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- How 3D printing changed the face of 'ParaNorman'
- HP creates Mobility division to focus on consumer tablets, taps ex-MeeGo maven Alberto Torres to run it
- Google Street View expands to cover swaths of Brazil and Mexican ruins, won't substitute for a vacation
- iPhone reportedly vulnerable to text message spoofing flaw
- Fujitsu making laptops from unwanted CDs and DVDs
- Engadget's back to school guide 2012: digital cameras
- Lenovo reveals K860 LePhone, quad-core Exynos and a 5-inch screen
- Engadget Mobile Podcast 149 - 08.16.2012
- Custom ROM brings Android 4.0.4 to the Desire HD, does what HTC wouldn't
- GameStop's cloud streaming will spurn consoles, hang with PCs, tabs and TVs only
- Gamescom 2012 wrap-up
- Sony starts pushing Android 4.0 update to Xperia P owners, Xperia U and more coming soon
- Distro Issue 53: Will the S Pen-wielding Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 rise above its tablet foes?
- New York artist fashions dead drop from dying hardware, mounts DVD burner in city wall
- Engadget Podcast 306 - 08.17.2012
- ZTE touts world's first FD-LTE and TD-LTE mobile hotspot and USB modem
- Acer scrapes $14.5 million in profit as it becomes world's third biggest PC maker
- Scientists create simulation of the universe, reenact 14 billion years in a few months (video)
- GetGlue for iPad hits version 3.0: adds personalized guides, show recommendations and alerts
- ASUS TF500T shows up at the FCC, has WiFi, is tablet shaped
- Official Black Ops II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach, coming 'weeks' ahead of game release (hands-on)
- Smart Communications' new 4G LTE launch details slip out in Philippines, quickly get pulled
- Amazon recruits 5,000 UK corner stores for CollectPlus delivery service (update)
- Google's Voice Search on Android adds support for 13 additional languages
- Windows 8 RT tablets to sell for $300 less than Intel-based counterparts, says Lenovo exec
- DARPA's low-cost silicone robot cloaks like a chameleon, treks like a snail (video)
- Microsoft resumes publishing Windows Phone apps, all is right with the world
- NPL, Imperial College create room-temperature maser, promise more sensitive beams
- Tritton's Pro+ 5.1 headset goes up for pre-order, promises gamers 'true 5.1' for $200
- Nokia patents haptic system to simulate linear motion, assist with navigational route guidance
- ROCCAT Power-Grid Android version on its way, we go hands-on with the keyboard-augmenting app (video)
- Cablevision set to offer NFL Network, RedZone Channel after finally striking a deal
- Facebook starts really, truly deleting removed photos
- Twitter's API v1.1 rules put user caps on third party clients, exert more control overall
- Motorola XT907 gets approved by the FCC with Verizon LTE on board
- Check 'N Chew Foursquare-enabled gumball machine hands-on (video)
- Google enables Play Store delta updates, helps you conserve precious data
- Judge rules Facebook users can share friends' profiles with the feds
- The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!
- IRL: HTC One S, Columbia GPS Pal and the Eton Rukus Solar
| How 3D printing changed the face of 'ParaNorman' Posted: 17 Aug 2012 11:00 AM PDT We drive around in circles trying to find the place. There's no signage indicating our destination -- no giant, looming cartoon characters or even a logo, just a faceless building in a maze of industrial parks, about 17 miles outside of Portland. It's a beautiful drive of course, sandwiched on a vaguely winding highway by dense Pacific Northwest foliage, past Nike's global headquarters. Compared to the world-class tracks and fields dotting the shoemaker's campus, Laika's own offices are an exercise in modesty (in spite of financial ties Phil Knight), virtually indistinguishable from the densely packed businesses that surround it. There are, perhaps, certain advantages to such anonymity -- for one thing, it helps the studio avoid random drop-ins by movie fans hoping to chew the ear off of their animation heroes. It also means that our cab driver does a good three passes before finally getting out of the car and asking a smoker standing outside a nearby building where to go. He thinks about it for a moment and indicates a building -- a large, but otherwise indistinguishable space. The lobby doesn't scream Hollywood either, but it certainly offers some less-than-subtle hints that we've found the place: a wall-sized black and white image of classic film cameras (ancient devices, someone tells me, that were utilized on the company's previous film), and in one corner, a tiny room encased in glass, with Coraline seated at a table in its center. This building is the house that she built -- or at least kept the lights on; "Coraline" was released after its planned successor "Jack & Ben's Animated Adventure" failed to materialize. Inside, the cavernous space in excess of 150,000 square feet has become a bustling small town of creatives, laboring away in its recesses, many having traveled through several time zones to be in its rank, like carnies hopping from town to town. Stop-motion animation, after all, isn't the most prevalent of professions, and while we've arguably entered a sort of golden age for the infamously labor-intensive art form, thanks in large part to the success of projects like "Coraline," the number of studios actually investing in the form can be counted on one hand. There's Aardman in the UK, perhaps the best known amongst them, thanks to the success of signature series "Wallace and Grommit." Tim Burton has certainly been a proponent of the form as well, with a few projects under his belt, including the upcoming re-imagining of his own mid-'80s short film "Frankenweenie." And then there's "Coraline" / "The Nightmare Before Christmas" director Henry Selick, off the Laika payroll since 2009, who was hard at work on a project of his own, until it was unceremoniously shuttered this week by Disney. During production, Selick managed to maintain a fair amount of radio silence on the project, a rather admirable accomplishment, seeing as how practically everyone in the industry (if you can call it that) above the age of 25 has his or her fair share of war stories from competing studios. And as various employees' roles in the studio's most recent project begin to draw to a close, there's a sort of bittersweetness in the air, like the final days of summer camp, with animators and sculpture artists and 3D modelers preparing to move on to wherever the next job might take them. Not that there's a particular abundance of on-site socializing, judging from our short, closely-guarded tour around the premises. The job of the stop-motion animator is, as one imagines, a fairly solitary undertaking. Behind black curtains and flashing red lights are closed sets consisting of a single human being bent over giant exterior and interior models for hours on end in the pursuit of cobbling together a few seconds of cinematic magic. From this perspective, not all that much has changed, the traditional image of a stop-motion animator moving arms and legs by barely calculable lengths, one frame at a time, is still the heart and soul of the process. The supporting technology, on the other hand, is a different story altogether, with animators monitoring their own Sisyphean progress seconds at a time on state-of-the-art production computers just off to the side. The characters themselves, too, have evolved significantly, fleshed out on top of complex metal armatures, measuring around 10 or so inches high. The true complexity, however, lies in the faces of the 178 puppets created for the hour-and-a-half long, kid-friendly occult comedy. We watch an animator subtly manipulate the face of a zombie in what appears to be a gathering of the undead in a library setting, adjusting the paddles and gears beneath its silicone skin, a far more precise method of animating facial features than its clay-based predecessor. But even that technique has begun to appear dated, a remnant of older methods that proved particularly suited to the needs of "ParaNorman," whose bad guys possess the characteristically belabored movements of the undead.
"All the zombies were mechanical animation," explains Brian McLean. "It suited itself really well to zombies, because the zombies were sort of the slumbering characters and their jaws were slapping back and forth." Laika bestowed upon McLean the admittedly enviable title "Director of Rapid Prototyping," charging him with heading up the technology which, for the studio, has largely eclipsed the paddles and gears of mechanical animation. Like many of his contemporaries, McLean's entry into the field was a traditional one, garnering a degree in fine arts that helped him score gigs as a model maker and sculptor. "I did that for many years," he explains. "Years later, I was first introduced to the 3D printer, and I started to realize that this was the element that had been missing. The computer could now be a tool and you were sort of bridging the unreal with the physical world."
It's a technology Laika began experimenting with for "Coraline," convinced that it might allow for a spectrum of facial expressions simply not achievable through the mechanical method. The company invested in an PolyJet plastic printer, a $110,000 investment (though that price has come down considerably in subsequent years) in a technology traditionally used by manufacturers to print out 3D prototypes of industrial designs. It's a quick method for transforming computerized concepts into real-world objects, from gadgets to airplanes to tennis shoes to appliances. The technology is not too dissimilar from the budget 3D printers making their ways into the homes and garages of hobbyists. Nor, for that matter, is it far-removed from more traditional inkjet printing, spraying down a minute amount of resin (15 microns, according to McLean's numbers), layer by layer, which is cured by the machine's built-in UV lights. Laika put the technology to work printing "replacement faces" that could be attached to the head of a character, giving young Coraline a grand total of around 200,000 expressions. It's an impressive number, particularly when placed up against the 800 or so expressions Jack Skellington was capable of achieving in "The Nightmare Before Christmas." By "ParaNorman," however, the studio had rapid prototyping down to a science, with the movie's fuzzy-haired protagonist (that's 275 tightly bundled strands) able to express himself a staggering 1.5 million ways, according to Laika's number crunching -- orders of magnitude more than the actual artists who created the 9-inch hero. Part of the expansion came in the form of a newly adopted 3D-printing technology, running side-by-side with the older model. The ZPrinter 650 from 3D Systems brings a key element to the table missing in the technology brought on board for "Coraline" -- color. Faces were hand-painted for the older film, presenting a clear issue for stop-motion animators -- should the place of a cheek's blush move slightly from frame to frame, the difference would prove painfully obvious when the subject is animated. On "Coraline," the animators came up with workarounds, such as physical indicators for the placement of freckles. With the introduction of the new printing technology, Laika had a way of incorporating the paint jobs into the printing process itself, meaning that the painting could be done on the computer, with Photoshop used to color flattened versions of 3D models. The 3D Systems machine works by printing on powder, spraying different colored glues onto thin levels of the material. "A good way to describe it is (it's) similar to dragging flour on your kitchen table and spritzing a section of it with a water spritzer, letting that dry and then dragging more flour and spritzing and repeating," explains McLean. "Gradually you're going to end up with a lump of flour surrounded by unhardened flour. So you then reach into the printer and brush off the powder and you're left with a part that this glue is barely holding it together."
When the process is finished, you're left with a large mass of powder, with a 3D-printed object inside. You can excavate it or just wait for the machine's vacuums to go into action, storing the powder away for future jobs. The technology, while streamlining certain aspects of the process, has created several new classes of jobs at Laika, beyond McLean's own futuristic-sounding title. There's the group of four employees that sit around in a circle, sanding the powdered faces, which are then dipped in superglue to harden, a process that also helps make the glue-created colors all the more vibrant. Once finished, the faces get sent to a library to be cataloged among some 30,000 faces in plastic Tupperware-like containers, where they can be checked out with help from a librarian. The appropriate pieces for dialogues and expressions are determined with the help of a facial animation specialist and compiled on a sheet that helps the animator determine which kits (smile, frown, et al) to check out from the library. The faces are segmented into pieces, allowing for the massive number of potential expression combinations. And while stop-motion is oft considered a traditional sort of opposition to the CG animation explosion, a certain amount of computer magic has to be performed to remove the visible gaps between facial pieces, as well as other aspects like clamps and dollies used to support the puppets on set. But while the new technology has eclipsed its predecessor when it comes to printing faces, Laika keeps both running side-by-side in a room reserved for 3D printers. The PolyJet is better-suited for the creation of things like tools that require moving parts -- a process the studio demonstrates by printing us up a batch of branded translucent crescent wrenches with spinning adjusters, no assembly required. But even between these two technologies, it's pretty clear that Laika understands that it's only scratching the powdery surface of possibilities when it comes utilizing 3D printing in the creation of stop-motion films. Asked whether the studio's next feature will incorporate it in some form, McLean doesn't hesitate. "Yes, I would say so," he answers, simply. "I think it's a huge quantum leap on multiple levels between "Coraline" and "ParaNorman." At the time, "Coraline" was the pinnacle of stop-motion animated films and I think that "ParaNorman" has just risen the bar that much further." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 17 Aug 2012 10:34 AM PDT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 17 Aug 2012 10:13 AM PDT For a country that dominates the Latin American landscape, Brazil hasn't had much of a presence in Google Street View outside of major cities like Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. A fresh update to Street View coverage has just gone live that fleshes out the the more far-flung corners of the map. It's now possible to see what it's like on the ground in much of the southern tip of the country as well as the northern coastline. Further north, Mexicans get their own treat: Google is now providing the panoramic views for ancient ruins such as Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan, just in case you'd rather not try to blend in with all the other tourists. The widened reach is undoubtedly no match for booking a flight and visiting in person, but it will save you the trouble of brushing up on your Portugese or ancient Mayan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iPhone reportedly vulnerable to text message spoofing flaw Posted: 17 Aug 2012 09:53 AM PDT If you're an iPhone owner, you may want to use good judgment before responding to any out-of-the-blue text messages in the near future. French jailbreak developer and security researcher pod2g finds that every iPhone firmware revision, even iOS 6 beta 4, is susceptible to a flaw that theoretically lets a ne'er-do-well spoof the reply address of outbound SMS messages. As Apple is using the reply-to address of a message's User Data Header to identify the origin rather than the raw source, receiving iPhone owners risk being fooled by a phishing attack (or just a dishonest acquaintance) that poses as a contact or a company. A proof of concept messaging tool is coming to the iPhone soon, but pod2g is pushing for an official solution before the next iOS version is out the door. We've asked Apple for commentary and will get back if there's an update. In the meantime, we wouldn't panic -- if the trickery hasn't been a significant issue since 2007, there isn't likely to be a sudden outbreak today. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fujitsu making laptops from unwanted CDs and DVDs Posted: 17 Aug 2012 09:31 AM PDT Back in our day, we used to listen to music on shiny plastic discs with lasers, not any of your new-fangled Zunes and what not. That was back when bands had sensible names, like the Dave Clark Five. These days, however, CDs and DVDs are remnants of a simpler time, a time before these kids were playing their Lady Gagas on their Rio Carbons. Fujitsu will be putting those outdated media formats to work again, with a recycling program that uses the material to build shiny new notebooks, starting with the Lifebook P772/E enterprise laptop, with more models to follow. According to the company, the new program is set to reduce the use of new plastic by 10 tons a year and slice C02 emissions by around 15 percent. More information on the program can be found after the break. Now please get off our lawn.
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| Engadget's back to school guide 2012: digital cameras Posted: 17 Aug 2012 09:00 AM PDT Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we've got our optical viewfinders set firmly on digital cameras -- and you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Your smartphone can take pictures, you say? Well, sure it can, but try snapping away at a frat party -- you're likely to walk away with a blurry mess. Your Facebook friends and future employers deserve an accurate account of those glory days, and you'll need a proper snapper to get the job done. College is as good a time as any to learn responsibility, but don't expect to walk out of the experience with all your gear unscathed. To that end, freshmen should look long and hard at our point-and-shoot picks, which include models that you won't be afraid to toss around, or drop in the jungle juice. After that come the mirrorless ILCs, which should satisfy the more advanced photogs in the bunch, followed by our digital SLR picks, which, sadly, may be out of reach of all but photography majors and deep-pocketed private school types. Finally, you'll have yet another opportunity to enter our fantastic giveaway at the bottom of the page, just after the break.  Point-and-shoot
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Lenovo reveals K860 LePhone, quad-core Exynos and a 5-inch screen
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 08:40 AM PDT
It's been a pretty good week for Lenovo all things told, but the Chinese firms isn't stopping to congratulate itself too much. Today, it's business as usual, marked by the official arrival of the new K860 "Music Phone" aka LePhone. The quad-core 1.4GHz Exynos 4412 chip, Mali-400MP GPU, 5-inch (1,280 x 720) display, 1GB of RAM and slight 9.6mm-thick form should come together to sing a sweet song though. The 8-megapixel snapper is no slouch either, with support for 100 frames continuous shooting and 1080p video recording (plus there's a 2-megapixel camera around the front, too). If all this sounds like a recipe for battery-drain, there's a 2,250 mAh cell to help keep you going. This will all be running on Android 4.0.4, but currently no word on price or availability -- but it's not like there aren't any other large phones to think about in the meantime.
Update: We got a little excited in the translation for a moment there. The "Music" (or Happiness -- both pronounce "le") Phone is of course the LePhone we link to in the article.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 149 - 08.16.2012
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 08:15 AM PDT
You know that we go hard here on the Engadget Mobile Podcast, digging deep into hardware and software radios, spectrum politics, and futuristic mobile optimizations. This week, we're going harder with the help of Anandtech's Brian Klug -- a man whose passion for cellular technology takes the 'cast to Mars and back this week. It's not for the faint of heart, but it probably is for someone just like you.
Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guest: Brian Klug (Anandtech)
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)
01:15:00 - Samsung Exynos 5 Dual white paper confirms new high marks for mobile graphics, memory performance
01:55:38 - T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q review: two budget-friendly phones, one aging OS
01:58:10 - Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE up for pre-order, hitting Sprint August 19th for $200
01:58:52 - Motorola to cut its workforce by 20 percent, shutter a third of its offices worldwide
02:01:20 - CyanogenMod 9 now stable on every supported device, get your fix today
02:01:38 - OTA Update Center encourages PC-free upgrades for custom Android ROMs
02:02:48 - YouTube app removed from iOS 6 but not iOS 5 and older; Google working on a standalone version
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Custom ROM brings Android 4.0.4 to the Desire HD, does what HTC wouldn't
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 07:54 AM PDT
HTC wasn't too popular when they denied Desire HD owners a hearty mouthful of Ice Cream Sandwich, but as usual, the community over at XDA Developers has stepped up to make it happen. Despite HTC claiming various technical issues as barriers for the upgrade, Team Blackout's Android 4.0.4 build (aka Blackout ICS Incredible) is said to work perfectly on the device. The complete ROM is based on an ICS build for the Incredible S, and it requires you sacrifice your data in a full wipe before you can enjoy that Sense 3.6 UI. However, if you've got the knowledge to take advantage of this gift, you probably know how to backup all those bytes anyway. Hungry? Then head over to the source for your desirable dessert.
GameStop's cloud streaming will spurn consoles, hang with PCs, tabs and TVs only
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 07:27 AM PDT
When GameStop bought Spawn Labs, it was clear that some sort of cloud-based game streaming was on deck, to compete with the likes of Sony's Gaikai and Onlive (now allied with Ouya). However, the company has just announced that the service will exclude consoles, and work only on tablets, PCs and internet enabled TVs -- a change from the original plan. The decision was made "based on consumer feedback" after a private beta, according to the retailer, who hinted earlier that consoles may be a non-starter on the service. It also cited its "success in selling mobile devices, and the imminent launch of new consoles" to justify the change. The program's launch is still planned for next year, but for now the console streaming path is clear for others.
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 07:00 AM PDT
Cologne, city of cathedrals, chocolate museums and -- at least for the last week -- a little bit of cosplay. While Gamescom largely concentrated on the latest titles coming in the next year, there was still plenty to see for gadget obsessives -- especially when it came to PC mice and keyboards. Sony also had a few tricks up its sleeve at its press event before Gamescom had even begun in earnest. After the break, gorge on all the gaming hardware of note, in case you missed it on the first round. Tschüss!
Hands-ons
- Official Black Ops II gaming headsets unveiled by Turtle Beach
- Oculus Rift's latest VR headset prototype gets a showing
- Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse hands-on
- ROCCAT's new Kone Pure mouse streamlines things, while ISKU FX keyboard adds color
- Razer announces new Kraken gaming headsets: Pros get a pull-out mic
- Razer Deathstalker gaming keyboard announced, packs Switchblade UI LCD panels
- Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 gaming keyboard announced at Gamescom
Sony news and more
- Tritton's Pro+ 5.1 headset goes up for pre-order, promises gamers 'true 5.1' for $200
- Sony rules out PS Vita price cut in 2012, works to lower the price later
- PlayStation Plus coming to the PS Vita this year, cloud storage increasing to 1GB
- PlayStation Mobile detailed: different screens, same games
- PlayStation Vita Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified bundle announced, pricing MIA
- PS Vita and PS3 cross-buy feature revealed: buy one copy, get the other free
Sony starts pushing Android 4.0 update to Xperia P owners, Xperia U and more coming soon
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 06:43 AM PDT
Sony has been steadily deploying its Android 4.0 updates, but it's been leaving some of its newest phones out of the loop. Consider the Xperia P back in the groove: its upgrade is rolling out over the course of a few weeks, starting today. As always, the exact timing will depend on the carrier and country, and some owners may have to download the update the archaic, wired way instead of through the air. Should the Xperia P deployment still leave your device out of the running, Sony keenly points out that the Xperia U, Xperia go and Xperia sola are next on deck to receive a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich. About the only question left is when Android 4.1 will reach any Xperia models, although we're really just thankful to have much of Sony's current lineup on the same page.
Distro Issue 53: Will the S Pen-wielding Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 rise above its tablet foes?
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 06:30 AM PDT
The unfinished Galaxy Note 10.1 was cast into Android slate prime time at Mobile World Congress a few months back. Now the production model as arrived and we put it through its paces in this week's edition of our e-publication. If tablets aren't really your thing, we also give the Vizio Thin + Light and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon the in-depth review treatment this time around. "Eyes-on" takes a closer look at the B&O Beolit 12, "Rec Reading" offers a collection of Rudy Rucker's short stories, "Weekly Stat" catches a nice breeze and Red Hat's Chris Moody gives the Q&A a piece of his mind. Grab your S Pen (or other stylus of choice) and tap on the appropriate download link below to sort out your weekend reading.
Distro Issue 53 PDF
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Distro in the Google Play Store
Distro APK (for sideloading)
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New York artist fashions dead drop from dying hardware, mounts DVD burner in city wall
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 06:11 AM PDT
The optical drive may be making its exit in the world of personal computing, but at least it seems to still have a place in artistic architecture. Aram Bartholl -- the man behind New York City's infamous USB dead drops -- has installed a DVD burner into the side of the Museum of the Moving Image to promote HOT, an art exhibition described as "a group show about video that is not video." Passersby who pop in a blank DVD-R will be rewarded with a digital copy of the show and the satisfaction of finally having something to do with their aging stash of unused optical media. Just how do you install PC hardware in a museum wall? Drill an enormous hole, of course -- check out a video of the installation for yourself after the break.
Engadget Podcast 306 - 08.17.2012
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 05:45 AM PDT
Here at the Engadget Podcast, we're all about the little guys: the Joe The Plumbers of the technology world, the underdogs fighting for their sweet little piece of the silicon-flavored pie: hardware homebrewers, ROM writers, and circuit slicers. But sometimes, we gotta give it up to the Grand Old Parties that lay the stones upon which the rest of the economy is paved: here we pay tribute to HP; we bow at the altar of Samsung; we come bearing gifts for Microsoft; we welcome to the Billionaire Boys Club Instagram and its infinitely-scrolling photo maps. Because sometimes, just sometimes, you gotta pour one out for the OGs.
Hosts: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater, Dana Wollman
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Orbital - Never
02:20 - Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 review
11:52 - Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 getting its Jelly Bean on later this year
13:25 - Samsung: 10 million Galaxy Notes have been sold, worldwide
17:50 - Microsoft Surface for Windows RT tablet coming October 26th for $199?
23:35 - HP says Surface has not changed its relationship with Microsoft, promises more tablet details 'pretty soon'
26:34 - Windows 8 RTM: what's new in the final build of Windows 8?
41:44 - Instagram 3.0 adds Photo Maps, infinite scrolling and speed improvements (video)
43:26 - Verizon's LTE network hits 34 new markets tomorrow, set to cover over 75 percent of the US
45:08 - Nokia and Microsoft announce September 5th Windows Phone event
46:48 - webOS team becomes Gram, isn't heavy on mission statements
47:50 - PlayStation Mobile detailed: different screens, same games
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ZTE touts world's first FD-LTE and TD-LTE mobile hotspot and USB modem
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 05:24 AM PDT
You likely know the uncomfortable feeling when family members refuse to talk to each other, and such is the case with FD-LTE and TD-LTE -- two similar but incompatible LTE technologies that've gained traction across the globe. Now ZTE is looking to play peacekeeper with its MF820S2 USB modem and MF91S mobile hotspot, each which speak fluently in both LTE languages. While Marvell was the first to accomplish this feat with its modem chipset, ZTE's two globetrotting products are the first we're aware of that are ready for retail shelves. That said, both units seem best suited for users based in China, as the fallback technologies include only TD-SCDMA and EDGE. ZTE's USB modem is said to provide up to 68Mbps connectivity over TD-LTE networks and up to 100Mbps over the FD-LTE counterpart, whereas the mobile hotspot wields a 2,300mAh battery. As always, you'll find the full PR after the break.
ZTE Unveils World First Multi-Mode TDD/FDD LTE Terminal Products
Strengthening ZTE's leadership in end-to-end terminal solutions
HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZTE Corporation ("ZTE") (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and mobile devices, announced today the introduction of MF820S2 and MF91S, the world's first multi-standard USB modem and uFi which supports LTE FDD/LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA / EDGE. ZTE's multi-mode wireless devices represent the next chapter in LTE terminal product development, breaking down regional standard barriers and constraints at user end points.
ZTE's aggressive innovation spans the entire range of LTE terminal products, including high end smart phones, tablets, uFis and modems. The new MF820S2 and MF91S follow an outstanding lineage of new terminal solutions such as the global introduction of China's first LTE tablet, the V96A; ZTE's first single-chip LTE smartphone, the Grand X LTE (T82); the MF91 uFi and the MF821 modem.
As the first Chinese LTE tablet in the global market, the V96A is testament of the company's commitment to design and innovation – combining looks and advanced functionalities – as an-all-in-one entertainment device. The Grand X LTE (T82) is part of the ZTE's Grand series, the company's high-end flagship smartphone offering. The smartphone features top of the range specifications and a unique buttonless design resembling a mini tablet PC.
"This is a transformational year for ZTE's terminal business. We are catalyzing LTE development on the global stage through heralding new innovations in the LTE terminal market. The new MF820S2 and MF91S are clear demonstrations of ZTE's leadership in LTE," said ZTE EVP and Head of the Terminal Division, Mr. He Shiyou. "Through continued investment in R&D, we hope to deliver even more cutting edge products for ZTE's end-to-end terminal suite.
Through its 18 state-of-the-art R&D centers around the world, ZTE has accumulated much experience in the field of wireless technology. In 2011, the company invested USD 1.33 billion (RMB 8,492.6 million) in R&D, a 19.7 per cent increase from USD 1.11 billion (RMB 7,092.0 million) in 2010. The company now holds seven per cent of all global LTE patents among vendors.
"ZTE continues to forge the development of the global telecommunications industry through pioneering technological breakthroughs. With the industry's most comprehensive product range and solutions, covering virtually every telecommunications sector, ZTE is focused on winning through innovation and continued investment in R&D," added Mr. He.
ZTE's new LTE terminal suite
The MF820S2 is the world's first LTE FDD/LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA/EDGE multi-standard data card. It features LTE TDD 68M DL speed, LTE FDD 100M DL speed, USB Rotator (270 degrees rotation), and internal antenna. It is compatible with major operators and network systems around the world. With customized networks at different locations, it provides flexibility for travelers.
Another global first multi-mode device in the line-up is the MF91S portable uFi, supporting LTE FDD/LTE TDD/TD-SCDMA/EDGE standards. Weighing only 105g and running on Li-ion 2300mAh, the mini pocket uFi is the most suitable companion for PC laptops, Macbooks or multi-device users on-the-go.
The V96A features a dual-core 1.5-GHz processor, 10-inch high definition capacity screen and dual cameras (5.0-mega pixel rear camera and 2.0-mega pixel front camera). The gadget supports 1080p HD video and Dolby Mobile 3.0 sound system, providing an unrivalled visual and audio entertainment experience anytime, anyplace. It also comes with an accelerometer of G-sensor, eCompass and Gyrosensor, which makes it a great mobile device for gaming on-the-go.
The Grand X LTE (T82) uses a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and operates on the Android 4.0 platform. Features include an 8 mega-pixel main camera that supports 1080p HD video shooting and playback and a front camera that supports 720p HD video calls with a 4.3 inch screen in the quality of QHD resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. This next-generation phone provides an unprecedented experience for video chats and teleconferencing. It also equipped with Li-ion 1900mAh battery, a proximity sensor and a digital compass.
The LTE DL/UL 100/50Mbps MF91 uFi has a Micro USB port and SIM socket. It is compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac iOS. It has an internal antenna and two external antenna slots.
The LTE FDD/3G dual-mode wireless home gateway MF 28D supports a PSTN connection and has USB storage share, DLNA, an internal antenna and a compatible external antenna.
The LTE 1800(B3)/2100(B1)/2600(B7) MHz MF 821 provides superior user experience in a small package. It has a micro SD with a capacity of up to 32GB; it is compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac iOS and has two external antenna slots.
Acer scrapes $14.5 million in profit as it becomes world's third biggest PC maker
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 04:47 AM PDT
Acer rose a place to become the world's third biggest PC maker this quarter, with net profits rising to $14.48 million, up from $11.2 million last quarter. It's the second positive period since it ended 2011 with a $212 million loss, but the financial crises in the US, Europe, China and Asia Pacific all hampering its recovery. Like many of its PC brethren, it's pinning hopes on Windows 8 to spark a buying frenzy, but thanks to tight margins, only expects profits to be "on par" with those it's just announced.
[Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]
Acer Inc. Q2 Preliminary Financial Results: Consolidated Revenue NT$110.6B (US$3.7B) down 2.2% QOQ, Operating Income NT$433M (US$14.48M) doubles in growth, PAT NT$56M (US$1.87M), EPS NT$0.02
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (August 17, 2012) – Acer Inc. announces the preliminary financial results for Q2 2012. Consolidated revenue was NT$110.6B (US$3.7B), down 2.2% quarter-on-quarter (QOQ) and 8.3% up year-on-year (YOY). Operating income was NT$433M (US$14.48M), representing 213.5% growth QOQ; profit after tax (PAT) was NT$56M (US$1.87M); and earnings per share (EPS) was NT$0.02.
The Q2 operating income of NT$433M (US$14.48M) with operating margin of 0.4% exceeded Q1 margin of 0.1%. However, a one-time tax settlement of NT$410M (US$13.71M) in Europe impacted on both the PAT and EPS.
Although Acer maintained growth in PC shipments, the Q2 consolidated revenue declined over Q1 due to the worldwide total PC market downturn from Q1 to Q2, and unfavorable economic conditions in Europe, the U.S., China and Asia Pacific that resulted in weaker consumer demand.
In 1H 2012, Acer's preliminary consolidated revenue reached NT$223.6B (US$7.48B), down 2.7% YOY. Operating income of NT$570M (US$19.06M) with operating margin of 0.3% YOY and PAT of NT$387M (US$12.94M) both marked significant improvement YOY, and EPS was NT$0.14.
Acer will start shipping products for the launch of Microsoft Windows® 8 in August and September, therefore anticipates revenues to rebound, and consequently expects Q3 revenues to reach about on par with Q2.
Scientists create simulation of the universe, reenact 14 billion years in a few months (video)
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 04:09 AM PDT
Are animations of Curiosity's Mars landing not enough to feed your space exploration appetite? Try this on for size: a group of scientists from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies have generated what's billed as a full-fledged simulation of the universe. Arepo, the software behind the sim, took the observed afterglow of the big bang as its only input and sped things up by 14 billion years. The result was a model of the cosmos peppered with realistically depicted galaxies that look like our own and those around us. Previous programs created unseemly blobs of stars instead of the spiral galaxies that were hoped for because they divided space into cubes of fixed size and shape. Arepo's secret to producing accurate visualizations is its geometry; a grid that moves and flexes to mirror the motions of dark energy, dark matter, gasses and stars. Video playback of the celestial recreation clocks in at just over a minute, but it took Harvard's 1,024-core Odyssey super computer months to churn out. Next on the group's docket is tackling larger portions of the universe at a higher resolution. Head past the jump for the video and full press release, or hit the source links below for the nitty-gritty details in the team's trio of scholarly papers.
Recreating a Slice of the Universe
Cambridge, MA - Scientists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) and their colleagues at the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) have invented a new computational approach that can accurately follow the birth and evolution of thousands of galaxies over billions of years. For the first time it is now possible to build a universe from scratch that brims with galaxies like we observe around us.
"We've created the full variety of galaxies we see in the local universe," said Mark Vogelsberger (CfA).
Our cosmic neighborhood is littered with majestic spiral galaxies like Andromeda, the Pinwheel, and the Whirlpool. Spirals are common, but previous simulations had trouble creating them. Instead, they produced lots of blobby galaxies clumped into balls, without the broad disks and outstretched arms of a typical spiral.
The new software, called Arepo, solves this problem. Created by Volker Springel (HITS), Arepo generates a full-fledged simulation of the universe, taking as input only the observed afterglow of the Big Bang and evolving forward in time for 14 billion years.
"We took all the advantages of previous codes and removed the disadvantages," explained Springel.
"Our simulations improve over previous ones as much as the Giant Magellan Telescope will improve upon any telescope that exists now," said Debora Sijacki (CfA).
(When completed later this decade, the Giant Magellan Telescope's 24.5-meter aperture will make it the largest telescope in the world.)
One of Arepo's key advantages is the geometry it uses. Previous simulations divided space into a bunch of cubes of fixed size and shape. Arepo uses a grid that flexes and moves in space to match the motions of the underlying gas, stars, dark matter, and dark energy.
The simulations ran on Harvard's Odyssey high-performance supercomputer, using in total 1024 processor cores. This fast machine allowed the scientists to compress 14 billion years into only a few months - an endeavor that would have kept a desktop computer busy for hundreds of years!
The team's future goals include simulating much larger volumes of the universe at unprecedented resolution, thus creating the largest and most realistic model of the universe ever made.
The team consists of Mark Vogelsberger (CfA), Debora Sijacki (CfA), Dusan Keres (CfA/UCSD), Paul Torrey (CfA), Volker Springel (HITS), and Lars Hernquist (CfA). Their work is described in three papers accepted for publication in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Those papers can be found online at http://arxiv.org/abs/1109.1281, http://arxiv.org/abs/1109.3468, and http://arxiv.org/abs/1109.4638.
Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory. CfA scientists, organized into six research divisions, study the origin, evolution and ultimate fate of the universe.
GetGlue for iPad hits version 3.0: adds personalized guides, show recommendations and alerts
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 03:32 AM PDT
GetGlue's been giving social TV watchers a hub they can count on within Cupertino's tablet for a good while now. Today, however, the application's reached version three-dot-oh, which means there's a slew of new goodies in tow. Among some of the fresh features is an all-new guide for television shows, movies and sports that's solely based on personal preferences, while recommendations, clips and related articles have also been added in this new version. That's not it, though, GetGlue now lets folks set alerts for upcoming events, as well as earn "stickers" for watching their favorite content -- think badges on FourSquare. Best of all, the iPad app's still free of charge, so anyone interested in v3.0 can give the App Store link below a quick tap to get on with the gratis download.
ASUS TF500T shows up at the FCC, has WiFi, is tablet shaped
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 02:41 AM PDT
ASUS' TF201, yeah we liked that. What about the TF300 and TF700. Pretty neat. We don't have all that many thoughts on the TF500 yet though, mainly as we'd never heard of it until it popped up at the FCC. Sadly there is precious little else we can tell you about it other than it has WiFi in b, g and n flavors (shocker), HDMI and a microphone. Based on the number scheme alone, we could possibly surmise that it'll be a new middle of the firm's tablet line, but we guess we'll just have to wait and see. Place your bets now.
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 02:00 AM PDT
The crowds that filed towards the hulking Call of Duty: Black Ops II stand at Gamescom prove it deserved all that floor space and nearby, Turtle Beach was finally showing off its range of companion gaming headphones, ranging from in-ear buds to top-of-the-range wireless gaming cans with some heavy-duty audio customization options in tow. We managed to take a look at the whole selection (which repackages several models from the XP series and the incoming Seven series). While these were still developmental models (the Call of Duty decals will be painted on, not the stickers seen here), it should give you a good idea how the headphones will appear when they arrive in the next few months. We've got details on all the headsets (and the press release) after the break.
Starting with the bank-busting Ear Force Tango headset ($300), these connect to both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 through Bluetooth, with wireless Dolby Surround Sound. The Tango's dual-band WiFi radio runs on its own rechargeable battery for up to ten hours -- and from our brief time with them, they're plenty comfortable too.
Next up, the Ear Force Sierra, which is again pitched towards pro-gamers. It's another Dolby Surround Sound headset but this time it can be hooked up to a new controller that offers programmable presets baked into the volume controller. Turtle Beach told us that they worked directly with the Call of Duty creators to create these audio presets, meaning you can tweak the output to increase the noise of footfall, or just reduce the volume of in-game chatter from team-mates. It includes the ability to disguise your commands with voice morphing. The Sierra will set you back $280, but if you're not interested in anything wired, the Ear Force X-Ray are priced a little lower at $200, with dual-band wireless and a battery promising to last up to 10 hours.
If that's still a bit out of reach, the Ear Force Kilo come in at 80 bucks, and give you the same taste of Call of Duty branding -- if that's what you're after. These are slightly more lightweight than the rest of the new range and although all the headsets we tried were still engineering prototypes -- no chance to test the audio quality just yet -- the Kilo didn't sit as well on our head. Turtle Beach's final offering were the Ear Force Earbuds, which pack an in-line mic and hardy fabric cabling to avoid tangles. The buds are priced up at $70, according to Turtle Beach's E3 press release. If you like your prices in euros and pounds (who doesn't?) then hit the presser button below.
GAMESCOM: TURTLE BEACH SHOWCASES CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS II ADVANCED LINE-UP OF GAMING AUDIO PRODUCTS
CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II HEADSETS LEAD EXTENSIVE FALL 2012 LINE-UP; GAMING HEADSET LEADER OFFERS ATTENDEES CHANCE TO WIN V.I.P. EXPRESS PASS TO BE AMONG THE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO PLAY CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II MULTIPLAYER
VALHALLA, N.Y. & COLOGNE, GERMANY – August 13, 2012 – Turtle Beach, pioneer and market-leader of the gaming headset category, is showcasing its Call of Duty®: Black Ops II line of advanced head-sets as part of its new fall line-up, and offering Gamescom 2012 attendees a chance to win a V.I.P. Express Pass to play Activision's and Treyarch's forthcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer before the epic blockbuster's worldwide release this November 13, 2012. Turtle Beach contestants will vie to be among the first in the world to play as they first compete in Turtle Beach's Entertainment Area, Hall 6.1, booth C10 within the Koelnmesse during Gamescom 2012 from August 15-19, 2012.
As part of an expanded presence in the European market, Turtle Beach's full Gamescom 2012 presence includes:
· Turtle Beach V.I.P. Express Pass Tournament
The Turtle Beach tournament area will offer Gamescom attendees the chance to game on the show floor for a chance to win a mini-tournament round and earn a V.I.P. Express Pass to Activision's and Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer area. With lines at the Activision booth expected to stretch for extended periods of time, the Turtle Beach tournament area is a chance for fans to expedite their access to Call of Duty: Black Ops II. In addition, over 400 Turtle Beach headsets will also be in use across the Gamescom show floor, including at Activision's booth and multiplayer area.
· Turtle Beach's Latest Partnerships and Product Line-up
The latest Turtle Beach headsets available at retail locations and planned for holiday across Europe will also be on display at Gamescom, including:
Call of Duty: Black Ops II gaming headsets: Turtle Beach will display its full line of exclusively licensed, limited edition Call of Duty: Black Ops II Ear Force headsets. Custom designed and optimized to deliver enhanced audio for the year's most anticipated entertainment launch, the distinctive line includes the Ear Force TANGO, Ear Force SIERRA, Ear Force X-RAY, Ear Force KILO and Ear Force EARBUDS.
o Ear Force TANGO – The top of the line Tango headset offers Call of Duty: Black Ops II fans a sleek, premium design combined with Bluetooth, Wireless Dolby Surround Sound and programmable presets for the ultimate audio experience across the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Tango can be loaded with unique Call of Duty: Black Ops II voice prompts and exclusive audio presets custom-created with Treyarch to create a signature game experience. Players also have the option of configuring personalized presets to customize game, chat and mic audio for different gaming scenarios. In addition, the Tango's wireless radio features Turtle Beach's new dual band Wi-Fi technology and operates via a rechargeable battery for over 10 hours of uninterrupted gameplay. MSRP: £299.99 /€349.99 (inclusive of VAT).
o Ear Force SIERRA – Optimized for pro tournaments and competitive online play, the Sierra Programmable Dolby Surround Sound headset can also be loaded with Call of Duty: Black Ops II presets custom-created by Treyarch and the option to swap out with personalized presets. The Sierra features a streamlined design with a LED backlit control unit with touch control capabilities and limited edition Call of Duty: Black Ops II speaker plates for use with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC/Mac platforms. In addition, the Sierra features voice morphing so players can disguise their voices; Sonic Lens™ with sound field expander to widen or narrow the sound field and hear game play cues like enemy footsteps; and Ear Guard™ with Blast Limiter to limit the intensity of thunderous sounds like explosions and gunfire. MSRP: £279.99/€319.99 (inclusive of VAT).
o Ear Force X-RAY – Boasting a clean design and the latest tech, the dual band wireless X-Ray provides Call of Duty: Black Ops II players with an optimized Dolby Surround Sound experience for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Featuring a rechargeable battery and dynamic Chat Boost, players can battle for over 10 hours in style and comfort with friends. MSRP: £199.99/€239.99 (inclusive of VAT).
o Ear Force KILO – For Call of Duty: Black Ops II gamers seeking an affordable high fidelity stereo experience, the new USB powered Kilo delivers with its powerful 50mm speakers and amplified stereo sound for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC/Mac platforms. Players can also quickly access critical gaming audio controls, including chat and game volume via its inline amp, and experience enhanced depth and realism through the headset's Bass Boost. MSRP: £79.99/€89.99 (inclusive of VAT).
o Ear Force EARBUDS – The Ear Force Earbuds are the ideal audio solution for gamers looking to display their dedication to Call of Duty: Black Ops II and enjoy premium quality audio while gaming, talking or listening to music on their smartphones, tablets or handheld gaming systems. Its inline microphone provides crystal-clear communication for hands-free calling or chatting during online game play, while its ear gels and design are optimized to eradicate ambient noise and provide optimal comfort. MSRP: £34.99/€39.99 (inclusive of VAT).
SEVEN Series for tournament play: Developed specifically for console and PC tournament use, Turtle Beach's new SEVEN series in collaboration with Major League Gaming features the Ear Force XP7 and Z7 programmable surround sound headsets, as well as the Ear Force TM1 tournament audio mixer. The XP7 and Z7 headsets will feature Turtle Beach's acclaimed Preset Technology for the ultimate in bespoke audio. The SEVEN Series is the ideal option in versatility for passionate gamers on the move, using a variety of unique cables and connectors to allow effortless movement from console or PC to smartphones, tablets or portable gaming devices. The TM1 allows up to six players to connect and chat with teammates or a coach during competitive play through a closed chat network for a zero latency chat experience. Each player has control over their game, chat and/or mic audio volume for the perfect personal balance, and all without any background interference through the aid of the TM1's noise gate technology. Complete details regarding the availability of Turtle Beach's line of official MLG Pro Circuit products will be issued in the coming months.
Ear Force M7: The latest in the M-series line of headsets designed for mobile gaming, the M7 offers high-fidelity audio through 50mm speakers for premium stereo sound. A leatherette headband and memory foam ear cushions offer comfort, style and excellent isolation from background noise. The headset also offers an in-line microphone with call control and a tangle-free braided cord. The M7 provides gamers the option to customize its look and feel with interchangeable speaker plates, and is compatible with smartphones, tablets, portable game systems and digital music players.
Ear Force ZLa: A PC gaming headset compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, the ZLa features acoustically angled 40mm speakers to deliver optimal sound quality. In-line volume controls allow for quick access to volume and mic mute. With a 3.5mm, 4-pole connector and PC adapter cable, the ZLa also easily connects to computers and mobile devices, such as tablets. MSRP: £29.99/€39.99 (inclusive of VAT).
Ear Force PLa & XLa: These amplified gaming headsets are designed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, respectively. Both offer a more immersive experience through amplified audio and built-in bass boost for increased depth and realism. Independent volume controls allow for personalized balancing of game and chat audio, and a microphone monitor allows you to hear your voice naturally as you speak. Both are USB powered and require no batteries. The PLa is also compatible with Windows and Mac systems. The XLa and PLa will be available in European retailers by September 1, 2012. XLa MSRP: £24.99/€39.99 (inclusive of VAT). PLa MSRP: £34.99/€49.99 (inclusive of VAT).
As part of its agreement with Nintendo, worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Turtle Beach is creating an officially licensed line of Wii U™ gaming headsets with built-in chat functionality. These headsets will be compatible with portable devices such as the Nintendo 3DS™ and the Nintendo DS™ hand-held systems.
The dates of availability for the SEVEN Series, the officially licensed line of Wii U™ gaming headsets, the Ear Force ZLa, and Ear Force M7 will be announced in the coming months.
Smart Communications' new 4G LTE launch details slip out in Philippines, quickly get pulled
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 01:11 AM PDT
Mabuhay, Philippines. We've covered the Pearl of the Orient Seas' affinity for electric tricycles, green billboards and a certain cool-looking logo before. This time, it's all about the Gs as select locations in Metro Manila are apparently in line to get high-speed wireless coverage via a new 4G LTE network being launched by Smart Communications on August 25th. The launch was first reported by Philippines-based site MisterJonjon.com, which has since taken down the post at the company's request. Areas scheduled to get coverage include parts of financial center Makati as well as locations around the SM Mall of Asia and the University of the Philippines' Diliman campus, to name a few. The site also reported that Smart will offer customers a Huawei USB LTE stick for free and charge a monthly rate of 3,500 Philippine pesos (about $83). All in all, the company is set to activate 49 LTE base stations during the launch. For more, check out the snapshot of the pulled post through the source link.
[Thanks, Neil]
Amazon recruits 5,000 UK corner stores for CollectPlus delivery service (update)
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 12:25 AM PDT
Convenience stores, cornershops, newsagents, call them what you will -- nearly 5,000 local businesses in the UK have now been signed up by Amazon to receive and look after its customers' precious packages. The "CollectPlus" scheme is currently on trial but The Telegraph reports it's expected to roll out across Britain, where it'll add one more delivery option for those who -- for their own strange and inexplicable reasons -- are rarely at home between 9am and 5pm.
Update: We've just heard from CollectPlus that it should be now be available as a delivery option at checkout, and equally Marketplace sellers can select it as a mode of delivery.
Google's Voice Search on Android adds support for 13 additional languages
Posted: 17 Aug 2012 12:07 AM PDT
Even though it's also on iOS now, Android is still the first love for Google's Voice Search and the company announced today it's adding support for an additional 13 languages on the platform, bringing the total to 42 languages and accents understood in 46 countries. The list includes Basque, Bulgarian. Catalan, European Portuguese, Finnish, Galician, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovak and Swedish. Just like it has since at least 2010 when Voice Actions were introduced it will require Android 2.2 or higher, and is easily accessible either from the search box on your home screen or in the Voice Search app. We should note that it still only understands one language at a time and you may need to change some settings, also the new languages weren't showing up yet on every device we tried -- just some of them. Hit the source link for a few more details on how machine learning was used to extrapolate the pronunciation of all Swedish words based on thousands of samples from native speakers, or just grab a nearby phone or tablet and have Pau Gasol speak some Catalan to it -- although obviously Salvador Dali would be preferred, were he available.
Windows 8 RT tablets to sell for $300 less than Intel-based counterparts, says Lenovo exec
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 11:26 PM PDT
Microsoft and its OEM partners haven't been particularly forthcoming on how much the first round of Windows 8 tablets are going to cost, but one Lenovo executive just gave us a hint. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, David Schmoock, Senior VP of Lenovo's North American division, said that full-on Windows 8 tablets would ring up between $600 and $700, noting that ARM-based Windows RT slates would sell for $200 to $300 less. "RT will play in consumer and retail at very aggressive price points," he said. This echoes previous reports that suggested Microsoft would introduce the Surface with a competitive $200 price tag. The Lenovo VP didn't reveal any specific prices, of course, but his estimates would put the ThinkPad Tablet 2 somewhere between $300 and $500. Schmoock also commented on Ultrabook sales, stating that he didn't think Intel would meet its lofty saturation goals: 40 percent of the market by the end of 2012. "They'll be a lot bigger than they are now," he admitted, "but I don't know if it will get all the way up to 40 percent."
DARPA's low-cost silicone robot cloaks like a chameleon, treks like a snail (video)
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 10:15 PM PDT
Remember those colorful sticky hands that you used to buy for a quarter from grocery store vending machines? Yeah, this is kind of like that -- except that it's a freaking robot. DARPA is currently working to develop low-cost silicone robots that use both air and fluid to control movement, color and temperature. In the following video, you can see one of these soft contraptions as it journeys onto a bed of rocks and then uses colored liquid to blend into its surroundings. Don't expect this glorious sticky hand to break any land speed records, however; the silicone bot can travel approximately 40 meters per hour, or up to 67 meters per hour without the fluid. (Even the 30 second video, which goes at a snail's pace, has been sped up five fold.)
The current demonstration implements a tethered solution as the robot's source of power, pumps, gasses and liquids, but future developments may allow for a self-contained system. Further, rather than improving the robot's speed, its developers will instead focus on its flexibility as a means for navigating within tight spaces. Be sure to peep the video below, and we think you'll agree that DARPA's creation easily puts those sticky hands to shame.
Microsoft resumes publishing Windows Phone apps, all is right with the world
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 09:28 PM PDT
Everybody, you can stop panicking. Microsoft has solved the digital signing problem that prevented app installations on older Windows Phones, as promised, and the flow of new apps is back to a steady stream. It may take a day or two before new titles show up in earnest; developers whose work was in caught in submission stage limbo won't have to restart the process from scratch, however. The quick turnaround is no doubt good news for developers. We'd argue that it's equally good news for Microsoft, too -- there's no doubt that the crew in Redmond would rather not have to explain any lengthy publishing outages while it's onstage with Nokia next month.
NPL, Imperial College create room-temperature maser, promise more sensitive beams
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 08:23 PM PDT
Masers, or microwave lasers, have rarely been as viable as their regular counterparts; they need temperatures near absolute zero, exotic vacuum chambers or strong magnets just to run at all, which safely rules out carrying a maser as a pocket pointer. The National Physical Laboratory and Imperial College London might put that gap in practicality to bed after developing a maser that can run at room temperatures. Instead of using ruby to boost the microwave strength, the scientists rely on a less pronounceable p-terphenyl crystal treated with pentacene that can handle ordinary amounts of heat. There's still much work left in refining the technology: it has yet to stay active for sustained periods, only works in a narrow bandwidth and chews through an ample amount of power. Once it's given the appropriate polish, however, the extra sensitivity of the improved maser could be a boon for medical scanning, bomb disposal or even future space communication that could punch through the atmosphere.
Tritton's Pro+ 5.1 headset goes up for pre-order, promises gamers 'true 5.1' for $200
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 07:39 PM PDT
Thought Tritton was satisfied with only pumping out Xbox-licensed gaming headsets in the last year? Fret not ye' PS3 and PC gamers, instead, say hello to its latest cross-platform unit, the AX Pro+. Although its color scheme is similar to the Dolby Headphone-enabled AX 720 virtual surround sound headset, the moniker pits it as a follow up to the AX Pro. Like its predecessor, the Pro+ sports a trio of drivers and one subwoofer in each of its earcups, aiming to offer "true 5.1 surround sound." Among other design tweaks, its cups can rotate flat for added comfort (a sorely missed feature on the original), and the drivers have been repositioned for "superior surround sound separation and improved bass response." An included Dolby decoder box handles its connections, while the headset's inline remote allows you to adjust each driver's individual volume level, the balance of game / voice audio, and enable voice monitoring through its detachable mic. Better yet, the whole setup is powered by one wall plug, rather than two as was the annoyance with the older model. Discrete 5.1 headsets haven't impressed us in the past, but you can pre-order the Pro+ for $200 from Tritton if you're willing to give its cramped surround sound setup a try during Call of Duty fragging sessions come this September.
Mad Catz® Announces TRITTON® PRO+™ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset Featuring Dolby® Digital Technology
Flagship Multi-Format Headset Features Advanced Speaker Separation And Improved Design
San Diego – August 16, 2012 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today the TRITTON PRO+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset, the upgrade to the award winning TRITTON AX Pro™. Compatible with both the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony®, the TRITTON PRO+ True 5.1 Surround Sound Headset is expected to ship in September 2012.
The PRO+ features a number of key enhancements designed to offer superior performance and comfort. Featuring true Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound via eight separate Neodynium drivers (four in each earcup), the PRO+ produces superior surround sound separation and improved bass response thanks to newly repositioned speaker placement inside the earcups. In addition, the PRO+ features a redesigned in-line Remote and Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), allowing users to choose if they hear their own voice in the headset. The PRO+ sports a lightweight and flexible design, ideal for extended playing sessions and replete in an eye-catching gloss white finish.
"The AX Pro pioneered multi-driver Dolby Digital surround sound gaming headsets. We believe the PRO+ will be an important part of our growth and enable us to maintain our leadership position within the high-end gaming headset market." said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. "The PRO+ innovation in audio and design further demonstrates our commitment to the category and is part of our strategy to bring market leading products to passionate gamers."
Additional information and purchase options are available at: www.trittonaudio.com/proplus
Nokia patents haptic system to simulate linear motion, assist with navigational route guidance
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 06:43 PM PDT
The crew in Espoo have just added a new patent to the arsenal that promises to add a refined level of haptic feedback to the user experience. Fundamental to Nokia's plan is a matrix of independent haptic devices that remain stationary, but combine to simulate the sensation of linear and circular movement. Not only could the enhanced feedback bring a new level of interaction to the software interface, but Nokia also hypothesizes that the system will be useful for providing navigational route guidance -- say, without the need for visual or auditory feedback. Given the company's other research in the field of haptic systems, it seems Nokia's future may be full of good vibrations, indeed.
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 06:02 PM PDT
ROCCAT's plans to fight back against Razer's glowing customizable macro-keys and touchscreens are nearing the finish line. Here at Gamescom, the mouse and keyboard maker's Power-Grip app was at a nearly-finished stage on the iPhone. Better still, the Android version was close behind it -- although it was slightly less polished. The idea is to add a wealth of touchscreen widgets and quickly viewable data to your smartphone, sidestepping the need for pricier hardware solutions. That said, there are plans for ROCCAT to create some happy medium between the rogue smartphone interface and its more standard keyboard, with ideas gravitating towards a docking space for your phone built into the keyboard. We took the slightly more temperamental Android version for a spin on ROCCAT CEO Rene Korte's Galaxy S III -- check what the app's likely to offer on its December release in our hands-on after the break.
Cablevision set to offer NFL Network, RedZone Channel after finally striking a deal
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 05:23 PM PDT
It certainly took a lot longer than we expected it to, but it's here at last: Cablevision and the National Football League have finally struck a viewing deal -- a multi-year agreement, no less. Earlier today, the aforementioned TV provider announced it will start offering the well-known NFL Network and RedZone Channel to its Optimum TV customers starting tomorrow, with both channels being available in standard definition and, of course, high-def as well. Naturally, Cablevision users will have to be subscribed to the proper IO package in order to get the action included in these channels, but something tells us you won't mind upgrading your bundle if need be. The official word from the cable company's in the PR below, and now you have something else to look forward to tomorrow.
Cablevision Signs Multi-year Deal to Carry NFL Network & NFL RedZone
BETHPAGE, N.Y. and NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NFL Network and Cablevision (NYSE: CVC), the largest TV provider in the nation's top media market, announced today that they have reached a multi-year agreement for carriage of NFL Network and the NFL RedZone channel.
NFL Network will make its debut in Cablevision homes beginning tomorrow. NFL Network will be available on channel 150 in both standard-definition and HD for customers who subscribe to iO Preferred, iO Silver, iO Gold or the iO Sports & Entertainment Pak. NFL RedZone, which airs on Sundays throughout the regular season, will be offered in both standard-definition and HD on channel 151 as part of the iO Sports & Entertainment Pak, which is now included in the new iO Gold package, which was launched last spring.
"We know there is significant interest in the NFL Network and NFL RedZone among our Optimum TV customers, and are pleased to have worked productively with the NFL to offer both channels in time for the upcoming season, and for years to come," said Mac Budill, Cablevision's executive vice president of programming.
"Cablevision is one of the top television providers in the country and will offer New York fans football 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," said NFL Media COO Brian Rolapp. "With the 2012 NFL season approaching, Cablevision subscribers will be able to enjoy our expanded 13-game Thursday Night Football schedule, Sunday NFL GameDay shows, NFL Total Access, Emmy award-winning NFL Films programming and much more. In addition, NFL RedZone features every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons."
The Emmy Award-winning America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions series debuts this season's episode on the 2011 New York Giants exclusively on NFL Network on Tuesday, September 4 at 10:00 PM ET, one night before the Giants kick off the 2012 regular season against the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Network is the destination for all that happens around the sport of football. NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides viewers with more than 2,500 hours per year of original programming, including: NFL Total Access, NFL GameDay, the new four-hour NFL AM weekday morning show, Top 10, Playbook, NFL Replay, NFL Classic Games plus the Emmy award-winning Sound FX and America's Game.
NFL Network is the home of Thursday Night Football -- 13 primetime NFL regular season games from September through December. This year's schedule kicks off on September 13 with a renewal of the NFL's most-played rivalry as the Chicago Bears visit the Green Bay Packers in the 185th meeting between the NFC North division foes.
NFL Network also features every NFL preseason game, the Senior Bowl, plus more coverage of the NFL Draft, Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony, NFL Scouting Combine and Super Bowl than anyone else.
The extraordinarily popular NFL RedZone, produced by NFL Network, whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons, delivering the touchdowns and most exciting moments as they happen and in high definition. When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, fans see the crucial plays live. The channel keeps fans up-to-date in real time, switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play. For more information on NFL RedZone, visit www.nfl.com/redzonetv.
Facebook starts really, truly deleting removed photos
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 04:48 PM PDT
For those who haven't kept track, Facebook has had a years-long history of only maybe-sort-of-more-or-less purging our photos: they could be removed from a profile, but they would sometimes float around the site's content delivery networks for months or years, just waiting for a prospective employer to spot those embarrassing frosh week snapshots by accident. As Ars Technica discovered through experiments and official remarks, that problem should now be solved. In the wake of a months-long photo storage system migration and an updated deletion policy, Facebook now won't let removed photos sit for more than 30 days in the content network stream before they're scrubbed once and for all. The improved reaction time isn't as rapid as for a service like Instagram, where photos vanish almost immediately, but it might be a lifesaver for privacy advocates -- or just anyone who's ever worn a lampshade on their head in a moment of insobriety.
Twitter's API v1.1 rules put user caps on third party clients, exert more control overall
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 04:17 PM PDT
Last spring an announcement from the platform team at Twitter not-at-all-subtly suggested developers of third party clients should find something else to do, and today a list of changes to its API turns that whisper into a firm nudge. The limit that most directly affects any of the unofficial clients you may be interested in using is that existing apps currently servicing more than 100,000 individual user tokens will be allowed to double their current count, but cannot add any users past that without Twitter's permission. Going forward, any app that needs more than 100,000 tokens to do things like access the timeline, show DMs or anything else a client app might do will also need Twitter's permission to operate. Other changes include that any pre-installed client app on something like a phone, computer, or TV will need Twitter's permission before it ships (sensing a trend here?), or potentially face revocation of its application key. Moving on, the Display Guidelines about the information any app that displays tweets must provide are shifting to Display Requirements, with violators potentially losing that application key. Those Twitter Cards that started rolling out over the last few months are also getting a big push, with plans to include other ways for developers to bring their rich content to Twitter, and embed real-time Twitter content on existing websites.
In a section of the blog post that specifically calls out popular third party clients like Tweetbot and Echofon, it puts them in a zone of Twitter apps that it believes developers "should not build" since they mimic or reproduce the mainstream Twitter client experience. Other services focused on aggregation like Storify and Favstar.fm are also called out as not having much of a future in Twitter's view of its universe A-OK, see the update below. It's pretty clear where we're headed, as Twitter seeks to monetize a growing and talkative user base, it wants to make sure users are all seeing things in the format it wants them to. With a six month migration period ahead, developers and users may have hard choices to make. Tweetbot developer Paul Haddad has already tweeted that "the sky is not falling...the cap is pretty huge and we aren't going anywhere", and we'll undoubtedly hear from others soon. The rest of the details reside beyond the source link, but let us know first -- are you learning to love the official Twitter clients, or are you thinking paying $50 a year for an entirely unproven alternative with no users doesn't sound so ridiculous after all?
Update: Twitter platform director Ryan Sarver tweets that Favstar.fm and Storify are actually "good examples" of services it would like to see. Also, TweetLanes developer Chris Lacy is apparently encouraged by the change, thanking Twitter for "giving client devs a chance"
Motorola XT907 gets approved by the FCC with Verizon LTE on board
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 03:31 PM PDT
It's just another day in the life of the FCC, but it's a big deal to anyone looking forward to yet another Droid RAZR in Verizon's future. The XT907, a rumored midrange handset, just got pushed through the federal approval process today with Big Red's LTE bands, NFC and the standard CDMA / EVDO radios to boot. We'll keep digging to see what else we can find about the device, but at least the FCC has blessed us with yet another fun mystery to solve.
Check 'N Chew Foursquare-enabled gumball machine hands-on (video)
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 02:59 PM PDT
When Tyler DeAngelo asked if we'd be interested in checking out his new project, we jumped at the opportunity. After all, we were pretty blown away with Fifth Avenue Frogger, his hacked arcade cabinet that incorporated real-time webcam footage of a busy Manhattan street into gameplay. His latest project, Check 'N Chew certainly has more apparent commercial applications, offering up a form of immediate gratification for social media users. The concept is fairly simple: check into Foursquare, get a gumball.
DeAngelo (with help from fellow modders Matt Richardson and Ben Light) has hacked an off-the-shelf gumball machine with a stepper motor, Arduino and an XBee radio. There's also a port on the rear of the machine that plugs into a wall to power it all. The Check 'N Chew communicates wirelessly with an ethernet-to-wireless gateway device. When someone checks into an authorized location, information is sent from DeAngelo's server to the gateway, and a gumball is dispensed. The whole process is quite speedy, only taking a couple of seconds from Foursquare check-in to gumball dispensing.
The actual dispensing was a little uneven -- sometimes no gumballs were dispensed and sometimes two came out. It was a sort of sugary game of Russian roulette, though we suspect that had more to do with the quality of the gumball machine than the tech setup -- without fail, the mechanism clicked every time we checked in. Then there's the fact that Foursquare has instituted a waiting period for check-ins, so you'll have to wait a few hours for your next fix -- a bummer given the fact that these particular gumballs tended to lose flavor after about few chews, though probably a better solution for vendors not looking to drop a fortune on gumballs.
The Check 'N Chew was built to be a promotional gimmick for retail locations. As DeAngelo told us, "I created the gumball machine as way to explore the tangible value of a check-in.
The gumball machine represents a value exchange between a customer and retailer where the retailer receives an advertising impression for each check-in and in return the customer gets a gumball. This exchange creates an actual ROI for the impressions created by checking in against the price of a gumball."
And really, who doesn't want to be elected Mayor Gumball?
Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Google enables Play Store delta updates, helps you conserve precious data
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 02:33 PM PDT
At Google's developer conference, the company announced that it would soon offer the ability to download delta updates in its Play Store, and we're starting to see the promise fulfilled before our very eyes. These delta upgrades, which save time and bandwidth when updating larger apps by only downloading the actual changes (rather than the entire program), were spotted earlier by Android Police and verified by our staff. While it may seem like a minor feature, you'll likely be happy that you don't have to think twice about updating your graphically-intense games when you're not within range of a hotspot. Head below for a video showing the delta updates in action.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
Judge rules Facebook users can share friends' profiles with the feds
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 02:09 PM PDT
It's not the backdoor access that the FBI has been pushing for, but US District Judge William Pauley III has now ruled that it and other law enforcement agencies are entitled to view your Facebook profile if one of your "friends" gives them permission to do so. As GigaOm reports, that ruling comes as part of a New York City racketeering trial, in which one of the accused, Melvin Colon, had tried to suppress evidence turned up on Facebook that led to his indictment. That information was obtained through an informant who gave investigators access to the profile, something that Colon had argued violated his rights against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. In the ruling, Judge Pauley dismissed that claim, likening the Facebook access instead to a phone wiretap in which one person on the call allows the government to monitor it -- a practice that has been ruled constitutional. GigaOm also has the ruling in its entirety at the source link below for those interested.
The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 01:30 PM PDT
Tim and Brian are back in New York and will be joined by Dana once again to discuss the week that was. The magic will happen at 5PM ET, after the break.
And we're through! Thanks for tuning in, folks. We'll be back next week.
IRL: HTC One S, Columbia GPS Pal and the Eton Rukus Solar
Posted: 16 Aug 2012 01:00 PM PDT
This week in IRL, Jon Fingas takes what could be an unpopular stance, making a case for the HTC One S over the bigger, more lavishly specced One X. Meanwhile, Darren and Dan test some summer-appropriate tech, including a GPS app for outdoor sports and a solar-powered speaker dock.
HTC One S
The One S is the middle child of HTC's family, and we often treat it that way. It doesn't get much love next to the superstar One X, and it doesn't have the One V's price edge. And yet, after getting the chance to use a One S on Bell for several weeks, it seems to me it's very nearly the champion of the trio.
It's all in the shape. As much as the One X earns its stripes, it can be more than a bit unwieldy to use one-handed. The One S is a minor miracle in that regard: it's one of the few "big" phones where a thumb can still reach every important part of the display without some hand acrobatics. It's a cliché of phone reviews to say a device feels "good in the hand," but I'm just being honest here.
In North America, where the One S and One X have to share the same processor, the One S isn't even a step back in performance -- it's still brisk, and HSPA+ data is plenty speedy. Sense 4.0 continues to be a favorite non-stock Android interface through its tendency to let Google's built-in features shine while improving those areas that really need it, like the apps for the camera and regular e-mail. Occasional focusing quirks aside, the 8-megapixel rear camera in question remains a champion for its low-light abilities and its raw speed.
About the only thing keeping the One S from being an absolute hero is, you guessed it, that AMOLED display. It's not as bad as some would have you think; if you were told that all other phones had vanished from the face of the Earth, you'd probably be very content to use HTC's mid-range model. Still, it's clear that HTC's race to make the One S as thin as possible came at a price. The Droid Incredible 4G LTE actually has an advantage in using an LCD that's already sharp combined with a smaller screen that better serves the 960 x 540 resolution. If HTC could improve this one component without hurting anything else, the One S would be nigh-on ideal.
-- Jon Fingas
Columbia GPS Pal
It sort of feels as if tracking apps are a dime a dozen -- particularly in Apple's App Store -- but Columbia's GPS Pal just wouldn't get out of my thoughts. For starters, it's a company I've been happy with over the years, and secondly, the UI immediately struck me as one that was way too nicely done to be coming from a clothing company. The real question, naturally, is this: can a company that makes outdoor gear also program apps?
GPS Pal is free on iOS and Android, and is meant to track runs, hikes, kayaking excursions and any other outdoor adventure. So long as you have a GPS signal (a cellular data connection doesn't hurt, though!), you can track your movements and elevation changes. It also keeps tabs on a few other vital factors, including overall time, distance traveled and speed -- just what you'd expect from a "Portable Activity Log." Unlike My Tracks for Android -- which, as a Google-made app, probably won't see an iOS port in the near future -- this one doesn't map out your elevation change over time. If you aren't a hardcore statistics nerd, it probably won't bother you much.
What I really love about the app is the ability to easily take a photo or video mid-journey, and that it will geotag my media and then beautifully assemble a pinned map. Furthermore, it allows you to easily flip through your newly assembled slideshow, and you can even sync it with the company's website so you never lose trip data. Naturally, you'll be able to share trips on Facebook or Twitter, and the presentation there is equally nice. After 200-plus ratings in the App Store, it's sitting at over 4 stars; that's impressive. Battery drain was minimal on my kayaking trip in Fairbanks and honestly, you'll be hard-pressed to beat it for free. And hey, if you have both an Android phone and an iPhone, you'll be able to enjoy the same UI on both. Kudos, Columbia.
-- Darren Murph
Eton Rukus Solar
If you're out in the summer and want to inflict your musical tastes on the neighbors without too much fuss, then Eton's Rukus Solar might be for you. A hefty photovoltaic panel sits across a pair of tube speakers that'll happily slurp down power to juice a battery rated for eight hours. Connecting over Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio jack, it'll fill a decently sized back garden (or small hall), while a USB port on the underside will let you refill your phone / tablet with nought but Superman's power source. That said, it didn't take too kindly to the traditional ("wet") English summer, only charging when in direct sunlight
My wife and I used the speakers to discreetly practice our wedding dance in a variety of acoustically unfriendly locations, and each time the speakers came through. While not the most bass-heavy device you'll ever experience, it does a reasonable job with the variety of genres (and gadget-related TV shows) I watched with it. It's also sturdily built and that e-ink screen remains visible in both evening dim and under the summer sun. My only trouble is that I'd feel too ashamed to subject other beach-goers to my musical selections -- so perhaps I'll just use it in the garden.
-- Dan Cooper
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