Sponsored
Engadget News |
- Google Fiber installations begin, come with a larger TV channel choice in the bargain (video)
- Bank of America gets into card swiping with Mobile Pay on Demand, because 29 can play at that game
- Elektron announces Analog Four synthesizer, spends the naming budget on viral teaser (video)
- Tesla Model S electrifies Motor Trend judges, unanimously voted 2013 Car of the Year
- Nokia announces new location cloud service for iOS, Android and others: It's Here (update)
- Avenger Advantage launches lever-laden Def-Con 4 controller on Kickstarter (video)
- Sprint matching its peers, getting Windows Phone 8 devices next year
- Nexus 7 with 3G now shipping: $299 for an unlocked 32GB Android tablet
- Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7, download the preview now
- PSA: Google Nexus 4, Nexus 10 for sale in US now! (update: Nexus 4 already sold out)
- HTC Droid DNA hands-on (video)
- HTC Droid DNA coming to Verizon on November 21st for $200, pre-orders begin today
- PlayStation Vita launches PS Plus service on November 19th, free for existing PS3 subscribers (video)
- Engadget Giveaway: win one of two ioSafe SOLO G3 rugged external hard drives!
- Google bags patent for directions based on cell coverage
- Stable CyanogenMod 10 builds arrive, give devices an unofficial taste of Jelly Bean
- Updated Google Map Maker accents neighborhoods, shows changes in Activity Stream
- Is Samsung's multi-window mode coming to the Galaxy S III?
- Maingear announces Nomad 15 gaming laptop: small in size, big on specs
- Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100
- YouTube Android app lets users find videos on their phone, play 'em on Google TV with one click
- Jawbone starts over, announces a redesigned version of its Up lifestyle-tracking wristband
- GoPro app reaches Android, captures reckless Nexus adventures
- Emo Labs becomes ClearView Audio, assures product unveiling at CES 2013
- Fraunhofer releases its 'CD-like' audio codecs to developers, lends a little HiFi to VoIP apps
- SugarSync releases version 2.0 beta with new UI, drag-and-drop sharing and cross-device search
- Bloomberg's App Portal brings its financial market terminals into the app store age
- HTC requires more than 512MB of RAM for Jelly Bean updates, One V and Desire C to stay on ICS
- Sky+ app update brings remote control features to iPhone, iPod touch
- Android 4.2 reaches some Galaxy Nexus phones early, grab the GSM version here (update: Nexus 7, too)
- Nexus 4 and 10 hit Australian Google Play store first, $20 Nexus 4 bumpers appear (update: Europe too)
- Samsung bringing 85-inch ultra high definition TV to CES
- Louis CK to offer HBO show as DRM-free download, chip away at cable content deals
- Google Play Music adds gapless playback, automatic Instant Mixes
- Meizu to unveil MX2 flagship smartphone in Beijing on November 27
- Vizio Co-Star update brings enhanced Google Play experience, boosts performance
- Voxeljet 3D printer used to produce Skyfall's Aston Martin stunt double
- Android 4.2 update for Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 adds lock screen widgets and multi-user support (benchmarks)
- Steven Sinofsky leaves Microsoft, Julie Larson-Green and Tami Reller take the Windows reins (update: Sinofsky email)
- Triggertrap Mobile update adds WiFi control for device-laden shutterbugs
| Google Fiber installations begin, come with a larger TV channel choice in the bargain (video) Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:14 AM PST
A lot of readers in the two Kansas Cities are about to see the above sign taped to their door, and they'll be forgiven if it triggers an irrational level of excitement: it's the confirmation that Google Fiber deployments are at last underway. Starting this week in the Hanover Heights district of Kansas state's city, Google is extending fiber drops to the homes of early adopters and arranging for in-home appointments to set up whatever internet and IPTV selections they've made. The fiber team is also widening its pick of TV channels as a last-minute incentive, offering a slew of Fox sports and movie channels as well as Fuel TV, FX, National Geographic and Speed, among others. While we don't know how long it will take before the first wave of 1Gbps deployments are wrapped up, it should finally be safe to add "internet service provider" to Google's increasingly lengthy resume. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank of America gets into card swiping with Mobile Pay on Demand, because 29 can play at that game Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:55 AM PST
To call the mobile-based card processing business crowded would be a slight understatement -- launching a reader is nearly an instinctual reaction for commerce outlets that see Square running away with the market. What's to stop a bank from joining the fray? Bank of America doesn't see anything wrong, as it's starting up a me-too service through Mobile Pay on Demand. The headphone jack reader with Android and iOS support will seem very familiar to anyone who's been paying attention; the company does have some tantalizing lures for entrepreneurs, however, such as an ever-so-slightly lower 2.7 percent fee per transaction as well as a year-long deals marketing service subscription for any 2012 sign-ups. US shops that haven't already jumped on the bandwagon with Square (or Groupon, or Intuit, or Pay Anywhere, or PayPal or VeriFone) can pre-order a reader today and start taking payments on December 3rd. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elektron announces Analog Four synthesizer, spends the naming budget on viral teaser (video) Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:36 AM PST
Elektron makes button-heavy synths and samplers, it also makes great teaser videos. If you needed any proof, then its newest offering, Analog Four (and accompanying video), should be plenty. This time, we have a little exclusive advanced info to go with it. The latest box of sonic tricks is a four voice analog synth (with two analog oscillators each), comes with an internal step-sequencer, plus multiple LFOs and the usual array of filters and effects. One other nice addition is the inclusion of CV/Gate and DIN outputs, meaning you can also control some of those older pre-MIDI synths you might have lying around (there is MIDI functionality too, of course). There's also a live performance mode, so you can shake up the pattern on the fly, along with other creative tools like arpeggio toggling. Features are all good and well, but what does it sound like? Well, head past the break for a demo, plus that extravagant teaser vid. If, however, you were sold at "four voice analog synth," keep your eyes (and filters) open for December 3rd availability
The Analog Four is the best of two worlds. The power of analog synthesis is enhanced with precise Elektron sequencing for a machine par excellence. This is an analog synthesizer for the modern age. The Analog Four is a four voice analog synthesizer. Analog oscillators and filters ensure the most organic sounds imaginable and the Elektron step sequencer caters for the innovative sound control. With sequencer features like parameter locks and variable length per track, intricate Analog Four compositions can be created quickly and efficiently. Add the completely new and incredibly well-crafted effects to the mix and experience the next chapter in analog sounds. It just sounds right. Not only a splendid sound making device, the Analog Four can also make other gear sing. Thanks to the CV/Gate and DIN sync outputs, legacy analog gear can be controlled in great detail. Sequencer features like arpeggiators and parameter locks will breathe new life in Live performance features are aplenty. The special performance mode gives direct access to user-defined parameters and direct pattern change makes it possible to change patterns at any sequencer step. The arpeggiator can be instantly toggled on or off for swirling melody lines. Improvising when playing live has never been this easy. The Analog Four was born for the stage. Specifications: 4 synth voices. 2 Analog oscillators per voice. 2 Analog filters per voice. 1 Analog overdrive circuit per voice. Multiple LFOs and envelopes per voice. Elektron step sequencer with parameter locks. Kit and Sound storage. All new hi-quality effects. 2x dual CV/Gate outputs. Dedicated CV/Gate and FX sequencer tracks. 2x External inputs. 2x Main outputs. 1x Headphones output. Analog Four estimated shipping date: About Elektron Music Machines: Elektron Music Machines are known for creating innovative, user friendly and magic sound sources. Their product lines are widely acclaimed for their stellar sound and unique sequencer capabilities. The company was established in 1998 and consists of a head office located in Gothenburg, Sweden and a subsidiary located in Tokyo, Japan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tesla Model S electrifies Motor Trend judges, unanimously voted 2013 Car of the Year Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:17 AM PST
Tesla's Model S roadster has nabbed Motor Trend's 2013 Car of the Year award, making it the first electric car to garner the prize. The EV was voted in unanimously by the publication's judges while beating out the formidable likes of BMW, Porsche and Lexus. In announcing the award, the editors proclaimed the vehicle to be sporty, efficient, spacious and "as smoothly effortless as a Rolls-Royce." Meanwhile, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk opined that gaining the prize over the gas-burners was a "critical step towards the widespread adoption of sustainable transport." Now all the automaker needs to do is ramp up production and it might start to generate cash as well as awards. Model S Bests a Field of 25 Powerhouse Automotive Brands Monday, November 12, 2012 -- Tesla Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) Today Model S was named Motor Trend's 2013 Car of the Year, one of the automotive industry's most coveted awards. To take top honors, Model S garnered a unanimous vote from the panel of Motor Trend judges and guest judges, considered among the savviest and toughest critics in the industry. This is the first time in Motor Trend's memory that every judge was in unanimous agreement. "Our aspiration with the Model S was to show that an electric car truly can be better than any gasoline car, which is a critical step towards the widespread adoption of sustainable transport," said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. "Nothing illustrates this more clearly than winning Motor Trend's Car of the Year by unanimous decision against a field of exceptional competitors." The 2013 field of competition included entries from some of the most historically dominant nameplates. The field was initially narrowed to 11 finalists including the Porsche Boxster, BMW 3-series, Lexus GS, and Subaru BRZ. After extensive track and road testing pushed vehicles to their limits in one of the industry's toughest tests of performance, efficiency, safety and more, the Tesla Model S was awarded top honors. About Model S Model S is the world's first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle and has been engineered to elevate the public's expectations of what a premium sedan can be. At the heart of Model S is the proven Tesla powertrain, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from the world's best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a luxury performance sedan. Setting the bar for electric driving range, Model S offers 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery options. All deliver unprecedented range, with the 85 kWh variant achieving an EPA-certified range of 265 miles. All three batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimal energy density, thermal management, and safety. 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. The Model S interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation. About Tesla Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 2,400 Roadsters to customers worldwide. Model S, the world's first premium sedan to be engineered from the ground up as an electric vehicle, began deliveries to U.S. customers in June of this year. Tesla has already received more than 13,000 reservations worldwide for Model S. Interested in keeping up with Tesla Motors? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia announces new location cloud service for iOS, Android and others: It's Here (update) Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:58 AM PST
Nokia's revealed the next stage in its cartographic future and it involves a new cloud-based service. Titled "Here", it'll tap into Nokia's map expertise and better still, work across multiple devices and operating systems -- CEO Stephen Elop, attending the event in San Francisco, also referenced recent purchase of Earthmine, a 3D mapping company that will help the company offer StreetView-style digital vistas. The new web-based map (that's live now) will work on any PC running Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome and Macs using Safari, Firefox or Chrome. On mobile, it'll run on iOS 4+ and Android 2.2's (or above) internet browser. According to AllThingsD, a free iOS app has already been submitted to iTunes, pending Apple's approval in the 'next couple of weeks'. Additionally, Nokia will have a Here SDK for Android and a web version of Here maps for Firefox OS ready by early next year Behind the glossy HTM5 exterior, Nokia reckons its "capture, compute, experience" system, and its cloud-based processing will offer a more potent offline experience. Nokia's not stopping there, however. The Finnish phone-maker has apparently seen 75 times more use of its mapping data compared to last year, and it's looking to tap into user-submitted data. A new Map Creator tool will let people assign more specific information and detail to Nokia's original maps and satellite photos. The phone-maker's already launched its own site for the new location service, Here.net, and aims to fold in users' submissions into its own official map offering. Collections will let you store and share your favorite locations, while Explore (replete with its own map button) will let you know what's available in the immediate vicinity. The maps will also contain all of the previous Nokia functionality, including live traffic information and transit directions. Here appears to encompass most of Nokia's previous mapping services and apps -- take a look for yourself at the source below. Update: We've got a few more tidbits about Here to share with you. It turns out, the iOS app will provide offline maps, voice guided walking directions and public transportation directions at launch. Additionally, Nokia revealed the name for the technology powering its City Lens app. Called LiveSight, it's a 3D map technology that Nokia claims "provides the most precise and intuitive augmented reality experience" that we presume will find its way into other applications. PR with full details of all the cartographical goodness await after the break. Nokia redefines digital map landscape by introducing HERE as new brand for its location and mapping service Nokia extends its service across devices and operating systems Nokia announces new partnership with Mozilla and planned acquisition of 3D capture company, earthmine San Francisco, California - Today Nokia introduced HERE, the first location cloud to deliver the world's best maps and location experiences across multiple screens and operating systems. With the new brand, HERE, Nokia aims to inspire a new generation of location services and devices that make the mobile experience more personally significant for people everywhere. "People want great maps, and with HERE we can bring together Nokia's location offering to deliver people a better way to explore, discover and share their world," said Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop. "Additionally, with HERE we can extend our 20 years of location expertise to new devices and operating systems that reach beyond Nokia. As a result, we believe that more people benefit from and contribute to our leading mapping and location service." Pushing location beyond Nokia To further extend its location services, Nokia is launching a maps application for iOS under the HERE brand. Based on HTML5, it will include offline capabilities, voice-guided walk navigation, and public transport directions. The application is scheduled to be available for free download from Apple's App Store in the coming weeks. Nokia further announced a strategic partnership with Mozilla to bring new location experiences to the Firefox OS. Nokia plans to debut a mobile Web version of HERE Maps for the new Firefox OS next year. The companies are working together to give people the best mapping experience on Firefox OS. "Mozilla is a leader in HTML5, building the Web as a platform for developing compelling applications, and location is a key part of that platform," said Jay Sullivan, Mozilla Vice President of Products. "We are excited to work with Nokia as the combination of Firefox OS and HERE's location platform provides rich possibilities for mobile application developers to create amazing experiences for users." Nokia also demonstrated an Android OS-based reference application and announced plans for the availability of a HERE SDK for Android OEMs in early 2013. This is aimed at enabling partners to create location-based applications for Android devices with Nokia's leading content. Innovating modern mapmaking Nokia expects the transaction to close by the end of 2012. "Maps are hard to get right - but location is revolutionizing how we use technology to engage with the real world," said Michael Halbherr, Executive Vice President of Location & Commerce and responsible for the HERE brand. "That's why we have been investing and will continue to invest in building the world's most powerful location offering, one that is unlike anything in the market today." Using LiveSight(TM) to see more of the real world "Establishing a new brand is the right move for Nokia in the map and location business. Nokia's assets in this space are world class. We believe mapping and location will be increasingly important to developing next generation devices and services across a wide array of segments," said Crawford Del Prete, Executive Vice President and Head of worldwide research at IDC. ______________________________ Nokia To Acquire earthmine Inc. BERKELEY, CA – November 13th, 2012 – earthmine Inc. announced today that it is has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Nokia. earthmine, based in Berkeley, California, is a privately-owned company that develops a powerful end-to-end 3D street level imaging solution - from collection hardware to processing workflows, cloud hosting and client software. The earthmine team is expected to join the Nokia Location & Commerce business and Berkeley, California will become a key site for the development of 3D reality capture technology. "We are very excited to be joining Nokia – a company with a huge presence and vision in mapping," said John Ristevski, co-CEO of earthmine Inc. "We could not hope for a better place to fulfill and accelerate our mission of indexing the world in 3D. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Avenger Advantage launches lever-laden Def-Con 4 controller on Kickstarter (video) Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:50 AM PST
Avenger Advantage has been bringing tricked out game controllers to Xbox and PS3 for a while now, and it's just upped the hardcore quotient with a new Kickstarter model: the Def-Con 4. On top of the array of levers from the last Avenger that keep hand movement to a minimum, the new model will bring an extra palm lever, chrome-plated aesthetics and increased ruggedness, according to its creator. The company also promised extra goodies to early adopters like triggers and gel caps, though it should be noted that its last funding project, the Delta Six gun, was cancelled. If you're still willing to pony up for what looks like the T-800's personal controller, a $50 minimum chip-in will get you one -- hit the source or PR after the break to see how. Introduction on Kickstarter of the Most Powerful Avenger Ever Made:To Give Gamers MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Avenger Advantage, the company that manufactures and markets the popular gaming adapter, the Avenger Controller, today announced the launch of their newest product, the Def-Con 4 on crowd-funding site, Kickstarter. The mini Avengers stick on a regular 360 or PS3 controller and give you a great advantage for | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sprint matching its peers, getting Windows Phone 8 devices next year Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:30 AM PST
Sprint was notably absent from the list of carriers adding Windows Phone 8 devices to their line-ups, but it seems the mobile network is not being left out altogether. PCMag has received a statement from Sprint which claims that it's allying with Microsoft to make WP8 handsets available "next year." Despite rumors an LTE model was destined for the carrier, nothing materialized, and the WP7-loaded HTC Arrive even disappeared from its ranks. It looks like these weren't signs the relationship had gone sour, and now at least, customers can be assured they won't need to switch providers to get their hands around a WP8 device. However, "next year" is a pretty big window, so we'd be hesitant to assume something's coming mere weeks into 2013. Waiting a while might not be so bad, though -- it could even mean an exclusive handset or two might find its way to steadfast patrons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nexus 7 with 3G now shipping: $299 for an unlocked 32GB Android tablet Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:00 AM PST
We didn't beat around the bush when calling the original Nexus 7 the best tablet your hard-earned $200 could buy, but those who wanted one with built-in mobile data were sadly left out in the cold. Today, Google's remedying that. The Nexus 7 tablet with WiFi + Mobile Data is shipping today in unlocked form, with a sole 32GB model available for $299. It's the same unit that passed through the FCC's database just weeks ago, offering Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), a SIM slot with an AT&T SIM (for use with HSPA+ connections on over 200 GSM carriers around the world), and the same overall fit and finish from the original. We'll be spending a bit of time with this guy in the days to come, but those already sold can pass along their billing information in the source link below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7, download the preview now Posted: 13 Nov 2012 08:00 AM PST
We've known for some time that Microsoft was working on bringing Internet Explorer 10 to Windows 7 -- in fact, the company published a blog post promising the preview version would be ready sometime in mid-November. Then, we heard it could be available today. Well, looky here! It is! The Release Preview is indeed now available to download from Microsoft's site. As you'd expect, the Win 7 build has the same look and feel as the Windows 8 version, with full-screen browsing, hardware acceleration, deep multitouch support and a predictive "Flip ahead" feature that guesses what page you want to see next (page two of a story, the next round of search results, et cetera). If you own a Windows 7 PC that doesn't have a touchscreen (and that's probably the case), you should still be able to pull off multitouch gestures in IE using a trackpad, assuming you have the right drivers. If all else fails, though, you can still use the browser with the ol' mouse and keyboard. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSA: Google Nexus 4, Nexus 10 for sale in US now! (update: Nexus 4 already sold out) Posted: 13 Nov 2012 07:55 AM PST
All three sizes of Google's hardware family are now available for purchase in both the US and Canada. Joining a 3G-flavored Nexus 7, the LG-made Nexus 4 starts at $299 for 8GB, Samsung's Nexus 10 rings in at $399 for 16GB. And what do you get for that kind of money? A whole lot; the new Nexus phone houses Android 4.2, Snapdragon S4 Pro and rich 4.7-inch 1,280 x 768 display. Meanwhile the ten-inch Nexus tablet packs the same fresh software, an incredible 2,560 x 1,600 resolution screen and a Update: And like that, it appears | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTC Droid DNA hands-on (video) Posted: 13 Nov 2012 07:41 AM PST
Welcome to the next wave of smartphone innovation: 1080p panels. At a joint launch event with Verizon in New York City today, HTC unveiled the Droid DNA, the stateside counterpart to the Japan-only J Butterfly. Made to run on Big Red's 4G LTE network and trimmed with the carrier's signature color, the 5-incher also enters the market as the OEM's first
We don't think we have to explain that the DNA is a large device, but we'll say it anyway: this thing is huge. Perhaps not quite as unwieldy as the Galaxy Note II, but this is not a phone you'll be comfortably using with one hand, unless you're an NBA player. It's not even a particularly svelte device at 9.73mm thick. We wouldn't exactly call it chunky, it does slim down considerably around the edges, but it's not the sleekest on the market either. Still, that extra girth is what gives it room for that sizable battery, something that will be essential to keep the cutting edge hardware pumping. We do have to give kudos to HTC for making the bezel so thin -- despite sporting a much larger screen, the handset is only about 2mm wider than the Nexus 4. Surprisingly it only weighs one gram more than that all glass flagship, and that's largely thanks to the soft touch plastic construction. The texture feels great in the hands and looks serious (something that gets us all giddy, we'll admit), but it is deceptively light which is a little unsettling the first time you pick it up. Physically you won't find too many surprises here. Below the expansive, insanely pixel-dense display is the expected trio of capacitive buttons, with the thin red dash of the speaker grille and Verizon logo cutting across the top. On the right edge is the volume rocker while the left edge remains unadorned except for the sleek red grille design that HTC says was inspired by super cars like those from Ferrari. The volume rocker has a slight texture to it of concentric circles that makes it easy to locate, but it has very little travel which actually makes it a bit of a nuisance to depress. The upper edge is where the manufacturer has stashed the micro-SIM slot, headphone jack and the power button, that has the same fire engine hue and rippled feel of the volume rocker. We'll admit, the dimly lit demo station at HTC and Verizon's joint press event today was probably not the best place to judge the quality of the full HD panel, but we're pretty impressed based on our first impressions. The screen is bright, well saturated and crisper than just about anything we've seen. Text, widgets and icons all rendered nicely on the screen, though we didn't get a chance to load up any third party apps to truly put it through its paces. Our lone complaint of first blush is that even with the brightness turned all the way down we could easily distinguish the screen from the gorgeous curved glass bezel. On the software front you're looking at Android 4.1 (sorry, no 4.2 for you HTC fans just yet), and Sense 4+. We've seen this particular combination before on the One X+ and there aren't any surprises hiding here. Sense continues to be a love it or hate it affair. It does add a certain layer of polish and the camera software is seriously impressive, but it's also packing an abundance of gloss that may turn off some. We will say this though -- Sense did in fact fly on the handset. Perhaps it's the perfect storm of slimmed down customizations, project butter and the quad-core killer under the hood, but in our short time we saw no stutters or hiccups. Obviously we couldn't run a full suite of benchmarks, but we did take it for a quick spin through SunSpider and Quadrant. On our favorite browser benchmark we got a pretty speedy 1,173.5 ms, which holds up well against the Nexus 4 and Optimus G (which share a CPU with the DNA) which pulled in a 1,975 and 1,283 respectively. Quadrant was a little less impressive, with it only scoring a 7,131 which is significantly lower than 7,628 the Optimus G pulled on the same test. If you're eager to check out the DNA yourself and make your own judgement, head to a Verizon store on November 21st, when you'll be able to pick one up for $199 with 16GB of storage. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTC Droid DNA coming to Verizon on November 21st for $200, pre-orders begin today Posted: 13 Nov 2012 07:11 AM PST
It's not much of a secret at this point, but HTC and Verizon have finally made their king-sized smartphone official at today's press event: the Droid DNA, which is essentially Big Red's variant of the J Butterfly released in Japan a few weeks ago, will be offered in stores and online starting the day before Thanksgiving for $200 with a two-year commitment, but early adopters will be able to pre-order their unit today. As you may recall, the DNA is already well known in mobile circles thanks to its 5-inch 1080p Super LCD3 display (which comes out to 440ppi), but there's plenty of other goodies that make this particular handset a rather tempting purchase for the holiday season. For instance, it's helped along by a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (APQ8064 paired with MDM9615m, to be specific) and 2GB of RAM, and will come running Jelly Bean and HTC's Sense 4+ UI. It will also come with an 8MP f/2.0 rear camera with 28mm wide angle lens, BSI sensor, ImageChip and 1080p HD video capture. On the opposite side of the phone you can expect to see a 2.1MP f/2.0 front-facing cam that features 1080p HD video record and an 88-degree ultra-wide angle lens. By the way, all of these spiffy specs will rely on an embedded 2,020mAh battery for its power supply, but it'll have Qi-compatible wireless charging to help out when it's getting low. HTC continues to highlight its audio prowess, as the DNA takes advantage of Beats Audio and a 2.55v built-in headset amplifier and dedicated rear speaker amp, which is geared to offer minimal distortion at maximum volume; in terms of how much multimedia you can throw on the phone, however, it comes with 16GB internal storage and no microSD slot. Rounding out the spec sheet, the DNA offers Verizon LTE, quad-band GSM and UMTS (we haven't been told if global roaming will be enabled, but we suspect so), Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX support, NFC, MHL, dual mics for noise cancelation and WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band). It measures 9.73mm thick and weighs 4.86 ounces (138g). We'll update our post with Verizon's press release as soon as it's available, and our team is at this morning's event getting ready to have some quality hands-on time with the new beaut. In the meantime, you may want to think about revising your Black Friday shopping list. DROID DNA by HTC Introduced as The Ultimate Smartphone -- Available Exclusively From Verizon Wireless BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, and Verizon Wireless today announced the exclusive DROID DNA by HTC, the ultimate smartphone and the first with a full HD 1080p display. The DROID DNA by HTC will be available exclusively through Verizon Wireless through pre-order starting today and at retail stores nationwide Wednesday, November 21st. "It's no secret that people depend on their smartphones more and more every day which rightfully raises expectations for performance, speed, and design. The DROID DNA by HTC embodies a smartphone that pushes the envelope in all of these areas with the first true 1080p HD display, latest quad-core processor, and Verizon's 4G LTE network, all wrapped in a beautifully crafted design," said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Corporation. "The DROID DNA by HTC is sure to top wish lists this holiday season." The Ultimate Smartphone With technology rivaling the latest HD TV's, the DROID DNA by HTC is the first smartphone to feature a true 1080p HD super LCD 3 display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2 protection. It boasts an extraordinary 440 pixels per inch (PPI) on a 5-inch screen for unprecedented in-hand HD experiences that delivers the maximum pixel clarity available on a smartphone. Designed to accentuate the incredible display, the deep black, soft-touch back is understated, with the exception of a metallic red camera bezel, while the red microgrill pattern of the sidewalls hint at the phone's DROID heritage and the power inside. The beautifully crafted smartphone feels thinner than other devices of a similar size as the edges of the curved back taper to a mere 4mm for a comfortable feel in the hand or pocket. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 Pro processor, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU and high-performance GPU, paired with America's largest 4G LTE network from Verizon Wireless and a full 2G of RAM enable the seamless use of multiple apps simultaneously. With HTC Sense® 4+ and Android™ 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean), you get great software experiences including Google Now. HTC Sense 4+ offers a wealth of easy-to-use and customizable features bringing highly sought after personalization to your phone and placing the most important content front and center. A series of intelligent features powered by HTC Sense 4+ also provides a number of improvements to the camera. Amazing Camera The DROID DNA by HTC has a world-class camera that delivers fast image capture, great images even in low-light and an easy interface to capture stills and video. With an 8-megapixel f/2.0 28mm wide-angle lens, 5-level automatic flash, backside illuminated sensor (BSI), and superfast autofocus, you'll capture amazing moments without the worry of missing a single one. Instead of choosing between photos and video, HTC VideoPic™ allows you to capture video and still images at the same time. And by simply holding the shutter button, Continuous Shooting takes multiple photos at up to four frames per second to catch all the action. It also includes a new best-in-class 2.1-megapixel, f/2.0, 88-degree, ultra-wide angle, front-facing camera that allows more to be captured in self-portraits, and up to four people for group shots. Auto Portrait makes it easier to take photos of yourself and your friends with automatic face detection and a countdown timer so you can focus on your pose and not the shutter button. Capable of capturing 1080p HD video, the front-facing camera also provides a sharper picture during video chat. Authentic Sound The DROID DNA by HTC has a unique, 2.55-volt, built-in headset amplifier and dedicated amp for the external rear-speaker to help boost the audio signal to deliver crystal clear sound with less distortion, even at maximum volume. The combination of amplified hardware and the rich, authentic, studio-quality sound of Beats Audio™ allows music to be heard the way the artist intended, and enhances the sound quality while playing games or watching video. Additional Features The DROID DNA by HTC is equipped with a 2,020 mAh battery and power saving software that enables long-lasting endurance. In addition, the embedded wireless charging makes it easy and convenient to top off power throughout the day or fully charge overnight, simply by setting the phone down. Finally, with near field communication (NFC), you can use the DROID DNA by HTC to share music and videos, add someone to your social networks, or download apps by tapping other NFC-enabled devices. Availability: The DROID DNA by HTC will be available exclusively from Verizon Wireless through a pre-order starting today at www.verizonwireless.com/droiddna, and in-stores nationwide beginning Wednesday, November 21st for $199.99 with a two-year customer agreement. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 13 Nov 2012 07:00 AM PST
Wrapped up in the Sony handheld's version 2.0 update, the PlayStation Vita is finally getting PS Plus. Detailing the offering for European users, the subscription-based service will add four free games per month, with the launch line-up including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Gravity Rush and Chronovolt. Like its big console brother, you can expect to see discounted titles, free demos and other content arrive alongside full titles. Your Vita will also be able to tap into cloud storage for game saves, with an additional 1GB of space added for the portable console. If you're already paying for PlayStation Plus on your PS3 ( three months at $18 or a one-year plan for $50), you'll pick up the service for free on your Vita starting November 19th (and the 20th in Europe), provided they're linked to the same PSN account. There's a quick video outline (and the European press release) right after the break.
PlayStation Vita version 2.00 System Software Update brings PlayStation Plus to fans of portable gaming Current PlayStation Plus Subscribers can now enjoy PlayStation®Plus exclusive benefits on their PlayStation Vita at no additional cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget Giveaway: win one of two ioSafe SOLO G3 rugged external hard drives! Posted: 13 Nov 2012 07:00 AM PST
External hard drives are handy, but there's always a concern that something may happen to it that would cause all of your docs, movies, precious memories and other files to all go poof in an instant. ioSafe's certainly made a name for itself in these kinds of situations, crafting a lineup of products that offer an ever safer shelter for your important digital mementos -- and it's offering up a 3TB SOLO G3 hard drive to two lucky winners! Enter by leaving a comment below, but don't forget to make a pit stop at the company's site (linked above) and check out its offerings. The rules:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google bags patent for directions based on cell coverage Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:45 AM PST
Want to get somewhere, but don't want to miss an email, or risk a break in the directions on the way? A patent granted to Google suggests it's been thinking about the very same thing. Read through the details, and it all sounds fairly familiar -- receiving origin and destination, planning a route etc. But, this time, there's the added hop of accessing wireless coverage data, and stirring that info into the returned directions mix. The flow charts in the literature suggest that this could be a user input option. So, along with the choice of fastest and most economical, maybe some day we'll be seeing one for "fastest data" too. Someone resurrect the term "information superhighway," and quick. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stable CyanogenMod 10 builds arrive, give devices an unofficial taste of Jelly Bean Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:22 AM PST
The very first CyanogenMod 10 builds surfaced while Jelly Bean was still extremely fresh in our memories. The passions around Google's new OS might have cooled months down the road, but that doesn't diminish the impact now that the first stable CM10 builds are here. Four (relatively) safe versions have arrived for devices that are either just getting their official Android 4.1 builds or were never destined to get one in the first place: support for the Samsung Galaxy S III in Sprint and Verizon editions is a natural fit, but both the LG Optimus Black and Samsung's Galaxy S II Skyrocket are making their own unofficial leaps. More devices should be coming down the road once any teething bugs are ironed out. You're still taking your own risks by going with a custom ROM, but it may be worthwhile for CM10 if perks like a root-friendly file manager or an expanded desktop are too tempting. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Updated Google Map Maker accents neighborhoods, shows changes in Activity Stream Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:01 AM PST
Google wants you to think locally with its new Map Maker update featuring neighborhoods and an Activity Stream to track mapping changes. The site now launches into My Neighborhood mode, suggesting places you've rated or searched on Google Maps and allowing you to add and edit your own haunts. From there, a list of your changes (or those of other users) can be viewed in the left-hand pane and filtered by review, date or category. You can also see additions anywhere in your current map view by panning, zooming or searching and even help other users out by reviewing pending edits. If you're ready to channel your inner cartographer, check the source. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Is Samsung's multi-window mode coming to the Galaxy S III? Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:40 AM PST
While the productivity-boosting wiles of the Galaxy Note II's multi-window feature have been promised to the original Note, these screenshots suggest that its slightly smaller brother might also add them to its repertoire in its next software update. According to TGSpot, these screens show how dual-browsing would look on the Galaxy S III's slightly smaller 4.8-inch screen -- we reckon Samsung's floating keyboard might shrink a little too much here. SamMobile made a similar claim just last month and posits that users could see the update before the end of the year. Nothing quite like the holidays to bring out the multi-tasker in all of us. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maingear announces Nomad 15 gaming laptop: small in size, big on specs Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST
Power and portability is a tricky balancing act, and if you're in the market for a gaming laptop that satisfies both, Maingear's Nomad 15 might be the one. Apart from the 15.5-inch 1,920 x 1,080 anti-glare screen, pretty much every other bit of hardware is customizable on the Windows 7 notebook. You'll have the choice of NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 670M, 670MX, 675MX or 680M for the GPU, up to an Intel i7-3840QM quad-core beast running at 3.8GHz, and a maximum of 32GB RAM. Which optical drive it comes with is also your decision, and for storage, up to dual 256GB SSDs or dual 750GB HDDs are supported. A wireless card is optional, with Ethernet joining the stock ports, including HDMI, DVI-I and S/PDIF outs, two USB 2.0's, three USB 3.0's and a lone Fire Wire. The important part comes after you've finished selecting the guts -- picking the right color finish to match your style. It might not be delivered as quickly as Maingear's other similar sized lappy, but the Nomad 15 certainly packs a heavier punch. Unfortunately, the price is pretty weighty as well: a solid $1,549 for the most basic model. MAINGEAR TACKLES GAMING ON THE GO WITH THE NEW NOMAD 15 GAMING LAPTOP AINGEAR adds the Nomad 15 to its gaming laptop family featuring the latest 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7 mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670MX, 675MX, and 680M graphics. The NOMAD 15 gaming laptop supports 3rd generation Intel® quad-core processors up to 3.8GHz for blazing performance and offers intense gaming with maximum battery life,up to 32GB of DDR3-1600MHz RAM, and a full array of hard drive support including full size SSDs, and RAID 0 and 1 SuperRAID, which utilizes dual mSATA (up to 512GB total) drives in a single bay. For those looking for faster boot up without the hassle or cost of a dedicated SSD, there is also an SSD caching option that works automatically with your mechanical drive for faster load times and disk-intensive tasks. Connected, Quiet and Cool The NOMAD 15 comes with a fully backlit keyboard, a full HD 1080P 15" matte display, multi-touch trackpad with gesture and scrolling support, USB 3.0, 2.0, eSATA, Bluetooth, Ethernet, 802.11n, HDMI, and VGA out ports and dual speakers with a built-in subwoofer so gamers can hear every sneak attack. These qualities put the Nomad line at the top of the heap in the race to be the best gaming laptop 2012 has seen.
All of MAINGEAR products are supported with lifetime labor and phone support with one to three year hardware warranty. For more information about MAINGEAR's NOMAD 15gaming notebook, visit: www.maingear.com/nomad15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100 Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST
If you've been biding your time for a FitBit One all-day fitness tracker, you can stop counting the days and start counting calories -- it's now in stores for $100. The newly minted replacement for the FitBit Ultra brings a vibrating alarm, along with a spiffier splashproof design, black or burgundy colors, and a brighter clock / motivational message display. You'll also get Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with the Fitbit mobile app on laptops and handheld devices that support the wireless option, letting you see all your stats or taunt rivals on Facebook. If you're raring to go, grab it at the source below or check the PR for more details. Sleeker, Smaller Fitbit One Activity + Sleep Tracker Now Available Boasts New Mobile and Social Features, Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity and Silent Wake Vibrating Alarm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| YouTube Android app lets users find videos on their phone, play 'em on Google TV with one click Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST
There are a lot more folks digging the YouTube Leanback experience these days, what with | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jawbone starts over, announces a redesigned version of its Up lifestyle-tracking wristband Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST
In life, we're often told the best-learned lessons are those spurred by mistakes. In Jawbone's case, its plague-ridden Up wristband from last winter turned out be a sweeping education. So much so that the Jambox-maker now refers to the launch as an accidental "beta" program; a public exercise in wearables R&D that ended in an official apology and full refunds. Sounds extreme, but those missteps led to a ground-up reinvention for the product: the company just announced a new version of the band, which goes on sale today for $129 with necessary improvements in tow: a refined mold, reinforced water-resistance and a more robust iOS app. In advance of this v2.0 launch, we sat down with the company's VP of Product, Travis Bogard, to find out just what went wrong with its ambitious first effort, how it got fixed and what new innovations users can look forward to this time around. So, follow along as we look back at the growing pains that spawned Up's rebirth.
It's not hard to recover from a black eye (as anyone who's been in a fist fight would know), but when that blow is self-inflicted, well, the bruising takes on more of an existential quality -- and adds an extra layer of humility. For Jawbone, the public misfire of the original Up meant a return to square one; an examination of the nascent category it was attempting to invigorate and a navel gaze at its own industrial processes. If you'll remember, soon after its launch, owners of that tracking band began reporting issues with defective units: suddenly non-functioning vibration motors (essential for Smart Alarm) or, worse, an inability to sync data. Relying on this abundant user feedback, as well as lab testing, the company began to isolate what exactly was amiss and, along the way, discovered what it meant for a product to be truly wearable. Turns out, the unseen killer of those first-wave Up bands was none other than water, the very element it was supposedly proofed against. It'd be easy to label this an instance of gross oversight on Jawbone's part, a lack of rigorous testing or false advertising, even, but the company claims innocence. Instead, it points the finger squarely at the industry's sub-par standards testing, claiming the procedures for IPX5, IPX6 and IPX7 require the use of pure, room temperature H2O, not the warm, soapy water involved in everyday hygiene. So, it's no small wonder the bands began to malfunction, as the company found that certain contaminants (e.g., shampoo, body wash) and temperatures affected the band's porosity, thus allowing moisture to collect within and accelerate the oxidation process of internal components. That's not exactly what you'd expect from a product marketed as having one meter (3.3 feet) of water resistance, nor does it make for an easy fix. Water ingress was just one half of Up's problem. The other headache was what Bogard deemed the "Gumby effect," which, if you're old enough to remember, is pretty much what it sounds like: extreme bending. Perhaps it was poor consumer education on the company's part or the willful mishandling of a sophisticated product with embedded electronics, but that OG Up wasn't made with severe stretching in mind. And it wasn't stress tested for that, either. So though Up may have appealed to some as an intelligent, iOS-friendly snap bracelet, the only snapping that took place was of the fragile components within. With its Achilles heel now diagnosed, Jawbone took crucial steps to reinvent Up: the creation of a proprietary standard for testing (which involved a device known as the "Big Shower 2000"), an investment in over 100-plus new patents, a product trial spanning 46 weeks and a revised assembly process. The end result is a product that bears a close resemblance to its predecessor on the outside, but has evolved to withstand the duress of 24/7 use with a new outer molding, enamelled wiring and a machined, conformal coating to secure components. Unfortunately, what hasn't changed is how it syncs and charges -- all of which is still handled by the 3.5mm jack. We inquired about a Bluetooth-enabled model -- a feature on our wishlist from last year -- but were told that for the sake of battery life and user experience, the company's opted to stay the course. Bluetooth, it seems, is much too complicated a setup for the mass market demo Jawbone's targeting. Jawbone hasn't veered away from Up's original mission statement; an attempt to tackle the so-called "lifestyle diseases" prevalent in our first world. In fact, with its relaunch the company's doubling down on this effort and deepening the experience of Up's companion tracking app. And yes, there is an Android version in the works, but the company hasn't disclosed a timetable for its availability. For now, those willing to give Up a second chance will need an iOS device, a decision, we're told, that was made for consistency across screen sizes. But take note that while you can run the application on an iPad, it won't natively scale up to fit the display. A quick glance at Up's refreshed companion app is evidence enough of Jawbone's determination to right its past wrongs -- the interface is visually appealing, moves fluidly and is incredibly easy to navigate. Having received a much needed makeover from its comparatively barebones earlier incarnation, the tracking application's now laid out with an intuitive simplicity that's on par with its host hardware. First-timers, as well as users that buy back into Up, won't find themselves fussing through clumsily sorted menus or contending with unnecessary load times. What they will find is a richer experience that offers granular insight into fitness, sleep and food patterns, a real-time updating social feed, a dynamic emoticon, usage insights and access to a searchable caloric index. Users can still snap shots of their meals, but Jawbone's also added the ability to scan bar codes or select specific food items (e.g., Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha) from a sub-menu. Jawbone's also augmented the array of alarm options, adding Power Nap and Idle Alarm, which function much as they sound, alongside the more standard Smart Alarm. Naturally, we'll need to live with this app for a bit before delving any deeper into its nuances and usefulness, so stay tuned for a more comprehensive look in our forthcoming review. It must be said that we are, indeed, surprised to see a second-generation Up. Following in the wake of the original's botched launch, Jawbone could've taken the easy way out, shelving that product for time immemorial as a one-off dud and refocusing on its tried-and-true Bluetooth speakers and headsets. Yet it didn't. From the looks of this revamped band and polished iOS app, it's clear the company retains an enthusiasm for the lifestyle-tracking wearables space; a category it intends to nail nigh perfectly this time at bat. What remains to be seen is whether or not disillusioned customers are willing to forgive, forget and come back for round two. The Jawbone Up will be available starting today in three sizes -- small, medium and large -- and eight colors at AT&T, Apple and BestBuy stores, as well as the company's own site for $129. UP™ by Jawbone® Helps you KNOW YOURSELF SAN FRANCISCO – Nov. 13, 2012 – Jawbone® today announced UP, a new wristband and app system that helps you discover things about yourself that you never knew. UP tracks how you sleep, move, and eat, and gives you personalized insights to help you make smarter choices to feel your best. "UP marks our commitment to solving everyday problems for real people," said Hosain Rahman, Jawbone CEO and Founder. "We've combined hardware, software, and data, developed 28 new manufacturing processes, and created unparalleled testing standards validated by nearly three million hours of real-world testing. The resulting breakthroughs have allowed us to create the category's first truly day-and-night wearable product – a band that looks great and fits effortlessly into the way you live, along with an app that delivers detailed data with meaningful insights to help you achieve your goals." UP Gives You a Rich Picture of Yourself Sleep: UP employs a revolutionary sleep tracking system. Sophisticated motion-sensing technology tracks micro-movements of your wrist to deliver unprecedented detail including how long it took you to fall asleep, how much light vs. deep sleep you got, how long you were in bed and how many times you woke up during the night. By using the new Power Nap feature or setting the silent Smart Alarm, UP wakes you at the most optimal point in your sleep cycle so you wake up feeling refreshed and alert. UP is Designed for the Way You Live UP is a sophisticated computer wrapped comfortably around your wrist and built to withstand everyday life. Encased in a smooth, hypoallergenic, medical-grade rubber, UP is shower- and splash-resistant so that you can wear it all day and night. With up to ten days of battery life you rarely have to take it off to charge. Available on November 13 The UP by Jawbone App is available today for free from the App Store on your iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. The UP wristband is required for the app. For more information please visit http://www.jawbone.com/PR and follow @Jawbone on Twitter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GoPro app reaches Android, captures reckless Nexus adventures Posted: 13 Nov 2012 04:14 AM PST
GoPro left its Android-using audience hanging (from a paraglider) when it posted an iOS app for remote controlling its cameras, but the group won't have been in suspense for long. The action video camera maker has posted a Google-native version that covers roughly the same feature spread as its Apple-oriented counterpart, including remote control, video previewing and daily highlight clips. Any aspiring movie makers will have to fit a narrow set of criteria to start shooting, however -- on top of an HD Hero 2 and a WiFi BacPac, Android 4.0 is a minimum requirement to start shooting without hiccups. Hero 3 support won't be coming until later this month. Despite the limitations, it's nice to know that we won't need an elaborate Google Glass setup to record our next skydive in a Mountain View-approved fashion. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Emo Labs becomes ClearView Audio, assures product unveiling at CES 2013 Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:38 AM PST
We haven't heard a peep from Emo Labs since it was plugging its invisible speaker technology all those years ago, but now it's back with a fresh name and a full bank account. The company has dropped its previous title to become ClearView Audio, and has secured another $1 million in funding which it will use to launch products with its Edge Motion technology. To jumpstart your memory, the reimagined speakers consist of a clear acrylic glass membrane, which produces sound when the sides are flexed by piezoelectric actuators. "Commercially ready products" are expected to be revealed at CES 2013, and we'll be interested to know whether the original strategy of integrating them into displays remains the same. Given the long period of silence, we hope to be pleasantly surprised come January, but we'll just have to wait and Emo Labs Changes Company Name to ClearView™ Audio New name more accurately reflects company's transition from pure R&D to the commercial application of its game changing speaker technology. Waltham, MA. – November 5, 2012 Emo Labs, the leader in invisible speakers, today announced its new company name, ClearView Audio. With the potential to reinvent the speaker industry, the company is changing its name from Emo Labs to ClearView Audio to better reflect the company's commercial ability to leverage its unique and patented Edge Motion™ technology that can create high quality audio from a flat clear membrane using piezo electronics. "Today's unveiling of ClearView Audio marks a significant milestone for our company. The Emo Labs name, which originally was an abbreviation for Edge Motion, no longer adequately represented our business, our commercially ready products, our expertise, and our position as the world's recognized leader in invisible speakers," explained Stefan Bokamper, Chief Executive Officer for ClearView Audio. "ClearView Audio name embodies our emergence from pure R&D into the realm of commercialization of our game changing speaker technology." Effective immediately, all future business activity will be conducted using the new name. There has been no change in the company's management or ownership. About ClearView Audio. Emo Labs, Inc. Raises $1.05 Million Starts doing business as ClearView™ Audio Waltham, MA – November 5, 2012 – Emo Labs, Inc., the developer of invisible loudspeaker systems, today announced that it has secured $1.05 million in funding from a group of private investors. The company, Emo Labs, Inc., now does business as ClearView™ Audio. Clear Sounds Beautiful Conventional speakers have used the same technology for more than 80 years. Most of these conventional speakers are housed in unattractive "black boxes." As a result, rooms are visually blocked, cluttered with wires and interior design aesthetics are compromised. ClearView Audio's cutting edge, patented Edge Motion™ technology uses a very different principle to generate sound. Instead of pushing a traditional cone speaker from behind with a magnet, Edge Motion-driven speakers work with a thin, slightly curved membrane that is actuated along the edge area in a manner that creates an efficient, piston-like motion in front. The resultant speaker is extremely thin – yet produces a rich, full sound across the audio spectrum. The membrane is made from optically clear material that allows for totally new, invisible speaker designs. "This new funding will be used towards launching our first consumer electronics product. Our products will be truly unique – clear audio from an invisible speaker that is beautiful and décor-friendly," said Stefan Bokamper, CEO. ClearView Audio will be announcing the company's new products at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11, 2013. The company will be exhibiting its new products at Eureka Park, a specialized TechZone exhibition area with The Venetian. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fraunhofer releases its 'CD-like' audio codecs to developers, lends a little HiFi to VoIP apps Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 AM PST
For those who relish high fidelity but not high data consumption (and bills), Fraunhofer introduced its IIs Full-HD codec for Android and iOS earlier in the year, which is currently being used in apps like Facetime. Now you can bring some of that "CD-like" audio quality to your own VoIP app development with the release of the Fraunhofer FDK Codec Library for Android 4.1 and up, iOS 4.0 or higher and OSX. That'll let you build less tinny VoIP apps across platforms with "direct, native access" to all the IIs codecs, according to Fraunhofer. Grab it from the coverage below, or check the PR after the break. Redefining the Communication Experience: Fraunhofer IIS Makes Full-HD Voice Available for VoIP Apps Full-HD Voice VoIP using the AAC-ELD codec delivers CD-like quality for highly improved communication experiences. Erlangen, Germany – Nov 12, 2012 – Fraunhofer IIS, the world's renowned source for audio and multimedia technologies, will showcase how its Full-HD Voice codec, Enhanced Low Delay AAC (AAC-ELD), supercharges the communication quality of any VoIP app, be it for smartphones, tablets or televisions at CES 2013. Natively supported in iOS and Android, the AAC-ELD codec is now readily available to app developers and service providers to offer superior VoIP applications that run at the Full-HD Voice quality level. This delivers a completely new same-room communication experience to the end-user. "From mobile phones to TVs, consumers expect the highest audio quality from their entertainment experiences. There is no reason the expectations for VoIP communication should be any different," said Harald Popp, head of the Multimedia Realtime Systems department at Fraunhofer IIS. "By providing developers direct, native access to the best codecs to deliver Full-HD Voice VoIP apps, consumers can expect the best quality possible." Fraunhofer's Full-HD Voice technology is already widely used to provide CD-like audio quality for professional video conferencing systems, as well as consumer video telephony applications, such as apple FaceTime. With AAC-ELD now available in iOS and Android, this same level of professional communication quality can be readily deployed in consumer VoIP apps. App developers can access the natively-integrated AAC-ELD codec through the Fraunhofer FDK Codec Library in Android since version 4.1 and in iOS since version 4.0 as well as in OSX, allowing cross-platform deployment of Full-HD Voice. Background Information on Audio Quality in Communication Systems Historically, the audio quality of VoIP services has been similar to legacy telephony, with a maximum audio bandwidth of 3.4 kHz. Recently, some services have offered a higher audio bandwidth of 7 kHz, which is still quite limited compared to 20 kHz which is the maximum bandwidth humans are able to hear. Another reason for the limited audio quality of phone calls is usage of speech codecs. As their algorithms emulate a single human vocal tract, they are only optimized for a single speaker in a quiet environment. Speech codecs do not deliver other signals clearly, such as ambience sounds, music and background noise. The result is compromised audio quality in conversations and highly distorted background sounds or music. With the state-of-the-art MPEG-4 communication codec AAC-ELD, app developers can easily offer a level of performance that removes the limitations of speech codecs and offers the full audio bandwidth of up to 20 kHz, giving voice, music, and ambience sounds equal treatment. To experience a comparison between legacy telephony and Full-HD Voice visit www.full-hd-voice.com. For more information about AAC-ELD visit www.iis.fraunhofer.de/amm. For information about The Fraunhofer FDK Codec Library for Android visitwww.iis.fraunhofer.de/fdk. To download the developer's guide for the AAC-ELD implementation in iOS visit www.iis.fraunhofer.de/ammwhitepapers. About Fraunhofer The Fraunhofer IIS Audio and Multimedia division, based in Erlangen, Germany, has been working in compressed audio technology for more than 20 years and remains a leading innovator of technologies for cutting-edge multimedia systems. Fraunhofer IIS is universally credited with the development of mp3 and co-development of AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) as well as technologies for the media world of tomorrow, including MPEG Surround and the Fraunhofer Audio Communication Engine. Through the course of more than two decades, Fraunhofer IIS has licensed its audio codec software and application-specific customizations to at least 1,000 companies. Fraunhofer estimates that it has enabled more than 5 billion commercial products worldwide using its mp3, AAC and other media technologies. The Fraunhofer IIS organization is part of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Munich, Germany. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe's largest applied research organization and is partly funded by the German government. With 20,000 employees worldwide, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is composed of 60 Institutes conducting research in a broad range of research areas. For more information, contact Matthias Rose, matthias.rose@iis.fraunhofer.de, or visit http://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/en.html. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SugarSync releases version 2.0 beta with new UI, drag-and-drop sharing and cross-device search Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:00 AM PST
SugarSync's popular cloud sharing app just got a complete web and desktop makeover. Version 2.0 beta is now available in desktop, web and Android app flavors, bringing a handful of new features to subscribers on multiple platforms. Mac and Windows users will have direct file system access to all of their cloud content, letting you transfer documents and other data without launching the app or web interface. You'll be able to store files within individual folders, and you can hop over to the activity feed to see a list of items in the order they were added, making it easy to locate a file transferred recently. A new search tool indexes all of your remote content, while also letting you locate files stored locally on computers and other devices. You can also drag and drop files to specific contacts or to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, without any need to copy and paste a download link. Apps will be available for Android at launch, and while BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows Phone users will need to hang tight for now, they'll still be able to use previous versions alongside 2.0 in the meantime. As always, you'll be able to sign up for a free 5GB account, with paid monthly plans ranging from $5 for 30 gigs to $40 for a monster 500GB plan. Grab the new version now at the source link below. SugarSync Merges Power and Simplicity with Launch of SugarSync 2.0 The Highest Rated Cloud Service Gets Elegant New Design, New Features, and Becomes Simplest Cloud to Use • Completely new user interface design and structure for more efficient use SAN MATEO, CALIF., November 13, 2012 – SugarSync, a premium service that lets you access, sync and share all of your files and folders across all your computers and mobile devices, today announced the public beta launch of SugarSync 2.0 – a completely redesigned and revamped version of its award-winning Cloud service. The new SugarSync 2.0 desktop, Web and Android apps are available for download now at www.sugarsync.com/beta. "As more non-technical users incorporate the Cloud into their everyday life, we've made a point to work with our customers and understand what they really need. As a result, we went back to the drawing board and redesigned SugarSync from the ground up," said Laura Yecies, CEO of SugarSync. "And while we have drastically simplified the use of the Cloud with SugarSync 2.0, we have kept all the unique power and functionality our existing users love – while also introducing even more powerful new features such as more flexible sharing and integrated search that users have been requesting, as well as an industry-first Cloud drive called "SugarSync Drive" that enables access to Cloud data right from your file system." As the highest rated Cloud service, SugarSync remains committed to the features and functionality that have earned the company this status. SugarSync will continue to be the only leading Cloud service that doesn't limit you to a single syncing folder. SugarSync will also still continue to support all platforms, including PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows Mobile (with Windows Phone coming soon). And with SugarSync 2.0, the company has taken all the powerful features you love and merged them with a completely new design that makes it all even easier for anyone to use. The new SugarSync design makes it even simpler to access, sync and share all of your digital stuff no matter where or how you are working – whether on your computer, mobile device, accessing via a Web browser, or wherever. SugarSync 2.0 also introduces the new "SugarSync Drive" capability, where users can see their entire SugarSync Cloud right in their file system. Setup is simpler than ever – just select what you want in the Cloud, and SugarSync takes care of the rest. No technical expertise required. Your Cloud is Social. Most Cloud services today, including SugarSync, make it easy to share large files and folders by simply sharing a link instead of a large file attachment. But for some, the process of generating that link is not intuitive. With SugarSync 2.0, the company is introducing simple drag-and-drop sharing. Just drag the file or folder that you want to share onto the contact that you want to share with. And if a folder that you're sharing is not already in the Cloud, SugarSync will automatically upload it and make it ready to share. Want to share a file with your social media contacts on Facebook or Twitter? SugarSync has that covered, too. It really couldn't be simpler. Your Cloud is Big. And Now It's Searchable. SugarSync is often recognized as the best cloud solution, but it's not the biggest (yet). And while other Cloud providers might want you to use only their service, SugarSync isn't the jealous type, and understands that you might be using multiple Cloud services. But unlike every other Cloud service that requires you to put all your folders into one special Cloud folder/box, SugarSync lets you sync as many folders as you want. We know that the more devices you use and the more you put in the Cloud, the tougher it can be to navigate. And many of you have been requesting a search feature to help you quickly find any file or folder in your Cloud. We heard you, and now with SugarSync 2.0 we've added powerful search functionality, so you can easily search all your folders and all of your data on all your computers and devices. You can even search all of the content that other people have shared with you, too. SugarSync just turned your big, unruly Cloud into something you can actually navigate and use. Your Cloud Doesn't Box You In. SugarSync has never, and will never, box you in to a single folder. When other Cloud services make you move everything into a single folder, you forget to add important stuff to the Cloud, you forget where you saved things last, and you constantly doubt whether you'll have access to important files. SugarSync lets you select any and all of your folders – even your general desktop – and it automatically and continuously syncs all your stuff, giving you the peace of mind that you'll have what you need, when you need it. SugarSync has repeatedly been recognized as the most powerful Cloud syncing service both by media – via their head-to-head reviews of SugarSync and the competition – as well by large global partners such as Samsung, Lenovo, Fujitsu, SanDisk, France Telecom-Orange, Korea Telecom, SoftBank and more who have selected SugarSync over the competition. And while millions of users in over 120 countries currently use SugarSync, the company realizes that there are hundreds of millions of people worldwide who still do not use any Cloud sync service. "Adoption of file access, sync and share personal cloud services accelerated in the past two years. In 2010, 9% of US online adults were using file, media, and information syncing services; by 2012, 15% were using a file storage service for syncing and/or web access, which is two thirds increase in just two years," according to a July 2012 commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of SugarSync: Personal Cloud Services Emerge To Orchestrate Our Mobile Computing Lives. "While the Cloud has gained massive popularity over the past few years, the overall adoption of Cloud sync services has only reached 15% worldwide, meaning today's Cloud services – such as SugarSync – have an incredible amount of growth opportunity ahead," said Laura Yecies, CEO of SugarSync. "We don't just want to be the best Cloud service – we want to be the best Cloud service that people are actually able to integrate into their day-to-day lives. We want to be your Cloud, which is why we work the way you work." Availability The new SugarSync 2.0 desktop and Web apps are now available in public beta, and can be downloaded today for Windows and Mac. The new SugarSync 2.0 for Android app is also available today, and can be downloaded from the SugarSync 2.0 Beta page. Redesigned SugarSync 2.0 mobile apps for all other mobile platforms (iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Symbian) will be coming soon, but the current SugarSync mobile apps will continue to work with the SugarSync 2.0 Web and desktop apps. New users get 5GB of storage for free, and can earn up to 32GB by referring other free users (you get 500MB for each new free user you refer). You can earn unlimited free storage by referring paid users, as SugarSync offers 10GB of additional storage – with no limit – for each new paid subscriber you refer. About SugarSync SugarSync is a free service that helps you sync your life. With SugarSync you can backup, sync and share all of your documents, photos, music and movies so that you can access them from your laptop, iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, or any other device. SugarSync puts all your stuff at your fingertips from any other computer or mobile device, enabling you to do more with your stuff while on the go. Launched in 2008 and based in San Mateo, CA, SugarSync currently has millions of users worldwide in over 120 countries. Brands such as Samsung, Lenovo, Fujitsu, SanDisk, France Telecom-Orange, Korea Telecom, SoftBank Mobile, Best Buy and more have selected SugarSync as a partner to bring Cloud services to their customers. For more information, please visit www.SugarSync.com, follow us on Twitter @sugarsync (http://twitter.com/SugarSync) or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SugarSync. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bloomberg's App Portal brings its financial market terminals into the app store age Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:29 AM PST
Monitoring financial data and trading stocks in the big leagues often means using a locked down Bloomberg terminal pre-loaded with sanctioned software, but now the platform has caught the app store bug. Starting today, stock market buffs will be able to purchase apps on the Bloomberg App Portal, which underwent more than a year of testing and has software from over 40 developers. As for revenue, Bloomberg's taken a page from Apple's book and will keep 30 percent of earnings made from sales on its storefront. Since a single console sets customers back $20,000 each year according to the Financial Times, we imagine $0.99 apps will be few and far between. It's unlikely that Rovio is going to barge into this app marketplace, so day traders will probably be busy playing stocks instead of Angry Birds. [Image credit: Perpetualtourist2000, Flickr] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTC requires more than 512MB of RAM for Jelly Bean updates, One V and Desire C to stay on ICS Posted: 13 Nov 2012 12:50 AM PST
HTC's reassured us in a freshly updated FAQ that the One X and One S will continue seeing Jelly Bean updates as soon as carrier testing is finished, and it's also given us some insight into how it decides which smartphones will get the Android 4.1 treatment. The word is mum on exactly which other phones will be graced with the flavor of Android in question and Sense 4+, but the firm is reviewing its 2012 handsets to determine which are eligible. Two phones that didn't make the cut are the One V and Desire C, since HTC generally requires devices to pack more than 512MB of RAM in order to receive Jelly Bean. As for smartphones released in 2011, they'll also be considered once this year's hardware is evaluated. Chou and Co. also noted that they plan to post "generic development ROMs" of Jelly Bean for the One X and One S to its developer website as soon as they're fully baked. For the full lowdown, hit the source link below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sky+ app update brings remote control features to iPhone, iPod touch Posted: 13 Nov 2012 12:10 AM PST
It's been a few months since UK TV operator Sky added remote control features to its iPad app, and now there's a similar refresh for the iPhone and iPod touch. The v4.2 update gives users brings remote control with support for gestures, DVR scheduling and management, a new guide as well as revamped navigation and search on the smaller screens, as long as they're connected to the same WiFi network as the box. The Android app is still without the new features, however they're promised to arrive there "in the coming months." As usual the update app is available at no charge via iTunes, hit the link below to check it out, or check out the press after the break for more details along with a demo video of the iPad version. Sky+ transforms iPhone into a remote control - Update to Sky+ app lets Sky customers use iPhone and iPod touch to change channels, as well as play, pause and rewind TV – 13th November 2012 – Sky+ continues to improve the way we watch TV by today unveiling an update to the Sky+ app that transforms the iPhone and iPod touch into a remote control, following these features being introduced on Sky+ for iPad earlier this year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Android 4.2 reaches some Galaxy Nexus phones early, grab the GSM version here (update: Nexus 7, too) Posted: 12 Nov 2012 11:53 PM PST
As Google Play groans under the clicks of early shoppers, Google's apparently got its software sorted too. A new Android 4.2 file for the Galaxy Nexus over at XDA-Developers matches reports we've had from users who have already been gifted the latest version of Jelly Bean over-the-air. Now, this is the 'takju' version, meaning it's meant for GSM devices ordered directly from Google, although the phone meddlers at XDA-Developers already have all the details needed to make the switch to this specific iteration. Sure you've got the right GSM Galaxy Nexus? Then, once you've read all the instructions and warnings from those aforementioned developers, you can pick up the download at the source below. Update: We've added a link to download the Android 4.2 file for the Nexus 7 also. Enjoy! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 12 Nov 2012 11:14 PM PST
While we wait for Google's latest to hit the virtual shelves in our neck of the woods, Australian buyers have already seen the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 go on sale, appearing around noon locally. AusDroid reports the 16GB Nexus 4 went out of stock in just 22 minutes, followed by the 8GB version and 32GB Nexus 10. additionally, Android Central reports that official bumpers for the Nexus 4 have appeared in the Google Play store. We didn't have problems with our review units but since the LG-built handset is rocking glass front and back they may be the difference between a close call and a sob story -- friends who've smashed an iPhone 4 (or more than one) likely have relevant tales to share. Readers have emailed saying Google Play customer service reps indicated new Nexus sales will start at noon ET here as well, but without official word we'd probably just keep an eye on our inbox / clicking that refresh key to be safe. Update: Sales appear to have gone live for customers in Europe, specifically UK and Spain, right about...now (3AM ET), those that can actually pull up the site at the moment may be able to get a purchase through. Update 2: Google has confirmed that UK stock of the Nexus 4 has already been exhausted just hours after going on sale. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung bringing 85-inch ultra high definition TV to CES Posted: 12 Nov 2012 10:35 PM PST
Samsung announced on Monday that it won 27 CES Innovation Awards for several of its products, but nested within a list of familiar honorees was a wildcard: an 85-inch ultra high definition TV. Bringing earlier prototypes (pictured above) to fruition, this massive up and comer cranks out resolutions of over 8 million pixels. Sammy is billing this titanic television as "the world's largest commercialized UHD LED TV," a claim that will likely be challenged soon. Thin on pricing and release details, the company did confirm that it will be on display at CES 2013. So, if you're currently denying yourself luxuries such as hot water and warm meals in hopes of saving up to snag a certain 84-inch UHD set, you might want to pump your brakes until you see what Samsung has up its sleeve in the months to come. SAMSUNG Electronics Honored with 27 CES 2013 Innovations Awards Industry Specialty Awards include Two "Best of Innovations" and Four Eco-Design Products Reflect Samsung's commitment to advancing technology and promoting sustainability RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., November 12, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, semiconductors and telecommunications, today announced that it won 27 prestigious International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2013 Innovations Awards. CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow held by the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA) every year, has honored Samsung with 117 awards in the past four years. Among the 27 CES awards for 2013, Samsung was recognized with two Best of Innovations awards and four Eco-Design honors. Products entered in the CES Innovations program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers, and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 29 categories. "Samsung continues to create superior industry-leading products, content and services," said Y.K. Kim, president and CEO, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "We are honored that CEA and the industry have recognized this commitment, and we look forward to demonstrating our latest product innovations at the 2013 International CES." Samsung Electronics' award-winners include products in the TV, home theater system, mobile phone, tablet, home appliance, server, software, and computer component categories. All of Samsung's award-winning products will be on display during the 2013 International CES, which runs January 8-11, 2013, in Samsung booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Honorees will also be displayed at CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, January 6 in the South Seas Ballroom C at Mandalay Bay. Many of the winning products will be first unveiled at Samsung's CES press conference, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday January 7, 2013. The following are additional details for some of the award recipients: Samsung received two Best of Innovation Awards for its 85-inch UHD TV and Samsung Smart TV Camera. Samsung's 85-inch UHD TV, the world's largest commercialized UHD LED TV, boasts life-like picture quality in ultra HD resolution with over 8 million pixels, four times the resolution of Full HD displays. Samsung's UHD TV uses an innovative enhanced dimming technology and a very high contrast ratio to deliver deep, real blacks and pure whites for greater detail and unmatched picture clarity. This new, cutting-edge TV also offers a powerful and dynamic range of sounds. Samsung Smart TV Camera supports full HD resolution and enables Smart Interaction features such as Gesture Control and Face Recognition when it is attached to Smart TVs without built-in cameras. ,b>Samsung's 2013 Smart LED TV 7500 and 8000 Series, as well as its OLED TV were recognized as 2013 Design and Engineering Award honorees. The Samsung EX2F SMART Compact Camera packs enough punch to impress even the most discerning shutterbugs, with premium image quality and performance, full manual control in a strong yet lightweight magnesium body, and robust wireless connectivity The Samsung Induction Range with Flex Cookzone makes cooking easier with a flexible cooking surface which accommodates pots or griddles that would not fit on a standard-sized heating surface. It also features a boil sensor which helps eliminate boil-overs by alerting the user or automatically reducing heat to a pre-set level. The Samsung Galaxy S III is the third generation of Samsung's iconic and highly successful Galaxy S line of smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Note™ II revitalizes the large screen smartphone category with a redesigned S Pen, 5.5-inch display, and quad-core Exynos processor for enhanced performance, productivity, and power. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 redefines the tablet experience by offering content creation capabilities with its S-pen, true multitasking with the unique multi-screen capability, and unparalleled performance with a 1.4 Ghz quad-core processor. Samsung's TecTiles™ programmable NFC stickers and the TecTiles™ programming mobile application work together to help consumers integrate NFC technology into their daily lives The Samsung Series 9 Premium Ultrabook combines power and speed with a stunning display and sophisticated design into an unparalleled and amazingly lightweight device. The Samsung CLP-365W Laser Color Printer is perfect for personal or small-business use with amazing color and wireless capabilities in a compact ergonomic design. The Samsung NL22B LCD Transparent Display is the ultimate retail product showcase with a 22-inch LCD transparent display case in a single, powerful package. Samsung's 2GB LPDDR3 Mobile DRAM Chip is an extremely fast performing memory solution for high-end smartphones, tablets, and other mobile applications. With a data transfer speed of up to 1600 Mbps, it provides optimal overall system performance to mobile device users including supporting full HD video content in real-time. Samsung's 64GB MicroSD Memory Card is designed to meet the security, capacity, performance and environmental requirements of leading-edge audio and video consumer devices. The memory card can record up to 96 hours of HD video, store up to 60,000 photos in a single session and provide up to 50,000 hours of music. Samsung's 64GB microSD card generates the highest random speeds in the industry (1,800 random read inputs/outputs per second and 500 random write IOPS). The Samsung Exynos 5 Dual is the world's first ARM Cortex A-15 Dual Core application processor. Using 32nm HKMG (High-K Metal Gate) process technology, the 1.7 GHz dual core Exynos 5 Dual brings unmatched performance to leading mobile devices while maintaining low power consumption. Consumers using mobile products with the Exynos 5 Dual will enjoy super fast devices with a beautiful high resolution WQXGA user interface. As part of Samsung's PlanetFirst™ initiative, a commitment to become one of the world's most environmentally friendly companies by 2013, Samsung has a dedicated goal to develop environmentally friendly products and building green manufacturing sites. In its latest effort to support that commitment Samsung received four Eco-Design awards which include: The Samsung Green DDR3 64GB LRDIMM - a highly advanced memory module designed for server systems used to support the infrastructure of a wide variety of server applications. It delivers the highest memory performance available today for servers (1333 Mbps) and at its highest density enables extremely high capacity (3TB) memory configurations for four-way server systems. Operating with a voltage of 1.35V, according to Samsung tests it provides an average 70% power savings (per unit density) over a 50nm class equivalent, 1.5V DDR3-based RDIMM. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Louis CK to offer HBO show as DRM-free download, chip away at cable content deals Posted: 12 Nov 2012 09:31 PM PST
With certain exceptions, HBO has developed a reputation for being protective of where and how its content goes digital. That makes Louis CK's plans for a 2013 comedy special a slight jolt to the system, even though it's not his first digital release linked to the channel. While HBO will get a first crack at airing the show, which will be recorded during Louis' ongoing tour, the comedian now plans to post the production online a few months afterwards using the same successful formula that has become his calling card: $5, no DRM and no region restrictions. The offering doesn't overhaul the industry, but it undoubtedly wrests control from the network as soon as the download link goes live. Think of Louis as making a small crack in cable TV's content wall. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Play Music adds gapless playback, automatic Instant Mixes Posted: 12 Nov 2012 08:32 PM PST
Google is expanding its media umbrella to cover more countries, and it's marking the occasion with a new version of the Google Play Music app for Android and Google TV. While there's no explicit mention of the newly opened regional access, the update does add long-requested support for gapless audio playback: Jelly Bean users will hear smooth transitions between tracks, although it works best when all the music is offline. The tweak also turns listening into more of a hands-off process, as it now automatically generates Instant Mixes (instead of requiring input) and lets us cache free, purchased, recently added and thumbs-up songs. If you've refused to sully that DJ set or Pink Floyd album by playing it through Android's stock music player, it's time to give the app another chance. [Thanks, K] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Meizu to unveil MX2 flagship smartphone in Beijing on November 27 Posted: 12 Nov 2012 07:40 PM PST
It's that time of the year again. Meizu's just sent out invitations for the upcoming launch of its new flagship device which, according to founder Jack Wong, will be dubbed MX2. While details are scarce, Wong previously mentioned that he's still not interested in making tablets, but he'll certainly be making a larger phone. In fact, Wong recently leaked a screenshot (posted after the break) that contained sketches of the new UI, but the screenshot itself came at a resolution of 1,280 x 800, which is rather different from the old 960 x 640 in terms of detail and aspect ratio. Considering that Wong had also expressed that there's no point in going beyond 400ppi (ouch), chances are the MX2 will come with the more common 330ppi pixel density, which would give a 4.57-inch diagonal screen size; though 312ppi is also a possibility, which would make it a 4.8-inch device. Both options would still be sharper than the original 4-inch MX's 292ppi. Whatever the truth is, we shall find out at the Beijing Water Cube on November 27, so stay tuned. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vizio Co-Star update brings enhanced Google Play experience, boosts performance Posted: 12 Nov 2012 07:11 PM PST
Vizio has released an update that adds enhanced Google Play features and a performance boost to the affordable and adorable Vizio Co-Star. Owners of the tiny Google TV box can now buy or rent directly from the Google Play Store and sync purchases made on other devices. There's also a handy new search feature that scours the Google Play store, live TV and video apps like Netflix and Amazon to make sure you never miss an episode of your favorite TV show. In addition, the update promises faster menus and navigation, enhanced HDMI stability and improved Netflix performance. Looks like $99 buys quite a nice little Google TV box, as long as you can live with that awkward remote, right? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Voxeljet 3D printer used to produce Skyfall's Aston Martin stunt double Posted: 12 Nov 2012 06:16 PM PST
Spoiler alert: a reoccurring cast member bids farewell in the latest James Bond flick. When the production of Skyfall called for the complete decimation of a classic 1960s era Aston Martin DB5, filmmakers opted for something a little more lifelike than computer graphics. The movie studio contracted the services of Augsburg-based 3D printing company Voxeljet to make replicas of the vintage ride. Skipping over the residential-friendly MakerBot Replicator, the company used a beastly industrial VX4000 3D printer to craft three 1:3 scale models of the car with a plot to blow them to smithereens. The 18 piece miniatures were shipped off to Propshop Modelmakers in London to be assembled, painted, chromed and outfitted with fake bullet holes. The final product was used in the film during a high-octane action sequence, which resulted in the meticulously crafted prop receiving a Wile E. Coyote-like sendoff. Now, rest easy knowing that no real Aston Martins were harmed during the making of this film. Head past the break to get a look at a completed model prior to its untimely demise. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 12 Nov 2012 05:25 PM PST
Google just pushed an OTA update to Android 4.2 for our Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 review units. As expected, the update adds lock screen widgets to both devices and multi-user support to the Nexus 10. We've reached out to Google and the company's confirmed that this is the build that will be shipping on its flagship phone and tablet tomorrow. We'll soon be putting this latest build of Jelly Bean through its paces, but in the meantime, take a look at our gallery of screenshots below. Update 1: Speaking of Android 4.2, check out this amazing collection of Photo Spheres. Update 2: You'll find benchmark results after the break -- we'll update with battery rundown numbers as time permits.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 12 Nov 2012 04:42 PM PST
It's an eventful month for Microsoft in more ways than one -- its long-serving executive (and Windows lead) Steven Sinofsky is leaving the company, effective immediately. Internet Explorer, Office and Windows interface veteran Julie Larson-Green will be taking on most of his duties by heading up all Windows development, including hardware "opportunities" like Surface; CFO and CMO Tami Reller will take on the pure business and marketing sides of the OS. Microsoft declined to comment to us regarding the departure, although there's rumors of an uncanny parallel to Scott Forstall's departure at Apple -- AllThingsD claims that there was "growing tension" between Sinofsky and fellow executives. Whatever the reason Sinofsky left and regardless of where he's going, the move deprives Microsoft of an executive known for getting the development trains running on time. Update: Windows-focused writer Paul Thurrott has obtained a copy of Sinofsky's email, which might shed some light on the departure. He portrays it as the outcome of some post-launch reflection and a chance to "seek new opportunities" based on his experience. It's clear Sinofsky anticipated that critics would be suspicious -- he's adamant that it was a personal decision and not the result of an internal scuffle. The sudden exit, he claims, is to help make "space" for his new replacements. Microsoft Announces Leadership Changes to Drive Next Wave of Products Nov. 12, 2012 Steven Sinofsky to leave the company; Windows executives Julie Larson-Green and Tami Reller take expanded roles. REDMOND, Wash. - Nov. 12, 2012 - Microsoft Corp. today announced that Windows and Windows Live President Steven Sinofsky will be leaving the company and that Julie Larson-Green will be promoted to lead all Windows software and hardware engineering. Tami Reller retains her roles as chief financial officer and chief marketing officer and will assume responsibility for the business of Windows. Both executives will report directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. These changes are effective immediately. "I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company," Ballmer said. "The products and services we have delivered to the market in the past few months mark the launch of a new era at Microsoft. We've built an incredible foundation with new releases of Microsoft Office, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, Microsoft Surface, Windows Server 2012 and 'Halo 4,' and great integration of services such as Bing, Skype and Xbox across all our products. To continue this success it is imperative that we continue to drive alignment across all Microsoft teams, and have more integrated and rapid development cycles for our offerings." "It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Microsoft. I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this awesome company," Sinofsky said. Since 1993, Larson-Green has worked on and led some of the most successful products for Microsoft, including the user experiences for early versions of Internet Explorer, and helped drive the thinking behind the refresh of the user experience for Microsoft Office. For Windows 7 and Windows 8 she was responsible for program management, user interface design and research, as well as development of all international releases. She has a master's degree in software engineering from Seattle University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Washington University. In her new role she will be responsible for all future Windows product development in addition to future hardware opportunities. "Leading Windows engineering is an incredible challenge and opportunity, and as I looked at the technical and business skills required to continue our Windows trajectory - great communication skills, a proven ability to work across product groups, strong design, deep technical expertise, and a history of anticipating and meeting customer needs - it was clear to me that Julie is the best possible person for this job, and I'm excited to have her in this role," Ballmer said. Reller joined Windows in 2007 from the Microsoft Dynamics Division where she held a number of leadership positions. She began her career in technology at Great Plains Software in 1984 while still in college, and was the company's chief financial officer at the time the company was acquired by Microsoft in 2001. She has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Minnesota State University Moorhead and an MBA from St. Mary's College in Moraga, Calif. In her expanded role she will assume the lead in driving business and marketing strategy for Windows devices, including Surface and partner devices, in addition to her current marketing and finance responsibilities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Triggertrap Mobile update adds WiFi control for device-laden shutterbugs Posted: 12 Nov 2012 04:29 PM PST
Triggertrap's automatic shutter release kit has come a long way since its humble Kickstarter debut, and today, yet another feature is being added to its iOS and Android apps -- wireless mode. The good news is that you can now control all of those advanced trigger settings from a phone or tablet over WiFi, but the bad news is, you'll need two of them. One remains bound to the camera by cable and dongle, acting as a slave device that carries out orders given from a second, master device. You don't actually need a real WiFi network to make use of the new feature, though, as connecting the slave to a wireless hotspot running on the master will work the same. If you happen to have all the necessary gear and some ideas for testing it out, the Triggertrap Mobile updates are available now at the relevant app stores. Triggertrap Mobile Goes Wireless Triggertrap Mobile updates its iOS and Android apps with innovative new wireless triggering via Wi-Fi network increasing flexibility for its creativity-empowering photography app LONDON – 12 November 2012 – Triggertrap, developer of creative camera triggering solutions for photographers of all skill levels, announced today that its popular Triggertrap Mobile for iOS devices now allows wireless functionality via Wi-fi network. Unique to Triggertrap, this new Wi-Fi triggering technology enables photographers to leverage the range and speed of a Wi-Fi network to control the dynamic features of the Triggertrap Mobile app wirelessly from an iOS device. The new wireless functionality is now available as a free upgrade for existing Triggertrap Mobile users and will come standard with any new purchase.
With Triggertrap Mobile's exclusive new Wi-Fi triggering mode, photographers can now trigger their cameras via a Wi-fi enabled "slave" device that interfaces with the camera through the Triggertrap Dongle, while controlling the camera functionality from a "master" iOS device. The "Slave" mode is included both in the iOS and Android app.
Photographers can even wirelessly connect multiple cameras to the same "master" device. For photographers wishing to use Triggertrap's Wi-Fi triggering mode in locations where a Wi-Fi network may not be readily available, a "Personal Hotspot" created through the master device's data network can easily be used as a substitute.
"There's no denying the immense demand among Triggertrap customers and photographers for wireless triggering capabilities," said Haje Jan Kamps, Founder and CEO of Triggertrap. "With our new Wi-Fi triggering mode, we're now able to provide a remote triggering capability that is fast, long range, inexpensive, and won't drain the user's battery. Needless to say, we are incredibly pleased to introduce this update to the market, and excited to see the creative ways our customers take advantage of it." Triggertrap Mobile Functionality Triggertrap Mobile combines the capabilities of several expensive camera accessories into a single, cost-effective application, enabling photographers to take their creative photography skills to the next level. It can be used on its own for more dynamic iPhone photography or, to experience its full capabilities, users can employ the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle to tether their iOS device to a dSLR or advanced compact camera. In addition to its standard remote shutter release, Triggertrap Mobile offers more than a dozen unique and creative triggering functions for digital cameras, all of which can now be controlled wirelessly. Beyond its four wireless remote trigger styles, the creativity-expanding Triggertrap Mobile app includes: · Multiple Timelapse functions: Use Triggertrap as a basic intervalometer for timelapse capture, or get extra creative: Bulb Ramping Timelapse enables seamless sunrise/sunset timelapses, HDR timelapse lets you combine the power of HDR and timelapses, and finally, TimeWarp, a feature unique to Triggertrap, uses algorithms developed for animation to create more dynamic and natural-looking timelapses. · Sensor Controls: Leverages the smart device's on-board sensors to release the shutter; Sound Sensor Mode uses the microphone to trigger at a set audio level, Seismic Mode fires based on vibrations, bumps or knocks, and Metal & Magnetism Sensor Mode can be used to fire the shutter in their presence · Facial recognition: Takes a photo once Triggertrap detects the programmed number of faces in the frame · Multiple HDR Capture Modes: Provides expanded control over bracketed exposures for Long Exposure HDR, or automates Long Exposure HDR Timelapse capture · DistanceLapse: Unique to Triggertrap, this mode relies on the smart device's on-board GPS chip to fire the shutter over pre-determined distances · Motion detection mode: Triggers camera whenever motion is detected in the frame · Star trail mode: Allows external cameras to automatically take a series of long exposures in sequence to reduce noise The Premium Triggertrap Mobile App can be purchased on both iOS and Android devices for £2.99, while the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle can be purchased for £15.80 or users can Triggertrap Dongle & Cable Set for (£24.99). The Triggertrap Dongle is conveniently compatible with over 280 cameras, and with this latest update, Triggertrap Mobile for iOS localised for a series of languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Norwegian and Dutch. Chinese, Russian and Japanese are expected to be introduced shortly. Useful links: Triggertrap Mobile introduction video: http://vimeo.com/40453214 Triggertrap Mobile for iOS: Click Here Triggertrap Mobile for Android: Click Here For more detailed information, please visit www.triggertrap.com Note: The app can be upgraded from www.play.google.com from 12 November 2012. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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