Sponsored
Engadget News |
- Microsoft's mystery announcement happens Monday at 6:30pm EST, get your liveblog here!
- Japan builds a better robot bender, still doesn't run on beer
- Sony's Google TV-enabled NSZ-GS7 Network Media Player up for pre-order at J&R
- Apple I fetches $374.5K at Sotheby's auction, Steve Jobs Atari note goes for $27.5k
- i-SODOG robot unveiled, dares you to resist its LED-puppy dog eyes
- The new stars of reggae are nothing like the old ones
- Braven Six Series Bluetooth speakers now shipping, three choices for on-the-go audio, USB charging
- 15 indie developers re-imagine Pong for iOS, hope to win Atari contract
- Ask Engadget: best 'invincible' point-and-shoot camera?
- Mobile Miscellany: week of June 11th, 2012
- Microsoft brings Kinectimals to Android, is both warm and fuzzy
- FlyNano proto takes to the air, final model will soar mainly with electrons (video)
- New Motorola slider for Sprint surfaces with Android 4.0, many mysteries
- Northrop Grumman Unveils US Navy's MQ-4C BAMS Triton unmanned aircraft
- Dolby confirms 14 theaters for inaugural screening of Pixar's 'Brave' with Atmos audio
- AOC Aire iPlay desktop LCD docks iPhones and iPods, rocks the joint (modestly)
| Microsoft's mystery announcement happens Monday at 6:30pm EST, get your liveblog here! Posted: 17 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT What to do when Microsoft schedules two major announcements in one week? Plan a liveblog and cue the speculation, of course. With a sneak peek of Windows Phone Apollo coming in just two days, we're pretty confident tomorrow's press conference won't have anything to do with mobile phone software. But Win8 tablets? Perhaps a Kindle Fire competitor running Windows RT? Now we're talking. Or maybe there's a piddly chance we'll actually hear more about Xbox Music? With no hints coming out of Redmond, your guess is as good as ours until the event kicks off. Be sure to bookmark this link and join us tomorrow at 6:30pm EST as we give you up-to-the-minute coverage, live from Microsoft's press room in Los Angeles. June 18, 2012 6:30 PM EDT |
| Japan builds a better robot bender, still doesn't run on beer Posted: 17 Jun 2012 10:41 AM PDT Futurama may have set an unreasonably high bar for the next-generation bending unit, but Opton's T-WIN20 KDM inches slightly closer to the perfect drinking buddy of tomorrow. Unlike traditional robot benders, the T-WIN20 KDM can process and bend objects without the need for human assistance. It won't run off (or brew) Beer like MomCorp's premier bending unit, but forgoing meatbag assistance is a start. Check out the ¥15,500,000 ($194,000) pipe mangler after the break. |
| Sony's Google TV-enabled NSZ-GS7 Network Media Player up for pre-order at J&R Posted: 17 Jun 2012 08:42 AM PDT We knew Sony's next batch of Google TV-enabled hardware was coming this summer, and now at least one device is up for pre-order at J&R. Folks who've been wanting the Android-based service without shelling out for a full TV set from the company will now only need to part with $200 for its NSZ-GS7 Network Media Player. The unit comes complete with an updated remote featuring a QWERTY keyboard, motion control, a microphone (for "voice commands") and a touchpad, and it's said to work with most of Sony's 2012 TV lineup. There still seems to be no word on this streaming box's exact specs, a ship date or when you'll be able to snag its Blu-Ray touting sibling, but you can hit the source link to secure one for yourself in the meantime. Here's to watching whether it'll muster up more gusto for the platform than Logitech's Revue, once it's planted consumers' AV racks. |
| Apple I fetches $374.5K at Sotheby's auction, Steve Jobs Atari note goes for $27.5k Posted: 17 Jun 2012 06:31 AM PDT Here's an update for all the collectors of vintage Apple Computer-wares out there. If you'll recall, it was a few weeks back when Sotheby's announced it would auction off an Apple 1 motherboard, cassette interface and its BASIC programming manual, originally set to fetch upwards of $180,000. Just this week, the hand-built piece of computing history from 1979 was sold to one lucky phone bidder for an even more massive $374,500. As Apple Insider notes, the computer is one of six that's accounted for out of 50 that are likely still out there -- ensuring these will only remain for folks with deep pockets indeed. Past that, a hand-written note from Steve Jobs during his time at Atari was also on the auction block, garnering $27,500 even though it was only estimated to sell for less than half that price. Knowing the cost of collecting a premiere piece (arguably) from the fruits of Woz and Jobs, it certainly makes that new MacBook Pro with Retina display seem like a grand bargain in comparison. Details at the links below. |
| i-SODOG robot unveiled, dares you to resist its LED-puppy dog eyes Posted: 17 Jun 2012 04:05 AM PDT Takara Tomy's i-SODOG might not be as intimidating as other robotic quadrupeds, but it sure is a charmer. Freshly unveiled at the Tokyo International Toy Show, the puppy comes laden with touch sensors, 15 custom servos and a microphone, letting its master command it with up to 50 unique voice cues. The mechanical mutt's mind packs some basic artificial intelligence as well, allowing it to learn and modify its behavior based on the user's commands. If the pup flunks out of digital dog training, however, its owner can always assume control directly with the i-SODOG iOS / Android app or from a dedicated controller. Fido's chasing a Spring 2013 release for 31,500 yen ($400), but there's no word on a release outside of Japan. In the meantime, a video of the plastic pooch in action awaits you after the break. |
| The new stars of reggae are nothing like the old ones Posted: 17 Jun 2012 01:54 AM PDT Earthly music just ain't enough for reggae / rock band Echo Movement. In search of extraterrestrial inspiration, they hooked up with researchers at Georgia Tech's Sonification Lab, which specializes in turning ugly numbers into beautiful music. Using data from NASA's Kepler telescope and its search for Earth II, SonLab generated "sequences of sonified musical pitches" from fluctuations in a star's brightness (meet Kepler 4665989). Echo Movement got their loop on and composed a harmony from the sequences, adding a tremolo effect from another star's pattern for a softer sound. Unfortunately, the finished track isn't out til September, but in the meantime you can hear the six-second celestial hook at the source link -- just don't blame us if you get pangs of Nokia-stalgia. Also, if you want to imagine how Echo Movement might use the sample, we've embedded one of their rarer songs -- that doesn't involve Spider-Man's girlfriend -- after the break.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Braven Six Series Bluetooth speakers now shipping, three choices for on-the-go audio, USB charging Posted: 16 Jun 2012 11:48 PM PDT Jawbone's Jamboxes may be the first gizmos that jump to mind if you're searching for wireless, on-the-go speakers, but they're not the only options out there. An outfit by the name of Braven has been teasing its own Bluetooth-enabled Six Series stereo noiseyboxes since April, and now it's officially ready to ship them off. Aside from pumping out wire-free audio, each unit can be used as a portable USB charger for your various gadgets. You'll have a choice between the aluminum-encased 600 ($150) and 650 ($190) models, while the 625 ($180) variant features a ruggedized, shock-absorbing enclosure and a water-proof bag for the more adventurous of you out there. You'll get anywhere from 12-20 hours of charging depending on the model, but each features the same internal setup for sound: two three-watt speakers paired with a dual passive bass radiator. You'll find more details on the specs of each model and your color options in the press release after the break. BRAVEN Now Shipping World's Most Talented Wireless Speakers BRAVEN SIX Series Speakers feature big high-fidelity audio, Provo, UT – June 14th, 2012 – BRAVEN, a leading innovator in Bluetooth audio and charging solutions, today announced their sophisticated wireless speakers are now shipping. Weighing in at around 12 oz. and about 6 inches in length, these small speakers deliver room-filling high-fidelity audio for music on the go. The speakers also feature a built-in speakerphone, charging capability, and the option to combine multiple speakers together. The SIX Series includes the sleek aircraft grade aluminum 600 model available in Moab Red or Mountain Ash. The high-end 650 model comes in classic aluminum and features APTX for today's modern audiophile. The 625s is housed in a rugged shock-absorbent rubber that is built for durability and outdoor adventures. Originally only offered in Stealth Black, the 625s is now available in a new Summit Green. The Bluetooth speakers have two custom extended-range drivers, each with 3 watt speaker output providing high-fidelity stereo audio. Along with extraordinary battery life ranging from 12 to 20 hours, the speakers will charge USB devices while blasting music or movies. The internal duplex microphone also allows for hands-free speakerphone calls or chats via FaceTime, iChat, or Skype. For those who want even bigger output, multiple BRAVEN speakers can be daisy chained together or connected to other sound systems via 3.5 mm jack. With intense, powerful sound the BRAVEN speakers also improve the mobile gaming experience, bringing your favorite games to life. "These speakers are built for big audio in an attractive portable package," says CEO Warren Osborn. "They are so dynamic and versatile that they fit on a CEO's desk or a family's picnic table, a designer handbag or a teen's backpack." The BRAVEN 600 retails for $149.99, the 625s for $179.99, and the 650 for $189.99. The speakers are available at braven.com. See the speakers in action on YouTube. |
| 15 indie developers re-imagine Pong for iOS, hope to win Atari contract Posted: 16 Jun 2012 09:21 PM PDT As far as video games go, it doesn't get much simpler than Pong -- two paddles, one ball, no complications. A classic, to be sure, but definitely not the flashiest game when pitted against the average smartphone title -- maybe that's why Atari is asking indie developers to jazz it up. Yes, the Pong Indie Developer Challenge is in full swing, and Atari has pared down some 90-odd submissions to mere 15. Not familiar with the contest? Here's a quick refresh: Atari is looking for indie developers to re-imagine Pong for iOS as a fun, original, visually interesting and overtly marketable title. The stakes? Winners can score up to $100,000 and a publishing contract with Atari. Many of the semi-finalists' redesigns are as simple as adding multitouch gestures or bending the traditionally square playing field into a more circular court, but a few ambitious developers mixed it up with 3D playing fields, anthropomorphic paddles or augmented reality multiplayer. Check out Mashable's collection of contestant trailers at the link below for a look at the Pong of tomorrow. As for us? We're still pretty pleased with yesterday's model. |
| Ask Engadget: best 'invincible' point-and-shoot camera? Posted: 16 Jun 2012 07:54 PM PDT We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Mark, who's in the market for a heavy-duty camera. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
Firstly, thank you for doing your homework! It's reasonable that we should swing past this topic again after three years, so what about it dear friends? A point-and-shoot you'd be happy to take dirt biking, snorkeling and won't break when you drop it. Any you've bought yourself that's withstood your lifestyle, have you found any that you'd warn us away from? Let us know in the comments below. |
| Mobile Miscellany: week of June 11th, 2012 Posted: 16 Jun 2012 06:00 PM PDT Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Cricket found a new retail channel at Kmart and we received news that the HTC One S will soon arrive at Cincinnati Bell. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of June 11th, 2012. Kmart welcomes Cricket with open arms Blue light special on aisle four. Available now at 1,200 Kmart stores across the US, shoppers will find two smartphones for Cricket: the Samsung Vitality for $199 and the ZTE Score for $129. Alongside these offerings are two feature phones: the Huawei Pillar for $69 and the Samsung Chrono for $39. [Leap Wireless PR] HTC One S comes to Cincinnati Bell An AWS network famous for its hand-me-downs from T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell has announced that it'll begin offering the HTC One S for its subscribers on June 25th. The phone will cost $299 on-contract before a $100 mail-in-rebate. [Android Central] Galaxy Note rumored in navy blue for T-Mobile Evidence continues to mount that the Samsung Galaxy Note will soon arrive at T-Mobile stores in the good ol' US of A, but one thing you probably weren't expecting was to see the phablet available in blue. Such an inventory leak from the Magenta carrier suggests that's exactly what's in store, though we're no closer to having a solid release date. [TmoNews] Verizon Wireless LTE expansion takes a vacation... to Hawaii Big Red keeps rolling with its LTE network, and its latest effort is largely centered around Hawaii. On the big island, the areas of Kailua-Kona, Honokohau, Keauhou, Kealakekua, Captain Cook, South Kohala resorts, Hapuna, Waikoloa and Waikoloa Village are now swimming in 4G airwaves. Meanwhile on the island of Kauai, residents of Lihue, Puhi, Nawiliwili, Wailua Homesteads and Kapaa have received a similar bit of love. Verizon's LTE network is also now officially available in Logan, W. Va.; Mount Vernon, Monroe, Burlington, Fredrickson, Graham, South Hill and Spanaway, Wash.; and Ashland, Ky. [Verizon Wireless] AT&T expresses interest in Verizon's 700MHz spectrum T-Mobile may want nothing to do with the 700MHz spectrum that was pitched by Verizon Wireless as a peace offer should its acquisition of the AWS licenses from SpectrumCo and Cox be approved, but the same can't be said for AT&T. This week, company CEO, Randall Stephenson, expressed his interest in the Lower B Block of Verizon's holdings, although like others, he stated that the Lower A Block licenses would be too prone to interference and wouldn't pair well with AT&T's existing infrastructure. [FierceWireless] Flipboard for Android updated for improved battery life The popular RSS reader for iOS recently made its way across the aisle to the Android platform with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S III, and while it's availability is currently limited to owners of this handset and authorized beta testers, a new version is now available to the two lucky groups. Along with restyled dialogs, the app is said to feature a smaller memory footprint and improved battery life -- a few changes that we'll all appreciate when Flipboard goes mainstream. [Android Central] |
| Microsoft brings Kinectimals to Android, is both warm and fuzzy Posted: 16 Jun 2012 05:31 PM PDT |
| FlyNano proto takes to the air, final model will soar mainly with electrons (video) Posted: 16 Jun 2012 04:17 PM PDT Last time we saw the FlyNano amphibious ultralight plane, we weren't sure if it would be gas or electric, and we wondered who'd be brave enough to fly the tiny thing -- if it flew at all. That's all been answered, because the sub-154 pound carbon fibre vehicle completed its first flight, taking a brief skip above a Finnish lake with pilot Pekka Kauppinen at the helm. The short trip showed promise, and the company affirmed it would continue development and airborne tests with the aim of delivering to customers in late 2013. According to the maker, recent technology gains mean that electric motors will now be the main power option. No change to the $27k base price tag was announced, so if you've got the nerve to strap one on -- and a lake to launch from -- click the source or watch the video after the break.
|
| New Motorola slider for Sprint surfaces with Android 4.0, many mysteries Posted: 16 Jun 2012 03:20 PM PDT Two can play at the leaked Android slider phone game: just hours after Samsung and T-Mobile had their time to play, a more than slightly enigmatic Motorola QWERTY slider has popped up at the Android Central forums. What looks at first like a Droid 4 with the edges rounded off instead looks to be a completely new creation that has the same buttonless front face plus Android 4.0 combo as the rumored Droid RAZR HD. Other than a Sprint Music app icon giving away the phone's ultimate destination, though, we know little else about what the design will entail. It's logical to imagine Sprint wanting LTE and at least a qHD (540 x 960) screen, however. The tipster didn't give a clue as to when Motorola's device would officially join the ranks -- not to mention any device names -- but we'd say that the lack of any QWERTY phone on the soon-to-launch Sprint LTE network might serve as a strong incentive for both the carrier and Motorola to get cracking. |
| Northrop Grumman Unveils US Navy's MQ-4C BAMS Triton unmanned aircraft Posted: 16 Jun 2012 02:24 PM PDT If Broad Area Maritime Surveillance, or war gadgets are your bag, then things just got real. Northrop Grumman has just unveiled the MQ-4C BAMS Triton, the latest addition to the US Navy's Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force. The spy plane was more than four years in development, has a wingspan of 130.9 feet, and is able to cover more than 2.7 million square miles in a single mission. As you will have been unable to avoid noticing, the unmanned aircraft definitely inherited some of the RQ-4 Global Hawk's dome-like DNA, and will edge towards active service after completing functional requirement reviews and system development and demonstration flights. Want to bone-up on the full spec? Hit the more coverage link for the numbers. In the meantime, we're wondering if they might extend the research. |
| Dolby confirms 14 theaters for inaugural screening of Pixar's 'Brave' with Atmos audio Posted: 16 Jun 2012 12:53 PM PDT If you want to be among the first to experience Dolby's new Atmos surround sound experience, the company has released a list of 14 theaters that will have it up and running in time to show the first movie with the technology. Disney / Pixar's Brave hits the screens June 22nd and thanks to the Atmos setup is ready to direct sound to listener's ears from as many as 64 speaker feeds and 128 simultaneous inputs, combining with 3D visuals to increase viewer immersion. Not sold yet? Check out a few instructional videos about intelligent surround sound, and why 13.1 channels just wouldn't have been enough, plus of course, the list of all fourteen theaters. Disney•Pixar's Brave Showing in Dolby Atmos Nationwide Patrons across the country to enjoy the most extraordinary cinema sound experience ever offered following World Premiere at the Dolby Theatre SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) today announced the names of select movie theatres nationwide that will screen Disney•Pixar's Brave in Dolby® Atmos™, the new audio platform that will change the experience of sound in entertainment. The World Premiere of Brave will take place at Hollywood's Dolby TheatreSM, using Dolby Atmos and Dolby 3D to transport the audience into the adventure, with a lifelike and immersive sensory cinema experience. Following the premiere, Dolby Atmos will continue to wow Brave audiences at select theatres beginning June 22. "Dolby Atmos is our most revolutionary sound innovation in years, and the industry reaction has been overwhelming. We can't wait for the public to experience firsthand what producers, studio executives, and sound mixers have been raving about since we first demonstrated the technology in April," said Ramzi Haidamus, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "It's fitting that Disney•Pixar, known for creating magical and immersive worlds, will be the first to introduce audiences to a film in the most magical and immersive sound format ever conceived." The following theatres in the United States and Canada are slated to show Disney•Pixar's Brave in Dolby Atmos: • AMC® BarryWoods 24 (Kansas City, MO) • AMC Burbank 16 (Burbank, CA) • AMC Century City 15 (Century City, CA) • AMC Downtown Disney 24 (Lake Buena Vista, FL) • AMC Garden State 16 (Paramus, NJ) • AMC Van Ness 14 (San Francisco, CA) • ArcLight Sherman Oaks (Sherman Oaks, CA) • Brenden Theatres at the Palms (Las Vegas, NV) • Century at Pacific Commons and XD (Fremont, CA) • Cinemark® West Plano and XD (West Plano, TX) • SilverCity-Yonge Eglington Cinemas (Cineplex) (Toronto, ON) • Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23 (Vancouver, WA) • El Capitan Theatre (Hollywood, CA) • Kerasotes ShowPlace™ ICON at Roosevelt Collection (Chicago, IL) "We are so proud that Brave is the first-ever film to be released in Dolby Atmos," said Mark Andrews, director of Disney•Pixar's Brave. "It is sound technology at its very best. Dolby Atmos adds a new dimension to the Brave experience, bringing the story to life in a way that complements the film's animation and 3D presentation. It's an incredibly immersive experience that movie fans will not want to miss and will not soon forget." About Dolby Atmos The latest sound technology from Dolby Laboratories, Dolby Atmos brings a powerful new listening experience with more natural, realistic cinema sound that truly envelops the audience. It is an end-to-end solution that takes into account the entire content pipeline and brings together mixers, studios, and distributors to create dramatic improvements in the audio experience. The Dolby Atmos platform provides content creators with a new creative freedom to tell their stories and simplifies movie distribution with a single universal package to deliver to audiences the full impact of the artist's intent, regardless of theatre configuration. To learn more about Dolby Atmos, visit dolby.com/Atmos. To share an educational video on Dolby Atmos, visit https://vimeo.com/40699179; to see the Dolby Theatre sign-unveiling ceremony, visit http://vimeo.com/43909365. The Dolby virtual press kit is available at dolby.com/news. About Brave Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar's Brave follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land-massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson), and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane)-unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish, and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources-including her mischievous triplet brothers-to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, Brave is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters, and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in 3D in select theatres. For more information about Brave, visit Disney.com/Brave, like us on Facebook, facebook.com/PixarBrave, and follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/disneypixar. About Dolby Laboratories Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound in environments from the cinema to the living room to mobile devices, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com. Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. S12/25803 DLB-G
|
| AOC Aire iPlay desktop LCD docks iPhones and iPods, rocks the joint (modestly) Posted: 16 Jun 2012 11:04 AM PDT AOC has a bit of a long-term memory issue: it claims the Aire iPlay E2343Fi is the first computer monitor to have a built-in iPhone and iPod docking station. Nope. But don't let that deter you from checking out the new 23-inch LCD, whose cradle in the base will both keep your Apple gear topped up as well as play movies and music through the display. The 10-watt speakers won't exactly bring the house down, though they will let you take the headphones off. As an actual computer display, it's a typical TN-based panel with a 1080p resolution, a quick 2ms pixel response time and a boldly claimed 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Those who find a separate dock or (gasp) wires too much can officially spend $280 for an Aire iPlay of their own today; Amazon and other shops have already knocked the price down to a more palpable $230. |
| 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