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- Toshiba Satellite U845 review: an inexpensive Ultrabook worth considering
- Curiosity landing video assembled from high-res images (video)
- BBC not bringing iPlayer or live streaming to Windows Phone 8, blames Microsoft
- Ben Heck creates hands-free wheelchair attachment for expectant father
- Sony sells 2.2 million PS Vitas worldwide, will redirect marketing toward 'younger audience'
- Engadget's back to school guide 2012: portable audio
- Green Day make cameo in Angry Birds Facebook offering as mascara-wearing egg thieves
- Curiosity rover warms up its laser with basaltic rock blast
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 teardown shows easy fixes, skimpy battery
- Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G shows off all sides, sticks with new name
- Digispark, Arduino's unofficial kid brother, takes Kickstarter by storm (video)
- Origin whips out dual-wielding EON17-SLX laptop with SLI / CrossFireX support
- Synaptics enters the keyboard market, announces the ThinTouch keyboard aimed at Ultrabooks
- Synaptics spills more details on ForcePad, a pressure-sensitive trackpad coming to laptops in 2013
- CE-Oh no he didn't!: Tesla's Elon Musk calls the Fisker Karma a 'mediocre product at a high price'
- Nook headed for UK as Barnes & Noble goes international, dabbles in the Queen's English
- Samsung Galaxy S Duos goes official: launches in Europe next month
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 arrives at the Carphone Warehouse
- Netflix nabs a million UK subscribers, promises to 'invest heavily' to outbid Sky for movie rights
- Slacker Radio embraces Pussy Riot through 'Protest' station
- Sony announces new Exmor RS cameraphone sensor: upgraded signal processing, HDR video recording
- Syfy for iPad app adds Sync feature, second screen content launches Tuesday with Face Off (video)
- HTC to lose its $40 million investment from OnLive's financial restructuring
- Samsung teases Galaxy Note II, 'a small and light thing' (video)
- Cowon's X9 PMP now shipping, features up to 110 hours of music playback
- Best Buy names Hubert Joly as new CEO, will take on leadership in September
- LG Optimus Vu goes global, trades Snapdragon processor for NVIDIA Tegra 3
- Bioshock custom rig is Big Daddy of pinball machines, gives players a taste of Rapture
- OnLive officially announces asset acquisition, notes that its newly formed company will keep OnLive name
- How would you change Canon's PowerShot G1 X?
- Micromax intros supersize-on-a-budget Superfone Canvas A100, more moderate Pixel A90
- Refresh Roundup: week of August 13th, 2012
- Autonomous Wave Glider bot launched to track sharks, beam real-time data to your iPhone and iPad
- Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)
- Switched On: The watch and the workhorse
- AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price
- PSA: Nintendo 3DS XL now available in US, AC adapter included
- Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one
| Toshiba Satellite U845 review: an inexpensive Ultrabook worth considering Posted: 20 Aug 2012 11:00 AM PDT More InfoToshiba's most recent Ultrabook offerings have something of a split personality. On the one hand, there's the Satellite U845W, a high-end machine with solid quality and a funky, 21:9 display. Announced alongside it, though, was the Satellite U845, a more modest sort of machine for folks who can't afford to spend $1,000 on their next laptop. Starting at $750, it offers all the specs you'd expect from a mid-range laptop: Ivy Bridge, Intel Wireless Display and a backlit keyboard. And, given that it's a slightly larger Ultrabook, it also makes room for key ports like HDMI and an Ethernet jack. But the U845 is hardly the only 14-inch thin-and-light on the block, and it's definitely not the only sub-$800 system aimed at the back-to-school crowd. Read on to see if there's enough pizazz here to make this a memorable machine. Look and feel With the exception of that widescreen display, you might have assumed the U845 shared the same design as the U845W. In fact, though, there's more than just that "W" separating the two: what we have here is a much more modest design, one befitting a lower-end Ultrabook. Though it has a brushed metal lid and palm rest, the bottom side is made of plastic, as is the keyboard panel and bezel. That bezel aside (it sure is glossy!), the design is otherwise pretty tasteful, with a spun metal power button and discreetly located LED lights. In a similar vein, build quality is nothing to write home about, but you also could do a lot worse. Press hard enough on the palm rest and you'll notice a little flex. On the plus side, the hinge feels fairly sturdy; the lid doesn't wobble when you set the laptop down, which is something we can't say about every notebook we review. And though the U845 is fairly chunky for an Ultrabook, at 4.1 pounds and 0.8 inches thick, it makes up for that heft with a robust selection of ports. Over on the left edge, you'll find an HDMI socket, along with USB 3.0 and separate headphone and mic ports. Move to the right and you'll see two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card reader and an Ethernet jack (huzzah!). Sure, if we could, we'd flip the ratio of USB 3.0 to 2.0 ports. Otherwise, though, this is a comprehensive arrangement. Certainly, it beats Vizio's Thin + Light, which is missing both an SD slot and that wired internet connection. Keyboard and trackpad If there's one thing tying together the high-end U845W and the humble U845, it's those shallow, whisper-quiet keys. If we could change anything about the keyboard, it would be the travel, especially since this is already a pretty thick Ultrabook. After all, it doesn't seem like adding cushier keys would have been an issue, as it would be with a skinnier machine. As with Toshiba's other Ultrabooks, too, the keys also feel a little squat -- wide, but vertically short. Still, we rarely struck a key we didn't mean to press. We also appreciate that Toshiba more or less got the proportions right: the Enter, Shift and even arrow keys are big enough that touch typists should have no problem hitting them without looking. Given how many trackpad disasters we've seen lately (see: the ASUS Zenbook UX31A, Vizio Thin + Light), it's refreshing how relatively easy the U845's is to use. For the most part, we had no problems dragging the cursor where we wanted it to go, and were also able to pull off two-finger scrolls without a hitch. Occasionally, the cursor would jump to random parts of documents we were working on. As annoying as that is, though, it at least didn't happen regularly. Display and sound No surprises here: the U845's display has a 1,366 x 768 resolution, which is almost a certainty on a laptop in this price range. The reflective finish means you might have a difficult time if you're working on a plane and need to dip the screen forward when the guy in front of you leans back. Still, you should be able to watch a movie with a few friends crowded around -- just dim the lights to cut down on glare. Unlike Toshiba's higher-end laptops, you won't find any Harman Kardon speakers here, which means you can expect good-enough volume, but distant, tinny sound quality. Just like on every other laptop in this category, naturally. Like many newer Ultrabooks, the U845 packs Intel's Wireless Display technology, which makes it possible to stream 1080p movies to a big-screen monitor or HDTV. You can also mirror your desktop, if enhanced productivity is what you're after. Whatever it is, though, you'll need to pony up for a compatible set-top box if you want to take advantage of this feature. Performance
Our test unit ($880 as configured) comes with a 1.7GHz Core i5-3317U -- the same one used in similarly priced Ultrabooks, like the Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and Sony VAIO T13. At this price, you'll also get 6GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive coupled with a 32GB SSD and, of course, Intel's HD 4000 graphics. All told, its performance is roughly on par with similarly specced machines (read: Core i5 systems without all-flash storage). In PCMark Vantage, for instance, its score slightly trails the U310 and T13, but they're all clearly in the same ballpark. Its maximum I/O performance (108 MB/s reads and 84 MB/s writes) also trails the other two machines, but not by much. Even its boot time lags just behind the others, but we're talking about a 21-second startup versus 17 or 20 seconds. If you've read a few of our Ivy Bridge laptop reviews, you know by now that the newest HD 4000 chipset provides a nice boost over last year's HD 3000. Still, it's by no means a magic bullet for gaming. In Call of Duty 4, for instance, our frame rates hovered around 19 to 20 fps, and that was at the default resolution (1,024 x 768). And that's par for the course, really: we've tested this game on many an Ultrabook by now, and aside from models with discrete graphics, we haven't cracked 30 fps.
Battery life
What is it with all these heavier, bigger-screened Ultrabooks that don't pull their weight in battery life? If you take a look at the table up there, you'll notice with many of the 14-inch Ultrabooks -- the Samsung Series 5, Acer Aspire M5, HP Envy 14 Spectre -- the battery life scores tend to be clustered in the five-hour range, falling short of several smaller Ultrabooks. In our formal battery test, which involves looping a video off the drive with the display brightness fixed at 65 percent, the U845 lasted five hours and 12 minutes. That's slightly better than the other laptops we mentioned, but only by a few minutes and in general we'd like to see these larger Ultrabooks justify their heft with longer runtime.
Software and warranty
Though most of the bundled software consists of Toshiba-branded apps, you'll find some bona fide crapware from other companies. These include shortcuts to Amazon Links, PriceGong and Savings Sidekick. There's also a trial version of Norton Internet Security, a less surprising addition to the mix. As for those Toshiba apps, they include eco Utility; PC Health Monitor; Resolution+; ReelTime, for quickly retrieving documents using a timeline; Service Station; Sleep Utility; Recovery Media Creator; Online Backup, Media Controller; Laptop Checkup; Face Recognition; Disc Creator; Book Place; and Bulletin Board (it is what it sounds like). The U845 has a one-year warranty -- typical for a consumer laptop.
Configuration options and the competition
Right now, there are two pre-built configurations of the U845 on Toshiba's website, which means you won't have the chance to customize things like hard drive size or memory allotment. You've already heard about the $880 version we tested with the Core i5 processor, 6GB of RAM and 500GB hard drive. On the lower end, there's also a $750 model with a Core i3 CPU and 4GB of RAM. It, too, has 500GB of HDD storage, but in this case it's paired with a 16GB SSD, not a 32GB drive. As you'll see, even that lower-priced unit doesn't seem like such a hot deal when you find that other PC makers are offering similar specs for less money. Take the Sony VAIO T13, for instance. That machine starts at $770 with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor (not Core i3) with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive / 32GB SSD. And if it sounds like we're obsessed with specs, know this: the T13's battery life is slightly longer and, as we established, its performance is a bit faster, too. Design-wise, the two offer similar build quality. Another deal that looks good (on paper, at least -- we haven't tested it!) is the Dell Inspiron 14z, which starts at $700 with a Sandy Bridge Core i3 processor, 6GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive with a 32GB SSD. Even if you paid $750 for an Ivy Bridge Core i5 model you'd be getting more for your money than you would with Toshiba. All that said, because we haven't tested the 14z, we can't vouch for its keyboard, trackpad, battery life or performance -- all important factors to consider, of course.
Moving onto Lenovo's IdeaPad U series, you can choose from either the 13-inch U310 ($639 and up) or the 14-inch U410, which starts at $749 (note: we're quoting web-only prices from Lenovo's site). In many ways, the U310 is more similar, even though it has a smaller screen than the U845: it starts with a Core i3 Sandy Bridge processor and a 500GB hard drive (disks with flash storage attached are available as an upgrade). The U410, meanwhile, is roughly the same size as the U845, but it comes standard with a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 610 GPU. Also, the U410's hard drive spins at 7,200RPM by default, though it's not coupled with an SSD for faster boot times. Speeds and feeds aside, we've been very impressed with the U series' classy design and super comfortable keyboard. Another good value: the Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M5, which for a similar price of $780 offers a Core i5 CPU (again, a boost over Core i3), 6GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive with a 20GB SSD. For $830, it includes a discrete NVIDIA GeForce 640M LE GPU with 1GB of RAM. As it happens, we appreciate its keyboard, graphics performance and narrow bezels, too. In contrast, we're less impressed with the specs you'll get on HP's Envy Sleekbook 4t. At $650 (after instant savings), it has a last-gen Sandy Bridge Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB drive, sans SSD. It does have a tasteful, understated design and decent battery life -- we'll say that much -- but in our testing we've been pretty underwhelmed by the jumpy trackpad.
Wrap-up
If you're in the market for a thin and light, not-too-expensive laptop, the Toshiba Satellite U845 isn't exactly a slam dunk, but it's certainly worth considering. While the build quality, battery life and overall performance are about on par with competing machines, we've tested models with more comfortable keyboards, and if you do your homework you'll find laptops offering better specs for the same money. On its own, though, the U845 is a dependable choice, and matches up well against its competitors, even if it doesn't beat them wholesale. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Curiosity landing video assembled from high-res images (video) Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:40 AM PDT A new video has been compiled by Spaceflight101.com showing Curiosity's final minutes of terror in glorious HD (though a dearth of frames and lack of stabilization make it a bit herky-jerky). It's an assembly of all the high-res photos taken by the buggy on the way down to its now familiar perch, rolling at the not-exactly-HFR speed of 4 fps, but still trumping a previous low-res thumbnail version. It gives a much clearer, rover's-eye-view of the journey, starting with the heat shield ejection and finishing with the dusty, butterfly-like touchdown. Check it out below the break to see the precarious descent -- and don't forget your Dramamine.
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| BBC not bringing iPlayer or live streaming to Windows Phone 8, blames Microsoft Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:19 AM PDT Microsoft is getting brickbats from developers unenthused by its forthcoming operating system(s), and the BBC is the latest to join the chorus. When asked about bringing iPlayer to Windows Phone, the corporation's on-demand honcho, Daniel Danker, responded by saying it's not cost-or-time effective for the system -- thanks to a lack of support for HTTP Live Streaming. Mr. Danker confirmed to us that HLS is not the proprietary format it's believed to be, used on a wide variety of devices including Smart TVs and consoles -- but is not included in Redmond's mobile OS. Live streaming is also impossible thanks to a "bug" in the software that can't secure the session, breaking the corporation's copy protection system which only affects mobile devices. Redmond's known of the problem for some time, and is working on a solution, but has yet to make any official announcement otherwise. He's optimistic that a solution might arrive, perhaps on October 26th, but until then, BBC iPlayer won't be arriving on your Windows-powered handset. After the break we've included the full text of the email if you'd like to hear it from the source.
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| Ben Heck creates hands-free wheelchair attachment for expectant father Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:00 AM PDT Ben Heck may have cut his teeth on hacked gaming consoles, but these days, the modder-turned-show-host has turned a good deal of his focus to projects aimed at improving accessibility and mobility for the disabled. The latest episode of the Ben Heck Show offers up the perfect example of this noble pursuit, built when an expectant father came to him requesting a wheelchair that could be controlled while caring for his newborn. Heck designed a motor assembly add-on for Josh Benhart's chair with a foot-controlled joystick that lives under a 3D printed dome. Given a short amount of lead, Heck, sadly, wasn't able to complete the project in time, though you can check out his progress in the video embedded after the break.
Ben Heck's Wheelchair Add-On Motor Assembly Allows Hands-Free Mobility for Expectant Father on element14's "The Ben Heck Show" element14, the first collaborative engineering community and electronics store for design engineers and technology enthusiasts, and modding guru Ben Heck, help a wheelchair-bound expectant father prepare for the arrival of his child in the latest episode of "The Ben Heck Show." By designing a motor assembly mod that easily attaches to a wheelchair, Ben increases functionality and hands-free mobility for element14 community member Josh Benhart so he can safely carry his newborn while getting around the house. "While I'm not a parent myself, I understand the immeasurable bond between a parent and child. I couldn't resist helping an excited father-to-be improve mobility while in his wheelchair, allowing for him to take care of his baby and spend as much one-on-one time as possible," said Ben. "With such significance behind this project, I definitely pulled out all the stops to create the ultimate, safe and mobile, hands-free chair." To create the tank-like motorized control mechanism and foot-controlled joystick, Ben uses an H-bridge DC motor driver and a few MOSFET transistors to rig the components together and ultimately control motor speed and chair directionality. Ben connects Josh's wheelchair to the add-on motor assembly by leveraging the weight of the chair itself and the front tine that sits on the footrest, completing the perfect mobile accessory for the dad-to-be. "The element14 community has more than 100,000 members who collaborate on innovative design concepts, inspiring many creative and useful projects," said Kevin Yapp, chief of strategy and marketing, Premier Farnell. "This episode is a perfect example as Josh's project suggestion allowed Ben to take engineering to the next level, giving Josh the ability to hold his child without decreasing mobility." Fans of the show are invited to join the discussion online at element14 to learn more about the hands-free wheelchair featured on this episode, as well as to send Ben a challenge or project suggestion for a future episode. In addition, the Ben Heck bobblehead contest continues, giving viewers a chance to win show t-shirts and the grand prize bobblehead. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sony sells 2.2 million PS Vitas worldwide, will redirect marketing toward 'younger audience' Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:37 AM PDT Sony confirmed to us that it sold 2.2 million PlayStation Vitas worldwide as of June 30th, roughly 250,000 a month since it passed the 1.2 million mark back in February. In an interview with PlayFront, German boss Uve Bassendowski blamed the slow sales on the company ignoring young customers to court a more grown-up demographic -- but would redress that balance soon. Compared to the 3DS at the same point in its life, it had sold over three million units worldwide even before Nintendo scythed $80 from the ticket -- the sort of cut that Sony has ruled out for this year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget's back to school guide 2012: portable audio Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:00 AM PDT Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we're taking our audio with us -- and you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! With all of the studying and on-campus traveling you're about to delve into, sometimes adding a bit of music to your step can spice up those mundane times in your daily routine. That's why we've rounded up a selection of portable speakers and headphones that'll not only help you rock out whenever the mood strikes, but also go a step further by letting you take phone calls without skipping a beat. It may not be audiophile-grade gear in the official sense, but it won't matter when you're enjoying good sound just about anywhere your smartphone-connected life takes you.  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Green Day make cameo in Angry Birds Facebook offering as mascara-wearing egg thieves
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:32 AM PDT
Punk's not dead, it's just diversifying its portfolio. Having already conquered Broadway, East Bay pop-punkers Green Day are hitting the world of casual gaming with a new episode of Facebook's Angry Birds Friends that features pig opponents "inspired by band members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool." The offering also features "Troublemaker," an exclusive song that is most likely a tribute to the hard living ways of porcine egg thieves. Asked to justify his pro-swine stance, Pinhead Gunpowder member Armstrong answered, "We're all fans of Angry Birds. It's such an addictive game that when we first started playing it we couldn't stop. Go Team Green!"
Rovio and Green Day team up to launch Green Day episode of Angry Birds Friends
Rovio Entertainment, creator of Angry Birds, and multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award-winning band Green Day have teamed up to launch a new musical episode for Angry Birds Friends. The episode features 10 never-before-seen themed levels, as well as all new bad pig characters inspired by band members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool. Fans can also access specially created content, including Green Day's latest single "Oh Love", and an exclusive song "Troublemaker." This unique collaboration is the first of its kind for Rovio and offers an innovative blend of music, video, and gameplay. Updates for the Green Day episode, coming later this fall, will provide even more exclusive content and levels.
"We're all fans of Angry Birds," said Armstrong. "It's such an addictive game that when we first started playing it we couldn't stop. Go Team Green!"
"We are beyond excited," commented Rovio CMO and Mighty Eagle Peter Vesterbacka. "Two amazing brands working together on a one-of-a-kind collaboration - we can't wait for our fans to explore this new Green Day world."
Curiosity rover warms up its laser with basaltic rock blast
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:06 AM PDT
Intrepid 6-wheeler Curiosity perhaps protested too much when it tweeted "Yes, I've got a laser beam attached to my head. I'm not ill tempered; I zapped a rock for science." NASA turned the rover's high-powered laser loose with 30 pulses of a million watts each, reducing a thin layer of the chosen stone, dubbed N165 "Coronation," to plasma. The resulting spectrum was then analyzed by the on-board "ChemCam" to determine its composition, and the US/French team who developed the system said it's working even better on Mars than it did on terra firma. The results are now being studied, but if we had a laser beam on another planet, we'd be firing it all over the place -- in the name of "science," of course.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 teardown shows easy fixes, skimpy battery
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:38 AM PDT
We've already deconstructed Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 on a metaphorical level, and now it's iFixit's turn to go the literal route. The DIY repair outlet found the pen-friendly tablet to be one of its easier tablet teardowns in recent memory: just about everything inside that frame can be swapped out individually. It's even possible to replace the relatively cheap glass that sits on top of the considerably pricier LCD, just in case the slate plummets face-first but leaves some chance at salvaging its screen. While largely coming back with good news, the investigation also explains Samsung's decision to go with a modest 7,000mAh battery -- stuffing all those components into a 0.35-inch thick frame doesn't leave much room for the lithium-ion pack that gives them life. Still, if you're itching to understand what defines a truly repairable tablet, or just want to get a peek at those Galaxy S III-derived roots, the full surgical procedure is available at the source.
Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G shows off all sides, sticks with new name
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:10 AM PDT
The saga of Samsung's Galaxy S Relay 4G (né Galaxy S Blaze Q) continues. In this latest episode, we're presented with an annotated set of pictures showing each side of the device -- courtesy of Samsung's very own US support site. Of course, this further confirms the handset's new name, which is just as terrible as the old name. No matter -- if you're a fan of QWERTY sliders this is definitely a phone to keep an eye on. While the full specs remain a mystery, previous leaks have confirmed HSPA+ 42Mbps support for T-Mobile's AWS network, a 4-inch screen (probably not HD) and a dual-core 1.5GHz processor (likely a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4). There's still no word on pricing or availability, but an official announcement can't be far behind, right?
Digispark, Arduino's unofficial kid brother, takes Kickstarter by storm (video)
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:39 AM PDT
Hobbyist Erik Kettenburg was concerned that the size and cost of Arduino stifled his ability to craft, so he set about developing Digispark. It's an Arduino-compatible board, the size of a quarter, that offers a few pins at around a third of the cost of an Uno -- so you don't have to worry about taking projects apart when you're done. Designed to be fully compatible with the Italian standard, it's packing six I/O pins, 8k memory and a full USB connection amongst other things. The aim is to retail the gear for $12 a piece, and has been so popular that it's made nearly $100,000 in Kickstarter pledges, smashing its original goal of $5,000. We've got video for you below, and you can still throw some cash Mr. Kettenburg's way if you fancy getting your hands on one quickly.
Origin whips out dual-wielding EON17-SLX laptop with SLI / CrossFireX support
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Origin's introducing the brawny EON17-SLX to its adoring public of hardcore gamers. The 17-inch laptop comes packing professionally overclocked Ivy Bridge CPUs and the option to add dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M or similarly paired AMD Radeon HD 7970M units -- offering performance that might even be able to run Crysis 3. While you'll only be able to pick up the gear in a traditional-style body initially, the company's working on custom paint options including matte black and red. The base unit will set you back the very specific price of $1867, with the options beyond limited only to the size of your imagination or, you know, your wallet.
ORIGIN PC Has Unlocked Dual Wielding GPU's for the new EON17-SLX Laptop
Available Now with NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX and Professional ORIGIN PC CPU Overclocking
Miami, FL – August 20th, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Eastern – ORIGIN PC announced the availability of their most powerful EON laptop today, the new EON17-SLX. The EON17-SLX is the next generation SLI and CrossFireX ready laptop that takes mobile gaming to the next level by doubling the performance and power with the support of a second discrete GPU. With support for the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M and AMD Radeon HD 7970M Graphics cards, the EON17-SLX is a true game changing experience and the perfect choice for gamers, artists, enthusiasts and professionals.
ORIGIN PC's EON17-SLX features:
Overclocked Intel 3rd Generation Mobile Processors: With Intel's latest IvyBridge mobile processors and ORIGIN PC's Professional Overclocking, the EON17-SLX offers significant power and performance never before seen in a laptop.
NVIDIA SLI Support: Combine the power of dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M discrete graphic cards for an unprecedented mobile gaming experience with smooth and stunning detail.
AMD CrossFireX Support: Harness the power of dual AMD Radeon HD 7970M discrete graphic cards to dramatically improve gaming performance.
ORIGIN PC Professional Overclocking: Get the most out of the EON17-SLX by overclocking the CPU and GPU with our award winning professional overclocking service.
THX TruStudio Pro: THX TruStudio Pro gives you the ability to tweak your audio to perfection and enjoy games and movies in crisp, clear quality
Exclusive ORIGIN PC A-Panel Design: Will be available in the future in matte black, matte red, or your choice of custom paint. Traditional style is available now.
Free Lifetime 24/7 Support: Every ORIGIN PC comes with industry leading Lifetime 24/7 Support based in the United States.
The EON17-SLX is Fully Customizable starting at $1867.00
Synaptics enters the keyboard market, announces the ThinTouch keyboard aimed at Ultrabooks
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT
More likely than not, when you think of Synaptics you think of its touchpads. Or maybe, if you're a mobile aficionado, you know it for its touchscreens, used in phones like the HTC One X and Sony Xperia P. Now, though, the company is about to start making another kind of tactile product: keyboards. That thing you see up there is ThinTouch, a keyboard Synaptics will supply to PC makers looking for ways to make their Ultrabooks even thinner. Indeed, the keyboard is said to be up to 50 percent thinner than its competitors, and Synaptics' big pitch to OEMs is that a thinner keyboard allows for slimmer PCs, with room for larger batteries (now that we need). The company is also promising stronger backlighting, since the keys sit close to the substrate and there aren't rubber domes blocking the light source. Lastly, there's a capacitive sensor underneath the keyboard, allowing the laptop's touchpad to be disabled automatically while you're typing. (Naturally, this works best if the trackpad is also made by Synaptics.) The company is also developing a feature in which the space bar could be a touch sensor in and of itself, with support for functions like autocomplete.
Perhaps our biggest question is how much travel these keys will have -- after all, the last thing anyone needs is another shallow Ultrabook keyboard. Synaptics reps told us the company isn't yet ready to share such technical details, though we did get to compare Synaptics' keys with its competitors (see the image after the break). At first blush, it seemed just as flat, but not flatter, but we'll reserve full judgement until we can use the keyboard for an extended period of time. Also no word on which PC makers will take a chance on the ThinTouch, but Synaptics says the keyboard will start shipping sometime in 2013.
Left: A competing keyboard; right: the Synaptics ThinTouch.
Synaptics spills more details on ForcePad, a pressure-sensitive trackpad coming to laptops in 2013
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT
We spend an awful lot of time in laptop reviews railing against modern trackpads -- you know, the ones that mistake left clicks for right ones, or have a really stiff button mechanism. Well, it looks like relief might be on the way. Synaptics (easily the largest touchpad maker of 'em all) just spilled more details on ForcePad, a pressure-sensitive pad that responds differently depending on how much you bear down with your fingers. Before we get into possible use cases, though, it's important to clarify this: there is no mechanical touch button, meaning those stiff hinges we've been complaining about should be moot. Rather, if you want to "left click" or "right click" you'll need to push against the pad with your finger. When you do this, you'll get the littlest bit of tactile feedback, along with a sound effect. (You can turn those off.)
All told, the pad responds to up to 1,000 grams of pressure, and recognizes 64 different levels of sensitivity. As you can imagine, this feature is likely to come in handy with drawing apps, but Synaptics also imagines it being used in gaming. With scrolling, too, you can page through documents quickly or slowly, depending on how hard you press the trackpad. Additionally, the pad recognizes up to five fingers at once, and can tell when you're applying more pressure with one finger than another. For now, Synaptics won't name any future products that will use this technology, so don't put any stock in that Lenovo machine used in the first demo video below -- it's just a U300s retrofitted with a ForcePad. But, a company rep did say we'd start seeing ForcePad-enabled laptops at CES in January, so expect lots of notebook news then.
CE-Oh no he didn't!: Tesla's Elon Musk calls the Fisker Karma a 'mediocre product at a high price'
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:30 AM PDT
"I don't think very highly of Henrik Fisker," Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, told Automobile magazine in a recent interview. Musk was recalling events leading up to a 2008 lawsuit in which Tesla accused Fisker of pilfering its hybrid technology to build the Fisker Karma. Musk isn't a fan of the automobile, and suggests its creators put form over function. "It's a mediocre product at a high price," he says. "[Fisker] thinks the most important thing in the world -- or the only important thing in the world -- is design, so he outsourced the engineering and manufacturing." Still, Musk concedes that Fisker's eye for aesthetics paid off in some respects. "It looks good," he said. "Particularly from the side it looks good."
The magazine gave Henrik Fisker a chance to respond, who said that he was "delighted that Elon thinks the Karma is a good-looking car," and stressed that Tesla and Fisker are targeting different customers with two "totally different technologies." He was quick to address the firms' previous legal squabbles too, "to set the record straight, Fisker won in court... a judge threw out the case and awarded costs to Fisker." True enough, but in light of recent events, we can think of at least one Karma owner who might agree with Musk.
Nook headed for UK as Barnes & Noble goes international, dabbles in the Queen's English
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 04:51 AM PDT
Well, our English friends, today is a good day. Your choice in e-readers is about to get that much better as Barnes & Noble has decided to make your homeland the first stop on its highly-anticipated international tour. The Nook and its associated store will be making their big debut in the UK this October, though how exactly the prices will translate to British Pounds remains to be seen. At first, only the Nook Simple Touch and its Glow Light-equipped sibling will be available through the storefront, but we imagine it won't be long before the company's line of Android tablets make their own splash in the land of tea and James Bond. The e-book store will be launching with a rather respectable catalog of over 2.5 million titles, which should give the new comer a nice running start. You'll find PR after the break, but sadly it's a bit light on finer details. Don't worry, though, we'll be back with more info as we get it.
Barnes & Noble to Offer Its Award-Winning NOOK® Products and Digital Content in the UK Starting This Autumn
Available Through nook.co.uk in Mid-October; Partnerships with Leading UK Retailers to be Announced
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today announced that its award-winning NOOK reading experience and leading digital bookstore are coming to the United Kingdom this autumn through a new www.nook.co.uk online storefront, marking the first time the company will expand its business internationally. The world's largest bookseller will also offer its highly sought-after NOOK digital products and content to UK reading and entertainment lovers through partnerships with leading retailers expected to be announced shortly. These well-known UK partners are expected to support the NOOK offering there through both established physical and online channels.
"Read what they love, anywhere they like™"
The first products to be available when the company begins offering its products in the UK in mid-October include Barnes & Noble's line of critically acclaimed E Ink® Readers, NOOK Simple Touch™ and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight™, the top-ranked eBook readers in the US.
"We are proud to be able to offer our top-rated line of NOOK reading devices and our award-winning digital bookstore to the discerning and highly educated consumers in the UK," said William J. Lynch, Chief Executive Officer at Barnes & Noble. "We're confident our award-winning technology, combined with our expansive content – including books, children's books, magazines, apps, movies and more – will bring UK customers the option they've been waiting for."
With its highly acclaimed NOOK offering, Barnes & Noble has been a leader in creating innovative products that provide the best digital reading and entertainment experience for millions of NOOK customers. The company's many groundbreaking advancements in the digital reading space include creating the 7-inch Reader's Tablet™ category, and the world's first E Ink device with a built-in light for reading in the dark. NOOK products are currently sold in the US at NOOK Digital Shops™ and counters in more than 1,300 Barnes & Noble and Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, and through top US retailers.
The popular NOOK Simple Touch and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight are set to launch in the UK in time for the holiday shopping season. NOOK Simple Touch is the easiest-to-use Reader with the world's best, most paper-like reading screen and longest battery life. NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight adds a patent-pending lighting technology for reading in the dark, so it's like two devices in one, as amazing at the beach as it is in bed. Both of the lightweight devices feature built-in access via WiFi® to Barnes & Noble's leading digital catalog and an ergonomic form with a soft-touch back that's comfortable to hold for hours.
Starting this autumn, UK customers will be able to shop an expansive NOOK Store™ featuring more than 2.5 million digital titles – including top-selling UK books, newspapers and magazines – plus comics, exciting NOOK Apps and more. UK NOOK customers will be able to "Read what they love, anywhere they like™" on NOOK devices as well as their favorite mobile and computing devices using free NOOK reading apps. Purchased NOOK content is always safe and available through NOOK Cloud™. UK residents wishing to learn more about NOOK can visit www.nook.co.uk.
Further product, pricing and availability details will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, operates 691 bookstores in 50 states. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, also operates 647 college bookstores serving over 4.6 million students and faculty members at colleges and universities across the United States. Barnes & Noble conducts its online business through BN.com (www.bn.com), one of the Web's largest e-commerce sites, which also features more than 2.5 million titles in its NOOK Bookstore™ (www.bn.com/ebooks). Through Barnes & Noble's NOOK® eReading product offering, customers can buy and read digital books and content on the widest range of platforms, including NOOK devices, partner company products, and the most popular mobile and computing devices using free NOOK software. Barnes & Noble is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 50 U.S. companies so named. Barnes & Noble.com is ranked the number one online retailer in customer satisfaction in the book, music and video category and a Top 10 online retailer overall in customer satisfaction according to ForeSee E-Retail Satisfaction Index (Spring Top 100 Edition).
General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company's corporate website: www.barnesandnobleinc.com.
NOOK®, NOOK Tablet™, NOOK Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™, NOOK Simple Touch™, NOOK Color™, Reader's Tablet™, Best-Text™ Technology, VividView™, PagePerfect™, NOOK Store™, NOOK Bookstore™, NOOK Book™, NOOK Newsstand™, NOOK Magazine™, NOOK Newspaper™, NOOK Apps™, FREE NOOK Reading Apps™, NOOK Kids™, NOOK Digital Shop™, NOOK Cloud™, NOOK® for Web, Read In Store™, More In Store™, LendMe®, NOOK Books en español™, NOOK Study™, NOOK Library™, Lifetime Library™ and Read What You Love. Anywhere You Like™ are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Other trademarks referenced in this release are the property of their respective owners.
Follow Barnes & Noble on Twitter (www.bn.com/twitter), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/barnesandnoble) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/bnstudio).
About NOOK® from Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble's NOOK brand of eReading products makes it easy to read what you love, anywhere you like™ with a fun, easy-to-use and immersive digital reading experience. With NOOK, customers gain access to Barnes & Noble's expansive NOOK Store™ of more than 2.5 million digital titles, and the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices. NOOK Tablet™ is Barnes & Noble's fastest, lightest tablet with the best in entertainment from top services and everything you want in a tablet at a great value ($179 for NOOK Tablet – 8GB, and $199 for NOOK Tablet – 16GB). Both NOOK Tablet and the award-winning NOOK Color™ ($149) feature a stunning 7-inch VividView™ Color Touchscreen to read all of the content you love, shop popular apps, connect via e-mail, browse the Web and more. NOOK Simple Touch™ ($99) is the fastest, easiest to use reader with the world's best reading screen and the longest battery life and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight™ ($139) features patent-pending lighting technology that makes it perfect for reading at bedtime and on the beach. Barnes & Noble offers NOOK owners Always Free NOOK Support in any of its nearly 700 bookstores, as well as free Wi-Fi connectivity to enjoy the Read In Store™ feature to read NOOK Books™ for free, and the More In Store™ program, which offers free, exclusive content and special promotions. Barnes & Noble was the first company to offer digital lending for a wide selection of books through its LendMe® technology, available through NOOK eReading products. Find NOOK devices in Barnes & Noble stores and online at www.nook.com, as well as at Best Buy, Walmart, Staples, Target, Radio Shack, Books-A-Million, OfficeMax, Fred Meyer, P.C. Richard & Son stores, Office Depot, Fry's Electronics, Kmart, hhgregg, Sears and Systemax Inc. retailers.
In addition to NOOK devices, Barnes & Noble makes it easy for customers to enjoy any book, anytime, anywhere with its Free NOOK Reading Apps™, available at www.nook.com/freenookapps. Customers can use Barnes & Noble's free eReading software to access and read books from their personal Barnes & Noble digital library on devices including iPad™, iPhone®, iPod touch®, Android™ smartphones and tablets, PC and Mac®. Lifetime Library™ helps ensure that Barnes & Noble customers will always be able to access their digital libraries on NOOK products and software-enabled devices and BN.com. Barnes & Noble also offers NOOK Study™ (www.nookstudy.com), an innovative study platform and software solution for higher education, NOOK Kids™ (www.nookkids.com), a collection of digital picture and chapter books for children, and NOOK Books en español™ (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooksenespanol), the first-ever Spanish language digital bookstore in the United States.
For more information on NOOK devices and eReading software, updates, new NOOK Book releases, Free Friday™ NOOK Books and more, follow us on www.twitter.com/nookBN and www.facebook.com/nook.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and information relating to Barnes & Noble that are based on the beliefs of the management of Barnes & Noble as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of Barnes & Noble. When used in this communication, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will" and similar expressions, as they relate to Barnes & Noble or the management of Barnes & Noble, identify forward-looking statements.
Such statements reflect the current views of Barnes & Noble with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others, the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns, decreased consumer demand for Barnes & Noble's products, low growth or declining sales and net income due to various factors, risk that international expansion will not be successfully achieved or may be achieved later than expected, possible disruptions in Barnes & Noble's computer systems, telephone systems or supply chain, possible risks associated with data privacy, information security and intellectual property, possible work stoppages or increases in labor costs, possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service, effects of competition, possible risks that inventory in channels of distribution may be larger than able to be sold, possible risk that returns from consumers or channels of distribution may be greater than estimated, the risk that the expected sales lift from Borders' store closures is not achieved in whole or part, the risk that digital sales growth is less than expectations and the risk that it does not exceed the rate of investment spend, higher-than-anticipated store closing or relocation costs, higher interest rates, the performance of Barnes & Noble's online, digital and other initiatives, the performance and successful integration of acquired businesses, the success of Barnes & Noble's strategic investments, unanticipated increases in merchandise, component or occupancy costs, unanticipated adverse litigation results or effects, product and component shortages, the potential adverse impact on the business resulting from the review of a potential separation of the NOOK digital business, the risk that the transactions contemplated by the partnership with Microsoft to form Newco, including with respect to any spin-off, split-off or other disposition by Barnes & Noble of its interest in Newco, are not able to be implemented on the terms contemplated or at all, the risk that the transactions do not achieve the expected benefits for the parties including the risk that Newco's applications are not commercially successful or that the expected distribution of those applications is not achieved, the risk that the separation of the NOOK digital and College businesses or any subsequent spin-off, split-off or other disposition by Barnes & Noble of its interest in Newco results in adverse impacts on Company or Newco (including as a result of termination of agreements and other adverse impacts), the potential impact on Barnes & Noble's retail business of the separation, the potential tax consequences for Barnes & Noble and its shareholders of a subsequent spin-off, split-off or other disposition by Barnes & Noble of its interest in Newco, the risk that the international expansion contemplated by the relationship is not successful, the risk that Newco is not able to perform its obligations under the commercial agreement, including with respect to the development of applications and international expansion, and the consequences thereof, the costs and disruptions arising out of any such separation of the NOOK digital and College businesses, the risk that Barnes & Noble may not recoup its investments in the NOOK digital business as part of any separation transaction, the risks, difficulties, and uncertainties that may result from the separation of businesses that were previously co-mingled including necessary ongoing relationships, and potential for adverse customer impacts and other factors which may be outside of Barnes & Noble's control, including those factors discussed in detail in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in Barnes & Noble's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A, and in Barnes & Noble's other filings made hereafter from time to time with the SEC. Our forward looking statements relating to international expansion are also subject to the following risks, among others that may affect the introduction, success and timing of the NOOK e-reader and content in countries outside the United States: we may not be successful in reaching agreements with international companies, the terms of agreements that we reach may not be advantageous to us, our NOOK device may require technological changes to comply with applicable laws, and marketplace acceptance and other companies have already entered the marketplace with products that have achieved some customer acceptance.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Barnes & Noble or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph.
Barnes & Noble undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this communication.
Samsung Galaxy S Duos goes official: launches in Europe next month
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 04:34 AM PDT
Aside from that minor labeling at the top, the Galaxy S Duos appears to be trading heavily on the looks of Samsung's latest flagship. That said, it does have its own trick; space for two SIMs. The phone will be able to keep both SIMs running concurrently, with the ability to chat on Carrier A while still fielding incoming calls on Carrier B. The rest of the hardware is less likely to wow, with a now pretty humble 1GHz processor, 1,500mAh battery, 4GB of built-in storage and a five-megapixel camera on the back. The screen seems big enough, with a 4-inch 480 x 800 TFT housed within the 120g frame, happily running Android 4.0. A European launch is pitched for September, with an unspecified roll-out "across other territories" following soon after.
Juggle work and play in style with Samsung GALAXY S DUOS
August 20, 2012 | 0 Comments | Tomorrow Works
Samsung Electronics introduced the Samsung GALAXY S DUOS, the latest addition to the GALAXY smartphone family designed for active young professionals. The GALAXY S DUOS will be available from September starting in Europe and rolled out across other territories.
Samsung's new Android 4.0-powered smartphone is ideal for users who balance fast-paced work and social lifestyles. The GALAXY S DUOS offers all the style and high-end performance users expect from GALAXY smartphones. It also affords the convenience of Dual SIM access, giving the smartphone added communication flexibility.
The Samsung GALAXY S DUOS combines high-end performance with total communication flexibility owing to its Dual SIM functionality, which allows users to manage two phone numbers from a single phone. Its unique 'Dual SIM Always on' feature allows you to receive calls on one SIM number while taking a call from the other, ensuring that you can manage both personal and work commitments without ever missing a call. You also have the flexibility of selecting different billing plans for either SIM, switching between them at your convenience.
The GALAXYS S DUOS doesn't compromise on style or performance. Its rounded edges and smooth ceramic-like finish give it a classy, sophisticated appearance. Its 1GHz processor and 1500mAh battery allow for breezy multi-tasking across the most demanding applications, while the 4GB of on-board storage provides ample space for your favourite images and videos. Its capabilities are boosted by the exciting new features of Android 4.0, which include stunning graphics and upgraded menu systems for easier browsing and navigation.
The GALAXY S DUOS's social and entertainment options are equally impressive. Its generous 4-inch display offers a comfortable viewing experience whether browsing online, reading emails or flicking through photos, and is perfect for watching video or enjoying images taken with the phone's 5MP camera. The preloaded Samsung's ChatON communication service, which connects all phone users into a single community, provides easy instant messaging, group chatting and content sharing in multiple formats-images, video, voice, contacts-to make mobile messaging incredibly simple and intuitive.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 arrives at the Carphone Warehouse
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 04:10 AM PDT
Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 is now available at the Carphone Warehouse for the stylus-toting multi-tasker in your life. The independent UK retailer is selling the 16GB, WiFi version for £400, while the edition equipped with a 3G modem retails for £500. While the latter can make calls, you won't be holding the tablet to your ear to make 'em. Instead, the company thoughtfully included a Bluetooth-enabled S-Pen with a microphone and speaker, making you look a bit more like Maxwell Smart than Dom Joly.
GALAXY NOTE 10.1 NOW AVAILABLE AT CARPHONE WAREHOUSE
LONDON, 20th August 2012 –Hotly anticipated new tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is now available at Carphone Warehouse, priced at £399.99 for the Wi-Fi only variant and £499.99 for the Wi-Fi and 3G version.
This revolutionary Samsung tablet runs on Android Ice Cream Sandwich and opens up a whole new category in the tablet market, through exciting tools that inspire the imagination. The S Pen allows users to create more, produce more, and learn more. It allows content to be created in the most natural way possible, by replicating the precision and versatility of pen and paper.
The innovative S Pen stylus re-writes the rulebook; allowing ease of creative express and bringing ideas to life. Users can draw, sketch, design or produce slick documents on a much larger 10.1"crystal clear screen.
Until this Thursday (24th August) Carphone Warehouse is also offering the original 5.3" Samsung Galaxy Note for the fantastic price of just £21 per month on T-Mobile. The handset is available in black, pink or white.
Netflix nabs a million UK subscribers, promises to 'invest heavily' to outbid Sky for movie rights
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 03:26 AM PDT
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has threatened a bidding war with UK Broadcaster BSkyB for premium movie rights, and he could have the war chest to back it up -- the company also hit the million subscriber mark in the UK only seven months after launching there. Netflix UK boasted that it even got there faster than Twitter or Facebook did globally, and chalked up the success to most British households having at least one household streaming device. Meanwhile, Hastings said the US company intends to pry premium Hollywood movie rights away from BSkyB, promising to be "really aggressive in our bidding." The streaming service will have to overcome more than money, however -- the UK's Competition Commission granted BSkyB a rights extension to protect it from the very likes of Netflix.
UK And Ireland Embrace Netflix
Fastest Territories To Reach One Million Netflix Members
LONDON, Aug. 20, 2012 -- Netflix, Inc., the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying TV series and films, has hit the one million member milestone in the UK and Ireland within seven months, faster than in any other territory it has launched.
To put that in perspective, that's four times faster than it took Twitter to hit one million users globally and nearly twice as fast as it took Facebook and Foursquare globally.
"This membership milestone is evidence that Netflix has rapidly gained popularity in the UK and Ireland," said Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings. "Our British and Irish members clearly enjoy the ability to instantly watch a large variety of TV shows and films streaming from Netflix on their favourite devices whenever they want."
Consumers are spending more time enjoying entertainment online, according to a survey by YouGov for Netflix. Ten percent of the UK population now dedicates two hours or more of their day to watching their favourite TV show delivered through the Internet.
On Netflix, comedy and drama are the top genre choices among UK and Irish members, whose favourite time of the week to enjoy their streaming entertainment is on a Sunday night.
TV presenter and gadget expert, Pollyanna Woodward comments, "Consumers are beginning to spend more time enjoying entertainment online, streaming TV and film, and this trend is only growing. With services like Netflix, consumers can watch their favourite TV shows and films when and how they want."
Netflix is available on over 800 devices. Brits spend £565.21 a year on new electronic gear, according to YouGov, meaning that it is likely that any given household has at least one device that can stream TV shows and films from Netflix.
Netflix members can look forward to a number of great new TV shows and movies coming soon including sentimental buddy comedy "50/50", and blockbusters "2012" and "Iron Man 2." Members can also look forward to "Covert Affairs" and the next season of "Breaking Bad" on Netflix.
Sources:
http://www.businessinsider.com/one-million-users-startups-2012-1?op=1
http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/1142407/Virgin-Media-reaches-one-million-TiVo-customers-revenues-rise-42/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/xbox-live-hits-one-million-member-mark-6102641
YouGov Survey – results can be requested from Netflix
About Netflix:
With more than 27 million streaming members in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world's leading internet subscription service for enjoying films and TV programmes. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can instantly watch films and TV programmes streamed over the internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, internet-connected TVs, home theatre systems, digital video recorders and internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, over 800 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, visit www.netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.
Slacker Radio embraces Pussy Riot through 'Protest' station
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 02:45 AM PDT
There's been plenty of talk about Russian feminist punk collective Pussy Riot in the global media over the past few weeks, but the neon-ski-mask-donning assemblage's music isn't particularly easy to come by here in the States. Streaming music service Slacker is throwing some weight behind the group by adding such government-riling gems as "Putin Wet Himself" and "Kill the Sexist" to its "Protest Radio" station. The station is free and will kick off with one of four PR tracks "for some time," according to the service. You can access the offering below, just make sure you've got some ear holes cut in your own ski mask before you do.
Sony announces new Exmor RS cameraphone sensor: upgraded signal processing, HDR video recording
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 01:48 AM PDT
That camera sensor in your smartphone is very likely to be a Sony-made module which means it's worth keeping an eye on the company's latest sensor developments. Your next phone could be packing one of its latest Exmor RS camera modules, a stacked CMOS image sensor that's currently being readied for future smartphones and tablets. At the moment, three components fall under the new RS label, with two eight-megapixel sensors (one with new camera signal processing tech) and a top-drawer 13-megapixel module. Alongside the new sensors, Sony's crafted new f/2.2 lenses alongside a refreshed auto-focus module and all of them will be capable of HDR video recording. The company's now working on improving sensor behavior, image quality and keeping it all tiny enough for that next pricey phone contract. The first products are expected to arrive in October, so we may not see it in Sony's very next tablet, but development could be done in time for next year's effort -- and help validate the manufacturer's imaging investment.
Commercialization of CMOS image sensor "Exmor RS" the world's first stacked
Also expanded with high quality imaging compact module, such as smart phones and tablets to
- Sony will evolve, World of Digital Imaging
Sony Corporation (hereafter Sony) CMOS image sensor "Exmor RS" newly developed recruitment and ※ 1, the world's first structure "stacked" own commercialized (Exmore ares es), shipments sequentially from October I will start. We will expand the three models imaging module that adopts towards such as smartphones and tablets to achieve and compact, high-performance high image quality further, the image of each sensor CMOS image sensor "Exmor RS" stacked 3 and the model, .
Sony has been actively promoting the future, the expansion of the product mix and technological development of CMOS image sensor "Exmor RS" stacked core technology to evolve products, digital imaging, spread the enjoyment of photography easier to use, which is a device Go.
Three models of "Exmor RS" commercialized, raised the sensitivity without adding pixels (white) W to pixel (red / green / blue) RGB traditional, compromising image quality by and signal processing technology to its own devices this The capabilities and "RGBW Coding" You can shoot, set the exposure conditions of the two in the same screen at the time of shooting cleanly at night or a dark room, by appropriate signal processing to the image obtained there, it is a wide dynamic range to generate an image, the features can be vivid in color backlight "(High Dynamic Range) Movie HDR", "IMX134 of 8.08 million pixels" IMX135 "Type Availability of 13.13 million pixel 1/3.06, valid for 1/4 is ISX014 "" of 8.08 million effective pixels 1/4 type with built-in camera and signal processing, ". Adoption of "stacked structure", in addition to the high image quality and high performance These were both downsizing.
In addition, each image sensor, auto focus to commercialize imaging module "IU135F3-Z" "IU134F9-Z", "IUS014F-Z" a compact unit with a lens with auto-focus mechanism. Imaging module of these three models, high resolution has been achieved by adopting a newly designed lens, which is optimized for the industry's smallest unit pixel ※ 1 1.12μm. "IU135F3-Z" is the auto focus imaging module that employs a high-resolution lens bright F2.2. "IU134F9-Z" is thin and miniaturization has been achieved (W: 4.2mm ※ 4 8.5x D:: 8.5x H). "IUS014F-Z" is an all-in-one imaging module type with a camera signal processing functions on the image sensor, with built-in auto-focus and image quality adjustment.
Future, actively promote the development of CMOS image sensor "Exmor RS" stacked, towards such as smart spaces embedded imaging module is limited by the increase in the size of the display screen, Sony is taking advantage of the features of the structure "stacked" aim was, the commercialization of imaging modules to achieve high performance and miniaturization, higher image quality, while expanding the product mix, we will continue to respond more to the needs of our customers.
By the mobile device market demand, such as smartphones and tablets is growing rapidly, to strengthen the ※ 2 supply system of CMOS image sensors stacked to achieve both miniaturization and high functionality, Sony is leading the CMOS image sensor consolidate the position, I will continue to lead the industry in the future.
CMOS image sensor "Exmor RS" stacked Key Features
Commercialization of "Exmor RS" which adopted the newly developed structure "stacked" the world's first own ※ 1 1)
Both functional and compact, high-image quality enhancement by adopting the layered structure 2).
- On-chip ("IMX135", "IMX134") features "HDR Movie" function and "RGBW Coding"
- Built-in camera signal processing function, automatic control, image quality adjustment, a plurality of image output format support (eg YUV) is ("ISX014") can be
Syfy for iPad app adds Sync feature, second screen content launches Tuesday with Face Off (video)
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 01:33 AM PDT
We're still not sure about the Sci Fi / Syfy Network name switch, but whatever you call it the network is the latest to jump on the trend of second screen features. Currently available on the latest version of its iPad app (and listed as "coming soon" for Android tablets on the official page an in the demo video embedded after the break), Syfy Sync will work with certain shows to pull up interactive content on your mobile device along with whatever is playing on TV. The first show to get the treatment is the season premiere of Face Off airing August 21st. Naturally, there's a social media element as well, with sharing to Facebook and Twitter, as well as integrated GetGlue check-ins. Whether or not you dig the second screen aspects or are just waiting for some better shows to come on, there are other upgrades with a new UI as, show related photo galleries and support for AirPlay to play the app's video clips on your TV. Syfy for iPad 2.0 with sync is available for free in iTunes, we'll let you know when the Android version is upgraded and if similar features head to any other mobile platforms soon.
HTC to lose its $40 million investment from OnLive's financial restructuring
Posted: 20 Aug 2012 12:30 AM PDT
As cloud-based gaming service OnLive struggles to reform itself and cope with its pricey infrastructure, HTC's $40 million investment made last year will disappear completely, according to a recent filing to the Taiwan Stock exchange. OnLive began streaming its gaming selection to Android smartphones and tablets at the end of the same year but we never saw any exclusive features for HTC hardware. Following some tough financial results, it packed up its Korean office and recently returned half its stake in Beats, although its involvement with OnLive had never resulted in the same degree of publicity.
Samsung teases Galaxy Note II, 'a small and light thing' (video)
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 11:56 PM PDT
We're just over two weeks away from Samsung unpacking its latest phone, with the company already pointing to a Galaxy Note successor. Well, here's something to whet the appetites of anyone into big phones -- Samsung's new video teaser for its IFA show. Director Wim Wenders is involved in the trailer, talking up "all the things you can do in the blink on the eye, on such a small and light thing." We also get a glimpse of the new stylus -- but not much else. Take a look for yourself after the break.
[Thanks, Timothy]
Cowon's X9 PMP now shipping, features up to 110 hours of music playback
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:45 PM PDT
The latest addition to Cowon's line of portable media players is reaching consumers' hands in the good, old US of A as shipping is now underway for the X9. The PMP -- which comes in either black or white -- measures 72.5mm wide, 114.9mm tall and weighs in at 159 grams. It also features a 4.3-inch touchscreen, your choice of either 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of internal flash memory, as well as a MicroSD slot. Although good sound quality is typically Cowon's calling card, the X9 also serves up a healthy helping of battery life with the company claiming up to 110 hours of music playback. Operating time when watching video is said to be up to 13 hours while charging time takes 4.5 hours via AC adapter and 6 hours when juicing through a USB connection. Supported file formats include MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, WAV, XviD, WMV and ASF. Unlike the Plenue Z2 and the D3, the X9 opts out of using the Android OS -- which is either good or bad depending on one's preferences. Its 480 x 272 resolution is also decidedly lower than, say, the 800 x 480 seen in the Z2's 3.7-inch screen. As for cost, folks interested in getting the X9 will have to lighten their wallets to the tune of $229.99. For more details, check out the Cowon site via the link below.
Best Buy names Hubert Joly as new CEO, will take on leadership in September
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:15 PM PDT
LG Optimus Vu goes global, trades Snapdragon processor for NVIDIA Tegra 3
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 08:40 PM PDT
LG's extra-wide handset appears to be embarking on a world tour, and its packing a new processor for the trip. The Optimus Vu will be taking NVIDIA'S Tegra 3 chip to select markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America this September. It's still rocking that 5-inch 4:3 ratio IPS display, of course, but gone is any mention of LTE connectivity. There's no word yet if we'll see an LTE-equipped Tegra 3 handset hit Yankee shores when our time comes, but we certainly wouldn't bat an eye. Read on for LG's official press release.
LG ANNOUNCES GLOBAL AVAILABILITY OF OPTIMUS VU:
Largest LG Smartphone to Be Launched in
Europe, Asia, Middle East/Africa and Latin America
SEOUL, Aug. 20, 2012 -– On the heels of its successful debut in Korea and Japan, the Optimus Vu: will make its global debut starting in select markets in Europe, Asia, Middle East/Africa and Latin America starting in September. With the world's first 5-inch 4:3 aspect ratio display, the Optimus Vu: blurs the line between traditional tablets and smartphones for a truly unique smart device experience.
Since its March debut in Korea, the Optimus Vu: has sold over 500,000 units, demonstrating public acceptance of its form-factor. The reception the device received in Korea prompted LG to launch the Optimus Vu: in Japan this month, where it has also been received positively by Japanese consumers.
For the global roll-out, the Optimus Vu: will be equipped with NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 mobile processor, the super 4-PLUS-1™ quad-core with 5th battery-saver core, that offers a superb balance of performance and power requirements. 4 cores are used for high performance tasks such as games and multitasking. For voice call, email, music and video playback, only 5th battery-saver core is enabled and it consumes very less power.
When paired with the high-resolution 5-inch, 4:3 ratio IPS display, the Optimus Vu: becomes something special –- a device that's both pocketable and spacious. The Optimus Vu: will come with an upgraded version of QuickMemo™ and Notebook, two features which make great use of the large display real estate.
"The different form factor makes Optimus Vu: unique even in the 5-inch smartphone category which we expect will catch on once they become more widely available," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
Bioshock custom rig is Big Daddy of pinball machines, gives players a taste of Rapture
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 08:17 PM PDT
If you're going to revisit a certain underwater dystopia, you might as well have a ball. At least that's the approach being taken by Sweden-based DIYer rasmadrak, who has decided to build a Bioshock-themed custom pinball machine just for kicks. The project is filled with lots of neat little touches from Rapture, including Little Sister vents and a few Big Daddy homages. The builder also does a pretty good job of drilling into the details and providing insight on the creation process -- like the challenge in using two different systems such as Arduino and chipKIT together, for example -- via detailed posts in the Poor Man's Pinball! blog. The project proved to be a pleasant shock to the system for fellow pinball aficionado Ben Heck, who gave the project a sprinkling of Heckendorn love via Twitter. Pinball geeks can also follow the saga, so to speak, by checking out the source link below.
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 07:45 PM PDT
Amid the rumors, sourced reports and statements, it was easy to lose track of the facts surrounding OnLive's recent restructuring efforts. No surprise then, that the newly formed outfit has issued a press release and FAQ (after the break) in hopes will clear things up. First and foremost, the firm reiterates that the streaming game service will continue operating uninterrupted, and that the "newly formed company" that acquired the firm's assets will continue to do business under the OnLive name. The announcement also mentions the Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) process OnLive used to settle its debts, noting that "an affiliate" of Lauder Partners, a technology investment firm, was the new OnLive's first investor. Finally, the firm laments the necessity of laying off its staff, stating that "neither OnLive, Inc. shares nor OnLive staff could transfer under this type of transaction," confirming that nearly half of the previous staff had been offered positions at the new company, and optimistically projecting future hires culled from both previous and new employees. The new OnLive calls the asset acquisition "a heartbreaking transition for everyone involved," but looks optimistically to a future of "transforming the OnLive vision into reality." Check out OnLive's full, official word on the matter below.
OnLive Assets Acquired by New Company
All OnLive Services, Devices, Apps and Partnerships Continue Uninterrupted
Lauder Partners Backs New Company as First Investor
Palo Alto, Calif. August 19, 2012 - OnLive, the pioneer of instant-action cloud computing, announced today that on August 17th all of its assets were acquired by a newly formed company that will continue to operate under the OnLive name. The OnLive® Game and Desktop Services, all OnLive Devices and Apps, as well as all OnLive partnerships, are expected to continue without interruption and all customer purchases will remain intact; users are not expected to notice any change whatsoever. OnLive's current initiatives will continue as well, with major announcements of new products and services planned in the coming weeks and months. An affiliate of Lauder Partners was the first investor in the newly-structured company, holding the view that OnLive is the future of computing and entertainment, and a passion to see OnLive's breakthrough technology continue to grow and evolve. The new company structure enables OnLive to do so.
OnLive, Inc.'s board of directors, faced with difficult financial decisions for OnLive, Inc., determined that the best course of action was a restructuring under an "Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors." The assignee of the company's assets then sold all of OnLive, Inc.'s assets (including its technology, intellectual property, etc.) to the new company. Unfortunately neither OnLive, Inc. shares nor OnLive staff could transfer under this type of transaction, but almost half of OnLive's staff were given employment offers by the new company at their current salaries immediately upon the transfer, and the non-hired staff will be given offers to do consulting in return for options in the new company. Upon closing additional funding, the company plans to hire more staff, both former OnLive employees as well as new employees.
The OnLive Service has been in operation 24/7 without interruption since its launch over two years ago, and is expected to continue to operate smoothly under the new company. All games, products and services remain available, and the company has new product and partnership announcements on the way.
OnLive's breakthrough instant-action cloud computing technology has been in development for over a decade and, despite immense skepticism, OnLive successfully deployed this highly disruptive technology as a polished consumer offering with commercial-grade reliability across a vast range of devices, including TVs, tablets, phones, PCs and Macs, connected over almost any Internet connection, including wireless and cellular. Only a few major corporations have ever developed and deployed products and services across such a broad spectrum. OnLive is rare among startups in both the depth and scope of its offerings.
The asset acquisition, although a heartbreaking transition for everyone involved with OnLive, allows the company's core innovation and ongoing offerings–the product of over a decade of hard work transforming the OnLive vision into reality–to survive-and continue to evolve.
Given the widespread speculation about OnLive and the new company, a FAQ is below that addresses a number of questions both for the public and former employees.
Q. Will users see any change in the OnLive Game or Desktop Services? What about their purchases?
A. Users should see no change in the OnLive Game or Desktop Services. All of their purchases remain intact and available. OnLive has been up 24/7 since launch over two years ago and expects to remain so. OnLive has over 2.5 million subscribers, with an active base of over 1.5 million subscribers, connecting from a vast range of devices and networks, with many sessions running for hours. The user base is growing rapidly with OnLive's addition into recently announced devices and TVs from major manufacturers. We expect this growth to continue under the new company.
Q. Is there any cash or stock in the new company provided for any OnLive, Inc. shares?
A. Unfortunately not. The nature of the transaction is such that only assets, not shares, were purchased. This is true for all shares of OnLive, Inc., whether held by investors, employees or executives.
Q. Did Steve Perlman receive stock or compensation in this transaction?
A. Like all shareholders, neither Steve nor any of his companies received any stock in the new company or compensation in this transaction at all. Steve is receiving no compensation whatsoever and most execs are receiving reduced compensation to allow the company to hire as many employees as possible within the current budget.
Q. Did all OnLive, Inc. assets transfer into the new company? Are any assets held by any other party?
A. All of OnLive, Inc.'s assets (e.g. technology, patents, trademarks, etc.) were transferred to an assignee, which then sold the assets to the new company. There was no transfer to any other party.
Q. Have OnLive, Inc. employees been offered positions in the new company?
A. Almost half of OnLive's staff were offered employment at their current salaries in the new company immediately upon the transfer, and the non-hired staff will be given offers to do consulting in return for options in the new company. Upon closing additional funding, the company plans to hire more staff, both former OnLive employees as well as new employees.How would you change Canon's PowerShot G1 X?
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 07:43 PM PDT
Canon's brutally designed PowerShot G1 X eschews flowing lines for angular, boxy lines that may only appeal to fans of Le Corbusier and The Smithsons. However, that harsh body covers a camera aiming to bring DSLR performance in the body of a compact. There are sacrifices, however -- the optical viewfinder is useless, low-light performance isn't good enough and it's got a high price tag. Despite its failings, it managed to win over the heart of our reviewer when shooting pictures in good light. If you own one of these, how do you find it? Could you use it instead of a DSLR, or was the project misguided from the start? Let us know, in the comments below.
Micromax intros supersize-on-a-budget Superfone Canvas A100, more moderate Pixel A90
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 06:15 PM PDT
Extra-large phones often skew towards the, shall we say, pricey side. Micromax is keen to democratize this desire for the gigantic with the Superfone Canvas A100 (shown here on the left). A 5-inch LCD puts the Android 4.0 smartphone fully in phablet territory, but the inside is reasonable enough that those in the company's native India won't break the bank: an 854 x 480 resolution, 5-megapixel rear and VGA front cameras, a dual-core 1GHz processor, 4GB of built-in space and a microSD slot keep the dual-SIM phone down to Earth. Micromax also has us covered if we want a slightly more hand-portable size. The Superfone Pixel A90 touts a 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 Super AMOLED screen and brings in the added punch of an 8-megapixel rear camera on top of the A100's baseline hardware. Either comes with the designer's Siri-alike, AISHA, and should already be on Indian shelves with a slight twist in pricing -- the bigger Canvas A100 is the more affordable of the two at a modest 9,999 rupees ($180) off-contract, while the A90's slightly more exotic technology carries a 12,990-rupee ($234) price.
[Thanks, Kishore]
Refresh Roundup: week of August 13th, 2012
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 05:21 PM PDT
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Official Android updates
- LG Optimus 4G LTE: Bell Mobility customers will find that Android 4.0 is now available for an over-the-air download for this smartphone. [MobileSyrup]
- Samsung Galaxy S III: T-Mobile's premiere handset is now eligible for an OTA update that's said to squash a few bugs that relate to mobile hotspot functionality and the arrangement of icons on the home screen. Like we've seen on other domestic carriers, this update also removes universal search functionality. Fortunately, the folks over at xda-developers have already developed a way to re-enable the feature. [TmoNews, xda-developers]
- HTC Rezound: Global roaming support is now available for the Rezound on Verizon Wireless by way of an OTA update. The latest software version also brings a new data widget, enables IPv6 and now shows the correct number of devices connected via mobile hotspot. Curiously, the separately available update for Google Maps has been said to cause some reboot issues for a handful of users. [Android Police 1, 2]
- Samsung Galaxy R: Android 4.0 is now for available both over-the-air download and through Samsung Kies within Sweden. [Android Central]
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
- HTC Amaze 4G: Members of xda-developers are closing in on a fully functional port of CyanogenMod 9 to the HTC Amaze 4G. As it stands, issues remain with both GPS and data connectivity. [Thanks, Rip] [xda-developers]
- AOKP: The crew in charge of this popular custom ROM have now gone on record to state that official, non-nightly versions of Jellybean-based ROMs can be expected in the near future. [Droid Life]
Other platforms
- Nokia Lumia 900: The Windows Phone Tango update is now available for Lumia 900 handsets throughout the US and Canada. Among the improvements are a flip-to-silence feature, along with enhancements to both camera performance and battery life. [Nokia Conversations]
Refreshes we covered this week
- Motorola posts Android bootloader unlock page, lets just one device pass muster
- ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 gets Jelly Bean update, TF700 looks at watch impatiently
- Android Open Source Project targets Sony Xperia S, wants to get experimental
- CM10 nightly builds now rolling out to select devices
- Samsung Galaxy S III on Verizon gets one-click bootloader unlock, freedom is just a Google Play away
- Custom ROM brings Android 4.0.4 to the Desire HD, does what HTC wouldn't
- Sony starts pushing Android 4.0 update to Xperia P owners, Xperia U and more coming soon
- Google's Voice Search on Android adds support for 13 additional languages
- Google enables Play Store delta updates, helps you conserve precious data
- Samsung Galaxy S III bootloader for Verizon can now be unlocked: take that, Big Red (update: video)
- Official Jelly Bean for Samsung Galaxy S III spotted in the wild, blends old with new (video)
- LG confirms Optimus 2X will indeed be updated to ICS... in Korea, at least
- T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus getting ICS today; Springboard update coming tomorrow
- Motorola Droid 4's Android 4.0 upgrade clears Verizon hurdles, brings global roaming soon (update: starts today)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi gets taste of Ice Cream Sandwich in the US
Autonomous Wave Glider bot launched to track sharks, beam real-time data to your iPhone and iPad
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 04:12 PM PDT
When they're not breaking world records, fuel-hating Wave Glider seabots like to indulge in other hobbies, like shark tracking. One of the vessels has just been launched off the coast near San Francisco (vid after the break), adding a mobile worker to the existing local network of buoy-mounted receivers. They monitor the movements of electronically tagged sea life, including the fearsome Great White, picking up signals within a 1,000-foot range while researchers from Stanford University analyze the data from the safety of the shore. Better still, the free Shark Net iOS app gives anyone the chance to track these things, and activity should increase as the monitoring network (hopefully) expands along the west coast and more bots are introduced. You didn't think the world's fascination sharks was limited to only a single single week, did you?
Sea-Surfing "Wave Glider" Robot Deployed to Help Track White Sharks in the Pacific
New high-tech ocean observers debut in "The Blue Serengeti"; "Shark Net" app lets public follow tagged animals in real time
Monterey Bay, CA, August 16, 2012-A sleek, unmanned Wave Glider robot has been deployed off the US coast near San Francisco -- the latest addition to an arsenal of ocean observing technologies revealing in real time the mysterious travels of great white sharks and other magnificent marine creatures.
The self-propelled wave and solar-power glider is part of a new network including data receivers on fixed buoys that will pick up signals from acoustic tags on animals passing within 1,000 feet and transmit the data to a research team on shore, led by Stanford University Marine Sciences Prof. Barbara Block.
The long-lasting, relatively inexpensive acoustic tags and the local array of both fixed and mobile ocean transmitters will fine tune 12 years of insights gleaned from satellite-connected tags used to follow thousands of animals throughout their entire Pacific journeys.
Dr. Block and her team are on a mission to create a "wired ocean" where live feeds of predator movements are relayed by a series of "ocean WiFi hotspots" on moored buoys and selfpropelled Wave Gliders carrying acoustic receivers.
The technology is central to Dr. Block's "Blue Serengeti Initiative," which builds on the Tagging of Pacific Predators (TOPP) project, part of the international Census of Marine Life
(2000-2010).
"Our goal is to use revolutionary technology that increases our capacity to observe our oceans and census populations, improve fisheries management models, and monitor animal responses to climate change," says Dr. Block.
The bright yellow, seven-foot long Wave Glider and fixed buoys will transmit data this summer and fall from animals off the California coast near San Francisco, between Monterey Bay and Tomales Point. In time Dr. Block hopes to extend this ocean observing network down the entire west coast of North America, tracking animals that range in size from salmon smolts to large ocean going predators such as white, mako and salmon sharks.
Says Dan Basta, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service: "Animals may tell us more about how the world works and is changing then any other source of knowledge."
Importantly, the public can now follow the tracking of animals in real time on a smartphone
and tablet computer app.
"Shark Net," a new iOS app available free of charge at the Apple app store, was created by Dr. Block and her colleagues with developers from TOPP, EarthNC and Gaia GPS to enable a direct, personal connection between the public and wild marine animals and to raise public awareness of the ocean wilderness teeming with life just off North America's West Coast.
The TOPP project was a collaboration among 75 scientists from five nations, who utilized an array of electronic tags to follow the migrations of more than 4,300 individual animals, including sharks, tunas, whales, seals, seabirds and turtles. After a decade of research, and more than 300,000 days of animal tracking data, the TOPP team demonstrated that the West
Coast of North America is an important hotspot for animals ranging throughout the Pacific – aggregating predators as diverse as bluefin tunas, white and mako sharks, sooty shearwaters and leatherback sea turtles, elephant seals and blue whales on a seasonal basis that reaches a peak in later summer and early fall.
Wiring up top ocean predator "cafés"
Using these findings, the team is wiring up the hot spots, strategically deploying acoustic detection buoys in key locations where they know white sharks tend to congregate during the time they spend close to shore. The app receives detection data from these buoys, and will notify users when a white shark passes within 1,000 feet or so of the listening device.
With highly customizable interactive maps, users are able to explore the regions inhabited by the northern California white sharks, complete with listening buoys and wave gliders, which are tracked in real time. From the map the user can click to a media-rich gallery view, with photos, videos, historical tracking data and 3D interactive models. These models include buoys and Wave Gliders, as well as photo-realistic sharks complete with unique markings and fin shapes that the researchers use to recognize individuals in the wild. The sharks and their stories are featured on the show "Great White Highway" this Thursday night at 9 pm on the US Discovery Channel's Shark Week.
The app and the technology behind it was funded in part by a $104,000 Rolex Award for Enterprise given to Dr. Block earlier this year. Additional support was provided by Discovery Communications, the Expo '90 Foundation's Cosmos Prize and Liquid Robotics. Dr. Block also partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and Vemco in Canada.
"My mission is to protect ocean biodiversity and the open sea," says Dr. Block, the Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Professor in Marine Sciences, Biology at Stanford.
Says Dr. Randall Kochevar, one of the Stanford University developers of the app: "People realize this is important, but it's hard for them to connect on a visceral, personal level to the incredible biodiversity in their own backyard. Through this app, we're able to put the Blue Serengeti right in their hands. They can follow individual sharks and learn about their lives and feeding habits."
Dr. Block hopes the project -- involving science, technology, the documentary, and an iPad, iPhone app -- will help create a better understanding of the California ocean ecosystems and the personal connections and awareness required to protect sharks, tunas and turtles swimming close by.
She's also working on a plan to obtain United Nations World Heritage Site designation for regions of the California current-which Dr. Block likens in importance to the vast African Serengeti plains because of its vital diversity and abundance of life.
"This place is one of the last wild places left on Earth" she says.
"Barbara Block's work is essential in educating the public about the magnificent predators that live in the oceans," says Rebecca Irvin, director of Rolex Philanthropy. "She was selected for a Rolex Award for Enterprise because her use of technology is at the forefront of marine conservation. We are delighted that she is using part of her Rolex Award to allow greater understanding of marine biodiversity. We hope that her public awareness campaign will ultimately lead to the California Current being named a World Heritage Site."
The Awards for Enterprise and the Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative are Rolex's two flagship philanthropic programmes. Initiated in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster, the Rolex Awards fund new and ongoing projects that address pressing needs around the world and advance human knowledge and well-being. The Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative has, since 2002, paired master artists with emerging talents in six disciplines for a year of one-to-one collaboration.
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Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 02:20 PM PDT
Not that we were on pins and needles wondering what Motorola's September 5th event would contain, but what vestige of mystery was left may just have been sapped away. A quartet of Motorola tutorial videos newly uncovered by YouTube user revowii walk users through the unannounced XT926, better known in unofficial circles as the Droid RAZR HD. It's all about the looks in this leak: other than the conspicuous link to Verizon, what's mostly validated here is the expected use of a customized Android 4.0 with on-screen navigation keys, much like the Atrix HD in AT&T's corner of the universe. Earlier murmurings have the Droid RAZR HD carrying the same Snapdragon S4, 720p screen and LTE as well, which could leave the CDMA voice network, NFC and possibly increased storage as the only real differences. We'll know the full truth in about two weeks' time, but those who don't mind a peek into the possible future can hop past the story break to indulge in some video time traveling.
Switched On: The watch and the workhorse
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 01:48 PM PDT
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
In mature, competitive markets flooded with products, many brands come and go. Last week, though, two companies came to New York City to celebrate milestone anniversaries of their electronic products. Lenovo celebrated the 20th anniversary of the ThinkPad as Casio marked the 30th anniversary of the G-Shock watch. The notebook PC remains among the most versatile and complex devices consumers use today while the watch is one of the simplest. Yet some commonality between these two products may include lessons for other technology products that wish to remain around for decades.
Durability
Perhaps one aid to building brands that last is building products that actually last. Both companies pointed out the toughness of their products. Indeed, the idea behind G-Shock was to build "an unbreakable watch" and the company continues to roll out new approaches to protect its timepieces against impact, vibration and centrifugal force. Casio executives showed off all kinds of watch-torture devices, including a live demonstration in which it survived being shot out of a watch cannon. (Warning: Do not try this with your watch cannon at home.)
It's been a while since we've seen Lenovo ads highlight the ThinkPad's "roll cage" and other safety measures as it has played up its "For those who do" campaign. While ruggedness isn't quite as intrinsic to its laptop, Lenovo relied instead on anecdotes about the ThinkPad's resilience. A guest speaker noted that seven of them were subject to the harsh environment, cramped accommodations and sometimes the wandering limbs of rookie astronauts on the Space Shuttle.
Design
The ThinkPad sub-brand is so strong that it has even survived a corporate adoption from a parent (IBM) that was once synonymous with PCs
Many years ago, the designer of an early smartwatch defended the girth of the wearable device by noting that bulky watches were "in." He was referring primarily to the G-Shock, which not only has several distinctive facades, but also has branched out into a Baby-G sub-brand as well as collaborations with several designers. A Casio presentation mentioned one collector who has over 200 Casio G-Shocks. That's a lot for a watch designed not to break.
The ThinkPad sub-brand is so strong that it has even survived a corporate adoption from a parent (IBM) that was once synonymous with PCs. Lenovo went into more depth about the design of its ThinkPad, including its well-regarded keyboard and signature TrackPoint -- a user-input device once offered by several Windows laptop makers including Dell and Toshiba, but for which Lenovo is now the main champion among major brands. Lenovo even talked about the meaning of the color black, which it identified with power and sex, and the decision to put the angled ThinkPad logo in the corner of the lid, a contrast to the central placement used by rivals.
Of course, no discussion of ThinkPad design history would be complete without mentioning the "Butterfly" expanding keyboard on the ThinkPad 701C which, despite landing a space in the permanent collection in the New York's Museum of Modern Art, was never implemented on another model as screen sizes grew. It's surprising that Lenovo or a licensee hasn't sought to bring it back in this era of 7-inch tablets and smartphones.
Development
While the watch and the notebook have become staples in many of our lives, new converged devices are challenging their supremacy. Casio and Lenovo embraced their role of brand caretakers to show that their products won't rest on their respective legacies. The rise of smartphones, all of which can relay the time among so much other pertinent information, has made the wristwatch more about fashion than function. In response, a string of smartwatches from companies such as Pebble, MetaWatch and Cookoo have attracted funding via Kickstarter. These watches connect to smartphones and sometimes use advanced displays to show a host of glance-able data.
Casio, too, is hopping on the Bluetooth bandwagon with its forthcoming GB6900, but its connected watch will retain the same display as current G-Shocks, relying on its paired partner for more mundane tasks such as automatic resetting of time depending on the time zone and alerts for when the watch gets out of range from the smartphone, hinting that one may have left it behind.
As for Lenovo, the tablet threatens to disrupt several of the ThinkPad's characteristics such as its TrackPoint and keyboard (as well as the software library advantages it enjoys supporting Windows). But there was no grousing about Surface as Lenovo unveiled its next ThinkPad tablet, which will support Windows 8. Rather, it teased hybrid products in the wings.
The G-Shock GB6900 Bluetooth watch and the ThinkPad Tablet 2 with Windows 8 both represent relatively low-risk plays for the venerable brands. Whether they are enough to keep both product lines growing as their categories are under siege is a drama that will play out in the decades to come.
Ross Rubin (@rossrubin) is principal analyst at Reticle Research, an advisory firm focused on consumer technology. Views expressed in Switched On are his own.
AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 12:56 PM PDT
Saving a few short-term bucks on a subsidized tablet by inking a two-year contract with AT&T may be a thing of the past. According to a document sent to us by a tipster, Ma Bell will no longer offer discounted, on-contract slates as of August 19th. However, it looks like Big Blue is still happy to offer slabs at standard, no-commitment prices along with DataConnect and MobileShare plans. Head past the break if you'd like to take a peek at the notice in deeper detail.
PSA: Nintendo 3DS XL now available in US, AC adapter included
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 12:15 PM PDT
That Japan-exclusive Pikachu clamshell might be slightly out of reach for US buyers, but starting today they can pick up a regular 3DS XL to the tune of $200. The oversized Nintendo handheld surpasses its predecessor in just about every category, shining through our review gauntlet with more battery life, a more comfortable grip and a more luxurious screen. On top of the usual fare, US buyers will also receive a power adapter, a necessary accessory that was oddly left out of the Japanese and European releases. Oh, and if you're looking for something new to play on that shiny hardware, New Super Mario Bros. 2 hits the US eShop today as well.
Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one
Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT
Admittedly, Finland's seen better days in the mobile industry, but that hasn't stopped the townspeople in Savonlinna from hosting the 13th annual Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships to brighten things up. In fact, the recycling awareness event went so well that 18-year-old Ere Karjalainen set a new championship record of 101.46 meters. The secret? Just an old Nokia device (obviously) plus a bit of preparation the day before -- "mainly by drinking."
While Finnish organizer Christine Lund claims this is a new world record, a little digging revealed that Britain's Chris Hughff threw -- as a guest participant -- a 102.68 meter distance at JIM Mobile's Belgium Championships earlier this year. Despite the utilization of a laser rangefinder plus video proof after the break, Lund dismissed the "unofficial" event's record, according to the AAP. Regardless, Karjalainen is no doubt the latest sweetheart amongst Finnish geeks.
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