Sponsored
Engadget News |
- Rogers overhauls its cellphone plans to offer unlimited voice and text, hook Canadians on data
- Slickdeals' best in tech for November 7th: digital cameras, mechanical keyboards and subwoofers
- Sprint updates Samsung Galaxy Note II with Multi-Window feature
- SkyDrive app gains Windows Phone 8 support in version 3.0
- iZettle launches on EE, aims to let UK merchants dabble in plastic
- Office for Android and iOS purportedly caught in screenshots, won't lure away Surface loyalists
- Engadget Giveaway: win an ASUS S400 Windows 8 Ultrabook, courtesy of TigerDirect!
- Sony rolls out update to Xperia T and TX for Miracast mirroring, extra-long standby
- Mastercard previewing smartphone web payment system with in-person security strength
- Nyko's TegraZone PlayPad game controllers now available: two different styles for $39.99 each
- AT&T to spend $14 billion over the next three years on broadband, wireless infrastructure
- Samsung Chromebook review (2012)
- PlayStation: The Official Magazine being shuttered, will say farewell with holiday issue
- Drift HD Ghost helmet cam available to pre-order today for $400 (video)
- US Cellular takes hit on LTE devices, profits halved to $35.5 million in Q3 2012
- Sprint pays US Cellular $480 million for Midwest spectrum and customers (update: 1,000 jobs lost)
- Nintendo Wii U unboxed alongside more details: Multiple users, 'karaoke' microphones and Wii U Chat (video)
- Rhapsody announces redesigned Android app, adds new Replay feature
- Samsung bundles Assassin's Creed III with SSD 840 Pro to spark a sales revolution, ships the 840 line
- Did ZTE just flaunt a 5.9-inch, full HD Windows Phone?
- Wii U's Miiverse, Chat, TVii, and eShop features will arrive in a day-one software update
- AT&T selling Nokia's Lumia 920 for $450 off-contract
- Sony's Alpha A99 gets torn apart, exposes its 35mm full-frame sensor (video)
- Samsung video shows us the design story behind its 75-inch ES9000 smart TV
- Hisense jumps into 4K TVs with the XT880, promises Android 4.0 and a sane size
- Edifier e10 Exclaim PC speakers punctuate the air with 36W of sound
- Microsoft partners with Devicescape to give WP8 users access to over 11 million WiFi hotspots
- Four new soundbars from Vizio, just in time for the holidays
- Google redesigns search to make space for more info, kick the sidebar to the curb
- TiVo TV Anywhere app, multi-room streaming launch for Virgin Media viewers
- Engadget HD Podcast 323 - 11.06.2012
- Xbox SmartGlass app comes to iOS
- Samsung ATIV Odyssey for Verizon possibly spied at the FCC
- Verizon-bound HTC DNA gets up close and personal in leaked press photo
- Mophie Powerblu Bluetooth headset sneaks through the FCC
- CSR outs new Coach16 processor for high-end cameras, aims to kill video jaggies, noise
- Amazon brings Send to Kindle to Firefox, for all of that reading you're gonna get to later
- NVIDIA gets a little help from Valve, tweaks GeForce drivers just as Steam for Linux beta launches
| Rogers overhauls its cellphone plans to offer unlimited voice and text, hook Canadians on data Posted: 07 Nov 2012 10:03 AM PST
Most larger North American cellular carriers still base their plans around voice minutes -- how quaintly 2006 of them. We're in an era of smartphones now, and Canada's Rogers is revamping its plans to reflect a data-first reality while possibly wringing out a few dollars more. A quartet of newly active Unlimited Talk and Text rates hand out the now-trivial messaging and voice time like candy: apart from a $55 entry plan that includes a still-healthy 1,000 minutes of talk, they all offer unlimited local or Canada-wide calling as well as unlimited MMS and SMS. The gotcha, as you'd anticipate, is getting enough data. Anyone but the most casual among us will want to skip the anemic 200MB from the $55 plan in favor of the $65 (1GB), $75 (3GB) or $95 (5GB) tiers that let smartphones flex their muscles. Rogers' strategy is no doubt meant to draw a few data-heavy Galaxy Note II and Lumia 920 buyers into more lucrative service echelons, but it's a refreshing break from pricing that still treats the basics as scarce resources. |
| Slickdeals' best in tech for November 7th: digital cameras, mechanical keyboards and subwoofers Posted: 07 Nov 2012 09:24 AM PST Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long. There's no doubt that a little online shopping can help turn the mid-week blues around. Luckily, we have a handful of new discounted items that are ready to greet your open wallets. Canon and Sigma digital cameras top the list, while a mechanical keyboard and powered subwoofer also make the cut. Head down past the break to take a gander, but don't delay. These bad boys are sure to be gone in no time. This bundle is available from BuyDig.com. Use the rebate form found here. Grab one of these over at Amazon. This offer is available from NewEgg. Snag this deal from the folks at NewEgg. Grab one of these over at NewEgg. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Sprint updates Samsung Galaxy Note II with Multi-Window feature Posted: 07 Nov 2012 08:27 AM PST
Multi-Window is a key feature for the Samsung Galaxy Note II because it adds split-screen functionality to the device's 5.5-inch display -- allowing you to run two apps at the same time -- but unfortunately it has been noticeably absent on the phone's US versions. Until today, the carriers have remained oddly silent about if or when their model would even receive it. Two weeks after its initial release, Sprint's Note II will receive an update (L900VPALJC) that enables the missing feature, in addition to some minor enhancements to GPS, email and SMS. We're expecting to see the rollout start today, but Sprint advises us that it may take up to five days before it hits your particular unit. It's about time -- and we can only hope that the other carriers will follow up with updates fairly quickly. Head to the source link to find out how to install the update, as well as full details on the other fixes in the new build. |
| SkyDrive app gains Windows Phone 8 support in version 3.0 Posted: 07 Nov 2012 08:03 AM PST
After just a few short months at v2.0, Microsoft's own SkyDrive app is now sitting pretty at 3.0. What's an extra point get you? For starters, it'll support all incoming Windows Phone 8 products, and it'll also allow users to search their SkyDrive files / folders. Moreover, you'll find new settings for photo upload and download size, as well as updated app icons and visuals. Microsoft has also improved performance when it comes to loading one's content, but as of now, the 3.0 update won't play nice with WP7 handsets. Hit up the source link if you're hungry for more. |
| iZettle launches on EE, aims to let UK merchants dabble in plastic Posted: 07 Nov 2012 07:42 AM PST
iZettle has just launched its Android and iOS payment platform on EE in the UK, giving small businesses a cheap way to get paid through Visa, American Express, Diner's Club and Mastercard. For a £20 fee in EE stores, you can grab the scanner (shown above) and start accepting charge card payments through your iPhone, iPad and certain Android devices with no other fees except for the usual merchant grab -- 2.75 percent per transaction in this case. Sales can even be keyed in manually if you don't want the scanner, and the company claims the system is quick and "totally secure." So, if you're tired of chasing down that deadbeat client who keeps saying "too bad you don't take Amex," hit the PR after the jump. iZettle launches with EE in Britain helping tradespeople secure up to £283m in lost customer payments |
| Office for Android and iOS purportedly caught in screenshots, won't lure away Surface loyalists Posted: 07 Nov 2012 07:13 AM PST
We're wondering if Microsoft is a master of the non-denial. While it has twice downplayed rumors of an upcoming Office for competing mobile platforms, supposed new screenshots and details from The Verge hint that the Redmond team's use of the word "inaccurate" wasn't a flat-out rejection. The Android and iOS versions (iOS seen here) are believed to be real, but to serve mostly as hooks for those who crave Microsoft-sanctioned portals rather than full-fledged productivity suites. Excel, PowerPoint and Word apps would start off as free viewers and only unlock editing for those who dutifully subscribe to Office 365; to no one's shock, even the paid versions would be simple enough to leave Surface owners free from buyer's remorse. Anyone who hasn't already been lured away by Google Drive or iWork offerings may have some time to wait if the claims hold true, however. A mobile Office bundle may meet the rumored launch targets for iOS users with a launch sometime in late February or early March, but the Android fans among us might have to wait until May. It's safe to say that Microsoft won't clear the air anytime soon. |
| Engadget Giveaway: win an ASUS S400 Windows 8 Ultrabook, courtesy of TigerDirect! Posted: 07 Nov 2012 07:00 AM PST
Microsoft's finally released the Windows 8 hounds, and retailers aren't skipping a beat on stocking up on pre-loaded hardware. TigerDirect is one such outlet eager to get you hooked up with a Windows 8 device, and to prove it, it's provided us with an ASUS S400CA-DH51T Ultrabook (currently an $899 value)! All you have to do is leave a comment below to enter, but you should definitely take a few minutes out of your day to check out TigerDirect's website for some great online deals! Note: specs for the Ultrabook include a 3rd generation Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD + 24GB SSD Cache, 14.1" Touchscreen and Windows 8 64-bit. Head to the above link for more details. The rules:
|
| Sony rolls out update to Xperia T and TX for Miracast mirroring, extra-long standby Posted: 07 Nov 2012 06:27 AM PST
Sony Xperia T and TX owners won't have to wait until the eventual Jelly Bean update to eke some new life out of their software. From this week onwards, the Bond-blessed Android phone is getting an update that adds screen mirroring through Miracast; provided the stars align and you've got a compatible TV, the high-end Xperia gets that much larger a canvas. Upgrading also introduces an extended standby mode that temporarily shuts off data, a movie app with a small video player and a photo album that makes use of Sony's full image processing engine. We're further reminded as to how much sweeter that HD Voice calling on the T (but not TX) should sound. As much as we'd prefer a full-fledged OS update, it's a welcome dose of relevancy for a smartphone that has had fierce competition almost from the start. |
| Mastercard previewing smartphone web payment system with in-person security strength Posted: 07 Nov 2012 06:03 AM PST
Mastercard is already a big fish in the still tiny NFC contactless payment pond, and now it wants to take that same technology to a veritable ocean -- internet sales. The plastic purveyor is tag-teaming with ING in the Netherlands for PayPass-based smartphone internet payments that would have a "comparable level of security" to bricks and mortar purchases -- by transmitting an EMV-compliant cryptogram or QR code to merchants. That would theoretically make online shopping less risky, and the system would also allow coupons and vouchers to be applied, giving a "similar user experience in both the physical and digital world." The Dutch trial has already started and will continue until early 2013, but there's no word if new users can still jump in -- check the PR after the break to read the tea leaves for yourself. MasterCard and ING Launch EMV Internet Payments Trial Trial demonstrates convergence of physical and digital commerce PURCHASE, N.Y. & AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MasterCard and ING Group today announced a joint trial underway in the Netherlands that is demonstrating a new way to pay online using mobile phones. The trial extends the functionality of the Mobile MasterCard® PayPass™ application, already used to support contactless payments at point of sale, to deliver a highly secure and easy to use payment experience at internet merchants. By using the Secure Element in the mobile device, a comparable level of security can be achieved whether a purchase is being made in-store or online. "This trial builds on our recently announced PayPass Wallet Services and our vision of delivering to consumers and merchants a secure, converged payments experience in-store, online or on a mobile device." The solution being tested in the trial supports two scenarios: first, shopping and paying on a phone where the consumer is able to select merchandise they want to purchase, select their payment method, provide their shipping information and enter their PIN to authenticate the transaction. An EMV-compliant cryptogram is supplied by the phone directly to the merchant's payment gateway for processing. In the second scenario, the consumer is able to start their shopping on a PC or tablet, and then complete the payment step on their phone using a secure QR code that connects the Mobile PayPass application in the user's phone securely to the merchant's online shopping cart. In both cases, coupons and vouchers can be applied in real-time as the consumer shops, and e-receipts presented upon successful payment. The trial promises to deliver a similar user experience in both the physical and digital world and a comparable level of security to a regular EMV transaction. "This innovative mobile payment product enables ING to offer our customers a one-click-buy experience. The trial allows us to explore which new type of mobile payments products and technologies will meet our client' needs," said Mark Buitenhek, Global Head of Payments & Cash Management at ING Group. "Working with MasterCard on this trial is in line with our international payments strategy to introduce standardized and internationally accepted payment products that offer a high level of security and convenience." The payments industry has begun to see a substantial shift in online shopping from traditional PCs to smartphones and tablets. According to market-research firm Gartner Inc., in the mobile space alone, payment transactions are expected to surge to an estimated $600 billion world-wide by 2016, up from $172 billion this year. Consumers will continue to shop and pay in whatever way best fits their needs and lifestyles – with a simple tap, click or touch – in-store, online or on a mobile device. At the same time, merchants want to focus on providing the best consumer experience possible – regardless of where, or how, a consumer decides to engage them. "As a company leading the global transformation of digital payment technology, we continue to work with innovative partners like ING to develop and test solutions that address and enhance the ways consumers can pay for goods and services – both today and tomorrow," said Jorn Lambert, Group Head, Emerging Payments, Europe, MasterCard Worldwide. "This trial builds on our recently announced PayPass Wallet Services and our vision of delivering to consumers and merchants a secure, converged payments experience in-store, online or on a mobile device." The trial, which began in mid-October, will run through the first quarter of 2013. About MasterCard Worldwide MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe for the latest news. About ING Group ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin, offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to meet the needs of a broad customer base. Going forward, we will concentrate on our position as an international retail, direct and commercial bank, while creating an optimal base for an independent future for our insurance and investment management operations |
| Nyko's TegraZone PlayPad game controllers now available: two different styles for $39.99 each Posted: 07 Nov 2012 05:41 AM PST
The PlayPad and the PlayPad Pro controllers from Nyko have just reported for Android gaming duties, each carrying a $39.99 sticker. There's no sign of the multicolored options we saw back in June, but the PlayPad does come in black or white and is bundled with a carry case and a folding stand for phones and tablets, while its larger and apparently more ergonomic sibling is offered only in black and is a GameStop exclusive. The wireless duo latch on to Android (3.0 or greater) devices using Bluetooth and are optimized for those with a Tegra processor, such as the Nexus 7 and the HTC One X+. There's an app -- called Playground -- which lets either controller work with legacy titles that don't specifically support its Bluetooth instructions, along with a mouse mode, PC and Mac support, and even the option to play on iOS devices loaded with iCade games. Sure, these controllers may not have faux-recoil or venomous branding, but perhaps they don't need to -- especially since they're cheaper than some of the competition.
LOS ANGELES & GRAPEVINE, Texas – November 06,2012: GameStop Joins Nyko to Deliver the Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controllers, Compatible with 100s of Android games Nyko PlayPad™ Controllers for Android™ Tablets and Smartphones Have Shipped to Retailers Nationwide GameStop (NYSE: GME), the leading retailer for all things gaming, and Nyko Technologies®, the number one gaming peripherals manufacturer in the US, today announced a joint alliance to launch the ultimate in Android tablet and smart phone gaming controllers this Holiday in GameStop locations through the United States and Canada. Nyko will be the exclusive provider for 3rd party Android controllers at GameStop and EB Games Canada this fall. GameStop and EB Games Canada is a launch partner for both the PlayPad and PlayPad Pro Android controllers for mobile devices. The PlayPad, and the GameStop exclusive - PlayPad Pro, are available today for a MSRP of $39.99 at locations throughout North America. Blurring the line between mobile and console video gaming, the portable PlayPad controllers are being developed to support games optimized for NVIDIA Tegra mobile processors. Players will have a choice between the PlayPad Pro in black, offering the size and ergonomics of a full console controller, and the PlayPad in black or white, a smaller controller with its own portable carrying case that contains a fold-out viewing stand for your phone or tablet. The PlayPad controllers provide physical and familiar control options to facilitate a console-like experience while playing Android games. "As we've watched mobile games evolve to console-quality levels, we've seen a need for more comfortable and familiar control options than touch screens alone can provide," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing for Nyko Technologies. "By working with the veterans at NVIDIA, we have been able to lead the charge in creating dedicated hardware that's optimized for games running on the Tegra chipset. We look forward to bringing the PlayPad controllers to market with GameStop as our launch partner in this initiative." In addition, Playground, a free Android app developed by Nyko, is available today on the Google Play Store HERE and like Nyko's tablet controllers, the app will not require rooting of the device. Playground provides backwards compatibility for its controllers with legacy tablet titles, including those that currently utilize keyboard mapping, touch controls and mouse support. Playground is an easy and intuitive way of customizing your game controller, creating game specific profiles and access to a library of ready-to-use popular game profiles. More information about the PlayPad controllers and Playground can be found at www.NykoPlayground.com. At NykoPlayground.com users will be able to view tutorial videos on how to use, sync, and customize the controls on the PlayPad all through Playground. In addition, a searchable database of compatible games is being constantly updated allowing users to find the recommended PlayPad mode for full enjoyment of their favorite Android games. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| AT&T to spend $14 billion over the next three years on broadband, wireless infrastructure Posted: 07 Nov 2012 05:25 AM PST
AT&T has announced that it will be dropping a cool $14 billion over the next three years to beef up its wireless and wireline broadband networks. Project Velocity IP (VIP) will see the company attempt to boost its 4G LTE network to support 300 million users by year-end 2014 and expand its wired IP broadband base to 75 percent of customer locations by late 2015. In addition, the operator intends to have fiber deployed to a million business locations and plans to expand U-verse (internet, TV and phone combos) by 8.5 million to 33 million customer locations. When it's all said and done, AT&T predicts that 99 percent of customers will get broadband services one way or other, with $8 billion in investment heading toward wireless projects and $6 billion goosing up wired broadband -- so, nobody can say the telecom giant is hoarding all those profits. Check the PR after the jump for a full breakdown. AT&T to Invest $14 Billion to Significantly Expand Wireless and Wireline Broadband Networks, Support Future IP Data Growth and New Services Improved Capital Structure is Foundation for Investment and Accelerated Growth New York, New York, November 07, 2012 -AT&T's 22-state wireline service area by year-end 2015 -50 percent of multi-tenant office buildings in AT&T's wireline service area by year-end 2015 -99 percent of customer locations in wireline service area expected to have high-speed -Investment expected to be approximately $14 billion over three years - $8 billion for wireless initiatives, $6 billion for wireline initiatives; Total capital spending expected to be approximately $22 billion for each of next three years -Revenue mix following investment period expected to be 90 percent from high-growth areas – wireless, wireline data and managed IT services -Consolidated revenue growth improves to GDP-growth-rate-plus 100 basis points, assuming stable economy -EPS expected to grow mid-single digits next 3 years; opportunity for stronger growth going forward -AT&T increases quarterly dividend 2.3 percent; 29th consecutive annual increase Note: -AT&T's analyst conference will be webcast live via the Internet at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at www.att.com/investor.relations. AT&T* today announced plans to invest $14 billion over the next three years to significantly expand and enhance its wireless and wireline IP broadband networks to support growing customer demand for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud services. The investment plan – Project Velocity IP (VIP) – expands AT&T's high-potential growth platforms, helping drive continued increases in revenues from existing and new products and services, and earnings per share. "This is a major commitment to invest in 21st Century communications infrastructure for the United States and bring high-speed Internet connectivity - 4G LTE mobile and wireline IP broadband - to millions more Americans," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer. "We have the opportunity to improve AT&T's revenue growth and cost structure for years to come, and create substantial value for shareowners. "Revenues in our key growth areas - wireless data, U-verse and strategic business services - are all growing at a strong double-digit rate. Project VIP expands our potential in these key platforms and makes them available to many more customers," Stephenson said. "With our strong balance sheet, these capital investments are manageable. We are very confident in our ability to execute this plan. These are things we've done before – logical extensions of proven technologies and already successful businesses. "Given our confidence in our industry and in our future, today we increased our quarterly dividend for the 29th straight year. I'm confident we can continue to deliver for our owners as we invest to position AT&T for stronger growth in the years ahead," Stephenson said. AT&T's Project VIP consists of several individual wireless and wireline initiatives, which are outlined below. Investing in Mobile Internet Growth 4G LTE Expansion. AT&T plans to expand its 4G LTE network to cover 300 million people in the United States by year-end 2014, up from its current plans to deploy 4G LTE to about 250 million people by year-end 2013. In AT&T's 22-state wireline service area, the company expects its 4G LTE network will cover 99 percent of all customer locations. Spectrum. AT&T has acquired spectrum through more than 40 spectrum deals this year (some pending regulatory review) and has plans to buy additional wireless spectrum to support its 4G LTE network. Much of the additional spectrum came from an innovative solution in which AT&T gained FCC approval to use WCS spectrum for mobile broadband. Between what the company already owns and transactions pending regulatory approval, AT&T expects to have about 118Mhz of spectrum nationwide. The company will continue to advocate with the FCC for release of additional spectrum for the industry's long-term needs. Densification & Small Cell Technology. As part of Project VIP, AT&T expects to deploy small cell technology, macro cells and additional distributed antenna systems to increase the density of its wireless network, which is expected to further improve network quality and increase spectrum efficiency. Investing in Wireline IP Network Growth AT&T plans to expand and enhance its wireline IP network to 57 million customer locations (consumer and small business) or 75 percent of all customer locations in its wireline service area by year-end 2015. This network expansion will consist of: U-verse. AT&T plans to expand U-verse (TV, Internet, Voice over IP) by more than one-third or about 8.5 million additional customer locations, for a total potential U-verse market of 33 million customer locations¹. The expansion is expected to be essentially complete by year-end 2015. U-verse IPDSLAM. The company plans to offer U-verse IPDSLAM service (high-speed IP Internet access and VoIP) to 24 million customer locations in its wireline service area by year-end 2013. Speed Upgrades. The Project VIP plan includes an upgrade for U-verse to speeds of up to 75Mbps and for U-verse IPDSLAM to speeds of up to 45Mbps, with a path to deliver even higher speeds in the future. Fiber to Multi-Tenant Business Buildings. AT&T plans to proactively expand its fiber network to reach an additional one million business customer locations – 50 percent of the multi-tenant business buildings² in its wireline service area. AT&T expects the proactive fiber deployment to increase business revenue growth, accelerate provisioning and facilitate the installation of distributed antennas systems and small cell technology to help offload wireless network traffic. Project VIP Supports New Growth Initiatives Expanding AT&T's 4G LTE network to 300 million people, combined with its leadership in smartphones and data access, provides a large platform for the next wave of growth in mobility, including: AT&T Digital Life. A nationwide all IP-based home security and automation service set to launch in 2013 that will let consumers manage their home from virtually any device - smartphone, tablet or PC. Mobile Premise Solutions. This new nationwide service, available today, is an alternative for wireline voice service and in the future will include high-speed IP Internet data services. Mobile Wallet. AT&T is participating in the ISIS mobile wallet joint venture. Market trials are underway in Austin, Tex. and Salt Lake City today. Connected Car. More than half of new vehicles are expected to be wirelessly connected by 2016. AT&T is positioned to lead the industry as the company's capabilities expand from vehicle diagnostics and real time traffic updates to consumer-facing applications that tie into retail wireless subscriber data plans. AT&T already has deals with leading manufacturers such as Ford, Nissan and BMW. With business customers, AT&T expects Project VIP will strengthen its ability to pursue multiple new billion-dollar business opportunities in four key growth areas: strategic network services, cloud, security and mobility solutions. Investment for Growth Driven by Project VIP and assuming a stable economy, AT&T expects that during the investment period: Earnings per share³ will grow in the mid-single-digit or better range, with an opportunity for stronger growth going forward. Consolidated revenues will grow to GDP plus 100 basis points. AT&T expects its growth drivers - wireless, wireline data and managed IT services - will comprise 90 percent of total revenues by 2016, up from about 80 percent today. Consolidated margins will expand. AT&T has taken significant steps to further improve its capital structure and strengthen its balance sheet, which provides a financial footing to invest for growth. Over the last three years, the company has reduced its debt by approximately $9 billion, has taken advantage of historically low interest rates to refinance $20 billion in debt, and has reduced its cost of debt by 60 basis points. AT&T recently filed a proposal with the U.S. Department of Labor to contribute a preferred equity interest in its wireless business, valued at $9.5 billion, to the company's pension trust, which will substantially improve the funded status of the plan. AT&T expects to increase its capital intensity to the high end of the mid-teens as a percentage of revenues in the next two years, returning to normal levels in 2015. AT&T expects capital spending to be approximately $22 billion for each of the next three years, then return to pre-Project VIP levels. AT&T expects to complete in 2012 its December 2010 share repurchase authorization of 300 million shares and to continue to buy back shares as market conditions allow under its July 2012 300 million share repurchase authorization. Through October 19, 2012, AT&T had repurchased 271 million shares. Over the next two years, AT&T expects its net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio to move from 1.42 at the end of third-quarter 2012, up to the 1.8 range, aligning with lower interest costs and debt capacity. The company expects this ratio to trend back down in 2015. The company anticipates tapping the debt markets to take advantage of historically low interest rates, with a long-term goal of maintaining its credit rating in the "A" range or higher. And AT&T remains committed to returning value to shareholders. Year to date the company has returned more than $19.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. And today, AT&T announced it will increase its quarterly dividend for the 29th consecutive year. The AT&T board of directors increased the quarterly dividend rate from $0.44 to $0.45 a share on a quarterly basis, which would be an increase from $1.76 to $1.80 a share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be payable on Feb. 1, 2013, to common stockholders of record on Jan. 10, 2013. |
| Samsung Chromebook review (2012) Posted: 07 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST
More InfoWhenever we review Chromebooks, we always come to more or less the same conclusion: it's a neat idea, a computer where everything is done online, but it's not worth the money. That was back when Chrome OS devices were priced at $500, competing with netbooks that could run not just the Chrome browser, but all manner of Windows apps. Ditto for tablets, which can be tricked out with many thousands of apps on both iOS and Android. But what if we told you the price had been slashed to $249? Then could you see yourself pulling the trigger? That's the gamble Google and Samsung are taking with the new Chromebook, which retails for $249 with an 11.6-inch display, 6.5-hour battery and a more compact design. All told, it's as good a piece of hardware as any netbook you'll find, only cheaper. And good luck finding a tablet-and-keyboard combo for less than $250. There is one major change this time around, though, and that's the Chromebook's dual-core ARM processor, instead of something from Intel's Celeron family. The performance isn't likely to be as good, but will that matter if all you're running is the Chrome browser? Will the lowered price be enough to lure in parents, travelers and other folks looking for a cheap second laptop? Let's see. Look and feel You simply won't find a netbook this nice for that little money. Until now, Samsung's Chromebooks have been priced in the $500 range with a build quality a step above what most netbooks have to offer. As you might expect, now that the price has been slashed to $249, it feels slightly cheaper than the last-generation Series 5 550 -- but only slightly. With the exception of the palm rest, which used to be made of inlaid metal, this has the same look and feel as the Chromebook we reviewed earlier this year. Once again, you're looking at a lightweight machine built from matte gray plastic. The whole thing feels light, at 2.5 pounds, and because it has a smaller display (11.6 inches versus 12.1) it's significantly lighter than the last Chromebook, which weighed 3.3 pounds. The island-style keyboard is just as comfortable, and the trackpad is similarly large. It was a nice package when it cost $500, but it's really nice now that the MSRP has been lowered to $249. You simply won't find a netbook this nice for that little money. The new Chromebook is thinner, too, at 0.8 inch thick, but that thinness means Samsung's Chromebook has gone back to not having an Ethernet port. (It was missing from the OG model, but was added in the one that went on sale earlier this year.) The inability to use a wired internet connection could be a problem in computer labs, where Chrome OS devices have proven popular, though we suspect mainstream consumers won't care. Look closely at the edges and you'll also find an SD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, HDMI output and a 3G SIM slot. As ever, the bottom of the device is sealed, so that you can't easily mess with the battery, storage or RAM. Keyboard Given what the Chromebook is -- an inexpensive, ultra-mobile device for people who prefer physical keyboards -- Samsung really can't get away with offering a shoddy typing experience. After all, back when Chromebooks cost $500, they were priced in line with both netbooks and tablets. If the keyboard were uncomfortable, there'd be little reason not to get a cheap PC instead, or use a tablet with either a touchscreen or keyboard case. The typing experience mattered then, and it matters today, even now that the Chromebook is priced less than most netbooks and tablets. Fortunately, the keyboard is as good here as it ever was, despite the fact that this smaller model has a little less room to fit all those buttons. The individual keys have a pleasantly soft finish, and all of the major buttons (Enter, Backspace, et cetera) are amply sized. As on other Samsung PCs, the keyboard is a bit shallow, but the learning curve shouldn't be too steep: we were typing at a brisk clip minutes after setting it up. Additionally, we appreciate the shortcut keys in the top row, which allow you to refresh pages, switch tabs and page forward or backward with the press of a button. As we said, the trackpad is nice and spacious, which makes it easy to pull off two-finger scrolling. Single-finger navigation is also reliable, but with tap-to-clicking, we sometimes had to apply a little extra pressure to make those taps register. Overall, though, it's easy to use. Unfortunately, it doesn't support pinch-to-zoom, which would have been nice for magnifying websites with fine print and sprawling maps. Display and sound The best thing about the Chromebook's 11.6-inch, 1,366 x 768 display is the matte finish, which means screen glare won't get in your way the next time you're watching a "Modern Family" marathon on Hulu. Still, a matte finish doesn't necessarily equate to wide viewing angles. Push the display forward and the screen will wash out, making it very difficult to read text or follow along with a movie. The brightness is also lower than it was on earlier Chromebooks: 200 nits compared with 300. Neither of these things should be deal-breakers; you'll just want to futz with the angle before settling in to work with the Chromebook on your lap. The Chromebook's dual 1.5-watt speakers are located on the bottom side of the machine, very close to the front edge. As you might imagine, the sound doesn't get very loud, but you still might want to avoid cranking it up unless you really can't hear: even movie dialog sounds a bit distorted at top volume. As we've often found with tinny speakers, instruments like electric guitar sound especially grating, but you could get away with listening to softer, more acoustic music -- especially if you keep the volume at a more moderate level. Performance and battery life If you're a Chromebook user, you sacrifice very little by buying this for $249 over the other model for $450. With steep price cuts come trade-offs, and we're not just talking about the build materials. Whereas Samsung's first two Chromebooks ran dual-core Atom and Celeron processors, respectively, this third-gen model moves to a fanless design with an ARM chip -- specifically, a dual-core A15-based Samsung Exynos 5 Dual (5250) SoC. Paired with it are 2GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in flash storage, 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth. In the absence of any quantitative benchmark scores, this is the best way we can describe the performance: it falls somewhere between the original Atom-based Chromebooks and the current Celeron-equipped Series 5 model. The system didn't have any issues playing back 1080p content in YouTube and Hulu. Still, use it long enough and you'll notice some slight delays in response time, even when you're doing things like opening new tabs. Another problem: Netflix streaming isn't yet supported for this device. A Google spokesperson issued the following statement: "We're working closely with Netflix and support will be coming soon. Once ready, your new Chromebook will be auto-updated with Netflix support." While we don't have any reason to doubt Google is working on it, this will nevertheless be a disappointment to many folks unboxing an early unit. All told, if you're a Chromebook user, you sacrifice very little by buying this for $249 over the other model for $450 -- in fact, you gain in terms of less weight, thinness and improved portability. You lose the Ethernet and the 3G radio (it's optional now) but you do get built-in Bluetooth. But what if you're not already a Chromebook user? Should you get this or a tablet (or even a netbook)? It depends how much you live in the cloud. When it comes to text input, the Chromebook is superior to any tablet (even the Transformers) because of its great keyboard and because it's more practical than carrying around a separate keyboard / dock. The browsing experience and performance also beats any tablet -- it steamrolls them with a score of 677.3ms in the web browser benchmark SunSpider, for instance. Then again, of course, there are no native apps. Netbooks, meanwhile, have come a long way in terms of keyboard comfort and overall performance, but you won't find anything of this quality for $249. Additionally, of course, they have the advantage of being able to run lots of legacy Windows apps. If you think you need desktop programs, though, you shouldn't even be considering a Chromebook. Ditto if you need more local storage beyond what your SD card is capable of. And that's always been the argument for netbooks over Chromebooks, frankly, except now Samsung's Chromebook is half the price. Given that there aren't any similarly nice netbooks in this price range, it's easier to forgive the Chromebook's shortcomings and recommend it as a cheap, secondary computer. As for battery life, it's rated for six and a half hours of runtime. Indeed we logged six hours and 33 minutes in our usual rundown test, which involves looping a video off local storage with WiFi on. That's better than most Ultrabooks we've tested recently, though that isn't saying much. For years now, Atom-powered netbooks have been capable of 10-hour battery life. The latest crop of Atom-powered Windows 8 tablets also claim about 10 hours of juice. Not to mention, many ARM-powered tablets last nine or 10 hours -- we're talking products like the latest iPad, the ASUS Transformer Pad TF700 and the Surface for Windows RT. So, while six and a half hours is nice, it doesn't compare that well to what you'll get from other low-cost mobile devices. Software $249 seems like an appropriate price for this sort of device. The layman's explanation for Chrome OS: it's the Chrome browser you're used to using, except that's all you see when you boot up the computer. That's the caveat we'd make to our low-tech friends who noticed Best Buy is selling a Samsung laptop for $249, and are wondering if it's a good deal. For the rest of you, we'd say this: Chrome OS has evolved quite a bit over the last year and a half, and looks more like a traditional OS than it did when we reviewed the first Chromebook. If you read our review of version 19 from a few months back, you should be up to speed. As we described then, Chrome OS now has a "desktop," of sorts. We use quotes because the desktop isn't a space where you can pin shortcuts to websites or documents you might be working on. You can, however, change the wallpaper and pin favorite apps to the bottom of the screen. Ultimately, though, it's not a desktop in the conventional sense of the word; it's more of a visual flourish that should help newcomers feel more at home with their Chromebooks. Speaking of the sort, the first time you sign on you'll see a welcome box containing the following: a primer on apps, the touchpad, saving / accessing files, working offline, documents and working with photos. Everything happens in the browser, if that wasn't already clear. And while there haven't been any major UI changes, Google has, at least, added more functionality to its web apps. With build 19, for instance, Chrome OS got a photo editor with light editing tools. The media player supports more formats than it used to. Google+ is now integrated, Hangouts included. You can do more and more offline in the event you lose your internet connection -- this includes working on documents and, as of build 19, reading Google Books. Chrome Remote desktop lets you access other devices, and also share your screen with others. What's more, Chrome OS syncs open tabs from your mobile devices, as well as any PCs you use that are running Chrome. There are some new features in build 23, however. With this version, the OS gets a new log-in screen; more wallpapers; a new apps list; a mosaic photo filter; and deeper integration with Google's cloud storage service, Google Drive -- including 100GB of free storage for two years. The list of native apps has also expanded to include Calculator, Camera, Docs, Sheets, Slides and Google Play Movies. Wrap-up No matter how cheap Chromebooks get, they will always be a polarizing class of product: there are some people who couldn't be paid to use a laptop where everything is done in the browser. That said, $249 seems like an appropriate price for this sort of device -- more so than $450, certainly, which is what the last-gen model sold for. At $249, this device's faults (a dimmer display, less processing power) are the sorts of shortcomings you can easily deal with. Our biggest complaint is that it doesn't currently support Netflix streaming, but we believe Google when it says it's working on a fix. After all, it's already brought streaming to other Chromebooks, so we have no reason to believe this model will get left out in the cold. Again, we might mind these things more if the device cost twice as much, but as is, it's priced in impulse buy territory. So who's this for? For starters, we've always felt that Chromebooks could be useful in computer labs and one-to-one laptop programs in schools, but now they're priced aggressively enough that mainstream consumers might want them, too. We're thinking travelers who need a lightweight machine for the road, or parents who cringe at the idea of spending $600 on a laptop for their kids. And these were always the target customers, really, except now they're unlikely to find a tablet or equally nice netbook for the same amount of money. In that regard, a price cut goes a long way. Myriam Joire contributed to this review. |
| PlayStation: The Official Magazine being shuttered, will say farewell with holiday issue Posted: 07 Nov 2012 04:31 AM PST
The publisher of PlayStation: The Official Magazine has confirmed to Game Informer that the Sony-minded periodical will board up its doors by year's end. This isn't the first gaming zine that publisher Future US has called it quits on this year -- news of Nintendo Power's closure broke this August. Just like the Nintendo-centric themed publication, the PlayStation mag's last issue will be its holiday edition. However, unlike Newsweek's leap to a purely digital existence, there's no indication that the magazine could see life online. |
| Drift HD Ghost helmet cam available to pre-order today for $400 (video) Posted: 07 Nov 2012 04:00 AM PST
Drift has updated its HD action camera to help you better document your Baumgartner-esque death defying acts. The Drift HD Ghost gets a two-inch LCD screen with a refreshed control setup and chunky, 1,700mAh battery. The company is boasting that audio on this new unit should be greatly improved (something we took issue with last time out) so the world can hear your blood-curdling screams as you plummet through the stratosphere. It's available to pre-order from today for $399, with the device set to begin shipping from November 19th. Drift Innovation Debuts the Drift HD Ghost – the First‐Ever Action Camera Equipped with Two‐Way LED Remote and Continuous Loop Video – Solving the Age Old Question: "Am I On?" The Drift HD Ghost packs industry‐leading features including wearable on/off remote control with LEDs displaying mode in use, continuous loop video recording, built‐in Wi‐Fi LONDON – November 7, 2012 – Drift Innovation, the award‐winning action sports technology company specializing in the capture and sharing of digital imagery, launched the most feature‐rich and intuitive action camera yet – the Drift HD Ghost. Building upon a unique feature set, which includes an industry‐ first two‐way LED remote control with on/off indicator light, video recording/tagging capabilities in continuous loop mode, and an integrated 2‐inch Gorilla Glass® LCD screen, the Drift HD Ghost is the best all‐in‐one solution on the market. Unlike other point of view cameras that require aftermarket accessories and peripherals for functionality, the Drift HD Ghost includes everything action sports enthusiasts need to capture professional quality video immediately. Plus, the intuitive interface is easy to use, easy to navigate and easy to set up, so users everywhere can begin recording moments after opening the box. Drift Active StatusTM Two‐Way Remote with LED Lights "For years, the action sports crowd has looked for a solution to the question enthusiasts hate to utter: 'Am I on?'" said John Rounds, Managing Director of Drift Americas. "Finally, Drift solves the problem with a two‐way remote control. The wearable remote features the Drift Active StatusTM LED indicator which lets you know if the camera is recording or not. Sometimes you only get one shot, and it's devastating when you miss it." Action sports enthusiasts can save a recorded event up to five minutes after it happens while in Video Tag/Loop mode, which records footage in a continuous loop style. The video clip is stored in the camera's memory, and will save the clip only if the user chooses to "tag" it. The screen allows quick, real‐time viewing of camera angles before you even press record. It also supports instant video playback of recorded footage, making it easier than ever to edit, delete and re‐ live your favorite actions whenever, and where ever, you want. Plus, its screen is covered with Gorilla Glass® to ensure scratch‐proof performance even in the most rugged terrains. Drift DataLinkTM Wi‐Fi Enabled & Drift App The Drift HD Ghost has the longest standard battery life on the market, providing 3 hours of recording time per charge, courtesy of the included 1700 mAh rechargeable lithium‐ion battery. The Drift PowerStationTM also uniquely places the battery in the center of the camera maximizing battery life and providing an anti‐vibrational system. Advanced Drift PureTM Audio Technology Enhanced 7 Element Lens Design The Drift HD Ghost features an improved design allowing the camera to be nine feet (3m) waterproof out of the box. So whether surfing in Indonesia or kiteboarding on the Hood River, Drift has you covered. For deep water enthusiasts Drift offers a uniquely designed waterproof housing which allows you to capture underwater adventures up to 180 feet (60m) depth. The Drift HD Ghost is available for purchase for US $399 on http://store.driftinnovation.com/camera/drift‐hd‐ghost. Learn more about Drift HD Ghost specifications and features at http://driftinnovation.com, as well as Drift Innovation's full line of accessories and high‐ definition cameras, including the predecessor Drift HD awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2012 for superlative packaging design. Follow Drift Innovation on http://facebook.com/driftinnovation and on Twitter, @DriftInnovation. |
| US Cellular takes hit on LTE devices, profits halved to $35.5 million in Q3 2012 Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:59 AM PST
US Cellular's latest figures show that while the network saw its revenues remain constant, net profits fell by nearly half compared to the same period last year. It coined $35.5 million in net profit this quarter, down from the $62.1 million it made in Q3 2011 despite bringing in $1.04 billion in turnover both times. The cause of this reduced profitability is said to be down to higher subsidies on LTE devices, which represented a full 50 percent of the company's smartphone sales in the quarter. While the carrier has reversed the trend of losing customers, it only managed to add a rather measly 9,000 new customers in the three-month period. That could be part of the motivation behind US Cellular selling off a big chunk of its Midwestern operations to the now cash-rich Sprint -- so it can concentrate on areas where business is stronger. |
| Sprint pays US Cellular $480 million for Midwest spectrum and customers (update: 1,000 jobs lost) Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:46 AM PST
Sprint has cemented a deal with US Cellular to pick up its PCS spectrum and around 585,000 customers across the Midwest. The deal will land the newly-owned company 30MHz within the 1900 MHz band across Illinois, Indian, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio, with the carrier stating that it'll be putting the extra spectrum to use augmenting its coverage while it continues to roll out 4G. US Cellular will apparently continue business elsewhere, once the deal passes regulatory approval some time year, stating that it aims to "increase focus on markets where it has strong positions" and "streamline operations" -- probably involving its own 4G expansion plans. Update: There's a gray cloud to the silver lining. US Cellular warns that over 1,000 jobs will be cut as part of the network handover, most of them a mix of corporate and retail staff based in Chicago. It also says that the network offload reflects the challenges it has getting customers in larger cities: they're both more expensive up-front and generate twice as much subscriber turnover as in less densely-packed areas. The Sprint deal should wrap up by mid-2013 if all goes according to plan. |
| Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:25 AM PST
Nintendo took to UStream again to announce even more details for its impending new console. The company's CEO was on hand to detail exactly what comes in the box with a very official-looking opening (Yep, Iwata-san just unboxed his own console.) It's some pretty familiar packaging, but we noted that the AC adapter appears to be a weighty block separate from the main console. Alongside the main unit and the GamePad, the process also gave us a glimpse at the rest of the premium package, including a charging stand for the Wii U GamePad, console stand, HDMI cable, more cable twists, packaging and a beta test for the new Dragon Quest title. White-gloved console handling aside, the CEO had plenty more to explain -- and some of it involved karaoke. The Nintendo CEO explained user accounts on the new console, with up to 12 players able to register on the same Wii U -- with individual settings and game saves kept in storage. With multiplayer games, your progress (and victories) will also be saved across all participating accounts. Even play history and internet bookmarks will be tied alongside your profile, avoiding future family arguments. The company's renaming where your Mii characters hang out as Warawara ("bustling") plaza and as soon as your console powers up, you'll be able to see exactly what your fellow gamers are doing on their own Wii U. These same characters will also be linked to a Nintendo Network ID. This new system will be compatible with some previous Nintendo hardware, but better still, you'll be able to connect to it from PC and smartphones starting some next year, with access to both Nintendo's eShop and Miiverse. And if you've built up quite the collection of retro games on your original Wii, Nintendo confirmed that these will be transferrable to the latest hardware through SD card. Moving onto the GamePad, Nintendo explained that you will be able to pause mid-game and use the built-in internet browser without reseting the game. We also saw the Wii U GamePad used to change channels on your TV and more examples of (slightly familiar) content sharing across screens. The company's also setting up a game-centric social network, where you'll be able share your game progress (and even screen grabs) with other gamers. You'll even be able to post 'notes' within games for your Nintendo-networked friends to see. Wii U chat also got a brief mention, with the Japan-based Iwata-san making a quick call to his American colleague Reggie Fils-Aime, with streaming video and audio -- and a little bit of art -- done through the GamePad's touchscreen. Users will be notified of incoming calls through the home button. During the Japanese-only broadcast, the Nintendo CEO also revealed that a standalone microphone accessory is also on its way (the GamePad already packs a built-in mic), with the new peripheral pitched at karaoke fans in its homeland and its new Karaoke service. Allying itself with Empty Orchestra experts Joysound, Nintendo's tried to offer a familiar interface along the lines of existing karaoke bar touchscreen interfaces. Within the Nintendo Karaoke app, you'll be able to Update: Nintendo's now offered up the full unboxing experience to watch:
|
| Rhapsody announces redesigned Android app, adds new Replay feature Posted: 07 Nov 2012 03:01 AM PST
Only a few weeks have gone by since Rhapsody updated its Android app to v3.0, but today the self-titled number one music subscription service has announced an all-new version of its tune-streaming application. For starters, the most notable change here is a completely redesigned user interface that, according to Rhapsody, "brings music discovery to life." That's not it, however, as the Android app also sees the addition of a new feature dubbed Replay which will recommend tunes based on previous activity, plus a Featured Albums section tailored specifically by Rhapsody's "world class editorial staff." The overhauled app's available for download now from Google Play -- and, yes, there's a free trial option for those who have yet to shell out cash on the paid subscription offering. |
| Posted: 07 Nov 2012 02:00 AM PST
Samsung's experiment with a Ghost Recon SSD bundle must have been a hit with gamers, since it's coming back for a second round the very same year. The upgrade-minded buying 128GB, 256GB or 512GB versions of the SSD 840 Pro can get a free downloadable copy of Assassin's Creed III for a "limited time" to take advantage of those 540MB/s peak read speeds while they skew the fate of the American Revolutionary War. The bundle comes not-so-coincidentally as Samsung has shipped and priced the wider SSD 840 line itself: while we knew the Pro line's impact on our wallets, the regular models are now ready to sell at prices between $140 for a 120GB drive to $700 for a 500GB model. That's a $50 to $190 savings over the Pro models, but we'll leave it to you to decide whether faster write speeds, slightly more capacity and Connor's secret fight with the Templars are worth the premium. Samsung, Ubisoft Entertainment Bring "Assassin's Creed III" to Gamers at No Additional Cost, with Purchase of select Samsung 840 Pro SSDs Samsung 840 and 840 Pro solid-state drives offer a dramatic boost in PC performance – allowing video games to load and run faster than ever Ridgefield Park, NJ –November 7, 2012 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announced today that its 840 family of SSDs is available for purchase. The new family of drives includes the 840 Pro SSD, a high-performance drive for professionals and tech enthusiasts that want the best possible computing performance, and the 840 SSD, for mainstream users that want an affordable upgrade solution for their PC. For a limited time, the 840 Pro SSDs will also include a code for a downloadable full version of the highly anticipated video game "Assassin's Creed® III," with purchase of the 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB models. Samsung's SSD 840 Pro series drives feature a SATA 6.0 gigabit-per-second (Gb/s) interface, 400 megabits-per-second (Mbps) Toggle DDR2 flash memory, AES 256-bit encryption and new triple-core MDX controllers, which combine to deliver superior performance, high reliability and durability. The new 840 Pro drives are the perfect solution for serious gamers and IT professionals seeking the best possible computing performance, along with ultra-low power consumption. Available now, without the Assassin's Creed special offer, are Samsung's new SSD 840 drives. Designed for more cost-conscious consumers who still want outstanding performance, SSD 840 drives offer a SATA 6.0 Gb/s interface and triple-core MDX controller, while using triple-level cell (TLC) Toggle DDR2 flash memory. "Our new 840 Pro SSDs allow gamers to experience the ultimate in gaming performance by booting their systems quickly, and loading games and other apps in a flash," said Mike Abary, Senior Vice President, Consumer Business Division IT Product Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "We're excited to offer 'Assassin's Creed III' to gaming fans with the new 840 Pro SSD, which should make for a real improvement in gameplay." "We can't wait for gamers to enter the world of 'Assassin's Creed III.' Running the game from a Samsung 840 Pro SSD will deliver an even more immersive experience, since boot times and level loads practically become a thing of the past," said Geoffroy Sardin, chief EMEA sales and marketing officer at Ubisoft. "Because the game is larger than previous 'Assassin's Creed' installments – thanks to its more powerful graphics and lifelike animations – this performance boost will really impact gamers." Published by Ubisoft Entertainment and developed by Ubisoft Montreal in collaboration with six other Ubisoft studios, "Assassin's Creed III" is set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War in the late 18th century. This highly anticipated sequel introduces a new hero, Connor, a Native American voice for justice in the ancient war between the Assassins and Templars. "Assassin's Creed III" takes gamers from the vibrant, untamed frontier to bustling colonial towns and the intense, chaotic battlefields where George Washington's Continental Army clashed with the imposing British Army in the war for liberty. Samsung's new SSD 840 Pro, the perfect complement for this amazing game, boasts industry leading random read speeds – up to 100,000 input-output operations per second (IOPS) – for faster application loading, as well as sequential read speeds up to 540 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) for ultra-fast file transfers. The new SSD 840 drive offers similarly fast random read speeds – up to 97,000 IOPS – as well as sequential read speeds up to 530 MB/s. SSDs use flash memory for data storage rather than the spinning platters found in conventional hard disk drives. This results in much faster performance, longer battery life, reduced heat output and improved reliability without risk of a hard drive crash. The new 840 family of SSDs builds on the success of the acclaimed 830 series SSDs. Samsung's proprietary controllers and firmware, along with its leading NAND flash memory technology, deliver exceptional performance and unrivalled energy efficiency. Samsung, unique among SSD manufacturers, engineers all of its components in-house. This allows it to meticulously fine-tune its hardware and software for enhanced reliability. In addition, Samsung's newly redesigned Magician 4.0 diagnostics and management software keeps the drives running at their peak. The Samsung SSD 840 Pro will be available at major retail and online outlets in capacities of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. The Samsung SSD 840 will be available in capacities of 120GB, 250GB and 500GB. The SSD 840 models are also optionally available with an upgrade kit including mounting brackets, USB cable and SATA cable – for easy installation in a desktop or laptop PC. Samsung also will include its Samsung SmartMigration software with the new drives, which makes it easier than ever to migrate data from an existing drive to an SSD. For more information on the SSD 840, SSD 840 Pro and the full line of Samsung SSDs, please visit http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/solid-state-drives. |
| Did ZTE just flaunt a 5.9-inch, full HD Windows Phone? Posted: 07 Nov 2012 01:01 AM PST
ZTE's marketing chief, Lu Qian Hao, has tweeted out a picture to China's Weibo site of a previously unseen Windows Phone handset, along with a few telling specs: 5.9-inch display, 1920 x 1080 resolution and DTS audio tech. That would put it into flagship territory, and perhaps tempt buyers away from a smartphone and tablet combo in favor of one big daddy phablet like this -- if it ever came to be, of course. Considering the device is sporting a WP7 logo and that WP8 doesn't even support full HD yet, it could just be a ruse on ZTE's part, so don't put that Nexus 7 on eBay just yet. |
| Wii U's Miiverse, Chat, TVii, and eShop features will arrive in a day-one software update Posted: 07 Nov 2012 12:31 AM PST
Are you ready for Nintendo's Wii U console to arrive in a couple of weeks, packing not only a GamePad but also extensive online-enabled features like the Miiverse, Wii U Chat, TVii and eShop? Good, because as IGN mentions, the Wii U isn't. Not unlike many games shipping lately, the console will see a software update available at debut that downloads all of those features for the first time. That shouldn't be a problem for early adopting gamers as long as everything goes smoothly, but so far early-arriving review / preview units don't have the functionality, although it should be delivered in an update before the launch. It's been a few years since we had a new console launch (relive the PS3 fat, pre-RROD Xbox 360 and Wii here) and quickly-changing software is certainly the name of the game, we'll let you know as soon as we can how the Nintendo Network delivers. |
| AT&T selling Nokia's Lumia 920 for $450 off-contract Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:56 PM PST
It's an understatement to say that the Lumia 920 is priced "to sell," and that doesn't just mean with AT&T's carrier subsidy. If you'd prefer to own your smartphone outright, you can snag the handset for $449.99 -- $100 less the Galaxy S III and $200 less than the iPhone 5. There's no word on when these pre-orders will begin to ship, but if you're that commitment-phobic, you're not gonna hold other people to deadlines, are you? [Thanks, Tom] |
| Sony's Alpha A99 gets torn apart, exposes its 35mm full-frame sensor (video) Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:03 PM PST
There's a good chance ripping apart Sony's Alpha A99 isn't on the to-do list of those who own the freshly released $2,800 camera -- even if they are curious about the hardware's guts. Luckily for such inquiring minds, Sony's taken matters into its own hands and torn the DSLR apart. While it's not your conventional play-by-play video teardown, Hirai and Co. came prepared with the camera already split into layers that showcase its major parts such as its magnesium alloy body, 35mm full-frame sensor and main circuit board. For the grand tour of the A99's innards, hit the jump to catch the footage. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Samsung video shows us the design story behind its 75-inch ES9000 smart TV Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:55 PM PST
Samsung's got one problem, but delicately designing a wondrous $9,999, 75-inch smart TV ain't one. Psst... and don't forget that magic 30 million number. |
| Hisense jumps into 4K TVs with the XT880, promises Android 4.0 and a sane size Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:47 PM PST
The current crop of 4K TVs from LG and Sony are large enough that some of us would need to knock out a wall to get them inside. Enter a surprise early challenger from Hisense: its upcoming XT880 line's 50-, 58- and 65-inch sizes deliver that 3,840 x 2,160 picture at dimensions built for mere mortal living rooms. We're also promised a full-fledged, 3D-capable smart TV based around Android 4.0 with WiFi internet access, a remote with voice commands and a removable camera for gesture control or Skype chats. Hisense yet hasn't committed to launch details for the XT880 line besides a presence on the CES show floor; however, it's safe to say that the smaller sizes will bring the price of Ultra HD down from the stratosphere. HISENSE UNVEILS CUTTING EDGE XT880 4K UHD 3D Smart TV New XT880 delivers stunning 2160p resolution on virtually edge-to-edge 50", 58", 65" panels; offers facial recognition, voice and gesture control, apps and more. Suwanee, Georgia, November 6, 2012 - Hisense USA today unveiled its top-of-the-line 3D Smart TV, the XT880, with native 2160p Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution for stunning picture quality and beautifully realistic, natural motion. Combining an ARM dual-core microprocessor with the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS, the elegant XT880 series of 50", 58", and 65" televisions offers the ultimate entertainment experience. In addition to the standard 3D and Smart TV capabilities powering 3D movies, live TV, streamed content, web browsing and search, social networking, games and apps, the WiFi-enabled XT880 features a detachable camera that supports facial recognition, gesture control and services such as Skype calling. The ergonomically designed remote control also features a built-in microphone to enable voice control. "The XT880 series brings together all of the latest features available on high-end televisions today," said JoAnne Foist, Director of Marketing at Hisense USA. "With automatic backlight control, contrast enhancement and the XT880's best-in-class video processing and scaling features, the XT880 represents the pinnacle of Hisense's R&D strengths and bold design language." The XT880 series of UHD televisions will be shown at the CES 2013 Hisense booth, #7243. See www.hisense-usa.com for more details. |
| Edifier e10 Exclaim PC speakers punctuate the air with 36W of sound Posted: 06 Nov 2012 07:40 PM PST
Computer speaker design rarely sits in the middle: it tends to be dry on creativity or go over the top. Edifier is sometimes known for testing the limits itself, but its new e10 Exclaim speakers might strike just the right balance in taste. The 2.0-channel system trades on its exclamation point imagery without falling too far into gimmick territory. It might even sound good at the same time -- the dot in each satellite's punctuation helps pump out a reasonable 36W of sound across two amplifiers and allows for separate woofer and tweeter sections with their own passive radiators. The speakers are available today for $100, and only leave us wondering if a higher-end model would demand an interrobang. Edifier® Introduces e10 Exclaim™ 2.0 Bi-Amped Speaker System Boasting Exceptional Design Stunning looks and extraordinary sound merge to create a powerful, yet versatile speaker system Ft. Worth, Texas (November 6, 2012) – Edifier®, a leading global designer and manufacturer of award-winning audio systems, introduces the e10 Exclaim™. Edifier's Exclaim™ is an active bi-amped 2.0 speaker system that combines smooth curves and straight lines, resulting in an audio system that is as stunning to look, as it is to listen to. Designed to complement a computer system, television or mobile device, Exclaim's™ versatility and extraordinary sound make it an ideal speaker system for any audio device. Thanks to full integral DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and DRC (Dynamic Range Compensation), Exclaim™ delivers superb tonal balance regardless of volume setting, and keeps any possible distortion at an absolute minimum. Each Exclaim™ speaker is driven by its own internal amplifier, combining for 36 watts RMS of power to drive a total of 6 internal active speakers. In addition, 2 passive radiators are utilized in the midrange/tweeter housings to raise efficiency and dynamic range. Plus the addition of 2 supplementary passive radiators is used to augment deep bass and performance from the woofers. Connecting to any audio device is easy using the 3.5mm auxiliary cable (included). Built in volume and power/standby controls are located on the side of the master speaker unit. Edifier's Exclaim™ is currently available for $99.99 USD / $99.99 CND at www.Edifier.US.com/shop-edifier. |
| Microsoft partners with Devicescape to give WP8 users access to over 11 million WiFi hotspots Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:41 PM PST
Microsoft has secured access to over 11 million WiFi hotspots for Windows Phone 8 users today by inking a deal with virtual network provider Devicescape. Hoping to help people avoid pesky data overages, this partnership uses Windows Phone 8's Data Sense feature to locate participating hotspots from Devicescape's group of pre-approved WiFi access points. When launched, the app pulls up a Bing-powered map displaying nearby hotspots and vets them based on their signal strengths. Now before you start dreaming of watching your entire Netflix queue on your shiny new Lumia 920, keep in mind that Verizon's currently the only US carrier on the Data Sense bandwagon. Hopefully Microsoft's customer-friendly approach to mobile data will motivate other service providers to follow suit as more Windows Phone 8 handsets become available. Easy Access to High-Quality Hotspots Offers Windows Phone Users Cost Effective Data Use "Devicescape has the leading collection of WiFi hotspots," said Reid Kuhn, Windows Phone Program Manager. "By utilizing the Devicescape WiFi hotspot data, Windows Phone 8 users will be able to locate free and popular WiFi hotspots, allowing them to save money wherever they may be." |
| Four new soundbars from Vizio, just in time for the holidays Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:51 PM PST
If you found the new lineup of Vizio TVs announced last month interesting, then you might want to check out some potential accessories. Vizio hopes that soundbars will be at the top of that list with four new models available online and in stores in time for the holidays. The line is divided in half between the E-Series and the M-Series, with the extra $20 that the M-Series costs buying you a small display and controls up top. Within each series, you have the option to pay an extra $100 for a wireless subwoofer. All four of them do feature SRS TruVolume and TruSurround, though. The full release is available after the break, but sadly doesn't include as many details as you might want, so you may way to check out Vizio's website for more. VIZIO Reveals Must-Have TV and Audio Line-Up Just in time for the Holidays IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the holiday season, VIZIO, Inc., having recently received J.D. Power and Associates' "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with HDTVs" ranking1, announced today its new TV and audio line-up featuring an all LED-lit2 E-Series line and four newly designed sound bars. With the recently released E-Series 60" class Razor LED™ Smart TV (E601i) already being America's best-selling 60" flat-panel TV3, the line-up also includes the flagship E-Series 70" class Razor LED™ Smart TV (E701i) and new 2.0 and 2.1 E-Series and M-Series sound bars, the brand's holiday products are a great wish list addition, capable of taking any room in the home from ordinary to extraordinary at an unparalleled value. Bringing superb picture quality to the forefront of the home, VIZIO's new, sleek E-Series HDTV holiday line-up features large screen size classes of 70", 60" (E601i), 50" (E500i), and 42" (E420i) LED Smart TVs, perfect for a living room or master bedroom upgrade, and smaller screen size classes of 39" (E390), 32" (E320), 29" (E291) and 24" (E241) LED units, ideal for the kitchen, den or office. Whether mounted on the wall, on a stand or in an entertainment center, the TVs look spectacular thanks to a slim outer bezel. A high-definition 1080p LED picture reveals richer, more vivid colors, while advanced local dimming technology delivers deeper blacks and brighter whites for overall stunning picture quality. Select E-Series models also feature an ultra-thin profile, less than two inches, and utilize Razor LED™ backlighting technology. As the #1 brand in the US for WiFi flat-panel TVs4, VIZIO's 70", 60", 50", 42" and 32" Smart TVs feature VIZIO Internet Apps® with built-in WiFi for endless entertainment options and instant access to Netflix®, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU™, Hulu Plus, YouTube®, Pandora®, Facebook®, Twitter® and others, all with the push of a button on the smart remote5. As VIZIO's flagship model, the 70" Razor LED™ Smart TV sets the new standard for big screens, serving as an affordable luxury for the entertainment enthusiast. Further reinforcing VIZIO's position as America's #1 Sound Bar Company6, the new E-Series and M-Series Sound Bars amplify the TV-watching experience by offering advanced audio quality in a compact design to fit any space. The latest SRS technologies featured in the 2.0 and 2.1 models limit unwanted volume fluctuations and allow for a more immersive surround sound experience. The new line-up of sound bars pumps out 95 – 101dB of sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion7, providing audiophiles with a substantial quality and clarity upgrade when compared to standard HDTV speakers. The E-Series (SB4021E) and M-Series (SB4021M) 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bars feature wireless subwoofers, which generate deep bass from up to 60 feet away without the use of additional cables. All sound bars connect easily to most HDTVs with just one cable. "The E-Series and M-Series 2.0 and 2.1 Sound Bars are the perfect audio upgrade solution, allowing consumers to hear their content the way it was intended to be heard, with rich, accurate audio quality that raises home theater audio expectations to another level," said John Schindler, VIZIO Vice President of Product Management. "All four sound bars feature a slim and sleek design to complement any size TV, creating a rich home theater experience." |
| Google redesigns search to make space for more info, kick the sidebar to the curb Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:49 PM PST
Google loves to tweak its search results whether or not it's something we'd ever notice. Even the most casual of visitors might notice its latest change, though. The Mountain View crew has dropped the sidebar on the desktop in favor of moving everything to drop-down menus up above. It's ostensibly a reflection of the company's tweaks to its mobile page that should scale elegantly through different screen sizes, although a key goal is to fit in richer results: images, the Knowledge Graph and more all have extra room to breathe with the update. Americans tracking down election results will be the first to see the extra-wide view, and they should be followed by everyone else as soon as Google can flick the switch. We'll be content enough knowing that the company isn't spreading sidebars everywhere. |
| TiVo TV Anywhere app, multi-room streaming launch for Virgin Media viewers Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:14 PM PST
British TiVo owners with Virgin Media have sometimes had to watch as their American counterparts get first crack at the latest extras, not the least of which have been the mobile apps. The UK has just caught up, and then some, now that Virgin has rolled out a finished TV Anywhere app for iOS, Macs and Windows PCs. While the software has the obligatory DVR queuing and remote controls, the "anywhere" portion comes through a selection of as many as 45 live TV channels accessible from most any broadband internet connection. Reinforcing that connected vibe is fresh multi-room streaming to share recorded shows with that TiVo in the basement. TV Anywhere and multi-room support are both gratis parts of a subscription, so Virgin customers have every excuse to liberate their TV viewing. [Thanks, Stuart] Take your Virgin TV service with you wherever you go With two-thirds of Virgin Media's TV customers regularly taking control of their telly viewing through the largest and most advanced TV On Demand service in the UK, Virgin TV Anywhere now gives customers the ability to enjoy their favourite channels wherever they want too. Embedded with social media functionality, the service will allow users to share their thoughts on their favourite TV shows, and includes a fantastic new app for mobile/tablet devices2 alongside a brand new online destination for laptops and PCs. Virgin TV Anywhere is available to all Virgin TV customers at no extra cost. The service comes with the ability to stream live TV, with up to 45 channels3 to choose from at launch, depending on a customer's TV package and method of access. The line-up includes a wide range of popular channels covering entertainment, kids, sport, news and factual, music and movies, and includes access to premium channels such as Sky Sports or Sky Movies for subscribers to these channels. Virgin Media will be adding further channels to the line-up in due course. Virgin TV Anywhere also features up to 4,000 hours of TV available to watch On Demand4 at any time, including Sky On Demand, featuring shows from Sky 1 and Sky Living, as well as Sky Sports and Sky Movies for those subscribing to these services. The service also includes integrated access to catch-up TV services from BBC, ITV, 4oD and Demand 5 while kids will also have a range of great shows from channels including Disney, Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr to keep them entertained. Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: "The world of digital entertainment is moving so fast, consumers are always looking for the next 'big thing' to take advantage of the features and connectivity built into today's gadgets. Virgin TV Anywhere builds upon our fantastic TV service, blending in the best of TiVo and our expertise in broadband and mobile, to bring customers a compelling entertainment experience to enjoy whenever they want, wherever they are – all at no extra cost." Customers will be able to access Virgin TV Anywhere through the web or through a mobile and tablet app if they have Virgin Media TiVo®. The online service is available to all Virgin TV customers, with extra features for TiVo users to manage their boxes through a range of exclusive tools such as remote record and managing 'My Shows'. The mobile and tablet app, initially available on iPad, iPhone and iPod, offers the ability to fully manage TiVo boxes including scheduling recordings and deleting shows. The app also allows customers to rate shows with TiVo's trademark Thumbs Up/Down, view their suggested shows, and also acts as a touch/gesture-based remote control when at home5. For further information on Virgin TV Anywhere, head to http://anywhere.virginmedia.com. Notes to Editors 1 Streaming services on Virgin TV Anywhere can be used anywhere in the UK using a fixed or wireless broadband connection. WiFi recommended for mobile devices. Streaming over 3G is not supported. Whilst there is no charge to use the Virgin TV Anywhere service for Virgin TV customers, charges may apply for using public Wi-Fi or mobile networks. 2 Launching initially on iPad, iPhone and iPod and available to download from the App store. Android support to follow in 2013. Up to two devices (including laptops or computers) can be registered at any one time. Customers can change registered devices on a monthly basis. 3 Initial live streaming channel line-up below. Channel access is based on the TV package customers have and the method of access (online or through the mobile/tablet app). Certain channels may not be available on mobile/tablet devices at launch due to rights restrictions. Virgin Media will be adding further channels to the line-up in due course. |
| Engadget HD Podcast 323 - 11.06.2012 Posted: 06 Nov 2012 03:37 PM PST
Get the podcast 12:30 - Simple.TV review: a set-top box that streams broadcast TV to mobile devices Hear the podcast This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Xbox SmartGlass app comes to iOS Posted: 06 Nov 2012 02:55 PM PST
It wasn't all that long ago that Microsoft's gaming-centric second screen app came to Android handsets, and now its iOS's turn. It seems a shiny new SmartGlass app replaced the old My Xbox Live app in the App Store today with little fanfare, and is currently available for download for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touches running iOS 5.0 or later. As you might expect, the app allows your iDevice to serve as a remote and keypad for your Xbox 360, and its UI is nearly identical to the aforementioned Android version. Don't believe us? Download the app at the source below and see for yourself. [Thanks, David] |
| Samsung ATIV Odyssey for Verizon possibly spied at the FCC Posted: 06 Nov 2012 02:19 PM PST
When Microsoft teased that Verizon would carry the Samsung ATIV Odyssey, it left just about everything to the imagination -- we didn't even see a real image. A new FCC filing may have given us a better (if all too incomplete) look. The device getting approval at the US agency doesn't have any dead giveaways in its hardware beyond a vaguely ATIV S-like shape and Verizon's needed CDMA and LTE frequencies, but it's going under an SCH-i930 model name that hints at possible Windows Phone 8-based origins: the SCH-i920 was the CDMA edition of the Omnia II, one of the last times Microsoft, Samsung and Verizon hung out together. If the i930 is what we suspect, the FCC will have just removed a key obstacle to the ATIV Odyssey's promised December launch. |
| Verizon-bound HTC DNA gets up close and personal in leaked press photo Posted: 06 Nov 2012 01:38 PM PST
HTC is throwing its hat into the phablet ring and it appears that its sleeping giant is set to awaken on Verizon's network, but not before smiling for the cameras. Pictured above is a (presumably) leaked press shot of the highly anticipated Droid DNA, which is believed to be Big Red's stateside rendition of the 5-inch Super LCD 3, 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon-toting J Butterfly. While this device has generated quite a buzz, it remains to be seen if this Japanese behemoth's red, white and blue counterpart will ship with identical hardware. Thankfully, all should be revealed soon, as Verizon and HTC have scheduled a get together later this month in the Big Apple and of course we'll be on hand to bring you all of the gory details, no matter how difficult to handle. |
| Mophie Powerblu Bluetooth headset sneaks through the FCC Posted: 06 Nov 2012 12:47 PM PST
There's apparently more to life for Mophie than power packs, as the accessory designer has pushed its first Bluetooth headset, the Powerblu, through the FCC. In a shock to no one, the stand-out is a separate charging station to keep the earpiece going well past what its internal battery can manage: where the headset normally lasts for four hours of talk on its own, that lifespan grows to 30 when it's periodically revived through the mothership. Other traits will be familiar to anyone who's used to wireless earwear, whether it's a noise-cancelling microphone array, text-to-speech or voice commands. About all that's left after what we've seen is for Mophie to seal the deal with a formal launch. |
| CSR outs new Coach16 processor for high-end cameras, aims to kill video jaggies, noise Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:56 AM PST
If you've ever cussed out your DSLR because your still shots or video had excessive aliasing, jello and noise, you might be happy to hear about the new Coach16 imaging chip from CSR. The new addition to the ex-Zoran line of imaging processors is aimed at DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and for the cinema set brings 1080/60p HD video with 'super-resolution' RGB downscaling to eliminate aliasing caused by line-skipping. Still shooters would get "endless sustained burst" high frame-rate capability, multi-frame noise reduction for improved low-light shooting, USB 3.0 support, high resolution EVF capability and smart flash. The latter feature cleverly takes two pictures rapidly with and without a flash, then marries the best parts HDR style for the final image. We won't see any of that until it gets released in a new DSLR model, of course, but meanwhile, you can dream with the PR below the break. CSR Announces COACH16™ - Advanced New Processor for High-End Compact, Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras CSR extends system-on-a-chip imaging technology leadership beyond Digital Still Cameras CAMBRIDGE, England & SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CSR plc (LSE: CSR)(NASDAQ: CSRE) today introduced COACH16™, a new flagship Digital Camera Processor that provides support for the most advanced features in today's high-performance still and motion-image portable devices, including Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras (MILC) and high-end Digital Still Cameras (DSC). The performance of COACH16 also makes it perfect for camcorders and other mobile video applications, including those in sport cameras, security cameras and mobile drive recorders. "The combination of performance and features in the COACH16 will allow device and application developers to greatly broaden their offerings, and will unleash a new wave of creativity from users of these new devices." Already a global leader in system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions for digital cameras, the introduction of COACH16 signals CSR's leadership in the newest and most powerful categories of cameras and imaging devices. In addition, COACH16 is pre-configured to address the growing need for geo-location and wireless connectivity in mobile imaging devices. For example, coupled with SiRFstarV™, CSR's high-performance GNSS location engine, COACH16 supports photo geo-tagging and data logging, telling the user exactly where an image or video-clip was captured. And coupled with the UniFi® CSR6030™, CSR's single-chip IEEE 802.11b/g/n solution, support for Wi-Fi® and Wi-Fi Direct™ comes pre-integrated, offering COACH16 based cameras hassle-free Wi-Fi connectivity to printers, TVs, PCs, tablets, smartphones and the Internet for easy upload and sharing of images, automatic photo back-ups, streaming of live video, and remote control. Image quality is the highest priority for all photographers and this priority takes on even greater importance among users of DSLR and MILC equipment. In Digital Camera Processors, reducing "noise" within the image is one of the biggest challenges to delivering high image quality, particularly with images taken under low-light, when noise is greatest. CSR's image processing engine is widely regarded as the best in the industry, with the highest level of noise-reduction available, together with excellent colour reproduction, sensor and lens artifacts correction, and image enhancement engines. The COACH16 processor pushes the boundaries of what photographers can achieve with the newest, most powerful camera systems. New COACH16 features unleash photo creativity The COACH16 not only takes advantage of the power of the latest version of CSR's image processing engine, it gives photographers at every level greater performance and access to a number of new and improved capabilities. "The demand for new and powerful features for mobile imaging applications and devices continues to expand and accelerate, and the COACH16 digital camera processor is the latest evidence of CSR's commitment to continued leadership in this area," said Anthony Murray, Business Group SVP, CSR. "The combination of performance and features in the COACH16 will allow device and application developers to greatly broaden their offerings, and will unleash a new wave of creativity from users of these new devices." Full HD support: 1080p60 (also referred to as "Full HD") video delivers double the performance of 1080i60 (interlaced) video, and at 60 frames per second. COACH16 also supports all common video formats including mp4, AVCHD™, AVCHD 2.0, iFrame, and others. It has a new generation of temporal filter engine for superior low light performance and also supports a second video stream during Full HD recording. Hi-Resolution Electronic Viewfinder support: In early models, MILC camera electronic viewfinders typically offered images with low-resolution and high-latency, both of which offer significant challenges for serious photographers. The COACH16 not only contains dedicated hardware to serve the electronic viewfinder, it does so with high-resolution and very low latency – even at the highest video frame rates. Endless Sustained Burst: Thanks to its high throughput, the COACH16 processor offers extremely fast click-to-click performance – enabling true endless sustained burst photography with minimal lag while the user is forced to wait for the processor to "catch up". Even with very high-resolution camera, the COACH16 is designed to maintain an endless "burst" at a high frame rate. Super-Resolution Video Technology: The COACH16 utilises new super-resolution video technology to create much sharper, realistic video images by processing the full size images from the sensor and downscaling them to video resolution using a highly sophisticated RGB scaler. With COACH16, video taken with digital cameras can now have the same high-quality look and feel as video from the best camcorders. Multi-Frame Noise Reduction: Digital images taken under low light level conditions commonly contain high levels of random digital "noise" within the data stream. CSR's digital camera processing technology has long been recognised for the ability to reduce that noise. The COACH16 takes that noise reduction to the next level with the new Multi-Frame Noise Reduction (MFNR) technology. When a low-light picture is taken, MFNR technology actually captures several images in a fraction of a second, and then uses a special hardware-accelerated algorithm to mix the best parts of each into one image with the lowest possible amount of noise. And since COACH16 accomplishes this in hardware, the process is far faster than anything possible with software solutions that attempt to imitate this feature. The result is more accurate, nearly instantaneous, and yields better low-light pictures. Smart Flash: When flash is used, photographers are often frustrated with the results, which can include a washed-out subject in the foreground and an underexposed background. Smart Flash takes TWO pictures in very rapid succession – one with flash, one without – and uses a hardware-based algorithm to combine them. Since Smart Flash is hardware-accelerated, the processing and combining of the images, including precise picture alignment and motion compensation, occur with minimal lag. Native USB 3.0 support: As camera image size increases, and as more users take HD video with their "still" cameras, storage demands increase well into the multi-gigabyte range. The need to move these images from the camera to other storage or display devices exposes the limitation of the transfer speeds of USB 2.0. COACH16 includes native support for USB 3.0 which offers transfer rates ten times higher than USB 2.0. About CSR CSR is a global provider of innovative silicon and software solutions for the location-aware, media-rich, cloud-connected world. Our platforms are optimised for the automotive navigation and infotainment, digital cameras and imaging, connected home infotainment and wireless audio markets. We provide solutions to complex problems in the audio-visual, connectivity and location technology domains across a broad range of markets, with a technology portfolio that includes GPS/GNSS systems, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, FM, NFC, aptX® and CVC™ audio codecs, JPEG, MPEG, H.264 imaging, PDL printing, microcontrollers, DSPs and broadband receivers. CSR's technology solutions and market platforms enable its customers to deliver a superior user experience and are adopted by leaders in the auto, computer, home and mobile markets. More information can be found at www.csr.com. Keep up to date with CSR on our technical blog or CSR people blog, YouTube, Facebook or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CSR_plc. |
| Amazon brings Send to Kindle to Firefox, for all of that reading you're gonna get to later Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:03 AM PST
Not that the world was lacking in ways to send content to its Kindle devices and apps, but if you still happened to feel unfulfilled on that front, Amazon's added Firefox to the list. The Mozilla-crafted browser is getting an extension that'll let users share blog posts, news articles and the like to various members of the Kindle family. Select the page or text, click the button and go -- well, once you've finished downloading the extension from the source link below, that is. |
| NVIDIA gets a little help from Valve, tweaks GeForce drivers just as Steam for Linux beta launches Posted: 06 Nov 2012 10:42 AM PST
NVIDIA and Linux haven't always been the most welcoming of bedfellows, but Valve seems to be defrosting that relationship somewhat. The Half Life maker has helped NVIDIA to tweak its 600 series GeForce drivers to reduce games' loading times when used on Linus' operating system. The R310 drivers are said to double performance when using Steam for Linux, which opens for beta today, meaning that you can try and survive twice as many zombie apocalypses in Left 4 Dead than you could a week ago. NVIDIA Delivers Massive Performance Boost to Linux Gaming |
| 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