Engadget

No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings

Jason Hidalgo — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:11:00 EDT

Hey, America ... no soup for you! Vita apparently means no discounted downloads of your beloved disc-based PSP games as Kotaku reports Sony won't be offering its "UMD Passport" service in the US. Since December, Sony has let existing Japanese PSP owners upgrade UMD games to Vita downloadable copies for around ¥500-1,000 ($6.50 - $13). Penny-pinching US gamers can perhaps console themselves with the fact that they can still get a discount for digital downloads of Vita games. Well, that or make hungry eyes for free at Vitas displayed in kiosks at select stores.

No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Joystiq | Kotaku | Email this | Comments

Android 4.0.4 ROM leaks for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:26:00 EDT

A little gem known as Android 4.0.4 wriggled its way onto the interweb last week, and while it was geared specifically for Sprint's Nexus S 4G, a similar version has just cropped up for the CDMA / LTE Galaxy Nexus from Verizon. While it's only available for tenacious users who've unlocked their bootloader, it seems that a host of improvements are on deck for the official release. First and foremost, the ROM is said to be noticeably faster, with the speed gains also extending to the web browser and the device's boot time. The release also packs a new radio file that (at least from user impressions) offers more seamless transitions between the CDMA and LTE networks. All in all, the rest of the changes are rather minor, but if you'd like to join the bleeding edge, you'll find everything you need in the source link below.

Android 4.0.4 ROM leaks for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink xda-developers | xda-developers forum | Email this | Comments

Barnes & Noble confirms Nook Simple Touch upgrade WiFi issues, fix coming

Brian Heater — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:51:00 EDT

Been having WiFi troubles ever since you gave your Nook Simple Touch the old 1.1 upgrade? You are not alone. Barnes & Noble confirmed what e-reader forum frequenters have known since last year -- the firmware upgrade has done a number on some users' connectivity. The bookseller told us that it's aware of the the issue and that its team is working "diligently" to address the issue. In the meantime, enjoy the video of a corgi puppy embedded after the break.

[Thanks, Dina]

Continue reading Barnes & Noble confirms Nook Simple Touch upgrade WiFi issues, fix coming

Barnes & Noble confirms Nook Simple Touch upgrade WiFi issues, fix coming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

LG teases Optimus Vu Android smartphone with 5-inch screen, 4:3 aspect ratio (video)

Zachary Lutz — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:37:00 EDT

If you're into high strangeness in the mobile realm, you'd be wise to check out the video of the Optimus Vu that LG just posted -- just follow the break. While our Korean translation skills aren't quite up to par, we've been able to decipher that this boxy number packs a 5-inch touchscreen and a rather unique 4:3 aspect ratio. The telltale capacitive touch buttons reveal this as an Android device, which the Korean manufacturer suggests is more comfortable to hold than traditional portrait-based solutions. It'll be interesting to see what this means for application compatibility, but for the moment, we're going to keep digging for more specs. Oh, and if you happen to know Korean, don't be afraid to drop additional tidbits into the comments below.

[Thanks, Byungjin]

Update: We've stumbled upon an image from Datacider that purports to be a shot of the Optimus Vu in the wild. They've also included a smattering of specs, which include a 1.5GHz Qualcomm APQ8060 SoC, 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM, NFC, an eight megapixel camera and Android 2.3. Feel free to hit up the source link for that extra peek.

Continue reading LG teases Optimus Vu Android smartphone with 5-inch screen, 4:3 aspect ratio (video)

LG teases Optimus Vu Android smartphone with 5-inch screen, 4:3 aspect ratio (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | LG (translated), Datacider (translated) | Email this | Comments

StatCounter: Mobile web usage doubling every year, Nokia leads the way

Amar Toor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:51:00 EDT

We already knew that Nokia sits atop the world's market when it comes to shipments and market share. As it turns out, though, the Finnish manufacturer leads the way in terms of mobile web browsing, too. That's according to the latest report from StatCounter, which found that Nokia handsets account for about 40 percent of the world's mobile browsing, followed by Apple, at around 29 percent. Coming in at a relatively distant third is Samsung, with an approximately 14 percent share. Android OEMs as a whole, however, account for a little under 25 percent of the world's mobile browsing, while RIM came in at just 8.3 percent (thought it still ranks second in the UK, behind Apple). Overall, global mobile web usage has just about doubled every year since 2009, which is both crazy and not crazy. For more numbers and insight, check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading StatCounter: Mobile web usage doubling every year, Nokia leads the way

StatCounter: Mobile web usage doubling every year, Nokia leads the way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ReadWriteWeb | | Email this | Comments

Engadget HD Podcast 285 - 02.07.2012

Trent Wolbe — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EDT

It's been a busy week in HD, with surprising new streaming offerings on the way from the likes of Sky and Verizon / Redbox, while Apple and Google each also pushed more minor updates to their TV boxes. Vizio is nearly ready to release a new format of HDTV in the US, and we also got some hands on time with a new TV companion app for your iPad. Of course, we couldn't get through this week without some discussion about the Super Bowl, which includes mentioning a server outage that interrupted things for Harmony Link users. There's that and plenty more to discuss, so go ahead and press play -- but remember to vote for the 2011 Engadget Awards first.

Get the podcast
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
[RSS - AAC] Enhanced feed, subscribe to this with iTunes.
[RSS - MP3] Add the Engadget HD Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace
[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:09:52 - Verizon and Redbox team up to launch streaming and physical media service later this year
00:21:00 - Sky will launch an internet based TV service in the UK in the first half of 2012
00:24:55 - Redbox refuses to push Warner movie delay to 56 days, will rent flicks as they go on sale
00:27:45 - Netflix teams with eyeIO to lower bandwidth use on movie night
00:30:06 - Apple TV gets into video discovery, adds movie and TV show Genius Recommendations
00:34:19 - Google TV 3.2 update enhances HLS video streaming support, Plex update takes advantage
00:34:30 - Sony Google TV gets update this week, brings speedier Chrome and 3D Blu-ray support
00:35:35 - Boxee desktop app being removed from servers tonight, get it while you can
00:37:13 - ConnecTV social companion beta launches for iPad, PC and Mac
00:47:10 - Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV
00:52:30 - Upgraded DirecTiVos from WeaKnees are on deck
00:56:44 - Server outage turns Harmony Link into a paperweight
01:00:35 - Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' Blu-ray 3D set for release February 28th -- 3D haters beware
01:11:00 - Vote for the 2011 Engadget Awards!
01:11:25 - Must See HDTV (February 6th - 12th)

Hear the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)

Engadget HD Podcast 285 - 02.07.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Lumia 800 bundle coming to Microsoft retail stores on Valentine's Day, $899 is the new price of love

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:28:00 EDT

Well, you knew the Lumia 800 would be coming to Microsoft's chain of retail stores this month, but we bet you weren't counting on an $899 price tag. That's the word from our compadres at The Verge, who suggest that Nokia's handset will initially be available only as a bundle, which is set to be up for grabs on February 14th. In addition to the unlocked Lumia 800, buyers with a whole lotta bravado will be able to demonstrate their love with the included Nokia Play 360 wireless speaker, a Purity HD Stereo Headset and an in-ear Bluetooth unit. We know that Nokia has a new conflict-free mineral policy and all, but for $899, you might just want to ask your sweetie if she'd prefer a diamond.

Lumia 800 bundle coming to Microsoft retail stores on Valentine's Day, $899 is the new price of love originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | The Verge | Email this | Comments

LightSquared gets desperate, seeks regulatory changes to satisfy GPS debacle

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:46:00 EDT

If we were the betting type -- and hell, some of us really are -- we'd wager a crisp ten spot that LightSquared isn't going to assuage the FCC's concerns over those pesky GPS interference issues in the next few weeks. After previously stating that the interference test reports were rigged by GPS insiders, the upstart LTE network is now getting political with its argument and is calling on the FCC to institute new standards for GPS equipment. LightSquared contends that current GPS devices on the market are poorly designed and purposefully encroach on the company's licensed spectrum. Of course, this change would do little to remedy the millions of interference prone / (causing?) devices on the market, but LightSquared notes that, by the FCC's own admission, GPS receivers must "reasonably discriminate against the reception of signals outside their allocated spectrum." With the company's latest argument flying high atop the flagpole, it begs the question, will anybody salute? You'll find LightSquared's statement in its entirety after the break.

Continue reading LightSquared gets desperate, seeks regulatory changes to satisfy GPS debacle

LightSquared gets desperate, seeks regulatory changes to satisfy GPS debacle originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Olympus unveils SZ-31MR camera: 16 megapixels, 24x optical zoom

Edgar Alvarez — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT

Japanese camera manufacturer Olympus has just introduced the successor to its SZ-30MR compact shooter. The new snapper not only sees a minimal increment on its stage name, SZ-31MR, but it also keeps the same 16-megapixel backlit sensor as its predecessor, as well as an identical 24x (25-600mm) optical zoom. Though, the newcomer does get a fresh image processor, making the jump from a TruePic III to a TruePic V, thus bringing along better low-light performance, scene enhancements and keeping high-quality shots while using the zoom feature. Amongst other traits, the device is packing a 3-inch (920,000-dot) LCD, 6400 ISO and 1080p video capture at 30fps. Olympus is also implementing a new technology dubbed iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed), which the company claims will produce sharper and more vivid images. All this can be yours for a mere $399 this April when it's released, but if you want to know more before parting with that cash, check the pic gallery below and the PR after the break.

Gallery: Olympus SZ-31MR

Continue reading Olympus unveils SZ-31MR camera: 16 megapixels, 24x optical zoom

Olympus unveils SZ-31MR camera: 16 megapixels, 24x optical zoom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Olympus updates its Tough lineup, intros TG-820 ruggedized shooter

Edgar Alvarez — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT

Olympus isn't planning on staying far behind its competition in the ruggedized camera department. That's why it's taking the wraps off its TG-820. The newest addition to the Tough lineup brings along predictable traits for a shooter of its kind, such as being waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof. All the "proofs" aren't the only set of features present amongst its offerings, the Tough TG-820 comes sporting a 12-megapixel, back-side illuminated CMOS sensor (compared to the 14-megapixel CCD on its predecessor), 1080p video recording capabilities, as well as a 5X optical and 4X digital zoom. Also included in the package is a 3-inch, HyperCrystal LCD, plus a plethora of shooting modes to choose from, some of which include: Panorama, Sensor-shift IS, Backlight HDR and a Pet mode. Olympus' new rugged shooter will hit shelves next month for $299, in the meantime you can pick which color best suits you by checking out the press shots below.

Gallery: Olympus TG-820

Continue reading Olympus updates its Tough lineup, intros TG-820 ruggedized shooter

Olympus updates its Tough lineup, intros TG-820 ruggedized shooter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera preview (video)

Zach Honig — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT

Olympus has embraced the camera designs of yesteryear for several generations, from its first Micro Four Thirds models to last year's E-P3. But now the Japanese camera maker is stepping up its retro game, announcing a brand new line of Micro Four Thirds cams. Meet the OM-D. A dramatic departure from the more modern-looking PEN cameras, this new line of mirrorless models, specifically the E-M5, in many ways duplicates the design elements of the 1970s-era OM System. The first consumer camera in that SLR lineup, the OM-10, served as clear inspiration for the slightly boxy, black or silver and black magnesium alloy digital model we have today. We were able to spend some time with the Olympus E-M5 before tonight's announcement, and were very impressed with what we saw. Jump past the break for our impressions and an Olympus-guided video walkthrough, and thumb through the gallery below for a detailed look at the company's answer to the Fujifilm X-Pro1.

Gallery: Olympus OM-D E-M5 hands-on

Continue reading Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera preview (video)

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Desktop apps may run on Win8 for ARM after all... maybe

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:24:00 EDT

The issue of whether or not the ARM edition of Windows 8 will support both desktop and Metro-style apps has been pretty hazy. Some have claimed it would, others that it wont and, even when they've issued denials of the nay-sayers, Microsoft has stopped short of saying that ARM hardware would offer a desktop mode for non-Metro apps. Well, buried in a post about improving power efficiency over at MSDN blogs was a passing reference to "both desktop and Metro style apps" running on "System on Chip (SoC) architectures." Some, including the well regarded Mary Jo Foley, have read this to mean that desktop apps will indeed work on ARM-powered Windows tablets. Now, this seems to make sense since all of the SoC coverage has been focused on the powerful new RISC chips getting crammed in new slates and smartphones, and we've heard that Win8 and Windows Phone 8 will share the same kernel. But, there is one tiny wrinkle in this narrative -- Intel will have its own SoC solutions soon enough thanks to Medfield, so the passage could simply be a reference to those x86 chips. You'll find the relevant excerpt at the via link.

Desktop apps may run on Win8 for ARM after all... maybe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ZDNet | MSDN | Email this | Comments

Yahoo's management overhaul continues: Chairman and three board members step down

Michael Gorman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:52:00 EDT

Out with the old, in with the new, eh? Yahoo certainly subscribes to that philosophy, as it's already shuffled out Jerry Yang in favor of Scott Thompson as its CEO, and now the company will be adding four fresh faces to it's board. Among those departing Yahoo is Roy Bostock -- which ends his four year reign as Chairman of the board -- who is perhaps most well-known for having a hand in turning down Microsoft's money in 2008. With this most recent shuffling at the top, Yahoo's down to just seven board members, but the search is on to find replacements for the departed directors. Who will be the lucky chosen ones? No one can say for sure, but given Yahoo's declining status, whoever joins up will have their work cut out to get the company back on top.

Yahoo's management overhaul continues: Chairman and three board members step down originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PC World | USA Today | Email this | Comments

Reuters: Amazon Prime Instant Video close to Viacom deal, standalone service launch

Richard Lawler — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:16:00 EDT

So far, 2012 has been quiet for Amazon's all-you-can-eat video streaming service, but that could change soon as Reuters cites anonymous sources claiming the retailer will lock up a deal with Viacom (Paramount Studios, MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike, etc.) soon. That would reportedly be one of the final steps to launching Prime Instant Video as a standalone service, just as Netflix had suggested in its last earnings report. With details still scarce it's hard to say exactly what shape these competitors to the streaming crown will take, but between Amazon, Hulu, Redbox / Verizon, Google, whatever Apple may be up to as well as a fight from Sky and Lovefilm in the UK, it should be a very interesting year.

Reuters: Amazon Prime Instant Video close to Viacom deal, standalone service launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Reuters | Email this | Comments

Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS

Zachary Lutz — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:39:00 EDT

A new version of Google Voice has just crawled out of the woodwork, and while the changes are minor, we think most users will like what's in store. First and foremost, we were greeted with a new, darker interface that better matches Honeycomb's design philosophy, along with a refreshed icon that more closely resembles the messaging app in Ice Cream Sandwich. There's also a curious new feature known as asynchronous SMS, which allows you to queue up messages for later delivery when you happen to be without signal. To test this out, we put our handset into airplane mode, fired off a few texts -- which showed up as queued -- and then took our phone back onto the network. Once back online, the messages were delivered as expected. And hey, it can't get much better than that, really.

Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Next Web | Android Market | Email this | Comments

Microsoft strikes deal with 24/7, promises to 'redefine' customer service

Donald Melanson — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:46:00 EDT

A partnership between Microsoft and customer service company 24/7 may not exactly sound like the most exciting proposition on the face of things, but the two are making some fairly lofty promises, and Microsoft seems to be making a serious investment in the initiative. As ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley reports, part of the deal will see Microsoft send at least some of the 400 employees it brought on in its 2007 acquisition of TellMe Networks to 24/7, and it will also license some of its speech-related IP to the company (in addition to taking an equity stake in it). The goal there being to combine natural user interfaces with a cloud-based customer service platform, which Microsoft promises will "redefine what customer service looks like." To that end, it gives the example of a credit card company getting in touch with you to report suspicious behavior; rather than a phone call, you could get a notification with all the pertinent details sent directly to your phone, which could anticipate a number of potential actions and let you respond by voice (or touch, presumably). Unfortunately, while the two are talking plenty about the future of customer service, there's not a lot of word as to when that might arrive.

Continue reading Microsoft strikes deal with 24/7, promises to 'redefine' customer service

Microsoft strikes deal with 24/7, promises to 'redefine' customer service originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Microsoft | Email this | Comments

Pentax refreshes its rugged camera lineup with the Optio WG-2 series

Edgar Alvarez — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EDT

Exactly twelve months after the unveiling of the Optio WG-1 family, Pentax is now introducing the successors to its colorful and ruggedized shooters. And while its macho design hasn't changed much, the newcomers usher in a host of predictable spec bumps. The new all-terrain shooters are sporting a 16-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 1080p (30fps) movie mode, micro-HDMI for when you feel like sharing your adventures and a 3-inch, 460,000 -dot LCD to help you frame your shots. Of course, this wouldn't fall under the rugged category if it couldn't handle anything you threw at it, which is why any WG-2 is waterproof up to 40 feet, shock-resistant and dustproof. If you're thinking about taking one of these on the trails with you, be ready to unleash around $350 for the unguided model or about $50 more for a GPS-enabled number. Neither will be available until March, so you'll have to wait a while, but in the meantime we've got the full PR below along with some press shots.

Gallery: Pentax Optio WG-2

Continue reading Pentax refreshes its rugged camera lineup with the Optio WG-2 series

Pentax refreshes its rugged camera lineup with the Optio WG-2 series originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Canon unveils two AirPrint printers, thinks you should print more stuff from your iPad

Brian Heater — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:32:00 EDT

Want to print stuff from your iPad, but hate drivers and cords and stuff? Good news, Canon's offering up the Pixma MX512 and MX432, two all-in-one inkjets that offer up Apple AirPrint support, letting users wirelessly prints photos, docs and the like from their iPad, iPhone and iPod touches running iOS 4.2 or later. Canon also used the announcement to reaffirm its commitment to the technology, ensuring as before that it "will be available with the majority of Canon PIXMA Wireless All-In-One inkjet printers launched from this point forward." A brief, fully printable press release can be found after the break.

Gallery: Canon Pixma MX432 & MX512

Continue reading Canon unveils two AirPrint printers, thinks you should print more stuff from your iPad

Canon unveils two AirPrint printers, thinks you should print more stuff from your iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink iPodNN | Canon | Email this | Comments

Chrome Beta for Android hands-on (video)

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:54:00 EDT

So, Google is finally making the move we've been expecting for some time now and bringing Chrome to Android. Now, you'll need a device running Ice Cream Sandwich to get the new mobile browser up and running but, thankfully, we happened to have a Galaxy Nexus on hand. As you might expect, mobile Chrome (much like its desktop sibling) is fast -- a little buggy perhaps, but fast. It isn't, however, the fastest browser for the platform. Chrome Beta holds its own, but the standard Android browser, the stable version of Firefox and Dolphin HD all edged it out in SunSpider. Numbers don't tell the whole story though, so head on past the break for more.

Continue reading Chrome Beta for Android hands-on (video)

Chrome Beta for Android hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Chrome for Android (Android Market) | Email this | Comments

Reminder: Vote for the 2011 Engadget Awards!

Billy Steele — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:48:00 EDT

We've sorted through the nominations and now we're relying on you to determine the real tech winners from 2011. So, if your smartphone of choice didn't get all the love you hoped it would, hop on over to the voting page and cast your vote. Keep in mind you have until 11:59PM ET on Monday February 20th to let your voice be heard. Check back for the leading vote getters along with our Editors' Choice gadgets before the end of the month.

Hit the voting page here to submit your ballot.

Reminder: Vote for the 2011 Engadget Awards! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Sony Tablet P's product manager shows off prototypes, tells the clamshell story

Richard Lai — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:20:00 EDT

Still baffled by the Tablet P's existence? Well, Sony's here to help! Earlier today, our brethren over at Engadget Chinese met up with Takeshi Goto, the head honcho of VAIO and mobile product producing, to learn how the Android clamshell went from several mockups (one of which was made out of a $4 wallet) right after the PDA era to the final product today. Between those two pivotal points on the timeline, Sony explored screen sizes between five to seven inches before settling on 5.5 due to hardware limitation; though the entire device ended up being about the same size as the 7-inch mockup. Later on, the manufacturer hooked up a couple of VAIO UXs to power a Nintendo DS-like dual-screen prototype -- that was when Windows and x86 were under consideration, before Sony eventually went with Android on ARM. Intrigued? Hit the link below to take a look at the aforementioned goodies.

Sony Tablet P's product manager shows off prototypes, tells the clamshell story originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Engadget Chinese (translated) | Email this | Comments

Microsoft and British agency create child-friendly version of IE9

James Trew — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:51:00 EDT

As the entry age for web access heads ever southwards, preventing young minds from the perils of the internet is a growing concern for parents. For this reason, Microsoft teamed up with the UK-based CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Center) to create a special kid-friendly version of its IE9 browser. Access to key CEOP pages are baked right in, and there are dedicated tabs for the thinkuknow.co.uk information site and, of course, Bing. Additional security comes via a Jump List that lets parents and care-givers set the age group of their child and prevents them from seeing unsuitable content. It's only available on Windows 7, and you'll need to prevent your curious children from using any other browser, but at least it's extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Microsoft and British agency create child-friendly version of IE9 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TechnoBuffalo | CEOP | Email this | Comments

Raspberry Pi's Linux computer nears completion, should ship by end of February

Amar Toor — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:26:00 EDT

Raspberry Pi's commercial future became a little clearer yesterday, with an announcement that the first batch of its Model B Linux computers will be finished by February 20th. The $35 board went into production last month, but has been beset with delays in bringing it to market. In a post on its site, the UK-based manufacturer expressed some regret over the setback, attributing it to a hiccup it encountered while trying to procure specific quartz crystals. Fortunately, though, everything is finally in order, and the computers should begin shipping by the end of the month. In the meantime, particularly hardware savvy users can find out more about the BCM2835 SoC behind the Model B, courtesy of a datasheet that Broadcom released alongside Raspberry Pi's announcement. You can dig through it yourself, at the coverage link below.

Raspberry Pi's Linux computer nears completion, should ship by end of February originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Ars Technica | Raspberry Pi | Email this | Comments

Sony Xperia Sola appears at US Patent Office, forgets to mention its codename

Mat Smith — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EDT

So far, the extent of Sony's 2012 smartphone portfolio for the US extends only to the AT&T-bound Xperia Ion, with no word just yet whether the see-through banded Xperia S will arrive on American shores. What happens if it was called the Xperia Sola? That very name's showed up at the US Patent and Trademark Office, although that's largely it. So it could be a phone we've already seen, or perhaps one of those many road-mapped pseudonyms. Well, with a certain big mobile event just around the corner, we're sure to get a few more answers on Sony's other plans for the New World later this month.

Sony Xperia Sola appears at US Patent Office, forgets to mention its codename originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PocketNow | US Patent and Trademark Office | Email this | Comments

Microsoft Star Wars Xbox 360 bundle coming to a galaxy close to here, April 3rd

Brian Heater — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:00 EDT

Come spring you'll finally be able to get your grubby paws on that droid-based console you've been looking for. Microsoft's Major Nelson let slip in a series of tweets that the Star Wars Xbox 360 Kinect bundle will land on April 3rd. The set, which was first unveiled, fittingly, at Comic Con, is dressed up like R2-D2 and ships with a C-3P0-themed controller, a white Kinect sensor and the games Star Wars Kinect and Kinect Adventures. The 320GB system will run you $449, so start saving up those Galactic Credits now.

Microsoft Star Wars Xbox 360 bundle coming to a galaxy close to here, April 3rd originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Major Nelson | Email this | Comments

Sandy Bridge E squashed into $3,000 Clevo P270WM gaming suitcase

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:13:00 EDT

If you thought Intel's super-charged Core i7 CPUs were only for desktops, then AVADirect reckons it can change your mind. The company's Clevo P270WM notebook comes strapped to the back of either a six-core i7-3930K or an over-sized i7-3960X, while still leaving plenty of room for dual GeForce GTX 580M graphics, a Bigfoot Killer WiFi adapter, three hard drives and four memory slots offering up to 32GB of RAM. Topping it all off is a 3D-capable 17.3-inch Full HD LED glossy display and backlit keyboard. The base configuration with the 3930K processor, single graphics card and 750GB HDD will set you back over $3,000, and if you have to ask how much the NVIDIA Quadro graphics option costs then you're probably better off with something like this.

Sandy Bridge E squashed into $3,000 Clevo P270WM gaming suitcase originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink NotebookReview | AVADirect | Email this | Comments

Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video)

Mat Smith — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:49:00 EDT

The latest step in bringing Google-based unification has arrived. The Chrome browser is here on Android. This beta version is currently only available for that elite crowd of ICS phones and tablets and like its desktop progenitor, the synced settings and bookmarks are all in tow. Expect to see a new, more natural mobile view of the tab system. It'll also remember what you were last looking at on your desktop Chrome browser, and sync it across to your mobile device -- it's like Kindle or iBook's bookmarking system, but for the web. Your autocorrect content from the desktop is similarly synced. Expect to see the reappearance of link previews, something you may recall from the results of any Google searches, offering a brief thumbnail of a link's destination. We're giving it a good play-around right now, but while we get our first impression up, check the quick intro video after the break.

Update: Here's our hands-on. With video, naturally. Another more in-depth video from Google can also be found after the break.

Continue reading Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video)

Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Google, Chrome Beta (Android Market) | Email this | Comments

Elevate aims high, agrees to become Sprint's newest MVNO

Brad Molen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EDT

Another MVNO is going live on Sprint's network, and this time Elevate is the one signing the dotted line. The company, known primarily for providing digital services such as VoIP, wireline and wireless broadband in 22 markets across the country, is now aiming to expand its portfolio by using the Now Network to provide both postpaid and prepaid mobile plans for its customers. While we're still waiting to hear the specifics, Elevate mentioned that it will feature Android and "Windows-based devices." The MVNO will also be leveraged to support the company's Smart Home automation service, taking advantage of a new app that will give customers remote access to all aspects of their home security systems. Head over to the press release to glean every last little detail.

Continue reading Elevate aims high, agrees to become Sprint's newest MVNO

Elevate aims high, agrees to become Sprint's newest MVNO originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PhoneScoop | BusinessWire | Email this | Comments

Nikon D800 short lets you experience miracle of birth, motorcycles

Brian Heater — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:00 EDT

Few experiences in life can match the miracle of birth, but sweet bikes and D-SLRs are probably right up there, right? Now you can experience all three in a six minute film. There are no doubt some good takeaways from "Joy Ride," which was shot using the newly announced Nikon D800, but the most important has to be the fact that some things just shouldn't be captured in HD. Video and an equally lengthy making-of after the break.

Continue reading Nikon D800 short lets you experience miracle of birth, motorcycles

Nikon D800 short lets you experience miracle of birth, motorcycles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Panasonic prices, dates some of its 2012 HDTVs (VT, GT, ET) and accessories in Japan

Richard Lawler — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EDT

If Panasonic's CES 2012 lineup of plasma and LCD HDTVs interested you, it's time to dig into more details it's just released about their Japanese cousins. Those "Infinite Black Ultra Panel" plasmas will arrive April 20th as the VT5 series and AV Watch reports the 60-inch will be priced at about 500,000 yen ($6517), while the 50-inch is 360,000 yen ($4694). There's also details on the new GT5 plasmas, in 60-, 55-, 50- and 42-inch sizes, as well as the DT5 and ET5 LCDs. All of those are 3D capable and will start rolling out March 9th (April 20th for some of the larger sizes), although the ET series is its first that works with passive 3D glasses. The new 3D glasses -- passive (2,000 yen, $26) and active with Bluetooth link (13,000 yen, $169) will also arrive in March along new Blu-ray players and recorders plus a refreshed Skype camera that's slimmer and half the weight of last year's model. Hit the links below and let Google Translate bring in the details, we should probably hear more about US prices, specs and ship dates in a few weeks.

Panasonic prices, dates some of its 2012 HDTVs (VT, GT, ET) and accessories in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink AV Watch | VT5, GT5, DT5, ET5, Passive, Active | Email this | Comments

Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EDT

Xappr and appBlaster are fine weaponizers for your smartphone, provided you don't care to share your violent tendencies with your friends. Thankfully, Hasbro is bridging the gap between new-school AR shooter and that teenage classic -- laser tag. The NERF Lazer Tag system is getting an update for 2012 that lets you pair your blaster with an iPhone or iPod touch. The top of the plastic guns now sport a slot for your iDevice which, when loaded with the Lazer Tag app, provides you with an augmented HUD view. While you can play against purely virtual opponents, the real fun is in using to track your battles with fleshy foes. The app will display your gear and power level, and update your progress on a global Lazer Tag leaderboard. As you play, new attacks and gear will be unlocked for you to enhance your gaming experience. The app will even actually show your blasts' trajectory, letting you see exactly where you shot your former friend. The 2012 edition of Lazer Tag will hit shelves on August 1st with individual blasters costing $40 and sets of two $70. Check out the PR and a screen shot of the app after the break.

Continue reading Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies

Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Nokia 801 adds one part Belle, one part polycarbonate body for 100 percent possibility

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:07:00 EDT

See that up there? That slick-looking, Belle-operating beaut is most definitely not Nokia's rumored 801 handset. No, what you're looking at above is simply a mock-up based on recent rumors circling the web, which peg this 12 megapixel-toting unicorn as the successor to the N8 and 701. It's hard to tell which considering the supposed bits of borrowed specs and chassis conspire to blend the polycarbonate stylings of the Lumia 800 and N9 with a 1.4GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and a 4-inch ClearBlack AMOLED display. You might dismiss this gossamer whisper as a mere ghost of Espoo future, but before you do, keep in mind that it has Eldar Murtazin's backing. Sure, there are more concrete paths to credibility (an official announcement for one), but given the existence of the company's 603 -- a Lumia 710 with a Symbian heart -- he might be right on the euro.

Nokia 801 adds one part Belle, one part polycarbonate body for 100 percent possibility originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | @EldarMurtazin (Twitter), Smartphone Geeks | Email this | Comments

Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way?

Edgar Alvarez — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:42:00 EDT

A certain purported Olympus Micro Four Thirds shooter has been anything but shy prior to its official unveiling (whenever that happens). Now, 43 Rumors is keeping the intel flowing with tidbits it received from a "super European source." The fresh bits suggest the E-M5 could sport a "super fast" autofocus and 3D tracking system, an external "weather-sealed" GN10 flash and additional filters. And, if rumors are to be believed, you'll be able to see the effects of the image stabilization through the electronic viewfinder. Though your skep-alarm should be on high alert, we can't keep you from believing, so hit up that source link to find the rest of the alleged details.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | 43 Rumors | Email this | Comments

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (global edition)

Dana Wollman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT

Within an 11-day period last fall, Engadget published reviews of two different Samsung Galaxy tablets. At the time, we felt the company was turning into a caricature of itself, with slates in every conceivable size, including 10.1, 8.9 and 7 inches. Mostly, though, if we sounded exasperated with Sammy's "see what sticks" strategy, it was because the outfit unveiled not one, but two 7-inchers over the course of a month. One of these, the 7.0 Plus, went on sale in the US back in November, with mid-range specs and a mid-range price to match its in-between size. But that tablet always felt like a consolation prize next to our second contender, the Galaxy Tab 7.7, which brings a brushed metal back, 10-hour battery and Super AMOLED Plus, 1280 x 800 display. Even on paper, it always seemed promising. Special.

Maddeningly, though, those of us here in the states still can't buy one through the likes of Best Buy and Amazon, and though Verizon Wireless plans to sell an LTE-enabled version, we know scant few details about when it will arrive, how much it will cost or whether there will be an off-contract option. Luckily for us, our friends over at Negri Electronics hooked us up with an international model, one with 16GB of internal storage and WiFi, HSPA+ and EDGE / GPRS radios -- a doozy of a tablet that would cost you $668.50 if you were to import it to the US. (You can buy it domestically if you live in select markets like the UK.) So is the product novel enough to warrant that novelty price? Find the answer to that question and more after the break.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (global edition)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (global edition) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Negri Electronics | Email this | Comments

Motorola Droid 4 sliding onto Verizon shelves February 10th for $200

Brad Molen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EDT

We've been speculating that Verizon's latest Droid would be arriving on February 10th, but we lacked any official word from the carrier to back it up. Not to worry anymore, as Big Red has finally made the phone's release official for the predicted date. The Droid 4, an LTE device with a full slide-out QWERTY that was announced at CES, will go for $200 with a two-year commitment. Take a gander at the full press release below for all the details.

Continue reading Motorola Droid 4 sliding onto Verizon shelves February 10th for $200

Motorola Droid 4 sliding onto Verizon shelves February 10th for $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Acer files suit against former CEO Gianfranco Lanci over non-compete breach

Brian Heater — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:34:00 EDT

Gianfranco Lanci may be gone from Acer, but the PC maker's former chief is not forgotten -- not financially, at least. The company is suing the exec over non-compete violations, after he jumped ship around this time last year. The exec recently landed a gig at Lenovo as head of its Europe, Middle East and Africa division, after doing some time as a consultant for the company. Acer filed the suit in Lanci's native Italy, alleging that he "has clearly breached the terms" of the 12-month non-compete. No word yet on how much the company is seeking with the claim.

Acer files suit against former CEO Gianfranco Lanci over non-compete breach originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Google+ | Financial Times | Email this | Comments

inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video)

Myriam Joire — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EDT

We're no strangers to watches here at Engadget, but smartwatches -- tiny wearable computers capable of running apps with SDKs to match -- are still a rare breed. The best known examples are probably Fossil's Meta Watch, Allerta's inPulse Smartwatch and WIMM Labs' WIMM One, all of which are primarily targeted at developers. We recently had the opportunity to spend some quality time with both the inPulse (over the holidays) and the WIMM One (during CES), and despite some similarities, each smartwatch takes a completely different approach to running apps on your wrist. While neither product is quite ready for prime time, both show promise as "fourth screen" devices, even for those of us who don't normally wear a watch. So go ahead -- hit the break and find out how these wearable computers stack up.

Gallery: Allerta inPulse Smartwatch vs Wimm Labs Wimm One

Continue reading inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video)

inPulse and WIMM One: the tale of two smartwatches (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

RIM shows off new features for PlayBook 2.0 at DevCon

James Trew — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EDT

All eyes are on Amsterdam this morning, as RIM hosts DevCon Europe. Among all the usual avowals about how well things are going are a few nuggets of the new and the noteworthy. One such morsel was a demonstration of new BlackBerry Bridge features. Now, swipes and touches from your BlackBerry handset get translated over to the Playbook, as well as keyboard input. This means you can use your phone much more like a controller, while taking advantage of the PlayBook's generous display. The calendar also gets a healthy dose of social lubricant, showing you info about the people you'll be meeting, and stressing how busy you are by visually emphasising dates when you are busier. Fortunately, PlayBook 2.0 is slated for release this month, so the more eager amongst you shouldn't have to wait long to give it a spin.

RIM shows off new features for PlayBook 2.0 at DevCon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PocketLint | BlackBerry DevCon | Email this | Comments

Globe and Mail reveals early details on Apple iTV: Siri wants to hear you shout at the big game

Mat Smith — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EDT

iTV rumors continue to swirl around the shady backwaters of the internet, but it's not often national papers of record decide to wade in -- Canada's, no less. According to an anonymous source who spilled the beans to the Globe and Mail, Apple's TV set will include Siri-powered voice control, with the virtual assistant also helping in those ever-pressing "programming choices". There will also be gesture recognition courtesy of a front-facing camera and (perhaps most worryingly) an on-screen keyboard for typing into a web browser and other apps. The paper couldn't confirm whether the device will play nice with the rest of la familia iOS, although another mole informed the Canadian news source that both Rogers and BCE Inc are jostling to claim a stake in the mysterious device, with Apple apparently actively courting both carriers.

Globe and Mail reveals early details on Apple iTV: Siri wants to hear you shout at the big game originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ExtremeTech | The Globe and Mail | Email this | Comments

Glasses-free 3DeeScreen augments Windows 7 displays, lets Peter Gabriel get in your eyes

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EDT

Glasses-free 3DTVs sporting 4K resolution don't exactly match up to the everyman's budget. Still, the tech needs to trickle down to the masses somehow and it appears Spatial View's keen to take up that three-dimensional, plebeian mantle. Available today, the outfit's inventively titled 3DeeScreen snaps onto 15.6-inch laptops of the Windows 7 variety to translate ordinary 2D images and video into autostereoscopic eye candy. And, unlike prevailing iterations that depend upon strict viewing zones, this ad hoc implementation can adjust to a viewer's position through the use of eye-tracking software, letting their zombified heads loll about while they tune in and drop out. Of course, if you choose to plunk down $130 for this visual pizzazz, you'll be jonesing for a library of compatible media. Good thing then the company's prepared to scratch that imaginary itch with a planned one-stop hub, dubbed 3DeeCentral, that'll offer up a curated mix of free and paid content. Need to know more? Then peruse the official presser below while you wonder how the other one percent lives.

Continue reading Glasses-free 3DeeScreen augments Windows 7 displays, lets Peter Gabriel get in your eyes

Glasses-free 3DeeScreen augments Windows 7 displays, lets Peter Gabriel get in your eyes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments