-Mart. Bringing it home from a brick and mortar establishment will set you back $9.95, but Square's sweetening the pot with a $10 rebate for new users. However, if your entrepreneurial snail mail-loving heart desires, you can still have one mailed to you by signing up online. Eager to start swiping plastic? Lookout below for the full press release. Square Card Reader Now in More Than 20,000 Retail Locations SAN FRANCISCO – June 4, 2012 – Square, the company revolutionizing "Accepting credit cards should be as easy as buying supplies at your local The Square card reader is now available in more than 7,000 Walgreens Launched in 2010, the Square Card Reader plugs into the headphone jack of Square currently offers Square Card Reader, Square Register, and Pay with Square has expanded Card Reader presence to meet demand for the product The Square Card Reader's suggested retail price is $9.95, with a $10 rebate |
| Mad Catz unleashes the Wii U accessories at E3, we go hands-on Posted: 06 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT Eagerly awaiting the launch of the Wii U? You're not alone. Mad Catz is ready, as the outfit has recently announced a set of accessories for the aforementioned console. Here at E3 2012, we were able to get a closer look at the entire family from the charging docks right on down to the TRITTON Kunai headset. While only the set(s) of cans is a finalized design, the outfit says the stands that will recharge your controllers that we saw are nearly complete. However, the FlipCover that we viewed was still a working prototype -- the same goes for the FPS controller that we were able to sneak a peek at. So, what about pricing and availability? The company is only offering that the Kunai for Wii U will set you back $50 when it ships. If you're looking for a quick rundown, hit the gallery below or venture beyond the break for a few impressions. Let's start with the finished product. The TRITTON Kunai headset for Wii U will provide enhanced audio for your intense Nintendo sessions. Available in both black and white color schemes, the cans have a comfy fit thanks in part to the leathery covering on the inside of the earcups. Our only real knock against the pair is that the overall size of said ear coverings seemed a bit too snug once you had the Kunai in place. However, if you don't want to drop your hard-earned dough on gaming audio and new portable listening devices, you can detach the kit's microphone and sport the TRITTON headset as a regular ol' set of headphones. You can also remove the inline control if you choose to do so during this type of easy listening. Not looking to pick up Big N's upcoming console? The Kunai will be available for the 3DS, PlayStation Vita and PS3 as well. Keeping your Wii U GamePads and remotes charged will be utmost priority in order to maintain your reign over the Miiverse. Announced here at E3, the Power Up ChargeDocks will handle said duties for both sets of controls. Again, what we saw aren't quite the final products, but we're told they're close. Both will be dressed in metal, but the GamePad portion of the duo will feature some tilt action for whenever you need to rest and use a stylus comfortably. For your Wiimotes, you can expect a battery pack that attaches to the station with magnetic contacts. Mad Catz says the idea here is that once you purchase both charging accessories, you can place them back-to-back and rest your console right in the middle -- making the entire bundle more visually appealing. As you might expect, the newly unveiled FlipStand serves as a Smart Cover of sorts for the Wii U's GamePad while protecting that precious touchscreen. Also along for the party was the upcoming FPS Pro controller. This will bring a more Xbox-style controller to the Wii U that's a tad bit different from Nintendo's own Pro Controller. The key feature is around back, where two programmable buttons offer the option of sending your regular commands around to the backside for easier access. Both d-pad and button controls can be selected for use via a set of toggle switches that are also housed underneath. For now, though, there's no word on when we'll see the final versions of either of these or any indication as to how much they will cost. |
| Lego Minecraft arrives, sudden drop in productivity expected when the UPS man gets here Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:47 AM PDT Minecrafters, commence running through the streets screaming "It's here!, It's here!" as Lego's homage to the world-building game is now available to buy. The Cuusoo-developed project features Steve, a Creeper and 480 bricks, including plenty of 1x1 tiles to recreate the pixelated landscape we know and love. It costs $35, with a proportion of the profits off to a charity of Lego's choosing -- enabling us to turn our attentions to getting Ladyada's workshop the 10,000 votes necessary to press it into production. |
| GAEMS G155 Sentry suitcase for Xbox 360 hands-on Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:30 AM PDT Gamer on the go? Sure, Nintendo's 3DS or Sony's PS Vita might get you by, but neither can quite deliver the full-bore experience of a home console. To get their fix, Xbox 360 gamers with room for one more carry-on will want to turn to GAEMS. The company is showing off its G155 Sentry "personal gaming and entertainment environment" at E3 this year -- a so-called PGE. It's basically a suitcase into which you strap an Xbox 360 before connecting it to the integral LCD and more powerful stereo speakers (complete with Bose-style bass channel). That LCD is a 15-inch, LED-backlit 720p model with pretty terrible viewing angles, just like the older G155. In fact, we're hard-pressed to see many differences here between the currently available G155 and this beyond what looks to be a shinier logo on the back -- which you can replace with custom ones for a bit of customization. It does appear to be very well constructed, a suitably safe way to lug your console about. Check out some more pictures in the gallery below, and tune back in soon when we check out the so-called Project Vanguard, which we're told is a properly all-new design. GAEMS G155 Sentry suitcase for Xbox 360 hands-on Gamer on the go? Sure, Nintendo's 3DS or Sony's PS Vita might get you by, but neither can /quite/ deliver the full-bore experience of a home console. There's nothing like the real thing, and Xbox 360 gamers with room for one more carry-on will want to turn to GAEMS. The company is showing off its G155 Sentry "personal gaming and entertainment environment" -- a PGE, they call it. It's basically a suitcase into which you strap an Xbox 360 before connecting it to the integrated LCD and stereo speakers (complete with Bose-style bass channel). That LCD is a 15-inch, LED-backlit 720p model with pretty terrible viewing angles, just like the older G155. In fact, we're hard-pressed to see many differences here beyond what looks to be a shinier logo on the back -- which you can replace with custom ones for a bit of customization. Check out some more pictures in the gallery below, and tune back in soon when we check out the so-called Project Vanguard, which we're told is a properly all-new design. |
| CloudOn launching its iOS, Android tablet apps in 16 more countries, Office hounds rejoice Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:00 AM PDT Surprise, surprise, CloudOn has just opened a fresh can of tablet-friendly Office and is getting ready to deliver it outside of the US, UK and Canada for the first time in its relatively short history. The cloud-based service announced it's now launching its iOS and Android applications in 16 more countries, making it a total of 19 with the addition of the aforementioned trio. Some of the lucky nations include: Spain, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Israel as well as the Netherlands -- and, in case you had any concerns, the app is keeping its free-of-charge status, so no need to worry. In addition to the beefy global expansion, CloudOn also released a few productivity-focused tidbits, giving users the ability to open links straight from the browser, copy and paste between the different built-in apps, plus a drag-and-drop feature to move around files and folders within the application -- unfortunately, this last one's only available to those with a Cupertino device (at least for the time being). All that's left to do now is grab yourself a copy from one of the links below, and be sure to check the presser after the break to see if your country made the cut. CloudOn Brings its Ultimate Productivity Workspace to the Global Market, Launches in 16 Countries CloudOn, the mobile solution for creating, editing, saving and sharing Microsoft Office and Adobe documents, launches throughout Western Europe and Israel PALO ALTO, Calif. – June 6, 2012 – In response to enormous demand, CloudOn is releasing its free productivity app for iPad and Android tablets today in today in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Iceland and Israel. The cloud-based app, which delivers full Microsoft Office capabilities and Adobe Reader, along with Dropbox, Box and Google Drive integration, transforms the iPad and Android tablets into a one-stop-shop for mobile productivity, capable of creating, editing, saving and sharing Office and Adobe documents while on the go. In early January, CloudOn launched on iOS and quickly became the no. 1 Free App and the no. 1 Productivity App for iPad in the U.S. Apple App Store. The app has since launched for both iOS and Android in the U.S., UK and Canada, receiving high critical acclaim, outstanding user reviews, and generating huge demand for the productivity app across the globe. How it works: The service operates by using the power of the cloud to connect to Microsoft Office software on CloudOn's servers; this allows users to create and access Microsoft Office documents the way they are used to, using the exact same look and functionality. Users can track changes in Word, manipulate pivot tables in Excel and view PowerPoint slideshows in full presentation mode right from an iPad, and access them at anytime in their Dropbox, Box or Google Drive account. CloudOn also provides Adobe Reader to view PDFs - everything from simple forms to complex 3-D documents - and a universal viewer for any file, ranging from raw Photoshop images to everyday image files, including: PNG, JPEG and GIF. The app has a native, user-friendly interface fully optimized for the iPad and Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Honeycomb tablets, 3.1 or higher. CloudOn also comes with a host of other features designed to enhance mobile productivity, including: In-app email integration to send emails along with attachments with a single tap To download CloudOn for your iPad, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/app/cloudon/id474025452 To download CloudOn for your Android tablet, visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cloudon.client To learn more about CloudOn, visit: www.cloudon.com |
| Panasonic gearing up to offer $635 million bailout to save troubled Olympus Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:46 AM PDT Panasonic is reportedly putting the final touches to a 50 billion yen ($635 million) bailout package to save Olympus. Panasonic will become the largest shareholder of the scandal-ridden camera maker, reeling from a $1.7 billion accounting fraud uncovered last year, with an eye on getting a foothold in Olympus' profitable medical imaging business. It gives us hope that the current range of blockbuster shooters including the OM-D won't be sacrificed in a last-ditch attempt to make the books balance. |
| Konka tries to differentiate with familiar-looking Kanzi 3D UI Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:23 AM PDT Some phone makers carve their own path, others ride on their coattails. Konka, however, somehow carves its own coattails, and we admire the ingenuity. The Shenzhen-based mobile maker, known for its familiar designs and logo font, has just announced that, going forward, its smartphones will be using the 3D Kanzi UI from Rightware -- as formally seen on ZTE handsets. So does this complete the trifecta of design flattery? The Kanzi interface can be seen in action in the video after the break, but if you weren't sure how 3D it was, then there's a PR after that too, which might mention it. Just a few times.
KONKA Aims to Global Market with Kanzi UI Powered Android Smartphones Rightware's Kanzi UI Solution provides crucial differentiation to KONKA smartphones with top-notch user experience, feature-rich 3D content and better usability ESPOO, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rightware Oy, a leader in embedded 3D user interface (UI) technologies, announced today that Shenzhen KONKA Telecommunications Technology Co., Ltd, a leading Chinese mobile phone manufacturer, will ship its smartphone with 3D homescreen powered by Kanzi® UI Solution. KONKA's device is based on Mediatek's chip platform and is incorporated with a HVGA & WVGA display and a Kanzi powered 3D homescreen. The 3D homescreen for KONKA incorporates 3D launcher, 3D live wallpaper and 3D lock-screen, thus combining easy usability with feature-rich 3D content offering a great user experience to consumers. The 3D homescreen, with associated 3D content, was designed and implemented at Rightware's local design center in Shanghai, China reflecting the latest design and usability. "In order to capture global market share with our forth-coming smartphone models, KONKA is investing to deliver the best-in-class user interfaces. Rightware's Kanzi UI based homescreen with all 3D elements included in our latest device, puts us a step ahead the competition and satisfies our customers by bringing them a whole new level of user experience," said Mr. Alvin Fan, Vice President of KONKA Telecommunication. Kanzi UI Solution enables the implementation of high-end user interfaces even for mid-range Android mobile devices, tablets and other embedded devices. With years of experience in the field of graphics performance testing, Rightware has been able to optimize Kanzi UI Solution to make it capable of executing comprehensive UI designs with superior performance. "The importance of eye-catching 3D user interfaces for differentiation is a well-known fact but more interesting is to observe – for example in KONKA devices – how well 3D user interfaces can incorporate new functionality and improve the usability in devices. We're truly excited to help our customer KONKA to expand into new markets and capture market share globally with their innovative devices featuring 3D user interfaces and homescreens powered by our patent-pending Kanzi UI Solution," said Mr. Tero Sarkkinen, CEO of Rightware. As well as providing the industry's most cutting-edge user interface technologies, Rightware also provides its customers with a full range of complementing services including: UI design, implementation and unique performance benchmarking of various chipsets. With the help of Rightware Kanzi UI Solution, customers get the most modern, turnkey solution in the industry that dramatically speeds up time to market without compromising quality. |
| NEC reveals LaVie Z Ultrabook will ship with third-gen Intel chips, 1600 x 900 screen resolution Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:07 AM PDT By all means, we were quite impressed when we first laid eyes on NEC's LaVie Z early last month, but much to our disappointment, details were a wee bit scarce at that time. Fortunately for us (and you), however, the company's finally detailed the specs we can expect to see on its 13.3-inch Ultrabook. Among these are -- you guessed it -- Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs (i5-3317U, i7-3517U) and an above-average 1600 x 900 display -- of course, let's not forget it's all bundled up in a 999g package, or about 2.2 pounds if the gram system isn't your thing. As stated earlier, the LaVie Z will be Japan-only once it launches later this summer, though NEC has said it hopes to bring the Ultrabook to other markets at some point in the future. We'll have to wait and see. |
| Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 keeps it cool, refuses to cook your breakfast (video) Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:43 AM PDT It's no secret that Qualcomm's Snapdragon S4 SoC is among the most compelling of mobile architectures on the planet today. It delivers fantastic performance and good battery life, but an unsung hero that allows for both characteristics is its excellent efficiency. Based on a new 28nm fabrication process, not only is the Snapdragon S4 faster than most mobile processors, but it also runs a lot cooler. Naturally, one way to prove this is with thermal imagery. We've always suspected there's something in the water near San Diego, however, and the following video damn near proves it. While we'd hate to give away the surprise, just know that Qualcomm engineers have officially thrown down the gauntlet... even if it happens to be rather high in saturated fat.
|
| SCHOTT claims Xensation glass is toughest, tells Corning to come get some Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:29 AM PDT Corning and its Gorilla Glass might get most of the press, but SCHOTT claims that it, not the 160-year-old New York-based manufacturer, makes the toughest sheets for smartphones. The German company launched Xensation Cover Glass, a break and scratch-resistant alumino-silicate, at SID. Originally announced last year, the material had undergo stringent testing from potential customers before being brought to market. Now Xensation is ready to make its debut in consumer products, which should start shipping in the third quarter of 2012. Unfortunately, SCHOTT wouldn't divulge who might be making those products, but it did take the opportunity to brag that Xensation has a 20 percent higher bending strength than "competitor glass types." Which means future phones featuring the panels might be a bit less shatter-prone than some currently popular offerings. Want more? There's an anti-glare version for all you gloss-hating types. Check out the PR and promo video after the break. SCHOTT Xensation™ Cover Glass Coming to a Device Near You SCHOTT Xensation™ Cover glass, the strongest cover glass available on the market today, will soon be appearing in consumer electronic devices everywhere June 5, 2012 (Mainz, Germany & Boston, Mass.) – High-technology company and specialty glass producer SCHOTT today announced the successful market entry of Xensation™ Cover glass, the high-quality, ultra-strong alumino-silicate glass that offers outstanding resistance to breakage and scratches, making it ideal for touch screen devices such as smartphones, tablets and gaming gadgets. SCHOTT will be showcasing Xensation™ Cover glass at the Society for Information Display's (SID) annual "Display Week" in Boston, MA (Booth 443). "We launched this new product in the fall of 2011 and went through an extensive qualification process at all large consumer electronics brands. Not only did our customers give us very positive feedback, they confirmed our belief that SCHOTT has raised the benchmark when it comes to cover glass performance and ultimate strength. First models of touch screen devices which use Xensation™ Cover glass will appear on the market in the course of the third quarter of 2012", said Lutz Gruebel, Head of global sales and marketing activities of the SCHOTT Xensation™ brand family. Using industry standard cover glass processing parameters, tests conducted both at SCHOTT and at customer sites demonstrated that Xensation™ Cover glass is able to consistently reach compressive stress values which are greater than comparable materials on the market. Such impressive values result in an up to 20% higher bending strength, thus offering device makers peace of mind knowing that Xensation™ Cover glass can protect even their sleekest products from the bumps and scrapes of everyday life. Xensation™ Cover glass has also demonstrated in mass production that it is the most robust cover glass available today. It allows cover glass processors the opportunity to chemically strengthen the SCHOTT material more efficiently (e.g. in less time) than competitor glass types without compromising on ultimate strength. Such a broad process window for cover glass processing results in more reliable and consistent cover glass performance, and potentially leads to lower device manufacturing costs. "We are pleased to offer device manufacturers and consumers a new, high-performance alternative in the market for damage-resistant cover glass that not only offers optimal protection for their devices, but also enables sleeker, slimmer designs", said Professor Udo Ungeheuer, Chairman of the Management Board at SCHOTT. Xensation™ is a trademark of SCHOTT AG. Ultra-strong cover glass for display applications without irritating glare SCHOTT teams up with glass processing specialist Berliner Glas to launch SCHOTT Xensation™ Cover AG (Anti-Glare) glass, the world's first ultra-strong cover glass with state-of-the-art anti-glare effect. June 5, 2012 (Mainz, Germany & Boston, Mass.) – International technology group and specialty glass manufacturer SCHOTT today became the first company worldwide to offer customers a high-performance cover glass that combines not only supreme strength and damage resistance but also a special anti-glare effect capable of significantly reducing glare on high resolution displays.Glass has emerged as the material of choice as a cover for many electronic displays because of its outstanding tactile and aesthetic properties, as well as the scratch resistance and strength performance made possible by specialty glass types such as Xensation™ Cover glass. With electronic displays continuing to be adopted across an ever-broader range of applications, display visibility in today's most popular devices has become an increasingly critical issue, with manufacturers keen to prevent their high resolution displays becoming distorted by adverse viewing conditions, such as bright sunlight or high ambient lighting. With the glass surface itself determining what level of transparency is possible, if annoying reflections can be reduced or whether colors can be accurately reproduced, a modification of the glass surface is required to counter the effects of intensive light radiation. SCHOTT's Xensation™ Cover floated alumino-silicate glass is therefore subjected to a custom-designed etching process developed by glass surface modification specialist Berliner Glas, whereby ions are taken out of the glass surface during etching to make it diffuse. Uniform removal of material is a critical requirement for ensuring the glass surface is perceived as faultless by the human eye and Xensation™ Cover's unique glass structure, combined with Berliner Glas' etching technology, offers a uniform, homogenous structure not previously possible with ultra-strong glass types.The result is the groundbreaking Xensation™ Cover AG (Anti-Glare) glass. "Xensation™ Cover AG glass is the first ultra-strong glass that can be reproducibly treated and etched in a continuous, industrial-scale production process. The beauty of this product is that it combines all the benefits the market has come to associate with Xensation™ Cover glass with an outstanding non-reflective surface", according to Lutz Gruebel, Global Sales & Marketing Director for SCHOTT's Xensation™ brand family. "The novel etching process has been fully optimized to maintain the strength and scratch resistance of Xensation™ Cover glass, opening up a vast array of application possibilities and further improving the general consumer experience". SCHOTT is showcasing Xensation™ Cover AG glass for the first time at the SID trade fair. The company will be offering two product types as standard, one with a gloss value of 60 and the other with a gloss value of 90, with both available for sampling. In addition, Xensation™ Cover AG glass is available on request with customized gloss values tailored to the specific requirements of a customer's application. This is made possible by the flexibility of the etching process, as it can be easily adjusted to provide the right amount of surface roughness needed to achieve a certain anti-glare effect.Xensation™ is a trademark of SCHOTT AG. SCHOTT is an international technology group with more than 125 years of experience in the areas of specialty glasses and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, solar power, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, transportation and architecture industries. The company is strongly committed to contributing to its customers' success and making SCHOTT an important part of people's lives with high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in all major markets. Its workforce of around 17,000 employees generated worldwide sales of approximately 2.9 billion euros for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. BERLINER GLAS is one of Europe's leading producers of high-quality technical glass solutions as well as optical key components, assemblies and systems. The private owned company employs around 1,000 people worldwide. |
| Microsoft has sold over 600 million Windows 7 licenses Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:12 AM PDT You'd be forgiven for thinking that the world's now completely and utterly infatuated with Windows 8, but its little sister still appears to be doing just fine. Microsoft's Steve Guggenheimer announced at Computex that since selling 525 million Windows 7 licenses back in January, it's now hit the 600 million mark. Guggenheimer reckons that Windows 8 will be "the biggest launch time in Microsoft's history." And we're unlikely to argue -- the company does like to put on a show. Updated: To celebrate, Microsoft's cooked up a video of the hardware journey of Windows 7. It's right after the break. </cke:object></div><!--{cke_protected}%3Cscript%20type%3D%22text%2Fjavascript%22%3E%0Adocument.write(%22%3Cscript%20type%3D'text%2Fjavascript'%20src%3D'%22%20%2B%20(window.location.protocol)%20%2B%20%22%2F%2Fc.microsoft.com%2Fms.js'%3E%3C%5C%2Fscript%3E%22)%3B%0A%3C%2Fscript%3E--> |
| Army scientists juice battery voltage, hike life up to 30 percent Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:53 AM PDT With the modern US soldier turning into a walking gadget, the army has some heavy reasons to lower battery weights. Its own scientists might have the answer, claiming 30 percent energy density jumps could happen using additives they developed. Those "sacrificial agent" materials would bond with electrodes to allow five volts instead of the four they've been stuck on, permitting a "quantum leap" in efficiency and weight. We'll have to see if that'll come to pass, but given the sheer volume of tech that soldiers are strapping on these days, it couldn't be too soon. To see a video of how it works, zap past the break.
|
| China elevates the art of KIRF, copies Austrian village of Hallstatt Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:23 AM PDT We've seen some impressive KIRFs in our day (and some not so impressive ones too), but we've got to hand it to China for ratcheting things up a notch and eyeing prizes a bit loftier than Nokia phones and MacBook Airs. In the southern Chinese province of Guangdong there is now a full size replica of the Austrian village of Hallstatt, a small enclave in the Alps known for its tourism and salt production. The Unesco-recognized World Heritage Site was painstakingly recreated, down to the historic clock tower. All in all, it's a stunning achievement in KIRFdom that perfectly exemplifies why China is kicking our American butts in the quest for global economic domination -- audacity and ambition. For more, check out the BBC report at the source. |
| IPv6 lands today, do you copy? Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:47 AM PDT June 6th has arrived, which means that participating ISPs, hardware manufacturers and search engines must stick to their word and permanently enable the IPv6 address system -- not least as an encouragement for others to do the same. The ultimate purpose? To allow trillions of users to have their own IP address, instead of just a paltry few billion permitted by the IPv4 standard that continues to run in parallel. The risk? That the Internet collapses and we all get the day off work. Evidently that hasn't happened, no doubt thanks to Google and others having tested the system during pilot programs, and indeed Vint Cerf's explanatory video seems to be working fine after the break.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Windows Embedded Standard 8 CTP2 ready to download now Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:24 AM PDT |
| Orange San Diego Medfield phone: a closer look at Computex 2012 (update: video) Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:05 AM PDT Well what do we have here? Yes, it's the Orange San Diego we first saw at Mobile World Congress and it's going on sale in the UK today for £200. This isn't just yet another Android smartphone, but one of the first Medfield-based handsets on the market. We caught this pre-production unit chilling out at the Intel booth here at Computex 2012 and decided to go up close and personal. First impressions? It's thin, light and feels great in the hand thanks to a pleasant soft-touch back. The Gigabyte-made device packs a 4-inch glass-capacitive 1024x600-pixel LCD (that's 300dpi), an 8-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2460 CPU, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. While the screen looks decent enough, it falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of viewing angles. The phone features Android 2.3.7 (Gingerbread) and runs most apps from the Google Play store directly via an emulation layer. Performance matched prior benchmarks and was on-par with current mid-range ARM-based Android handsets -- the experience was mostly smooth, but we noticed some lag when scrolling and zooming pages in the web browser. Battery life remains the major outstanding question when it comes to Medfield handsets, so expect more details once we have our very own review unit. In the meantime, check out the gallery below and hit the break for our hands-on video.
Dana Wollman contributed to this report. |
| Nokia introduces Asha Touch range of keypad-free feature phones (video) Posted: 05 Jun 2012 11:01 PM PDT Nokia first rolled out its Asha line of feature phones last October, and now it's rolling out the new devices with touchscreen interfaces that we saw leaked manuals for recently. The Asha Touch device range includes the Asha 305, Asha 306 and Asha 311 (pictured above) phones that all have 3-inch screens and run the Asha Touch UI. They all also pack the Nokia Browser 2.0 and free games from EA. The 305 and 306 are WQVGA resistive touch screen devices, with 2MP cameras and GPRS/EDGE connectivity, while the 305 brings Nokia's Easy Swap dual-SIM capability to bear and the 306 features WiFi. The 311 has a capacitive glass screen, HSPA modem, 1GHz CPU and 3.2MP camera. The Asha 305 is supposed to ship in Q2 for about $85 US, while the 306 and 311 are due in the third quarter for $93 and $121, respectively. Check the press release and videos after the break for a closer look at the phones and details on local availability.
Nokia accelerates the journey to mobile internet with the introduction of Asha Touch device range |
| AMD shows off its first Windows 8 concept tablet, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 05 Jun 2012 10:14 PM PDT If Intel and Microsoft have been the royal couple of Computex 2012 (aka the world's biggest Windows 8 Ultrabook tradeshow), AMD has been the third wheel. That doesn't mean it's opted out of the festivities, though. Nope, it's chosen this week to show off its Trinity chips, and it even has its first Windows 8 concept device on display. The reference design, made by Compal, has the same form factor we've seen over and over again this week: an 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 tablet paired with a keyboard dock. The main differences are that it has a kickstand, and packs one of AMD's Trinity A6 APUs. The chassis is on the chunky side, at a shade under 20mm, and the screen's a fingerprint magnet, but then again, we don't put too much stock in prototype designs; such details are subject to change. Performance seemed smooth so far as we could tell, but then again, we haven't had the chance to put it through its paces, streaming HD video or attempting anything of productive value. We wish we could tell you a bit about rated battery life, but alas, AMD isn't ready to make any public claims just yet. As for the accompanying dock, the keyboard is far more spacious than what we're used to. Want to see it in action? We've got a quick walk-through of the design, with photos and video below. Zach Honig contributed to this report. |
| ASUS shows off a touchscreen Zenbook Prime Ultrabook, we go fingers-on (video) Posted: 05 Jun 2012 10:11 PM PDT Remember that ASUS Zenbook Prime Ultrabook we previewed last week? Yeah, it's outdated already, and you have none other than ASUS to thank. In addition to all the Ultrabooks and tablets the company announced later this week, it's also showing off a touch-enabled version of the 11-inch UX21A we tested out. What can we say? The form factor makes sense, given that Windows 8 is on the way and Microsoft is the star of this year's Computex. Other than that touchscreen, though, you won't notice any differences in the hardware: it's the same industrial design and backlit keyboard that you know and covet. And while the show floor is littered with touchscreen laptops, we will say that it's an especially welcome addition here, since the Zenbook Primes are already endowed with some of the best displays on the market: IPS quality with 1080p resolution. Touch just makes it better -- so long as you can live with the fingerprints. No word on when (or if!) this will be available, or whether we'll see a 13-inch version. Considering this was built with Windows 8 in mind, though, we'd wager it'll be a few months yet before we get clarification on all that. Zach Honig contributed to this report. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Engadget News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment