Sponsored
Engadget News |
- Amazon throwing press conference September 6th
- Microsoft wants to patent 'life streaming,' turn your whole life into Jersey Shore
- Netflix inks deal with Weinstein Co.-owned Radius-TWC, films coming to watch instantly next year
- Facebook updates iOS app, says it's 'rebuilt from the ground up' to be twice as fast
- ZTE-made Concord arrives at T-Mobile and Walmart, caters to the starter crowd at $100 contract-free
- Pandora Android app update: new UI, song history and song lyrics for impromptu cubicle concerts
- Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop hands-on (video)
- Apple seeks patent for hearing aids that deliver speech at an even keel
- Apple posts OS X 10.8.1 update, mends your Mountain Lion
- Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan
- Google mapping out Canada's Nunavut territory with local community, Street View trike
- Tencent and TCL unveil Ice Screen: a 26-inch Android-based smart TV
- Microsoft reveals new logo after 25 years, proves that it's (still) okay to be square
- Live2D drawing technology from Cybernoids adds a little 3D spice to your hand drawn images
- Acer Aspire V5 review: an 11-inch Ivy Bridge laptop for $550
- Red posts high frame-rate video demonstration to smooth out misconceptions
- VMware intros Fusion 5 virtualization software with support for Win 8, integration with Mountain Lion
- Samsung adds more S-Pen friendly apps for British Galaxy Note 10.1 users
- TV Guide Mobile relaunches for iOS with a new look, links to streaming video and social networks
- Engadget Mobile Podcast 150 - 08.23.2012
- Plusnet pushes its UK-fibre-optic broadband to 76Mb/s
- Sony axing Liverpool game studio, ends Psygnosis' 28-year history
- Nokia announces In-Location, 22-strong industry alliance for mobile indoor positioning
- ZTE's alleged 'Blade III' smartphone gets photographed ahead of official announcement
- Sony Mobile moving HQ to Tokyo, cutting 1,000 jobs in Sweden
- JBL's newest Jembe desktop speakers are Bluetooth-enabled, now on sale for $99
- Flickr Android app gets updated, touts refreshed UI and camera selection
- EcoXPower charges a smartphone, bicycle headlight and tail light with pedal power
- Facebook for Android app updated with messaging emoji, easy event creation and a bit more
- IRISNotes 2 looks to undercut Livescribe, digitizes your scribbles for $99
- LG Display starts volume production of in-cell touch screens, we have a hunch as to who wants them
- University of Michigan connects 3,000 cars for year-long safety pilot
- HTC Thunderbolt, Droid Incredible 2 go back to the future with leaked Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs
- Wireless Sensor Tags alert you to movement and temperature changes, fit on your keyring
- Nikkei: ITU near recommending NHK's Super Hi-Vision as official TV standard
- Google Chrome for iOS update brings sharing to G+, Facebook and Twitter
- LG Optimus Vu to bow on Verizon as the Intuition, stylus not included?
- Qualcomm confirms its role in LG superphone with quad-core Snapdragon S4
- Everything Everywhere completes sale of spectrum to Three, waits for regulators approval
- Xiaomi Phone 1S ships August 23rd with avalanche of backorders
| Amazon throwing press conference September 6th Posted: 23 Aug 2012 11:22 AM PDT We can't say we didn't see this coming, but we're certainly excited at the potential that Amazon's upcoming press event holds. The online mega-retailer is doing an press conference on Thursday September 6th, and while there's not a lot in the way of info for the California-based event, we're guessing the word "Kindle" might come up once or twice... What can we expect? A Fire sequel? Some illuminated e-ink readers? Time will tell -- but no matter what it is, you can bet we'll be there to cover it. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft wants to patent 'life streaming,' turn your whole life into Jersey Shore Posted: 23 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT Imagine a reality TV show that's starring you, recorded by you and directed by Microsoft? That's the principle behind its most recently disclosed patent application, dreaming up a method to transmit data from a "life recorder" to a target device for safe keeping. The company pictures you using your smartphone (or other device -- just a shame the ideal one is Google's) to document your life, before it automatically catalogs, tags and uploads it to elsewhere for friends and family to enjoy. We're not sure if we want our friends from the Hockey Club seeing us freak out at Kelly Clarkson gigs, but hopefully there's an off switch. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Netflix inks deal with Weinstein Co.-owned Radius-TWC, films coming to watch instantly next year Posted: 23 Aug 2012 10:34 AM PDT Netflix will be expanding its streaming offerings a bit next year, thanks to a content deal struck with the Weinstein Company's Radius-TWC distribution label. The multi-year deal will be bringing films like the Sundance "sensation" The Bachelorette and the Tobey Maguire / Elizabeth Banks movie The Details to the service, along with Only God Forgives, Nicolas Winding Refn's followup to Drive. The fruits of the deal will hit Netflix's watch instantly early 2013. More information, meanwhile, can be found in the press release after the break.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Facebook updates iOS app, says it's 'rebuilt from the ground up' to be twice as fast Posted: 23 Aug 2012 10:09 AM PDT There's no visual overhaul as it just did yesterday with Facebook Messages, but Facebook has now announced an update for its iOS app that promises some fairly big improvements of its own. According to the company, the app was "rebuilt from the ground up," and is now twice as fast as the previous version. That includes a faster opening of the app itself, smoother and faster scrolling, and photos that are said to load "instantly" -- changes that are largely due to a switch from the old HTML5 code to iOS' native programming language. Unfortunately, we're not able to test those claims ourselves just yet, but Facebook says that the update (version 5.0) will be available later today. Update: The app is now available to download from the App Store, and it does indeed appear to be quite a bit speedier. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ZTE-made Concord arrives at T-Mobile and Walmart, caters to the starter crowd at $100 contract-free Posted: 23 Aug 2012 10:06 AM PDT T-Mobile wants to offer as much of a lure to smartphone newcomers as to power users who might spring for its truly unlimited data, and the ZTE Concord might just be the right kind of bait. The truly 2010-vintage Android 2.3, 3.5-inch screen and 2-megapixel camera won't get anyone's pulse racing, but a $100 contract-free price is hard to ignore -- even for the sort who'd otherwise be looking for a just-does-calls flip phone. Accordingly, the carrier plans to put the Concord in front of audiences that would rarely care to set foot in a dedicated cellphone store. Walmart is selling the phone today for those comfortable with a Walmart Family Mobile plan. If you'd rather show fealty to T-Mobile itself, you'll have to swing through a Target store on or after August 26th. T-Mobile Expands Its No Annual Contract Android Lineup with the T-Mobile Concord T-Mobile to offer its most affordable no annual contract Android smartphone for under $100 T-Mobile USA, Inc., today announced the availability of the T-Mobile® Concord™, T-Mobile's most affordable no annual contract Android™ option for those stepping up to their first smartphone. The Concord will be available to T-Mobile customers through a variety of no annual contract plans, including via T-Mobile Monthly4G™ and Walmart Family Mobile™. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pandora Android app update: new UI, song history and song lyrics for impromptu cubicle concerts Posted: 23 Aug 2012 09:46 AM PDT If Pandora for Android is your go-to service for music streaming while you're out and about, you're in for a bit of a treat. The internet radio outfit has updated it's app for the Google OS with a number of enhancements that should make spinning those Music Genome Project selections even more satisfying. First, a redesigned UI and navigation takes some cues from the Android design standards in order to liven up the aesthetics. A retooled song history allows users to review, rate and bookmark their previously played tracks for future reference. When a particular artist is playing, album art can now be minimized to reveal bio information, song lyrics and Pandora's regular similar artist / track recommendations. If you're jonesin' to grab the new look for yourself, hit the source link below to update. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gigabyte P2542G gaming laptop hands-on (video) Posted: 23 Aug 2012 09:15 AM PDT While we managed to get our hands on Gigabyte's latest graphics card-toting Ultrabook back at CeBIT, we've just finished handling the P2542G (its high-end gaming sibling) at the laptop and motherboard maker's UK launch event. Packing a 15.6-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display, it runs on an Ivy Bridge Core i7-3610QM, with a 2GB NVIDIA GTX 660M card to power PC gaming's latest and greatest. Add in a Blu-ray player and THX-certified dual-woofer sound system and you have the makings of pretty capable beast -- not to mention looking the part with a yellow paint job and dual exhaust vents along the back edge. Read up on our impressions and check out our video hands-on after the break.
Gigabyte's gaming iteration looks a bit chunkier than both the Carbon X10 and the U2442, but it shouldn't weigh down the bags of those looking for a portable gaming machine, coming in at 2.6kg (5.7lbs). While there's the Blu-ray drive, the laptop's storage customization options top out at 1TB, meaning there should be plenty of space for anyone looking to import their existing Steam collection. There's a 128GB SSD built-in too which should sort out any sluggish start-ups. We took to the chiclet keyboard to briefly play Max Payne, and the laptop offered up a detailed, smooth gaming environment. In the darkened confines of the press event, the screen seemed plenty bright enough, with decent viewing angles meaning there shouldn't be many complaints if you decide to use the device for media consumption. It launches this week in the UK, priced at £1,300, but we're still waiting on news of a US price and release date. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple seeks patent for hearing aids that deliver speech at an even keel Posted: 23 Aug 2012 08:50 AM PDT Although they're called hearing aids, they can sometimes be as much of a hindrance as a help. Catch an unfamiliar accent and the attention might be on just parsing the words, let alone moving the conversation forward. Apple is applying for a patent on a technique that would take the guesswork out of listening by smoothing out all the quirks. The proposed idea would convert speech to text and back, using the switch to remove any unusual pronunciation or too-quick talking before it reaches the listener's ear. Not surprisingly for a company that makes phones and tablets, the hearing aid wouldn't always have to do the heavy lifting, either: iOS devices could handle some of the on-the-fly conversion, and pre-recorded speech could receive advance treatment to speed up the process. We don't know if Apple plans to use its learning in any kind of shipping product, although it's undoubtedly been interested in the category before -- and its ambitions of having iPhone-optimized hearing aids could well get a lift from technology that promises real understanding, not just a boost in volume. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple posts OS X 10.8.1 update, mends your Mountain Lion Posted: 23 Aug 2012 08:31 AM PDT There's a special moment in every operating system's life when it loses its innocent .0 status and grows up. It's OS X Mountain Lion's turn to mature, as Apple has just pushed out the 10.8.1 update for early adopters. Most of the fixes are for issues that plague specific use cases, such as audio output from a Thunderbolt Display or crashes in Migration Assistant. There are a few remedies that a wider audience might appreciate -- a fix for iMessages that don't send and an improvement to Exchange compatibility in Mail, for example. We don't yet know of any surprises lurking underneath, but it can't hurt to have a smoother-running Mac while we investigate. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Panasonic G5 mirrorless camera gets September 13th release date in Japan Posted: 23 Aug 2012 07:58 AM PDT We enjoyed our short time with Panasonic's new mirrorless G5 in our hands-on last month, even if it was a little on the porky side. And, if you hail from the Land of the Rising Sun and had your heart set on one of these 16-megapixel shooters, Panny's announced you'll get your chance from September 13th. We're getting dangerously close to missing the stateside launch target of August, but where the US website is showing the G5 as unreleased, availability on Amazon tells a different story. We're reaching out for confirmation on that -- as well as pricing -- and will update should we hear more. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google mapping out Canada's Nunavut territory with local community, Street View trike Posted: 23 Aug 2012 07:34 AM PDT Looking for somewhere remote, quiet and cold for retirement? You can't get much further out than Cambridge Bay -- hidden away in Canada's arctic Nunavut territory, this sleepy town is only reachable by plane, boat or Google Maps. Navigating its streets on the latter option is about to get a whole lot more detailed, too. The Maps team has started working with residents like Chris Kalluk to build what it hopes will be the most comprehensive map of the region to date. Mountain View's digital cartographers are training residents to use equipment like the Street View tricycle to take in the isolated territory's natural beauty while letting locals fill in the finer details (like roads, lakes and rivers) at community Map Up gatherings. "This is a place with a vast amount of local knowledge and a rich history," says Kalluk. "By putting these tools in the hands of our people, we will tell Nunavut's story to the world." Fittingly, the community's first mapping event saw local landmarks mapped out in both English and Inuktitut, one of the territory's official languages. Check the project out for yourself at the source link below. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tencent and TCL unveil Ice Screen: a 26-inch Android-based smart TV Posted: 23 Aug 2012 07:11 AM PDT Chinese web titan Tencent and TCL Multimedia have torn the wraps off the Ice Screen, a jointly developed 26-inch smart TV with a 1,366 x 768 display that allows users to browse the web, access videos, music and games through QQ services. Under the hood, the Android-powered television houses a dual-core Cortex A9 1GHz processor, a Mali 400 GPU, 4GB of RAM and support for a memory card of up to 32GB in size. An IR remote and an app for devices sporting version 2.2 or higher of Google's OS can be used to control the tube, which can sit horizontally or vertically in its stand. On the connectivity front, the panel packs Wi-Fi, a pair of USB ports, HDMI and a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can plunk down ¥1,999 (roughly $315) for an online pre-order before its September 3rd launch. More details await in the press release after the jump. TCL and Tencent Form Strategic Partnership - Jointly Launch iCE SCREEN TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited Featuring a large 26-inch screen, iCE SCREEN is the first large screen mobile smart cloud product in the world. With four core applications -- a "large portable screen", a "high-speed video player", a "stylish music and photo album" and "high-definition video communications" -- the product offers consumers the ultimate 3C (Communication, Computer and Consumer electronics) experience. Installed in iCE SCREEN is an independent operating system which enables internet connectivity, thus offering users audio visual, music, photo album, game, communications and many other major smart cloud applications. It is also equipped with a portable power source and features a slim design, allowing free and easy movement and storage. The iCE SCREEN has the characteristics of a high quality screen, ample cloud resources and portability, and represents a brand new type of smart cloud product. iCE SCREEN is a specialty smart cloud product which was developed to cater to customers' latest needs. Its screen is bigger than that of handsets and tablets, offering stunning visual effects on a large screen, while providing portability that is not found in traditional TV sets. Meanwhile, it provides the same functions, including communications, social networking and Internet surfing, as found on handsets and computers. It has fashionable design and offers fast, convenient and comfortable use. Mr. Li Dongsheng, Chairman of TCL Multimedia, said, "TCL and Tencent are jointly launching iCE SCREEN to create an innovative new form of 3C product, the first of its kind in the world, all in an effort to meet this new demand from consumers and to offer consumers and their families more trendy, enjoyable and cutting-edge experiences. As a new form of consumer electronics product with considerable market potential, iCE SCREEN will build a massive differentiated market much like the markets for tablet computers and smartphones. In the meantime, it is expected to drive the joint development of the relevant industries and to open up a new frontier in the global consumer electronics industry." As TCL's content provider partner, Tencent brings to the iCE SCREEN a wide array of QQ services and popular applications such as QQ Video, QQ Album, QQ Music, QQ Messenger and QQ Game. Users can enjoy different forms of exciting mobile, large screen cloud applications such as online communications, leisure and entertainment. In addition, iCE SCREEN also comes with a rotary hanger which allows users to easily switch between horizontal and vertical positions. When in a vertical position, users can listen to music while viewing an automatic slide show, which combine to create a striking visual effect. When watching the online videos like those offered by Tencent QQ, the videos run smoothly on the high quality large screen with the exclusive leading "pre-installed back platform" technology, making the iCE SCREEN suitable for the enjoyment of a number of people at the same time. Moreover, it separates itself from the other consumer electronic products on the market which are available in a very limited range of colours, breaking the tradition of black television sets to offer consumers four colour choices, namely sapphire blue, fantasy pink, champagne gold and green tea green. This revolutionary new product overturns the conventional thinking about what smart cloud end-products and screens should be, marking the first major breakthrough in the systematic innovation of China's enterprises. TCL and Tencent have worked together numerous times in pushing innovation in the area of smart cloud TVs. This time, the cooperation between the two industry leaders integrates the core technologies and advantageous resources of the two companies to ensure the best combination of hardware and software in the iCE SCREEN. Mr. Ma Huateng, CEO of Tencent, said, "Cooperation across industries can facilitate the further integration of industry resources and push forward cooperation and innovation between companies in different industries. Tencent has committed itself to adapting internet services for more application environments to facilitate easy access. This is our first attempt to adapt the services for the home application environment. We aim to provide high quality internet services to hardware manufacturers in different areas, so as to fulfil the users' desire to quickly switch between different applications." iCE SCREEEN, the world's first smart screen jointly launched by TCL and Tencent, expands on the forms of existing smart cloud products and will represent a revolution in smart cloud life. Besides working together on product innovation, TCL and Tencent will launch the first batch of pre-sales of iCE SCREEN through the official TCL online store and QQ's online store at 00:00 a.m., August 23. This innovation in sharing sales channels and business models is another highlight of the partnership between TCL and Tencent, in addition to being the first time that the concept of "one-stop online-life" was extended to the brand new smart cloud product in the Internet industry. This innovative cross-industry integration model has also set a benchmark in innovation in the consumer electronics and Internet industries. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft reveals new logo after 25 years, proves that it's (still) okay to be square Posted: 23 Aug 2012 06:49 AM PDT Remember that time Microsoft teased what most sane humans thought were new logos? That was right around two years ago, but the branding you see above is no mistake -- that's the new Microsoft logo, landing just months after Windows 8's new flag and merely weeks before the aforesaid operating system takes the planet by storm. Astoundingly, it has been a full quarter-century since Microsoft gave itself a new logo, and while we're sure pundits will jump all over it just because "dealing with change is hard," there's no doubt that the outfit's new face is bold in its simplicity. Care to learn more? There's a happy-go-lucky video waiting just after the break. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Live2D drawing technology from Cybernoids adds a little 3D spice to your hand drawn images Posted: 23 Aug 2012 06:26 AM PDT
While 3D graphics have been filling our eyes in cinemas and video games way before Nemo ever got lost, we've typically had to settle for computer generated artwork. Live2D from Cybernoids is a drawing technology that hopes to change that. The software lets animators and game creators give hand drawn 2D images rudimentary 3D qualities. In the video above you can see the character turn her head, and the image -- based solely on the 2D version -- twists and adapts in real-time. There are two versions of the software, one based on polygons, and the other vectors, and there is support for consoles and smartphones -- but no details on specifics at this time. The developers admit it's only suitable for limited movement, such as in dialog-based games, for now, but hope to have the tools to handle full 360 degree motions over the next two years. At least, for now, its way way further down on the creep-o-meter scale. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acer Aspire V5 review: an 11-inch Ivy Bridge laptop for $550 Posted: 23 Aug 2012 06:00 AM PDT More InfoAcer first took the wraps off its Aspire V5 series at CeBIT in March, teasing the line of notebooks with designs that are 30 percent thinner than other laptops in their category. A few months later, in June, the company officially unveiled the 14- and 15-inch Aspire V5s, with Ivy Bridge processors and prices starting at $630. Rounding out that family is the 11-inch the Aspire V5 171. We have a bit of an identity crisis on our hands with this guy: though it looks like a netbook and weighs a light three pounds, it packs a Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor befitting a full-fledged machine, but it costs a budget-minded $550 ($500 with Acer's current promotion). Many products in this price range are clunky 15-inchers, so where exactly does this Aspire V5 fit in? Join us past the break as we sort that out. Look and feel With a weight of 3.05 pounds and a chassis that tapers from 1.09 to 0.82 inches thick, the Aspire V5 feels very light and manageable -- an impression that's reinforced by its compact 11-inch frame. There's something satisfying about gripping a laptop this size -- it's not like 13-inchers are even close to unwieldy, but this machine's petite shape makes it easy to tuck under your arm or stash in a messenger bag. The chassis' curved edges are comfortable, but the plastic underside and deck have a slippery feel, which doesn't exactly make for a solid grip. Though the V5 feels sturdy enough given its light weight, the screen is a bit wobbly. It doesn't take much nearby movement for the panel to dip backward. You can't expect a $550 laptop to blaze new trails in the style department, and unsurprisingly the Aspire V5's design is pretty conservative. The palm rest and keyboard deck sport a subdued slate gray finish, while the 1,366 x 768 display is framed by one very glossy bezel. We're not sure whether we appreciate the nod Acer made to a more upscale design feature with its faux-brushed metal lid -- it looks nice, yes, but once you touch it, it's pretty obvious it's made of plastic, not aluminum. Along the left edge of the system, you'll find an Ethernet port, along with VGA, HDMI and USB 2.0 sockets. The right side is home to the mic jack, one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port, the power connector and a security lock slot. Keyboard and trackpad The island-style spread on the V5 is one of the more comfortable keyboards we've tested lately. While the Aspire TimelineX 1830T sported a flat layout, the Aspire V5 has raised keys that are easy to find by feel. We didn't hit an all-time high when it came to words per minute, but we're able to type at a nice clip on this machine. Though the keyboard deck itself exhibits little to no flex, the keys themselves feel a bit jiggly in their sockets. It's not like we're afraid they'll fall out, but they lack the solid, forceful feedback of a more structurally sound setup.
One downside to the keyboard is its size. This laptop's 11-inch design means there's not much space on the keyboard deck for cramming in all those keys. The arrow buttons bear the brunt of this limitation: they're quite shrunken, though other keys retain their standard proportions. Another ergonomic gripe: while width is a bit of an issue on this keyboard, so is height; the palm rest is short, which means your wrists are likely to dangle off the edge. The Aspire V5's Synaptics trackpad isn't the smoothest. Paging through websites is a sluggish process, as the touchpad doesn't register long, fluid scrolls -- just shorter, more controlled ones. This means making your way down a webpage can feel like a stop-and-start ordeal. We had no trouble executing pinch-to-zoom, but there's a delay before the gesture is reflected onscreen. We've had to contend with some pretty erratic trackpads lately, so while the V5's has some shortcomings we at least have to applaud its consistency. No jumpiness, no errant or unregistered clicks. Display and sound Both visuals and audio feel muted on the Aspire V5. When we fired up some HD trailers, colors lacked richness, and oftentimes we needed to ratchet up the brightness. The 1.3-megapixel webcam also delivers dark images, though it's sufficient for Skype and other video chat clients (we recommend steering clear of harsh overhead lighting). Viewing angles are pretty narrow as well -- the 11-inch display's 1,366 x 768 display is a glare magnet. The sweet spot for watching movies is definitely dead-center, as content washes out when you're even a bit to the right or left (or if you tilt the screen slightly back or forward). Even at max volume, music on the V5 sounds distant and faint. Dialogue in movies also sounds restrained, and audio comes through with a tinny, metallic quality. This machine isn't billed as an entertainment powerhouse and its mediocre multimedia features aren't exactly surprising, but we'd definitely recommend buying some external speakers. Performance
The Aspire V5 runs a 1.7GHz Core i5-3317U Ivy Bridge CPU with 500GB of storage and a generous 6GB of RAM. Those specs add up to some pretty, well, unremarkable, benchmark scores. In PCMark Vantage, it notched 6,152, which is significantly lower than numbers achieved by SSD-equipped systems. Of course, we don't see an 11-inch thin-and-light every day, so we're not comparing apples to apples when we see how the V5 stacks up to other laptops we've tested. The lack of solid-state storage separates it from Ultrabooks, but it still fares reasonably well. Its max read and write speeds -- 104 MB/s and 95 MB/s, respectively -- are quite modest compared to SSD-equipped machines, though they're about on par with the Toshiba Satellite U845's I/O performance. On 3DMark06, the Aspire V5 scored 5,351, which puts this system in line with other machines running Intel's integrated HD Graphics 4000. Many similarly specced systems scored lower, including the Lenovo IdeaPad U310. In real-world terms, you can expect good graphics performance for light gaming. In Batman: Arkham City, we saw about 50 frames per second. That drops considerably in Call of Duty 4, where the more detailed visuals bring things down to 20 fps.
But what about everyday performance? That's why you'd consider this machine, right? The Aspire V5 isn't the speediest, smoothest runner. It took 50 seconds to cold-boot, which is annoying, if not unacceptable. Working in two browsers, streaming music on Spotify and playing a few games taxes the machine: especially when we fired up games, we noticed the V5 getting a bit toasty. So, this laptop isn't for the power user, but that's not to say it's insufficient for more routine tasks like working in Microsoft Office, listening to music and doing whatever it is you do on the internet. Battery life
On our video rundown test, which entails playing a looped video with WiFi on and brightness set to 65 percent, the Aspire V5's four-cell 2,500mAh battery lasted three hours and 31 minutes. (Acer rates the machine for up to five hours of battery life.) In terms of everyday use, we've seen a similar runtime from this laptop. That time isn't very impressive -- it's bested by some of the shorter-lasting Ultrabooks like the Aspire S3 -- but it's not unheard of for a machine of this size. Software and warranty We're getting tired of singing that old "too much bloatware" tune, but it rings true too often, and the V5 is no exception. You'll find plenty of pre-loaded utilities, the most benign of which are Acer's branded programs, such as the Crystal Eye webcam software and Games. We find the pre-installed toolbars in Internet Explorer far more vexing: ads, a radio, shortcuts to two game services and a weather widget are activated by default -- and we took that tally after uninstalling the Bing Bar. Of course, there are McAfee pop-ups as well. The V5 comes with Acer's standard one-year limited warranty, which includes hardware support and 90 days of software support. Configuration options and the competitionThis laptop will normally go for $550, but Acer is kicking things off with a $50 discount through Facebook. The already-available $600 Aspire V5 171-6616 is identically configured but isn't available with the $50-off promotion. But let's talk options. Look at other 11-inch laptops on the market, and you'll quickly see that the Aspire V5 stacks up quite well. While most machines pack AMD chipsets, Acer's model runs an Ivy Bridge CPU and offers 500GB of storage. But let us elaborate -- here's a look at some comparable machines.
Sony's 11-inch, $450 VAIO E is worth a gander, as it offers comparable specs in a new "wrap" design. (The best way to describe it is that the laptop looks like a briefcase when closed.) The processor is only a dual-core AMD E2-1800, but other specs match up with the V5's: a 500GB hard drive and a 1,366 x 768 screen, though 4GB versus 6GB of RAM. If you're open to an AMD chip, you might also consider the HP Pavilion dm1z, which for $505 offers a 500GB hard drive and 6GB of RAM. Though this machine was announced with a Core i3 CPU, only the AMD option remains available here in the US. And while the dm1z is a tad heavier than the Aspire V5 (3.2 versus 3.05 pounds), we like its patterned lid -- and the optional red color scheme. We recently singled out Samsung's Series 3 11-incher in our back-to-school roundup. For $450, you get a Core i3-380M processor in a sleek, 2.66-pound body with a sweet block-color design. Still, you only get 320GB of storage, and the CPU belongs to Intel's older Arrandale architecture. Since the 11-inch Aspire V5 has some internals in common with larger laptops, it's worth considering models with larger displays. The HP dv4, configured to match the V5 with a Core i5 CPU, 6GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive, goes for $655, but the entry-level model with 4GB of RAM and a second-gen Core-i3 processor costs $530. Unlike the V5, this machine boasts an optical drive, but it does weigh a heftier 4.79 pounds. Finally, there's the Dell Inspiron 15R, which packs a Core i5 Ivy Bridge CPU, 6GB of RAM, 500GB and full versions of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements for $600. Again, you're looking at a heavier machine -- 6.05 pounds in this case -- but the extra screen real estate and larger six-cell battery may make it worth it for some. Wrap-up If you're in the market for an 11-inch notebook, you could do much worse than the Aspire V5-171-6869. It packs some of the most robust specs amongst machines with its form factor, including a Core i5 processor and 500GB of storage, and we think its keyboard is comfortable considering the limited space. But if you have a little more room in your backpack (and wallet), you can do better with a bigger machine, as you can expect longer battery life and a roomier keyboard. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Red posts high frame-rate video demonstration to smooth out misconceptions Posted: 23 Aug 2012 05:26 AM PDT If you're still unsure about what you'll be getting into if you see the 48fps version of "Hobbit," Red has jumped into the fray with an article on its website and, most importantly, high quality HFR (high frame-rate) videos. It delves into all the aspects of the tech, starting with a primer on the minimum frame rate required to perceive motion, illustrated by a pair of clips to show the threshold. From there it details "judder" when panning at 24 fps versus 60 fps, motion blur, the possibility of brighter projection with HFR in 3D and of course, action at slower versus faster frame speeds. Finally, it demonstrates the hated "TruMotion" soap opera-esque interpolation method on modern TVs, and why that's different from true fast-frames. Sure, Red has a vested interest in seeing upcoming HFR films from its Epic camera succeed, but a little education might be what's needed to break old habits. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: 23 Aug 2012 05:00 AM PDT With Mountain Lion newly available and Windows 8 on the verge of shipping, now was a pretty good time for VMware to update its Fusion virtualization software, dont'cha think? The company just announced Fusion 5 with 70-plus new features, including support for Win 8 and tight integration with OS X 10.8. For instance, you can now view Windows programs in Mountain Lion's Launchpad, while VMware software updates pop up in the Notification Center. Fusion also supports AirPlay for the first time, and you can also run either Mountain Lion or Mountain Lion Server as a virtual machine. The company also added support for Retina Display MacBook Pros, so that everything looks crisp on that 2,880 x 1,800 screen. Also of note: Fusion now supports USB 3.0, and Linux users get some love in the form of Open GL 2.1 graphics support. The standard version of Fusion 5 is available now for $49.99, but people who bought Fusion 4 since the release of Mountain Lion can upgrade for free. There's also a professional version ($100 for one license), which includes all the above features, and also lets IT departments lock down settings for employees' virtual machines.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung adds more S-Pen friendly apps for British Galaxy Note 10.1 users Posted: 23 Aug 2012 04:42 AM PDT Samsung's gifting British Galaxy Note 10.1 users with some new, free, S-Pen apps for when playing "Eat up Martha" in S-Note stops being fun. Drop the Beat lets you produce your own banging dance tracks, while kiddy-titles Spot the Difference and Where Is It will keep your younglings quiet for five minutes. You'll also get Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, although we're not sure how you'll replicate that Fast and Furious action with a four-point-five-inch plastic pencil. Head on down to the source link to start swelling your collection. SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10.1 OFFERS EXCITING AND EXCLUSIVE S-PEN CONTENT Samsung inspires people to get creative with the S-Pen London UK, 23rd August 2012 – Samsung today announced a variety of new content for its brand new Galaxy Note 10.1, which was launched at a star-studded bash in London on Wednesday 15th August. The content includes software, games and apps – all of which are designed to make the most of the innovative S-Pen. Simon Stanford, Vice President, Telecommunications and Networks, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "We're delighted to be able to introduce such a variety of apps so soon after the fantastic launch of the Galaxy Note 10.1 and can't wait to hear what our customers think of it. The S-Pen is so precise it's inspired a whole host of new apps and we believe it will change the way people use tablet devices. For example, the S-Pen makes it easy to edit photos with incredible accuracy on the device's large 10.1 inch screen using the embedded software, Adobe® Photoshop® Touch." The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes with a range of software and games embedded and a selection of apps to download, with over 100,000 free downloads available in Samsung apps. Adobe Photoshop Touch Use the Galaxy Note 10.1's S-Pen to make pin-point accurate works of art or edit photos on the 10.1 inch screen. Apps With nine bespoke apps for the S-Pen available for free, there's something for everyone. Try your hand on the decks with Drop the Beat – a creative way to build musical rhythm – using the S-Pen and a circular creation station! Drop 'beats' into the creation station speaker and the beats begin to play. The more 'beats' you drop, the more interesting the rhythm. Or stick to listening to your favourite chart tracks; The Official Top 40 Chart app gives your Galaxy Note 10.1 unlimited access, free of charge for 8 weeks. For little ones Spot the Difference features fun characters with five differences to find on each one – every character is unique and designed to appeal to children. Kids can also try Where Is It?, where the goal is to find various objects in a busy scene full of life. Incredibly detailed drawings will have players endlessly captivated and finding the missing object is only half the fun. Easy Phone Sync is also available free from Samsung allowing you to simply transfer iPhone and iTunes media – including music, videos, podcasts, pictures, contacts and text messages – from iOS to Samsung Galaxy android devices including the Galaxy Note 10.1. Games The Galaxy Note 10.1's large screen is great for gaming. One of the world's most beloved racing franchises, Need For SpeedTM Hot Pursuit is available for free download to Galaxy Note 10.1 customers across the UK, featuring stunning graphics and racing gameplay from Electronic Arts™. Trace-A-Face or You Draw, challenges the player to draw a new subject every day. Create a masterpiece, and post it to the public gallery, compare a drawing with other people and post the finished drawing to Facebook. Also featuring the ability to save a drawing for editing, view it later or build up a gallery. What's more, exclusively available to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 in 2012, "WIRED Note Edition" allows the reader to access the October, November and December 2012 editions of the award-winning magazine free of charge. WIRED Note Edition includes specially designed Note functionality-enhanced for the Samsung S-Pen. This app represents WIRED's first foray into the Android market, and for the first time includes features specifically designed for a stylus. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TV Guide Mobile relaunches for iOS with a new look, links to streaming video and social networks Posted: 23 Aug 2012 04:00 AM PDT We've already seen many companion apps on mobile, but now TV Guide is diving in wholeheartedly with the next generation of its app for iOS devices. While the previous versions of TV Guide Mobile on iOS and Android let users create watchlists and get reminders, version 3.0 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is completely redesigned to make TV watching simpler with filtering for HD-only and favorite channels, links to streaming videos from sources like Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Crackle and iTunes -- Netflix and Amazon are not on the list, although additional video sources are promised in the coming weeks. Like any good companion app in 2012 it also brings social networking features with check-ins and Twitter / Facebook integration and a trending social hot list based on what other users search for. The downside compared to many of the apps from cable providers like Comcast or Time Warner, hardware manufacturers like TiVo or even other third parties like Dijit is the inability to use it to directly change the channel, but perhaps that's in the next version. There's more details in the press release after the break, and screens in the gallery below, if you're willing to give another contender a shot at assisting your TV watching habits, the free app is available in iTunes at the source link. TV Guide Mobile Debuts Next-Generation One-Stop TV Companion Personalized discovery, instant watching, social sharing, exclusively on iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch® NEW YORK (August 23, 2012) – TV Guide Mobile today debuted its next-generation, one-stop TV companion providing personalized discovery, instant watching, and social sharing, exclusively on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. "Our new super-personalized, social, mobile TV Guide is designed for the way people want to watch now – anywhere, anytime," said Christy Tanner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of TVGuide.com and TV Guide Mobile. "This is a game-changer for our users, who want an easier way to manage all the ways they watch." · Social check-in and discussion: Throughout the app, check in, share and discuss what you're watching via social networks using TV Guide's "I'll Watch" button · Video Search and Curated Video Channels: Find the TV shows, movies and web originals you want to watch now or browse through editor- and guest-curated channels. · Super-Charged "Classic" Listings: Our best listings grid ever, including alerts, HD and favorite channel filters, "I'll Watch" social sharing, and instant "Add to Watchlist." · Original Editorial Content: TV Guide's original breaking news and features – and the ability to discuss them with editors and other fans. · Unique Advertising Opportunities: TV Guide has created a number of unique, beyond-the-banner opportunities, including video showcases, branded content, and the ability to sponsor the "Add to Watchlist" button
About TV Guide Digital | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Engadget Mobile Podcast 150 - 08.23.2012 Posted: 23 Aug 2012 03:50 AM PDT  The Engadget Mobile Podcasters, including sleepy-yet-fully-functional overseas correspondent Richard Lai, gather one last time around the global omni mic to form a final dispatch before Myriam heads off to the Playa. Oh, and we hope you like cowbells. Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen 00:04:20 - Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE review: the best full QWERTY phone on Sprint's network Hear the podcast This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plusnet pushes its UK-fibre-optic broadband to 76Mb/s Posted: 23 Aug 2012 03:07 AM PDT Stereotype-embracing ISP Plusnet has added a new tier of fibre-optic broadband, offering speeds up to 76Mb/s. The revamped Extra Fibre package now offers upload speeds of up to 19.5 Mb/s, with a 250GB monthly usage allowance, matching those offered by parent company BT. Of course, those of us who can't even get ADSL2 will just have to watch on, with jealousy in our eyes. Plusnet Boosts Broadband Proposition With New Fibre Speeds SHEFFIELD, England, August 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Plusnet, the UK home phone and broadband supplier, has made a host of changes to its fibre broadband products including the introduction of new Plusnet Extra Fibre offering up to 76Mb/s with a 250GB usage allowance. Following a successful customer trial in which 57 per cent of Plusnet trialists confirmed this improved fibre product made the internet more integral to their lifestyle than it was already, Plusnet is delivering the best priced fibre broadband for the 76Mb/s download speeds on the market. Meanwhile, upload speeds have been increased to up to 19.5Mb/s. The new look product more than doubles the usage allowance of Plusnet Extra Fibre from 120GB to 250GB, increases speeds but reduces the cost by £1.48/month. Additional changes to the fibre suite include increased upload speeds to Fibre Value, now up to 9.5Mb/s. Existing Plusnet Extra Fibre customers can upgrade to the new speeds and usage and take advantage of the lower cost via their online account or by calling 0800 432 0200. More than half (51%) of the surveyed customer trialists said the new Plusnet Extra Fibre had resulted in them using the internet more, with 45% confirming they used their home broadband for more than five hours a day. The trialist said they were watching more on-demand TV (59%), undertaking more free streaming (51%) and more downloading (44%). Jamie Ford, Plusnet CEO said: "Customers' internet habits have changed considerably over the last 12 months. People are using more bandwidth and services that demand faster speeds. Our new fibre products not only meet this demand but do so at a compelling price. "The new fibre product has been making real lifestyle changes too. One-quarter of our trialists said they work from home more and close to two-fifths say they now use internet-enabled devices as a means to entertain guests to their home." With the improved broadband connection, 30% of customers on the recent trial said they are looking to purchase smart devices and computers, 28% of customers are looking to hardwire broadband throughout their home and 27% of customers are looking to purchase a broadband-enabled TV set. Plusnet continues to offer 24/7, free phone UK support and in the last year has set up specialist teams that focus on the most common customer concerns. Whether it is enabling someone to get the best connection speed or prevent latency on time sensitive services such as on-demand TV, Plusnet can now give specific and individual advice to ensure the best possible experience. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sony axing Liverpool game studio, ends Psygnosis' 28-year history Posted: 23 Aug 2012 02:23 AM PDT Sony has confirmed that it's shuttering Studio Liverpool, more famously known as Psygnosis. The publisher was founded in 1984 and is responsible for a legion of best-selling titles including Lemmings, Colony Wars, Destruction Derby, Wipeout and the Formula One games. In a statement, the company said that after a review of its "commercially viable" projects, it's focusing on projects in other parts of the business -- after slashing the studio's remit in a cost-cutting exercise in 2010. The facility is also the location of the company's European Quality Assurance team, which will reportedly remain in operation. "As part of SCE Worldwide Studios, we do regular reviews to ensure that the resources we have can create and produce high quality, innovative and commercially viable projects in an increasingly competitive market place. As part of this process, we have reviewed and assessed all current and planned projects for the short and medium term and have decided to make some changes to our European Studios. "It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed. Liverpool Studio has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios since the outset of PlayStation, and have contributed greatly to PlayStation over the years. Everyone connected with Liverpool Studio, past and present, can be very proud of their achievements. "However, it was felt that by focusing our investment plans on other Studios that are currently working on exciting new projects, we would be in a stronger position to offer the best possible content for our consumers. "Our Liverpool Facility will continue to operate, housing a number of other vital WWS and SCEE Departments. This should not take anything away from the great work WWS are doing and the incredible games and services that we have made, and continue to make, both for this coming year and further in the future." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia announces In-Location, 22-strong industry alliance for mobile indoor positioning Posted: 23 Aug 2012 01:39 AM PDT With most of the great outdoors pretty well mapped within an inch of its life, indoors is the final navigation frontier. Today Nokia has announced "In-Location" an alliance of 22 companies with the goal of driving and unifying industry innovation in mobile indoor positioning. Names on the list include Broadcom, Samsung, Sony Mobile and Qualcomm, but there are some notable exceptions. The technologies mentioned include Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi, which we've already started to see being explored, and members are encouraged to share data of their own existing pilots. We can apparently expect pre-commercial work and business model verifications this year, with handset-based implementations said to be finding their way out in 2013. Full PR can be found, assistance free, after the break. Update: Sony has issued a press release celebrating the launch also. Find it after the break along with Nokia's Accurate indoor positioning opens up plenty of possibilities for new mobile services. For a consumer this could mean, for example, receiving directions to the right products and personalized product promotions in nearby shops; using real-time navigation inside a building; finding the precise location of assets and people; and even increasing security in emergency situations. For facility owners and local service providers this could enable, for example, increased local customer identification; enhanced product placement; and better customer satisfaction by deploying resources when and where needed. The Alliance will focus on creating solutions offering high accuracy, low power consumption, mobility, implementability and usability. It will create an ecosystem that stimulates innovation, enhances service delivery, and accelerates the adoption of solutions and technologies that optimize the mobile experience. Founding members include: Broadcom, CSR, Dialog Semiconductor, Eptisa, Geomobile, Genasys, Indra, Insiteo, Nokia, Nomadic Solutions, Nordic Semiconductor, Nordic Technology Group, NowOn, Primax Electronics, Qualcomm, RapidBlue Solutions, Samsung Electronics, Seolane Innovation, Sony Mobile Communications, TamperSeal AB, Team Action Zone and Visioglobe. Alliance members will pilot the most promising services and use cases from a business and solution point of view. The other important task for the Alliance is to ensure a multivendor environment by promoting open interfaces and a standard-based approach. Alliance members are encouraged to execute their own pilots and present their data to the Alliance. The primary solutions will be based on enhanced Bluetooth® 4.0 low-energy technology and Wi-Fi standards using relevant existing or coming features of those technologies. These technologies are commonly used in mobile handsets and are thus a natural starting point for the Alliance's efforts. Pre-commercial pilots and business model verifications will start in 2012, while 2013 is expected to bring mobile handset-based implementation enabling the first consumer applications in the indoor mobile environment. The Alliance says: "The aim of the In-Location Alliance is to act as a pioneer opening up new business streams for indoor environments. Indoor positioning is the next frontier of mobile services, offering great opportunities to enhance consumer experiences. For the benefit of enterprises, the Alliance will drive a world-wide indoor positioning system for use in major venues. Our pilots, along with technical evaluations, are paramount for driving rapid market adoption." Patrick Connolly from ABI Research says: "The indoor location market sits on the cusp of a wave, with the market set to reach a significant number of installations in 2015-2017. With a huge number of proprietary technologies vying for position, the establishment of the In-Location Alliance can encourage innovation, lower costs and, ultimately, widespread adoption of standard based technologies and solutions." About the In-Location Alliance Sony joins In-Location Alliance as a founding member We're excited to introduce the In-Location Alliance, launched today by 22 technology companies with the goal of driving the innovation and development of indoor positioning. As a founding member, we feel it's important to continue supporting the innovation of indoor mapping. It's also a relevant continuation to our ongoing work here at Sony Mobile, as mentioned in our previous indoor maps blog post. Read on for more details on what this unique collaboration means to the mobile community. The Accurate Mobile Indoor Positioning Industry Alliance is founded by companies representing different roles in the ecosystem – chipset vendors, mobile operators, system integrators, handset manufacturers, application developers, solution vendors, and technology vendors. The Indoor Alliance's main task is working toward the adoption of interoperable indoor positioning solutions and technologies. The indoor positioning system (IPS) technology will primarily be based on enhanced Bluetooth™ low-energy and Wi-Fi® standards. For Sony, this is especially important, since the Alliance will work together to define specifications and ensure open interfaces and standards for interoperability between vendors, we can ensure that the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity already present in Sony smartphones and tablets will continue to follow industry standards. Magnus Persson, Positioning Specialist at Sony Mobile, is not only a key evangelist for indoor mapping technology; he is also the Sony spokesperson for the Alliance. Magnus believes that Sony has much to offer by becoming involved with the In-Location Alliance. - We've already demonstrated our interest and know-how in indoor positioning technologies by creating our own indoor navigation service, so we're eager to share our knowledge and work with and learn from other Alliance members on how to address positioning issues, such as availability and accuracy limitations." Benefits of indoor positioning For local service providers, indoor positioning could increase customer satisfaction by deploying resources to where and when it is needed. If you're planning to create and indoor navigation solution of your own, or if you already have experience from creating indoor maps, we encourage you to join the Alliance. Or if that is not an option for you, make use of the results from the Alliance. This way, you directly make an impact and help out in the work to create a globally interoperable and user friendly indoor positioning experience! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ZTE's alleged 'Blade III' smartphone gets photographed ahead of official announcement Posted: 23 Aug 2012 01:20 AM PDT Let's be honest, ZTE isn't exactly the best at keeping its upcoming devices secretly under wraps before eventually making them official -- and, well, such is the case with the latest, unannounced Blade III. Finnish retailer Verkkokauppa's currently listing ZTE's purported Blade III as a 3.5-inch (800 x 480) slab that's sporting Ice Cream Sandwich, a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU (MSM7227A) and a 5-megapixel rear shooter. Still, as FoneArena points out, these alleged specs go against other rumors circulating around the web, which indicate the Blade III is boasting a 4-inch display rather than the smaller sized 3.5-incher listed on the Finnish site. Whatever it may be, let's just hope ZTE's next Android smartphone doesn't come with any backdoor woes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sony Mobile moving HQ to Tokyo, cutting 1,000 jobs in Sweden Posted: 23 Aug 2012 12:51 AM PDT Sony's slow and painful transformation continues with a restructuring of its newly-minted mobile division. In October, it's moving its headquarters from Lund, Sweden (presumably a holdover from its Ericsson days) to Tokyo -- for deeper integration -- and repurposing the duties of its facilities in Tokyo, Lund and Beijing. As part of the changes, Sony Mobile will slash 15 percent of its workforce, with 1,000 employees being let go by the end of March 2014, in a trend we've seen across the industry. Most of those affected are in Sweden, with 650 on-site staffers and up to 450 consultants being shown the door. Sony Mobile Communications Announces New Operational Structure and Reduction in Workforce LONDON, August 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Mobile Communications AB ("Sony Mobile") today announced that it is altering the global operational structure of its development sites in Tokyo, Japan, Lund, Sweden and Beijing, China. In October 2012, Sony Mobile will move its corporate headquarters and certain other functions from Lund, Sweden, to Tokyo, Japan. Sony Mobile has also redefined the roles and responsibilities of each major development site to leverage the strengths of each respective site. These measures aim to enhance operational and development capabilities of Sony Mobile such as time to market efficiency, streamline supply chain management and drive greater integration with the wider Sony group. "Sony has identified the mobile business as one of its core businesses and the Xperia™ smartphone portfolio continues to gain momentum with customers and consumers worldwide," said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO of Sony Mobile. "We are accelerating the integration and convergence with the wider Sony group to continue enhancing our offerings, and a more focused and efficient operational structure will help to reduce Sony Mobile's costs, enhance time to market efficiency and bring the business back to a place of strength." In relation to the operational structure changes, Sony Mobile plans to reduce its global headcount by approximately 15 percent (approximately 1000 personnel, including consultants) throughout the financial years of 2012 and 2013 (i.e. by the end of March 2014) as the company seeks to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and drive profitable growth. Today Sony Mobile filed a redundancy notification ("varsel") with the Swedish authorities to notify them that the company expects around 650 employees across a number of functions at Sony Mobile in Lund to be affected by job closures. The remaining headcount reductions will be primarily consultants in Sweden. Lund will continue to be an important strategic site for Sony Mobile, with the main focus on software and application development. Sony Mobile is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, following Sony Corporation's acquisition of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson's 50% stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, completed on February 15, 2012. "Sony" is a trademark of Sony Corporation. "Xperia" is a trademark of Sony Mobile Communications. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information, images and videos please visit: pressreleases.sonymobile.com Sony Mobile Communications, Global Communications & PR department | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| JBL's newest Jembe desktop speakers are Bluetooth-enabled, now on sale for $99 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 11:57 PM PDT The Jembe wired speakers have been out on the market since late last year, but now JBL's finally introducing a wireless variant of these sleek desktop noisemakers. Aside from being Bluetooth-friendly at last, the pair's retaining its "stylish weave design" and adding a Harman TrueStream sound technology that wasn't found on the lesser-priced, cabled Jembe set -- this, naturally, while still utilizing a 3.5mm headphone jack as the main input source. JBL's pricing the new Jembe speakers at $99 in the US and £70 (about $110) for UK folks, with the company set to be taking orders as we speak. For that, however, you'll have to virtually land on either of the links below -- otherwise you can always go with those eccentric (and rather intimidating) Edifier Spinnakers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flickr Android app gets updated, touts refreshed UI and camera selection Posted: 22 Aug 2012 11:23 PM PDT Flickr's Android app has been around for nearly a year and was due for a tune-up to perform like its iOS sibling. First, a retooled UI touts a new navigation menu and the Explore section now does a better job of sorting shots according to nearby location and level of interest. In addition to the aforementioned photo library search, notifications, profile, camera and upload options fill out the rest of the main menu's tabbed options. Throughout the application, a pull down to refresh function keeps the most recent notifications and uploads at the top of the window. When the camera tab is tapped, you'll now be prompted to choose your camera or camera app of choice in order to capture the shot. Rounding out the improvements are improved overall search, the ability to edit details / metadata on pictures and HTML content in comments and descriptions. If you're looking to give the overhauled software a go, hit the source link below to snag it. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EcoXPower charges a smartphone, bicycle headlight and tail light with pedal power Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:40 PM PDT Bicycle rigs for charging cellphones have lit up our radar before, but now the EcoXPower is being billed as the first device of its kind that can simultaneously juice up LED lights and a smartphone with the power of your pedaling. Packing a headlamp, a red tail light and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the contraption attaches to a bike's front wheel hub with the help of a universal mount. When clamped on, the apparatus' clutch engages between the velocipede's spokes so it can generate electricity. A USB adapter cable runs up the two-wheeler's fork to a water-resistant, touchscreen-friendly case that can house iPhones, Android handsets and "all major GPS devices" perched atop the handlebars. Cyclists yearning to charge their electronics with the dynamo can pick one up for $99.99. Roll past the break for the full press release. ECOXGEAR Rolls Out the ECOXPOWER, a Pedal Powered Headlight + Smart Phone Charger for Your Bike The world's first pedal powered bike LED lighting and smart phone charging system, never be in the dark or without your smart phone charged again San Diego, Calif. - (August 21, 2012) – ECOXGEAR by Grace Digital Inc, a leader in rugged, outdoor and waterproof products for the adventurous lifestyle, is pleased to announce the ECOXPOWER pedal powered headlight and smart phone charger for bicycles. Equipped with a universal mount, ECOXPOWER attaches to most standard and oversized hubs and comes with a handlebar mounted, water-resistant and touch-screen compatible smart phone/GPS case. The ECOXPOWER is available today for $99.99 at www.ECOXGEAR.com and retailers nationwide. ECOXPOWER features an ultra-bright LED front headlight and red rear taillight that mounts to your bike's front wheel hub. The included USB adapter cable runs up the front fork and into the handlebar mounted, water-resistant smart phone case. As the front wheel of your bike turns, the ECOXPOWER's clutch engages between the tire's spokes, fueling a generator that powers the lighting system, the integrated lithium ion rechargeable battery and the power jack for you smart phone. The smart phone case is touch-screen friendly and accommodates all major GPS devices and smart phone models including iPhone and Android. ECOXPOWER also comes equipped with an on/off remote switch that can be mounted to the handlebars, allowing for full control over the headlight and taillight while on a ride. ECOXPOWER features include: Product Page: http://www.ecoxgear.com/ecoxpower/ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Facebook for Android app updated with messaging emoji, easy event creation and a bit more Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:05 PM PDT If you were wondering what features would be on the way after Facebook ditched pre-Froyo Android support for its app your questions have been answered. This revision lets users easily create events from their mobiles, share photos quicker and annoy their friends across platforms thanks to the kind of emoji iOS users have been annoying each other with for ages. In the screenshot above you see the new event creation pages and messaging screen where friends can toss in the icons or a picture while chatting privately, although updating to v1.9.8 will require a manual approval since it also seeks permission to obtain your location via coarse network-based methods. Assuming you're already down with Facebook's Open Graph-enabled tendrils snaking their way throughout your digital life (and, as an existing user already allowed it access to precise GPS-based location data) that's probably not too much of an issue, hit the Google Play link below to upgrade. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IRISNotes 2 looks to undercut Livescribe, digitizes your scribbles for $99 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 09:40 PM PDT IRIS is trying to make a big name for itself in the OCR world. But, top notch software alone isn't going to put its name on the tips of consumers tongues. For that they're gonna need something sexier, more... tangible. With its portable scanner line already on shelves the company is pushing out an update to its digital pen series IRISNotes. The IRISNotes Express 2 and Executive 2 are very similar to the intriguing Livescribe that, while compelling, never seemed to fly off the shelves. IRISNotes ditches the special paper required by its more popular competitor, and instead uses a small receiver that clips to the top of a standard sheet to record your scrawl in digitized form. IRIS hasn't specified how much storage is on board, only saying that it can save 100 pages worth of notes before you'll need to download its contents to a PC. The $99 Express undercuts Livescribe's cheapest offering by $20, but it's worth noting that it doesn't have support for voice notes or a stable of applications that tie into its ecosystem. The Executive model retails for $149 and sports a more elegant finish, befitting its name. It also comes with a 30-pin adapter that lets you dump your missives directly to an iDevice. Both are available now, and you'll find complete PR after the break. Just in Time for Back-to-School, I.R.I.S. Digitizes Writing with IRISNotes 2 Intelligent digital pens that transform handwritten notes into editable text Delray Beach, Fla. – August 21, 2012 – I.R.I.S., a leading innovator in optical character recognition (OCR)software, is excited to announce the availability of their IRISNotes 2 lineup, digital pens that capture handwritten notes and convert them into edible text on a computer. As simple as putting pen to paper, the IRISNotes 2 captures notes and drawings anytime, anywhere without a computer. Using a battery-powered pen and receiver clipped to the top of a standard sheet of paper, hand movements are tracked and recorded. No special paper needed! The receiver stores up to 100 pages of text, downloads the information to a computer and then I.R.I.S' Optical Character Recognition application converts handwriting into electronic text that can be sent to Word, Outlook, Notepad, etc. It's available in two different versions: Express and Executive. The IRISNotes Express 2 is a battery powered pen that comes with 4 replacement batteries and aluminum carrying case. The IRISNotes Executive 2 has an executive style finish and comes with rechargeable battery, leather carrying pouch and 30-pin connector to share notes directly to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With IRISNotes Executive 2, users can write and draw on photos taken with their iOS device and can be shared immediately on Facebook or Flicker. The IRISNotes 2 Express and IRISNotes 2 Executive are now available for $99 and $149 respectively at www.irislink.com/usa. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LG Display starts volume production of in-cell touch screens, we have a hunch as to who wants them Posted: 22 Aug 2012 08:58 PM PDT Looks like we'll be finding in-cell touch displays in our devices sooner rather than later: LG Display has confirmed that it's been mass-producing the thinner LCDs since earlier in August. CEO Han Sang-beom also notes that manufacturing has been going as smooth as, well, glass. Despite the complexity of building touch input directly into a display, the company expects to keep the supply going "without any fail," according to the executive. As to who's making the orders? LG Display isn't naming its customers on the record, and production could be as much for its sister company's phones and tablets as anyone else's. It's hard not to pinpoint Apple as the 800-pound gorilla in the room, however. Apart from Apple representing one of LG Display's biggest existing customers, multiple rumors and component leaks point to an iPhone with an in-cell display being in the works. The timing raises a distinct possibility that we'll know more about the screen manufacturer's clients in less than a month. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University of Michigan connects 3,000 cars for year-long safety pilot Posted: 22 Aug 2012 08:32 PM PDT Road safety continues to be a major concern for both researchers and car makers alike. Yesterday saw yet another real-world trial kicking off, this time on a much grander scale. A total of 3,000 vehicles in Ann Arbor, Michigan are taking part in a 12-month project run by the state's Transportation Research Institute. The vehicles have Dedicated Short Range Communications and video recording facilities, which means the cars can communicate with each other, traffic signals, and share data to a central platform -- which in turn issues warnings when high risk situations, or if traffic problems occur. Of course, this trial will also create a massive data set, which researchers will be able to plunder, and help the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) better determine the viability of such systems. So while it's unlikely to lead to self driving cars just yet, it's a step in the right direction. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HTC Thunderbolt, Droid Incredible 2 go back to the future with leaked Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:53 PM PDT Looks like some HTC oldies are in store for Android OS goodies -- unofficially. Though Verizon's yet to publicly confirm availability, it does appear Droid Incredible 2 and Thunderbolt owners (like this sorry bastard) are in store for a very real Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade. Two deodexed ROMs based on purported stock 4.0.4 builds have recently hit the forums treating eager and, in the case of that latter LTE handset, beleaguered users to a host of performance tweaks, as well as that Sense 3.6 skin. It should go without saying that you'll need to be rooted to flash either leak and, as always, the usual warnings apply: backup first and proceed at your own risk. That said, consider this your ticket past the Big Red tape. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wireless Sensor Tags alert you to movement and temperature changes, fit on your keyring Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:31 PM PDT There's plenty of sensor gear around for hobbyists to play with, but not so many polished products for the monitoring-obsessed. Cao Gadgets is attempting to fill that niche with its functionally named Wireless Sensor Tags -- small devices which monitor movement and temperature, notifying you if anything's amiss. A magnetometer registers movement by changes in its orientation, and can inform you of door openings or similar disturbances, while the temperature triggers are based on upper or lower thresholds. The $15 sensors (or $12 if you want three or more) have a battery life that should last several years depending on their setup, but there is one catch -- you also need the Tag Manager hub ($50), which plugs into your router via Ethernet. It keeps in frequent contact with any subordinates in its 200-foot range, and if after several attempts it finds one MIA, a warning can be sent in case any of your home guards have walked or fallen asleep. The tags also have inbuilt beepers which can be pinged to track down any rogue possessions they're partnered with, like your keys. A lot of thought has been put into micromanaging the tags, which are customizable through web-based, Android or iOS apps, and will send out alerts via email, Twitter, or push notifications on slates and phones (text-to-speech is available if you're too lazy to read). If you're into your data, you can also access trigger statistics from the software, complete with graphs. The home monitoring kit is available now, and instead of crashing your browser with too many embeds, we've decided to point you to the source below for the half-dozen demo vids. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nikkei: ITU near recommending NHK's Super Hi-Vision as official TV standard Posted: 22 Aug 2012 07:08 PM PDT We've seen NHK preparing its Super Hi-Vision 8K video since time immemorial. Wouldn't it be nice if the TV broadcast technology was more than just a perpetual research project? If sources for Japan's Nikkei aren't dreaming, the International Telecommunication Union is now "likely" to declare the format an official standard for broadcasters and TV makers. Should it go ahead, the UN telecom body would ask the world to rely on Super Hi-Vision as an eventual successor to HDTV and reduce the balkanization of TV standards that we've seen in the past. Neither the ITU nor NHK is known to have commented on the claim so far, but NHK isn't exactly in a rush to get a seal of approval from anyone -- widescale test broadcasts aren't coming until 2020, and production TVs themselves are only just entering a 4K universe. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Google Chrome for iOS update brings sharing to G+, Facebook and Twitter Posted: 22 Aug 2012 06:46 PM PDT We've had Google's Chrome browser on iPad and iPhone since June and now it has received its first update. After a recent update for the Google+ iOS app added sharing of links to Chrome, the lead feature in the new version is the ability to share from Chrome to "your favorite social network" (Google+, Facebook or Twitter). There have been a few other tweaks that the team says are in response to user reports including better sync sign in error messages, language detection and a fix for blank pages in incognito mode. While a share function that's limited to just a few apps and not being able to use it as the default browser still doesn't quite match the Android edition, users who prefer it to Safari can snag Chrome 21.0.1180.77 free in the usual place. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LG Optimus Vu to bow on Verizon as the Intuition, stylus not included? Posted: 22 Aug 2012 06:22 PM PDT Could this 5-inch LG handset be Verizon's answer to the Galaxy Note? Our Intuition tells us otherwise (get it?), but that screenshot above and corresponding FCC docs deign to differ. Really though, that lady razor name's the purported new moniker for Big Red's rebranded Optimus Vu: the heretofore Korea-only phablet we recently reviewed. While we found the outsized handset's worth as a true S-Pen rival hampered by its lack of a digitizer and 4:3 aspect ratio, it could catch on with folks eager for a 7-inch tablet alternative. However this one eventually shakes down in the crowded Android marketplace, it appears subs are in store for a 4G LTE ride and the carrier's typical $199 on two-year contract pricing. Curiously, the leak makes no mention of an included stylus, so perhaps the operator's opting to spin this one as a more traditional smartphone release. Smart move, that. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Qualcomm confirms its role in LG superphone with quad-core Snapdragon S4 Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:54 PM PDT There's nothing like jumping the gun to announce your involvement with a phone that technically doesn't exist, but we've gotta say, we love Qualcomm for doing it. The company has just revealed to us its role in the production of a smartphone from LG that'll feature quad-core Snapdragon S4 internals, and if it performs anything like recent benchmarks suggest, you'd best hold onto your hats. For a little backstory, rumors are currently circulating that LG is producing a smartphone of epic proportions that's known as the Optimus G, which is said to wield a quad-core processor, a 4.7-inch IPS True HD display, 2GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel camera. Whether it's related to this announcement is anyone's guess, but you'll be forgiven for salivating at the prospect. Fortunately, you won't have long to find out the true home of the quad-core Snapdragon S4, as Qualcomm has also revealed that LG plans to release its next superphone for commercial availability this September in South Korea, with other territories to follow. Update: AnandTech has gotten word from Qualcomm that the LG device in question will pack an MDM9615 LTE baseband chip as well. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Everything Everywhere completes sale of spectrum to Three, waits for regulators approval Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:41 PM PDT Three and Everything Everywhere have completed the sale of two 15MHz blocks of the 1,800MHz spectrum, announced yesterday. It follows Ofcom's controversial decision to let the latter network queue-jump to offer LTE services in the UK before the official auction process begins. Three won't be able to use its new toy until its frenemy has vacated it, which could be as late as September next year, but could start preparing 4G internet shortly after. The sale was made due to merger requirements by the European Commission, but still needs approval from Ofcom, but given that it's already handed the company an unassailable head-start, we hardly think it'll be too concerned by the deal. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xiaomi Phone 1S ships August 23rd with avalanche of backorders Posted: 22 Aug 2012 05:23 PM PDT You know you're doing well when even your warmed-up, older smartphone is triggering queues before it's on sale. Xiaomi has just promised that the Phone 1S will reach the market on August 23rd, but with 200,000 units to share -- a slight shortfall when there are 1.3 million reserved phones. The company hasn't said how quickly it will catch up to the backlog for its revived Android flagship. We hope it's soon; it wouldn't do to have customers still waiting for the 1S by the time the Phone 2 rolls around in October, after all. We'd say it's a nice problem to have, and it bodes well for sales of the true sequel. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You are subscribed to email updates from Engadget News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment