Sponsored
Engadget News |
- iPhone 5 and Nokia Lumia 920 face off with image stabilization test (hands-on video)
- Report: Sharp increases layoffs number, aiming for profitability by March 2014
- The Engadget Interview (captured with Lumia 920): Nokia CEO Stephen Elop on WP8 and beyond
- Sony's PlayStation 3 getting 'PSN Day 1 Digital' to launch games digitally alongside retail
- MIT's real-time indoor mapping system uses Kinect, lasers to aid rescue workers
- RIM pledges ongoing support for BlackBerry devs by serenading them (video)
- BlackBerry App World to sell music and movies, open to BB 10 app submissions on October 10th
- RIM shows off native Facebook and Foursquare apps for BlackBerry 10, confirms Twitter and LinkedIn for launch
- BlackBerry's new Dev Alpha B handset runs BB10, we go hands-on
- RIM reveals more details about Blackberry 10
- RIM unveils BlackBerry 10: new alarm, Peek gesture and more
- BBM for BlackBerry 10 gets a retooled UI, predictive keyboard with language detection
- RIM: BlackBerry 10 carrier testing starts in October, OS remains on schedule
- Apple A6 investigation shows highly customized dual-core, triple-GPU layout
- LaCie's Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt: fast portable storage that can take a beating
- Live from Blackberry Jam Americas 2012!
- T-Mobile can't wait for November, adds Windows Phone 8X sign-up sheet to its site
- Chicago mayor targets affordable gigabit broadband, free WiFi throughout city parks
- Visualized: Nokia's Asha 308, 309 in-house lunchtime launch
- Is Samsung working on its own mobile browser?
- Motorola Droid RAZR M torn down to its bare Kevlar essentials (video)
- Sky Sports for iPad update brings second screen to UEFA Champions League, Ryder Cup
- Barnes & Noble launching Nook Video this fall with a little help from HBO, Sony, Disney, Viacom, more
- 'Dirty USSD' code could automatically wipe your Samsung TouchWiz device (updated)
- Lytro light-field camera hitting Amazon, Target and Best Buy sites next month
- Huawei's building its own mobile operating system 'just in case' there's trouble ahead
- Samsung's Galaxy Note II gets its UK release date: October 1st
- BenQ: We're not going back to cellphones and laptops, but check out our luxury lamps!
- Autographer wearable camera takes the whole taking pictures thing out of taking pictures
- Pantech Vega R3 packs Snapdragon S4 Pro, 5.3-inch screen into one hand
- Engadget Live: 'Ask me anything' Q&A with Nokia CEO Stephen Elop
- Redbox Instant targets launch by year-end, blends subscription streaming and DVD rentals with VOD
- Tokyoflash releases the Kisai Logo, treads the line between confusing and amazing (video)
- Kobo Touch, localized e-bookstore reach Portugal through FNAC
- Former Olympus executives plead guilty in accounting fraud trial
- Samsung's Smart EX2F point-and-shoot now on sale for $500
- Hands-on with Nokia's Asha 308 and 309 (video)
- Adobe announces Photoshop and Premiere Elements 11 with new filters, more beginner-friendly UI
- Nokia outs Asha 308 and 309, deems Series 40 smartphone-worthy
- Tesla reveals Supercharger network it says will cover the US in two years; Model S fills up for free, always
| iPhone 5 and Nokia Lumia 920 face off with image stabilization test (hands-on video) Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:00 PM PDT Nokia's Lumia 920 packs the industry's best image stabilization -- there's no questioning that -- thanks to a camera module that pairs both sensor and lens-based optical IS. The iPhone 5 also offers a notable improvement over its Apple-made predecessor on the video front, but considering that its stabilization is of the digital variety, we wouldn't expect it to top Nokia's new flagship. We had an opportunity to test both smartphones in a head-to-head demo at Nokia's research and development facility in Tampere, Finland, about two hours north of the company's Espoo headquarters. In fact, we're told that this is the very first such comparison shoot in the world, considering that the iPhone made it to market just last week and the only opportunity to shoot with a Lumia 920 is currently in the European country where the device was born. As expected, the Nokia phone was able to capture far smoother video than what we snapped with the iPhone, with both devices secured side-by-side in a homemade foam holster. Unlike our handheld interview shoot earlier today, we pushed the limits a bit further this time, running through Nokia's parking lot and turning every which way as well. It's important to note that the Lumia 920 we used was a prototype, but its performance was still quite solid. You'll find the side-by-side video just past the break -- the Lumia 920 is on the left, with the iPhone clip on the right.
Myriam Joire contributed to this report. |
| Report: Sharp increases layoffs number, aiming for profitability by March 2014 Posted: 25 Sep 2012 11:39 AM PDT Japanese electronics giant Sharp is reportedly planning a major restructuring to bring the company back to profitability by 2014, as reported by Kyodo News. Said restructuring will see Sharp cut nearly 11,000 (10,966) jobs from its 57,170-person workforce by March 2014 -- just under 20 percent of all employees -- and sell off various assets, resulting in ¥213.1 billion ($2.7 billion) of much needed capital from lenders. Named assets to be sold include international manufacturing plants, and shares in other Japanese electronics company, Toshiba. The company also plans on shuttering its international manufacturing plants, as well as once again cutting employee wages. So, what's gonna save Sharp from more turmoil? A rethinking of its LCD TV business, apparently, as well as a "strengthening" of the company's smartphone LCD offerings. Sharp's also moving away from solar batteries, selling off its US-based solar firm Recurrent Energy LLC. Company prez Takashi Okuda will head up the massive restructuring, leading an "emergency management committee" starting in October. All of this adds up to Sharp expecting a return to profitability by next April. You'll forgive us if we're a bit wary of that prediction, but our best wishes are with those impacted by the chaos. |
| The Engadget Interview (captured with Lumia 920): Nokia CEO Stephen Elop on WP8 and beyond Posted: 25 Sep 2012 11:00 AM PDT Do you know what's better than one interview with Stephen Elop? Two interviews in one month. We'd barely recovered from yesterday's bout of nostalgia when we were given the opportunity to sit down with Nokia's CEO in his office at Nokia House. Better yet, we were allowed to record the discussion with a hand-held Lumia 920 prototype. The resulting video is remarkably stable. Full disclosure: the audio was recorded with a shotgun mic mounted on a Sony NEX-C3 camera. We talked about HTC's colorful "signature" Windows Phone 8X and 8S and what that means for the Nokia-Microsoft partnership. Next we asked if Nokia is planning to work with carriers to offer incentives for existing Lumia owners to upgrade to the company's 920 and 820 handsets. Finally, we discussed the evolution of PureView imaging technology from the 808 to the 920 and how Nokia plans to combine these building blocks in the future. Hit the break for our video interview.
Want to know even more? Check out the liveblog of this morning's "ask me anything" Q&A with Stephen Elop where he was kind enough to answer your questions – topics ranging from Nokia's backup plan, the company's take on Windows tablets and the launch of the Asha 308 and 309. Zach Honig contributed to this report |
| Sony's PlayStation 3 getting 'PSN Day 1 Digital' to launch games digitally alongside retail Posted: 25 Sep 2012 10:43 AM PDT Taking a cue from Nintendo's Wii U, Sony's PlayStation 3 is getting digital versions of some games delivered at the same time as their physical counterparts starting next week with Resident Evil 6 and NBA 2K13. via "PSN Day 1 Digital." Unlike Nintendo's initiative, however, Sony's is third-party focused -- not one game on its initial list of eight titles is published by any of Sony's international publishing studios. It's unclear whether this is a full-on initiative for Sony's PlayStation 3 or a promotion for October alone, but Sony's PlayStation blog calls PSN Day 1 Digital "a new program," which indicates it's something more than just a one month promo -- all the same, we've asked Sony for more info. Beyond just offering a smattering of games digitally at launch, PSN Day 1 Digital allows for pre-orders, and even offers a 10 percent discount on 007: Legends should you pre-order as a PlayStation Plus member. Head past the break for the full list of titles.
* Available for pre-order PLAYSTATION®NETWORK ANNOUNCES 'PSN DAY 1 DIGITAL' PROGRAM, OFFERS FULL DIGITAL GAME PURCHASES ON RELEASE DAY · Dishonored (Available for download on October 9 - $59.99/$53.99 for PLUS members, with pre-order)* |
| MIT's real-time indoor mapping system uses Kinect, lasers to aid rescue workers Posted: 25 Sep 2012 10:16 AM PDT We've seen the Kinect put to use to help you find your groceries, but the sensor's image processing capabilities have some more safety-minded applications as well. The fine minds at MIT combined the Kinect with a laser range finder and a laptop to create a real-time mapping rig for firefighters and other rescue workers. The prototype, called SLAM (for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) received funding from the US Air Force and the Office of Naval Research, and it stands out among other indoor mapping systems for its focus on human (rather than robot) use and its ability to produce maps without the aid of any outside information, thanks to an on-board processor. In the SLAM prototype, the processor is a laptop in the user's backpack, though the final product will be more along the lines of a handheld unit. The on-board laser scans a building in a 270-degree arc with a laser range finder, and the information it collects is combined with depth and visual data gathered by the Kinect before it's sent to the laptop to create the map in real time. Because the setup is tailor-made for humans, an inertial sensor is necessary to account for the wearer's gait. And because the system can detect a user's motion, it can create multi-floor maps when it senses activity on a staircase or elevator. The Kinect's camera is also used to determine whether a user has already been in a certain location, and to match up the data if it differs from the first walkthrough. Check out the automatic building mapping in action in the video below. |
| RIM pledges ongoing support for BlackBerry devs by serenading them (video) Posted: 25 Sep 2012 10:04 AM PDT They're gonna keep on lovin' yoooouuuu. |
| BlackBerry App World to sell music and movies, open to BB 10 app submissions on October 10th Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:38 AM PDT In addition to sharing new details about its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 OS, RIM used today's BlackBerry Jam keynote to make an announcement about App World. The company just revealed that in addition to applications and games, the store will sell music, movies and TV shows -- a move that brings it more in line with rival stores like Google Play and Apple's App Store. That should please App World's 80 million subscribers (a nice little figure RIM dropped in its keynote just now). Another stat: there are currently 105,000 apps in the store, with 3 billion downloads logged since the store's opening. And, RIM says, BB 10 applications will join the herd soon: the company will begin accepting submissions on October 10th. Get it? BB 10 on 10/10? Clever, Thorsten. |
| Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:36 AM PDT RIM has had to deal with a few big names leaving their BlackBerry apps behind, but it's managed to keep four of the biggest on board for its forthcoming BlackBerry 10 devices. That includes Facebook, which will have a native app that RIM revealed for the first time at today's BlackBerry Jam Americas conference. Not surprisingly, the app itself doesn't look a whole lot different than the Facebook apps for Android or iOS, but it is fully integrated with the OS and promises to take advantage of the new Flow interface and features like the BlackBerry Hub. What's more, while it didn't demo them today, RIM also confirmed that BB10-specific LinkedIn, Twitter and Foursquare apps will also be available at launch. Update: RIM did later give a quick demo of the Foursquare app (pictured after the break), which it says was able to be ported to BB10 in a week by just two developers. |
| BlackBerry's new Dev Alpha B handset runs BB10, we go hands-on Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:19 AM PDT BlackBerry's Dev Alpha handset proved to be quite the popular item when it was revealed earlier this year. It was so popular, in fact, that the company ran through the 5,000 it constructed in short order. So, it had to build a whole new batch of developer handsets to meet the demand, and thus was the Dev Alpha B born. We got our mitts on this new bit of kit and had a chance to see how it handled RIM's latest incarnation of BB10, so join us after the break for our impressions.
Like its elder, the original Dev Alpha, the B has a top notch 1280x768 display on its front with good color saturation and viewing angles, but that screen is where the similarities stop. While the Dev Alpha borrowed heavily from the PlayBook's design, ahem, playbook, the B looks unlike any other BlackBerry. Its body is constructed entirely of plastic, save the aluminum power button up top and volume rocker on the side, plus the sliver of metal serving as the earpiece grill. There's a 3.5mm headphone jack up top, plus mini-HDMI and microUSB ports on the edge opposite the volume controls. While it isn't as solidly constructed as its predecessor -- seams where body panels met weren't uniform, and the power button had shallower travel than we'd like -- the B still strikes us as a sturdy device, and, of course, it's not built for consumer consumption anyway. As for the Dev Alpha B's performance? Swiping from the home screen through the app grid was smooth, and in fact, all the graphical transitions we saw -- from the unlock screen to opening various apps -- were quite fluid as well. Granted, we only spent a few minutes with the device, but we never saw the hardware break a sweat, and we rather enjoyed our brief interaction with the fuller version of BB10 it was running. In particular, we were enamored with the BlackBerry hub, which is essentially an inbox that aggregates all your notifications in one pane. And, given our tendency to check Twitter and email throughout the day, we really appreciated the fact that users can easily and unobtrusively peek at those notifications using a right angle gesture. We're hoping to spend some more time with both BB10 and the Dev Alpha B while we're here at BlackBerry Jam Americas, so stay tuned for more. |
| RIM reveals more details about Blackberry 10 Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:12 AM PDT Well, it's finally here. Sort of. It's been a long and winding road for BlackBerry 10, and as has been RIM's way, the company continues to out new BB10 details just a bit at a time. As you may recall, we got a good look at RIM's original Dev Alpha hardware back in May, and were able to swipe our way through a good bit of BB10 a month later. It's BlackBerry Jam time now, though, and RIM gave us a more thorough look at the OS than ever before, and we got to see it running on a new Dev Alpha B handset. We couldn't pry loose any details about the hardware inside the new dev phone (other than it's got a BB10-standard 1280x768 screen), but we did get a few fresh facts about the software running on it. Once again, RIM reminded us that the software we saw was not the final version, but that shouldn't deter you from reading on past the break and seeing a video of BB10 in action. The UI remains largely unchanged from our previous encounters, though there are a few previously unseen highlights. It's still a three-element UI, with a central home screen showing running applications, an app grid, and the BlackBerry hub -- a feed of time sensitive notifications from email, calendar, BBM, social apps and more. The home screen hosts a maximum of eight active updating apps. Thanks to BB10's QNX underpinnings, users can have many more applications running, but the home screen only shows the eight most recent "to deliver an optimum user experience" (translation: allowing more live tiles would prevent things from running smoothly). BlackBerry hub is accessible at any time from within any app using a two-stage gesture -- swiping up from the bottom of the screen lets you peek at your notifications, and swiping to the right drops you into the hub where you can interact with those messages. It also bears mentioning that users can deal with the alerts from the feed directly within the hub, so no other apps need be launched to change a calendar appointment or reply to an email. Oh, and its API is wide open, so devs can tailor the hub to house notifications from any and all apps of their choosing. BB10 also provides users with personal and work profiles, and has the ability to run apps from both simultaneously while keeping the data from each profile separate. That means that IT pros can set security parameters as strict as needed per corporate policies, but users still have the freedom to dilly dally at their time wasting websites of choice. Don't believe us? See BB10's split personality along with the host of newly revealed features in our video walkthrough. Oh, and you can also check out our liveblog for the full BB10 rundown. |
| RIM unveils BlackBerry 10: new alarm, Peek gesture and more Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:11 AM PDT At today's RIM event, the BlackBerry maker gave us a closer look at BB10, with CEO Thorsten Heins talking up the operating system as "all about getting things done" and coining the interface "BlackBerry Flow." He demoed a new Peek feature that lets users access the message notifications screen with a right angle gesture. The function can be used in any app: performing the swipe takes users to the BlackBerry Hub where they can view Tweets, messages and other notifications. There's also a new clock and alarm system, which works by the user holding their fingertip on the bezel and sliding it to the appropriate time to set an alarm. There's also the business-friendly Balance feature we already knew about, which will let users' IT departments access corporate email and perform remote wipe without affecting the rest of the phone. With Balance, BlackBerry phones essentially have two profiles, one secured for the work environment and one for personal use. It just so happens that we already got a hands-on look at the software running on a Dev Alpha B handset: take a look here. |
| BBM for BlackBerry 10 gets a retooled UI, predictive keyboard with language detection Posted: 25 Sep 2012 09:08 AM PDT Everyone's favorite messaging service, BBM has broke from cover in its new BlackBerry 10 digs at BlackBerry Jam Americas 2012. The software is sporting a redesigned UI, which places the focus on your contacts' photos instead of the regular ol' list of names. Speech bubbles that we've all become familiar with are still here and emoticons get cozy as well. Another new feature is the predictive keyboard that's capable of detecting the language that you're typing in and offers the appropriate suggestions that you may need -- even if you're switching back and forth. |
| RIM: BlackBerry 10 carrier testing starts in October, OS remains on schedule Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:55 AM PDT Worried that RIM might face any further delays of BlackBerry 10? Don't be. CEO Thorsten Heins just confirmed at his BlackBerry Jam presentation that carrier testing for the new OS should begin this October, and that the platform launch is still slated for early 2013, as we were told this spring. As he's mentioned in the past, Heins believes carriers are "excited" about the BlackBerry update, implying that this is what's driving the certification process months in advance. Whether or not optimism is alive and well among providers, the news could be a relief for carriers and BlackBerry developers alike, either of which is likely keen to minimize the shift towards an Android-and-iPhone duopoly in the smartphone space. |
| Apple A6 investigation shows highly customized dual-core, triple-GPU layout Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:36 AM PDT There's been a significant mystery lingering around the A6 processor found in the iPhone 5, even as it became clearer that Apple was veering further than usual from the basic ARM formula. A microscope-level inspection by Chipworks and iFixit is at last identifying the key elements of the 32nm, Samsung-assembled chip and revealing just how far it strays from the beaten path. The examination confirms earlier suspicions of a dual-core design with triple-core graphics -- it's how that design is shaped that makes the difference. Apple chose to lay out the two processor cores by hand rather than let a computer do the work, as most ARM partners do. The procedure is expensive and slow, but also gives the A6 a better-optimized design; it explains why the chip is noticeably faster than much of its competition without needing the brute force approaches of higher clock speeds or extra cores. Some mysteries remain, such as the exact PowerVR graphics that are at work, but it's evident Apple now has the design talent and resources to speed up mobile devices on its own terms rather than wait for off-the-shelf layouts like the Cortex-A15. |
| LaCie's Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt: fast portable storage that can take a beating Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:30 AM PDT LaCie's no stranger to kicking out portable HDDs that are a-okay with getting kicked around, and the Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series is no exception. As the extended title implies, this one is equipped to transfer files via USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt, and it'll play nice with Mac and Windows platforms. The LaCie Rugged SSD offers up transfer rates as high as 380MB/sec -- a feat we came darn close to hitting ourselves in testing -- and the HDD variants claim up to 110MB/sec. The bantam drive is entirely bus-powered, and it's engineered to shake off drops of up to four feet. Interesting? Both models should be shipping shortly, with the 1TB HDD edition going for $249.99 and the 120GB SSDer for $199.99. LaCie Announces Fastest Mobile Product Ever: Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series PARIS, FRANCE – Today LaCie announced its award-winning Rugged hard drive is the first storage solution to feature both Thunderbolt™ and USB 3.0 technology on a high-performance SSD. These cutting-edge technologies make the new LaCie Rugged the fastest bus-powered* solution on the market. "Since LaCie introduced the Rugged, it has been a favorite of creative professionals," said Philippe Spruch, CEO, LaCie. "It's trusted and always with them through the content creation process. Today, LaCie gives the ultimate solution to those professionals. The most impressive speeds I've seen to revolutionize their productivity." NO COMPROMISE SPEED UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY FULL DATA PROTECTION VIDEO AVAILABILITY |
| Live from Blackberry Jam Americas 2012! Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:12 AM PDT |
| T-Mobile can't wait for November, adds Windows Phone 8X sign-up sheet to its site Posted: 25 Sep 2012 08:03 AM PDT T-Mobile is whetting our appetites for HTC's ridiculously named yet highly attractive Windows Phone 8X with a sign-up sheet on its website. The manufacturer confirmed that it's aiming for a November launch for the (surprise, surprise) Windows Phone 8 handset, and we've also heard whispers that it'll retail for $199 when it arrives. If those two factoids haven't gotten you excited enough, you can always see how it compares to its rivals in our comparison feature. |
| Chicago mayor targets affordable gigabit broadband, free WiFi throughout city parks Posted: 25 Sep 2012 07:38 AM PDT If Rahm Emanuel has his way, then Chicago's broadband access may very well give Kansas City a run for its money. The mayor of the Windy City has now revealed a rather ambitious initiative that would (ideally) overhaul the city's broadband infrastructure and provide affordable, gigabit-class fiber internet to areas that primarily serve industry, higher education and entrepreneurial startups. The idea came to Emanuel through Eric Schmidt, who suggested the upgrade be coordinated alongside the city's overhaul of its aging water / sewer system. Before any of this can happen, however, Chicago must first secure commitments from companies that would be willing to install and pay for the new upgrades. As a potential incentive, it's been suggested by Crain's Chicago Business that the city may offer some of its own unused fiber resources on a favorable lease. In addition to the hopes for ultra-fast broadband, Emanuel's project, dubbed the Chicago Broadband Challenge, also seeks to extend low-cost, high-speed internet to underserved areas of the city and to bring free WiFi access to all public spaces such as parks and plazas. Although mostly a token gesture, mayor Emanuel announced the immediate availability of free WiFi in Chicago's Millennium Park. The city is currently soliciting plans and proposals of how to approach the ambitious project, and you're invited to become a bit more familiar with these grand ambitions with the PR and source links below. [Chicago photo credit: Nimesh M / Flickr] September 24, 2012 Mayor Emanuel Announces Chicago Broadband Challenge City Will Completely Remake its Digital Infrastructure, Providing Access to Underserved Areas, Free Access in Public Spaces, and Affordable Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today the launch of the Chicago Broadband Challenge, a unique initiative that will engage the public to secure Chicago's position as one of the digital capitals of the country and the city with the greatest availability of ultra-high-speed broadband in the United States. Starting this month, Millennium Park began offering free wireless internet to the public, and as part of the initiative the Broadband Challenge all parks and open spaces in Chicago will eventually offer free internet. "Chicago will be one of the most connected cities in the world," said Mayor Emanuel. "The establishment of a world-class broadband network in Chicago will create thousands of jobs and dramatically improve educational opportunities, economic development, health care services, and general quality of life throughout the city. We will rely on the ideas and efforts of Chicagoans to not only build this network, but make sure it is customized for our residents and our workforce." The Chicago Broadband Challenge will be facilitated by a website at www.cityofchicago.org/broadband and will invite the public to participate with ideas and insight as to how the city can best make use of its existing broadband infrastructure and potential uses for a future expansion of broadband access. The conversation will inform the way the City moves forward with its broadband development. Any individual, company, student, non-profit organization or community group is welcome to respond to the Broadband challenge, either informally through the website, or as part of the formal responses the city will be soliciting through a request for information. The City of Chicago is releasing a Request for Information (RFI) today, that seeks to engage private companies, universities, and other organizations to accomplish three main goals: building world-class broadband infrastructure for the city; extending broadband service into underserved areas; and providing free Wi-Fi access in public spaces throughout Chicago. In driving the building of this infrastructure, the City will first focus on establishing an open, gigabit-speed networks in key innovation areas. The City has identified 15 innovation zones in key commercial and industrial corridors, and will work with the private sector to leverage the existing infrastructure and assets to ensure low-cost broadband is available in these zones with the ultimate goal of extension to all businesses in the City. The City will accomplish this by launching the RFI, and working with private sector service providers to determine best practices and innovative solutions that will allow the low-cost broadband to be developed. The second goal of the RFI is to expand access to high-speed internet for residents who live in underserved and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Respondents to the RFI will be encouraged to bring solutions forward that will expand access and availability for these communities throughout the city. The City will additionally work with partners like the Smart Chicago Collaborative to develop a comprehensive strategy for digital skills training to ensure that Chicagoans can make the most of broadband access. Finally, the third element of the RFI will be to implement free Wi-Fi internet service in every public park, plaza or space across the city. The City will start by offering free Wi-Fi in Millennium Park in September, as part of a partnership with SilverIP. This effort will expand to include every public space in the city over the next several years. The RFI will solicit private sector companies, non-profit organizations and other groups that can participate in establishing this connectivity. "It is essential that we build a broadband infrastructure network that suits the needs and desires of Chicagoans," said John Tolva, Chief Technology Officer for the City of Chicago. "By asking for public input and using it to design the best possible system, we'll insure that Chicago's broadband infrastructure is not only the fastest in the country, but the best suited to create jobs and drive our economy forward in the 21st century." |
| Visualized: Nokia's Asha 308, 309 in-house lunchtime launch Posted: 25 Sep 2012 07:15 AM PDT Typically, when OEMs launch the next generation of their mobile wares, we're treated to painstakingly choreographed industry parties (that we chronicle in great detail). In fact, we can think of a recent one in particular that saw several tech journos corralled into a blue-hued freight elevator and then let loose on three levels of demos. Well, if you thought new product excitement began and ended with select press events or that executive-level enthusiasm was all just a by-product of intense media training, think again. As you can see from the image above, lunch time at Nokia's glass-walled HQ saw a crowd of curious employees noshing on the assortment of cafeteria delights while also sampling the newly announced Asha 308 and 309. It's that company-wide, inside-out passion for all things Nokia we've seen evidence of again and again throughout our time in Espoo. And because of that, we feel justified in saying there's clearly something in the Finnish water. |
| Is Samsung working on its own mobile browser? Posted: 25 Sep 2012 07:13 AM PDT Samsung's Android customers get their pick of a pretty broad selection of smartphone web browsers and soon, at least according to ETNews, Samsung is looking to follow up on its own Android UI additions with its own fully-fledged mobile browser. The company is reportedly seeking out WebKit engineers to work on the project at Samsung's Silicon Valley R&D center -- where work is already underway on the Chrome mobile rival. The open-source WebKit engine already underpins not only Google's own browser, but also its pre-ICS Android web browser -- and Apple's Safari. We've got in touch with Samsung who politely told us that it "doesn't comment on rumor or speculation." |
| Motorola Droid RAZR M torn down to its bare Kevlar essentials (video) Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:46 AM PDT Fall must be the season for surprisingly fixable thin smartphones. Repair part supplier DirectFix has posted a currently rare, video-based teardown of the Motorola Droid RAZR M that shows just how well Verizon's mid-range smartphone copes with surgery. In practice, it fares quite well: those unafraid of voiding their warranty can disassemble the Droid RAZR M from top to Kevlar bottom, replacing parts like the battery, cameras and flash with a minimal risk of damage. Not all is sunshine and roses, however. The display assembly is a single piece, which could be as costly to fix as it is easy to replace. We won't mind if it ever means dodging a full-price replacement in the event our RAZR meets the sidewalk. |
| Sky Sports for iPad update brings second screen to UEFA Champions League, Ryder Cup Posted: 25 Sep 2012 06:01 AM PDT When you're rooting for your team, one screen is never enough. Sky Sports knows this, and knows it quite well it seems. Hence why the UK Satellite giant is rolling out more of it via its iPad app. Now, as promised, the UEFA Champions League and 2012 Ryder Cup get in on the action. As you would imagine, the update lets users dive into a bunch of stats, game info, live tweets and even allows watching multiple games split-screen stylee. The updated app is available now, in plenty of time for the build up, leaving you free to stock up on snacks and refreshments. SKY SPORTS FOR IPAD INTRODUCES NEW UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND RYDER CUP SECOND SCREEN EXPERIENCES The latest update to Sky Sports for iPad has launched in Apple's app store, including second screen experiences for both the UEFA Champions League and The 2012 Ryder Cup. Sky Sports for iPad ensures that football and golf fans alike can access the latest news and team updates while watching live sports at home and on the go. The new second screen offerings build on the success of F1™ "Race Control" and the Barclays Premier League "Match Centre" sections of the app that have proven a hit with fans already. The UEFA Champions League Event Centre has also been a popular fixture on www.skysports.com throughout the 2011/12 season. The update lets Sky customers access in-depth information, and statistics about matches, and watch multiple games through split-screen technology, providing an even richer experience around Sky Sports' coverage of the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League season, and The 2012 Ryder Cup which starts on Friday 28th September at 12.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD. Key features of the UEFA Champions League Event Centre include: A selection of matches to choose from, with a customisable split screen allowing users to watch any two at the same time, from a maximum of eight available Key Features of The 2012 Ryder Cup Match Centre include: Multiple live streams from the Medinah course that can be viewed using split screen technology The Sky Sports for iPad app also covers the biggest sports stories of the day in incredible depth, together with information on the latest fixtures, results and standings. Key features include live streaming of Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and 4, Sky Sports News and the Sky Sports F1™ channel, Sky Sports News radio, homepages for football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, golf, tennis, F1™ and boxing, as well as team news pages for Football and Cricket teams which can also be used to personalised a users' homepage David Gibbs, Director of Sky Sports Digital Media, commented: "We hope that the launch of the UEFA Champions League Event Centre on iPad will help fans enjoy the very best of our coverage with the ability to match-hop on their second screen without interrupting their main TV viewing. This update to the app follows the successful launch of the online Event Centre on www.skysports.com last season as well as the F1™ and Barclays Premier League second screen offerings on the iPad earlier this year and we have seen a real appetite from fans to follow live sport on other devices in this way, at the same time as watching on their main screen. "The Ryder Cup Match Centre will also provide a selection of live video streams for users to choose from, to get the very best from Sky Sports' coverage of this fantastic event. With both these Second Screen experiences including the customisable split screen feature, - used in conjunction with Sky Sport' HD or even 3D coverage - it's a great way to enjoy a truly immersive experience as a sports fan." Located within Sky Sports for iPad, the updated Second Screen experience is accessible at no extra cost to all Sky customers who take Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2. Sky Sports for iPad is available for free from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The Sky Sports for iPad App is also available to non-Sky customers on a standalone basis for £4.99 per month through In-App Purchase (excludes access to Sky Sports 1-4 and Sky Sports F1™). |
| Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:30 AM PDT We caught wind of an upcoming video offering from Barnes & Noble a couple of weeks back, as part of a tip on new tablet offerings from the company. And while we've yet to hear anything official on the latter, this morning the bookstore pulled back the curtain on Nook Video, a new service boasting support from heavy hitters like HBO, Sony, Warner Brothers, Viacom and Disney. The fruits of those partnerships include standard and high-def movies and TV shows like The Avengers, Brave, The Amazing Spider-man, Breaking Bad, The Daily Show and Game of Thrones, which can be watched on Nooks, and non-Barnes & Noble tablets and smartphones, courtesy of a forthcoming free app from the retailer, letting you pick up where you left off on different devices. The offering can also be linked to UltraViolet purchases, making it possible to add titles purchased with that feature logo to the Nook Cloud offering. Nook Video will be arriving in the US this fall, followed by a "holiday" release in the UK.
|
| 'Dirty USSD' code could automatically wipe your Samsung TouchWiz device (updated) Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:17 AM PDT The Factory Reset. One of those last ditch efforts that many of us have a fair bit of experience with. However, a malicious embed code could potentially do the exact same thing to your Galaxy S III. The Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code (which we won't reproduce here) apparently only works on Samsung phones running Touchwiz, and only if you are directed to the dodgy destination while inside the stock browser (rather than Chrome, for example). This means the Galaxy Nexus is unaffected, but it can work the same dark magic on the likes of the Galaxy S II. We've been trying to murder a (UK-based) GS III here at Engadget, but with no luck as yet -- we can cause the malicious digits to appear in the dialer, but we can't force the stock browser to visit them as a URL, even when trying a bit of URL forwarding and QR code trickery. However, this particular GS III has been rooted in the past, even though it's now running an official TouchWiz ROM, and that may be interfering with the process. Aside from our own experiences, the evidence for the vulnerability is certainly strong. It was demonstrated at the Ekoparty security conference last weekend, during which time presenter Ravi Borgaonkar also showed how a different code could even wipe your SIM card. See the video after the break for the evidence. Update: Tweakers.net has been able to replicate the security hole on a Galaxy S Advance, while The Verge has confirmed that it works on both the Galaxy S II and the AT&T Galaxy S III. Samsung has told us it's looking into the issue.
|
| Lytro light-field camera hitting Amazon, Target and Best Buy sites next month Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:00 AM PDT It's about to become a heck of a lot easier to get your hands on a consumer light-field camera. The Lytro, that marvel of post-picture-taking-focusing, is finally expanding its reach well beyond the confines of its own site. The camera will be hitting Amazon and Best Buy and Target's sites come October 9th. That same day, Canadians will be able to pick the lipstick-shaped device up via Future Shop, followed by retail availability in Canada on the 10th. In mid-October, it'll be hitting stores in Singapore and Hong Kong, swinging back around to the States in November for availability in CityTarget stores in select locations.
|
| Huawei's building its own mobile operating system 'just in case' there's trouble ahead Posted: 25 Sep 2012 04:45 AM PDT Huawei's boss must have been a Boy Scout, since he's taken its "be prepared' motto deeply to his heart. CEO Wan Biao has told Reuters that his company is working on its own mobile OS just in case its partners "won't let us use their system[s] one day." We don't expect to ever see the software, but given the fractious nature of the business, it's more likely to be a barbed hint at Google and Microsoft to keep sending flowers and chocolates to Shenzhen. That said, given that local rival ZTE is building phones with Firefox's OS, we'd politely suggest that it rescues another beloved OS from the clutches of HP's indifference. |
| Samsung's Galaxy Note II gets its UK release date: October 1st Posted: 25 Sep 2012 03:56 AM PDT We've already asked around to let you know that British phablet fans can get their Galaxy Note II fix on ThreeUK, O2 and Vodafone, and now we know the date, too. Anxious S-pen lovers will be able to grab the new device from October 1st from the carriers, or pick 'em up at the Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U -- in either Marble White or Titanium Grey. If you'd like to read the words "whole new level of innovation," then head on past the break for the company line. UK AVAILABILITY OF SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE II ANNOUNCED Latest Galaxy device available in store on 1st October 25 September 2012, London, UK – Samsung Mobile UK has today announced that the Galaxy Note II will be available from Monday 1st October from the Samsung Brand Store at Westfield, Stratford City and across all major networks in the UK. The Galaxy Note II launches with Android™ 4.1 JellyBean and an upgraded Google Now service, which includes new features such as contextual search. With a 1.6GHz Quad-Core processor and HSPA Plus, owners of this new device can enjoy super-fast screen transitions and performance when browsing the Web, as well as quick app start-ups. Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "The introduction of the original Galaxy Note was a great success - we succeeded in creating an entirely new category and went on to sell more than ten million devices globally. With the Galaxy Note II, we're not only expanding the category, we're also evolving the technology to the point where it genuinely feels as though you're using a traditional pen and paper. What's more, it's a device that everyone can use – whether that's a fashion designer drawing a new design, or young professionals using the multiscreen and pop-up features to edit a document, send an email and browse the web – all at the same time." "We were delighted by the hugely positive response we received when we first announced the Galaxy Note II at IFA back in August. The Galaxy Note II is a whole new level of innovation and we are confident users are going to enjoy the updated features and design of our latest Galaxy device when it hits the shelves on the 1st of October." The Galaxy Note II comes with an advanced S-Pen, which together with features such as Air View, S Note and S Planner, make everyday tasks such as annotating documents and sending emails, much easier and more intuitive. Featuring a 5.55" (141mm) HD Super AMOLED display, content can be seen much more clearly and vividly – plus it's much thinner and lighter so it's much easier to read and view content on the Galaxy Note II whilst on the way to work or out at a business meeting. The Galaxy Note II's 8 megapixel rear-facing and 1.9 megapixel front-facing cameras with HD video recording, include features called Buddy Photo Share, Burst Shot, Best Photo and Best Faces - so the most preferred face or pose of each person from group portrait photos can be selected. Plus AllShare® Play means content, such as videos, photos, presentations and documents, can be shared with a large group in real-time by connecting the Galaxy Note II to Samsung HD TVs, phones, mobile tablets, laptops, and other consumer electronic devices on the same network. The Galaxy Note II will be available in the UK across all major networks including CPW and Phones4u in Marble White and Titanium Grey. |
| BenQ: We're not going back to cellphones and laptops, but check out our luxury lamps! Posted: 25 Sep 2012 03:20 AM PDT There was a time when the BenQ brand could be seen on laptops and mobile phones, but nowadays you'd have to turn your eyes to projectors, LCD monitors and cameras (in select markets) in order to spot it. If you're in China, you might have even come across the gigantic BenQ Medical Center in Nanjing. That's right, a hospital; and later this year BenQ will be opening another one in Suzhou, which is where the company's Chinese operation is based. Interesting times, right? But as to whether BenQ has any intention to re-enter the two mobile markets in the near future, the answer is a firm "no."
In our recent visit to BenQ's Taipei headquarter, marketing vice president Adrian Chang told us that the fast-changing pace of mobile phones and laptops doesn't fit his company's long-term development and strength. In fact, even its most recent Android tablet, the R100, came out back in February last year, which goes to show BenQ's dwindling interest in the mobile space. Judging by the current portfolio, it looks like optics and materials are what BenQ's core consumer businesses are based on these days: it's still one of the top projector and monitor brands (it should also be noted that famed display panel supplier AUO is part of BenQ Group), and the company wouldn't stop talking about its very own "Bright Lens" optics on its new flagship 14-megapixel G1, the world's slimmest F1.8 swivel screen camera (a new model with built-in WiFi coming next). Thankfully, not everything from the good old days has gone to waste, as Chang insisted that some of the mobile computing R&D resources have been allocated to other parts of BenQ. "Invention continues, just in different form factors," he said. Indeed. Under the QisDesign brand since 2009, BenQ's been offering something totally different from its usual product lines: luxury lamps. With ODM arm Qisda taking care of the manufacturing plus AUO subsidiary Lextar supplying the LED solutions, these guys come up with some rather good-looking but crazy expensive lighting products. For instance, at BenQ's show room we saw the foldable BE Light series pictured above: the floor lamp on the right debuted at the Maison et Objet show in Paris earlier this month and is priced at €835 (about $1,100), while the award-winning table lamp on the left goes for $500. We also saw the Coral Reef lamps (pictured earlier; also award winners) which cost $980 and $2,300 for the table and floor versions, respectively. Others include the cute and relatively affordable Flamenca desk lamp ($130), the cunning Piano series ($630 and $1,790) and the elegant Seagull series ($720 and $1,650). It's no wonder BenQ would rather sell lamps than phones or laptops. |
| Autographer wearable camera takes the whole taking pictures thing out of taking pictures Posted: 25 Sep 2012 02:33 AM PDT Sure, we've all got a camera on us at all times, thanks to the prevalence of smartphones and point-and-shoots, but these devices present an issue when it comes to that modern human desire to electronically capture everything that happens everywhere ever: having to actually take the pictures. That's why the unsettlingly giddily-named OMG Life is working to unleash the Autographer, a hands-free, wearable camera that promises to take "thousands of photographs a day" via its wearable lens. Just drape it on your person and it will uses its six on-board sensors (GPS, color, accelerometer, motion detector, magnetometer and thermometer) to determine the right moment to snap one of its unwieldy volume of images. Says the company,
Also, you know, stuff like your wedding and the birth of your child. The camera's got a five-megapixel sensor, OLED display, 8GB of on-board storage and built-in Bluetooth for sharing those pictures. The company's currently aiming for a November release, just in time for capturing every single moment of the holiday season. In the meantime, the press info is after the break.
|
| Pantech Vega R3 packs Snapdragon S4 Pro, 5.3-inch screen into one hand Posted: 25 Sep 2012 01:43 AM PDT If there's one thing that defines the phablet, it's not hand portability -- what's on the market usually demands something of a stretch. Pantech wants to keep our grip at least slightly in check through its imminent Vega R3. The Android phone's 5.3-inch, IPS-based LCD isn't what we'd call modest, but it's framed by an extra-thin bezel that Pantech claims is still comfortable in one hand. The R3 will be powerful, no matter how you hold it. It touts the same quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro we just saw in the LG Optimus G along with 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel camera and a 2,600mAh battery that can top up 100 minutes. South Koreans can pick up the Vega R3 from one of their three major carriers on September 25th. Sadly, we're not expecting an American variant of the design given an emphasis on cheaper and smaller Pantech models in the US. Pantech Launches VEGA R3 - VEGA R3 Features 5.3" Large Screen Operable with One Hand and a Quad-Core CPU, 2,600mAh Battery & Natural IPS Pro LCD Pantech is showing its rising confidence as Korea's no. 2 smartphone manufacturer by introducing the Vega R3 featuring a powerful performance, a fancy UX, and luxury design in the fourth quarter, where all major competitors are showing off their best products. The company held a media day event at 'M Stage' near Gangnam Station in Seoul on September 24, and introduced its strategy smartphone Vega R3 (model name: IM-A850S/ 850K/ 850L). The model will be available through all 3 mobile telecommunication carriers beginning on September 25. 5.3" large screen operable with one hand... Pantech's unique zero-bezel technology is applied Despite having a large 5.3" screen, Vega R3 comes in a compact size which comfortably fits into one hand. This is enabled by Pantech's new 'Zero Bezel Tech'. The technology allows users to hold the smartphone and operate the screen with just one hand. It provides optimum grip for a typical Korean hand. Pantech concentrated all the capabilities of its R&D center to develop a battery allowing greatest convenience to smartphone users. Featuring the country's largest 2,600mAh battery capacity and quickest recharging time among all smartphones available in the domestic market, the battery pack is ideal for the busy lifestyles of modern users. Vega R3 features Sharp's latest 5.3" (Natural) IPS Pro LCD that displays natural colors with brighter and clearer images. The Vega R3 is equipped with a CPU, GPU and RAM of the highest performance available. Quad-core Qualcomm SnapDragon S4 Pro features a 40% higher performance rate than the existing quad-core chip. The high performance of the CPU is backed by GPU ADRENO320 to ensure fast and smooth screen transitions. Furthermore, 2GB of RAM has been added to deploy a complete multitasking environment to execute multiple applications simultaneously. Vega R3 provides innovative functions allowing a useful and joyful experience to the users. |
| Engadget Live: 'Ask me anything' Q&A with Nokia CEO Stephen Elop Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:55 AM PDT |
| Redbox Instant targets launch by year-end, blends subscription streaming and DVD rentals with VOD Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:32 AM PDT The last concrete details we'd heard about Redbox Instant was that it was entering internal alpha testing, but now Verizon exec Eric Bruno has revealed more background information. Previous info indicated the service would focus more heavily on movies than the back catalog of TV shows that is a part of Netflix Watch Instantly and Amazon Prime Instant Video, and Bloomberg reports Redbox will break with their models by paying its content providers per subscriber cable TV-style, instead of a flat rate decided up front. What customers will get is a monthly subscription and allotment of disc rentals from Redbox's kiosks, as well as access to VOD movie rentals and downloadable purchases through the service. The alpha test is currently in the hands of about 500 Verizon employees, with plans for a short public test before launching in a late November / mid-December time frame. The main unanswered question however is how much it will all cost, but knowing what we do now -- how much are you willing to pay? |
| Tokyoflash releases the Kisai Logo, treads the line between confusing and amazing (video) Posted: 25 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT Extraordinary Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash adds to its line of outlandish timepieces with the Kisai Logo. Much like its brethren, its face can't be easily read by the uninitiated, with a block representing hours running around digitally displayed minutes. Wrapped in a classy stainless steel and colored acetate, it's got an EL backlight for use in the dark and a hidden binary mode for demonstrating your intellectual credentials. Like the company's other devices, it's available for the first 48 hours of its life for $99 (€78 or £63) before September 27th, when prices increase to $139 (€110, £88) and you can find plenty of explanatory details in the video after the break. |
| Kobo Touch, localized e-bookstore reach Portugal through FNAC Posted: 24 Sep 2012 11:28 PM PDT It's all too easy to forget in English-speaking countries that the e-reading selection often isn't as diverse in other parts of the world, where local authors are often kept out of the equation. The Portuguese may know that all too well, which makes Kobo's arrival in their country a potential breakthrough. A deal with European retailer FNAC has both the Kobo Touch and a localized Kobo e-bookstore reaching physical and online stores in Portugal as of today. The price strategy won't be a shock versus what we've seen through an earlier deal in France: the Touch itself costs €99.90 ($129), while books vary and typically hover around €15 ($19). Whether or not Kobo's offering is a good deal, its arrival could be a relief for lisboetas who'd rather not resort to paper and ink to catch up on their own culture. Kobo Brings eReading to Portugal in New Partnership with FNAC FNAC Portugal to offer the award winning Kobo Touch eReader at all FNAC stores, and on www.fnac.pt, from €99.90 Lisbon, September 24th, 2012 – Today Kobo, a global leader in eReading, and leading retailer FNAC announced a partnership that will revolutionize reading in Portugal. FNAC, in partnership with Kobo Inc., will offer the first localized eReading experience with local content, including favorite authors and books in Portuguese. FNAC will be selling the award-winning Kobo Touch, named Wired Magazine's 2012 Editor's Pick for Best eReader and the industry's first touch-screen eReader – bringing a world class eReading experience to Portuguese booklovers. The Kobo Touch comes in four stylish colors: black (on black), silver, blue and lilac (on white) and is available online at www.fnac.pt and in-store today from just € 99.90. THE KOBO TOUCH eREADER™ BY FNAC MAKES eREADING EASY With a revolutionary touch screen experience, the Kobo Touch makes eReading easier than ever. Created for readers by readers, the beautiful design provides the ultimate in reading comfort. The easily portable eReader is thin and light, and travels comfortably anywhere. Kobo's focus from day one has been to bring reading to more people in more countries around the world. With today's exciting announcement, Kobo is one step closer to making that happen. The Kobo Touch eReader is available in multiple Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Italian and now Portuguese. With Kobo, readers will enjoy a localized user experience, local content, recommendations, and a local store experience. WORLD CLASS EBOOK STORE Portuguese readers will now also have access to Kobo's world class catalog of nearly 3 million eBooks – of which more than one million are available to download and read for free. Kobo offers content for everyone from new releases, to the hottest bestsellers, romance, suspense, and more. At launch, thousands of titles will be available from popular local authors in Portuguese including eBooks from favorites such as José Saramago, Memorial do Convento and João Ricardo Pedro, O Teu Rosto Será o Último. Available at www.kobobooks.pt and at www.fnac.pt this represents the largest collection of Portuguese language eBook titles in Portugal. Kobo has over 10 million registered users in 190 countries worldwide, offers one of the world's largest eBook catalogs, and a line-up of easy to use, award winning eReaders, featuring an eReader for everyone. Kobo offers readers the freedom to choose which device they want to read on, whether it's an eReader or through Kobo's free eReading applications available for most popular device; including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Content purchases are stored in the Kobo cloud, making the Kobo library accessible anytime, anyplace Kobo has quickly established itself as the global leader in social reading with its Reading Life™ and Kobo Pulse™ features and as the official eReading partner of Facebook, Kobo transforms a solitary pastime of reading into a dynamic, engaging, social experience to be shared with friends online. Readers can choose to track their personal reading history, earn fun and exciting awards for simply reading, and with Kobo Pulse engage in real-time discussion with friends or the Kobo community within the pages of a book – just like a virtual book club. Readers can also choose to share books, favourite passages, awards and more with their friends on Facebook. AVAILABILITY The Kobo Touch by FNAC comes in four stylish colors: black (on black), silver, blue and lilac (on white) and is available for order online at www.fnac.pt and in-store as of today from just € 99.90. |
| Former Olympus executives plead guilty in accounting fraud trial Posted: 24 Sep 2012 10:40 PM PDT Three executives from troubled imaging giant Olympus have pleaded guilty to artificially boosting the company's true value in 2007 and 2008 by concealing losses in financial statements. Former chairman Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, ex-auditor Hideo Yamada and former VP Hisashi Mori were charged with fraud in the scandal, which was brought to light last year by ex-CEO Michael Woodford. He was fired by the Olympus board for blowing the whistle, but reportedly received a large settlement for his troubles. The company has since confessed to cooking the books as far back as the '90s to hide investment losses, and revealed in 2011 that it had a billion dollars less in value than previously stated. That, along with the poor performance of its camera division, has forced Olympus to seek a partner or raise capital to survive. |
| Samsung's Smart EX2F point-and-shoot now on sale for $500 Posted: 24 Sep 2012 09:53 PM PDT It has taken Samsung a wee bit longer than expected, but the Korean outfit announced earlier that its intelligent, WiFi-equipped EX2F point-and-shoot is finally hitting US store shelves today. And while availability itself comes a few weeks behind schedule, it gave Samsung plenty of time to reconsider the initial $550 MSRP tag it gave when the camera was first unveiled, which means that $500 gets you in the "smart" shooter game with a 3-inch AMOLED display, 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and, of course, the lovely f/1.4-2.7 (24-79mm) lens. Still trying to figure out whether this is indeed the one for you? Then be sure to peruse over our own hands-on to help you decide if it's worthy of your hard-earned cash. Samsung's EX2F SMART Camera, Now Available in Stores, Combines Sturdy Design, Pro-level Versatility and f/1.4 Performance Lens for Stellar Shooting in Any Situation With Wi-Fi Connectivity for Seamless Sharing On-the-Go, EX2F is Now on Sale at Samsung Retailers Nationwide RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, has announced the nationwide availability of the latest model in its extensive range of Wi-Fi enabled SMART Cameras, the EX2F compact camera, for $499.99 MSP. Boasting a bright f/1.4 lens for premium image quality and performance, the EX2F builds on the success of its predecessor, the TL500. Additionally, with full manual control in a strong yet lightweight magnesium body, the sleek EX2F is a great option for professional photographers seeking something more portable than a DSLR or for aspiring photographers looking for a step-up in quality from a point-and-shoot while keeping the same convenience and ease-of-use. Timed to the start of the holiday shopping season which kicks off in early fall, the EX2F packs enough punch to impress even the most discerning shutterbugs. "Samsung continues to blaze the trail in the SMART Camera space and the addition of Wi-Fi to the EX2F, coupled with the brightest lens, give this camera a pedigree far above others in its class" "Samsung continues to blaze the trail in the SMART Camera space and the addition of Wi-Fi to the EX2F, coupled with the brightest lens, give this camera a pedigree far above others in its class," said Reid Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Mobile Entertainment, Samsung Electronics America. "As consumers start to compile gift lists for the 2012 holiday season, the EX2F has the prowess and flexibility to be at the top of the lists for even the most tech-savvy." Clever Handling, Creative Control Housed in a compact and lightweight body, the sleekly-designed EX2F is easy to carry anywhere and capture spontaneous shots at a moment's notice. The 3-inch Swivel AMOLED display is perfect for lining up great shots and viewing them under any lighting conditions. The quick-responding screen responds displays images in high contrast, while the swivel functionality allows picture-taking from low and high angles with minimal effort. The screen also touts Samsung's Smart Panel user interface, which packs all shooting options and image parameters into one menu screen for easy control over the final image. The camera also delivers 1080p Full HD Movie Recording at 30 frames per second, with stereo sound for exceptional quality video that begs to be enjoyed on a Full HD TV. Plus, with the Dual Capture feature, 12-megapixel photos and HD video can be captured simultaneously, so that any scene can be remembered in both photo and video. Snap Bright Images in Low-Light Conditions Designed with a built-in Neutral Density filter, the lens gives the user greater control over exposure time in different conditions and gives photos a more neutral appearance even when over-exposed. It also allows for shooting at a very shallow depth of field to isolate subjects from the background for stunning portraits. To make bright images clearer, the EX2F also includes Dual Optical and Digital Image Stabilization (OIS and DIS) to minimize the effect of camera shake– especially useful in low-light situations. Share in Real-Time The Samsung Mobile Link application makes it quick and easy to transfer photos from the camera directly to a supported phone or tablet, using a free app. Users can also access the Remote Viewfinder app to use their smartphone or tablet's screen to frame shots from a variety of angles. For more information on the EX2F and the full line of Samsung digital cameras, please visit www.samsung.com. About Samsung Electronics America, Inc. |
| Hands-on with Nokia's Asha 308 and 309 (video) Posted: 24 Sep 2012 09:01 PM PDT They're not the most compelling of devices, but for smartphone first timers, they should do just fine. Officially announced today, Nokia's updating the Asha Touch line with the 308 and 309 -- two new members of the Series 40 family that've moved past the feature phone designation and into smartphone territory. Priced at an affordable $99 (off-contract), this dual- and single-SIM pair are near identical with 3-inch WQVGA displays, 2GB of microSD storage (expandable to 32GB) and a 1,110mAh battery. We just happened to be onsite at the company's HQ in Espoo for the reveal of the diminutive devices, so follow on after the break for our first impressions.
It's worth stressing that the 308 and 309's new classification isn't just marketing fluff -- the pair perform just like mini-me smartphones should. At first glance, they're no more memorable than your first flip phone -- made of a lightweight plastic and feeling rather cheap to the touch. But poke around the MeeGo-like swipe interface for a few minutes and you'll be impressed by a surprising level of responsiveness that belies the humble 800MHz processor inside. Around back, the phones share a subtle, non-textured patterning that spreads out just below the 2-megapixel camera and serves to add a small amount of flair to what is an otherwise utilitarian build. Ports for micro-USB and a 3.5mm headphone jack sit up top, with the volume rocker and lock key on the right and a covered slot for microSD or, in the case of the (gold) 308, a second full-sized SIM on the opposite edge. Navigation through the interface was rather fluid and apps seemed to launch with an appreciable amount of speed, though we did witness some extended loading times. Mobile sites on the refreshed Xpress browser rendered slowly, but much of that had to do with the devices' reliance on an EDGE connection (no 3G here, sorry). The UI offers users some useful tweaks, like the ability to swap SIMs, manage music and games from a drop down list or even add a preset third homescreen. In all, the duo's a decent addition to the Asha Touch line, no doubt adding more choice for consumers in emerging markets looking to make the "smartphone" leap. At $99, they're priced competitively enough, but we wouldn't recommend these over, say, the Lumia 710 as a stepping stone for mobile newbs. Myriam Joire and Zach Honig contributed to this report. |
| Adobe announces Photoshop and Premiere Elements 11 with new filters, more beginner-friendly UI Posted: 24 Sep 2012 09:01 PM PDT Earlier this year Adobe announced Photoshop CS6 with a new user interface, and now Elements, its line of beginner-level products, is getting a facelift too. The company just introduced Photoshop and Premiere Elements 11, and while the two apps include a handful of new photo- and video-editing features, the bigger story is that they're designed to be less intimidating to newbies. Both have a more readable UI, for instance, as opposed to the old theme with the dark background and low-contrast icons. Things like preview thumbnails have been brought to the forefront so that they're easier to find. Also, both pieces of software ship with a re-tooled image organizer that puts commonly used functions front and center, with lesser-used features like keyword tagging hidden in the menus. The organizer also now has Google Maps integration, so you can view your shots on a map. You can also for the first time view by event, or by the names of people tagged in photos. As for new features, Photoshop Elements is getting a series of new comic-inspired filters, including "Pen and Ink," "Graphic Novel" and, yes, "Comic." Photoshop Elements now allows European customers to upload photos to Cewe, while Premiere Elements supports Vimeo uploads. (Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Shutterfly and SmugMug sharing were already built in.) Amateur videographers will also enjoy a series of new Hollywood-inspired filters, including Red Noir, a "Sin City"-esque effect with red accents, and "Pandora," which is meant to evoke "Avatar." Finally, you can use Time Remapping and Reverse Time to speed up footage or slow it down, respectively. Fans of the software will notice the pricing hasn't changed: the two apps cost $100 each, or $150 as a bundle. Folks who are upgrading will pay $80 a pop, or $120 for both. Look for both on Adobe's site today, with the old-fashioned boxed software hitting retailers soon.
|
| Nokia outs Asha 308 and 309, deems Series 40 smartphone-worthy Posted: 24 Sep 2012 09:00 PM PDT You don't hear much about Nokia's Asha Touch line, what with the industry spotlight focused tightly on quad-core processors, 720p displays and state-of-the-art optics. But with today's launch of the Asha 308 and 309, the smartphone genre's gaining two new members -- a classification recently bestowed on the budget-priced handsets by market research firms GfK and IDC. Positioned by Espoo as the go-to devices for those uninitiated in the ways of the mobile web, this pair of capacitive 3-inchers run the same Series 40 OS and even share the same specs: 800MHz processor, WQVGA resolution, 1,110mAh battery, 20MB internal storage plus included 2GB microSD (expandable to 32GB), 2-megapixel rear camera and EDGE connectivity. Where they differ is in the 308's additional support for GSM/EDGE 850, 1900MHz bands and Easy Swap dual SIM accommodation. Apart from that, both come loaded up with a newer version of the company's Xpress browser that allows for up to 90% compression, Nokia Nearby for local search, and the same swipe-based UI seen on the gone-but-not-forgotten N9. The phones are set to ship by year-end with a modest $99 off contract pricing in the emerging market space. Check after the break for the official presser and preview videos.
Nokia expands Asha Touch range to offer consumers smarter Internet experiences The Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309 deliver a full smartphone experience enriched with new Nokia web services and developer tools Jakarta, Indonesia – Nokia today unveiled the Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309, the latest additions to the Asha Touch family of mobile devices. The dual SIM Nokia Asha 308 and single SIM Nokia Asha 309 give consumers fast web access at low cost. To create this smarter Internet experience, Nokia released a new version of Nokia Xpress Browser, which enables up to 90% more efficient mobile browsing and faster access to rich web applications compared to conventional browsers. The new devices offer a fluid 'swipe' user interface and an open environment for third-party application development, characteristics that have earned the complete Asha Touch range full smartphone classification from global market research companies and analysts such as GfK and IDC. Nokia estimates the retail price for the Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309 to be about USD 99, excluding taxes and subsidies, with shipping expected to start in the fourth quarter 2012. Nokia's most affordable capacitive touchscreen device The Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309 are Nokia's most affordable capacitive touchscreen devices to date. A view shared by independent analysts is that the Asha line represents great smartphones available for less than USD 99. "Nokia's Asha Touch family delivers all the core smartphone experiences, and with the new software developer kit, provides ever-increasing flexibility for developers to build compelling new experiences for consumers," said Will Stofega, Mobile Phone Program Director, IDC. The Nokia Asha 308 and Nokia Asha 309 are 2G-enabled devices featuring a 3.0'' WQVGA capacitive display, multiple home screens, stereo radio, loud speakers and up to 32GB microSD card support. The Nokia Asha 309 is the single SIM variant with WiFi, while the Nokia Asha 308 is a dual SIM device featuring Nokia's industry-leading Easy Swap technology. Easy Swap enables people to switch between multiple SIM cards quickly and easily to get the best local tariffs without having to remove the battery or turn off the phone. The phones also come with the free* gift of 40 premium EA games, social features such as standalone Facebook and Twitter clients, the Nokia Messaging Service, and video streaming through the browser from sites like YouTube – a first within the Asha Touch range. New Services and Developer Tools Nokia also introduced two extensions to its Xpress Browser Internet platform, the only cloud-based web browser to support web apps: • The Nokia Life+ web app will give millions of people access to content that spans education, health and infotainment to enhance their daily lives. Nokia Life+ is available in English across 18 countries, with local versions coming to India, China and Indonesia in the fourth quarter of this year. Nokia Life+ can be accessed through Nokia Xpress Browser or the Nokia Store. Both services work with Asha Touch smartphones. In addition to these services, Nokia introduced a new web-based tool that makes it even easier to build new applications. With Nokia Xpress Web App Builder, publishers can create appealing web apps for Asha Touch devices, and even novices can turn their web content into a fun and sophisticated web app for Nokia consumers. *Data costs may apply. Device images are available at Nokia.com/press. |
| Posted: 24 Sep 2012 08:22 PM PDT At Tesla's event, CEO Elon Musk has finally taken the wraps off of its Superchargers which it has already set up at six locations in California, pictured in the map after the break. The company plans installations on "high traffic corridors across the US" over the next year, with units heading to Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013. According to Musk, the solar powered systems will put more power back into the grid than the cars use while driving. Oh, and for you Model S owners? You will always be able to charge at any of the stations for free. According to Musk, the economies of scale developed while building the Model S have helped it get costs down on the chargers, although he did not offer specifics. During the event we also saw video of drivers charging their vehicles at stations today that Tesla apparently constructed in secret. They're using solar technology from (also owned by Musk) SolarCity, and can charge a Model S with 100 kilowatts good for three hours of driving at 60mph in about 30 minutes. Currently pushing 90kW, they could go as high as 120 in the future for even faster charging. Check the press release embedded after the break or Tesla's website for more details. Update: The video replay of the event itself is live, and embedded after the break. TESLA MOTORS LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY SUPERCHARGER ENABLING CONVENIENT LONG DISTANCE DRIVING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 The technology at the heart of the Supercharger was developed internally and leverages the economies of scale of existing charging technology already used by the Model S, enabling Tesla to create the Supercharger device at minimal cost. The electricity used by the Supercharger comes from a solar carport system provided by SolarCity, which results in almost zero marginal energy cost after installation. Combining these two factors, Tesla is able to provide Model S owners1 free long distance travel indefinitely. Each solar power system is designed to generate more energy from the sun over the course of a year than is consumed by Tesla vehicles using the Supercharger. This results in a slight net positive transfer of sunlight generated power back to the electricity grid. In addition to lowering the cost of electricity, this addresses a commonly held misunderstanding that charging an electric car simply pushes carbon emissions to the power plant. The Supercharger system will always generate more power from sunlight than Model S customers use for driving. By adding even a small solar system at their home, electric car owners can extend this same principle to local city driving too. The six California locations unveiled today are just the beginning. By next year, we plan to install Superchargers in high traffic corridors across the continental United States, enabling fast, purely electric travel from Vancouver to San Diego, Miami to Montreal and Los Angeles to New York. Tesla will also begin installing Superchargers in Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013. The Supercharger is substantially more powerful than any charging technology to date, providing almost 100 kilowatts of power to the Model S, with the potential to go as high as 120 kilowatts in the future. This can replenish three hours of driving at 60 mph in about half an hour, which is the convenience inflection point for travelers at a highway rest stop. Most people who begin a road trip at 9am would normally stop by noon to have lunch, refresh and pick up a coffee or soda for the road, all of which takes about 30 minutes. "Tesla's Supercharger network is a game changer for electric vehicles, providing long distance travel that has a level of convenience equivalent to gasoline cars for all practical purposes. However, by making electric long distance travel at no cost, an impossibility for gasoline cars, Tesla is demonstrating just how fundamentally better electric transport can be," said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. "We are giving Model S the ability to drive almost anywhere for free on pure sunlight." 1. Supercharging hardware is standard on Model S vehicles equipped with an 85 kWh battery and optional on Model S vehicles equipped with a 60 kWh battery. With the most energy-dense battery pack in the industry and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any production electric car in the world. Model S comes with three battery options to fit the unique needs of different drivers. The 85 kWh Model S has received a U.S. fuel economy rating of 89MPGe and an EPA rated range of 265 miles. Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. Model S seats five adults and two children in optional rear-facing child seats. Model S Performance models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds. The interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation. Customers can reserve a Model S at one of Tesla's retail stores or online. ABOUT TESLA Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV power train components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 2,350 Roadsters to customers worldwide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, began deliveries in June 2012. Live Video app for Facebook by Ustream |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Engadget News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment