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- Higgs boson just may, possibly, more or less be proven to exist by ATLAS and CMS teams
- Google indoor maps comes to the UK, helps commuter meet pasty in record time
- Solmeta N3 geotagging module for Nikon DSLR review: fast GPS locks, minimal battery drain
- Design firm's video offers a glimpse of the touchscreen webOS phone that never was
- Kodak gets the green light to sell digital imaging patents
- RIM's Thorsten Heins denies company's 'death spiral,' predicts successful transition to BlackBerry 10
- Real-world impressions of Dolby Atmos surround sound (ears-on)
- Samsung upstages Sony with f/1.4-equipped EX2F point-and-shoot for $549
- Motorola Photon Q wanders into the FCC with Sprint LTE
- NEC's LaVie Z Ultrabook has definitely lost weight: just 875 grams and priced from $1,600 in Japan
- Google's Nexus 7 tablet hits the iFixit teardown labs
- Next season NFL will release All-22 game tape, relax blackout rules and start doubleheaders later
- Apple may get the Italian boot, has 30 days to push a 2-year warranty for locals
- Navigon boosts iPhone app to version 2.1, discounts purchases through July 16th
- Ice Cream Sandwich consumed by one in ten Android devices
- Microsoft takes $6.2 billion of lumps on fizzled aQuantive online ad acquisition
- Skytex announces Gemini and Protos: ICS tablets that sound like X-Men
- Cisco backs down over right to see your internet history
- Google Places for iOS becomes Google+ Local, adds voice search in the process
- Researchers create 'rubber-band electronics' material, capable of stretching up to 200 percent (video)
- Twitter Transparency Report shows DMCA and government actions: US is biggest busybody
- Researchers use 3D printer, sugar, to create a fake artery network for lab-grown tissue
- Sony's Music Unlimited service finally reaches Japan homeland, offers access to over 10 million tracks
- O2 says calling just fifth most-used task on smartphones, suggests we call them 'best buds' instead
- Google Chrome searches redirecting to blank.html (Update: fixed!)
- GreatCall outs Samsung-made Jitterbug Plus, for folks who want a phone without all the smarts
- Fujitsu, NICT create indoor navigation for the blind using ultrawideband, Android phones, kind hearts
- Adafruit's Pi Cobbler breakout kit puts Raspberry Pi's pins to work
- T-Mobile 'network data issue' knocking some subscribers offline (Update: service restored)
- ITC denies Apple's request for emergency ban against HTC products
- Judge Koh denies injunction stay, keeps Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 out of stores
- Sony Xperia SL shows up in Indonesian POSTEL database
- HBO Go update supports Android tablets up to ICS
- Amazon reportedly acquires UpNext, 3D map wars begin in earnest
- Micron scoops up Elpida Memory, 50-percent production boost for $2.5 billion
- Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Directors Cut brings point-and-poke adventure to Android
- Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:30PM ET
- UK hotel ditching paper bibles for Kindles, Rocky Raccoon to get acquainted with the benefits of e-ink
- Must See HDTV (July 2nd - 8th)
- Microsoft: our nature makes it tough to show everything Windows Phone 8 can do just yet
| Higgs boson just may, possibly, more or less be proven to exist by ATLAS and CMS teams Posted: 03 Jul 2012 11:06 AM PDT We had a false alarm over the possible discovery of the theory-unifying Higgs boson last year, but a bit of poking and prodding in subsequent months may well have given us much more definitive evidence of the elusive particle. According to some rare rumors emerging from Nature, both CERN's ATLAS and CMS detectors have seen particle decay signals suggesting the existence of Higgs to within a 4.5 to 5 sigma level of proof -- in other words, very nearly concrete evidence. That's not quite the 5-plus needed to settle the matter, but it's to a much higher level of certainty than before. As if to add fuel to the fire, ScienceNews even located a briefly posted, CERN-made video (sadly, since pulled) saying bluntly that the CMS team had "observed a new particle." Whether or not there's any substance is another matter. Nature hears that scientists are supposedly still working out what to say at an event on Wednesday, while CERN has made the slightly odd claim to ScienceNews that the yanked video is just one of several pre-recorded segments made to cover possible outcomes -- you know, in that "Dewey defeats Truman" sort of way. Unless the scientists have to go back to the drawing board, though, the focus from now on may be more on learning how Higgs behaves than its very existence. Any significant truth could see researchers proving the validity of the standard model of physics just as we're firing up our Independence Day barbecues. |
| Google indoor maps comes to the UK, helps commuter meet pasty in record time Posted: 03 Jul 2012 10:39 AM PDT If you're forever getting lost looking for Barratts, or feeling faint hunting down a Greggs to fill your mall-explorer's belly, then Google Maps to the rescue. Mountain View's already made it clear it doesn't want walls to get between you and its mapping of the world, and now those hungry Android-using indoor Britons can get in on the action. There's only a hair over 40 venues covered right now -- a mix of museums, stations, malls and airports in the main -- and most of them in London. With building owners being able to upload their own maps, however, this should / could expand quickly. Good news either way, though if you can get lost at London Bridge Station, then no amount of maps will likely help. |
| Solmeta N3 geotagging module for Nikon DSLR review: fast GPS locks, minimal battery drain Posted: 03 Jul 2012 10:05 AM PDT There's a reason "Nikon GP-1 alternative" is a search phrase that finds its way into Google's simplistic query box frequently. Put simply, the only GPS add-on with Nikon's name on it is universally seen as a poor purchasing decision. For one, it's still right around $200... despite the fact that it's pushing four years old. But perhaps more importantly, it's a major battery hog and takes eons (read: four to five minutes) to get a solid GPS lock if you attempt to conserve your juice by having it shut down each time you flick your camera's power switch to 'off.' Recently, we embarked on a road trip that took us through sparsely populated areas of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and California. For the purposes of using a geotagging module to accurately journal the precise locations of thousands of shots through some of America's most pristine wilderness, we strapped Solmeta's Geotagger N3 atop a Nikon D3S. For those unaware, the N3 was first introduced at CES 2012, and just recently started shipping directly from the company's Hong Kong headquarters to purchasers all over the globe. Much to our surprise, it managed to not only outgun the GP-1, but it also exceeded even our lofty expectations. Care to hear more? Join us after the break. Setup In a word: easy. In more than a word, we've a hard time believing that Solmeta could've made this any simpler. Just unpack the product, screw the plug end into the circular port just north of the lens eject button on the camera's face, and drop the module itself into the hot shoe. That's it. Of course, that's the process with Nikon's D3 and D3S. Solmeta actually sells three different versions of the N3, with the only difference being the connection mechanism. The N3-A supports the newly-announced D4, D3S, D3, D800, D800E, D700, D300 series, D2X, D2XS, D2HS and D200. Those with a D90 will need to opt for the N3-B, while the N3-C plays nice with the D7000, D5100, D5000 and D3100. The unit is designed to siphon energy from the camera's battery pack. In a sense, this is far superior to those somewhat janky Bluetooth solutions that log data separately, and force you to use matching software to pin metadata to images in post-processing. On the other hand, this more integrated approach -- which embeds the data onto each image as it's shot -- does indeed make the module more of a parasitic being. Rival dongles have largely been panned for sucking away too much of the camera's life, but we'll touch on that in just a bit.
Solmeta thoughtfully used a coiled, flexible, highly durable cable to run between the unit's head and the plug end. When coiled, there's no slack whatsoever, and the overhang really doesn't impact usage. If you're using a hot shoe tree to hold the N3's head as well as a flash, an LED square or a shotgun microphone, being able to uncoil it to reach such a place is a real boon. After you've slotted the N3 into your camera's hot shoe (or anywhere that you feel like affixing it with your own Velcro kit), watch that LED on the rear. A flashing red informs you that it's looking for a GPS lock; a solid green affirms that a fix has been acquired. You can confirm that you are indeed locked in by pressing the Menu button on the D3S and navigating to GPS > Position and looking for live data. In our testing, it was so precise that simply taking a single step in any direction caused the metadata to react accordingly, proving that a GPS lock was in place. Performance It all boils down to this, doesn't it? The vast majority of direct-connect geotagging options for Nikon's DSLR range suffer from two problems. The first is that they just aren't reliable. The GP-1 -- as well as most of the other alternatives that surfaced prior to the N3 -- can routinely take between four to six minutes to find a GPS lock from a cold boot. In my testing, the N3 geotagger secured an accurate lock within a few feet within one to two minutes, even under fairly dense tree cover. If I had a reasonably clear view of the sky, I saw it grab a lock in 35 seconds. Without question, that's industry-leading speed. Time after time, the unit managed to find a fix in some of America's most remote locales in just a fraction of the time it takes rival units. The other problem that most add-on units suffer from is excessive battery drain. On the D3S, you've two options once the N3 is connected. Tucked within the GPS menu is a selection that's (confusingly) titled "Auto Meter Off." Our outright recommendation is to leave this "Off" when using the N3. Nikon's GP-1 GPS dongle will chew up roughly half of the D3S' battery if this is set to "Off" and forgotten for three to four hours. With the N3, we left it "Off" for 36 straight hours, took over 400 images and still had roughly 20 percent remaining in our cell. That's simply astonishing. Frankly, there's no reason whatsoever to tweak this setting to "On." By keeping it on "Off," you're effectively telling the N3 GPS dongle to remain alive even when the camera is switched off. The benefit here is that the GPS dongle will continually ping satellites in order to maintain a general idea of where you're located. Then, when you suddenly see a herd of bison tromping through Yellowstone National Park, you can flick the camera on, snap a few shots and have each of the images tagged with the precise location that you were at. This mode basically keeps the GPS unit only a second or two away from being able to regain a lock, and in our testing, the N3 managed to reacquire a fix before we had time to turn on the D3S, press Menu, and surf to the Position menu. If you're unfamiliar, that process takes two to three seconds. Impressive, indeed. Design and procurement The N3 is spectacularly engineered. We already mentioned how brilliant the spiral cable design is, and the screw-in mechanism ensures that the cable won't ever slip out even in bumpy conditions. It's also wildly light at just 1.8 ounces. You won't even notice the extra heft -- pinky promise. Interestingly, Solmeta also throws in a 2.5mm port on the side and a bundled wired remote trigger. The cord on the remote is a few feet long, and if you plug it into the connected N3, you'll be able to dictate a shutter press without having to lay a finger on the camera body itself. Can't say we were expecting a remote trigger to be built into a GPS module, but hey -- we'll take it. We're guessing it's there to act as a passthrough for those using the front connection port for a separate remote trigger apparatus, but honestly, the whole ordeal just reminds us how irked we are that the D3S doesn't have inbuilt support for a wireless remote trigger. As of now, there aren't too many options for picking up an N3. Thankfully, the one option we tried -- placing an order with Solmeta itself -- works well. You'll need to visit the More Coverage link below and order one directly from the company; it'll ship from Hong Kong, so we'd recommend coughing up the $30 expedited shipping fee unless you really can wait a sliver of eternity for the unit to arrive on US soil. In our experience, that option got the product to America in five business days. Wrap-up If you've been dragging your feet on purchasing a geotagging dongle for your Nikon DSLR, good on you. The options presented thus far have been lackluster at worst and just bearable at best. Solmeta's N3, however, is the one you've been longing for. It's light, durable, stupendously reliable and absolutely consistent. Over the course of seven days, we took over 2,500 images across some five states in incredibly diverse scenarios. Not a single image was mis-tagged, and not a single image was missing a tag. The impact on battery life was so minimal that we don't even consider it an issue; just get this thing and get to geotagging. Those who travel -- even if it's just a one-off vacation -- can gain a ton of value from looking back at photos and finding the precise points where their galleries were taken. Yeah, you'll probably need to be something of an argonaut to truly appreciate the art of great geotagging -- and we'll be covering the best methods for doing precisely that in a future article -- but the N3 finally delivers that ability to Nikon shooters in a way that no other unit has to date. If you're on the fence, pull the trigger on this guy: it's $189 (plus some lofty shipping fees) well-spent. |
| Design firm's video offers a glimpse of the touchscreen webOS phone that never was Posted: 03 Jul 2012 09:48 AM PDT Well, it looks like there's still a few surprises left from HP's brief foray into webOS hardware. As webOS Nation has discovered, the design firm Transparent House posted a brief clip of a device described as "WindsorNot" some eight months ago, which is very clearly a touchscreen-only webOS smartphone. As the site notes, that appears to be the very same device that had previously turned up in leaked photos under the codename "Stingray," and it estimates that the phone has the same 3.6-inch screen as the Pre 3. Details are scarce beyond that, but you can get a good look at what might have been in the video after the break -- not to mention yet another look at the unreleased TouchPad Go (a.k.a. Opal) on Transparent House's Vimeo page linked below.
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| Kodak gets the green light to sell digital imaging patents Posted: 03 Jul 2012 09:25 AM PDT It's been a long road for Kodak to get to this point, but it seems the floundering company has finally won approval to sell off its digital imaging patents. Over the objections of Apple and Flashpoint (nothing like kicking a company when its down), the Bankruptcy Court awarded Kodak the right to auction off its Digital Capture and Kodak Imaging Systems and Services (KISS) patent portfolios. While the challenges haven't been completely dismissed, the ruling provides an opportunity for the struggling Rochester firm to move ahead with its auction plans in the face of what it calls "baseless claims." Soon enough the bids for the rather sizable and valuable portfolios will start rolling in, and should provide Kodak with enough cash to keep its head above water for a little bit longer. For more detail, check out the PR after the break. [Image Credit: MercerFilm] Kodak Wins Approval to Auction Digital Imaging Patents Full Size Image ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 02 -- Kodak's motion was contested by Apple, Inc. ("Apple") and FlashPoint Technologies, Inc. ("FlashPoint") which have asserted "ownership" interests in a small number of the 1,100 patents in the portfolios. The Bankruptcy Court, over Apple and Flashpoint's objections, found that all of the patents in the Digital Capture and KISS patent portfolios are property of Kodak's estate. Accordingly, the Court granted Kodak the right to sell these patents free and clear of Apple and FlashPoint's claims at the auction, subject to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. "We are gratified that the Court has enabled us to move ahead with our patent auction in a timely manner and with clarity on ownership for the winning buyer," said Timothy Lynch, Kodak Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Officer. As previously announced, interested buyers will be able to submit bids on a confidential basis, subject to review by Kodak, certain of its creditors and the Bankruptcy Court. The auction is expected to be held in early August. Kodak is selling the patents under section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code which permits a sale free and clear of any adverse claim or interest. The patents will be sold in a fair, competitive process overseen by the Bankruptcy Court. At closing, the winning bidder can obtain an order of the Bankruptcy Court that protects it against any third-party ownership claims. The Bankruptcy Court's ruling provides a path to separate the auction process from continuing litigation about the Apple and Flashpoint claims. Kodak believes these claims are without merit, and is also seeking a determination on summary judgment, expected to be heard in July, that the claims are time-barred. Lynch said: "The Apple and FlashPoint claims are baseless and Kodak will still seek dismissal on summary judgment in July. However, today's ruling provides a Court-approved process allowing buyers to acquire the patents free and clear of all ownership allegations, regardless of the status of the dispute with Apple and Flashpoint at the time of closing." Even if the dispute with Apple and FlashPoint has not been fully resolved by the time of closing of the patent sale, Kodak may still sell the patents free and clear of Apple and FlashPoint's claims by establishing "adequate protection" under the Bankruptcy Code for Apple and Flashpoint at the time of sale. Kodak's adequate protection could take many forms depending on the value of any remaining alleged interests, the amount of the sale proceeds, and other factors. Alternatively, the Bankruptcy Court also authorized Kodak to sell the patents subject to Apple and FlashPoint's claims, if mutually agreed between Kodak and the winning bidder. # CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 This document includes "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning the Company's plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenue or performance, capital expenditures, liquidity, financing needs, business trends, and other information that is not historical information. When used in this document, the words "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "predicts," "forecasts," or future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "should," "could," or "may," and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends and data are based upon the Company's expectations and various assumptions. Future events or results may differ from those anticipated or expressed in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks and uncertainties described in more detail in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" and those described in filings made by the Company with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York and in other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time, as well as the following: the outcome of our digital imaging patent portfolio auction; the outcome of our intellectual property patent litigation matters; our ability to raise sufficient proceeds from the sale of non-core assets and the potential sale of our digital imaging patent portfolios within our plan; the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to comply with the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) covenants in its Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement; the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to develop, secure approval of and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the chapter 11 cases; the Company's ability to improve its operating structure, balance sheet, and profitability following emergence from chapter 11; the potential adverse effects of the chapter 11 proceedings on the Company's liquidity, results of operations, brand or business prospects; the Company's ability to generate or raise cash and maintain a cash balance sufficient to comply with the minimum liquidity covenants in its Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement and to fund continued investments, capital needs, restructuring payments and service its debt; our ability to maintain product reliability and quality; our ability to effectively anticipate technology trends and develop and market new products; and the impact of the global economic environment on the Company. There may be other factors that may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf apply only as of the date of this document, and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this document. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. |
| Posted: 03 Jul 2012 08:47 AM PDT RIM CEO Thorsten Heins has the unenviable task of, well, being the CEO of RIM. Still, in spite of some gloomy numbers, the exec thinks the company is on the right track. Heins told CBC Radio that, since taking over, the company has been implementing changes that are helping Research in Motion transition to BlackBerry 10, adding that "there's nothing wrong with the company as it exists right now." Heins told the Metro Morning radio show, "This company is not ignoring the world out there, nor is it in a death spiral," adding, "Yes, it is very, very challenged at the moment - specifically in the U.S. market. The way I would describe it: we're in the middle of a transition." It's a transition from which, Heins insists, RIM "will emerge successfully." What's more, Heins also has an op-ed in today's Globe & Mail, where he mostly reiterates that stance and flatly says "don't count BlackBerry out." You can find it at the source link below. |
| Real-world impressions of Dolby Atmos surround sound (ears-on) Posted: 03 Jul 2012 08:05 AM PDT Dolby and AMC are both marketing the latest in surround sound technology heavily this past weekend with the release of "Brave," the first movie mixed and presented in Dolby Atmos. There are only 14 theaters in the world with the setup right now and one of them, and with one just an hour away yours truly decided to make the trek and report back for those who can't. Read on to see if our impressions of this new tech live up to the hype. Unlike with other ballyhooed movie theater technologies, there's no doubt here that when you buy a ticket you're getting exactly what was promised. Those pricey tickets ($16 for adults; $13 for kids) come stamped with the Atmos logo on it, and a Dolby employee even waited outside the entrance to give moviegoers a brief explanation of the technology. Looking around the theater, there were two rows of nine speakers above, from front to back, eight on each side and even more behind. We didn't count them individually, but we're confident that not another speaker could have been squeezed anywhere into that theater. Before the start of "Brave" we were introduced to a new Dolby Atmos demo clip designed purely to flex the system's muscles. It was very nature-oriented, with leaves blowing about and sounds hitting you from all directions. Demos aside, we were there to see the movie and while the overall volume level during a few scenes was too loud for our tastes -- something we hardly ever say -- that was our only complaint (also rare). Merida's preferred weapon, the bow, was practically tailor-made for Atmos, as you could hear exactly what direction the arrows were whizzing and at what velocity, even. The sonic quality of the music and dialog didn't disappoint either -- Dolby didn't make any sacrifices in its more traditional audio system when developing Atmos. Even at its worst, the Atmos experience is a top-of-the-line surround sound experience, but at its best it can shower us with sounds from above, and from across the theater in alarmingly lifelike detail. That said, even after putting our ears to the test, we still have to question how useful this horsepower is. The unfortunate reality we're left with is that there may only be a few times during any movie where the difference in these effects can be truly appreciated. The thing we find really exciting, however, isn't the fact that we can hear rain fall from above or that an arrow whizzes past us more evenly; it's that directors have one less restriction to abide by when crafting a masterpiece. At the end of the movie, we suspect many theatergoers will be left wondering what the big deal was -- heck, even we might not have given it a second thought had we not read up on the technology in advance. The positive takeaway is the assurance that we experienced the best surround sound available, and that we enjoyed the movie exactly as its creators wanted us to. Given the choice between a theater with Dolby Atmos and one without, we'll always choose the one with -- but it's unlikely we'll make an hour-plus road trip for it again. |
| Samsung upstages Sony with f/1.4-equipped EX2F point-and-shoot for $549 Posted: 03 Jul 2012 07:33 AM PDT Samsung's been flaunting its WiFi-equipped Smart cameras throughout the last year, but with a generally significant tradeoff in image quality, we haven't been terribly impressed. The EX2F, however, is a model we're finally eager to get our hands on. This 12.4-megapixel CMOS shooter packs an f/1.4-2.7 lens -- quite a feat for any point-and-shoot -- along with a full-size hot shoe, dual image stabilization, a top ISO setting of 12,800 (extended), a 24-79mm 3.3x lens and a 3-inch swivel VGA-resolution AMOLED display. That's in addition to the full manual shooting mode, RAW option, 1080/30p HD video capture and the standard plethora of WiFi options, including Remote Viewfinder and Auto Backup. Accessory add-ons include an optical viewfinder, external mic and a secondary flash (a smaller pop-up model is built-in, and retracts when not in use). There's no hint of pricing or availability, but with that industry-leading f/1.4 lens, pro-level features and AMOLED display, we're certain that the EX2F won't come cheap. Full PR is after the break. Update: It appears that the EX2F includes a 1/1.7-inch sensor, compared to the significantly larger 1-inch sensor on the Sony RX100. Samsung has also confirmed that the camera will be priced at $549, and is scheduled to hit stores in August. Samsung combines super-bright photography with easy sharing in the new SMART CAMERA EX2F The new model boasts the world's brightest compact camera lens with F1.4 aperture SEOUL, Korea – July 12, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has announced the launch of the EX2F, the latest model in its growing range of Wi-Fi-enabled SMART CAMERAs. Following the success of the EX1 with F1.8 lens, the new model is engineered to deliver super-bright photography thanks to its F1.4 lens, the brightest in any compact camera. The high image and video quality of the EX2F also comes with the advantage of being able to store and share images remotely using Wi-Fi functionality. Encompassing Full Manual Control in a strong but lightweight body, the EX2F is ideal for DSLR-owners looking for more portable equipment to capture images spontaneously and subtly, and for photographers looking for a step-up in quality from their point-and-shoot whilst retaining ease-of-use and portability. The EX2F combines a number of features to deliver incredible picture quality in all conditions. With the segment-leading advanced F1.4 24mm Lens, the wide range of aperture steps delivers clear images and video even in very low light conditions. These are easily controlled using the professional front wheel key and Dual Dials, which enable switching between parameters and modes quickly for greater manual control. The low-light capabilities of the EX2F are also added to by the 1/1.7" 12 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which delivers clear, blur-free images - even when shooting objects in low-light situations. Fusing quality with creativity, 1080/30p Full HD Movie Recording with stereo sound allows users to capture video in high enough quality to enjoy on a Full HD TV. The EX2F also allows still 12 Megapixel photos and video to be captured simultaneously using the Dual Capture feature, so that any scene can be shot as both photo and video. The world's brightest compact camera lens The lens on the EX2F also incorporates a Neutral Density (ND) filter, giving the user greater control over exposure time in different conditions and making photos appear more neutral in situations of over-exposure. It also allows for shooting at a very shallow depth of field, so users can isolate their subjects from backgrounds to create stunning portraits. To make bright images clearer, the EX2F also includes Dual IS (OIS and DIS) to minimize the effect of shaking – particularly useful in low-light situations. Complete control The EX2F also encompasses Full Manual Control as well as Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. The Dual Dial and front wheel keys also allow users to quickly and easily adjust exposure for effortless pro-style control. This is all combined into a body that is compact and light, making it possible to carry the camera anywhere for spontaneous shots without the complication and intrusiveness of a weighty DSLR. Bright and intuitive display Shooting and sharing from anywhere "We created the EX2F to show that taking great pictures doesn't have to involve carrying a heavy and bulky DSLR wherever you go. Because the best shots often arise when you least expect them, the EX2F delivers manual control and stunningly bright image quality in a body that is small and light enough to carry around every day. It's the perfect compact on-the-road companion for the DLSR user who expects the best image quality with full creative control." said Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "The inclusion of Samsung's pioneering Wi-Fi technology also means that you can share those images straight from the camera, giving you the freedom to shoot and share wherever the journey takes you." |
| Motorola Photon Q wanders into the FCC with Sprint LTE Posted: 03 Jul 2012 07:23 AM PDT What's that? A Motorola phone with Sprint LTE, EVDO and the model number XT897 getting approved by the FCC? Why, it looks like this could be the Photon Q LTE! We weren't able to glean much in the way of detail save for the fact it packs NFC and LTE band 25 (Sprint's 1900MHz flavor), but this is good news for Motorola fans disappointed in the dearth of new handset options over the last six months. Head to the link to get your fill of measurements and other fun numbers. |
| NEC's LaVie Z Ultrabook has definitely lost weight: just 875 grams and priced from $1,600 in Japan Posted: 03 Jul 2012 07:04 AM PDT No one complained when we reported NEC's initial claimed weight of 999 grams (2.2 pounds) for its LaVie Z Ultrabook, but it turns out that statistic is brutally unfair. The 13.3-inch laptop actually tips the scales at just 875 grams (1.9 pounds) thanks to the magnesium lithium alloy used in its 0.59-inch chassis -- not bad when you consider that there are still 1.3kg netbooks wandering the planet. Of course, in line with Intel's official Ultrabook spec, you're getting a minimum Core i5-3317U processor (yes, that's Ivy Bridge) and 128GB SSD, plus USB 3.0, SDXC slot, HDMI out and a claimed battery life of 8.1 hours. There's no word on US pricing yet, but that base spec will set you back ¥130,000 ($1,600) in Japan, while the top model with Core i7-3517U and 256GB SSD will add another ¥30,000 ($375) to your bill. |
| Google's Nexus 7 tablet hits the iFixit teardown labs Posted: 03 Jul 2012 06:29 AM PDT We can always count on iFixit to get down and dirty with its spudger and the latest tablet tech, and we're not going home empty handed today. The latest victim happens to be Google's recently announced Nexus 7, which has achieved a "repairability score" of 7 out of 10 (the Kindle Fire squeaked one notch past with an 8), with many accessible components including a replaceable battery and standard Phillips screws. While the site's ultimate goal is to illustrate the delicate process of opening our gadgets while leaving them unharmed, the good folks at iFixit never fail to entertain us in the process, with two dozen high-res photos of the Nexus 7's innards littering the 21-step repair guide. The most disappointing discovery appears to be the display, which is permanently affixed to its Corning glass covering, but given the tablet's $200 price tag, replacing such a component is not likely to be a cost-effective proposition. There's plenty more to gawk over, but you'll need to head to iFixit to, well, get your fix. Click on through at our source link below. |
| Next season NFL will release All-22 game tape, relax blackout rules and start doubleheaders later Posted: 03 Jul 2012 05:58 AM PDT Even in the offseason we're still football crazy, and some news has leaked out that will adjust how we watch the NFL. Most recently, the Wall Street Journal reports the league has officially relaxed local blackout requirements, which reduces the chance broadcasts are turned off in a team's home area if they don't sell enough tickets. The new rules passed by team owners allow for local broadcasts even with ticket sales at just 85 percent, and while each team can set its own minimum, if it sells more tickets it will have to share more of the revenue with other clubs. Plans to get more fans in the stadium include free WiFi, plus mobile apps (those may cost) with game highlights and the ability to listen in on the sound from field level. Another change affects doubleheaders, as Fox and CBS will now start their second game ten minutes later than last year at 4:25 PM ET, hopefully avoiding interference with the end of earlier games. Finally, the league has revealed its NFL Game Rewind online replay package (available on Android and iOS tablets for the first time this year) will expand to offer previously restricted angles with its coaches Film feature. Now fans can see the game tape coaches use to evaluate their teams with the "eye in the sky" All-22 view that shows all of the players and end zone cameras. We'll see if a different viewpoint makes callers into sports talk radio any more knowledgeable about the game, but that seems doubtful. NFL shifts CBS & FOX late doubleheader kickoff times to ensure more football for fans |
| Apple may get the Italian boot, has 30 days to push a 2-year warranty for locals Posted: 03 Jul 2012 05:36 AM PDT Italian regulator AGCM is clearly on a short fuse with Apple. After issuing a €900,000 fine ($1.1 million) to Apple for not properly offering the free 2-year warranty required by national law, the agency is now warning the iPhone maker that it could face a temporary exile -- and we don't mean to Elba. On top of an additional €300,000 ($377,490) potential fine, Apple now faces as much as a 30-day shutdown of all its Italian business for allegedly doing too little to tell customers they don't always need AppleCare for extended coverage. Having lost its appeal on the original fine, Apple's main buffer is a 30-day window to address the complaints before the hammer drops. We have yet to see if Apple will tweak its policies in time, but it's hard to believe the American firm will risk even the momentary closure of an important European wing. |
| Navigon boosts iPhone app to version 2.1, discounts purchases through July 16th Posted: 03 Jul 2012 05:09 AM PDT Navigon's hitting those holiday roads a day early, releasing version 2.1 of its iPhone app. The free update adds Google Street View, which pops up as you approach a destination, along with a Cockpit display, which includes G-force, speed and compass information for an additional $6. There's also a new Manual Route Blocking feature, enabling you to force the app to offer an alternate path after identifying a section of road that you'd prefer to skip, along with improved start-up and map rendering performance, and Retina iPad compatibility. The USA version of the app is available for $30 (a $20 discount), while the North America version is also 20 bucks off, at $40, and regional flavors will be available for $20 ($10 off). In-app purchases are also discounted, including FreshMaps USA for $15 (normally $40), FreshMaps North America for $10 (down from $20), FreshMaps MyRegion for $20 (instead of $50) and the aforementioned Cockpit for $4 (regularly $6). All of the discounts run through July 16th, so hit up the App Store and get your download on now. NAVIGON iPhone navigation app update adds Google Street View, Cockpit function and more |
| Ice Cream Sandwich consumed by one in ten Android devices Posted: 03 Jul 2012 04:56 AM PDT The latest Dashboard numbers for Google's Android operating system have been released. The verdict? One in ten devices is leveraging Ice Cream Sandwich as their mobile OS of choice. The numbers, which are current as of July 2nd, put Gingerbread (Android 2.3) in first place with a 64-percent install base; followed by Froyo (Android 2.2) with 17.3-percent and ICS with 10.6-percent. Jelly Bean (Android 4.1), announced just last week at Google's IO Developer Conference, was not included in this instance of the report (as it is not officially available yet). Hit the source link to view all the stats, and feel free to let us know what Android codebase your handset is rocking via the comments. |
| Microsoft takes $6.2 billion of lumps on fizzled aQuantive online ad acquisition Posted: 03 Jul 2012 04:29 AM PDT Among all the Windows 8, WP8 and Surface excitement of late, Redmond has also dropped a chunk of less shiny happy news: its online services division is taking a goodwill writeoff of $6.2 billion as a result of its ill-fated aQuantive acquisition in 2007. Not coincidentally, that's almost exactly what it paid for the company, which it brought in to create pre-Bing online ad revenue -- back when Mountain View was eating even more of its lunch in search. The software giant said that aQuantive didn't "accelerate growth" as much as intended, although it added that it still provides assets for its internet advertising activities. With the advent of tablets and smartphones since then, it seems unlikely we'll see any of its now-quaint tech -- like shopping cart-mounted computers -- again. |
| Skytex announces Gemini and Protos: ICS tablets that sound like X-Men Posted: 03 Jul 2012 03:58 AM PDT Last time we saw Skytex, it was serving up a warm slice of Windows 7 on its tablets. Now, it's back with a pair of Androids, one under each arm. The Skypad Protos ($279) is 9.7 inches of Ice Cream Sandwich, while the Skypad Gemini ($179) measures in at just 7. Both slates run on 1.2GHz Cortex A8 silicon, shacked-up with a Mali 400 GPU. Other internals include 8GB storage, and 1GB or RAM, HDMI and a microSD card slot for expansion (up to 32GB). The larger Protos has an IPS screen, and a pair of cameras (5- and 2-megapixels) while the smaller Gemini just has the one (2-megapixel). It's not all about what's inside those box these days, as both also come with 5GB of cloud storage, showing these slates know what's on trend right now. With competition getting intense at the cheaper end of the scale, though, is there enough to get your credit card out when they start shipping this month? SKYTEX Technology Inc. has announced its 9.7" SKYPAD Protos and 7" SKYPAD Gemini Android 4.0 tablets will be released in early July. SKYPAD Gemini 7" Android 4.0 Tablet Online PR News – 28-June-2012 –SKYTEX Technology Inc., developer of cutting-edge Windows and Android tablets, has announced its 9.7" SKYPAD Protos (MSRP $279) and 7" SKYPAD Gemini (MSRP $179) Android 4.0 tablets will be released in early July. In addition, users will have access to productivity suites, premium and free cloud services including 5GB storage. At the heart of each tablet is a powerful 1.2 GHz Arm Cortex A8 processor paired with a Mali-400 graphics card for superior performance. Features include Bluetooth, 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM that provides smoother navigation, better video streaming, and superior gaming performance, along with access to over 200,000 must-have Android apps through the 1Mobile Market. The SKYPAD Protos 9.7" tablet, available in either glossy black or white, is highlighted by a wide-view IPS screen (4:3 aspect ratio). It houses an extended 6000mAh battery, with an estimated 10-20 hours of continuous web usage, optimized Wi-Fi, a 5MP camera and 2MP front facing webcam. It also supports 1080p HD video and 3D through HDMI, comes with a mini USB port, and micro-SD card slot for up to 32GB for additional storage of favorite games, movies, photos, and documents. The SKYPAD Gemini 7" capacitive multi-touch tablet (16:9 aspect ratio) with its rubberized "slip-proof" coating is perfect for gaming & media. Additional features included a 2MP webcam, optimized Wi-Fi, an HDMI output with support for 1080p and 3D through an HDTV, mini USB port, and a micro-SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage. "SKYTEX is delivering on its promise to bring exciting technologies, content and services to consumers who demand a better user experience," said Sal Fiore, VP of Sales & Marketing at Skytex. "We will continue to add additional content and services throughout 2012". For users of SKYTEX Android tablets purchased prior to the availability of its free cloud storage offer, value added apps and productivity suites, they can be downloaded at www.skytex.com. |
| Cisco backs down over right to see your internet history Posted: 03 Jul 2012 03:27 AM PDT Got any spare sympathy for Cisco? The company just can't catch a break with its various hardware schemes, and now it's getting aggro from an unexpected direction: users of its generally reliable Linksys routers. Owners of E2700, E3500 and E4500 models recently discovered that their router login credentials stopped working following an automatic firmware update, and instead they were asked to sign up to the new Cisco Connect Cloud platform to regain access. If they sought to avoid this by rebooting the router, they reportedly lost control over their advanced settings, which led to a sense of being cajoled. To make matters worse, the Connect Cloud service came with a supplemental privacy policy that explicitly allowed Cisco to peek at a user's "internet history," "traffic" and "other related information." If Cisco discovered you had used your router for "pornographic or offensive purposes" or to violate "intellectual property rights," it reserved the right to shut down your cloud account and effectively cut you off from your router. Now, much as the world needs moral stalwarts, in this instance Cisco appears to have backed down and removed the offending paragraph, but not before alienating a bunch of loyal Linksys customers like ExtremeTech's Joel Hruska at the source link below. |
| Google Places for iOS becomes Google+ Local, adds voice search in the process Posted: 03 Jul 2012 02:53 AM PDT It was only a matter of time before Google+ Local started spreading to the mobile space, and iOS looks to be its first landing spot through a rebadge of the Google Places app. Apart from achieving harmony with Google's rapidly swelling social universe and letting us check Zagat ratings for nearby establishments, the update slips in the same voice search that Google has had in its primary Google Search app: we won't have to search for the best Vietnamese cuisine with that archaic keyboard. The refresh makes it similarly easy to find locations that aren't directly close by, and there's a tighter login process to keep that bar search history away from prying eyes. If you're a social adventurer with an iPhone or iPod touch, Google just gave your expeditions a shot in the arm. |
| Posted: 03 Jul 2012 02:17 AM PDT One of the major issues with embedded medical devices is the lack of flexibility in existing electronics. Fortunately, researchers at the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University have developed a new material that can create electronic components capable of stretching to 200 percent of their original size. One of the major obstacles was how stretchable electronics with solid metal parts suffered substantial drops in conductivity but this solution involves a pliable three-dimensional structure made from polymers with 'pores'. These are then filled with liquid metal which can adjust to substantial size and shape changes, all while maintaining strong conductivity. We've embedded a very brief video of the new stretchable material going up against existing solutions -- it's right after the break.
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| Twitter Transparency Report shows DMCA and government actions: US is biggest busybody Posted: 03 Jul 2012 01:36 AM PDT Twitter dispatched its first biannual Transparency Report -- revealing government requests for user info and content holdback along with DMCA takedown notices -- which spotlights the US as the most active by far. The company claimed it was aroused to action by Google, which has been doing it for the last two years and recently added copyright takedowns to its own reports. So far, Twitter says that while most nations requested user data 10 times or fewer, the US government made 679 such appeals, more than the entire rest of the world combined. It also showed how often it obeyed -- 75 percent of the time in the US; much less elsewhere -- and said that affected users are always notified unless the company is prohibited from doing so. As we also noted with Google's reports, DMCA takedowns were by far the most numerous requests, with 3,378 total affecting 5,874 users, and 599 offending items actually pulled (38 percent). Those appeals aren't broken down by company like Mountain View's, but if you think that Usher photo mashup you're using as an avatar might be a problem, check the source to see all the data. |
| Researchers use 3D printer, sugar, to create a fake artery network for lab-grown tissue Posted: 03 Jul 2012 01:07 AM PDT Printing a chocolate heart is easy enough, but how about an actual organ? There are folks working on it, but it turns out those veins of yours aren't exactly a breeze to replicate. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and MIT may have found a semi-sweet solution -- dissolving a sugar lattice in a batch of living Jell-O. The research team uses a RepRap 3D printer and a custom extruder head to print a filament network composed of sucrose, glucose and dextran which is later encased in a bio-gel containing living cells. Once the confectionery paths are dissolved, they leave a network of artery-like channels in their void. Tissue living in the gel can then receive oxygen and nutrients through the hollow pipes. The research has been promising so far, and has increased the number of functional liver cells the team has been able to maintain in artificial tissues. These results suggest the technique could have future research possibilities in developing lab-grown organs. MIT Professor Sangeeta Bhatia, who helped conduct the effort, hopes to push the group's work further. "More work will be needed to learn how to directly connect these types of vascular networks to natural blood vessels while at the same time investigating fundamental interactions between the liver cells and the patterned vasculature. It's an exciting future ahead." Scientists at other labs could also get their mitts on the sweet templates since they're stable enough to endure shipping. Head past the break for a video of the innard infrastructure. |
| Posted: 03 Jul 2012 12:34 AM PDT The rest of the world has been sampling Sony's streaming music wares for a while, but the all-you-can-listen subscription service has finally launched today in Japan, priced at 1,480 yen per month. Music Unlimited has now rolled out to both Sony hardware and various mobile OS', in a bid to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Spotify. Users can still 'match' their existing music collection to the cloud service -- if available -- and will be able to stream available music on any compatible device and even cache their playlists for offline playback. Hit up the PR after the break for all the details. Music Subscription Service with All-You-Can-Listen Access to Over 10 Million Songs Initially, the "Music Unlimited" catalogue in Japan will offer over 10 million of songs from major labels including, EMI Music Japan Inc., Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., Universal Music LLC, Warner Music Japan, as well as leading independent labels. Furthermore, the catalogue will continue to expand over time. Music Unlimited The "Music Unlimited" cloud-based music subscription service matches users' lifestyles to offer them access to music wherever and wheneverⅲ across a bevy of devices. The service launched in the UK and Ireland in December 2010, and expanded to countries across North America and Europe. With the debut in Japan, "Music Unlimited" is now available in 17 countriesⅳ around the globe. Accessible across numerous Sony connected devices and more, "Music Unlimited" adapts to users' music preferences as they continue to use the service, so users can discover new music and artists. Furthermore, the service is cloud-based allowing users to enjoy music from their playlists and My Library across all of their compatible devices without the need to transfer music files. Through "Music Unlimited" users can easily enjoy the music they want to listen to from a plethora of preset music channels categorized by genre, era, and more, as well as "My Channels," customized by their favorite artists. Furthermore, users can easily find select songs, albums, artists and related songs from the enormous catalogue in the cloud. By studying users' 'like/dislike' song ratings, "Music Unlimited" adapts to users' music preferences to offer the most compatible and enjoyable songs from the cloud. Therefore, the more users use the service, the more opportunities they have to discover new songs and artists. Furthermore, by scanning and matching their existing music files on their personal computers with the "Music Unlimited" catalog through MusicSync™, users' music and playlists from other media players automatically appear in their "Music Unlimited" My Library for them to enjoy at any time across all compatible devices. Users can currently enjoy the service across Android™ smartphonesⅴ including Xperia™, Android™ tabletsⅵ including "Sony Tablet" devices, Android™ Walkman, PlayStation®3, PlayStation®Vita, VAIO and other Windows personal computersⅶ, and Macⅷ. Furthermore, the service is scheduled to become compatible on 2010 and later models of network-enabled Bravia® HDTVsⅸ, Sony's Blu-ray Disc® players (BDP-S380/S480), multichannel integrated amplifier (TA-DA5700ES) after mid-July. "Bringing the cloud music subscription service to Japan, which is one of the largest music markets in the world, is a key step in the expansion of 'Music Unlimited,'" said Tim Schaaff, President of Sony Network Entertainment International. "EMI Music would like to have its music available to as many music fans as possible in a great number of formats, and is very happy to provide its music content to 'Music Unlimited,' the multi-device subscription/streaming service by which consumers can enjoy listening to music while benefiting from a diverse array of cool functions," said Hitoshi Namekata, Executive Chairman & Representative Director, EMI Music Japan Inc. "We expect the service will bring discoveries of new music as well as encounters with nostalgic tracks, and hope that it will fulfill a valuable service for the music market." "We are excited to be able to deliver our music through this new 'Music Unlimited' service," said Naoki Kitagawa, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)Inc. "Innovative technologies have changed and diversified people's lifestyles as well as the way they enjoy music. We hope that even more people can enjoy our music in novel ways through new offerings like 'Music Unlimited.'" "'Music Unlimited' heralds a new era for the music industry in Japan," said Kazuhiko Koike, President and CEO, Universal Music LLC. "This service creates opportunities for customers to discover new music wherever they are in the world, and we are delighted to offer listeners access to our great music library." "I am thrilled about the launch of 'Music Unlimited' here in Japan and also very excited that now we can deliver more of Warner Music's Beautiful and POP repertoires to music fans through a variety of devices," said Kei Ishizaka, Representative Director, Chairman & CEO, Warner Music Japan Inc. "I strongly believe that music subscription service which is rapidly growing in overseas, will bring us another opportunity to expand digital business even more here in Japan." Key Features of "Music Unlimited" 2. Personalization 3. Synchronized music experience across all devices 4. Offline playback 5. Music Sync |
| O2 says calling just fifth most-used task on smartphones, suggests we call them 'best buds' instead Posted: 02 Jul 2012 11:53 PM PDT Virtually anyone who's been a frequent smartphone user for the past few years has already suspected it, but O2 UK has provided some possible evidence in a study: calling is one of the last things we do these days. Although the number hasn't gone down, the 12.1 minutes of time study subjects spend talking every day is just fifth-highest on the list of what they do with their smartphones. Web browsing (24.8 minutes) and social networking (17.5 minutes) dictate the largest slices of time, but the combined effect of all those apps, media playback and messaging leave voice as just 9.5 percent of the 128 minutes of daily use. The British carrier suggests the shift is more a virtue of smartphones becoming all-singing, all-dancing companions in our lives than from some disdain for human contact: about half of those asked have replaced alarm clocks and watches with their phones, while 39 percent depend on their smartphone as their main camera. There's even 28 percent that no longer feel the need for a laptop. O2's insights aren't all-encompassing and don't necessarily reflect how everyone uses their devices -- they do, however, explain why we're turning to phones that aren't all that comfortable as phones. |
| Google Chrome searches redirecting to blank.html (Update: fixed!) Posted: 02 Jul 2012 11:18 PM PDT There's no word yet on what exactly is causing it, but various Google Chrome users are reporting that searches from the omnibox / address bar that go nowhere. While the instant results appear properly, once the user hits enter they're sent to a blank.html page that's just that, blank. There's a Google Groups thread 116 posts long of people noticing the issue going back a few hours and we're seeing it on our end also. In the thread, users suggest going into the settings menu, selecting "Manage Search Engines", adding a new search engine with the url http://www.google.com/search?q=%s (it can be named anything) and then making it the default as shown above. That did the trick for us, let us know if you're seeing the same in the comments below. Update: Google has responded, telling us the issue should be resolved for "most users." If you changed your default search, this would seem to be as good a time as any to switch it back, check after the break for a statement from a Google spokesperson.
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| GreatCall outs Samsung-made Jitterbug Plus, for folks who want a phone without all the smarts Posted: 02 Jul 2012 10:20 PM PDT Adding features to a senior-friendly phone kind of defeats the purpose, but a sleeker design, improved battery life and boosted speaker? Sure, we'll take it. That's what you'll get with the new Jitterbug Plus, a bare-bones mobile phone for users who really only need to make and receive calls, and perhaps check the occasional voicemail. Manufactured by Samsung, the no-frills r220 includes an incredibly straightforward interface, with clearly marked Yes and No button options and large, backlit keys, including a panic button that puts you in touch with a 5Star Urgent Response agent. This latest model also adds a very basic 1.3-megapixel camera, which lets you post photos to Facebook with the touch of a button (you'll need to forgo the Instagram filters, though). The Jitterbug Plus is available now in red or silver for $99 at retailers like Best Buy, Radio Shack and Fry's, along with the company's online store, however pricing is expected to jump to $119 shortly after launch. Overall, the device appears to be a great choice for seniors, though CNET called the phone "overpriced" in its review, which you'll find at the link below. GreatCall Announces the All-New Jitterbug Plus - the Easiest and Smartest Jitterbug Yet Latest Handset Offers Smart New Feature Set, Award-Winning Simple Design, and Absence of Feature Overload San Diego, Calif. – July 2, 2012 – GreatCall, Inc., a leader in wireless services that enables its customers to stay connected, safe and healthy, today announced the national availability of its new Jitterbug® Plus cell phone. The new phone offers a sleek and simple design along with a smart new feature set that includes a stronger battery life and improved speaker, packaged in a lightweight, comfortable handset. The Jitterbug Plus also features an easy-to-use camera with a thoughtful one-touch photo sharing service that allows users to share their photos with the touch of a button. The celebrated design that made the Jitterbug the gold standard of simplicity stays the same, including the ability to easily turn features on or off to match your lifestyle, but avoid feature overload. · One in three online seniors uses social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. · Social networking site use among seniors has increased by as much as 150% (from 13% in 2009 to 33% in 2011). · Seven in ten adults ages 65 and older own a cell phone (up from 57% two years ago) · Baby Boomers are increasingly using Facebook-a combined[1] 28 million people over the age of 45 are active on the social network, uploading on average 391-418 photos-just as many as younger users. The demand for a mobile device that can quickly and easily exchange information is high. With the simplicity of the Jitterbug Plus' new photo sharing capability on Facebook, consumers don't need to worry about computer cords and complicated uploading procedures. At the touch of a button, Jitterbug Plus users can easily capture special moments via the built-in camera and instantly share them with family and friends. Dial "0" to reach a GreatCall Operator who can help manage your Calendar or Phone Book Available in two colors – Red or Silver · All features are easy to understand and use · You can call the operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and be greeted by name · No long distance or roaming charges The new Jitterbug Plus will retail for $119 with a limited-time introductory price of $99. To purchase the new Jitterbug Plus, call directly at 1-866-554-4751, online at greatcall.com or at select retailers including Best Buy, Sears, Radio Shack Dealer Franchise, Fry's Electronics and ShopKo. Visit our store locator online to find a retailer near you. |
| Posted: 02 Jul 2012 09:29 PM PDT There's no shortage of navigation outdoors, and even a little bit of help indoors, but there's been precious little aid for the blind indoors -- leaving them little choice but to move cautiously or get outside help. Fujitsu and Japan's NICT have crafted a system that gives the sightless a greater level of autonomy inside through ultrawideband-based impulse radio. A grid of UWB radios positioned around a room gauge the distances between each other and transmit the data to a PC, which then talks to the traveler's Android phone. The device then gives spoken directions based on a 12-o'clock system and far subtler distances than GPS can manage: the positioning is accurate to within a foot. While the indoors navigation is only just getting a demo this week, it's already being refined to detect objects in the room as well as to help even the fully sighted. If Fujitsu and NICT have their way, buildings ranging from hospitals to malls will have their own turn-by-turn navigation. For some, the freedom of movement could be a life-changer. |
| Adafruit's Pi Cobbler breakout kit puts Raspberry Pi's pins to work Posted: 02 Jul 2012 08:36 PM PDT Leave it to Adafruit to really help a product deliver on its DIY promise. Those pins on the Raspberry Pi taunted us from the moment we laid our hands on it, and not just cause we weren't sure what to do with them. The board's makers didn't exactly make playing with them easy. Actually, prototyping a project with a Pi embedded seemed like a logistical nightmare destined to become a mess of wires. The Pi Cobbler solves that problem with a ribbon cable, some header pins and a custom PCB. The kit lets you easily run those 26 I/O pins to solderless breadboard... after you've soldered together the Cobbler, of course. The whole, unassembled package will set you back just $7.95, which sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us. Especially since each pin is nice and clearly labeled. Hit up the source link to order yours. |
| T-Mobile 'network data issue' knocking some subscribers offline (Update: service restored) Posted: 02 Jul 2012 08:04 PM PDT Over the last couple of hours we've seen a steadily increasing flow of tips from users reporting their T-Mobile data service is completely out on 2G, 3G and 4G,, and now the company has confirmed the problem. According to the tweet from its official account the "network data issue" is only affecting service for some of its customers, which jibes with the reports we've received of some users still connecting without a problem. There's no ETA for a resolution, but we'll let you know when we hear more about what's going on. Update: As of 12:15 AM ET, the official account tweeted again saying service is restored, so if you've been among those having problems connecting, is everything back in order? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| ITC denies Apple's request for emergency ban against HTC products Posted: 02 Jul 2012 07:28 PM PDT Just like they have been, products like the One X and EVO 4G LTE will continue to pour through US Customs, as the ITC has now denied Apple's request for an emergency ban against the alleged infringing products. The news follows Apple's request for an emergency ban itself, in which the Cupertino outfit accused HTC of making false statements in order to bypass the terms of an exclusion order issued last December. In the most recent ruling, the ITC found that, "Apple has not demonstrated the propriety of temporary emergency action," and went on to state, "the commission will not direct Customs to detain all subject HTC products because the commission does not have the information necessary to determine whether the respondents are currently violating the commission's limited exclusion order." Just yesterday, the ITC began an investigation to determine whether HTC's products continue to violate a patent held by Apple, which would be a violation of December's exclusion order. Until the ITC issues a more definitive finding, however, it seems that HTC can breathe a sigh of relief. |
| Judge Koh denies injunction stay, keeps Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 out of stores Posted: 02 Jul 2012 06:57 PM PDT Samsung may have been quick to appeal Judge Lucy Koh's decision to halt Galaxy Tab 10.1 sales, but the woman with the gavel isn't bending. According to Reuters, Judge Koh has rejected the firm's request to allow sales to continue pending a decision, keeping store shelves empty for the time being. The story isn't over, of course -- if Samsung wins the appeal (or the greater dispute) tablets will return to stores in droves. Either way, we all look forward to a time when this whole mess is behind us. |
| Sony Xperia SL shows up in Indonesian POSTEL database Posted: 02 Jul 2012 06:11 PM PDT The Xperia S is a mere six months old. Yet, rumor has it that Sony is already prepping a refresh, dubbed the Xperia SL. The handset surfaced at the Indonesian POSTEL site (which appears to be something akin to the FCC), bearing the model number LT26ii. That seemingly random collection of letters and numbers actually reinforces the suspicion that the SL will replace the S, which goes by LT26i -- for those fascinated by nondescript naming systems. What else can we tell you about the device? Well... a whole lot of nothing unfortunately. Chances are it will be mostly a minor spec bump -- perhaps a quad-core CPU and a better camera. For now, though, you'll just have to wait and play the guessing game with the rest of us. |
| HBO Go update supports Android tablets up to ICS Posted: 02 Jul 2012 05:38 PM PDT When HBO Go launched for the Kindle Fire a few weeks ago it seemed odd that the app still didn't officially support other Android tablets, but now that has changed. v1.5 is now available on Google Play, and the release notes indicate it supports Android tablets running software up to 4.04 Ice Cream Sandwich. That would appear to lock out the Nexus 7 for now but since it hasn't been widely released yet, we'll let it pass (although it is worth noting that Netflix was updated with Jelly Bean support last week.) Another recent change across the tablet apps is that Time Warner Cable is a supported provider. The usual caveats still apply (you'll need HBO and of course, pay-TV to sign in) but the updated app is available now at the source link. |
| Amazon reportedly acquires UpNext, 3D map wars begin in earnest Posted: 02 Jul 2012 05:09 PM PDT We might as well call 2012 the year of the 3D map. We've seen both Apple and Google show their cards, but GigaOM now hears that Amazon has jumped in by acquiring newcomer UpNext. The details are scant, but the approximately $2.5 million deal would give Amazon the startup's 3D, Android-native maps of 50 US cities, complete with navigation and extra information about notable buildings. The online reseller hasn't confirmed whether or not the acquisition is happening, which leaves it very much in rumor territory for now. That said, it's not hard to imagine Amazon taking that leap. The Kindle Fire is cut out of the official Android ecosystem and won't get built-in 3D maps without effort on its creator's part -- a buyout would certainly put that mapping on the fast track. |
| Micron scoops up Elpida Memory, 50-percent production boost for $2.5 billion Posted: 02 Jul 2012 04:39 PM PDT There's no question that Micron has shifted its focus away from PCs in favor of producing components, shipping everything from SSDs to CMOS sensors in recent years, but the semiconductor manufacturer just took a $2.5 billion step even closer to bridging its gap between other companies in the same market, including Samsung, the chip producer's top competitor. Under the deal, Elpida Memory, which is headquartered in Tokyo, will fall within the Idaho-based conglomerate's growing umbrella, netting Micron a 50-percent boost in production capability. That increase did come at great expense, however -- the transaction included $750 million in cash and $1.75 billion in future installments (1,750 easy payments of one million dollars?), which are set to continue through 2019. The acquisition was also paired with a 24-percent stake in Rexchip Electronics for an additional $334 million, which will complement Elpida's investment, yielding a total 89-percent stake for Micron. While the amount does seem quite significant, investors appear to be on board, with Micron's stock ($MU) currently up more than 4 percent since this morning. Both deals will reportedly close within the next year. |
| Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Directors Cut brings point-and-poke adventure to Android Posted: 02 Jul 2012 04:14 PM PDT If you're not familiar with the point-and-click classic Broken Sword, then you owe it to yourself to snatch up the Directors Cut of Shadow of the Templars. Originally released in 1996, this title is considered by many to be the pinnacle of genre, one that has fallen out of favor in the age of accelerated 3D graphics and first-person shooters. For $4, in a revamped format with touch-friendly controls, the Revolution Software-produced mystery is a no-brainer. Just don't blame us when your day disappears as you unravel a vast conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, mimes and a terrorist clown (as if you needed more of a reason to hate those things). This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:30PM ET Posted: 02 Jul 2012 03:54 PM PDT Cracking the Nexus Q, Google's 25-watt amplified obsession
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 02 Jul 2012 03:37 PM PDT Maybe papercuts aren't a part of the creator's master plan, after all -- not at the Hotel Indigo's Newcastle location, at least, which is ditching the standard hardcover bible in favor of a Kindle edition. The hotel's GM says the move, which brings Amazon's e-reader to its 148 rooms, is keeping with the city's rich publishing history. The device will come pre-loaded with the bible, with other religious texts available for the download. Customers can also download non-religious texts, which will be added to their bill. The move is currently being assessed under a trial basis, which will be revisited on July 16th. No word on whether the promotion will be expanded to other hotels in the chain. |
| Must See HDTV (July 2nd - 8th) Posted: 02 Jul 2012 03:16 PM PDT UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen II Tour de France Wimbledon
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| Microsoft: our nature makes it tough to show everything Windows Phone 8 can do just yet Posted: 02 Jul 2012 02:58 PM PDT If you saw Microsoft unveil Windows Phone 8 and were disappointed that it only had a handful of conspicuous new features to show, such as that new Start screen and NFC support, don't worry: that's just the tip of the iceberg. Senior product manager Greg Sullivan (not pictured here) tells Pocket-lint that much of the information provided so far had to be revealed early to please developers and IT managers, many of whom can't wait until the last minute. Unlike a certain rival in Cupertino, Microsoft has a range of partners to work with and can't just be ready to go "hours after" the OS is announced, like those that control both the hardware and the software. That split is good news to us, as it sounds like there's a raft of public-facing Windows Phone 8 features waiting to surface between now and the end of the year -- whatever impressions we had in June may have been conservative. |
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