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- Nokia finishes offloading Vertu, rumors claim Vertu plans a matching switch to Android
- Engadget's Seattle reader meetup is this month! More tickets available!
- ASUS TAICHI 21 and VivoBook X202 go up for US pre-orders, spoil the party a bit early
- Alleged LG Nexus 4 reviewed by Belarusian tech site
- iPod nano review (2012)
- Rogers, CIBC may launch Suretap NFC-based payments on October 15th, require a unique SIM
- International Telecommunication Union: worldwide mobile subscriptions hit six billion in 2011
- Engadget Podcast 313 - 10.12.2012
- Researchers turn to 19th century math for wireless data center breakthrough
- Google Play Store gets good cop / bad cop APK update, will add wish lists and malware scanner
- Georgia Tech receives $900,000 grant from Office of Naval Research to develop 'MacGyver' robot
- ASUS' TAICHI convertible laptop hits the FCC
- Firefox introduces preliminary support for Social API, brings your networks into the browser
- Apple agrees to license for Swiss railway clock in iOS 6, knows what time it is
- Google TV v3 demo video teases better search, mini-guide overlay and tablet control (Update)
- Distro Issue 61: Acer aims high with its Iconia W510 Windows 8 hybrid
- Windows 8 packaging and pricing revealed: standard OEM $99, Pro Pack $139, pre-order from today
- ASUS teases October 23rd Vivo Book and Vivo Tab event, likens it to world history (video)
- Dell to offer its XPS 27 and Inspiron One 23 all-in-ones with optional touchscreens
- Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook gets updated with Ivy Bridge (updated)
- Dell XPS 12 Windows 8 convertible priced at $1,199 and up, ships this month with pre-orders starting today
- Low-power chip guru quits Samsung for Apple, with heavily implied implications
- BlackBerry rep shows off L-Series smartphone, forgets it's meant to be a secret (video)
- Apple likely to reveal iPad mini on October 23rd, reports AllThingsD
- Best Buy reveals Insignia Flex Tablet, 9.7-inches of Android 4.0
- Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite coming to the UK on October 25th, starting at £109
- Phones4U begins taking UK pre-orders for Samsung's Galaxy S III Mini
- Apple files patent application for fingerprint sensor that can be transparent or opaque
- Bezos: Amazon breaks even on Kindle devices, not trying to make money on hardware
- Samsung Series 5 Slate reaches out and touches the FCC
- Your Portal gun isn't as cool as Hack-a-Day's Portal gun (which actually levitates a companion cube)
- Apparent Gmail for Android 4.2 leak shows off pinch-to-zoom, swipe features
- NASA and IHMC building X1 exoskeleton to give us a lift, keep us fit in space and on Earth
- Evernote 2.5 for Windows Phone brings new layout with improved performance
- Ubuntu One reaches Mac in beta, completes the cloud storage circle
- DirecTV Genie DVR and interface launch with advice for the indecisive
- Canopy's $39 Sensus gaming case protects your iPhone 4 / 4S, adds plenty of new touch sensors
- Microsoft Office 2013 releases to manufacturing, reaches most of us early next year
- NC State nanoflowers can boost battery and solar cell capacity, make great prom accessories
- Acer's Windows 8-based Iconia W510 tablet hits the FCC, ready for November launch
| Nokia finishes offloading Vertu, rumors claim Vertu plans a matching switch to Android Posted: 12 Oct 2012 12:09 PM PDT
Nokia has ended one of the more significant chapters in its tumultuous history: the Finnish phone giant has finished divesting Vertu to private equity firm EQT VI, shedding direct control of the definitive luxury phone brand. The formal switch lets Nokia keep a 10 percent stake and move 1,000 staffers to the newly independent company. Where Vertu goes next may be more intriguing, however. There's no official word on any change of direction, but that hasn't stopped tipsters from claiming to TechCrunch that there's a big shakeup ahead. Supposedly, former Nokia VP Anssi Vanjoki will finally get the phone maker CEO position he's been looking for through a Vertu spot, and he won't simply follow in his former employer's footsteps -- upcoming Vertu phones may use Android, not Windows Phone. While it's a very unconfirmed rumor, a switch-up wouldn't be completely surprising when Vertu is still an all-Symbian house that needs more than just a few extra jewels to stay relevant. |
| Engadget's Seattle reader meetup is this month! More tickets available! Posted: 12 Oct 2012 11:30 AM PDT
Yep, we sold out of tickets to our upcoming Seattle Interactive Conference meetup, but fear not: we've found a whole new stash. If you're out in the Emerald City on October 29th, you can join in on the fun, meet Engadget editors, interact with fellow readers and win some fabulous prizes. Get added to the list by signing up for tickets right here. Oh, and if you're interested in sponsoring the event, there's still time. Just drop us a line at drop us a line at sponsors [at] engadget [dot] com, and for more information on SIC, check out the source link below. |
| ASUS TAICHI 21 and VivoBook X202 go up for US pre-orders, spoil the party a bit early Posted: 12 Oct 2012 11:19 AM PDT
Just because ASUS has planned a grand October 23rd event to outline its US Windows 8 lineup doesn't mean we can't get an advance peek. Pre-orders have officially kicked off for at least two touchscreen PCs that also give us a very good feeling for the hardware we'll see at our doors. The dual-screened TAICHI 21 is naturally the star of the show, but it will cost you: a base version of the 11.6-inch hybrid with a 1.7GHz Core i5, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD starts at $1,300, while an uprated model with a 1.9GHz Core i7 and a 256GB SSD will set early adopters back by $1,600. We'd say the VivoBook X202 is more likely to get some purchases sight-unseen at $600 for an entry laptop with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 1.8GHz Core i3, 4GB of RAM and a conventional 500GB hard drive. Both of the systems should arrive in tandem with Windows 8's October 26th launch and compound the traffic jams for couriers and retailers on what could be a very busy day. |
| Alleged LG Nexus 4 reviewed by Belarusian tech site Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:42 AM PDT
Well, the Belarusian tech site Onliner.by made waves yesterday by publishing the clearest photos yet of the alleged LG Nexus, the E960. Now the site has published a quick and dirty review of the unannounced phone, which may go down as one of the worst kept secrets in smartphone history. An editor at the site claims to have scored a prototype version of the handset, and as such, any judgements made should be taken with a grain of salt. There were plenty of bugs, including serious issues with Android Beam, which in our experience has never really worked as well as advertised anyway. This model also only comes packing 8GB of storage, which will most certainly change before launch given its lack of a microSD slot. The site found that both the screen and the 8-megapixel camera were a vast improvement over the Galaxy Nexus, however benchmarks showed that while it's quad-core Snapdragon outpaced last-year's Nexus, it didn't put up the staggering numbers many were expecting. For the complete review hit up the source. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| Posted: 12 Oct 2012 10:30 AM PDT
If you think Apple is getting a little predictable with its yearly device refreshes, you probably haven't been charting the progress of its iPod nano. While most products in the Apple line receive an update every 12 months or so, few have experienced the kind of annual reinvention of the nano. It's a rare example of the company drastically re-thinking a product with such regularity -- or of simply not really knowing what to make of it. Depending on how you look at it, this new seventh-generation iPod nano is either the latest, most optimal design of the long-running series, or it's Apple's latest shot in the dark. Even the cynics will have to agree this is a pretty good shot, thinner than ever and packing more functionality than in the past -- including Bluetooth 4.0. It sure doesn't make much of a wristwatch, but is the latest littlest iPod worth the $149 price of admission to its 16GB capacity? Read on to find out. HardwareIt's a tiny little thing, this new nano. No, it isn't the smallest in terms of volume -- that honorific resides with the decidedly square sixth generation, which measured 37.5 x 41 x 8.8mm. This new, clipless model is far thinner, just 5.4mm, but it's also taller (76.5mm) and a bit wider (39.6mm), creating a device that is overall slightly larger. But, that's like saying Gerard Butler is a slightly hunkier dude than Hugh Jackman. Both dudes are pretty hunky. This new nano is properly tiny. Its weight, 31 grams, is less than half that of the new iPod touch and about the same as 10 sticks of Juicy Fruit. Indeed, this new nano is properly tiny. Its weight, 31 grams, is less than half that of the new iPod touch and about the same as 10 sticks of Juicy Fruit. It weighs less than the batteries in many modern smartphones -- those that still have removable batteries, anyway. Put it in your pocket, even the tiny fifth pocket that Steve Jobs famously pulled the original nano from back in 2006, and you absolutely won't be able to tell it's there. The reason for this change in dimensions is the move away from the square, 240 x 240 resolution LCD found in the last-gen nano. That's replaced by a 2.5-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio, multi-touch LCD that clocks in at 240 x 432. It's actually a slight step down in terms of pixel density, but the extra space is more than worth it, as now this can make for a passable video player. In a pinch. Still, even ignoring its size, this panel won't dazzle you like the one on the new iPod touch does. It's bright and clear and reasonably good-looking, but viewing angles are not this thing's forte. Tilt the screen downward and the contrast quickly plummets, and the color balance appears pretty sickly when gazing onward from any other direction. Situated beneath that display is a tiny home button, a first on the nano. (Previous iPods had click-wheels or no such buttons at all.) That makes one of five buttons here -- yes, five. There's a slender power button up on the top and, on the upper-left, a three-way volume rocker like those found on many BlackBerry handsets. With this you can adjust volume and, by pressing in the middle, play/pause music or engage in any of the Morse code-like commands for shuffling or skipping tracks. This rocker sits flush with the side of the device, the indentation in the middle serving as the only thing that sets it apart from the left extent. Still, it's easy to find, but given the size of this thing we think you'll probably want to rely on the inline remote on a pair of suitably endowed headphones. Sadly, the EarPods included with the device are lacking in that regard. On the bottom are the three means of connectivity -- two ports and a tiny plastic window through which this thing's Bluetooth 4.0 antenna talks. On the left is the 3.5mm headphone jack and on the right, the Lightning connector. As on the iPhone 5 and the new iPod touch, the Lightning connector is a huge upgrade in terms of usability and size -- far easier to connect and, of course, much smaller. But, that comes at the expense of adaptor-free compatibility with the zillions of iPod docks out there today. The design language of the device is simple, clean and, frankly, not too far off from the previous nano. The design language of the device is simple, clean and, frankly, not too far off from the previous nano. The anodized aluminum chassis curves around to cradle the LCD on the left and right, but it's flat on the top and bottom, with edges exhibiting the subtle chamfering that appears to be all the rage these days. It has a soft, polished finish to it that we think will hold up reasonably well to scratches. It will, at least, be far more scratch-resistant than the previous mirrored, stainless steel backs. Overall, the new nano isn't quite the visually arresting device that the latest iPod touch is, but that's at least in part because it's so much smaller -- it's harder to appreciate the design features. Look closely, though, and the attention to detail shines through. This is a great-looking and great-feeling device. Software Users of the previous-gen iPod nano will feel right at home here, for the most part. Not an awful lot has changed in the interface or functionality, though things are a bit more streamlined than before. It's still the same basic iOS-like UI, but again we're not talking actual iOS. There are nine icons this time, spread across two pages -- with just three icons taking up the second. Thankfully you can re-arrange them and relegate your least-used functions to the depths of the second page. Music and playlist controls are all contained beneath the single Music icon now, which brings up the familiar iPod interface for browsing tracks by artist, album or playlist. There are the same loop and shuffle playback options as before. Making a triumphant return after a few years off is the video player, which makes the best use of the limited screen real estate to play back footage in 16:9 Tinyvision. Nike+ functionality is still here, made even better in this iteration by having everything built into the device. You no longer need to clip on a receiver or put an accelerometer on your shoe to track your walks or runs, and you can even connect Bluetooth heart rate monitors wirelessly. That makes this an even better workout companion than before -- though the lack of the integrated clip will be seen as a slight step backward by those whose running shorts lack pockets. (Surely some intrepid case maker will fix that problem in short order.) Photo viewing is still possible, made better with pinch-zooming this time around. And, thanks to the accelerometer, images will auto-rotate as you go from portrait to landscape. Radio playback is largely unchanged, including song tagging and the Live Radio pausing, which enables up to 15 minutes of time shifting. There are lots of clock faces, made somewhat less necessary thanks to this thing's shape being unsuitable for wrist wearing, but we have no doubt someone will prove us wrong on that front. Finally, pop in a headset with a microphone and you'll get the Voice Memos icon, which allows the recording of little reminders. But, since the set of EarPods included with the nano lack inline controls and the inline microphone, if you want to make such recordings you'll have to BYO ear buds. Sound quality We stacked the new nano up against the new iPod touch to see if you're giving up anything in the audio quality realm as compared to something bigger -- well, slightly bigger, anyway. We tested with Apple's EarPods, Klipsch S4i buds and some Sennheiser HD555 cans and could find no discernible difference between the players when listening to the same tracks. So, while we wouldn't recommend powering anything with an overly high impedance, the new nano is more than capable of driving your average 'buds. Wrap-up  The radical change in design here -- closer to the fourth- and fifth-generation nanos than the last -- won't be universally liked, but the seventh-gen iPod nano is absolutely the best yet. It brings all the functionality of the last nano to the table and adds plenty more in a deliciously slender package. The integrated Nike+ functionality will make the runners happy and, while it still doesn't mark the return of video capture, we welcome the re-acquired video playback. At $149 for 16GB there are certainly plenty of cheaper options out there, but if you're looking for something tiny, something light, something beautiful and something that plays nice within the Apple ecosystem, stop looking. |
| Rogers, CIBC may launch Suretap NFC-based payments on October 15th, require a unique SIM Posted: 12 Oct 2012 09:51 AM PDT
Rogers and Canadian bank CIBC struck a deal for NFC-based mobile payments back in May, long enough ago that it was starting to fade out of the public consciousness. The alliance may be near refreshing our memory with a commercial launch in the cards. MobileSyrup has reportedly scored internal documents that has the two launching their e-commerce collaboration on October 15th under a slightly catchier Suretap name. Unfortunately, the text also suggests that the initial launch will require at least as much hoop-jumping from customers as for the original Google Wallet plans. Avoiding a traditional wallet will demand a BlackBerry Bold 9900 or Curve 9360 on Rogers, a CIBC MasterCard, nearby stores with PayPass terminals, a CIBC app and now a special NFC-enabled SIM card -- a set of criteria that disqualifies almost everyone, especially when there's supposedly a $50 ceiling on transactions. It remains a step forward for mobile payments in a country that has had very few options to start with, but we'd only anticipate widespread adoption once there's a much wider selection of devices and banks. |
| International Telecommunication Union: worldwide mobile subscriptions hit six billion in 2011 Posted: 12 Oct 2012 09:19 AM PDT
Last year, the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) told us there were five billion mobile subscriptions worldwide at the close of 2010, and now it's reporting that at the end of 2011, that figure hit a staggering six billion. China and India account for one billion a piece, and it brings us ever closer to having the equivalent of one subscription for every person on the planet. (According to the CTIA, there are already more cellular plans in the US -- around 322 million -- than there are inhabitants.) In a stat-heavy release from the ITU, it also ranked the most advanced telecoms countries, with South Korea placing first, Japan eighth and countries in Europe filling the remaining spots. Interestingly, the number of global mobile broadband subscriptions now outnumbers fixed ones by two to one, and mobile internet services showed the biggest growth rates in 2011: 40% worldwide and 78% in developing markets. The ITU attributes the latter figure to the relatively high price of fixed access in these countries, and the increasing availability of mobile alternatives. The CTIA also commented on mobile broadband use, reporting that from July 2011 to June this year, Americans consumed 104 percent more data -- no doubt due, in part, to people taking advantage of expanding 4G coverage. As usual, we've given you the cheat sheet, so if you'd like the full reports and have got a thing for statistics, there's plenty more in the source links below. [Image credit: Chris Jordan]
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| Engadget Podcast 313 - 10.12.2012 Posted: 12 Oct 2012 09:01 AM PDT  If you're looking for the latest news on desktops, hi-fi home stereo components, or landline-enhanced telephonic equipment, you won't find it on this edition of the Engadget Podcast. We're all portable: cameras, phones, and computers that you can take with you anywhere you please are our specialty this week. Oh, except that new Playstation, which is so slim we tried to slip it in our pockets on the way to the gym so we could play Lollipop Chainsaw on the elliptical. Didn't work out so well. 01:20 - iPod touch review (2012) Hear the podcast
Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). Download the podcast Follow us on Twitter: @bheater, @danawollman This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Researchers turn to 19th century math for wireless data center breakthrough Posted: 12 Oct 2012 08:39 AM PDT
Researchers from Microsoft and Cornell University want to remove the tangles of cables from data centers. It's no small feat. With thousands of machines that need every bit of bandwidth available WiFi certainly isn't an option. To solve the issue, scientists are turning to two sources: the cutting edge of 60GHz networking and the 19th century mathematical theories of Arthur Cayley. Cayley's 1889 paper, On the Theory of Groups, was used to guide their method for connecting servers in the most efficient and fault tolerant way possible. The findings will be presented in a paper later this month, but it won't be clear how effectively this research can be applied to an actual data center until someone funds a prototype. The proposed Cayley data centers would rely on cylindrical server racks that have transceivers both inside and outside the tubes of machines, allowing them to pass data both among and between racks with (hopefully) minimal interference. Since the new design would do away with traditional network switches and cables, researchers believe they may eventually cost less than current designs and will draw less power. And will do so while still streaming data at 10 gigabits per second -- far faster than WiGig, which also makes use of 60GHz spectrum. To read the paper in its entirety check out the source. |
| Google Play Store gets good cop / bad cop APK update, will add wish lists and malware scanner Posted: 12 Oct 2012 08:18 AM PDT
A recent scan by Android Police through the latest Google 3.9.16 APK for its Play Store has revealed that wish lists are coming along very well, thank you, and that Mountain View will likely introduce a malware scanner soon too. The latter hasn't appeared on our radar before, and it looks like the search giant will soon be able to scope all the apps you've already installed and also bar the door to any suspicious-looking software before it can sully your smartphone or slate, unless you specifically request otherwise. So, perhaps you'll feel a bit safer once the Google Play portal is being watched from both sides. |
| Georgia Tech receives $900,000 grant from Office of Naval Research to develop 'MacGyver' robot Posted: 12 Oct 2012 07:59 AM PDT
Robots come in many flavors. There's the subservient kind, the virtual representative, the odd one with an artistic bent, and even robo-cattle. But, typically, they all hit the same roadblock: they can only do what they are programmed to do. Of course, there are those that posses some AI smarts, too, but Georgia Tech wants to take this to the next level, and build a 'bot that can interact with its environment on the fly. The project hopes to give machines deployed in disaster situations the ability to find objects in their environment for use as tools, such as placing a chair to reach something high, or building bridges from debris. The idea builds on previous work where robots learned to moved objects out of their way, and developing an algorithm that allows them to identify items, and asses its usefulness as a tool. This would be backed up by some programming, to give the droids a basic understanding of rigid body mechanics, and how to construct motion plans. The Office of Navy Research's interest comes from potential future applications, working side-by-side with military personnel out on missions, which along with iRobot 110, forms the early foundations for the cyber army of our childhood imaginations. |
| ASUS' TAICHI convertible laptop hits the FCC Posted: 12 Oct 2012 07:38 AM PDT
If 2012 was the year of the Ultrabook, 2013's going to be remembered by the massive proliferation of laptop / tablet hybrids. One such convertible that's just been given full marks by the FCC is ASUS' TAICHI, an 11.6 or 13.3-inch unit that's packing an Ivy Bridge Core i7, 4GB RAM and, most notably, a display on both sides of its lid. While there's no official word from the company on a launch date, now that the government has given a thumbs up, it can't be too much further out. Plausibly, a rogue Amazon listing has pegged the 11.6-inch model as costing $1,300 and arriving on October 26th, alongside Windows 8. |
| Firefox introduces preliminary support for Social API, brings your networks into the browser Posted: 12 Oct 2012 07:10 AM PDT
While you might use Firefox to access your social media of choice already, preliminary support for a new API has been introduced that could integrate key features into the browser itself. The aptly named Social API, will allow developers to embed services into the browser directly, letting you interact with friends and stay updated without having to open new windows, or keep hopping into different tabs. There's no solid info just yet on how this will manifest itself, or how issues such as security and privacy might be addressed, but with testing beginning soon, we're expecting the curtain to lift on the finer details soon. Interested developers can head to the source, for the other billion, you'll just have to wait. |
| Apple agrees to license for Swiss railway clock in iOS 6, knows what time it is Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:48 AM PDT
When Swiss federal railway organization SBB and the Mondaine Group pointed out that the iOS 6 clock face looked remarkably like theirs, they weren't so much upset as clearing their throat politely -- it would be nice to get credit, if you don't mind. That kindness has been met with some reciprocity, as SBB has confirmed a licensing deal with Apple that gives the iPad builder rights to use the iconic timepiece in its mobile OS. Exact terms aren't forthcoming, although it's likely not a princely sum when SBB is better known for punctuality than wheeling and dealing. All we know is that Apple can at last live with a good conscience when it checks the time in Geneva. SBB and Apple Sign Licence Agreement BERN, Switzerland , October 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Apple have reached an agreement on the use of SBB's station clock on certain devices such as iPads and iPhones. This arrangement has been mutually agreed by both parties in a licence agreement. For the use of the clockface on certain Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones, the parties have negotiated an arrangement that enables Apple to use the SBB station clock under a licence agreement. The parties have agreed that the amount of the licensing fee and any further details of the licensing arrangement will remain confidential. The SBB station clock was designed for the company in 1944 by the engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker . It is a design icon that has obviously lost none of its appeal in the digital age. A special feature of the clockface is its striking red second hand in the shape of a railway guard's signalling disc. Even now it symbolises the innovation and reliability that are key qualities attributed to both SBB and Switzerland as a whole. |
| Google TV v3 demo video teases better search, mini-guide overlay and tablet control (Update) Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:42 AM PDT
During Google I/O this summer the Google TV team promised more features were on the way -- the upgraded Google Play app just arrived -- and now it's posted a "sneak peek" video (embedded after the break) that shows us a few. As promised, there's second screen integration allowing users to browse live TV and streaming content on the app, then choose it so it starts playing on the TV. Much of the demo is focused on the big improvements it says it's made to search, with voice search that works across TV and the internet to quickly pull up specific content, content by genre or perform specific tasks like tuning in a particular channel or website like Google Maps. There's also a new mini-guide overlay based on its personalized TV & Movies app so you can get an idea of what else is on without jumping completely away from what you were watching. Getting cheaper hardware available from more manufacturers is just one part of the puzzle, we'll see if these improvements make Google TV a desired intermediary between broadcast television and internet streaming. Update: Someone may have goofed and released the vid accidentally, because it's been marked as private now. We did manage to grab a couple of snapshots though, check them out after the break. Update 2: As we suspected, this was definitely an accidental early release of the video so while these updates are certainly on the way, they may not be right around the corner. According to a Google spokesperson "We're excited to bring users the next version of Google TV's software in the months ahead, but have nothing further to announce at this time." And so the waiting game begins.
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| Distro Issue 61: Acer aims high with its Iconia W510 Windows 8 hybrid Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:30 AM PDT
With the release of Windows 8 just around the corner, the arrivals of tablets and hybrids that are decked out with the aforementioned OS are also imminent. Sure, we've already seen a number of these, but up until now, we've yet to spend any quality time with the announced hardware. In this week's edition of our tablet magazine, though, we finally get to take one back to Engadget HQ for a detailed preview. We offer our thoughts on Acer's Iconia W510 -- a laptop / tablet hybrid that sets its sights on the premium end of the Windows 8 gadget spectrum. On the regular review front, we put the Canon EOS M and the Samsung Galaxy Note II through their paces before serving up in-depth analysis of each. Eyes-On climbs aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Visualized gets electrified and Nest's Matt Rogers tells all in the Q&A. The weekend won't last forever, so jump down below to snag the latest issue before settling in for a little weekend R&R. Distro Issue 61 PDF This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Windows 8 packaging and pricing revealed: standard OEM $99, Pro Pack $139, pre-order from today Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:25 AM PDT
We're almost there. Just a few more days until the big reveal. But that doesn't mean there aren't still a few final Windows 8 secrets to be disclosed. Two of those are the price and the packaging, which online retailer Newegg has just let slip. There are four packages listed: Windows 8 Professional Upgrade ($69), Windows 8 Pro Pack ($69, product key card only), Windows 8 OEM ($99) and Windows 8 Professional ($139), with the latter two being available in both 32- and 64-bit versions (for the same price). If you go into the product page, however, we can see that the original price for the upgrade and product key card only versions is listed as " |
| ASUS teases October 23rd Vivo Book and Vivo Tab event, likens it to world history (video) Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:10 AM PDT
Most event teasers have at least some kind of grandiosity; we're not under illusions that they have to be modest. At the same time, ASUS may have crossed a humility barrier with a teaser for an October 23rd event launching its upcoming Vivo Tabs and (possibly TAICHI- or Transformer Book-linked) Vivo Books. In the space of 42 seconds, ASUS likens the New York City announcement for its touchscreen Windows 8 devices to the Apollo moon missions, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and having a child -- a bit much for slabs of aluminum and glass, we think. There's not much to see of the systems themselves beyond what we already know, although Notebook Italia has noticed at least one reseller listing a Vivo Book S200 laptop with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a Core i3, 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive for €499 ($647). That price would go a long way towards ASUS' promise of making touch "available to everyone..." we're just not convinced it's as important as Elvis. |
| Dell to offer its XPS 27 and Inspiron One 23 all-in-ones with optional touchscreens Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Dell gave us a heads up back at IFA that it was planning on offering its high-end XPS 27 all-in-one with an optional touchscreen. Well, that day has come: the company just announced that it will begin accepting pre-orders today, with the touch-enabled models starting at $1,600. As a quick refresher, that 27-inch screen tops out a whopping 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, while the stand tilts to a near-flat angle of 60 degrees. If sixteen hundred bucks is more money than you were planning on spending, Dell will also offer the Inspiron One 23 with an optional touchscreen. At a fraction of the cost ($780 and up) it makes do with lesser specs (a 1080p, not quad HD, display, for instance), but it has been refreshed with Ivy Bridge, so you should at least be future-proofed on the CPU front. Again, you can order these starting today, but don't expect them to ship until after October 26th. |
| Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook gets updated with Ivy Bridge (updated) Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT
File this under things we could've sworn happened already: Dell is updating its nine-month-old XPS 13 Ultrabook with third-generation Core (read: Ivy Bridge) processors. While the rest of the company's Win 8 lineup isn't shipping until October 26th now, the refreshed XPS 13 should already be live on Dell's site, with the same starting price of $1,000. Update: A previous version of this article reported that the XPS 13 would be available with a touchscreen. In fact, it will still be offered with non-touch-enabled panels only. |
| Posted: 12 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Well, that's a form factor you don't see that often. Of all the Windows 8 PCs we've seen so far, the Dell XPS 12 is tough to forget, if only because it's the only one whose screen flips inside the hinge like an easel. We already got hands-on at IFA last month, but now we're learning some key details -- you know, like pricing and availability. Dell just announced that it will go up for pre-order today, starting at $1,199. (It will ship October 26th, the day Windows 8 launches.) That's a princely sum indeed compared to some of the other Windows 8 ultraportables we've seen, but it's important to remember that this runs not on an Atom processor, but an Ultrabook-grade CPU. And while you might assume that 12.5-inch display makes do with 1,366 x 768 resolution, it's actually a dense 1080p panel. Hopefully we'll get to review a final unit soon, but in the meantime feast yourself on a fresh round of hands-on shots below. |
| Low-power chip guru quits Samsung for Apple, with heavily implied implications Posted: 12 Oct 2012 05:21 AM PDT
The iPhone 5 already proved Apple's desire to move away from existing processor designs and exert more control over these fundamental components. Is it too crazy to imagine that Cupertino would like the same sense of freedom with its laptops? Perhaps not, especially since the biggest company in the world just hired a guy called Jim Mergard, who helped to pioneer AMD's low-power Brazos netbook chips and who had only recently moved to Samsung. A former colleague of Mergard's, Patrick Moorhead, told the WSJ that he would be "very capable of pulling together internal and external resources to do a PC processor for Apple" -- possibly based on a mobile-style SoC (system-on-chip) rather than a traditional PC approach. That's pure speculation of course, but funnily enough it's where Intel seems to be headed too. |
| BlackBerry rep shows off L-Series smartphone, forgets it's meant to be a secret (video) Posted: 12 Oct 2012 04:58 AM PDT
While the rest of us are chasing after dev phones and blurrycam shots, BlackBerry representatives in Mexico seem to be happy to wave honest-to-goodness L-Series handsets around on video. Website Hola Telcel filmed the sequence after the break, in which we're given a shaky tour of BB10 -- including the camera app's interesting "best shot" feature -- but with virtually no attention given to the hardware itself. Nevertheless, we can just about make out the previously-noted design, with the screen panel sandwiched between slightly rounded matte black plastic top and bottom parts, and a big silver BlackBerry logo emblazoned across the bottom. Also, unless we're reading way too much into it, the way people hold the device suggests it could be nice and thin. |
| Apple likely to reveal iPad mini on October 23rd, reports AllThingsD Posted: 12 Oct 2012 04:26 AM PDT
Rumors about the iPad mini are really starting to heat up and alleged leaks of the body are hitting the web with machine gun-like regularity. Now AllThingsD claims to have another piece of the puzzle -- when. According to "people familiar" with the matter, Apple is scheduling a press event for October 23rd, where it will likely take the wraps off its latest (and smallest) tablet offering. The outlet reported a similar rumor ahead of the iPhone 5 launch, insisting that the littlest slate would be held until October. Now, here we are -- it's October -- and we're still waiting for our invitations. As usual, you'll be the first to know when ours arrives and we can confirm the when and where (and we think you already know the what). As for the how and why? Well, that we're just going to have to wait and see. Update: Others are now chiming in to say they've confirmed the date with their own sources, including Reuters and Jim Dalrymple of The Loop. |
| Best Buy reveals Insignia Flex Tablet, 9.7-inches of Android 4.0 Posted: 12 Oct 2012 03:32 AM PDT
It's been a little while since we visited anything from Best Buy's Insignia brand, but this new tablet from the retailer just caught our (or rather a tipster's) eye. Called the Insignia Flex, it's a 9.7-inch, dual-core 1GHz, Android 4.0 slate that promises up to ten hours of battery life. As you can see, the design is unique enough to stand out from the crowd, with a squared off look, and an almost Xperia T-esque curve to the bezel. That's about all we know about it at the minute, other than it being penciled in for release a month from now. We're hoping that this could land with a smile-friendly price tag, but if you want to know for sure, hit up the source link to follow along on Facebook. [Thanks, Matt] |
| Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite coming to the UK on October 25th, starting at £109 Posted: 12 Oct 2012 02:45 AM PDT
Amazon has found a relatively clear day in the calendar on which to launch its excellent Kindle Paperwhite e-reader in the British Isles. The ad-supported basic model will knock you back £109, while an extra £60 will get you the 3G version. Amazon's Lending Library service will roll-out at the same time, offering Prime members free loans from a collection of 200,000 books as part of the £49 per year subscription (which also has other perks). If you're shopping around, don't forget that Barnes & Noble's equally glowing alternative is also available in the UK these days, wearing a pretty much identical price tag. |
| Phones4U begins taking UK pre-orders for Samsung's Galaxy S III Mini Posted: 12 Oct 2012 02:32 AM PDT
If good things come to those who wait and good things come in small packages, then the Galaxy S III Mini must be pretty special indeed. If you're in the market for the junior edition of the company's blockbuster flagship, independent retailer Phones4U is now accepting pre-orders. The first 350 of you to register your interest will also get the added sweetener of one of the company's Pebble MP3 players, and the company promises it'll begin shipping on November 2nd, free on plans of £25 or more. |
| Apple files patent application for fingerprint sensor that can be transparent or opaque Posted: 12 Oct 2012 01:51 AM PDT
While Apple has flirted with biometric-based patents before, we've yet to see them implemented in real-world technology. That hasn't stopped it from filing yet another one though, as the latest application reveals a fingerprint sensor apparently embedded into the iPhone itself. The patent describes a hardware "window" that can become selectively "transparent or opaque." When transparent, it would reveal a component comprised of an "image capture device, a strobe flash, a biometric sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, or a solar panel, or a combination thereof" as a method of unlocking the phone. According to the filing, the biometric sensor in question might indeed be a fingerprint reader. The document goes on to describe an alternative method using face or eye recognition technology that can be used not just for security purposes, but for possible e-commerce solutions like completing an online transaction. Of course, take any of these patent applications with a generous pinch of salt -- we haven't seen an Apple stylus yet, for example -- but perhaps this is the reason Apple bought fingerprint sensor maker AuthenTec back in July. |
| Bezos: Amazon breaks even on Kindle devices, not trying to make money on hardware Posted: 12 Oct 2012 12:57 AM PDT
Amazon makes a pretty good case for its Kindle Fire HD and Paperwhite with prices as low as $199 and $119 respectively, but it turns out there's more at work than just special offers to keep them affordable. In an interview with the BBC, the company's head honcho Jeff Bezos revealed that they can keep the price tags reasonable since they don't turn a profit on the devices. "Basically, we sell the hardware at our cost, so it is break even on the hardware," Bezos said. "We're not trying to make money on the hardware." Instead, Amazon banks on making a buck when owners of the slates and e-readers purchase books, movies, games and other content through their digital storefront. This doesn't exactly come as a surprise, but we're glad that Jeff's confirmed our suspicions. |
| Samsung Series 5 Slate reaches out and touches the FCC Posted: 12 Oct 2012 12:02 AM PDT
Samsung has just days to go before the Series 5 Slate (and ATIV Smart PC) arrives hand-in-hand with the official launch of Windows 8, so we're surprised that it's been waiting so long to clear the usual regulatory hurdles in the US. Just in the nick of time, though, the 11-inch tablet has passed by the FCC for approval. There's no hidden surprises to go with the testing -- this is the regular Series 5 with Bluetooth and dual-band WiFi, but no visible NFC or the AT&T model's LTE. As such, we're more curious about when Samsung's Series 7 Slate and Series 5 Ultra Touch reach the FCC's doors. They'll likely arrive soon, but any significant delay could put them on the sidelines for Microsoft's big moment. |
| Your Portal gun isn't as cool as Hack-a-Day's Portal gun (which actually levitates a companion cube) Posted: 11 Oct 2012 11:29 PM PDT
There you were, thinking your NECA-produced Portal gun replica was super neat all on its own. Well, okay -- it is -- but wouldn't it be even cooler if you could use it to make a baby companion cube levitate in mid-air with it? That question is exactly what lead to Hack a Day's creation of just such a device, as seen in the video below the break. By reappropriating a magnetic floating globe's parts and attaching said parts to both the gun and a homemade companion cube, Hack a Day were able to recreate at least part of the magic Chell experiences in her Aperture Science adventures. Of course, if you move the gun too much, the companion cube will fall out. Just think what that does to its psyche! You monster. [Image credit: Caleb Kraft, Hack a Day]
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| Apparent Gmail for Android 4.2 leak shows off pinch-to-zoom, swipe features Posted: 11 Oct 2012 10:50 PM PDT
If you've been desperate for new Gmail on your Android, a leaked APK obtained by Android Police -- that may or may not have come from one of those LG E960 Mako (alleged) Nexus phones that it seems everyone has -- is sporting some fresh tweaks. As seen in this demo video, the update adds pinch-to-zoom on individual messages, as well as swipe to delete or archive. The app itself is labeled as version 4.2, and while the APK isn't widely available, the site reports that if it is released you'll need to be rooted and running Android 4.0 or higher to get an early taste of the future. |
| NASA and IHMC building X1 exoskeleton to give us a lift, keep us fit in space and on Earth Posted: 11 Oct 2012 10:06 PM PDT
It's hard to deny the appeal of a space-bound robot like NASA's Robonaut 2, fears of subversion notwithstanding. The space agency and Florida's Institute for Human and Machine Cognition know it, and they want to put that technology into an exoskeleton with a nobler purpose than performing chores on space stations. The in-development X1 (not yet pictured) adapts the Robonaut's skills to a body-hugging frame with 10 points of movement that might give humans an assist when they need it the most. In space, the X1 could automate and add challenge to exercise for astronauts in low gravity, or provide the extra muscle for that fabled day we return to manned surface exploration. NASA envisions its exoskeleton having more grounded uses as well, such as rehabilitation for leg injuries or walking for those who never had the chance. Although we're not expecting a rapid turnaround knowing NASA's lengthy schedules, we might see the X1 in use sooner than most such products in the wake of a purposefully quick development cycle -- and, no doubt, a few interested customers here on Earth. NASA and IHMC Develop Robotic Exoskeleton for Space and Possible Use on Earth WASHINGTON -- A new robotic space technology spinoff derived from NASA's Robonaut 2 project someday may help astronauts stay healthier in space and aid paraplegics in walking here on Earth. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, currently is working with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. NASA and The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) of Pensacola, Fla., with the help of engineers from Oceaneering Space Systems of Houston, have jointly developed a robotic exoskeleton called X1. The 57-pound device is a robot that a human could wear over his or her body either to assist or inhibit movement in leg joints. In the inhibit mode, the robotic device would be used as an in-space exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement. The same technology could be used in reverse on the ground, potentially helping some individuals walk for the first time. "Robotics is playing a key role aboard the International Space Station and will be critical in our future human exploration of deep space," said Michael Gazarik, director of NASA's Space Technology Program."What's extraordinary about space technology and our work with projects like Robonaut are the unexpected possibilities space tech spinoffs may have right here on Earth. It's exciting to see a NASA-developed technology might one day help people with serious ambulatory needs to begin to walk again, or even walk for the first time. That's the sort of return on investment NASA is proud to give back to America and the world." Worn over the legs with a harness that reaches up the back and around the shoulders, X1 has 10 degrees of freedom, or joints -- four motorized joints at the hips and the knees, and six passive joints that allow for sidestepping, turning and pointing, and flexing a foot. There also are multiple adjustment points, allowing the X1 to be used in many different ways. X1 currently is in a research and development phase, where the primary focus is development, evaluation and improvement of the technology. NASA is examining the potential for the X1 as an exercise device to improve crew health both aboard the space station and during future long-duration missions to an asteroid or Mars. Without taking up valuable space or weight during missions, X1 could replicate common crew exercises, which are vital to keeping astronauts healthy in microgravity. In addition, the device has the ability to measure, record and stream back in real-time data to flight controllers on Earth, giving doctors better insight into the crew's exercise. X1 also could provide a robotic power boost to astronauts as they work on the surface of distant planetary bodies. Coupled with a spacesuit, X1 could provide additional force when needed during surface exploration, providing even more bang for its small bulk. Here on Earth, IHMC is interested in developing and using X1 as an assistive walking device. Using NASA technology and walking algorithms developed at IHMC, X1 has the potential to produce high torques to allow for assisted walking over varied terrain, as well as stair climbing. Preliminary studies using X1 for this purpose have already started at IHMC. "We greatly value our collaboration with NASA," said Ken Ford, IHMC's director and CEO. "The X1's high-performance capabilities will enable IHMC to continue performing cutting-edge research in mobility assistance and expand into rehabilitation." The potential of X1 extends to other applications, including rehabilitation, gait modification and offloading large amounts of weight from the wearer. Preliminary studies by IHMC have shown X1 to be more comfortable, easier to adjust, and easier to put on than older exoskeleton devices. Researchers plan on improving on the X1 design, adding more active joints to areas such as the ankle and hip, increasing the potential uses for the device. Designed in an extremely short timeframe, X1 came from technology developed for Robonaut 2 and IHMC's Mina exoskeleton. NASA's work in robotic exoskeleton systems complements work done by other government agencies, such as the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation Program. NASA's Game Changing Development Program, part of NASA's Space Technology Program, funds the X1 work. NASA's Space Technology Program focuses on maturing advanced space technologies that may lead to entirely new approaches for space missions and solutions to significant national needs. For additional information about IHMC, visit: For information about the X1 and Robonaut, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/robonaut |
| Evernote 2.5 for Windows Phone brings new layout with improved performance Posted: 11 Oct 2012 09:04 PM PDT
While some app developers seem to forget about Windows Phone, Evernote definitely has not. The tiled version of the cloud-based note taking app received an update on Thursday that brings an arsenal of new features, including an updated tile layout for note lists, a redesigned login / registration screen and user help tips. Perhaps the most anticipated new additions here are an improved note editing settings that adds more space to jot things down and a much welcomed performance boost. If your memory isn't quite what it used to be and you're looking for a helpful tool to take notes while on the go, you can snag the latest version of Evernote from the Windows Phone Store now. That is, if you can remember which tile to tap when trying to get there. |
| Ubuntu One reaches Mac in beta, completes the cloud storage circle Posted: 11 Oct 2012 08:26 PM PDT
For all of the many directions Ubuntu One's cloud storage has gone, it hasn't headed the Mac's way. Official clients have been the province of Linux devotees (naturally, Ubuntu is recommended) and their Windows friends across the aisle. A newly available Mac beta puts all three major desktop platforms on an even keel, very literally -- the OS X port is almost identical to what you'd get in Linux or Windows, including a few rough points where other interface concepts clash. Still, the Ubuntu One test build has a handy Mac-specific menu bar item, and it's one of the few cloud options that will natively support both the Ubuntu box in your den and the MacBook Pro in your bag. Grab your copy at the source link if you can deal with a few unfinished elements. |
| DirecTV Genie DVR and interface launch with advice for the indecisive Posted: 11 Oct 2012 07:42 PM PDT
We got a peek at DirecTV's Genie system just a few weeks ago with promises of a system that would both suggest related shows and optionally record them unbidden. It's here, and it's being joined by some rebranding. The company's flagship HR34 DVR has been relabeled as the Genie and makes the new software its centerpiece, with those five tuners letting even the chronically uncommitted take new recommendations as seriously as they like. As before, simultaneous viewing is otherwise the biggest angle: there's support for up to eight RVU-capable TVs hooked up at once, two shows playing on one TV and up to four TVs watching the same show. You'll have to be a new subscriber to get the video recorder under the Genie moniker, although we don't see too many existing customers dropping everything to get that symbolic distinction. DIRECTV Grants Endless Wishes with the Industry's Most Advanced HD DVR The New DIRECTV Genie™ Records Five Shows at Once, Eliminates Need for Receivers in Every Room, Automatically Recommends Shows Matching Viewers' Tastes and So Much More EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 11, 2012 - DIRECTV is granting TV viewers their ultimate wish - the industry's most advanced and intuitive HD DVR, the new DIRECTV Genie™ - enabling a whole new suite of magical TV viewing capabilities. The DIRECTV Genie delivers an innovative set of features that include the ability to record five shows in HD at one time; up to three times more HD recording capacity than cable HD DVRs; a full HD DVR experience on every TV in the home without seeing a box in each and every room; and a new opt-in feature that will automatically recommend shows based on the viewer's taste. DIRECTV Genie™ is now the entertainment hub for the entire home and shares content seamlessly with additional TVs that are connected to small DIRECTV clients or other connected devices (such as RVU-enabled TVs, gaming consoles and Blu-ray players) from a single HD DVR. "We simply asked consumers what they wished for in the perfect television experience and then set out to develop as many of those features as possible in our new flagship HD DVR. Given all that Genie can do, we expect our customers to be extremely impressed with this next generation experience," said Romulo Pontual, executive vice president and CTO of DIRECTV. "Gone are the days of scheduling conflicts, channel surfing, messy wires and boxes, missed shows and family fights over the remote. DIRECTV Genie's massive hard drive, five tuners and its sophisticated, intuitive search and discovery functionality creates a simple and magical television experience without the need for receivers in every room." Benefits and features of the DIRECTV Genie™ include: • Five Tuners Beginning today, new qualified customers can get a free upgrade to Genie, as well as connect up to four rooms. In addition, new customers who order the CHOICE™ Package and above will get 2012 NFL SUNDAY TICKET included at no extra charge and three free months of premium channels. For more information on DIRECTV Genie™, please visit DIRECTV.com/Genie. |
| Canopy's $39 Sensus gaming case protects your iPhone 4 / 4S, adds plenty of new touch sensors Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:59 PM PDT
There's no doubt that smartphone accessories can get expensive, so how about a case that doubles as a gamepad? Billed as "protection with a purpose," Canopy's Sensus case aims to do just that. While there are several peripherals that add keyboards and joysticks to smartphones, Sensus goes one step further by adding touch input to a device's entire outer surface. The case's sensors recognize an additional ten touch responses, including controls on the sides and back of a device similar to the rear touchpad on a PS Vita. The focus with Sensus is to provide its users with unique touch input combinations that avoid taking up precious screen real estate. Most likely due to its uniformed design, Sensus is currently only being offered for the iPhone 4 and 4S; the outfit is taking pre-orders at $39 a pop, with shipments expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013. If you'd like to get a better feel for what Sensus has to offer (we know, we know), check out its demo video by visiting the source link below. |
| Microsoft Office 2013 releases to manufacturing, reaches most of us early next year Posted: 11 Oct 2012 06:21 PM PDT
Break out the party streamers and balloons -- if only in an orderly fashion, because this is the day Office 2013 has been released to manufacturing. The completion swings Microsoft's attention towards a rollout staggered over the next few months. Wider availability will have to wait until the first quarter of 2013 -- such synchronicity with your branding, Microsoft -- but companies who've sprung for volume licensing will get access as early as mid-November to December 1st, depending on whether or not they're embracing a Software Assurance plan. In the meantime, Microsoft is offering an easy path for anxious workers by promising a free copy of Office 2013 to everyone who buys Office 2010 from October 19th onwards. The upgraded software might not be cheap for those who aren't already buying a Windows RT tablet, but it's likely to be an important piece of the puzzle for anyone hunting down a touchscreen Windows 8 PC. |
| NC State nanoflowers can boost battery and solar cell capacity, make great prom accessories Posted: 11 Oct 2012 05:37 PM PDT
We see a lot of sleek-looking technology pass through our doors, but it's rare that the inventions could be called beautiful by those who aren't immersed in the gadget world. We'd venture that North Carolina State University might have crossed the divide by creating an energy storage technology that's both practical and genuinely pretty. Its technology vaporizes germanium sulfide and cools it into 20-30 nanometer layers that, as they're combined, turn into nanoflowers: elegant structures that might look like the carnation on a prom dress or tuxedo, but are really energy storage cells with much more capacity than traditional cells occupying the same area. The floral patterns could lead to longer-lived supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, and the germanium sulfide is both cheap and clean enough that it could lead to very efficient solar cells that are more environmentally responsible. As always, there's no definite timetable for when (and if) NC State's technology might be commercialized -- so call someone's bluff if they promise you a nanoflower bouquet. |
| Acer's Windows 8-based Iconia W510 tablet hits the FCC, ready for November launch Posted: 11 Oct 2012 05:04 PM PDT
Now that we've taken a look at the Acer Iconia W510, it's heartening to see it finally hit the FCC. The documentation doesn't tell us much we don't already know about the Windows 8 tablet, though it's interesting to note it packs a 7300mAh battery, which will hopefully lead to that promised nine-hour battery life. As a quick refresher, the W510 packs a Clover Trail-based Atom processor, 2GB of RAM, a 10.1-inch display, and will cost roughly $500 for the 32GB SSD model. The timing of the FCC listing does seem to point to Acer actually hitting that November 9th launch date, so keep your |
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