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- LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video)
- All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video)
- Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET!
- Motorola Defy Pro arrives in Rogers stores for $275
- PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots
- MetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat plan
- FCC report says 19 million americans still without broadband access
- TomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social features
- Robot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDogs sit
- Sony Xperia J gets a pre-unveiling hands-on, suggests we'll get exactly what we pay for
- Skype adds photo sharing to iPad and iPhone app, soups up performance for both
- Barnes and Noble sees quarterly sales surge, losses fall to $41 million
- Insert Coin: Instacube is a hip, Android-based digital photo frame for your Instagram feeds
- Canon announces PowerShot SX500 IS, SX160 IS superzoom cameras ahead of Photokina
- Diamond Multimedia outs AMP1000 Android set-top box: Gingerbread-based, 1080p, sells for $120
- Jawbone takes a cue from Colorware, will let customers order the Jambox speaker in custom colors
- Acer launches Liquid Gallant, Liquid Gallant Duo in preparation for IFA
- MakerPlane lets you build an experimental aircraft with digital printers
- ooVoo updates its iOS and Android apps to support four-way video calls
- Apple gets patent for process that replaces unwanted media with user content
- Google grabs glove-based input patent, could spell out gesture control
- Samsung spending $4 billion to renovate Austin chip factory
- T-Mobile and Orange to rebrand as Everything Everywhere, sell 4G spectrum to rival Three (update)
- Panasonic expands smart home appliance line, adds Android Smart App, cloud services
- TechBASIC 2.3 links iOS to world of sensors through Bluetooth, no pesky computers in the way (video)
- Victorinox nixes software updates for USB drives, security certificate to expire in September
- Ofcom approves Everything Everywhere's early 4G plans, starting next month (update)
- Back in the BBS days: how-to helps newbs navigate to a pre-internet playground
- Sony NEX-5R and NEX-6 allegedly get pictured, flaunt WiFi logos (updated with leaked press shots)
- Israeli donkeys get WiFi-equipped for historical theme park
- Maxthon web browser arrives in bite-sized form for iPhone
- BitInstant founder says BitCoin debit card to launch within next two months
- Motorola's latest ITC complaint against Apple targets newer iOS devices and Macs, messaging and sync
- RadioShack No Contract Wireless may be getting ready to launch September 5th
- Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9:30PM ET
- NetTalk updates Android application with fresh UI, new in-app features
- Alpha Range iOS game requires a pico projector and laser pointer, we go hands-on (video)
- Liquidware team crafts laser tripwire that tweets intruder alerts, keeps fake sharks at bay (video)
- Microsoft opens $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade registration for purchasers of Windows 7 PCs
- IEEE pushes for Ethernet standard between 400Gbps and 1Tbps, hopes to head off big data crunch
| LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video) Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:49 AM PDT The recent unveiling of that LTE-loaded Galaxy S Lightray doesn't appear to have slowed down MetroPCS, as the Texas-born carrier's quickly following up with yet another 4G handset to bring to its growing smartphone portfolio. Enter the economical 3.5-inch LG Motion 4G. Unlike the aforementioned offering from Samsung, however, the wallet-friendly network's now betting high on selling this new handset on the cheap and, naturally, is flaunting the "4G LTE For All" unlimited access as one of the device's biggest traits. But how exactly does it stack up in the real world? Well, the good news is we were amongst a select group of folks gathered at Manhattan's Andaz, and were lucky enough to take it for a quick spin. So head on past the break to get a better feel for our first, early-on impressions of MetroPCS' newest Android slab.
For starters, the LG Motion 4G's already one big step ahead of other member of the MetroPCS family, simply by coming pre-loaded with Mountain View's Ice Cream Sandwich, or version 4.0.4 to be exact. That very flavor of Google's mobile OS is paired nicely alongside an undisclosed 1.2GHz, dual-core processor that makes for a smooth all-around experience when browsing anything from the web to a variety of applications. Of course, the display size will be looked upon as a con within the device by some, though its other features might make up for the lack of screen real estate. Speaking of which, the carrier's first ICS device is also sporting a 5-megapixel shooter on the back that's capable of 1080 videos and 5GB of onboard storage that can be expanded to 32GB via the microSD slot. As far as apps, MetroPCS didn't stuff too much bloatware inside LG's Motion 4G, but there are inclusions like the company's 411 service. All in all, not too shabby, especially when you take into consideration it's selling for $149 with no contracts attached. You can check out our hands-on video right down below. |
| All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video) Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:20 AM PDT Bob Averill, who introduced us to the world of underwater hamster care, had a couple of other projects to show us during our visit to Portland, Oregon, including the All-Weather Motorcycle Helmet. What, you ask, makes a motorcycle helmet "all-weather?" Why, built-in heating and cooling, of course. Averill started with a standard Vega modular helmet, adding an evaporative cooler powered by a solar panel on top. The cooler pulls air from an intake on the helmet's side, sucking up more air at higher speeds and blowing it through a sponge, across the wearer's face. When things get too cold, there's a heater built into the liner, created from a heated mouse pad and powered by a lithium battery. Averill is looking to get the project mass-produced, but that's easier said than done, when it comes to a safety products like this -- and Kickstarter, apparently, isn't playing ball. Check out a video of the helmet after the break.
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| Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET! Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:00 AM PDT As Leno and Letterman always say, we've got a great show for you coming up as Richard Lai joins the mobile podcast crew to opine on phones from the other side of the Pacific. Okay, Leno and Letterman don't say that last part, but definitely the first. Regardless, tune in to today's mobile podcast for fresh news, reviews and rants from the week that was. August 21, 2012 2:00 PM EDT This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Motorola Defy Pro arrives in Rogers stores for $275 Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:38 AM PDT Canadians who need a handset capable of withstanding the frantic hustle of life can now avail themselves of Motorola's Defy Pro. The "lifeproof" smartphone should be able to withstand water, dust and hockey sticks, with a touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard working together in perfect harmony. While it's not yet online at Rogers, the chaps at MobileSyrup found units available in store -- setting you back $275 outright or from as low as a few pennies on the right contract. |
| PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:12 AM PDT Microsoft is working on another update for the Xbox 360 dashboard, which means some lucky individuals will be able to get a sneaky peek thanks to the company's closed beta. Our tipsters have told us it's adding a further 500,000 slots for users on a first come, first served basis for this year's annual refresh -- expected to include Internet Explorer, Pins, and Smartglass amongst others. If you're interested in getting involved, we suggest sprinting on down to the source link to try and beat the rush. [Thanks, Anonymous!] |
| MetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat plan Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:07 AM PDT LTE doesn't have to mean premium pricing -- just ask MetroPCS. The budget carrier, notable for its recent launch of VoLTE, has announced the availability of a limited time promo service bundling unlimited voice, text and data dubbed Wireless for All. And to help give that initiative a proper public splash, the company's tossed in some new kit: LG's Motion 4G. That handset, a humble 3.5-incher, is actually the first Android 4.0 device to bow on the company's lineup and bears a familiar dual-core CPU setup clocked at 1.2GHz, HVGA display, 5GB of internal storage (expandable to 32GB via microSD), a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p video and 1,700mAh battery. As ICS handsets come, it's certainly no big leaguer, but at $149, plus the addition of that all-you-can eat $55/mo plan, it's hard to find fault with affordable. Skip on past the break to peruse the company's official presser. MetroPCS Delivers 4G LTE for All with Even More Affordable 4G LTE Android Smartphone and Unbeatable Unlimited 4G LTE Data Plan At $149, LG Motiontm 4G brings affordability and strong performance to MetroPCS' 4G LTE smartphone line-up DALLAS – (August 21, 2012) – MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) now offers more choices for those consumers who want to have it all from their wireless service at unparalleled value with a new even more affordable addition to its 4G LTE smartphone portfolio – the LG Motiontm 4G. The powerful AndroidTM smartphone puts a feature-rich handset experience and exceptional 4G LTE service within reach for value-conscious consumers – starting at just $40 per month – taxes and regulatory fees included. Building on its vision to provide the best deal in town for 4G LTE, MetroPCS also today unveiled a promotional 4G LTE service plan that is only available for a limited time but offers benefits that can last a lifetime – unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data for only $55 per month for a single line. Families can get this unbeatable offer for just $50 per month on the account's second, third and fourth lines. Even though the promotional service plan is available for a limited time only, customers will continue to receive service at the promotional price for as long as they maintain service with MetroPCS. The $55 service plan can save individuals up to $2,200 over the course of two years in service costs alone when compared to similar competitor offers. MetroPCS is celebrating the launch of this new handset and unlimited 4G LTE promotional plan launches by offering consumers a mail-in rebate on the second of any two 4G LTE smartphone purchases. The rebate offer applies to all MetroPCS 4G LTE phones, including the newly launched LG Motion 4G, meaning customers can get a feature-rich 4G LTE smartphone for as low as $99 plus tax and unlimited 4G LTE wireless service for as low as $50 per month. As MetroPCS' first smartphone powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), the LG Motion 4G has everything consumers need to fully utilize the benefits of one of the most advanced Android versions available. Its 1.2 GHz dual-core processor makes multi-tasking easy while consumers use the phone's 5MP still camera, 1080p HD video recorder and browse the web and multimedia on the 3.5" touchscreen. Additional features include: The LG Motion 4G supports MetroPCS' 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot service, for additional charge, and is offered at $149 plus tax. Consumers interested in purchasing the device can visit their local MetroPCS store or go online to purchase the phone and sign up for service beginning later this week. |
| FCC report says 19 million americans still without broadband access Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:01 AM PDT The FCC believes that 19 million Americans don't have access to broadband, defined as internet access at a speed of 4 megabits per second or more. Understandably, rural areas are the worst hit, with 14.5 million out in the sticks without access, with areas like West Virginia lacking coverage for 45.9 percent of its population. It's not limited to the wide open spaces of states like Montana (16.7 percent) however, even tech-heavy states like California lack access for 35 percent of its denizens. The commission's Connect America fund is charged with closing this gap, and has already awarded CenturyLink $35 million to connect 45,000 homes in under-served areas as part of a plan to help seven million more people get online by 2018. |
| TomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social features Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:36 AM PDT TomTom has refreshed its Navigation App for iPhone and iPad with a new user interface, Foursquare integration and constantly updated maps. It'll also automatically check into your favorite hangouts to avoid forgetting to oust your frenemies at your local coffee house. The revised application will also help you avoid French speed traps that don't fall foul of new laws on traffic alerts, with the whole thing playing very nice with the recently announced car kit. The app retails for €70 ($87) in the App Store -- although we're not sure how popular it's going to be if those same features will be bundled in iOS 6. TomTom updates its Navigation app for iPhone and iPad ~ Introducing new ways to find new places ~ AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TomTom launches a new version (v1.11) of its Navigation app for iPhone and iPad. Customers with an older version of the app can download it for free. They'll then be able to navigate to addresses found on the internet, search with foursquare™*, and get the very latest TomTom maps. Drivers can now quickly and easily navigate to places they've found on websites and other apps by copying an address and pasting it into their TomTom Navigation app. There's no need to type as the app will automatically work out the destination and direct them straight there. While v1.10 integrated Facebook Places with the app, v1.11 adds foursquare. After linking foursquare to the TomTom app, users can search and navigate to their favourite foursquare places, checking in to collect points on arrival. "Drivers now have new ways to find places with their TomTom app," says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director Consumer at TomTom. "This should be particularly helpful when people are off on holidays and day trips. They can find great places to visit and get there fast with foursquare or a quick copy-paste. And that leaves more time to relax and have fun." Beyond the new search facilities, v1.11 brings many more improvements to TomTom Navigation for iPhone. Customers will get the very latest TomTom maps, along with a new certified Danger Zones service that helps drivers deal with speed cameras in France while staying within new laws against camera alerts. Numerous changes have also been made to the user interface to make the app even more intuitive to use. Coinciding with the release of v1.11, TomTom has recently also launched a new Hands-Free Car Kit for iPhone. This car kit complements the app perfectly, with an in-built 2 watt speaker bringing high-quality audio to both navigational directions and hands-free calls. A new switch on the latest version of the app for iPhone means that drivers can quickly choose to stream their iPhone audio through to their car kit. |
| Robot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDogs sit Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:11 AM PDT Robot Hall of Fame® Invites Public To Vote Online For Its Next Induction Class For Education & Consumer robots, the nominees are: WALL-E, a waste-collecting robot that is the hero, love interest and namesake of Pixar's 2008 computer-animated science fiction film; The nominees in the Industrial & Service category are: In the Research category, the nominees are: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1lgnu) This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Sony Xperia J gets a pre-unveiling hands-on, suggests we'll get exactly what we pay for Posted: 21 Aug 2012 07:47 AM PDT Giving Sony phones hands-on time before they're even announced must be in vogue this year. Hot on the heels of its look at what's now called the Xperia T, Mobile-review has given the entry-level Xperia J a full inspection without even the hint of a press release in sight. The very, very early review makes clear that cost-cutting is the rule of the day: a 2010-era Snapdragon chip, 512MB of RAM and a fairly low-grade 4-inch LCD don't afford much in the way of bragging rights. The absence of a microSD card slot doesn't win any fans, either. Still, the Xperia J looks to be carrying a lightweight instance of Android 4.0 that keeps it reasonably up to date, the battery life is good and the 5-megapixel camera will capture some memories in a pinch. Sony could supposedly have its starter phone on the market as early as September, and for as little as 150 euros ($186) outside of a contract -- no doubt the real selling point if it's at all true, as the cost would be roughly half that of the already budget-minded Xperia U. |
| Skype adds photo sharing to iPad and iPhone app, soups up performance for both Posted: 21 Aug 2012 07:23 AM PDT Sure there are already a slew of photo sharing options for mobile apps, but those who do most of their chatting in Skype will surely welcome the addition of the feature for iOS devices. Thanks to a new update, folks utilizing the VoIP service on their iPhone and iPad will be able to send photos of any size on their mobile devices. The update also brings some boosts to overall performance, according to Skype, including faster load times and less power hogging. The update is available for devices running iOS 4.3 or later, including the 3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S over on the iPhone side of things. More info can be found in the source link below. |
| Barnes and Noble sees quarterly sales surge, losses fall to $41 million Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:57 AM PDT Barnes & Noble has had a quarter worth remembering, bringing in $1.5 billion and reducing its losses to $41 million -- down from $57 million last year. Retail business was up, thanks to the closure of Borders branches and blockbuster sales of Fifty Shades of Grey, while College sales increased quarterly losses by $2 million to $14 million. While online sales fell 7.6 percent and the Nook business remained flat, the company saw digital content purchases skyrocket by 46 percent -- and the company couldn't produce enough GlowLight devices to satisfy demand. Wondering about the company's tie-up with Microsoft? There's still no news beyond that it hopes the new partnership will be up and running by the fall. 08/21/2012 Barnes & Noble Reports Fiscal 2013 First Quarter Financial Results Digital Content Sales Increase 46% New York, NY (August 21, 2012)-Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) today reported sales and earnings for its fiscal 2013 first quarter ended July 28, 2012. 2013 1Q Financial Results |
| Insert Coin: Instacube is a hip, Android-based digital photo frame for your Instagram feeds Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:24 AM PDT In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Ever wished you had another option aside from using Instagram's mobile apps and permalinks for viewing your retrofied photos? The folks at D2M certainly did, resulting in what it likes to call Instacube. The square gizmo is essentially a 7.5-inch (2.5 inches deep), OneStep-themed digital photo frame purposed specifically for displaying and interacting with Instagram photo feeds. Up front, a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen (600 x 600, the full resolution of photos on the service) allows you to tap between pictures and type when needed. Apart from that, three physical buttons on its top handle power, switching feeds and favoriting photos. Basically, the unit looks out for your specified hashtags so it can follow multiple Instagram feeds and automatically cycle through the images -- niche yes, but it's still undeniably cool. Android runs the show (no word on what version) atop an undisclosed ARM processor that's bundled with 4GB of storage and 256MB of RAM, while b/g/n WiFi keeps it connected to Instagram independently. Speaking to its OS, tinkerers should be pleased to know that D2M plans to continually enhance its functionality, and potentially open it up to developers. Also worth note, Instacube sports a built-in rechargeable battery, allowing you have it operate completely untethered when the mood strikes. Interested in pledging your own coin to help fund the project? 1,000 backers can get in on their own Instacube for a cool $99, after which it'll jump to $150. Another 1,000 can get a duo for $199, and the same goes for a limited edition "vintage spring" green variant that'll set you back $249 a piece. Past that, bulk options are on offer maxing out at $5,000 for 40 units, and $10,000 for 25 and a "Design Experience" with D2M. All in all, the Instacube project has 31 days to reach a $250,000 funding goal, with the first units set to ship in March 2013 if all goes well -- hopefully we'll see more than just renders of it well before then. Hit up the project at source link and the video overview past the break if you're interested in liberating your Instagram snaps to that larger display.
Previous project update: As of two days ago, the Luminode dimmer switch ended its funding run, surpassing a $35k Kickstarter goal by $1,309 thanks to 116 backers. |
| Canon announces PowerShot SX500 IS, SX160 IS superzoom cameras ahead of Photokina Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT Digital imaging buffs are certain to experience a whirlwind autumn, but there's nothing on the books saying that manufacturers need wait for the biennial Photokina expo to roll out new models. Just in time for the back-to-school season, Canon is announcing two new superzoom cams -- the SX160 IS will serve as the successor to the SX150, while the SX500 IS is an entirely new camera, set to sit alongside the company's SX40 HS and SX260 HS point-and-shoots. Both new models include identical 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, intelligent image stabilization, a relatively modest ISO range of 100-800 and the ability to capture 720p video at 25 frames-per-second. As you may have guessed the SX500 IS is the higher-end flavor, offering a 30x, 24-720mm lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.4-5.8. That model boasts autofocus improvements of 32 percent and decreased shutter lag of 33 percent over the SX40 HS, Canon's former top model in this category. The SX160 IS, for its part, packs a 16x, 28-448mm f/3.5-5.9 lens and offers 22 percent faster autofocus and 46 percent less shutter lag than the SX150 it replaces. It's also powered by AA batteries, which some users may find to be an advantage, considering wide availability during trips abroad. Both cameras include 3-inch LCDs -- 461k-dot for the SX500 and 230k-dot with the SX160 -- and are set to ship in September, with the black SX500 IS priced at $330 and the SX160 IS available for $230, in both red and black. NEW POWERSHOT CAMERAS 'ZOOM PHOTOGRAPHERS IN' CLOSE TO THE ACTION AND OFFER FAST AUTO FOCUS SPEEDS TO HELP CAPTURE THE MOMENT IN STUNNING QUALITY LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 21, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced two new additions to the Canon PowerShot digital camera lineup designed for the on-the-go photographer looking for large extended zoom in compact easy-to-use cameras. For all those times when the action is just out of reach, Canon offers two new super-zoom solutions, the new PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS digital cameras featuring an impressive 30x and 16x optical zoom, respectively. Both cameras are equipped with Canon's latest advancements in auto focus (AF) technology enhancing AF speeds over previous SX-series cameras to capture the excitement in brilliant clarity and quality. The extremely responsive high-speed AF lets you capture great shots as they happen, with significantly reduced lag time. With incredible zoom capabilities, fast responsive AF, stunning resolution and easy-to-use features, both cameras are stylish and compact to take along for any occasion to help you get a good shot from the back of a school theatre or the sidelines of a game. Borrowing from Canon's optics expertise, these new models include long-reaching zoom and Canon's Intelligent Image Stabilization technology which analyzes the scene being shot and compensates for camera movement for steady images and video even while panning or walking. In addition to the great optical features, both of these new cameras are also equipped with Canon's Smart AUTO mode – which will automatically apply optimum image settings for 32 different shooting scenarios. In this mode, the camera automatically identifies the ideal setting, making high-quality images easy for anyone to capture. "In photography, there is no substitution for great optical zoom and while our customers may not always be close to the action, these cameras are designed to help bring their photos and videos in close, with great image resolution and quality as if they were standing right there," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. PowerShot SX500 IS With a 24mm wide angle lens and an incredible 30x optical zoom (up to 720mm) packed into a compact design, the PowerShot SX500 IS enables users to pull subjects in close and capture stunning, high-quality images with a 16.0 megapixel sensor and powerful DIGIC 4 image processer. With such incredible zoom capabilities, the camera is also equipped with Canon's Intelligent IS system for rock-steady images and HD video even at full-telephoto zoom. A 3.0-inch LCD screen makes operation easy and intuitive, and displays the scene with brilliant clarity. In addition, the camera is equipped with a Zoom Framing Assist feature – a Canon technology that makes zooming-in and framing subjects quick and effortless. This feature is a tremendous benefit for those times when you lose sight of your subject after zooming in. By simply pressing the Zoom Framing Assist button located on the lower front left of the camera, the lens will quickly zoom out to help you re-locate and frame your subject. A frame box appears on the LCD as a guide to place your subject in and releasing the button quickly brings the camera back to the initial "zoomed-in" range. The lens retraction and extension is faster using the Zoom Framing Assist button than the zoom lever, and allows the photographer to keep the camera more stable for the shot, this is particularly helpful for those trying to zoom in and shoot pictures of animals or moving subjects. PowerShot SX160 IS With its compact design and powerful 16x optical zoom, the PowerShot SX160 IS is a versatile camera with a dynamic optical zoom range from 28mm wide up to 448mm, perfect for everyday use. This model also features a 16.0-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and Canon's Intelligent IS system – providing ultimate functionality in a compact, easy-to-carry design. The camera is always ready to shoot video with its dedicated movie button to start and stop recording HD video instantly and uses the full range of optical zoom when recording, without sacrificing HD resolution. The camera's large 3.0-inch LCD provides a beautiful display when shooing and recording video or simply scrolling through menu options. Powered by AA batteries, the PowerShot SX160 IS is ideal for easy and convenient shooting on-the-go even when charging a battery may not be an option. The PowerShot SX160 IS digital camera will be available in red or black. Both the new PowerShot SX500 IS and PowerShot SX160 IS digital cameras are expected to be available in September 2012 for an estimated retail price of $329.99, and $229.99, respectively. |
| Diamond Multimedia outs AMP1000 Android set-top box: Gingerbread-based, 1080p, sells for $120 Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT Diamond Multimedia's more commonly known around the web for selling Mac and PC capture cards (among other things), but as of today, the company's officially entering the set-top box game with its AMP1000. The media player itself is running a not-so-new flavor of Android -- Gingerbread, to be exact -- which will be used to bring a slew of familiar entertainment tidbits to the bigger screen, such as a media player capable of 1080p playback, an evolved internet browser and an oversized photo viewer, as well as other content like games, ebooks and magazines -- all of which can be downloaded from Google's Play repertoire. Although Diamond Multimedia's formally pricing the AMP1000 at $120, there's a Facebook-only offer that knocks the price down to a mere $100. Now, will it be enough to compete with, say, Vizio's $99 Google TV box? We'll let you be the judge of that. Diamond Multimedia Transforms the TV into the First Full-Function 1080P Android Media Player The AMP1000 features games, music, photos, ebooks, television, movies, Android apps and full Internet browsing with flash support Los Angeles, CA--August 21, 2012--Diamond Multimedia (www.diamondmm.com), a leading manufacturer of Radeon Gaming graphics cards, Best Seller of the VC500 USB capture device for PC and Mac and other popular Multimedia products, introduced today a new offering in its TV connectivity product line, the AMP1000, Android Media Player. With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and flash support, this offering creates a state-of-the-art entertainment center on any television monitor, allowing users to experience their favorite Android apps and the Smart TV experience without shelling out top dollar. The device's robust functionality, which includes Internet access and a customizable app interface, also makes it the ultimate low-cost alternative to a work laptop. "Diamond Multimedia is very excited to debut an entirely new offering from our usual line of gaming products and a revolutionary new way enhance the ordinary TV experience," notes Bruce Zaman, CEO of Diamond. "The AMP1000 is a fully customizable Android powered box, giving users a complete entertainment experience in one setting or an affordable alternative to a laptop for working hours, all in one product." How It Works Diamond provides a 3-in-1 remote that features a keyboard, mouse and motion control, allowing you to use your television like a computer device or a game console. The AMP1000 features Android OS 2.3 and is fully upgradable and a Bluetooth option is available or $10. Availability and Pricing AMP1000 is available now at retailers for a SRP of $119.99, but features a limited-time mail-in rebate through Diamond Multimedia's Facebook page, bringing the cost down to $99. Where to Buy: Amazon.com, Tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, Microcenter and Fry's Electronics. All Diamond products come with a one year limited warranty, a Diamond guarantee of quality manufacturing experience and a recently upgraded, US based, customer support system. About Diamond Multimedia For over two decades, Diamond Multimedia has been widely recognized as a pioneer in the graphics, sound and communications industries and a key player in launching the multimedia revolution. Our mission is to provide our customers with the latest quality technology combined with outstanding service and support. Diamond offers a complete multimedia solution featuring ATI Radeon graphics cards, TV tuners, USB display adapters, video capture devices, sound cards, modems, and electronics accessories all from one convenient location. Diamond video cards use the latest technology to offer the best solutions for gaming, home media and business applications. Powered by ATI Radeon Graphics from AMD, Diamond is continuously striving to manufacture the highest quality video cards to ensure reliability and stability in your computer system. Diamond products are available to the public throughout North America and Europe through retailers, resellers and systems integrators as well as top technology product distributors. Diamond products stand for performance, quality and value. Our corporate headquarters are located in Chatsworth, California. |
| Jawbone takes a cue from Colorware, will let customers order the Jambox speaker in custom colors Posted: 21 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT Want a blue-and-black Bluetooth speaker to match your Engadget t-shirt, messenger bag and whatever other paraphernalia you have lying around? You're in luck: Jawbone is about to start accepting orders for the Jambox speaker in custom colors. All told, you'll be able to choose from 13 shades for the grill, and nine for the end caps. Jawbone says it can see customers choosing school and team colors, not that you need an excuse to want an orange piece of kit. The personalization is free of charge, meaning the price of the speaker is still $200. The only downside, so far as we can tell, is that the Big Jambox isn't included. For now, the site is only open to select users (i.e., loyal customers who have participated in company forums, surveys and such), but starting August 28th it'll be open to everybody. In the meantime, which of you has the cojones to order it in purple and yellow? |
| Acer launches Liquid Gallant, Liquid Gallant Duo in preparation for IFA Posted: 21 Aug 2012 05:29 AM PDT Acer's itchy trigger-finger has caused it to launch two new Ice Cream Sandwich-powered smartphones before IFA kicks off next week. The Liquid Gallant comes in single (Solo) and dual-sim (Duo) variants, packing a 1GHz MT6575, 1GB RAM, a 4.3-inch qHD capacitive display, 5-megapixel camera and a 1,500mAh battery. It'll include 4GB on-board storage, which can be bolstered with microSD up to 32GB, there's 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR. The budget-nature of the specs gives us hope that it'll be moderately priced when the Duo arrives in September, rapidly followed by its single-sim kid brother -- with both available in "Gentle Black" and "Ceramic White." Acer launches Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo - Everything you need in the palm of your hand Acer announces a winning twin of smartphones, the Liquid Gallant and Liquid Gallant Duo. With their advanced features and rich functionalities, these smartphones are the perfect companions of modern day's explorers. The Liquid Gallant and its dual-sim twin brother, the Liquid Gallant Duo, sport a 4.3-inches display with a qHD resolution, offering a clear and detailed rendering of every image and text on screen. The unique design, that makes the Liquid Gallant (Duo) so comfortable to hold in your hand, is further enhanced by the power button placed on the back of the phone, so that lighting the screen when you slide it out of your pocket has never been more convenient. The Liquid Gallants are available in two colors: Gentle Black and Ceramic White. "This new Acer smartphone mission is quite simple: bring the best experience to all the modern days' explorers, which results in creating a very affordable phone with no compromise on performance and usability" says Allen Burnes, SPBG EMEA Vice President. Indeed the Liquid Gallants combine powerful processors and plenty of memory to enjoy an exceptional browsing experience. They run Android ICS 4.0.4 for a smooth and user-friendly performance. As usual, Acer has improved the user experience, adding cool touches such as the convenient unlock screen, the improved notification area, the famous Swype keyboard and more. The 5 MP rear camera with LED flash deliver advanced features for an extraordinary experience. Taking a one-time shot in a circular path you'll be able to capture a 2.5D view of your beloved. With automatic smile detection, you'll never miss a person smiling. You can take pictures with higher contrast and rich of details and easily assemble them into a single panoramic photo. What's more you can set the focus point where you want simply by touching anywhere on the viewfinder. Finally, the Liquid Gallants bring a premium clear and loud sound experience to the users with enhanced Surround Sound, whether they are used as hands-free conference devices or as portable music players. The Liquid Gallant Duo will start hitting the shelves in September 2012, closely followed by the Single-sim variant. Come discover these striking twins at the Acer booth at IFA - Hall 12 booth 101, from Aug. 31st to Sept. 5th. |
| MakerPlane lets you build an experimental aircraft with digital printers Posted: 21 Aug 2012 05:24 AM PDT If you're a member of that mildly crazy tribe who want to build and actually fly their own airplane, MakerPlane has a new way of enabling your obsession. The open source aviation organization will allow you to download its plans and schematics for free, then build your plane's parts using CNC (computer numerically controlled) mills and 3D printers. If you don't have one of those lying around, you'll be able to go to a "makerspace" replete with all the necessary tools to get your wings whipped up, instead. As for keeping the blue side up, open source avionics software will also be included, allowing bold dabblers to create digital flight instruments and displays. For now, the group is working on its first set of plans, led by an aeronautical engineer volunteer, and hopes to have that design (shown above) flying in time for the Oshkosh airshow in 2014. While you're waiting, start looking for trusting souls brave enough to fly in a small plane you built yourself. |
| ooVoo updates its iOS and Android apps to support four-way video calls Posted: 21 Aug 2012 05:00 AM PDT First ooVoo opened up four-way video chats on Facebook, and now the video calling service is doing the same for its Android and iOS apps. The company just updates both applications so that you can view up to four video streams at once, though you can carry on text chats with as many as 12 people. That's true of both platforms, though the Android version is admittedly getting a few more changes. The newest version of the app brings deeper integration with Google services, plugging into the native Android address book to show missed calls, as well as a list of which friends are available to chat. To that end, Android users get not just the app, but also a widget that displays these tidbits at a glance. Rounding out the list of improvements, the updates introduce push notifications as well as the ability to text chat in the middle of a video call.
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| Apple gets patent for process that replaces unwanted media with user content Posted: 21 Aug 2012 04:27 AM PDT If your favorite audio or video broadcasts are spamming you with obnoxious ads (or anything else you don't like) an Apple patent describes a process to cut them out -- then substitute your personal content. First, the system would check media in real time through audio analysis or metadata scanning. Then, it would determine if it's "of interest" to you by checking it against a profile based on your listening habits or personally defined preferences. Finally, if it thinks you're into a particular stream, it would continue playing it, and if not, it could blast something from your own collection. The patent claims even describe a TiVo-like time-shifting function -- ensuring you'd catch that entire guitar solo while not missing a single word from your favorite show. |
| Google grabs glove-based input patent, could spell out gesture control Posted: 21 Aug 2012 03:52 AM PDT Google might have already patented some nifty eye-tracking controls, but that doesn't mean it isn't considering other sensory input. A recently granted patent hints at a potential glove-based controller, with references to a pair of detectors that record "images" of an environment, and then determine gestures based on the calculated movement between them. The illustrations go on to show a hand drawing out the letter J, indicating it could be used for text input, while another suggests recognition of pinch-to-zoom style gestures. There's no mention of its fancy glasses in the patent, but we're thinking a glove to control the Nexus 7 might be a bit overkill. |
| Samsung spending $4 billion to renovate Austin chip factory Posted: 21 Aug 2012 03:33 AM PDT Premiership footballers will be weeping in envy at the way Samsung's been spending its cash this month. After splashing $822 million on a Korean R&D center, it's now chucking $4 billion to renovate its semiconductor factory in Austin, Texas. The cash will be used to increase production on system-on-chip products used in a wide variety of smartphones and tablets, presumably to cope with future demand. It's not clear if this investment is in addition to the $1 billion it was raising in January to add a new SOC and OLED line to the same facility, but it's certainly a good time to be living in Texas, right now. |
| T-Mobile and Orange to rebrand as Everything Everywhere, sell 4G spectrum to rival Three (update) Posted: 21 Aug 2012 02:55 AM PDT When UK networks T-Mobile and Orange united under the Everything Everywhere umbrella, many people speculated if the two would become a single entity. That didn't happen, but according to Sky News, that rollout of 4G services in October will also be part of a rebrand. The sources claim that new customers will join Everything Everywhere, with existing customers to be migrated around March 2013. A statement from Everything Everywhere acknowledges there was a confidential brand review, but refuses to comment on the speculation. Rival networks are already complaining that the approval of spectrum for use with 4G services gives the joint venture an unfair advantage, but the FT reports that the European competition authority has forced the pair to sell some of that spectrum -- and is in "advanced talks" with competitor network Three. This could mean that there are two operators offering next generation services, but neither being Orange or T-Mobile, or rather, not as we know them. Update: We've received the following official statement from Everything Everywhere:
So, it looks like the existing brands will remain, with a mysterious new addition in the mix. It's also confirmed that the new brand won't simply be "Everything Everywhere," but instead something totally new. More as we get it. |
| Panasonic expands smart home appliance line, adds Android Smart App, cloud services Posted: 21 Aug 2012 02:11 AM PDT If a wireless light bulb wasn't quite the Jetson's style future you were hoping for, perhaps Panasonic's planned expansion of its smart home appliances will better scratch that itch. From next month, there'll be an Android app to let you remotely operate appliances, view energy savings and program settings via NFC. Hardware-wise, the electronics giant is introducing connected air conditioners, refrigerators, washer-dryers as well as smaller devices such as blood pressure monitors and calorie meters. Along with remote control, there appears to be some supportive cloud-based services too, such as reporting device faults to customer service and generating reports (from the healthcare products). When can you get a taste of the future? September 25th if you live in Panasonic to Expand Smart Home Appliance Lineup with Full-Scale Launch of Smart Cloud Services Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation today announced the significant expansion of its lineup of smart home appliances and the full-scale launch of cloud-based services in Japan dedicated to Panasonic's home appliances ranging from white goods, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, to kitchen appliances and healthcare devices. Dubbed Panasonic Smart App and available from late September, the application will allow users of compatible Panasonic home appliances to remotely operate their appliances, program settings and see the energy savings of each appliance by using Android™ smartphones*1. Panasonic has already been providing the cloud services for owners of the latest models of its 3-Star Bistro steam microwave oven and induction heating (IH) steam rice cooker which were launched in June 2012, enabling them to search for recipes and program cooking instructions using Android™ smartphones. The new smart appliances which will be launched from September 25 in Japan will include Panasonic's X Series room air conditioners, a top-mount refrigerator (NR-F557XV), drum-type washer-dryers (NA-VX8200/NA-VT8200), as well as healthcare products such as the EW-FA43 body composition monitor, the EW-NK63 calorie meter and EW-BW53 blood pressure monitor. The new air conditioners can also be operated with Apple's iPhones™*2 as well as Android phones. Panasonic's smart solutions are designed to make the user's everyday life more comfortable, convenient and energy efficient. Via the Panasonic Smart App, for example, users can control their air conditioners remotely from outside the home*3, check if the refrigerator is running efficiently, or set their preferred washing cycle using their smartphone. The new app also allows owners of the Panasonic healthcare products to create graphs tracking their weight and calories consumed by everyday activities among other things, making it easier to manage daily healthcare data. Furthermore, customer support such as checking device malfunctions will also be available. The app will be available free of charge from the Club Panasonic website*4. By simply registering as a user of Panasonic smart appliances, users can enjoy the service. Because the Panasonic Smart App is a cloud service, users can download the most up-to-date information, such as recipes or device settings, from the server any time. With these smart offerings, Panasonic proposes customers a more convenient, comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. |
| TechBASIC 2.3 links iOS to world of sensors through Bluetooth, no pesky computers in the way (video) Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:27 AM PDT If a Bluetooth sensor doesn't already have iOS support, pairing it up will often involve a patient wait for an official app or some not-quite-official tweaking, at best -- Apple won't allow just any old unauthenticated device through the gates. Byte Works' TechBASIC 2.3 update takes those barriers down. The mobile app lets those of us with a new iPad or iPhone 4S create programs that talk to, and read from, a wide range of Bluetooth LE devices without having to write any Objective C code on a Mac. Only a TI key fob has a fully ready example program, but large swaths of devices will communicate with help from intrepid programmers -- whether they're heart rate monitors, home theater gear or seemingly anything in between. Existing TechBASIC owners can add the Bluetooth LE support through a free update; it's a relatively pricey $15 to buy the app if you're new to Byte Works' world, although it may be worthwhile to give any unused sensors a new reason for being. |
| Victorinox nixes software updates for USB drives, security certificate to expire in September Posted: 21 Aug 2012 12:39 AM PDT Victorinox may have offered a hefty bounty to crack its secure USB drives' encryption, but the storage sticks seem to have met their match another way: the end of software support. In an email sent to customers and a pair of Facebook posts, the firm announced that it will halt updates as of next month and that its security program's VeriSign certificate is only valid until September 15th. As a result, customers are urged to backup their data lickity split. According to the outfit, the economics of continuing application development just weren't reasonable and it'll now refer to a third party for all software. However, the Swiss Army Knife maker isn't out of the flash drive business -- it's committed to putting more of the devices on the market. We've reached out to the company for more details on how the thumb drives will be affected and we'll update when we get word. In the meantime, hit the source links for the notice or check out the e-mail below. Dear customers, Victorinox manufactures exceptional products since 1884. We are known worldwide for our quality products and excellent services. The market for information products develops and grows dynamically. As a company we are facing major challenges with new platforms and with the different levels of software developments. It is our mission and our inner obligation to our customers to deliver the best service in this segment as well as good products and related software. The rapid development coupled with our standards of quality have prompted us to reconsider our offer. As an economic company, we are required to provide the necessary expenditures in reasonable proportion to the possible yield. For this reason we have decided to offer only pure knife products with appropriate hardware. For all software, we will refer to a third party. Further more, we will stop providing any future software updates and as of September 2012 we will cease all services in this segment. To this end we will discontinue our services to our web page http://secure.victorinox.com. Warning! The VeriSign software certificate for the secure.exe is only valid till 15th September 2012. We therefore strongly recommend that you create a data backup immediately. Victorinox will continue to bring USB storage devices onto the market. These products are offered at market prices, with correspondingly good performance and a clear line. Existing products will be adapted and the savings gained by not using the special software, will enable us to provide a full service to our customers. Your Victorinox Team Liebe Kundinnen, liebe Kunden, Victorinox stellt seit 1884 aussergewöhnliche Produkte her. Wir sind für unseren exzellenten Service und unsere Produktqualität weltweit bekannt. Der Markt für Informationsprodukte entwickelt sich sehr dynamisch. Neue Plattformen, Softwareentwicklungen und deren Entwicklungsstufen stellen uns als Unternehmen vor grosse Herausforderungen. Es ist unser Anspruch und unsere innere Verpflichtung unseren Kunden, auch in diesem Segment besten Service, gute Produkte und entsprechende Software zu liefern. Die rasante Entwicklung gepaart mit unseren Ansprüchen an Qualität haben uns dazu bewogen, unser Angebot zu überdenken. Als wirtschaftlich handelndes Unternehmen sind wir gefordert, die notwendigen Aufwendungen in einem vernünftigen Verhältnis zu dem möglichen Ertrag zu stellen. Aus diesem Grund haben wir entschieden, nur noch reine Messerprodukte mit entsprechender Hardware anzubieten. Bei der Verwendung von Software verweisen wir auf Drittanbieter. Auch werden wir keine weiteren Softwareupdates mehr anbieten und unsere Dienstleistungen in diesem Segment werden ab September 2012 eingestellt. In diesem Zusammenhang wer! Victorinox wird weiterhin USB Speichermedien auf den Markt bringen. Diese Produkte werden zu marktüblichen Preisen, mit der entsprechend guter Performance und in einem übersichtlichen Sortiment, angeboten. Bestehende Produkte werden angepasst und die Einsparung durch den Verzicht auf die spezielle Software geben wir in vollem Umfang an unsere Kunden weiter. Ihr Victorinox Team |
| Ofcom approves Everything Everywhere's early 4G plans, starting next month (update) Posted: 20 Aug 2012 11:58 PM PDT  While Brits still languish at the back of the queue for LTE, there is at least a sliver of hope that regulator Ofcom is moving forward with plans for 4G provision. It's announced today that carrier Everything Everywhere (the combined network of Orange and T-Mobile) will be allowed to use its 1800 MHz spectrum to push out next-generation phone services. Ofcom decided that the change to the UK network's license would deliver "significant benefits to consumers, and that there is no material risk that those benefits will be outweighed by a distortion of competition." Auctions for additional 800 and 2.6 GHz bands are still on track to happen later this year, aiming for a roll-out through 2013. Everything Everywhere will be allowed to use LTE and (bizarrely) WiMAX starting 11 September 2012, although this may not be the launch date for any commercial service -- which could be unfortunate. The UK's comms regulator goes into the specifics after the break. Update: Vodafone UK has issued a statement regarding the decision (hint: it's not happy), which can be read in full after the break. Ofcom allows Everything Everywhere to use existing spectrum for 4G Vodafone statement: "We are frankly shocked that Ofcom has reached this decision. The Ofcom's timing is particularly bizarre given the reports that The regulator has spent several years refusing to carry out a fair and We wholeheartedly support the Secretary of State's call for the 4G We firmly believe that a fully competitive market for 4G services is |
| Back in the BBS days: how-to helps newbs navigate to a pre-internet playground Posted: 20 Aug 2012 11:33 PM PDT The web has an origin story, one that predates any cozy trip in the wayback machine. That's because where we're going, there is no internet -- at least, not as you now know it -- only Bulletin Board Systems. And to help guide curious digital natives on this journey back to the time tech forgot, a programmer by the handle of Proppelerpowered has whipped up a how-to that leverages nothing more than a microcontroller-based microcomputer and BASIC knowledge. The brief step-by-step, listed over on Instructables, requires intrepid geeks to build a Pocket Mini computer, which purportedly takes only "an evening," after which they'll have to tinker with some low-level coding to complete the connection setup, hitch a ride online via PC and then link up with any number of active BBSs around the world. For the purposes of this beginner guide, you'll have instructions for access to a Canada-based Commodore 64 clearly laid out. But the more adept are encouraged to swap out the standard setup for an ANSI terminal and wade into serious retro-gaming waters (Trade Wars, anyone?). Hit up the source below to peek the blow-by-blow and see if this hack's made for you. |
| Sony NEX-5R and NEX-6 allegedly get pictured, flaunt WiFi logos (updated with leaked press shots) Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:51 PM PDT In early August, an Indonesian POSTEL listing revealed two new mirrorless NEX shooters in Sony's pipeline, both reportedly rocking wireless LAN chips. Now VR-Zone seems to have come across certification photos of the two cameras, each modeling -- you guessed it -- its very own WiFi logo. As expected, this puts Sony's ILC range inline with the wireless smorgasbord it laid out at CES, eschewing less native, accessory-based solutions. VR-Zone wagers that the NEX-5R will sell for about $700, and pegs the NEX-6 somewhere around $1000. Better start saving -- hit the source link below for a better look at where your pocket money might be going. Update: Sony Alpha Rumors has thrown in some more images of the NEX-5R, this time of the press shot kind. We've embedded a handful after the break. |
| Israeli donkeys get WiFi-equipped for historical theme park Posted: 20 Aug 2012 10:17 PM PDT It's WiFi for your ass -- the animal kind -- and it's only available in Israel. Yes, as unreal and inappropriate as that proposition may seem, an historical amusement park located in the Middle Eastern country will offer tourists the opportunity to tweet, email and upload photos on-the-fly from the back of a burro. Known as Kfar Kedem, or Village of Yore (sounds exciting!), the unique attraction attempts to reenact life from the Common Era's First and Second centuries, albeit with a healthy dose of wireless internet. So far, only five of the village's 30 available donkeys are currently outfitted with routers, but park manager Menachem Goldberg's toying with an expansion to the rest of his "fleet." Sure, a biblical ren faire might not be your number one vacation destination, but if you're in the area, there's no way you can pass up this low-tech ride back in time. |
| Maxthon web browser arrives in bite-sized form for iPhone Posted: 20 Aug 2012 09:09 PM PDT Maxthon has long since escaped the days when it was chiefly a customized version of Internet Explorer on the desktop, and nowhere is that more apparent than its just-launched version of the normally WebKit-based browser for the iPhone and iPod touch. All the core features of the app carry over from earlier Android and iPad versions, such as an Opera-like grid of favorite pages, a download manager and a unified address bar, but it's arguably more useful than the iPad edition: conventional browser tabs aren't coming to smaller-screened iOS devices in a future mobile Safari build anytime soon. Bookmark syncing and an optimized reading mode also persist to reduce the chance that Maxthon users drift back towards the official Apple browser, even after iOS 6 rolls around. With that all-important "free" price tag, there's every reason to give it a try -- let others know in the comments if Maxthon is enough to take precedence over comparable iOS alternatives like Chrome. |
| BitInstant founder says BitCoin debit card to launch within next two months Posted: 20 Aug 2012 08:12 PM PDT A BitCoin debit card could be in your very near future thanks to the efforts of trader-backed BitInstant. That fund transfer outfit, dedicated solely to the digital currency, has partnered with an undisclosed international bank to launch a branded debit card within six to eight weeks. News of the development first surfaced yesterday during an online chat with company co-founder, Charlie Shrem, in which he confirmed the cards would cost users $10 apiece to purchase and carry a 1% bitcoin transfer fee, as well as $1.50 ATM withdrawal fee. To further streamline the exchange process, users will be able to make quick transfers under $1000 by scanning a QR code overlay on front or by accessing the personal BitCoin address listed on back -- all possible with a single confirmation. Initially, the cards will be denominated solely for USD, GBP and EUR, but more foreign currencies could soon be added in the lead up to its official debut. For now, those are the only bits Shrem was willing to share, as further details on this plastic alternative will be forthcoming prior to official launch. Until then, there's always AMEX. |
| Motorola's latest ITC complaint against Apple targets newer iOS devices and Macs, messaging and sync Posted: 20 Aug 2012 07:04 PM PDT Motorola filed its most recent ITC complaint against Apple so late into last week that the court system couldn't immediately provide more details; we're only just seeing documents now that the weekend is over. As it stands, the case involves seven patents that mostly touch on staple technologies of the modern mobile world, such as syncing messages between devices and bookmarking media playback on one device to resume on another. Does that last technique sound familiar? You might recall it being a cornerstone of the movie and podcast support that Apple has implemented since 2005. Despite reaching that far back into history, Motorola is just as eager to modernize the targeted hardware list to keep its complaints relevant -- the current iPad, the iPhone 4S and other devices are at risk of a trade ban, posing more of a threat to Apple's bottom line than the dust-covered (and near-finished) initial legal challenge from October 2010. Before coming to any conclusions, though, remember that the newer complaint isn't likely to have any speedy resolution of its own. Past ITC cases have usually taken a year and a half to complete, which could leave most or all of today's technology as another distant memory. |
| RadioShack No Contract Wireless may be getting ready to launch September 5th Posted: 20 Aug 2012 06:22 PM PDT Evidence of a RadioShack-branded wireless carrier popped up just a few days ago, and now we have word from another tipster that reveals when it may launch. As seen above, the screen reveals a planned launch date of September 5th (a suddenly crowded day on the mobile calendar with the Nokia / Microsoft and Motorola / Verizon events, among others) to debut the Cricket Wireless-powered service, dubbed RadioShack No Contract Wireless. It has, as you may assume from the name, no contracts and claims an exclusive over other Cricket services by sliding an 8GB SD card in along with all Muve Music phones. If the information in the image holds true, we should have all of the details confirmed just three Wednesdays from now. |
| Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9:30PM ET Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:50 PM PDT WSJ: Apple's TV focus changes to putting cable TV in its set-top box
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| NetTalk updates Android application with fresh UI, new in-app features Posted: 20 Aug 2012 05:23 PM PDT Some members of the Android crowd have been able to happily make gratis calls throughout the US and Canada with NetTalk's app offering for a while now, and today the calling service is pushing out a new version in hopes of improving the all-around user experience. For starters, NetTalk's stuffed a revamped UI inside v2.1.1, while there's also the addition of a couple of in-app features that let folks buy credit to make international calls and sign-up for an account straight from within the application. As NetTalk's CEO, Anastasios Kyriakides, assertively points out, the Android app's "the perfect complement to the NetTalk DUO" -- which, if you recall, touts itself as being the one to help you Fire Your Phone Company. All talking aside, the NetTalk freebies are yours to grab now from Google Play, link is just down below. netTALK Announces Updated Android Mobile App For Free Calling Throughout the US and Canada, Now with Lowest International Calling Rates From any Android Phone or Tablet Upgraded Free netTALK Android Mobile App is Better Than Ever, Now with Clearer Call Quality and Option to Add TALK Credits For Convenient Direct-Dial Calling to the Whole World MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--netTALK.com, Inc. ("netTALK") (OTCBB: NTLK), a consumer electronics and cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) telecommunications technology company, announces the release of an all-new version of its Android app. The enormously popular netTALK Android app already enables free calling throughout the US and Canada from most Android devices. The new, vastly improved version adds the option to purchase calling credits directly through the app itself and from netTALK's mobile site, easily enabling convenient direct-dial global calling at some of the lowest rates in the industry. "We have been overwhelmed with the popularity of the netTALK Android app" "We have been overwhelmed with the popularity of the netTALK Android app," said Anastasios 'Takis' Kyriakides, President and CEO. "With the netTALK Android app there is no reason to pay for a high-minute cellular calling plan, ever again. The number one request from our customers has been to help them avoid high international cellular calling rates. We have listened closely and have now solved this problem by introducing this all-new version of the Android app with the ability to quickly and easily buy international calling credits directly through the app itself or from our mobile site at unbelievably low international calling rates." The Android app is available for free download from the Google Play store and the Amazon App Store for Android. A version for the iPhone and iPad will be available in the near future. Mr. Kyriakides concluded, "It's the perfect complement to the netTALK DUO, which famously enables anyone to 'Fire Your Phone Company!®' The netTALK smartphone app enables anyone to slash their cell phone bills and, now, to do the same for their international cell phone tariffs that are on average, 20%-30% cheaper than our competitors. Now that's something to TALK about!" Links: All-New netTALK Smartphone App on Google Play About netTALK.com, Inc. netTALK.com, Inc. is a unique telecommunications services provider which delivers its proprietary "first to market" consumer electronics technology and cloud-based SaaS offerings through Smartphone Apps hosted from netTALK's state-of-the-art Data Center. netTALK trades under the symbol NTLK. |
| Alpha Range iOS game requires a pico projector and laser pointer, we go hands-on (video) Posted: 20 Aug 2012 04:41 PM PDT Granted, a magical little smartphone is all the gadgetry most casual gaming fans require to get their fix, but when LaserVR's Travis Haagen popped by our informal meetup at Portland's Ground Kontrol to talk about Alpha Range, we couldn't help but be impressed by the project. The game has a classic Asteroids / Space Invaders feeling to it, but Alpha Range is more than just another bit of mobile nostalgia. For one thing, you're going to need a lot more than just your phone, including a projector (pico will do fine for your needs) and a tripod. You project the game field onto a the wall (in the case of Ground Kontrol, we taped up a few pieces of paper, which worked fine) and interact with objects using a laser point. When your iOS device is facing the wall, its camera monitors the field, using computer vision algorithms to detect your laser shots in real time, finally discovering a novel use for laser points that doesn't involve annoying rock bands or cats. Hitting the circular enemies will cause them to vaporize or perform other functions like opening up a black hole, depending on their color. The game was pretty responsive and incredibly addictive -- in fact, we were a bit bummed when we finally had to put the laser point down. Such fun isn't cheap, however -- it'll run you $8 from iTunes, on top of the price of all the accessories involved it getting it off the ground. Still, it's nice to see an innovative take like this on a classic gaming scenario. We've got a video of the Star Trek: The Next Generation-inspired game after the jump.
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| Liquidware team crafts laser tripwire that tweets intruder alerts, keeps fake sharks at bay (video) Posted: 20 Aug 2012 04:17 PM PDT Laser tripwire security systems can be expensive propositions that don't always work as planned -- just ask Raytheon, which saw its $100 million Perimeter Intrusion Detection System for JFK International Airport undermined by one wayward jet skier. Taking that as a form of dare, Justin Huynh and teammates at Liquidware have devised a much cheaper (if also much smaller) tripwire of their own. Any interruption of a laser pointer's beam is caught by an Arduino light sensor that promptly sends the alert to an Android-running BeagleBoard xM; if a toy like Bruce the shark dares cross the line, the BeagleBoard sends a Twitter message to let the authorities, or at least Huynh, clamp down on the trespasser. The invention won't replace Raytheon's handiwork anytime soon, although Huynh notes that additional or more powerful sensors could theoretically catch real, muscle-bound sharks and not just their plastic counterparts. The supply checklist and source code are waiting on the company's project page below, so those who'd like to ward off miniature invasions can get started today. |
| Microsoft opens $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade registration for purchasers of Windows 7 PCs Posted: 20 Aug 2012 03:46 PM PDT Normally the early bird gets the worm, but in the case of Windows 8, purchasers of Windows 7 PCs will have until February 28th, 2013 to snag their promotional upgrade. The Windows Upgrade Offer, which provides upgrades to Windows 8 Pro for a mere $14.99, is now open for registration to all those who purchase a Windows 7 PC between June 2nd, 2012 and January 31st, 2013. All those who wish to take part will need to provide their 25-digit Windows 7 product key as part of the online registration process, and beginning October 26th, Microsoft will send out promo codes via email, which can then be applied upon checkout within the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. Now the only question that remains is whether you're willing to fork over $14.99 for the privilege of losing your Start menu. |
| IEEE pushes for Ethernet standard between 400Gbps and 1Tbps, hopes to head off big data crunch Posted: 20 Aug 2012 03:40 PM PDT Ethernet might seem passé to those of us toting Ultrabooks, but it's important enough to provoke a crisis for internet providers and many of those who depend on high-speed computing networks for a living: based on the rises of streaming video and social networking, the IEEE is worried that many of those large-scale networks will need 10Tbps of total bandwidth just to avoid a logjam in 2020. To that end, the standards body has formed a Higher-Speed Ethernet Consensus group that's mulling a new, breakneck-speed format reaching either 400Gbps or 1Tbps, depending on whose approach you'd favor. Fight the urge to pick the 1Tbps option on instinct, however. Both options would depend on bonding multiple connections together, and the faster of the two formats could lead to some expensive and very ungainly cables if it's not handled well. A meeting is scheduled for late September in Geneva to at least begin hashing out the details. Although we won't be wiring our homes with terabit Ethernet anytime soon, the standard should come quickly enough that the Googles and Netflixes of the world can satisfy our data addictions for a good while longer. [Image credit: Justin Marty, Flickr] Industry Invited to Participate in New IEEE 802.3(Tm) Group Formed to Build Consensus around Ethernet's Next Speed IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Report Predicts Capacity Demand for Wireline Applications to Reach 10 Terabit Per Second in 2020 PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IEEE, the world's largest professional organization advancing technology for humanity, today announced formation of the IEEE 802.3™ Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus group, to build consensus toward the development of the next speed of Ethernet. Potential participants include users and producers of systems and components for telecommunications carriers, Internet exchanges, financial markets, data centers, multiple system operators (MSOs) networking systems, high-performance computing, network storage and servers and other individuals interested in future IEEE 802.3 Ethernet wireline standards. Launch of the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus group (http://www.ieee802.org/3/ad_hoc/hse/index.html) follows the publication of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment report, which shows that global bandwidth requirements of multiple application spaces are continuing an exponential climb. The report-available for download via http://www.ieee802.org/3/ad_hoc/bwa/BWA_Report.pdf-forecasts that, if current trends continue, networks will need to support capacity requirements of 1 terabit per second in 2015 and 10 terabit per second by 2020. "We continue to seek to streamline the early stages of work of potential future IEEE 802.3 Ethernet wireline standards-development activities," said John D'Ambrosia, chair of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc and IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus group and chief Ethernet evangelist, CTO office, Dell. "The information gathered by the Bandwidth Assessment Ad Hoc demonstrates the ongoing, exponential bandwidth growth that is happening in varying application spaces on a global nature. The launch of the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus group will facilitate an open forum to explore the start beyond 100Gb/s Ethernet." In creating the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment report, input was collected from a variety of application spaces (servers, data center networks, high-performance computing, financial markets, carrier and cable operators, Internet exchanges, the scientific community, etc.) and from different geographic regions. The report confirms that growth is being driven across multiple application spaces and markets by simultaneous increases in users, access methodologies, access rates and services (such as video on demand and social media). The report indicates that bandwidth requirements of network-aggregation nodes are growing at an even faster rate than end-station applications, which initiate the transmission and receipt of data. Among industries, the most aggressive growth rates are shown by the financial sector and data-intensive science, with compounded annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 95 percent and 70 percent, respectively. "The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment report offers a simple but meaningful explanation of the underlying forces that are driving the never-ending, global bandwidth explosion," said Brad Smith, senior vice president and industry analyst with LightCounting.com, a market research firm that analyzes and forecasts high-speed interconnects. "The data from smartphones, tablets, PCs and another 16 billion devices forecasted to be on the Internet by 2020 all flow through the wireless, CATV and wired access points, through the metro, long-haul and undersea networks, to a data-center server anywhere in the world. Add to this the dramatic increase in the use of live and streaming video, and the data traffic calculations become simply astronomical. The only way all these different devices are going to communicate with each other is via industry standards set by groups such as the IEEE. The ability to support this exponential rise in traffic will continue to pressure the entire Ethernet eco-system to continue to drive cost per bit downward, so that manufacturers, service providers and users can be offered cost-effective, standards-based solutions, products and services." Added Paul Nikolich, chair of the IEEE 802® LAN/MAN Standards Committee: "The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Bandwidth Assessment report documents a cross-industry understanding of the diverse bandwidth needs of various Ethernet applications. By doing so, it provides a critical head start for potential future development activities of IEEE 802 Ethernet standards, as the time needed to accumulate this knowledge is significant. The report and now the work of the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus group ultimately will help more quickly yield more meaningful IEEE 802.3 Ethernet wireline standards." The IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections Higher Speed Ethernet Consensus group, an IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Industry Connections activity, will meet at the IEEE 802.3 Interim Meeting, scheduled for 24-28 September 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland. Through Industry Connections (http://standards.ieee.org/industryconnections), IEEE-SA facilitates like-minded organizations or individuals in coming together quickly, effectively and economically to build industry consensus at strategic points in a technology's lifecycle. Groups have the unique opportunity to leverage IEEE resources in a customized format, host workshops and conferences and produce varied content. To learn more about IEEE-SA, visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ieeesa, follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ieeesa, connect with us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1791118 or on the Standards Insight Blog at http://www.standardsinsight.com. |
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