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- HTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270
- BMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suit
- YouTube's Elections Hub is a one-stop channel for the latest US political happenings
- Vizio Co-Star teardown supplies the tech specs we never had
- Xbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80
- Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage
- Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400
- Archos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet
- Engadget's back to school guide 2012: accessories
- Amazon launches India Kindle Store, swap rupees for good reads
- Intel brings Medfield to Russia with the MegaFon Mint
- Engadget Giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy S III, courtesy of DailySteals!
- Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 to play nice with Unity game engine
- The Oatmeal does it: $850,000 raised for a Tesla Museum
- AT&T confesses: its network couldn't handle unchecked FaceTime over cellular
- Sky's Now TV service hits Xbox, beckons you forth with 30 day free trial
- Mainland China, Taiwan send first data over direct fiber optic link, take steps towards peace and harmony
- Google Octane benchmark tests JavaScript in the real world, scales to mobile sizes
- Audyssey's Wireless Speakers can plug into your computer, stream tunes over Bluetooth (ears-on)
- Nikon Coolpix S01 hands-on (video)
- Inmarsat brings prepaid model to satellite phone calls
- Spotify accounts tip Canada launch, possibly expanding to Asia and South America
- Brother crams all-in-one functionality into a pint-size package for Business Smart series
- Google adds saved search settings, keeps them tied to your account across browsers and devices
- Twitter warned by Indian government to kibosh inflammatory tweets
- iRobot's AIRarm prototype bot has an inflatable arm for manipulating objects, was built at DARPA's behest
- Nikon Coolpix S800c hands-on: a closer look at the Android camera (video)
- Kingmax intros speedy, SandForce-packing SATA III Client Pro SSD
- Tritton Warhead 7.1 two-way headset for Xbox 360 now shipping
- Nokia Windows Phone 8 devices said to arrive on Verizon this year
- Amazon's political reading map shows which way your neighbors are leaning
- RIM promotes UK and Ireland head in preparation for BlackBerry 10
- Rare iPhone prototype hits eBay, branded with 'deathstar' test logo (updated with video)
- Logitech's Washable Keyboard K310 doesn't mind a good scrubbin', hits shelves this month for $40
- Pioneer launches rekordbox mobile app, prep your XDJ-AERO set ahead of time
- Facebook adds mention tagging to Open Graph for more efficient name-dropping
- GoNote 10-inch hybrid netbook / tablet bringing Ice Cream Sandwich to UK classrooms next month
- Hulu launches redesigned site with bigger artwork, 'tray-style format' of suggested shows
- 4K, 84-inch 'ultra' HDTV from LG is ready to start shipping now in Korea, worldwide next month
- Nikon intros flagship Coolpix P7700 for prosumers, diminutive Coolpix S01 for fashionistas
| HTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 11:11 AM PDT The One line hasn't seen much carrier love lately, but that's all set to change next month. Beginning September 2nd, the littlest member of that smartphone troupe -- the One V -- will be hitting Cricket's lineup at $270, no contract necessary, and notching two milestones in the process. Aside from offering subscribers a belated first taste of Ice Cream Sandwich, the Sense-skinned 3.7-incher's release also counts as HTC's official hardware debut on the network. In case you've forgotten and need a bit of a spec refresher, the odd-lipped Legend throwback bucks the de rigeur multi-core trend for a single 1GHz Snapdragon S3 CPU running Android 4.0, a 5-megapixel rear camera powered by ImageSense tech and, for better or worse, features Beats Audio integration. It's no heavyweight as current smartphones go, but if you're keen to push things forward, this lil' fella packs a considerable punch. Check out the company's official presser after the break. HTC One Arrives at Cricket Communications Inc. "Delivering the HTC One V to Cricket customers marks another milestone in the HTC One series," said Mike Woodward, president of North America, HTC Corporation. "The amazing camera and authentic sound of the HTC One V are combined with a top-end design that gives the smartphone a premium mobile experience with broad appeal." "Cricket looks forward to a strong relationship with HTC. The HTC One V serves as a great first device in a soon-to-grow portfolio of premium devices at great value," said Matt Stoiber, senior vice president of devices for Cricket. "At Cricket, we're excited to provide our customers with a great value in a high-quality smartphone such as the HTC One V that offers award-winning design, top imaging and audio solutions." The HTC One V is Cricket's first device with Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich; it is a premium smartphone that offers high-quality features to Cricket customers at a great value. The device comes with a 3.7-inch WVGA touch-screen, Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S3 1Ghz processor, Wi-Fi capability, Beats Audio™ and 3G Real Web Browsing. With the latest enhancements to the Android 4.0 (ICS) OS such as customizable home screen folders, improved text input, and advanced people and profile management, customers will enjoy an improved experience overall. As a standout among Cricket smartphone device options, the device is destined to be a favorite for those who thrive on hearing authentic sound and sharing top quality images and video to their social networks. Authentic Sound Muve Music Integration The integration of Beats Audio in the HTC One V is the perfect complement to Cricket's Muve Music service. Cricket's innovative Muve Music service is available on the HTC One V when a Cricket customer signs up on an all-inclusive rate plan that includes Muve Music. Muve Music subscribers have access to unlimited downloads of their favorite music and access to exclusive artist commentary, music and video through Muve Music's Muve First and Muve Headliner monthly artist programs. With millions of songs at their fingertips, customers will never pay per song, and no contracts are required. Amazing Camera Premium Design | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suit Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:53 AM PDT BMW kicked off its DriveNow car sharing service in its home country last year to see if urban EV rentals would catch on. Something must have clicked in Germany, as the automaker is exporting the concept to the San Francisco Bay Area as of September. DriveNow's initial fleet of 70 ActiveE vehicles will rely on a different business model after getting its American visa: the service drops the strictly by-the-minute model of the German operation in favor of a $12 base fee for a half-hour's trip, with a 32 cents per minute rate kicking in only during longer drives. Travelers will have to drop off the cars at specified stations, too. There's a consolation for the trouble through a ParkNow reservation service, which locks in a parking space at a guaranteed rate and navigates there through an iPhone app or the web. Just be aware that those spaces will be limited -- only eight DriveNow stations and 14 ParkNow lots are active, which doesn't afford a lot of free roaming even after discounting the lack of immediate plans for other US cities. We're nonetheless glad that Bay Area locals without their own ride will have an easier time staying green for their cross-city jaunts. BMW Group launches premium car sharing in US Munich/San Francisco. The BMW Group has now extended its premium car sharing program DriveNow to the US. DriveNow starts out in San Francisco with 70 electric vehicles. The innovative mobile parking solution, ParkNow, will debut in the Californian city in September. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YouTube's Elections Hub is a one-stop channel for the latest US political happenings Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:33 AM PDT In case you haven't noticed, it's election year in the US of A. And while we already have a slight idea of which political party your beloved neighbors prefer, why not have an all-inclusive video hub to keep you updated with the latest action taking place on the road toward America's historical White House. Here's where YouTube comes in. The Google-owned service announced earlier today the creation of its Elections Hub, which it's dubbing as the "one-stop channel for key political moments" happening now and all the way until the final US election day on the 6th of November. Naturally, the social vid giant's teamed up with some of the biggest outfits around to bring live and on-demand content to the Elections 2012 channel, including ABC News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and, for the spanish-speaking crowd, Univision. Regardless of who's landing your worthy, priceless vote, this should be great corner of the internet to keep you in the loop during this year's Stateside political battle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vizio Co-Star teardown supplies the tech specs we never had Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:14 AM PDT Vizio's Co-Star Google TV hub has been public knowledge for more than half of 2012, but it might as well have been a black box as far as its internals were concerned. It's mostly been a mystery beyond the acknowledgment of a Marvell ARM chip inside. The teardown gurus at iFixit certainly weren't content to let that riddle go unanswered. Their exploration of the box shows that Vizio is very much clinging to the initial Marvell vision of using a dual-core, 1.2GHz Armada 1500 to handle 1080p video at that $100 price -- albeit with just 4GB of flash to store everything the Android OS demands. What may interest hobbyists is simply the accessibility of the set-top box: just about every board and component comes out easily, which could lead to some cheaper DIY surgery. The full parts list is waiting at the source if knowing how your Google TV box operates is as important as catching up on Netflix. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 09:55 AM PDT Even if you didn't make the cut for the most recent Dashboard beta, Microsoft's still got some goodies for you. It's helping budget-conscious gamers with more than one friend swell their collection of accessories with the Xbox 360 Essentials pack. The package includes a controller, media remote, three months' Gold subscription and a HDMI cable you'll probably leave in a drawer. The set will arrive Stateside in October, setting you back $80 before the holiday shopping begins in earnest. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage Posted: 22 Aug 2012 09:16 AM PDT More InfoArchos has had its hand in the slate game since the early days of "internet media tablets," and while its products don't have quite the same brand recognition as, say, Samsung's, we've found the French company's devices to be some of the best-value tablets available. Budget-minded prices and innovation don't usually go hand in hand, but in the case of its new 101 XS Android 4.0 tablet, Archos has a few tricks up its sleeve. The slate boasts a keyboard cover and kickstand, along with a magnetic hinge allowing the lid to attach to the display. Arriving in November for $400, the Archos 101 XS is a productivity-minded take on slates, complete with a full set of keys and a bundled copy of OfficeSuite Pro. Do the hardware and software add up to a killer combo? Read on to find out. Look and feel When we first laid eyes on the 101 XS, we really liked what we saw. Archos' idea to build the keyboard into the tablet's case was a clever one, and it's refreshing that the company presents this productivity tool as an integral part of the device rather than as an optional accessory. The design reminds us of Zaggmate's iPad keyboard, which similarly locks onto the tablet for added typing functionality.
Much of the tablet's body is white plastic, which certainly doesn't lend it a premium feel. In fact, the material picks up smudges almost instantly. The rounded, almost kid-friendly edges aren't the markings of a high-end product either, but Archos tempers the cheap materials with a stainless steel frame that surrounds the 10.1-inch display and carries through to the back of the device. Archos says it used more stainless steel on this device than on previous tablets, and it does feel sturdier than last year's G9. The finish may be stainless, yes, but we noticed a disconcerting number of scratches on the backing, and that was before we even used the tablet away from our desk. Also decidedly un-high end: Archos didn't hold back with the branding here: the device's name is engraved on the front, while the company's name is stamped across the back. Though the 101 XS' soft lines and plastic body don't provide much eye candy, we must say the device feels very good in the hand. That's the upside to the rounded edges, of course, but for a 1.3-pound, 0.31-inch-thick device, the 101 is reassuringly sturdy (and hefty, we might add). And though we knock the tablet for a slightly chintzy feel, attaching it to the keyboard cover paints a prettier picture. The so-called Coverboard attaches to the tablet magnetically, and the grayish magnetic strip that runs along the edge of the cover matches the silver bezel surrounding the 10.1-inch display. The silver-and-white aesthetic pulls the package together, and the docked tablet even manages to look a little edgy and futuristic. Ports include a proprietary USB 2.0 connector, mini-HDMI and a microSD card slot (compatible with up to 64GB of external memory). Taking a closer look at the keyboard case, we have a chiclet-style layout spanning most of the cover's width, with the docking connector and the kickstand sitting up top. The kickstand consists of two parts that lie flat, but pulling it up to a vertical position lets you prop up the tablet when it's docked in the base. We'll get to display quality in a minute, but it's worth mentioning here that the kickstand tilts the tablet back at an angle that requires you to keep the device pretty distant from your body -- otherwise, you won't have the best view of the screen. The Archos 101 XS has a 1,280 x 800 display, and the absence of IPS technology tells you it's not anything to get excited about. Colors aren't particularly bright, and you'll definitely want to bump up the brightness, as the panel is pretty dark by default. Text and images on web pages aren't especially crisp, but the XS' screen is perfectly adequate for surfing the web and firing off emails. And, come on, when a tablet's priced at $400, we can certainly live without a 1,920 x 1,200 panel. The glossy screen is a glare magnet, but reflections aside, this tablet offers good viewing angles. Keyboard A keyboard section in a tablet review, eh? The keyboard on the 101 XS is no accessory; it's integral to the slate's design -- as in, it's not an optional accessory that costs more, a la the ASUS Transformer Pad's $150 dock. In addition to upping your productivity, the keyboard cover protects the tablet's screen. It does add a few millimeters of bulk to the 101 XS, though, so the hardware keys are the real value proposition here. In addition to the full QWERTY setup and your standard numbers and arrows, there are keys for all the basic Android functions, including home, back, recently open and shortcuts to the updates bar and apps menu.
Though we appreciate the all-in-one design, the keyboard dock concept hasn't proved itself to be the most ergonomically sound. Other hybrid devices like the MSI Slider S20 and the ASUS Eee Pad Slider suffer from cramped keyboards, since propping up the tablet takes away so much space on the deck. The 101 XS also has this problem: the recessed island-style keys are tiny and feel squished together. In short, there's a learning curve for typing on the 101 XS. The keys are so close together that it's easy to hit an adjacent letter, and it also doesn't help that the buttons are extremely small. Neither of these issues is a surprise given that the keyboard is built directly into the lid, and while it's ultimately a superior option to the onscreen Android keyboard, it's still no substitute for a full-fledged laptop. We gave an online typing test a whirl to check out our words-per-minute score, and our rate was about 20 points lower than usual, with an increased error percentage, too. We also tried knocking out a few emails in Gmail, and the keyboard evidently did not want those messages to get sent. While typing a few pithy sentences on the cramped layout, we naturally made a few errors and needed to backtrack and correct our work. Pressing the backspace key, though, routinely takes us up to the recipient field in Gmail. Archos says this is a known bug and it's working on a fix with Google. Performance
Running a dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor clocked at 1.5GHz with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, the 101 XS isn't crafted to compete with higher-powered (and typically more expensive) Tegra 3 tablets. Still, it performed well in synthetic benchmark tests, outscoring dual-core contenders such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and the Acer Iconia Tab A200. Pitting the 101 against the new quad-core Galaxy Note 10.1 shows the limitations of Archos' tablet, though: the Note's AnTuTu score of 11,962 beats the 101's by more than 4,000 points. But it's one thing to benchmark a device and another thing to use it.
Cold-booting into Android 4.0.4 took 42 seconds, which isn't super speedy in the scheme of all slates. The Tegra 3-powered Nexus 7, for example, took 35 seconds, and we still think that's too slow. Once the tablet is up and running, though, it performs smoothly. Playing a few rounds of Fruit Ninja, watching YouTube videos and working in OfficeSuite Pro are problem-free. Still, everyday usage highlights the TI-OMAP's modest processing power. We didn't encounter any force-quits throughout our testing, but the 101 XS just feels sluggish. Loading web pages (no matter how strong the WiFi connection), scrolling through the apps menu and our home screens and launching programs takes a few seconds longer than it should. Battery life
Archos rates the 101 XS for seven hours of video playback and nine and a half to 10 hours of general use. On our video rundown test, the tablet's 6,800mAh battery lasted five hours and 31 minutes. Most other slates deliver more longevity: in fact, this is one of the shortest runtimes we've seen, falling short of a few older slates, such as the Acer Iconia Tab A100. However, we have reason to believe the 101 XS in fact lasts longer on a charge -- Archos recently updated its firmware, and we're currently rerunning our test. Check back for updated results. CameraThe 1.3-megapixel, 720p webcam on the Archos 101 XS delivers blurry images during video chats. When we rang one friend up on Skype, he couldn't see our image at all, but our voice came through loud enough. Once we got a decent connection, we both saw blurry, pixelated images. Even with a decent WiFi connection, this tablet isn't a reliable pick for video chatting. Plus, the camera's placement, on the left side of the tablet when you hold it in landscape mode, takes some getting used to: it's precisely the spot where we like to grip the slate, so we had to make an effort to not cover the shooter up with our fingers. Interestingly, though the earlier G9 sported a rear-facing camera, there's only one cam on the 101 XS. SoftwareThe 101 XS comes with Android 4.0, and this build of Ice Cream Sandwich is straightforward and skin-free. However, the device will be upgradeable to Jelly Bean in October. Archos does pre-load a fair share of apps, including OfficeSuite Pro 6, which is clearly meant to be used with the tablet's keyboard cover. There's a remote control app that lets you control other Archos devices on the same network, and the company's Music and Video apps sport an intuitive interface for swiping through albums and movie titles. A Gameloft suite of games, including Asphalt 6 and Spider Man, is pre-installed, as is a free version of Fruit Ninja. Configuration options and the competition The 101 XS, set to go on sale in mid-September, will retail for $400. The tablet gives you a TI-OMAP CPU, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a 1,280 x 800 display and a 1.3-megapixel camera. That's about all you have for options at the moment, though Archos says it will release 8-inch and 9.7-inch iterations of this tablet by the end of the year. If it's a 10-inch Android tablet you're after, your options are bountiful. A 10-incher for no more than $400? That narrows the playing field, but not by much. The $400 Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 isn't the most impressive performer (read: it's glitchy), but it gives you nearly nine hours of battery life. It's a bit thicker than the 101 XS (0.41 inches versus 0.31 inches), but it includes similar specs: a dual-core TI chip clocked at 1GHz, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage (for the cheapest model). There's also the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300, which costs $379 without the media dock and offers solid Tegra 3 performance. Among mid-range Android tablets, the TF300 is still tops in our book. If you can cross the $400 threshold, devices with higher-res displays enter the mix. The $450 Tegra 3-powered Acer Iconia Tab A700 has a lovely, crisp panel and a comfortable design, though we encountered several performance hiccups. The new iPad, starting at $499, has an amazing 2,048 x 1,536 display, of course, though the Archos 101 XS won't likely be on your list if you need high-end pixel density. Finally, Samsung's new Galaxy Note 10.1, starting at $499 is an interesting alternative, as it offers a different approach to productivity than the 101 XS. Rather than including a keyboard, it bundles the now-famous S Pen for writing, sketching and taking notes, and the tablet is stocked with high-performing handwriting transcribing software. Still, you're stuck with a 1,280 x 800 resolution on the 10-inch display, and we don't think the pen setup is the most practical for work of the essay-writing, PowerPoint-making variety. Wrap-up Sure, we docked the Archos 101 XS for a few key issues -- the uncomfortable keyboard being the primary one -- but you know us: we only gripe because we love. The fact is we got a bit starry-eyed when we first met this tablet. The Coverboard design is smart, even if the plastic feels cheap, and we can't give Archos enough kudos for taking the keyboard beyond accessory status to an important part of the device. The layout isn't the most ergonomically sound, which defeats the purpose of having a built-in keyboard in the first place, but we hope the company can refine this concept to get better results. Is that an endorsement of any kind? Not exactly. If you have a $400 tablet budget, there's a wealth of smarter choices out there and many comparably priced options provide better performance and a superior display to the 101 XS. For the time being, we'd say if you want a productivity-minded slate, the best option is still to buy a Bluetooth keyboard case. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 09:15 AM PDT Archos recently dropped a few hints about a Gen 10 tablet, and, just as promised, three weeks later the device is getting its official unveiling. Meet the Archos 101 XS, a 10-inch slate running Ice Cream Sandwich and a dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor. Staying true to the company's budget-friendly rep, the 101 XS will go for $400 when it drops in November, and that includes the tablet's main attraction: a keyboard dock that also acts as a cover to protect the 1,280 x 800 display. The so-called Coverboard attaches to the tablet's body magnetically, and there's a dock for securing the device when you want to type. The Coverboard sports a full QWERTY layout along with home, back and recently open buttons for navigating the Android OS. Speaking of which, Archos says the XS will be upgradeable to Jelly Bean in October. Other key specs include 16GB of internal storage, a 1.3-megapixel, 720p webcam and a 1.3-pound, 0.31-inch-thick design. To complement its new slab, Archos has also announced several new docks and covers. The Boombox speaker dock will charge your 101 XS while you soak up 32 watts of music playback. If you'd prefer to hook it up to your existing system, the Cradle dock has audio-out ports alongside a pair of USB sockets that can be connected to portable hard drives -- and more music. A selection of pouches and sleeves will also be up for grabs for anyone who's willing to leave that Coverboard behind. Pricing info for these accessories is yet to come. For more info, head past the break for the press release (and photos). We also have a full review of the 101 XS -- check it out here. Jamie Rigg contributed to this report. Denver, CO - (August 22, 2012) - ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its Gen10 XS tablet line. The ARCHOS 101 XS, a 10.1-inch tablet that weighs only 21 ounces and measures 0.31 of an inch thin, will be the first of this new line of extra slim AndroidTM tablets to debut mid-September followed by the release of the ARCHOS 97 XS and ARCHOS 80 XS later in 2012. In addition to creating a new standard of thin for tablets, ARCHOS continues to push the technological boundaries with the innovative Coverboard, a unique magnetic keyboard conceived for each tablet model that will offer protection, a kickstand, docking and easy typing. The Coverboard is included in the box with each tablet. The entire Gen10 XS line is GoogleTM certified, features Android 4.0 and allows full access to Google PlayTM featuring over 600,000 apps. The range will be upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in Q4 2012. "As the pioneer in the Android tablet market, we strive to continually push the technological boundaries of tablets and user experience," says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. "We are taking our Magnetic Coverboard: 4 Steps Ahead The ultra-thin magnetic Coverboard included with all Gen10 tablets enables users to protect, stand and dock the tablet as well as type with a full-size QWERTY keyboard. Protect The 0.2" thick protective cover is secured to the tablet with magnets. To open, the Coverboard simply twists to separate and reveal the full keyboard and magnetic kickstand. Stands The magnetically guided docking system enables perfect alignment on the keyboard, eliminating the need for clips or stands. The integrated magnetic kickstand holds the tablet to the Coverboard as one solid unit, allowing users to sit back and enjoy their music and movies comfortably. Docks When docked the Coverboard is powered by the tablet providing hours of productivity. The Coverboard also has a DC in, so when it's plugged into a power outlet the keyboard functions like a dock and charges the tablet. Types The Gen10 XS series come fully equipped with a chicklet-style QWERTY keyboard and a complete version of OfficeSuite Pro 6, a $14.99 value. This critically acclaimed application allows you to view, create, edit, print and share Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as well as open attachments and read PDF files. Combine that with a full QWERTY keyboard that also has intergrated Android shortcut keys for direct access to main tablet functions for the ultimate in productivity. Play Anything and Share Wirelessly with the ARCHOS Media Center ARCHOS Gen10 XS tablets come with tailor-made Media Center apps for full HD video, complete codec and format support, jackets & meta-data for your music, videos and wireless sharing over your home network. In addition, each tablet features a Video Carousel for a video library experience like no other including automatic jacket download and an easy to use search tool for finding title, series, actor, subtitle or other information. Other media center functions include: The ARCHOS Gen10 XS series has an assortment of designed accessories including a Speaker Dock, Docking Station and protective carrying Pouches. ARCHOS Speaker Dock: The perfect musical companion for your Gen10 tablet easily combines a sleek design with remarkable sound and quick charging station. Archos Docking Station: An ingenious little product allows you to charge your tablet while providing a great viewing solution. It also includes USB ports and audio ports for easy connectivity to a hard drives and existing stereo system from your tablet. ARCHOS Pouches: Provide protection and an easy carrying solution for tablet and Coverboard. They will be available in a large selection of colors and finishes. Availability The first tablet in the Gen10 series to be released will be the ARCHOS 101 XS. The 101 XS tablet, which is 15 percent thinner than the new iPad3, weighs only 21 ounces and measures 0.31 of an inch thin and will be in stores and online in North America starting in November with a suggested retail price of $399.99. Additional specs for the ARCHOS 101 XS include: For more information about the ARCHOS Gen10 XS tablet series and accessories, visit www.ARCHOS.com . | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Archos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet Posted: 22 Aug 2012 09:15 AM PDT Archos' new Coverboard-decked 101 XS tablet isn't the end of its Android efforts for 2012. During our briefing, the manufacturer revealed that it has both a 9.7- and 8-inch model incoming. The duo are set to arrive before the end of the year, and will, aside from dimensions, pack the same list of features we saw on the bigger model. Each will come with its own, perfectly-sized keyboard cover and what's likely to be the same raft of connectivity options seen on Archos' first XS tablet. The 8-inch model (80 XS) will pack a 1,024 x 768 resolution screen, while the larger 9.7-inch slab (97 XS) will house a 1,280 x 800 16:10 screen, a ratio that differentiates it, if only a little, from the slightly bigger model unveiled today. Archos is keeping some vital points -- like pricing -- a secret for now, but we'll update with more details as soon as we hear them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's back to school guide 2012: accessories Posted: 22 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 a slew of accessories -- 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!  Sure, you may need ultraportables and such to get the bulk of your work done, but you also need a few add-ons to make tasks just a bit easier. In this installment of the back to school guide, we'll offer a collection of accessories that will do just that. From extra batteries to external hard drives and peripherals, what you'll find here should help you get through a day of back-to-back classes, without the need to worry about losing all those term papers if something goes wrong with the SSD. Of course, not all of these are meant to aid in serious, head-down studies. We also tackle a few options for keeping fit and iPad-powered study breaks, too. So head on past the break for the rundown on a gadget stash that'll help you ease back into the flow of things this fall.  On the cheap
Mid-level
Money's no object
Engadget's Back to School Giveaway Official Rules No Purchase Required to Enter or Win Eligibility: Engadget's Back to School Giveaway (the "Giveaway") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of Weblogs Inc. LLC, AOL Inc., their advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Giveaways, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with the Giveaways (collectively "Giveaway Entities") and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are not eligible. All U.S., federal, state and local and Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations apply. Void in Quebec, Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Sponsor: The Giveaway is sponsored by Weblogs Inc. LLC, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 ("Sponsor"). Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in the Giveaway constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. Giveaway Period: The Giveaway begins at 12:00 pm ET on August 6, 2012 and ends at 12:00 pm ET on September 7, 2012 (the "Giveaway Period"). The Giveaway Period shall be divided into fifteen (15) separate Entry Periods: Entry Period 1 begins at 12PM ET on August 6, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 2 begins at 1PM ET on August 6, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 3 begins at 12PM ET on August 7, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 4 begins at 12PM ET on August 8, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 5 begins at 12PM ET on August 9, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 6 begins at 12PM ET on August 10, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 7 begins at 12PM ET on August 13, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 8 begins at 12PM ET on August 15, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 9 begins at 12PM ET on August 17, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 10 begins at 12PM ET on August 20, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 11 begins at 12PM ET on August 22, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 12 begins at 12PM ET on August 24, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 13 begins at 12PM ET on August 27, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 14 begins at 12PM ET on August 29, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry Period 15 begins at 12PM ET on August 31, 2012 and ends at 12PM ET on September 7, 2012. Entry: During the Giveaway Period, go to engadget.com/2012/08/06/back-to-school-giveaway and follow the instructions to submit your entry. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person. Drawing: At the conclusion of the Giveaway Period, Sponsor will select the name of one (1) Grand Prize Winner from each of the fifteen (15) Entry Periods in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during each Entry Period. The odds of being selected as a potential winner depend on the number of eligible entries received during the applicable Entry Period. Potential Winners will be contacted via email and asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address within a specified time period. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period. Non-winning entries from one Entry Period do not carry over into subsequent Entry Periods. Requirements of the Potential Winners: Except where prohibited, the potential winners will be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (the "Affidavit/Release") and IRS W-9 form within seven (7) days of being notified. If a potential winner fails to sign and return the Affidavit/Release and W-9 form within the required time period, an alternate entrant may be selected in his/her place in a random drawing of all entries received. Acceptance of a prize constitutes consent to use winner's name and likeness for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. In the event the potential winner of any prize is a Canadian resident, he/she will also be required to correctly answer a time-limited mathematical question to be administered by email, mail or phone to receive the prize. Limit one (1) prize per household. Prizes: Fifteen (15) Grand Prize Winners will each receive a Back to School Prize Pack containing the following items: HP Envy Ultrabook 4, Sony NEX-F3, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), Samsung Galaxy S III (AT&T), Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, AiAiAi Capital headphones, Western Digital My Passport (1TB) hard drive, Timbuk2 Commute Messenger laptop bag, Flying Alarm Clock, AOC 16" USB monitor, Spotify Premium subscription (1 year), Satechi Energy Station, Edifier Tick Tock, Satechi 12-port USB hub, NuForce Cube, Withings WiFi Scale, Powermat 24-hour system, Carbonite Backup (1 year), AViiQ Ready Chips, and Targus Defcon 1 lock. Approximate Retail Value of each Prize Pack is $3,203. Subscriptions are subject to issuer's terms and conditions. Activation fees and monthly service fees not included with any smartphone/digital devices. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion of a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. Winners are responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release, defend indemnify and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action, including without limitation, any third party claim, arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Giveaway Entities' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the Giveaway Entities be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE PRIZES AND ALL ELEMENTS THEREOF ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND. SPONSOR DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. Some jurisdictions do not allow the disclaimer of implied warranties. In such jurisdictions, some of the foregoing disclaimers may not apply to you insofar as they relate to implied warranties. Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant's rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia. Giveaway Results: To request the names of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Engadget Back to School Giveaway Winners, 770 Broadway, Attn: J. Turi, New York, NY 10003. Requests must be received by September 30, 2012. comments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amazon launches India Kindle Store, swap rupees for good reads Posted: 22 Aug 2012 08:43 AM PDT Indian consumers haven't been cut off from Amazon's world of e-book goodies, but their experience is about to get a lot more native with the launch of a local Kindle Store. The prices of over a million books are now available in rupees, and if you're in need of hardware, the latest bare-bones Kindle can now be found in-store at Croma for Rs. 6,999. That E Ink Pearl sceen comes at a premium, however, as there are more than a few budget-friendly tablets available in the country which support the Kindle app. The best news is probably reserved for fledgling writers, who now have access to Kindle Direct Publishing to showcase their work and hopefully net some purchases. Amazon Launches India Kindle Store with the Biggest Selection and Lowest Prices in India, Kindle Now for Sale at Croma Stores across India Over one million books priced in rupees available for purchase by Indian customers on Amazon.com, including titles from Chetan Bhagat, Ashwin Sanghi, Ravinder Singh and Amish Tripathi Kindle – the world's #1 bestselling e-reader for five years running – now available for purchase at Croma retail stores across India Kindle Direct Publishing now available to independent authors and publishers in India SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2012-- Amazon today launched the India Kindle Store on Amazon.com (www.amazon.com/kindlestoreindia) with the largest selection, including the most bestsellers, and lowest prices of any e-bookstore in India. The India Kindle Store offers over one million books, now available for India customers priced in Indian Rupees (INR), including 70 of 100 Nielsen Bestsellers. In addition, customers can now purchase Kindle – the world's #1 bestselling e-reader for five years running – at Croma retail stores across India. The India Kindle Store features a vast selection of titles, New Releases, Bestsellers, and works from a range of Indian authors, including Chetan Bhagat, Ashwin Sanghi, Ravinder Singh and Amish Tripathi. Readers will also find exclusive Kindle books such as "Love, Life and a Beer Can" by Prashant Sharma, and "Reality Bites; a not so innocent Love Story" by Anurag Anand as well as over one million free classics available to download and read on Kindle. "We are proud to launch this new Kindle store for Indian customers – offering Kindle book purchases in rupees and the ability to buy and read the work of many great Indian authors," said Russ Grandinetti, vice president of Kindle Content, Amazon.com. "In addition, we are excited to work with Croma to make Kindle available at retail outlets across India." "We are excited to be the first retailer in India to offer the latest generation Kindle to our customers. This product will launch exclusively in all Croma stores across India at an introductory price of 6,999 INR," said Mr. Ajit Joshi, CEO and Managing Director of Croma. "Kindle is the bestselling e-reader in the world and has revolutionized the way people read. Kindle wirelessly downloads books on a high-resolution electronic-ink screen that looks and reads just like real paper, even in bright sunlight." Kindle lets you download books in less than 60 seconds, carry up to 1,400 books and read for up to one month on a single battery charge. You can also buy your books once and read them everywhere-on Kindle, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, Mac, PC, and Android-based devices. Amazon's Whispersync technology syncs your place across all devices, so you can pick up where you left off. With Kindle Worry-Free Archive, books you purchase from the Kindle Store, and any notes or annotations you create, are automatically backed up online in your Kindle library on Amazon.com where they can be re-downloaded wirelessly for free, anytime. Amazon also launched Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for independent authors and publishers in India. KDP is a fast, free and easy way for authors and publishers to make their books available to Kindle customers in India and around the world on both Kindle devices and free Kindle reading apps. New features for authors and publishers in India include the ability to set prices specific for India, as well as receive royalty payments in rupees. For more information on KDP visit https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help. Customers can visit the new India Kindle Store now at www.amazon.com/kindlestoreindia. Customers can discover full details on www.amazon.com/kindle and www.junglee.com or at Croma retail outlets throughout India. Customers can also continue to purchase Kindle, Kindle Touch and Kindle Touch 3G from Amazon.com with shipment to India. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intel brings Medfield to Russia with the MegaFon Mint Posted: 22 Aug 2012 08:22 AM PDT The Intel-powered mobile machine has been slowly picking up pace this year. Now, the chip-maker has signed up a new partner in the form of Russian operator MegaFon. So, it looks like we might see another (and we must say familiar looking) network-branded Android Medfield phone in the form of the MegaFon Mint. The spec-sheet, again, poses no surprises, with the same 1.6GHz Z2460 chip 1GB of RAM, 4-inch screen and 8-megapixel camera only further enhancing the sense of deja vu. What will be unique, however, is the price, which looks set at 17,990 Rubles (about $565), available from today. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget Giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy S III, courtesy of DailySteals! Posted: 22 Aug 2012 08:01 AM PDT The Samsung Galaxy S III is one of the best phones on the planet right now, and we have an unlocked global version (I9300) to send to your doorstep! This week's giveaway comes to you from DailySteals.com, a website dedicated to hooking you up with all sorts of electronic goodies -- and doing so without your wallet developing unkind feelings toward your lust for the latest and greatest gadgets. As always, it's best to take a quick look at the rules before entering, and then proceed to the comment section from there. Good luck! The rules:
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| Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 to play nice with Unity game engine Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:39 AM PDT You can't have too many supported platforms and Unity Technologies seems to agree, announcing that its self-titled game creation tool will be coming to both Windows 8 and its mobile sibling. According to CEO David Helgason, "The Unity community has been asking for access to Windows Phones and have been eagerly anticipating the release of Windows 8. We're happy to announce that we will support both." He added that several of its games will also be making their way to Atom processor-powered Android phones soon. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Oatmeal does it: $850,000 raised for a Tesla Museum Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:26 AM PDT The Oatmeal's campaign to raise cash helping Tesla Science Center purchase Wardenclyffe has hit its $850,000 target. The property, formerly the home of the scientist's project to create wireless electricity can now be purchased with a matching grant from New York state. The charity is planning to build a museum on its original foundations, in a fitting tribute to the "Greatest Geek who ever lived." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AT&T confesses: its network couldn't handle unchecked FaceTime over cellular Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:13 AM PDT Well, at least no one can blame AT&T for dodging the core issue any longer. After watching Verizon Wireless snag satisfaction crown after satisfaction crown from AT&T over the years, it seems that the latter is finally using a highly defensive blog post on the issue of FaceTime over cellular in order to cop to what we've all known: AT&T's network is in no shape to handle the glut of devices currently running on it. After being taken by storm in 2007 with the iPhone, AT&T has been racing to right the supply / demand curve, and it came to a head once more last week when the operator announced that only Mobile Share users would be able to use FaceTime over its 3G / 4G airwaves once iOS 6 hit. Naturally, pundits were quick to slam the company for implementing a policy that nudges existing users with grandfathered unlimited data plans to slide up to a plan that's potentially less awesome, but a lengthy letter on AT&T's Public Policy Blog lays out the real reason. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sky's Now TV service hits Xbox, beckons you forth with 30 day free trial Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:02 AM PDT After launching it on the PC, Mac, Android and iOS, Sky's adding another big platform to its Now TV service: Xbox. Gamers in the UK can now stream content at 720i, including the service's 11 movie channels. Those with a Kinect lying around can also use the peripheral to navigate around the offering. Interested parties can take advantage of a 30-day trial for free, after which they'll have to plunk down £15 a month for access to Sky Movies Pass titles from studios like Disney, Fox, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros. and Universal. The service has promised more content in coming months, including the launch of Sky Sports. For more info on the offering, check out the press release after the break.
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| Posted: 22 Aug 2012 06:41 AM PDT Relations between mainland China and Taiwan haven't always been what you'd call warm, even with many companies having a footprint in both regions. Consider the first bursts of network traffic from a newly active connection as olive branches: a pair of undersea fiber optic cables running between southern China's Xiamen and the Taiwan-claimed Kinmen island chain represent the first truly direct data link between the two sides. Built by China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom, the link both has its share of diplomatic symbolism as well as the very practical advantage of a faster, more reliable route -- there's no globetrotting required to get data and voice to their destinations, and there's fewer chances of blackouts if a boat inadvertently slices a cable. We wouldn't go so far as to call it a Happily Ever After for either faction after decades of tension, but it does at least provide a greater semblance of normalcy to their communication. [Image credit: Aine Hickey, Wikitravel] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Octane benchmark tests JavaScript in the real world, scales to mobile sizes Posted: 22 Aug 2012 06:21 AM PDT We're all too familiar with JavaScript tests like Sunspider -- we use them all the time to gauge browser speeds on phones and tablets. Most of these have little direct correlation to the sites we're visiting on our devices, however, and seldom acknowledge that we're testing with anything but a desktop. Google wants to drag the experience into this decade with its new Octane benchmark. The collection of tests uses real-life examples of JavaScript code -- who knew web-based Game Boy emulators were so popular? -- to generate results for a simple, more-is-better scoring system. Its interface also scales dynamically and should fit just about any screen size. While we can't guarantee that Octane will find a place within our own battery of tests, both the benchmark itself and the source code are available for anyone to investigate. Feel free to post and compare your results in the comments. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audyssey's Wireless Speakers can plug into your computer, stream tunes over Bluetooth (ears-on) Posted: 22 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT Remember Audyssey's Lower East Side stereo speakers (now simply dubbed Media Speakers)? Well, the company has decided to give the stereo system a sibling, gracing it with wireless connectivity. The new Wireless Speakers are cut from the same mold, but feature redesigned drivers and Bluetooth functionality -- not to mention a snazzy matte white with glossy black finish. $250 snags you pair of speakers, each loaded with two .75-inch tweeters, a duo of three-inch woofers and a dual four-inch passive bass radiators, and all of which are aided by Audyssey's BassXT, EQ and Dynamic EQ DSPs for pushing sound out. We've had a some time to briefly test out the speakers, and putting it simply, they sure do sound as good as they look on a desk. Click on past the break for our initial impressions of these wired multimedia speakers packing a Bluetooth trick up their respective sleeves. The speakers are laid out simply, with all the basic connections you'll need for your various on-desk devices. Getting into specifics, a push-in knob on the right speaker lets you switch the power on (indicated by a green and red light) and change the volume, while a 3.5mm jack up front allows for headphones to be plugged in. There's also another 3.5mm jack on the back for plugging straight in a sound source. Next to it you'll find a Bluetooth syncing button with an indicator light, along with connections for power and traditional speaker wires to hook it up with the Left monitor. Yes, you'll be dealing with some cabling here, but these speakers are essentially to meant to stay put anyway. Once set up, the Wireless Speakers don't give off any indication that they're also capable of accepting sound from Bluetooth-equipped devices -- it's sort of their charm. The sound was pleasing whether we used our computer's headphone out or streamed over Bluetooth from a Galaxy Nexus. Describing it a few words, the audio comes out admirably full and smooth. With the volume cranked up the bass radiators really kick, but thankfully the speakers never vibrated or budged out of place. Furthermore, the right speaker's headphone jack, was a much appreciated detail considering our computer was wired-in with the included -- albeit rather short -- 3.5mm audio cable. $250 is certainly pricey, but there is no question the speakers seem to be hitting all of Audyssey's intended marks. We'll likely have further impressions in the near future, but, if you're already interested, the Wireless Speakers are set to start hitting the streets on August 29th. Check out the press release below for all the details. Audyssey Announces New Wireless Speakers LOS ANGELES, CA – (Marketwire - August 22, 2012) – Audyssey, a leader in audio technology for the home, automotive, mobile and theater markets, today announced the Audyssey Wireless Speakers. The new speakers use Audyssey EQ for precisely tuned stereo imaging and a truly immersive listening experience. Audyssey BassXT provides deep bass for a full, rich sound. And the integrated Bluetooth capabilities let users stream music wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, tablets or computers. "The future of audio is wireless," said Andrew Turner, Audyssey's head of product Bluetooth enjoys near-universal adoption throughout the consumer market and Audyssey's The Audyssey Wireless Speakers will carry an MSRP of $299 and will be available in the United States and Japan on August 29. Australia, Europe, South America and the rest of Asia can expect to see the speakers on shelves later in September. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nikon Coolpix S01 hands-on (video) Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:56 AM PDT Another gem at Nikon's unveiling today is this little Coolpix S01, and by "little" we really mean little. At just 96 grams, this is the smallest and lightest Coolpix device ever but it's still surprisingly usable. But like our hands-on with the Android-powered S800c, we couldn't walk away with any sample photos to judge the S01's image quality. Just a quick recap: here you get a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom (29mm to 87mm), 720p video capture, several filter effects and a simple touch interface on a 2.5-inch LCD. We also saw five color options in Hong Kong: pink, black, white, red and silver (fingerprint magnet alert!). Our only complaints are that said camera uses a resistive touchscreen, and the lack of white balance options is also quite bizarre -- $179 isn't exactly a cheap enough price to justify this flaw. Still interested? Hit the video after the break for a quick tour.
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| Inmarsat brings prepaid model to satellite phone calls Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:37 AM PDT If you need a satellite phone, then you need a satellite phone. There's no getting around it. Researchers, government contractors and workers in remote locations around the globe rely on their near universal (and extremely expensive) coverage to keep in touch while out in the field. That has normally meant pricey, long-term contracts that lock users into service much like our nation's cellular providers. Satellite operator Inmarsat is finally providing an alternative for those that need truly global coverage (specifically, here in the US) by offering prepaid voice plans to owners of its IsatPhone Pro, BGAN, FleetBroadband and FleetPhone devices. The new plans, while no less expensive we're sure, should prove to be quite attractive to those that need satellite service for only short periods of time -- say, just a few months. The new plans will be available starting September 1st for those who want sat-phone service without the commitment. Check out the PR after the break. [Photo courtesy of Tarquin Binary] Global Pre-paid Satellite Voice and Data Services Now Available from Inmarsat 21-08-2012 - Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced that it now offers global pre-paid satellite services for both voice and data via the Inmarsat pre-pay platform with the introduction of support for voice calls originating in the US and its territories. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spotify accounts tip Canada launch, possibly expanding to Asia and South America Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:14 AM PDT It's the question we get asked every time we post about Spotify -- when is the music streaming service coming to Canada? There was little doubt the company was looking at our neighbors to the north, it always just seemed like a matter of when. No firm dates here, but accounts published by Spotify that have been obtained by The Wall Street Journal seem to confirm those intentions, adding that it's also looking to expand its footprint into "countries in Asia and South America." The service is currently available in 15 countries. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brother crams all-in-one functionality into a pint-size package for Business Smart series Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:00 AM PDT Looking for a color inkjet all-in-one that won't use up all of your desk space? Brother's talking up its Business Smart line as a way getting a slew of features without the added office footprint. Aimed at small business owners, the line's first entry, the MFC-J4510DW, utilizes landscape printing and redesigned printer cartridges to help fit all of the requisite features into a smaller body. The peripheral does wireless and mobile printing, auto-two sided printing and features touchscreen controls. It's expected to hit the big office chains and Best Buys in October for $199, with more entries in the line following later this year. More info in the press release after the jump.
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| Google adds saved search settings, keeps them tied to your account across browsers and devices Posted: 22 Aug 2012 04:44 AM PDT Google's enabled yet another new function for its linchpin search engine, which will now hold onto your preferences, assigning them to your Google account and activating across all your web-ready devices and browsers. Saved settings include language preference, results per page and whether to enable Google Instant. It has also separated mobile and desktop options, to ensure your phone isn't clogged up with hundreds of results on a weedy 3G connection. Hit the settings tag on the Google search page to enable the feature. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Twitter warned by Indian government to kibosh inflammatory tweets Posted: 22 Aug 2012 04:22 AM PDT India's in the midst of a security crisis and has asked Twitter to curtail "inflammatory messages" or prepare to face legal action, according to the Times of India. The country has shut down numerous websites, while Google and Facebook have already pledged to remove any threatening content. Officials reportedly said that Twitter "failed to cooperate" in efforts to curb messages or help the government find their source, despite an earlier pledge by the social network to censor content when a country demanded it. Indian ISPs have started blocking the service's accounts, according to TNW, but not Twitter itself, as the site first reported. In any case, the country still has a long way to go to catch the censorship leader. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 22 Aug 2012 04:01 AM PDT iRobot may be best known for its household automatons, but the company's expertise goes far beyond circular bots built for sweeping and scrubbing floors. Its Warrior and 110 FirstLook bots are built for the military, and now the Advanced Inflatable Robot (AIR) arm model is joining its armed forces brethren. The AIRarm prototype is essentially a Packbot whose metal arm's been replaced with an inflatable version able to lift four times its own half-pound weight. That might not seem like much, but considering most rigid robot arms can only lift a fraction of their own weight, it represents a sizable gain in strength-to-weight ratio. Plus, the arm can get stronger by simply dialing up the air pressure. As an inflatable limb, it can also operate delicately around meatbags -- just as the air pressure is increased for strength, it can be decreased when in close proximity to people so as not to injure them. For its prototype effort, iRobot's going to get a $625,000 contract from DARPA to continue the AIRarm's development, and you can see a bit of what that money will buy in the video after the break.
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| Nikon Coolpix S800c hands-on: a closer look at the Android camera (video) Posted: 22 Aug 2012 03:40 AM PDT It was only hours ago when Nikon officially unveiled the Coolpix S800c, but we've already laid our hands on this eccentric device. As you've probably already heard, the main selling point here is that said "smart camera" is powered by a slick (and near-vanilla) Android 2.3.3 with Google services, so with the built-in WiFi, you can upload your 16-megapixel images or 1080p videos straight to your various social networks or other cloud services. Or you can, if you're in the mood, just play Angry Birds on the S800c, but that 1,050mAh battery might not be ideal for prolonged entertainment. Sadly, we weren't allowed to share any images taken with the demo units (sorry, usual Nikon protocol), but what we can tell you is that both the camera's speed and quality weren't bad at all, and likewise with the 3.5-inch 854 x 480 OLED multitouch display -- the high pixel density makes the PenTile arrangement more forgivable. The most interesting thing we discovered was that it seems the camera part of the S800c can run independently from Android while the latter is still booting up. You see, rather than letting the device stay on standby like most other Android devices, Nikon uses a shut-down timer that activates once Android goes on standby. When the camera's completely switched off, hit the power button and you'll go straight into camera mode which lets you shoot immediately, then about half a minute later the interface seamlessly goes back to smart mode, which is when you can hit the back or home button to toggle the Android unlock screen (though we'd rather go straight into the home screen). This cunning trick would probably explain why we couldn't get any internal hardware detail from the few benchmark tools we installed, but we did squeeze out a score of 614 in Vellamo -- detailed breakdown in the gallery below. Anyhow, you can see the camera in action in the video after the break. The Nikon Coolpix S800c will be available next month for $350 in the US and £379 in the UK. As always, stay tuned for our review.
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| Kingmax intros speedy, SandForce-packing SATA III Client Pro SSD Posted: 22 Aug 2012 03:24 AM PDT Kingmax is known for pushing the limits now and then with its flash storage, so we're intrigued when it puts out a high-end solid-state drive for the mainstream. Its new SATA III Client Pro SSD lives up to that bill with the combination of a SandForce controller and faster flash memory that can reach some heady speeds for gamers and simple speed freaks alike. With the right drive and ideal conditions, we're looking at a brisk 550MB/s for sequential reads, 520MB/s for similarly ordered writes and a very capable 85,000 IOPS when writing at random. Kingmax isn't directly providing prices or release details, but it's offering capacities from 60GB to 480GB as well both laptop-focused (SMU32) and desktop-friendly (SMU35) kits. The Client Pro-inclined can find the full nuts-and-bolts details after the break. KINGMAX Launches High Performance SATA III Client Pro SSD While PC user is more and more concerning high performance and high quality SSD, the world renowned memory and Flash module manufacturer, KINGMAX, recently launches high performance SATA III Client Pro SSD – SMU 32 and SMU35. Adopting Sandforce controller and high speed synchronous Flash memory, Client Pro SSD delivers sequential read/write speed up to 550MB/s, 520MB/s, and 4KB random write speed up to 85,000 IOPS. Its superior performance meets needs for every user, no matter for advanced gaming, multitasking or multimedia computing. KINGMAX SATA III Client Pro SSD is based on powerful Sandforce controller and the latest firmware technology, which is able to maximize performance, extend product endurance and lifetime and enhance data protection and reliability. Since synchronous Flash is the higher grade memory, it achieves the better performance and the longer lifetime than asynchronous flash does, especially the performance under random write. For general users, synchronous Flash keeps high performance last after long term usages. SMU32 and SMU35 support NCQ and TRIM command to optimize performance; DuraWrite , powerful wear leveling algorithm and intelligent block management also enhance lifetime; Data is safeguarded by S.M.A.R.T function and protected by high level of Error Correction Code - 55 bit BCH ECC, avoiding worries from potentially flash block failures. In addition, SMU32 and SMU35 also support RAID, and PC enthusiasts can build up super fast PC system by using multiple SSD. SMU 32 is basic version and SMU 35 is desktop version, with 3.5 inch drive bay bracket includes. Both versions offer various capacities of 60GB/120GB/240GB/480GB and make them suitable whether as a system disk or as a replacement of hard disk. KINGMAX SSD uses premium selected Flash IC and undergoes 100% rigorous test from IC screening to product assembly. The manufacturing process is controlled by highest standards to ensure the best quality and pleasant user experience. KINGMAX SATA III Client Pro SSD meets RoHS regulations (Restriction of hazardous substances in electronic and electrical and electronic equipment), CE and FCC. It supports Window 7 and major OS, so product and system compatibility is never a worry. Last but not least, SMU32 and SMU35 are also backed up with 3 years warranty service to ensure premium product quality and flawless customer services. Features： Faster transmission, startup and multitasking Specification： Interface: SATA III6Gb/s For more product information, please see the followings： http://www.kingmax.com/en-global/product/product/Model/SATAIII_SSD_SMU32_Client_Pro http://www.kingmax.com/en-global/product/product/Model/SATAIII_SSD_SMU35_Client_Pro | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tritton Warhead 7.1 two-way headset for Xbox 360 now shipping Posted: 22 Aug 2012 02:48 AM PDT Companies are no strangers to superlatives where new kit is concerned and Mad Catz is definitely no exception. With the release of its newest flagship, the Tritton Warhead 7.1, the outfit's claiming a novelty in the Xbox 360 space, labeling these cans as the "first... to deliver two-way communication" without the need for wires or controller adapters. Made specifically for Microsoft's green X gaming platform, the pair of 50mm drivers pump out Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound over a 5.8GHz channel for up to 33ft of interference-free smack talk. The headset also offers gamers the ability to monitor their in-ear voice levels (SVM), control the volume of other players, as well as select EQ presets for a variety of media playback. And just so you never have to press pause to keep the friendly banter (read: cusses) flowing, the company's bundled in a dock and pair of of Li-ion batteries for "hot-swappable" recharging. These over-ears are available now for a cool $299 at BestBuy and the company's own site, so if you take your first-person action seriously, prepare to part with a few Benjamins. Official presser after the break. Mad Catz® Ships The Warhead™ 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset for Xbox 360® San Diego – August 21, 2012 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today the shipping of the Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset, for use with the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The flagship in the Company's exclusive range of Xbox 360 gaming headsets, the Warhead 7.1 is the first headset in the world to deliver two-way communication via the Xbox 360 console, negating the need for a chat cable or adapter to be connected to the gamers' controller. "We believe premium products such as the Warhead 7.1 have longer product life spans and offer the best means for us to target competitive and passionate gamers who demand the best." said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. "In addition to our focus on creating new products, we also look forward to leveraging our expanded geographic footprint and worldwide sales and marketing initiatives to bring added visibility to this one-of-a-kind product." The Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset features 5.8GHz wireless technology and Dolby® Headphone 7.1 surround sound. In addition, the Warhead 7.1 offers gamers an array of features including twin 'hot-swappable' rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), EQ modes for movies, music and gaming and an on screen battery-indicator display. The Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset is available for purchase from Best Buy® stores, www.bestbuy.com, and Mad Catz store www.madcatz.com. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia Windows Phone 8 devices said to arrive on Verizon this year Posted: 22 Aug 2012 02:21 AM PDT We knew the date, we're even pretty sure that Nokia will be outing new hardware. What wasn't confirmed, however, was which carriers would be involved. If reports from Bloomberg are to be believed, we can expect Verizon to be one of them, and pretty soon too. Nokia has been a little more friendly with AT&T and T-Mobile, but this speculation could mean we see the first Windows Phone on Big Red since the middle of last year. Naturally we'll still have to wait and see exactly what pans out and when, but for now, the Verizon faithful (or contractually obliged) with Windows Phone yearnings, have a little glimmer of hope. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amazon's political reading map shows which way your neighbors are leaning Posted: 22 Aug 2012 02:02 AM PDT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RIM promotes UK and Ireland head in preparation for BlackBerry 10 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:43 AM PDT Thorsten Heins is assembling his crack team for BlackBerry 10, hiring and firing to assemble the lineup of business heavyweights he needs. RIM's UK and Ireland chief Stephen Bates is the latest to move, being promoted into the newly-minted role of European Managing Director, while former product manager Rob Orr will take his place. A RIM spokesperson told ZDNet that the moves are to ensure the company's BB7 legacy devices remain strong sellers in a key market while preparing the region for the advent of BB10. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rare iPhone prototype hits eBay, branded with 'deathstar' test logo (updated with video) Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:19 AM PDT While our thoughts on all things iPhone may be focused elsewhere, an unusual Apple prototype of its fourth phone iteration has caught our attention on eBay. On the back, you can see the same curious logo spied on experimental hardware as far back as February 2010 and as 9to5Mac notes, it doesn't pack the screws along the bottom edge, making it ever so slightly different to the final model. The phone (model number N90AP) also runs Apple's software testing framework, Switchboard, which is still happily ticking along on this particular prototype. Bids start at $4,500, or there's a Buy It Now price of $10,000 -- if you must have this obscure slice of Apple history. (Update: We've been sent a quick video tour of the device-- it's after the break.)
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| Logitech's Washable Keyboard K310 doesn't mind a good scrubbin', hits shelves this month for $40 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:00 AM PDT We've all been there. At some point, that keyboard will build up months of our finger grime. Of course, the white-keyed peripherals are much worse for the filthy wear. For those looking to take an easier route to cleaning up their keypads, Logitech has announced the K310 washable keyboard. Capable of being submerged in up to 11 inches (about 30 cm) of water, the accessory is outfitted with drainage holes to allow for a quick dry and keys are marked with laser printing and UV coating to ensure a youthful appearance. Take note: this unit is wired, so you'll want be sure to keep that USB connector nice and dry. In addition to being able to hold its breath in shallow water, the keys are said to last for up to five million keystrokes each. The K310 will hit desks -- and sinks -- in the US later this month for $40 and is expected to cross the pond to Europe in October. Need a closer look? Dive into the gallery below to do just that. Logitech Unveils Washable, Ultra-Durable Keyboard The Logitech Washable Keyboard K310 can be hand washed time and time again, and can be submerged (with the exception of the USB cable) in up to 11 inches of water. Convenient drainage holes at the back of the keyboard allow for easy drying while key characters are laser printed and UV coated to help ensure the letters don't fade in the wash. Plus, the keys can last up to five million keystrokes, meaning this keyboard can take a washing, as well as a pounding. "We've all experienced that moment of distraction – followed by panic, when a cup of coffee or a soda spills all over your keyboard," says Sophie Le Guen, senior director of mice and keyboards at Logitech. "Because life and its messes will happen, regardless of how careful you are, Logitech designed the Logitech Washable Keyboard K310 to look and function like new, even over time." Durable, yet still comfortable, this full-size keyboard's contemporary design complements both your computer and your work space. It comes complete with F-keys and a number pad, and is compatible with Windows® XP, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7. With twelve hot keys for instant access to Internet, e-mail, play, volume and more, you can readily open your most-used applications with a single keystroke. To make life even easier, this keyboard requires no software for setup, simply pull the device straight out of the box, plug it in and type away. Pricing and Availability | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pioneer launches rekordbox mobile app, prep your XDJ-AERO set ahead of time Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:31 AM PDT If you were twiddling your thumbs waiting for Pioneer's XDJ-AERO to come out, you might want to head on over to iTunes or the Play store instead. Why? Because the mobile rekordbox companion app for iOS and Android has just been released. If you were thinking it'd just be a basic music management tool, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Sure, you can import tracks, to then play on the XDJ-AERO (and other Pioneer DJ products that support WiFi), but you can also set up loop points, hot cues, analyze tracks, create playlists, and even experiment with ideas on the fly. This means you can get your tracks prepped up wherever you are, and turn up to the party good to go, be it on your own gear or a friends'. This is also what you'll need if you want to make use of the forthcoming controller's WiFi functionality, although it can also be used to connect with the desktop version of the program if you're already using it. The app is free, and available now, just head down to the source to line those beats up. PIONEER RELEASES REKORDBOX DJ MUSIC APP FOR iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH LONG BEACH, Calif. (August 21, 2012) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division today announced the availability of its new rekordbox® DJ music management app for iPhone® and iPod touch®1. The rekordbox App enables users to prepare and manage music stored on their portable devices as well as create playlists, cue/loop point and beat location settings, perform waveform analysis, and more. The organized music in the device can also be wirelessly synched with a computer utilizing the Pioneer rekordbox music management PC software, providing the additional convenience of preparing music for playback on a Pioneer DJ system. "Pioneer's rekordbox music management software continues to grow in popularity within the DJ community and we're now making it available as an app for iPhone and iPod touch," said David Arevalo, senior marketing manager, Professional Sound and Visual Division for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The rekordbox App will make it easy for anyone to organize the music stored on a device so it can be ready for playback on a variety of Pioneer systems." Much like Pioneer's rekordbox PC software, the rekordbox App makes it fun and easy to prepare songs for DJ playback. The app utilizes graphics similar to the waveforms, bars and buttons found on Pioneer players so users can simply touch the screen of the device being used to create and customize set points in their music. The new app also features music file browsing with the ability to customize browsing and sorting menus; log and play tracking for saving playlists on the device; and the ability to change the language of the display from among nine languages. Pioneer's recently announced XDJ-AERO DJ system takes full advantage of the rekordbox App, enabling an iPhone and iPod touch to become an additional source for music content. The XDJ-AERO also creates its own access point, eliminating the need for any hard-wired connections and allowing an iPhone or iPod touch with the rekordbox App to temporarily transfer content wirelessly to the DJ system. Pioneer's rekordbox DJ music management App is available at no charge from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Pioneer offers a complete line of professional DJ Equipment through its Professional Sound & Visual Division. Its DJ products are industry standards at clubs, studios, mobile rigs and homes around the world, known for their high quality sound and reliability. For more information, visit www.pioneerdjusa.com. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Facebook adds mention tagging to Open Graph for more efficient name-dropping Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:03 AM PDT Facebook has given developers that link to the social network with Open Graph a new way let let users play tag with their friends -- while also increasing exposure to their app. It's called mention tagging, and allows a user to link a friend in the text body of a message, and is not to be confused with action tagging, an existing feature which references friends only in story text. The option requires a deliberate action by the user, so the developer must implement a way to clearly show how to do that with an icon (as shown above for Foursquare) or drop-down menu, for instance. Apps must also distinguish between action and mention tags, and are not allowed to pre-fill them in the message -- that can only be done by the user. Though no privacy changes are needed, Facebook requires apps using the feature to request user approval before any action can be taken. All that would increase tagging and app visibility significantly -- so developers will likely be all over it. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GoNote 10-inch hybrid netbook / tablet bringing Ice Cream Sandwich to UK classrooms next month Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:26 PM PDT Ergo Electronics, the company behind the GoTab, is looking to help bring Android to UK classrooms in the form of the GoNote, a combo tablet / netbook running Ice Cream Sandwich. The device has a 10-inch 1024 x 600 display, a 1.2GHz ARM Rockchip RK2918, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, expandable via a MicroSD slot. Aimed at students, the GoNote also has four USB 2.0 ports and a VGA camera on-board. It'll be hitting in the UK in September for £150 ($236) in black and white options. More info in the press release after the break.
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| Hulu launches redesigned site with bigger artwork, 'tray-style format' of suggested shows Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:47 PM PDT Hulu has been pushing tweaks to its UI on mobile devices and the web for several months, and now it's unleashed a complete redesign of its website. Designed with a focus on making it easier to find preferred content, it features bigger artwork that highlights new programming and a "tray-style" UI that lets you flip through queues of similar content curated by its team of editors. Navigation has been tweaked with a browse function to jump from category to category including what's popular, what's new, or any other filter and an upgraded search bar that lets you immediately play matching content. Finally, the show pages themselves have been refreshed, making it easier to jump directly into the most recently watched episode of a series. There's a few screen grabs of the new experience in the gallery below, plus a video preview embedded after the break, but it's probably easiest to hit the source link and check out the new site for yourself. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4K, 84-inch 'ultra' HDTV from LG is ready to start shipping now in Korea, worldwide next month Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:54 PM PDT Just in time to completely blow away that puny flat screen you nabbed for your dorm room, LG has announced its 84-inch ultra high definition LCD TV is ready to ship in South Korea. The company put its first UHDTV up for pre-ordering last month, at a price of 25 million won, which currently converts to about $22,105 US. The 84LM9600 does 3D with LG's Cinema 3D passive glasses technology, however its ultra high pixel count means you're still watching in 1080p even with the resolution loss since it starts at 3,840 x 2,160, and also features "3D sound" with integrated 2.2 channel speakers. The bad news of course is that finding actual 4K res content is practically impossible, despite recent work on standards and even some testing by broadcasters. Still, plug this into a BDP-S790 Blu-ray player, certain PS3 apps or just output the latest video you've shot and it should be worth the price of admission, assuming you're one of the (presumably) well-heeled Korean VIP customers that managed to snag one so far. If you're not then don't worry -- the press release (included after the break) reveals you'll have your chance once they start shipping worldwide in September, we plan to get our eyes on a production model at IFA 2012 in Germany. "The 4K display market is still in its infancy but it was important for LG to claim a stake in this space," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company, "LG's UD 3D TV represents a whole new level of home viewing experience because it offers every advanced technology we currently have to offer." LG UD 3D TV boasts astonishing picture quality with 8 million pixels per frame, four times the resolution (3840x2160) of existing Full HD TV panels, due in large part to LG's advanced Triple XD Engine. The additional Resolution Upscaler Plus allows images from external sources such as hard drives and user-generated content websites to be rendered in higher detail. Bringing this exciting new experience to the 3D entertainment arena, LG has equipped its UD 3D TV with CINEMA 3D technology to ensure the impressively large display provides the most immersive viewing experience possible. 3D Depth Control allows viewers to fine-tune the "distance" between near and far objects on the screen for a cus-tom 3D experience. The 3D Sound Zooming feature then analyzes the on-screen objects to generate sound according to their location and movement. LG's newest Magic Remote allows users to intuitively access and navigate the Home Dashboard. LG's Smart TV ecosystem now includes approximately 1,400 apps and ac-cess to a growing community of premium content services such as 3D World with a wide array of movies and games. Even more media content can be accessed via portable devices such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets and flash memory drives using Smart Share Plus. The imbedded 2D to 3D conversion engine expands the availability of 3D content and Dual Play takes head-to-head game play to a whole new level by allowing opponents to simultaneously see different images on the same screen. With Dual Play, split-screen gaming is a thing of the past. LG's UD 3D TV also features a 2.2 Speaker System consisting of two 10W speakers and two 15W woofers, which reinforce the sound to produce a lush audio experience that perfectly complements the extraordinary visuals produced by the massive screen, creating a theater-like experience in the home. LG's 84-inch UD 3D TV will roll-out in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America starting in September. Visitors to IFA 2012 will be able to experience the TV for themselves at the LG Electronics stand in Hall 11.2 of Messe Berlin. # # # | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nikon intros flagship Coolpix P7700 for prosumers, diminutive Coolpix S01 for fashionistas Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:01 PM PDT In a bid to give Canon's PowerShot G1 X a run for its money, Nikon is pulling out every stop it knows with the introduction of the Coolpix P7700. It's a decidedly prosumer model, priced at a buck under $500 and equipped with a 1/1.7-inch 12.2 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 7.1x zoom lens (with a maximum aperture of f/2), 1080p movie mode, Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction and full manual control for those who abhor automatic captures. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there's the $179 Coolpix S01 -- a bantam P&S camera that's bound to snake its way into stockings this holiday season. Specs-wise, it's packing a 2.5-inch touchpanel, electronic VR, a 10 megapixel CCD sensor, built-in flash and a stainless exterior that measures just 3.1- x 2.1- x 0.7-inches. It'll ship alongside the P7700 this September, but it's on you to pick between the red, silver, white and pink color options. The full releases are embedded after the break. NIKON'S COMPACT COOLPIX P7700 COMBINES FIRST-CLASS IMAGE QUALITY, TOP-TIER OPTICS AND UNPARALLELED CREATIVE CONTROL Nikon's New Flagship COOLPIX Camera Sets the Standard for Performance, Versatility and Functionality for Those Who Expect The Best and Need The Convenience of a Compact MELVILLE, N.Y. (August 22, 2012) – For the compact camera user only satisfied with the very best, today Nikon Inc. introduced its new flagship COOLPIX camera, the P7700. This powerful and versatile point-and-shoot camera features a sharp 7.1x zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens with a maximum aperture of f/2 and a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. Conveniently compact and loaded with innovative features and manual controls, the COOLPIX P7700 will capture still images and Full HD 1080p video with stunning sharpness and vivid color, whether used as the ultimate go-to travel camera or D-SLR companion. The COOLPIX P7700 is ideal for those looking for a compact camera with high performance and a complete feature set which will allow them to capture high quality still photos and Full HD video. For photographers looking to step up from traditional point-and-shoot cameras to professionals who crave complete creative control, the P7700 offers one of the most comprehensive feature sets available in its class. Featuring a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, a high-performance NIKKOR lens and full manual control settings, Nikon's new flagship COOLPIX camera can unleash a photographer's inner creativity and inspire truly magnificent images. "Nikon's new COOLPIX P7700 pushes the boundaries of traditional point-and-shoot cameras, offering stunning image quality and fast performance along with the freedom to customize every shot," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. "Nikon's flagship COOLPIX P7700 is a powerful and versatile companion that consistently delivers incredible results in various shooting scenarios." Exceptional Clarity, Powerful Performance Uncompromising Creative Control Full HD Video Unleashed Taking HD video to the next level, the COOLPIX P7700 is capable of intelligent autofocus while recording in any mode as well as optical zoom when shooting in Auto mode. For pristine stereo sound, the P7700 incorporates a built-in stereo microphone, an external microphone input, a HDMI mini connector and HDMI-CEC support. Intuitive Operability Furthermore, the COOLPIX P7700's intuitive ergonomics and control system allows the user to easily access menus and manual controls, ensuring fluid operation. This lightweight point-and-shoot features quick menu, mode, exposure compensation and sub-command dials, all arranged to achieve natural and smooth shooting adjustments on the go. Additionally, the COOLPIX P7700 has a camera body composed of durable yet lightweight magnesium alloy. Optional Accessories Expand Creative Control Price and Availability _________________________________ NIKON'S NEW ULTRA-MINI CAMERA IS SMALL ON SIZE AND HUGE ON STYLE TO GIVE GORGEOUS IMAGES WHILE ON-THE-GO The New COOLPIX S01 Complements the Modern Users Smart, Stylish and Trendy Personality MELVILLE, N.Y. (August 22, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new COOLPIX S01, an ultra-compact camera that combines Nikon imaging technology, style and affordability into an ultra-mini camera body that's easy to use. Its compact size makes the camera small enough to fit into a user's pocket, so they can take it with them anywhere, whether spending a day on-the-go or a night out on the town. The new COOLPIX S01's attractive, beautiful styling screams to be seen and encourages users to carry it everywhere because of its small size. The S01 features a simple home screen and user interface with shortcut menus for quick operation to make it easy to capture incredible images and flattering portraits. "The new COOLPIX S01 combines a stylish design and legendary Nikon image quality into a compact camera body for those users who love to easily capture stunning images," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. "Incredibly compact, the stylish COOLPIX S01 allows owners to always have a Nikon camera on hand while capturing their memorable moments." The COOLPIX S01 packs great image quality into an ultra-compact and stylish camera body, allowing users to be ready for fun and spontaneous shooting. Weighing approximately 3.4 ounces with an extremely small form factor (3.1 x 2.1 x 0.7 in.), the S01 is a versatile point-and-shoot that easily slips right into any user's pocket. Stainless construction and processing prevents the glossy exterior from being scratched, while individual colors, such as Red, White, Silver and Pink, accent the fun and social personality of the user. The COOLPIX S01 also features an easy-to-use touch-screen operation system. The new graphic user interface (GUI) offers an easy-to-tap four-segment home screen that streamlines operation. Even for first-time point-and-shoot users, various functions can be comfortably accessed through touch operation. By tapping a subject, the shutter is automatically released when focus and exposure are fixed while various image effects set prior to shooting can be applied to pictures. Additionally, simple in-camera retouching of photos can help the user relive their perfect memory. Easy Auto Mode helps users to reliably capture beautiful pictures with the COOLPIX S01. By simply framing the subject, the optimal scene mode and exposure are automatically selected according to the unique shooting situation. The user can rely on the camera's auto operation even for night portraits or backlit subjects to enable smooth shooting in any scenario. Six applicable scene modes such as portrait, landscape, night portrait, night landscape, close-up and backlighting help the user flatter subjects in nearly any light. Despite its tiny size, the camera benefits from quality NIKKOR optics, sporting a 3X wide-angle zoom NIKKOR lens (29 to 87mm, 35mm equivalent). A high-speed and accurate EXPEED C2 image-processing allows for fast use, but also yields vibrant colors and even skin tones in images. Additionally, a built-in Xenon flash ensures balanced exposures in low light conditions. Price and Availability | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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