gadgets and technology devices

Flip Slide HD caught at Best Buy, slides into camera's view

2010-04-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Flip Slide HD caught at Best Buy, slides into camera's view

All we have is this one image, care of a gracious anonymous tipster who said it was found at Best Buy. Our best guess? Well, it’s a Flip camcorder, and there’s a sliding element to it — amazing deduction skills, we know. Perhaps Cisco has something up its sleeve soon? Inquiring minds want to know.

Flip Slide HD caught at Best Buy, slides into camera’s view originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery buyer orders $8.5 million in Microvision PicoP Laser Display Engines, planning world's greatest rave?

2010-04-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Mystery buyer orders $8.5 million in Microvision PicoP Laser Display Engines, planning world's greatest rave?

Remember Microvision’s little announcement last week that it would be selling its PicoP Laser Display Engine to OEMs, hoping they’d find ways to stuff the thing into little gadgets of all sorts? The company has apparently been doing just that with aplomb, already scoring an $8.5 million order from one top secret client that will “embed the PicoP engine inside a high-end mobile media player for release in late 2010.” Unfortunately, this fancy-pants media player isn’t set to be announced until just before release, meaning we have many months of delicious speculation ahead of us. Projector Zune? Screenless iPod? Yet another pico projector you have no interest in buying? The possibilities are endless.

Mystery buyer orders $8.5 million in Microvision PicoP Laser Display Engines, planning world’s greatest rave? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad apps: video for the well-rounded couch potato

2010-04-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

iPad apps: video for the well-rounded couch potato

We totally would have had this roundup done earlier, but we were just way too busy watching TV on our iPads. Let’s face it, as fun as those social networking and gaming applications are (sorry, utility apps — no fun for you!) sometimes you just want to sit back, rest those fingers and soak in some drama. The iPad’s 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768-resolution screen certainly looks nice when reading books and browsing the web, but you haven’t seen anything until you get some HD content playing. Though we may never get over the fact that we can’t watch Flash video in the browser, the following apps are just what the doctor ordered to ease the pain and turn Apple’s tablet into a portable media viewing machine. What are you waiting for? Hop on past the break already, and then kindly let us know if you’ve come up with a good way to prop up the iPad so you can watch all that video goodness while laying down.

Continue reading iPad apps: video for the well-rounded couch potato

iPad apps: video for the well-rounded couch potato originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 update brings long-awaited USB storage support, SanDisk ready to cash in

2010-04-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Xbox 360 update brings long-awaited USB storage support, SanDisk ready to cash in

Finally, the day has come. At some magical point in time during today, all you Xbox 360 owners will be prompted to update to the latest firmware for your beloved console. Once the tidy little exchange of data with Microsoft’s servers has been completed, you’ll at long last be able to plug USB memory sticks in and exploit a bit of functionality that frankly should’ve been there from the start. So that’s it, all your game saves, profiles and other 360-related trinkets can finally be taken on the move without resorting to lugging a HDD around. In the mean time, SanDisk’s previously rumored Xbox 360-branded $40 8GB flash drive is looking all the more real, with Amazon now offering pre-orders at a slightly less crazy $35 price point. You know, in case the millions of USB storage options out there aren’t doing it for you.

Xbox 360 update brings long-awaited USB storage support, SanDisk ready to cash in originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ICD's Tegra 2-powered Gemini is the most feature-complete tablet we've seen yet

2010-04-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

ICD's Tegra 2-powered Gemini is the most feature-complete tablet we've seen yet

Built around the 1GHz Tegra 2 SOC, the 11.2-inch ICD Gemini should provide comparable endurance to Apple’s A4-sporting iPad, while besting it in the grunt stakes with its glorious ability to chew through 1080p video when required. If that wasn’t enough, the rest of this thing’s spec sheet reads like a wishlist. Headlined by a 3G connection that allows cellular voice calls (crazy, we know!), it also includes a user-replaceable 40Wh battery, an SD card reader, FM radio, GPS, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, MicroUSB connectivity to PCs and USB peripherals, stereo speakers, and dual webcams — a 2 megapixel front-facing unit and a 5 megapixel autofocusing snapper on the back. Multitouch displays will be available in both resistive and capacitive flavors, with the 1,366 x 768 resolution being filled by Google’s snappy Android OS. Oh, and did we mention it will run Flash? Because it will. Full specs and a comparison to its direct competitors await after the break, though we’ve yet to find out when this JooJoo killer will be making its arrival or at what price.

Gallery: ICD Gemini official pictures

Continue reading ICD’s Tegra 2-powered Gemini is the most feature-complete tablet we’ve seen yet

ICD’s Tegra 2-powered Gemini is the most feature-complete tablet we’ve seen yet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UC Berkeley researchers teach PR2 robot to fold towels

2010-04-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

UC Berkeley researchers teach PR2 robot to fold towels

We’ve already seen Willow Garage’s PR2 robot learn to roam offices in search of a power outlet, and it looks like some researchers at UC Berkeley have now helped it pull off its most impressive feat yet: folding towels. That may not sound like too hard a task, but it’s actually proven to be quite a conundrum for robotic laundry researchers, since robots need to first pick up a towel from a pile and then somehow determine that this previously unseen shape is, in fact, a towel that can be folded. While it’s still a long way from being the Roomba of laundry, the JR2 bot is now able to fold at the blistering speed of 25 minutes per towel, and the researchers are hopeful that the same computer vision-based approach can also be applied to a range of other tasks that have previously stumped robots. Head on past the break for the video — don’t worry, it’s sped up.

Continue reading UC Berkeley researchers teach PR2 robot to fold towels

UC Berkeley researchers teach PR2 robot to fold towels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guess what? Now an Android based TV!!!

2010-04-05T15:09:00.001-07:00

Guess what? Now an Android based TV!!!

Phew!!! With the slew of Apple gadgets taking the market like a storm its okay if you are not very amazed with what you are reading right now. Rest assured, amazed you will be perhaps after the iPad fever has mellowed down a bit.

Now coming to the topic; a Swedish company called People of Lava, yes you read the name right, has come up with a 42″inch HD-LED TV called the Scandinavia. Its actually an Android based Google TV with multiple capabilities ranging from TV, Internet, Multimedia, Internet and Social Media – all interconnected.

To start with it comes preloaded with a lot of free apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Weather, Time, Calendar, Internet Browser and much more. Also it gives you the option to connect to social media sites like twitter, facebook and orkut. Whats more amazing is the fact that they have installed their own customized email program to check emails on the TV itself. Android being an opensource we can expect a lot of other apps shortly for this TV, which also has a thoroughly improved UI for the TV.

The company does a lot of work in the hotel space perhaps you would know where you saw it if you come across one.

Source: Crucnhgear

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APC adds LCD, zero-draw power outlets to new Back-UPS Pro models

2010-04-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

APC adds LCD, zero-draw power outlets to new Back-UPS Pro models

A new uninterruptible power supply isn’t exactly the sort of thing to garner a ton of attention, but APC’s latest Back-UPS Pro models do pack a few more features than your average power supply, and may just have you considering trading up. They’re still just as uninterruptible as ever, of course, but the BR1300G and BR1500G models add a snazzy new LCD that displays the estimated runtime and other critical information, as well as some new power-saving outlets that will automatically shut off power to any unused devices. Otherwise, you can expect runtimes of between 92 and 164 minutes (depending on what’s connected, of course), six or ten power outlets, and APC’s usual PowerChute software for some more enhanced power management. Still no firm word on a release date for these, but they should be available sometime in the second quarter for between $129.99 and $249.99.

APC adds LCD, zero-draw power outlets to new Back-UPS Pro models originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Blu-Ray formats announced, capacity up to 125 GB

2010-04-05T10:09:00.001-07:00

New Blu-Ray formats announced, capacity up to 125 GB

Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced two new media specifications yesterday, targeted mainly at commercial and consumer applications. The new specifications are named BDXL™ (High Capacity Recordable and Rewritable discs) and IH-BD (Intra-Hybrid discs).

BDXL is mainly targeted at broadcasting, medical and document imaging applications, where archiving needs go well beyond 50GB. It provides two capacities – 100GB (write-once and re-writable) and 125GB (write-once). It incorporates 3 to 4 recordable layers to reach this capacity. A specific, consumer version of BDXL is also expected soon in areas where BD recorders have already garnered a considerable user base.

IH-BD incorporates a single BD-ROM layer and a single BD-RE layer. That means it can be used by consumer applications to record the published content as well as give user the space to record his own data – both on a single disc. Each of these two layers provide a 25GB capacity. And that means, your game progress data gets stored on the disc itself, and not in the gaming console memory. And therefore you can use it to play across different players.

You will have to wait though, as these specifications are only announced yet & will be released in the next few months. And moreover, new specifications will need newer recording devices to be released and powerful recording lasers too. Blu-ray long ago won the format war and with the discs still proving to be cheaper than flash drives, our systems would still continue to sport that tea cup holder like extension for some more time

(press release)
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HP Slate reappears for 30 seconds, shows off camera, custom interface... and iTunes

2010-04-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

HP Slate reappears for 30 seconds, shows off camera, custom interface... and iTunes

We just had a feeling that HP wasn’t going to be able to keep quiet about the Slate while the iPad hogged the limelight this weekend, and like clockwork it’s released another rendered teaser video of its Windows 7-based tablet. Unfortunately, the clip reveals nothing about pricing or availability (though we have heard rumors of June), but there are some exciting quick demos of the Slate’s cam and video conferencing skills. Take that, iPad! We actually happen to be most interested in the brief glimpse you get at the touch UI — the icon-based interface looks similar to past TouchSmart software and seems to hide Windows 7 quite well, but it’s so obviously mocked up we can’t get a real sense of how it’ll work. It looks like you will be able to hook it up to a HDTV with some sort of dock and expand the storage space through an SD card slot, all of which makes sense given that it’s running Windows. Unfortunately, that’s really all you get, but see it all for yourself in the 30 second video after the break.

P.S.- Interestingly, the USB cable shown looks like it’s from Apple, and it’s being plugged into a Slate running iTunes, presumably to demonstrate that it can sync with iPod and iPhones. But now we’re obviously just wondering what would happen if you synced an iPad with the Slate — explosion? Confusion? Confusion explosion? We’ll find out soon enough.

Continue reading HP Slate reappears for 30 seconds, shows off camera, custom interface… and iTunes

HP Slate reappears for 30 seconds, shows off camera, custom interface… and iTunes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World’s Smallest Bluetooth Headset

2010-04-05T05:09:00.002-07:00

World's Smallest Bluetooth Headset

If you are one of those people who don’t use a bluetooth headset simply for the reason the it sticks out like a thumb out of your ear and spoils your whole look, then this product might interest you.

SmallTalk Mini Bluetooth Headset comes with a USB and car Charging kits. It claims to have talk time of 3 hours, stand-by time of 100 hours. The weight of headset is barely 6.5 grams. The earhook is actually removable and hands-on from actual users reports of a great experience with many saying “You don’t even notice it’s there”. It even allows you to pair 2 phones at once.

The Headset costs you $22 and you can buy it here

(source | extensive review)
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Kenwood digital photo frame “AS-iP70” with an iPhone dock

2010-04-05T05:09:00.001-07:00

Kenwood digital photo frame "AS-iP70" with an iPhone dock

New concepts and quick functional technologies in gadgets are everyone’s favorite as they provide an ultimate quality. Digital photo frame is one such concept which always fulfills high end demands with its superior approach. Kenwood proudly establish its marvelous combo docking station and digital photo frame- Kenwood AS-iP70, this will prove to be the most reliable and unique style to rely on. Its pretty cool design also unite radio, picture frame, clock and iPhone dock in just single exquisite gizmo.

Kenwood AS-iP70 digital photo frame, docking station and alarm finely sports 7 inch WVGA LCD screen with a resolution of 800×480. Even this multipurpose device perform efficiently with USB flash drives and memory cards (upto 32 GB), and the company proves its versatility in a stylish manner. With these finest features, it has proficient audio video caliber because of its inbuilt AM/FM radio and alarm facilities. Whenever the device is not likely to operate then the iPhone dock can easily slide into the main structure. Wholly accurate in the entire sense of innovative technologies, this device finally captures the attentions of millions of people. A lot of features in one gadget makes it truly a worthy gadget from Kenwood and is available at the cost of $274 (approx. 25,000 Yen)…

Evigroup Paddle shows up in manufacturer-provided picture gallery

2010-04-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Evigroup Paddle shows up in manufacturer-provided picture gallery

Man, we’ve been talking about the JooJoo so much lately, you must be sick to death of that thing. Just to balance things out, here’s a look at the first functional production units of Evigroup’s Paddle tablet. Running on a good old fashioned Atom CPU, this promises Windows 7’s limitless functionality (and battery strain) plus an extra-special 3D interface called Scale. It’s curious, therefore, not to see a single screenshot featuring said UI. We’re treated to vanilla Windows 7 throughout, suggesting that maybe somebody woke up to the fact that the processor inside this machine wasn’t exactly designed for heavy lifting and the Scale idea was mercifully shelved. Either way, this 10-incher doesn’t look all that shabby at all and the gallery at the source is well worth a quick perusal. We’ve got one more pic of this upstanding French gentleman after the break.

Continue reading Evigroup Paddle shows up in manufacturer-provided picture gallery

Evigroup Paddle shows up in manufacturer-provided picture gallery originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Look: iPad jailbreak [Video]

2010-04-05T00:09:00.001-07:00

First Look: iPad jailbreak [Video]

In less than 24 hours of its release, the iPad got jailbreaked by iPhone Dev Team member Musclenerd. They have released a video demo of how the jailbreak gave them access to the iPad’s inner file system. At this moment, the hack on the video is just a developmental hack. But, it does suggest that a fully functional consumer hack could be available soon.

This iPad jailbreak uses an existing jailbreak for the iPhone called Spirit. To jailbreak using spirit, the consumer has to browse a particular website from their iPhone, grant permission for the jailbreak and the website takes care of the rest. The use of same system for the jailbreak of iPad suggests that the final release would also allow jailbreak in similar easy steps.

We are not sure if the final jailbreak would be released to the public. But if it does, Cydia and more would soon follow. We’ll keep you updated on more iPad jailbreaking news as it surfaces. For now, check out the video released by Musclenerd showing the jailbreak.

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Optoma PK201 pico projector now shipping, PK301 up for pre-order

2010-04-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

Optoma PK201 pico projector now shipping, PK301 up for pre-order

We’re still holding out for the faraway 1080p pico projector, but for those who need a display in their pocket before 2023, Optoma’s latest aren’t half bad options. The PK201 and PK301, both of which made their debut at CES earlier in the year, now have product pages at Amazon, with the former being listed as in stock ($299.99) and shipping this very moment. The other guy is up for pre-order at $399.99, though you’ll get an 854 x 480 resolution output with either. ‘Course, you may want to hold out for the 301 and its 50 lumens of brightness if the 201’s 20 lumens seem a little weak, but hey, the ball’s in your court now, vaquero.

Optoma PK201 pico projector now shipping, PK301 up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Podcast 190: iPad Edition - 04.04.2010

2010-04-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Engadget Podcast 190: iPad Edition - 04.04.2010

JUSTIN BIEBER takes over the show this week! Just kidding. Who’s ready to get Pad-tastic? Anyone feel like having a little iPad Thai lunch special today? What do you think Steve Jobs’ mom put in his Easter Pad-sket? Gonna take your new gadget out on the lake in the Pad-dle boat in the nice spring weather out there today? These questions — and others — answered in this episode of The Engadget Podcast, which also celebrates its move into prime-time with Paul Miller’s brand-new segment TWEET OF THE WEEK!

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: California Love

Hear the podcast

00:02:12 - JooJoo
00:04:55 - iPad
01:16:18 - Windows Phone 7 is the new name, ‘Series’ gets voted off island

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Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget

Filed under: Podcasts

Engadget Podcast 190: iPad Edition - 04.04.2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screen Grabs: Blackberry Storm saves the world in new 'Doctor Who'

2010-04-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Screen Grabs: Blackberry Storm saves the world in new 'Doctor Who'

Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today’s movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com.

While the US was busy delivering a certain tablet product yesterday, British sci-fi fans sat comfortably at home for a brand new Doctor Who series. We won’t go into too much detail here, but the eleventh Doctor — played by the charming Matt Smith — was spotted writing a computer virus and sending pictures on a BBC-debranded Blackberry Storm, minutes before the aliens were to incinerate Planet Earth. Perhaps the freshly-regenerated Time Lord’s a fan of the virtual keyboard? As a bonus, the Doctor also borrowed a disguised 15-inch Acer Aspire laptop for some virtual face time with chief brainiacs around the world, and then promptly reminded the owner to “delete your internet history” in reference to, well, something more disturbing that he found on the computer. And who are we to question the orders of a time traveler?

Gallery: Screen Grabs: Blackberry Storm saves the world in new ‘Doctor Who’

Screen Grabs: Blackberry Storm saves the world in new ‘Doctor Who’ originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC says its growth in the US is 'faster than others'

2010-04-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

HTC says its growth in the US is 'faster than others'

This one’s fairly light on specifics, but HTC CEO Peter Chou has given an interview to The Wall Street Journal where he dropped a few interesting tidbits, the most notable being that HTC’s growth in the US is apparently “faster than others.” Exactly what that translates to in actual numbers is unclear, but Chou did say that HTC expects to ship more than the 5.5 million to 6 million smartphones it shipped in the US last year. That growth is apparently due in large part to support from Verizon and T-Mobile, which Chou says “started treating us as their first-tier suppliers last year” and gave the company some “strong momentum.” Chou also went on to confirm that HTC will be introducing six new models for China in partnership with China Mobile this year, and that it’s aiming to ship four to five million units to China annually by 2011.

HTC says its growth in the US is ‘faster than others’ originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robot waiters serve food and dance moves in Thailand, secretly plotting humiliation revenge

2010-04-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

Robot waiters serve food and dance moves in Thailand, secretly plotting humiliation revenge

The Far East just gets more surreal each day. For instance, how about a Japanese restaurant in Thailand served by robots? You can thank Lapassarad Thanaphant for her 30 million baht ($927,600) investment in the Bangkok-based Hajime restaurant and its four motorised servants from Japan. The brave souls who dare to enter can place orders on touchscreens, and in return watch a lanky humanoid deliver the dishes, followed by some slick dance moves if its not too busy serving others. Oh, don’t worry, these samurais are tied to a track so they can barely reach you, plus you get to cook your own food in the style of Shabu-Shabu (Japanese hot pot) or BBQ, so enjoy your freedom before they take over your cooking as well. Videos after the break.

Continue reading Robot waiters serve food and dance moves in Thailand, secretly plotting humiliation revenge

Robot waiters serve food and dance moves in Thailand, secretly plotting humiliation revenge originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad launch round-up

2010-04-03T23:08:00.001-07:00

iPad launch round-up

The iPad mania is here and my RSS feeds are flooded with iPad mentions. While the 7 ways and 15 things about iPad kinda posts will flow in dozens now, here are some quick bits from the iPad launch I could gather this morning.

It is believed that Apple has already sold 700000 iPads on Day 1. This is more than what Kindle sold in 2008
If you really want to know how fast the iPad is, see the benchmarks here. (Not relevant but its 400x+ faster than original iPhone when running native apps (Cocoa Touch))
You should read this honest early impression by OM
And if you are eagerly reading reviews all around the web then beware – its too early for anyone to describe accurately as to how good or bad the device is. Almost everything would be debated, there would be clash of opinions and at times clear miss reading of logic given the fact that when you use a gadget as a consumer you come across things that you won’t see as a reviewer on first look. [example here]
One quick note I made is that everyone loves the battery life and display of the Apple iPad. iFixit tear-down revealed that the iPad battery has 5 times more capacity than the iPhone 3G.

And if you really wanted some more masala – Steve Jobs made an appearance at an Apple store to see the iPad response and someone smashed his iPad with a baseball bat . And did I miss that two new iPhones, the next gen iPod touch and the 2nd gen iPad itself has a mention somewhere hidden in the OS 3.2 of iPad

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Apple's A4 SoC faces Qualcomm Snapdragon in knock-down-drag-out benchmarking test

2010-04-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

Apple's A4 SoC faces Qualcomm Snapdragon in knock-down-drag-out benchmarking test

Up until now, a shroud of mystery has surrounded Apple’s custom engineered A4 system-on-chip; we know it’s clocked at 1GHz, likely tied to Apple’s prior acquisition of P.A. Semi and manufactured by Samsung. Outside of that, the only other knowledge we’ve gained has come not from the mouth of Cupertino, but from the extracting wizards over at iFixit. The A4 contains at least three layers of circuitry layered on top of each other, though it’s packaged just like the iPhone processor: microprocessor in one package and two memory modules in the other package. We also learned that the iPad RAM is actually inside of the A4 processor package, and we’re expecting to learn even more from those folks in the coming days. All that said, there’s still much debate on whether Apple’s own silicon can stand up to Qualcomm’s heralded 1GHz Snapdragon, the chip powering Google’s Nexus One among other things. AnandTech pitted their iPad against the iPhone 3GS (600MHz ARM Cortex A8) and the aforesaid Nexus One (1GHz Snapdragon QSD8250), using a number of website loads as the primary benchmark. Overall, the A4 proved to be around 10 to 30 percent faster, though it’s impossible to say what effect the operating system has on things. Have a gander at that source link for more — we get the feeling the competitions have just begun.

Apple’s A4 SoC faces Qualcomm Snapdragon in knock-down-drag-out benchmarking test originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 01:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JooJoo ships to actual consumers, gets dissected for good measure

2010-04-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

JooJoo ships to actual consumers, gets dissected for good measure

Can you believe it? No, seriously — can your mind handle this realness? After months upon months of teetering on the brink of eternal vaporware, the JooJoo tablet is shipping to actual end-users. Yeah, we’ve had our media unit for a few days, but when you think about how many startups have dreams of shipping devices as substantial as this, just the sight of an unopened FedEx box from its warehouse makes an impact. Frankly, the timing here couldn’t possibly be worse, but we’re guessing a fair amount of to-be tablet buyers were holding back on plunking down their cold, hard cash to a company that was having issues with the most basic of business processes. So yes, Fusion Garage is actually shipping these to mere mortals today, and just in case you were curious about the insides, one of our engineering tipsters put his Harvard skills to good use by breaking into the casing and having a glance at the nuts and bolts.

He told us that getting inside required the removal of just ten screws (using the correct screwdriver, mind you), and that the RAM slot (1GB provided) was easily accessible. For that matter, the mini PCIe SSD and extra mini PCIe slot were as well, and while he located a 3G SIM slot, he couldn’t spot the 3G antenna. On the software front, he noted that he was having all sorts of issues, from Hotmail not loading (it demands an upgrade to a “newer browser” to Netflix streaming not being supported at all. Not exactly reassuring news, but hey, if you’re up for hacking Windows 7 onto this thing, at least you can count on getting a product when you hand over those digits.

[Thanks, Ashwani]

Gallery: JooJoo tablet gets dissected, unboxed by end-user

JooJoo ships to actual consumers, gets dissected for good measure originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia revamps Ovi Store, now just needs killer apps!

2010-04-03T13:08:00.001-07:00

Nokia revamps Ovi Store, now just needs killer apps!

One of the biggest complaints we have had about Nokia’s Ovi Store is the fact that it has been deucedly user-unfriendly, looking more like a random listing than a series of apps that can make one do so much more with one’s device. Well, Nokia seems to have taken all the user feedback to heart and has rejigged the Ovi Store interface – both the mobile client and the desktop version too. And while we do not see it slaying the likes of the App Store or the Android Market yet, it certainly is a lot easier on the eye now.

The most significant change in the mobile client is the fact that the rating system is now five star instead of the rather restrictive three star one that existed earlier. Now, you can actually give a more accurate reading, instead of having to choose between the rather extreme options of 0,33, 67 and 100. Another useful tweak is the fact that only those who have downloaded the app from the Ovi Store can comment on it or rate it. While this does keep random and malicious commenters off the scene, it is also kinda restrictive, as one cannot comment if one has got the app from another source (the developer, good old GetJar.com, and other sources), but all in all, this is a move for the better, especially as it not only lets you know that the person commenting on the app has downloaded it, but also shows you the device on which he/she downloaded it. We also like the better organised screenshots section, with one large screenshot followed by some smaller ones (which can also be expanded if need be).

On the desktop (https://store.ovi.com/), the interface looks a lot cleaner, though we found the fact that we had to enter the model of our device before we could browse the app goodies on the site. Search has also been improved, with results of apps being searched for showing up with details in a neat list.

There will be those who will prefer the categories-based interface of the Android Market, where you get to see the categories up front and then move on to the apps. The Ovi Store works by dropping you right into the recommended apps section – a quicker way to get into the apps, but perhaps a bit too direct for some users.

Nevertheless, the new Ovi Store interface is definitely a step in the right direction. Now all it needs is lots and lots of apps.
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Apple iPad charging woes: USB hubs, non-Macs and weak ports not rejuvenating

2010-04-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Apple iPad charging woes: USB hubs, non-Macs and weak ports not rejuvenating

Heads-up, iPad owners (or to-be owners, as it were) — the same devices you currently use to juice up your iPod touch or iPhone may not work on your fancy new tablet. Consumer Reports, TUAW and our own Chris Ziegler have confirmed that their powered USB hubs wouldn’t charge the iPad, and we’re even seeing reports that some Wintel rigs won’t either. The only sure bets right now are Apple computers and your nearby AC outlet, leaving iPad owners with fewer options when it comes to topping off that battery when away from your abode. We’re pretty certain this all boils down to the iPad requiring more power than most powered USB ports are designed to give, but it’s still something to keep in mind. So, any of you early adopters finding that your own powered USB hub or non-Mac does rejuvenate the iPad? Let us know in comments below.

Apple iPad charging woes: USB hubs, non-Macs and weak ports not rejuvenating originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's iPad: it's here! (updated with unboxing video)

2010-04-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Apple's iPad: it's here! (updated with unboxing video)

We’ve crossed the finish line at last! How is it on the other side? You tell us! We just put down plastic for one and had it activated at the Apple Store, so stand by for pictures and videos from that unparalleled experience. The “activation” process is just plugging it into a computer with iTunes for the first time, so that you can walk out of the store with the device turned on. After the unit is up and running you can dive into the App Store, where you’re prompted for a free download of iBooks. It’s all smooth sailing from there.

Update: We added a gallery of shots entering The Cube, and after the break there’s a video of us unboxing and activating the iPad.

Gallery: iPad: the Apple Store experience

Gallery: The Cube iPad launch experience

Continue reading Apple’s iPad: it’s here! (updated with unboxing video)

Apple’s iPad: it’s here! (updated with unboxing video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp brings no-glasses 3D screens to mobiles

2010-04-03T03:09:00.001-07:00

Sharp brings no-glasses 3D screens to mobiles

After the eReaders and Tablets, 3D has been the talk of 2010 so far. Many companies showed off 3D televisions and monitors at the CES this year. Now, Sharp is bringing these 3D screens to portable devices like cellphones, digital cameras, MP3 players and others. This line of panels not only boast of being the smallest 3D panels but also support touch interface and need no glasses for the 3D experience.

The LCD screens use a parallax filter technology. The technology uses a series of vertical slits to send different light intensity to each eye, creating a 3D effect. The screens would twice as bright, double the resolution and offer ten times the contrast ratio of the conventional LCDs. The screens do have a few drawbacks too. The user must hold the screen 30 centimeters away and head-on to experience the 3D effect. Wrong angle or distance would project blurry image. But the good thing is that users always have the option to switch between 2D and 3D.

No details on any product featuring these 3D screens have been released by Sharp. The Nintendo DS uses Sharp’s technology in their 2D screens and the rumors of a 3D handheld gaming console (Nintendo 3DS) has been around for quite some time now. We would not be amazed if Nintendo’s gaming console becomes the first one to use Sharp’s no-glasses 3D screens.1

via [V3], Image via [Reuters]
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ASUS, EVGA, Gigabyte, Intel and MSI do battle for P55 motherboard throne

2010-04-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

ASUS, EVGA, Gigabyte, Intel and MSI do battle for P55 motherboard throne

Look, we know you’ve got choices, and when it comes to motherboards, you’ve got options galore. If you’ve been eying a new Core i5 or Core i7 rig to replace that aging ~~Pentium 4~~ 486 system of yours, but aren’t quite feeling the pre-fabricated thing, a whole slew of mobo makers have pushed through new boards to support Intel’s P55 Express chipset. The gurus over at Hot Hardware — gluttons for pain no like other, it seems — rounded up mainboards from ASUS, EVGA, Gigabyte, Intel and MSI in order to see which ruled the roost, and more importantly, which was right for you. Options ranging from $140 to $340 were taken into account, and while the top-end EVGA P55 Classified obviously performed well under pressure, just about every single contender had a little something special to offer. There’s no cut and dry “winner” when it comes to something like this, only detailed explanations as to which board suits what kind of buyer. Tired of paging through Froogle without actually knowing what you’re looking for? Tap that source link and get some enlightenment.

ASUS, EVGA, Gigabyte, Intel and MSI do battle for P55 motherboard throne originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple picks up another chip co – Intrinsity?

2010-04-02T22:08:00.001-07:00

Apple picks up another chip co – Intrinsity?

With Apple officially jumping into the chip game with the A4 powering the iPad, it seems that they have acquired another chip design co Intrinsity lately. In 2008 Apple acquired PA Semi which is said to be the engineering talent behind Apple’s own processors. Intrinsity is also known for low power but high performance processor designs and their expertise with ARM is said to be of Apple’s interest.

The acquisition rumors rise via LinkedIN where a number of Intrinsity founders / employees have switched their employer status as Apple Inc (while one of them has reportedly switched back to Instrinsity – we already have enough slips to smell whats happening). Not just that their official website is also down with a suspicious under construction page (come-on this is a 1997 co with 100 people). Just like PA Semi, Intrinsity appears to be a talent pool that Apple has acquired (i.e. if the rumors are true). We can be sure to see more Apple chip powering the future iPhones and iPad’s.

Via Macrumors

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How would you change Alienware's M11x?

2010-04-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

How would you change Alienware's M11x?

Call it the little laptop that could, or just call it Alienware’s most adorable machine ever. Whatever you call it, Alienware’s M11x made all sorts of waves when it splashed down into an essentially empty market segment earlier this year, offering hardcore gamers the opportunity to take their first-person shooters onto cramped buses and coach airline seats with more comfort than ever before. Of course, all that power comes at a price, and while we already expressed our own feelings on the thing, we’re interested in knowing how you feel about seeing triple-digit FPS numbers on an 11-inch display. Is the experience better or worse than you anticipated? Have you ditched your desktop replacement for good? Are you wondering why on Earth you chose this over a netbook? Let us know how you’d overhaul the M11x if you had the chance down in comments below. And make it good.

How would you change Alienware’s M11x? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad roundup: iDisplay extended desktop, plus Kindle and Time reader apps

2010-04-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

iPad roundup: iDisplay extended desktop, plus Kindle and Time reader apps

Say what you will, the past couple of days have been littered with signs of a rapidly expanding set of functions that the iPad can perform. Latest on the block is the iDisplay desktop extender, which will turn any of your iPhone OS devices into a WiFi-connected second monitor, allowing you to finally unchain your Mac OS (Windows version forthcoming) desktop and take it on the move. Introductory price is $4.99 and you’ll find an early hands-on experience at the TUAW link. Next up we have the Kindle for iPhone app contracting its name to just Kindle and making the expected jump to iPad compatibility with version 2.0, which comes with iBookstore-like page turning and, best of all, won’t cost you a thing. We’ve also got word of Time Magazine pricing what’s free on the iPhone at $4.99 per issue on the iPad, with the excuse being that you can “experience Time in a revolutionary new way.” Good luck with that, we say.

Continue reading iPad roundup: iDisplay extended desktop, plus Kindle and Time reader apps

iPad roundup: iDisplay extended desktop, plus Kindle and Time reader apps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TUAW, mocoNews.net | Shape Services, App Store (Kindle), Time | Email this | Comments

JetFlash 500 USB drives introduced by Transcend

2010-04-02T12:08:00.001-07:00

JetFlash 500 USB drives introduced by Transcend

The Transcend V series is pretty familiar for anyone using a Flash drive, but here is a all new trendy JetFlash 500 announced today. While the drives aren’t very micro sized, but the whole thing looks somewhat rugged (shockproof) and the slide out USB port is always good to have (for all those who keep losing the caps).

Available from 2GB to 32GB versions the JetFlash 500 comes in orange, red, blue, green and purple colours and has read & write speed of 20MB/s and 6MB/s respectively (except for the 32GB version which is 32MB/s read & 18MB/s write). No word on pricing, but there isn’t any reason for this to sell at a premium as such. This thing weights 10gms and won’t burn a hole in your pocket IMO!

Via

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Intel putting some ultra-thin laptop CPUs on hold to gauge demand?

2010-04-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Intel putting some ultra-thin laptop CPUs on hold to gauge demand?

Rumors of Intel delaying processors to avoid stepping on some of its other processors’ toes? Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. This latest instance concerns some unspecified ultra-thin laptop CPUs that Intel has reportedly now put on hold until the third quarter of the year and, according to DigiTimes, a launch then will still depend on what demand looks like at that point. All of this is supposedly at least due in part to Acer’s decision to shelve some of its ultra-thin laptops that would have used the processors, and instead focus on thin-and-light Calpella-based laptops. No word from Intel, of course, but past history suggests we could see some further back and forth before things finally shake out.

Intel putting some ultra-thin laptop CPUs on hold to gauge demand? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marvel and Comixology bring iPad comics app

2010-04-02T07:08:00.001-07:00

Marvel and Comixology bring iPad comics app

Comixology are the creators of a free comics reader for the iPhone. Marvel comics and Comixology have now teamed up for an iPad comics application. Marvel comics has announced that the application would be available in the first week of the launch of iPad. The application would feature more than 500 Marvel comics titles. Some of the titles that would be available at the lauch of the app are – Iron Man, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Hulk, and Thor. The application would be available for free with a few complementary titles. Further, titles would cost $2 per issue.

It would not be wrong to say that iPad is up for a big success and we have already seen a massive response to the iPad’s pre-orders. Would the iPad bring all the future comics to digital readers? Environmentalist would sure be happy with the move. But would iPad comics interest comics readers? Tell us your views in comments.

via [Mashable]
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iPass? The best present and future alternatives to the Apple iPad

2010-04-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

iPass? The best present and future alternatives to the Apple iPad

When Steve Jobs introduced the iPad he was quick to shake his finger in the nose of the other devices out there attempting to fill the gap between cell phone and full-sized laptop, and in particular those market-dominating netbooks. In Apple’s opinion, the iPad may be the gadget for surfing the web, watching movies, reading books and running apps, but it’s surely not the only game in town. And if you aren’t sold on the iPad, but happen to be someone who’s looking to buy a secondary computing device to use while traveling or while simply lying on the couch, your choices at the moment come down to netbooks and… well, more netbooks. And that’s not such a bad thing, especially if you need a feature Apple’s tablet can’t offer, like multitasking, a keyboard, or Flash support. So, before you get up on Saturday morning and run off to purchase that iPad, you may want to peruse the best current (as well as coming) alternatives we’ve rounded up after the break.

Continue reading iPass? The best present and future alternatives to the Apple iPad

iPass? The best present and future alternatives to the Apple iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba UX600 series: first HDTVs certified Windows 7 compatible

2010-04-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Toshiba UX600 series: first HDTVs certified Windows 7 compatible

Here’s something you don’t see every day: a Windows 7 certified 55-inch TV. Toshiba’s 120Hz UX600 series is just such a beast, the first on the market to receive official Microsoft certification thanks in part to DLNA support over Ethernet or WiFi. The logo’s a nice touch that takes the guess work out of the purchase equation for the average consumer looking to stream media to the living room. Just don’t let us catch any retailers slapping a “Compatible with Windows 7″ sticker on the bezel ok; this ain’t no Best Buy laptop.

Toshiba UX600 series: first HDTVs certified Windows 7 compatible originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best rugged PMP out there?

2010-04-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ask Engadget: best rugged PMP out there?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Caleb, who is asking not what his PMP can do for him, but what he can do for his PMP. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“My brother is about to leave for the Marines, and I (the geeky brother) want to send something with him to keep him busy. What is a very rugged PMP or similar, with WiFi and a nice UI? A camera is definitely a plus.”

So, dear readers — what would fit the bill here? And remember, we’re not looking for a PMP with a tough coat of plastic. We’re looking for something to last on the battlefield. Oorah! (And Godspeed.)

Ask Engadget: best rugged PMP out there? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Equus to come with 'multimedia tablet,' learning tutorials from Video Professor

2010-04-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

2011 Hyundai Equus to come with 'multimedia tablet,' learning tutorials from Video Professor

It’s certainly not the first time we’ve heard of an automobile shipping sans a paper-based user guide, but unlike those other guys who toss you a CD-R with a couple of PDFs on there, Hyundai is seriously upping the ante with its 2011 Equus. Revealed today over at the New York Auto Show, the company announced that the aforementioned vehicle would ship with an Equus Multimedia Tablet, enabling users to easily and quickly pull up a slew of information and diagrams about their new whip. The outfit’s US president John Krafcik didn’t specifically mention the brand or model of the tablet that’d be included, but the image shown to the crowd (and to you, above) certainly reeks of iPad. What’s even more interesting is that the tablet will be used as more than just an owner’s guide, but as an interface for handling “customer / dealer interactions like scheduling service appointments.” We suspect we’ll hear more about what kind of device will be included as the vehicle’s ship date nears, but if we were the betting kind, we’d say that a massive, undercover deal with Fusion Garage will put a JooJoo into each and every Equus owner’s hands. Kidding.

2011 Hyundai Equus to come with ‘multimedia tablet,’ learning tutorials from Video Professor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Desire review

2010-04-01T11:08:00.002-07:00

HTC Desire review

Following the Legend, HTC continues its Android 2.1 lineup with the Desire — a gorgeous cousin of the renowned Nexus One. We can trace our drool all the way back to the Desire’s leak in December, but there have been some changes since then that made it slightly less desirable — DivX support and 720p video capture never made it to the final build, but it’s not like the company laid down any official promise on them, right? Anyhow, there’s still plenty to be loved here, namely the speedy 1GHz Snapdragon, the large AMOLED screen, and HTC’s latest revision of Sense UI that we’ve already seen on the Legend. Now, there are probably two questions floating in the minds of our readers: is the Desire worth the extra moola over the Legend? And is it any better than the Nexus One? Let’s all find out together.

Gallery: HTC Desire review

Continue reading HTC Desire review

HTC Desire review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microphone Headset for Xbox 360, Stay Connected Stay in Touch

2010-04-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Microphone Headset for Xbox 360, Stay Connected Stay in Touch

Oh! How much you would love to be an active member of Xbox live, the online Xbox 360 community but all because of that substandard microphone that you are not able to enjoy your membership. Is it true in your case also, that you are a member of Xbox community but unable to enjoy it because of the headset then you need to get the brand new Microphone headset for Xbox 360.

The Xbox 360 microphone is a customized product for Xbox users with advanced features to help the users enjoy all the features of Xbox live community while still playing the games. The headset makes it easy to communicate with others especially co teammates. You can plan up a game strategy, trash-talk opponents or simply chat with other members without anyone knowing.

One of the best features of the Microphone Headset for Xbox 360 is that it allows you to leave short voice messages for people using the free Xbox LIVE Message Service. Adjustable boom microphone and Noise-canceling microphone improves the quality of messages sent and received. Mute and volume control buttons are amicably adjusted on the headset. All features of the Microphone headset for Xbox360 are outstanding and will surely help you stay in touch stay connected.

Stype, the Skyping typewriter, let's you chat about the passion (video)

2010-04-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

Stype, the Skyping typewriter, let's you chat about the passion (video)

It’s a great day when something digital meets something purely mechanical, and that looks to be what we have here, a project from Daniel Huhndt. It’s a vintage typewriter that, through what appears to be a complex set of belts and pulleys, enables two-way text chats on Skype. The user types their message onto paper and then waits while the response from someone else is magically typed back onto the paper — complete with that delicious manual sound. It is, or at least was, on display at Bauhaus University (which also introduced the world to WiiSpray), and if we were just a little bit closer we’d be down there clunking away right now.

[Thanks, Max]

Continue reading Stype, the Skyping typewriter, let’s you chat about the passion (video)

Stype, the Skyping typewriter, let’s you chat about the passion (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Data, apps and GPS: why cameraphones are lickin’ cameras!

2010-04-01T06:08:00.000-07:00

Data, apps and GPS: why cameraphones are lickin' cameras!

A few days ago, we had commented on how cameraphones were posing an increasingly formidable threat to conventional digital cameras, while writing about the Spice S-1200, the handset with an optical zoom. Though camera pundits might throw up their hands in despair at the very thought, the stark fact is that cameraphones are rapidly becoming excellent options for a number of photographers, and no, we do not mean the “impulse clicking” amateur type.

A few years ago, the only real advantage a cameraphone presented to the user over a conventional camera was the fact that it was much more handy – it was easier to use and carry and saved one from the hassle of carrying an extra gadget. However, with the mobile Internet getting increasingly affordable of late and the mobile app revolution well and truly on, we are now getting to the stage where cameraphones are posing a much more serious threat to “real” cameras. The increasing megapixel count on cameraphones and improvement in lens quality is only adding to the competition.

The way I see it, cameraphones batter cameras on three fronts. The first is data connectivity, which enables a person to take a snap and upload it to a social networking or mail it to a friend with just a few clicks. Yes, some cameras do come with Wi-Fi but these cost a bomb whereas you can get a cell that accesses the Net for a fraction of the amount. Then there is the matter of geotagging images which is so much easier on phones with inbuilt GPS rather than cameras – you can let people know exactly where you were when you clicked a snap. Again, it can be done on a camera too, but the prices of GPS cameras are prohibitive and carrying a Satnav just for recording the location of your pictures can be a pain. Finally, there is the little matter of apps. While cameras do let you play around and do some basic editing on the camera itself, tweaking images is so much easier using a mobile image editor on a handset. There are even cellphone versions of Photoshop for Android phones and the iPhone.

The extent to which things are changing was evident at one of the press conferences in Delhi when I saw a press photographer clicking pictures with a Sony Ericsson Satio. When I asked him whatever happened to his DSLR, he smiled and said “I have it too, but when you are in a hurry, this is so much faster. I can take a very high resolution picture and mail it to my editor in seconds. Yes, it will not be as good as one from my DSLR, but it will definitely be good enough to print. You do not always need to snap the perfect pic, you know.” And his is not an isolated case. A number of photographers who need results (and to send them to people) quickly with minimum fuss are turning to cameraphones. Devices like the Nokia N86 (the most underrated camerphone of them all, in my opinion), the Sony Ericsson Satio and the Samsung Pixon are being increasingly seen in the hands of not just casual shutterbugs but specialists too.

And as cameraphone prices descend (you can get an LG Android GW620 for as little as Rs 16,000 in India), the squirms in the conventional camera camp are bound to increase. Yes, those looking for the perfect picture will still swear by “real” cameras, but those who do not mind sacrificing a bit of perfection on the altar of connectivity and convenience will flock to the cameraphone.

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Amazon agrees to agency pricing model with two more publishers, Jobs prophecy coming to pass

2010-04-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

Amazon agrees to agency pricing model with two more publishers, Jobs prophecy coming to pass

Time to add HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster to the list of publishers who’ve managed to strongarm Amazon into acceding to their supposedly industry-saving agency pricing model. Under the new agreement, you might still see e-book versions of bestsellers priced at the familiar $9.99, but the majority will be jumping up to $12.99 and $14.99 price points, depending on the publisher’s discretion. This is essentially the same deal that brought Macmillan books back to Amazon.com, and the e-tailer is believed to also be in advanced negotiations with Hatchette Book Group and Penguin Group to ensure that no book is left behind. This development was cryptically predicted by Steve Jobs mere hours after the iPad’s launch and then reiterated by Rupert Murdoch with regard to HarperCollins, so we can’t exactly act surprised now, but we can at least grimace a little at having to face a more expensive e-reading future.

Amazon agrees to agency pricing model with two more publishers, Jobs prophecy coming to pass originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYT: Hulu planning iPad app, might be subscription based

2010-03-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

NYT: Hulu planning iPad app, might be subscription based

We’ve been hearing whispers about a Hulu app for the iPad since the day Apple’s tablet was announced, and things are starting to pick up steam: the New York Times says four different people familiar with Hulu’s plans have said the app is coming, and that it will potentially require a subscription fee. That either makes a lot of sense (if you’re a TV network exec looking to keep the Aston padding on your paycheck) or absolutely none at all (if you’re everyone else), but it certainly seems like it’s happening — especially since Hulu CEO Jason Kilar told the Times that he’s “open to subscriptions as a complement to the ad-supported model.” That’s as close to a confirmation as we’ve ever heard, but we’ve got a feeling Apple’s putting the full-court press on Hulu and other networks like CBS — we’d expect to see this go from rumor to reality relatively soon.

NYT: Hulu planning iPad app, might be subscription based originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IE9 demoed on Ion-based Eee PC with full GPU acceleration

2010-03-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

IE9 demoed on Ion-based Eee PC with full GPU acceleration

Although we were a little more focused on Windows Phone 7 Series when we went to MIX 10, Microsoft’s other big announcement at the conference was Internet Explorer 9, which offers HTML5 support and support for GPU acceleration throughout the browsing experience. We saw a few demos of the system in action at MIX, but this video from NVIDIA does a little better job showing how helpful that extra GPU boost can be — IE9 running on the Ion 2-based Eee PC 1201PN smokes a regular Atom-based netbook across a suite of tests. What that’s going to mean for battery life is up in the air, especially since the GPU on an Optimus system like the 1201PN kicks in automatically, but it’s pretty cool to see a netbook browsing the web at almost desktop-like speeds. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading IE9 demoed on Ion-based Eee PC with full GPU acceleration

IE9 demoed on Ion-based Eee PC with full GPU acceleration originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint rolls out new 30 day 'money back guarantee' trial, claims it's not a promo

2010-03-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sprint rolls out new 30 day 'money back guarantee' trial, claims it's not a promo

Every so often, an American wireless carrier will toss out a no-holds-barred 15 or 30-day money back guarantee, likely initiated to spur customer walk-ins, and in turn, boost the adoption rate. Sprint, however, is sick and tired (but mostly tired) of playing such games, and it has today announced a new “Satisfaction Guaranteed or Money-Back” program that it has no current intentions of ever nixing. We spoke to Sprint this morning regarding the news, and a spokesperson affirmed that it will be in place for the foreseeable future, with no expiration date already dialed up in the background. The new deal (which starts tomorrow, all kidding aside) enables any customer to open up a new line of Sprint service for 30 days; if they aren’t feeling it, they’ll get “reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for service plan monthly recurring charges incurred and get all associated taxes and Sprint surcharges associated with these charges waived.” We’ll confess — that’s pretty darn thorough, but do you seriously expect to return that EVO 4G? No, no you don’t.

Sprint rolls out new 30 day ‘money back guarantee’ trial, claims it’s not a promo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS's Jonney Shih confirms two tablets, one for Googlites, one for Microsofties

2010-03-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

ASUS's Jonney Shih confirms two tablets, one for Googlites, one for Microsofties

We’ve been hearing talk of an Eee Pad since the end of 2009, even getting a sort of unofficial, official confirmation of its existence from from ASUS exec Eric Chen. Now company chairman Jonney Shih has confirmed not only one tablet, but two. “Netbooks are the best combination of personal computing and cloud computing, but between netbooks and smartphones and e-readers, we think there will be a space for something like a tablet or slate PC.” This is where ASUS will insert a pair of models set to be unveiled sometime this year. One is said to run a Google OS of some sort, either Android or Chrome, the other running Windows. We’re expecting some level of hardware differentiation between the two as well, but at this point we don’t know anything else — except that the Google flavored version “will have a lot of media.” We like media.

ASUS’s Jonney Shih confirms two tablets, one for Googlites, one for Microsofties originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The exclusive AMOLED media player with 16 million colours: Cowon J3

2010-03-31T00:08:00.001-07:00

The exclusive AMOLED media player with 16 million colours: Cowon J3

Have you seen any AMOLED media player with 16 million colours? Well if not then check this stylish Cowon J3. This media player is a Reddot design award winner and its unveiled in Korea. This smashing player is wonderful in looks; its dashing 3.3 inch of AMOLED touchscreen offers vibrant 16,000,000 colours which will give you a thunderstruck. It has a thickness of 9.9mm and you can get this player in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB of sizes. This player looks like a mobile phone and is pretty cool!

The cowon PMP supports many file formats like wav, ogg, mp3, avi, wma, ape audio, Divx, wmv7/8/9, XviD, asf etc. Other common features like a Bluetooth, FM tuner, microSDHC/SD card slot, built-in T-DMB includes in the list. This smashing player also has TV output and built-in speaker. Dictionary and Flash Lite player are also the additional advantage of having this player. Well there is no information about its pricing in the market but hope it will release soon.

Firefox for Mobile (Fennec) escapes in a rough Android port

2010-03-31T00:08:00.000-07:00

Firefox for Mobile (Fennec) escapes in a rough Android port

It’s slow, jerky, and may not even work on your Android device even after installing the 41MB package. But it’s FireFox for Mobile (aka, Fennec) on Android, brother, and isn’t that worth the hassle? Based on our experience with it on the N900, the only gold platform at the moment, it most definintely is. MartinSchirr of Android Forums is credited with the port and it’s your best option until the cats at Mozilla issues a formal Android release (currently in Pre-Alpha) later this year as expected. Check the video after the break if you want to experience it right now, mess free.

[Thanks, Will]

Continue reading Firefox for Mobile (Fennec) escapes in a rough Android port

Firefox for Mobile (Fennec) escapes in a rough Android port originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad's trailing costs: like the iPod touch, only bigger?

2010-03-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

iPad's trailing costs: like the iPod touch, only bigger?

Whether or not you think the iPad is in and of itself a worthy purchase, let’s not forget the investment doesn’t end at the retail counter or online shopping cart. Two little newsbits have popped up to serve as a helpful reminder to just that effect. The first comes way of verbiage from the iPad end-user licensing agreement dug up by MacRumors; in a nutshell, it suggests that while iPad OS 4.x updates will be provided gratis, subsequent releases (5.x, 6.x, and so on) could be offered at a premium, à la how iPod touch handles firmware. This is far from a confirmation, but it’s well within Apple’s right to do so. The second bit is derived by The Consumerist by way a supposed leaked app store video. Comparing the prices of iPad-optimized software with the iPhone equivalents showed quite a hefty uptick in consumer cost — e.g., $4.99 Flight Control HD vs. $0.99 Flight Control. The pool of eight apps seen in the video would cost $53 in all to purchase, while the same set for the iPhone is $27. That screen real estate don’t come cheap, y’know — that is, should the prices seen prove legit. At this point we can’t confirm, and more than likely, we won’t know for sure until the eleventh hour.

iPad’s trailing costs: like the iPod touch, only bigger? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | MacRumors, The Consumerist | Email this | Comments

Battalion Touch CZ-11 multitouch gaming laptop gets Core i7 processor, keeps things classy

2010-03-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Battalion Touch CZ-11 multitouch gaming laptop gets Core i7 processor, keeps things classy

iBuyPower’s back with a refresh to its simple, yet understated 15-inch touchscreen gaming notebook. The Battalion Touch CZ-11, newly announced today, features a Intel Core i7 processor, ATI Radeon HD 5650 graphics, a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) multitouch display, 4GB memory, 500GB storage, WiFi b/g/n, and optional Blu-ray — not too shabby, right? Prices start at $1,100 and climbs skyward fast — hit the source link to see for yourself. And don’t worry — the flames are optional. PR after the break.

Gallery: iBUYPOWER Announces Availability of Battalion Touch CZ-11

Continue reading Battalion Touch CZ-11 multitouch gaming laptop gets Core i7 processor, keeps things classy

Battalion Touch CZ-11 multitouch gaming laptop gets Core i7 processor, keeps things classy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bluetooth GPS Receivers, Nokia 6303 Accessories Keeps you Hands Free

2010-03-30T09:08:00.001-07:00

Bluetooth GPS Receivers, Nokia 6303 Accessories Keeps you Hands Free

Nokia 6303 has already put the mobile phone stage on fire and the various Nokia 6303 Accessories are all set to aggravate the fire. The phone comes embed with the latest feature which allows it to be used as a Sat Nav device and is preinstalled with Nokia Maps. This feature makes sure whichever place you wish to find on earth is just a touch away. It seems you are a bit worried of using this device while driving but do not worry anymore Nokia has also taken care of this.

The answer to all your worries regarding the use of the Nokia Maps while driving lies in a single device called the Bluetooth GPS Receiver. The Bluetooth LD-4W device is custom made to work with the Nokia 6303. Through this device your phone will know where you are and guide you further to wherever you want to go. It of course needs to be charged at regular intervals. Your phone charger can be used to charge it. Have it and have fun locating the places you wish to go at your fingertip.

Verizon begins Android 2.1 update rollout for Motorola Droid

2010-03-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Verizon begins Android 2.1 update rollout for Motorola Droid

Flippin’ finally, right? Verizon Wireless put the long-awaited Android 2.1 update on hold for its cadre of Motorola Droid owners earlier in the month, with an all-too-vague “TBD” as the only detail as to when we could look for it to actually, really land. We’ve just happened upon what looks to be an internal Verizon email that went out this morning, and sure enough, it sounds as if the update will at long last begin hitting Droid owners in just a few minutes. At noon on 3/30 (that’s today, vaquero), a grand total of 1,000 users will receive notification of the update, while 9,000 more will get a similar alert just before midnight. If all goes well, the rest of ya will see v2.1 slide down starting on Thursday, though it looks as if patience will be your only friend as you await your turn. Head on past the break for the full memo, but don’t get your hopes up too high — wouldn’t want to be let down again, would you buttercup?

Continue reading Verizon begins Android 2.1 update rollout for Motorola Droid

Verizon begins Android 2.1 update rollout for Motorola Droid originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 7 is safer when the admin isn't around

2010-03-30T04:08:00.000-07:00

Windows 7 is safer when the admin isn't around

Not that we necessarily needed a report to tell us this, but the fewer privileges you afford yourself as a Windows user, the more secure your operating system becomes. Such is the conclusion of a new report from BeyondTrust, a company that — surprise, surprise — sells software for “privileged access management.” The only way we use Windows 7 is as admins and we’ve never had a moment’s bother, but some of you like stats, and others among you might be involved in business, which tends to make people a little more antsy about these things. So for your collective sake, let there be pie charts! The report looks into vulnerabilities disclosed by Microsoft during 2009 and concludes that all 55 reported Microsoft Office issues and 94 percent of the 33 listed for IE could be prevented by simply running a standard user account. Or using better software, presumably. Hit the PDF source for more info — go on, it’s not like you have anything better to do while waiting for the Large Hadron Collider to go boom.

Windows 7 is safer when the admin isn’t around originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gigantic ASUS periodical reveals and specs numerous new laptops

2010-03-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Gigantic ASUS periodical reveals and specs numerous new laptops

Curious what’s inside a new ASUS laptop? Then Notebook Review has the treat for you — earlier this month, forumite David took the time to download the company’s massive 108MB ASUS World Magazine PDF and laid out the spec sheets for not one, not two, but a veritable smörgåsbord of potent portables. There’s 36 in all; we’ve told you about some of them before, to be sure — but others are getting solid specs for the first time, and there are even a few diamonds in the rough. Enough chit-chat, on with the show!

U-series: Otherwise known as ASUS’ Bamboo Collection, the U-series laptops were highlighted at CES, where we discovered they would have Core i5 CPUs and USB 3.0 support. Well, that’s not the whole story. They’ve also all got NVIDIA Optimus auto-switching graphics between an onboard Intel GMA HD and the GeForce 310M 1GB. Oh, and forget Core i5 — these machines support processors all the way up to the 2.66GHz Core i7-620M. Highlight: The U30JC, with a combo Blu-ray drive and a chiclet keyboard that won a iF Product Design Award.
UL-series: ASUS for “UnLimited,” you can read UL as “ultra low,” as in Intel’s ultra low voltage (ULV) processors that provide 8+ hours of battery life and let these notebooks stay cool despite being under an inch thin. We saw the UL80JT sport NVIDIA Optimus at CES and got hands-on with the Optimus-equipped UL50VF; now, the UL30JT now has it as well. Highlight: That same UL50VF, with an estimated 12+ hours of battery life.

More after the break — save pricing and availability, unfortunately — or feel free to hit up the source link to download the entire electronic magazine for yourself.

Gallery: ASUS eMagazine for March 2010

Continue reading Gigantic ASUS periodical reveals and specs numerous new laptops

Gigantic ASUS periodical reveals and specs numerous new laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US Airways finally secures Gogo in-flight WiFi, adding to all A321's by June

2010-03-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

US Airways finally secures Gogo in-flight WiFi, adding to all A321's by June

We heard last summer that 2010 would be the year for US Airways to gain in-flight internet, and sure enough, America’s worst legacy airline has made good on said promise. As of now, a grand total of five Airbus A321 planes are equipped with Gogo, and if you’re lucky enough to end up on one, you’ll get a single free session through June 1st provided that you’re a first-time Gogo user. Speaking of early June, that’s when all 51 of the outfit’s A321’s will be lit with WiFi, and better still, you’ll be able to see right away if your flight will be wired (or unwired, as it were) at the time of booking. There’s no mention of expansion plans beyond that, and we still haven’t received an apology for refusing us a gratis glass of water on a 6.5 hour flight in August of 2008. No, we’re not bitter. At all.

US Airways finally secures Gogo in-flight WiFi, adding to all A321’s by June originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Dell Aero hands-on and UI walkthrough (video)

2010-03-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Exclusive: Dell Aero hands-on and UI walkthrough (video)

We took a look at the Dell Aero during last week’s CTIA bonanza, but AT&T and Dell weren’t exactly forthcoming with letting us take the UI for a spin. Luckily, we’re pretty resourceful folks, so we’ve wrangled some face time with a functioning device, and walked away with some insight into the phone’s unique personality. Read on after the break for a bulleted breakdown of exactly what this phone is all about, a video of the Aero in action, and make sure to feast your eyes on the gallery below.

Gallery: Dell Aero hands-on and UI walkthrough

Continue reading Exclusive: Dell Aero hands-on and UI walkthrough (video)

Exclusive: Dell Aero hands-on and UI walkthrough (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung presents Tiffy and Matt accessories

2010-03-29T08:08:00.001-07:00

Samsung presents Tiffy and Matt accessories

Samsung has just pushed out a all new range of designer cellphone accessories co-branding it with Tippy & Matthew. Appealing mainly to women the range includes designer back covers for Samsung Anycall devices, leather cases and strap. The worlds second largest cellphone manufacturer for years has presented some of the best designs appealing to women. With this new range of accessories rolled out with the aim to give rebirth to women style, Samsung only pushes deeper into a market that it already dominates.

How about some super smartphones Samsung?

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iPad Camera Connection Kit finally surfaces for pre-order, still absurdly overpriced

2010-03-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

iPad Camera Connection Kit finally surfaces for pre-order, still absurdly overpriced

If you’ll recall, Apple had no qualms revealing the iPad Camera Connection Kit at its ‘Latest Creation‘ event back in January, but the solution seemingly dropped from the face of the Earth shortly thereafter. Even as cases, keyboards and all sorts of other iPad accessories surfaced for pre-order, the camera kit remained nowhere to be found. Over the weekend, the $29 adapter bundle finally found a home at the outfit’s website (with a “late April” ship date), offering users a pair of dongles to support USB and SD cards. Of course, one could easily argue that the iPad should have native support for both of these widely used formats without forcing users to lug around two extra peripherals, but if that were the case, this thing just wouldn’t be an Apple, now would it?

Gallery: iPad Camera Connection Kit

iPad Camera Connection Kit finally surfaces for pre-order, still absurdly overpriced originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's QWERTY-equipped K01 slides through the FCC

2010-03-29T03:08:00.000-07:00

Toshiba's QWERTY-equipped K01 slides through the FCC

If you’ve yet to lose faith in Windows Mobile 6.5, or if you’re holding out hope for community-made Windows Phone 7 patches magically upgrading your OS, here’s another handset for your consideration. Toshiba’s K01 comes with a 1GHz Snapdragon inside and a QWERTY keyboard plus 4.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen (capacitive) on the outside. Its stroll through the FCC today revealed support for 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/EDGE frequencies, meaning you may get a choice between AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks. So now that we’ve narrowed down the carriers a little bit and certified this WiFi- and Bluetooth-equipped beastie, all that remains is to wait and see if the pricing is sufficiently alluring to entice all those starry-eyed T-Mobile subscribers who keep giving the HD2 lusty looks. Not long to go now.

Toshiba’s QWERTY-equipped K01 slides through the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xperia X10 multitouch issue hardware-related?

2010-03-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

Xperia X10 multitouch issue hardware-related?

Sony Ericsson’s flagship Android smartphone, the Xperia X10, has been plagued by laggy performance since we first laid eyes on it, but that won’t always be the case; the company has confirmed repeatedly that upgrades (including a newer Android OS version) will come. However, it now seems that multitouch is not in the cards. “There’s no multitouch in X10 - and I also can confirm that it’s not only related to [software] but also to [hardware],” said product manager Rikard Skogberg at the official company blog. If true, that means the X10 won’t get multitouch even when rooted, much less a Nexus One or Milestone-like level of native, official multitouch support. But remember, Sony Ericsson has fancy UI quirks of its own — though you may never pinch-to-zoom on an X10, at least you can enjoy reticulating Splines.

[Thanks, Björn R.]

Xperia X10 multitouch issue hardware-related? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Podcast 189 - 03.27.2010

2010-03-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

Engadget Podcast 189 - 03.27.2010

Josh and Paul use the Engadget Podcast as a platform for coping with Nilay’s deportation earlier this week. Grab a box of tissues and click the PLAY button.

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Sultans of Swing

Hear the podcast

02:45 - HTC EVO 4G is Sprint’s Android-powered knight in superphone armor, we go hands-on
21:00 - MetroPCS bringing LTE to Las Vegas this year, Samsung doing infrastructure and first LTE handset: the SCH-r900
21:15 - Verizon talks commercial LTE deployment details: data devices first, smartphones in ‘1H 2011′
21:38 - AT&T says Verizon’s first LTE phone is ‘going to be a fat brick’
25:55 - Samsung announces Galaxy S Android smartphone
27:00 - Samsung Galaxy S hands-on with video
28:05 - Samsung’s Galaxy S has four times the polygon power of Snapdragon
30:52 - Dell Aero is ‘the lightest’ Android phone yet, poses for pictures
31:38 - Nintendo announces 3DS — the glasses-free 3D successor to the DS
36:10 - Microsoft Courier existence confirmed on the company’s JobsBlog?
42:38 - LG X300’s slack-jawed hands-on
43:02 - TiVo Premiere review

Subscribe to the podcast

Download the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Contact the podcast

1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.

Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @zpower @engadget

Filed under: Podcasts

Engadget Podcast 189 - 03.27.2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SweetSpotter – The Stereo Optimizer App

2010-03-28T12:08:00.001-07:00

SweetSpotter – The Stereo Optimizer App

The problem with all speakers is that the full stereo effect is limited to a certain “sweet spot” around it. If your ears are in that sweet spot, you enjoy the “full stereo”. The moment you swing your head out of the sweet spot, the 3D-sound (or full stereo) effect vanishes.

SweetSpotter is an app that uses a webcam (and face-detection) to track your the position of your head and adjusts the volume and delay of each channel accordingly, to give you a perfect experience of the stereo output of your speakers.

The SweetSpotter app aims to optimize the sweet spot according to the position of your head, thus giving you perfect stereo experience. The app is available for download on its official page and is for WinXp, Vista and Win7 systems only.

If affordable I would prefer to buy a pair of headphones, with inbuilt 7.1 channel surround sound!

(source)
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HTC HD2 gets early Windows Phone 7 OS port, could be released before official devices (updated: video!)

2010-03-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

HTC HD2 gets early Windows Phone 7 OS port, could be released before official devices (updated: video!)

Don’t look surprised. With the Windows Phone 7 Series dev tools now out in the open the pent up demand for that elusive HD2 upgrade was bound to be a priority for some well-meaning developers, somewhere… namely, Russia. Now we’ve got what looks to be the first screenies of the WP7S OS running on an HD2. Better yet, htcpedia claims that almost everything is working including WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth. However, the graphics driver is still showing problems and there is noticeable device lag. Nevertheless, the team is planning a beta release soon. Imagine it, an HD2 WP7S ROM available before Microsoft and its partners can even launch an official device, with its 5 buttons or not — now that would be something. One more grab after the break, the rest at the source below.

Update: Video evidence after the break. For what it’s worth, the folks at XDA also think it’s legit.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading HTC HD2 gets early Windows Phone 7 OS port, could be released before official devices (updated: video!)

HTC HD2 gets early Windows Phone 7 OS port, could be released before official devices (updated: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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International Space Station gets 'Man Cave,' Robonaut 2

2010-03-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

International Space Station gets 'Man Cave,' Robonaut 2

In the narrow confines of the International Space Station, every cubic inch counts, but that won’t necessarily keep NASA from building a rec room. When the Leonardo Pressurized Multipurpose Module (PMM) launches in September 2010, NASA is considering turning it into a internet-connected “man cave” isolated and quiet enough for astronauts to tweet in privacy. The connection’s nothing special — science officer T.J. Creamer compared it to that of a 14.4K modem capable of only tweets, text articles and basic browsing — but Universe Today reports that they will also have a robotic servant, the Robonaut 2, to play with. Imagine a cramped world without fresh water or YouTube, but where you can program a state-of-the-art robot to perform monotonous tasks… We think that’s a fair tradeoff, don’t you?

[Thanks, Robert P.]

International Space Station gets ‘Man Cave,’ Robonaut 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get TechNaughty this Fool’s day

2010-03-28T02:08:00.001-07:00

Get TechNaughty this Fool's day

The Fool’s day is here. We all know that the old pranks ain’t that effective any more. Now that we use technology almost all the time, how about we get technaughty this fools day. Here is a collection of gadgets for your Fool’s day pranks.

Phantom Keystroker

Phantom Keystroker is a USB device that causes the computer’s keyboard and mouse generate random keystrokes and haphazard mouse movements. The side buttons allow to customize the level of prank and the time duration between two events. Ideal for pranks at office. Available for $12.99.

TV Poltergeist

This one is ideal for home pranks. Just hide the TV Poltergeist somewhere in the living room with its LED pointed towards the TV. It changes channels, alters volume and power off/on the TV until the device is switched off or its battery dries down. Available for $12.99.

Puzzle Toilet Paper

Solve the puzzle and only then you get the toilet paper. I bet you, this prank’s victim would have to solve it before they make you run for your life. Available for $16.98.

Scratch Sticker

Want to make a fool of a bike/car lover? Scratch sticker is the ideal prank. Available for $3.99.

RC flying cockroach

There are a number of remote controlled bugs available on the internet. But, flying cockroach is my favorite because it can fly. Remote controlled real looking cockroach would be perfect to scare girls. And if you just manage to keep the roach a hands distance away from your victims, this prank can go on for hours. Available for $59.

Toilet Monster

This monster would hide inside the toilet seat and wait for the victim. This battery operated monster would scare your victim with frightful screams and gestures. Available for $17.42.

Funny Golf Balls

A set of three golf balls that act funny. The first one blows up in a cloud of powder, second ejects a 15 feet ribbon in the air and the third never goes straight. Mix them with other golf balls and enjoy the fun. Available for $38.

BSOD screensaver

Just download it and install on your friends PC. Annoy your friends and scare your enemies. Download Link.

Annoy-a-tron

This device would create an annoying beep from 2Khz to 12Khz for 2 to 8 minutes. The random beeps and tiny size of the device would make it impossible to find. Can work for almost a month on a single battery. Available for $9.
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Victorinox Secure Pro USB drive is 'un-hackable,' can file your nails

2010-03-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

Victorinox Secure Pro USB drive is 'un-hackable,' can file your nails

This isn’t the first USB drive / Swiss army knife we’ve seen from Victorinox, but the company’s new Secure Pro drive is the first that is supposedly “un-hackable.” To put that claim to the test, Victorinox actually offered a £100,000 prize to a team of “professional hackers” if they could crack the drive during the company’s launch event — they were unable to do so. That un-hackableness apparently comes primarily from the drive’s combination of AES256 technology and fingerprint security, which is paired with (get this) a self-destruct mechanism that irrevocably burns the CPU and memory chip if there’s any attempt to force the drive open. All that and a pair of scissors — how can you go wrong? No word on a release over here just yet, but the drive is now available in the UK in capacities from 8GB to 32GB for between £50 and £180 (or about $75 to $270).

[Thanks, Nikolas R]

Victorinox Secure Pro USB drive is ‘un-hackable,’ can file your nails originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Ovi Magazine is out

2010-03-27T21:08:00.001-07:00

Nokia Ovi Magazine is out

For all the die hard fans of Nokia, the Finnish cellphone manufacturer has started an Ovi Magazine. The Ovi Magazine gives you all the latest developments about Nokia cellphones, Symbain, Maemo, Social Networking, Ovi Store and latest apps available.

You don’t have to go to any newstand for the magazine. The 44 page magazine is available online and no points for guessing that its free!
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T-Mobile USA staying single for now

2010-03-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

T-Mobile USA staying single for now

We’ve heard various rumors over the past year or so that T-Mobile USA parent Deutsche Telekom was looking for someone to look over its fledgling American wireless provider, either in the form of a partnership or an outright buyout. Now, many moons later, the company has felt compelled to set those rumors to rest — possibly because it couldn’t find any interested parties. Rene Obermann, Chairman of the Management Board at Deutsche Telekom, believes there is room for four major wireless players in the US (T-Mo is number four, currently) and asks the question: “Why can’t you have penetration rates of 500 percent or 1,000 percent?” The idea here is that, as more and more devices go wireless, people are going to need more and more wireless plans to cover them. But 10 separate wireless plans per person? That sounds ’spensive.

T-Mobile USA staying single for now originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink electronista | The Wall Street Journal | Email this | Comments

PVI shows off color and video e-paper in China -- coming to a Kindle near you?

2010-03-27T15:08:00.001-07:00

PVI shows off color and video e-paper in China -- coming to a Kindle near you?

Prime View International — the company responsible for pumping e-ink screens into Amazon’s Kindles — has recently shown off some color and video screens at a trade show in Shenzhen, China. The company has been showing off the displays in 6 and 9.7-inch varieties, one of which could fit perfectly into the 6-inch Kindle, of course. While there’s been no real indication that Amazon is interested in transitioning to color or video-boasting readers, but it’s not completely inconceivable considering the recent competition it’s facing. Hit the source link to check out a video featuring the color displays that were on show.

PVI shows off color and video e-paper in China — coming to a Kindle near you? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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‘Obama for Android’ – Stay up-to-date with the president

2010-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

'Obama for Android' – Stay up-to-date with the president

Swiss Code Monkeys have developed an Android application dedicated to all the news from the President of US. President Obama raised as much as $6.5 million in his online campaign last year and as many as 3 million individuals contributed. There certainly is a demand from the online junta to follow the president and this application gives real time updates from President Obama’s twitter account, latest photos from flickr, latest blog posts and even YouTube videos.

The application is available for free from AppBrain.

via [SwissCodeMonkeys]
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Twist alarm clock has you wring math equations by the neck

2010-03-27T09:08:00.002-07:00

Twist alarm clock has you wring math equations by the neck

Man has striven for centuries to build a better mousetrap, but in the digital age, mice are the least of our worries. No, the modern day rat race requires a better alarm clock instead, and lord knows we’ve seen plenty, from tickers that chomp your change to clocks that give you target practice. What we don’t see that often is a clock that makes you think at the same time it provokes a physical action. Thus, the Twist Alarm Clock, which displays a simple math equation when it’s time to wake up, but requires effort to silence. In order to quiet the alarm, you have to twist the numbered dials on either side of its LCD screen into the right position — in this case, to figure out what minus what equals two. It’s no Turing Alarm Clock, to be sure, but this human number cruncher’s actually for sale; you can get yours for ¥2,625 (about $28) in Japan.

Twist alarm clock has you wring math equations by the neck originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bev-Burry Phone Flask, is it a phone?

2010-03-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Bev-Burry Phone Flask, is it a phone?

Look at the picture of this new Bev-Burry Phone Flask, what do you think is it a phone? The answer to this question is strictly no. It’s a flask which tactically carries your liquor. At some place the liquors or other drinks are prohibited and it becomes a big ticket for purchasing those drinks at those places. So here’s the solution! You can now carry your favourite liquor in this new flask. It holds 100ml of drink and it resembles like a cool gadget. You just have to open the top cover and drink it whenever you wish. It will disguise as a phone and you will be in favour. No one will suspect you if you carry this small device in your hand. It comes with a clip-on holster and thus you can move with it anywhere you like. Good-Idea! If you are the one who likes to carry their liquor innocently then they can get this flask for just $11.

Latest Dawa D7 MID (Mobile Internet Device)

2010-03-27T03:08:00.001-07:00

Latest Dawa D7 MID (Mobile Internet Device)

Being one of the tech-savvy individual you must feel the requirement of huge data storage capacitated gadgets. The companies are continuously providing ample of opportunities to buy favorable gadgets and similarly a Chinese company Dawa has come up with D7 MID (Mobile Internet Device) for its valuable customers. It’s most important micro SDHC card feature satisfied the customer with its optimizing function and advantageous capability. Its classy design and advanced qualities enhance your life and improves your work performance.

Other main features of Dawa D7 MID (Mobile Internet Device) are:

•   7 inch Multi-touch screen
•   Resolution of 800 x 480 display
•   720 Mhz telechips 8901 processor
•   256Mb of RAM
•   4GB of storage capacity
•   Micro sdhc card slot (up to 32GB)
•   Supported with both audio and video player
•   Well-equipped with web browser, email and e-book reader
•   Built-in GPS
•   Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity
•   USB OTG port
•   1080p of HDMI output
•   Supports 1920×1080p full HD video playback

AT&T's Palm Pixi Plus granted the FCC's best wishes

2010-03-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

AT&T's Palm Pixi Plus granted the FCC's best wishes

Alright, kiddies, gather ’round, because it’s time for everyone’s favorite class: Palm Model Codes 101. As you might recall from Sunnyvale’s previous exploits in the FCC’s system, P101 devices are Pres, while P121s are Pixis. That part of the code is followed by a three-character string indicating the radio type: EWW for CDMA, UEU for European GSM, and UNA for North American GSM. Using everything we know there, we can safely deduce that the P121UNA that just crossed the wires is the AT&T-branded version of the Pixi Plus, a device that we know to be hitting shelves “in the coming months.” Whether FCC certification was one of the roadblocks in getting it launched is a mystery, but it certainly can’t hurt the process, can it?

AT&T’s Palm Pixi Plus granted the FCC’s best wishes originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR?

2010-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

How would you change Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR?

We know, you’re packing furiously for your next shoot tomorrow, but look — you need to sit back for 12 seconds, give this article a once-over, chime in below and take one of the biggest sighs of your life. As unprepared as you feel, everything’s going to be alright. We promise. Now that we’ve got you in a proper state of mind, we’re curious to know how you’d change Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. The outfit’s latest and greatest professional DSLR has come out shining in nearly every review we’ve seen, and while it’s rather massive in stature, it’s loaded with features. For nearly five grand, we suspect that you’ll be pretty critical on it, and that’s exactly how it should be. Is the low-light performance satisfactory? How’s the speed and handling? Has it revolutionized your business? Are you a Canon fanboy (or girl) for life now? Spill all down below, cool?

How would you change Canon’s EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Engadget Podcast is live... NOW!

2010-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Engadget Podcast is live... NOW!

It’s been a crazy week in tech, and we’re coming at you live to break it all down. We’ll be on at 5:30PM EST, but the chat below is open, so settle on in and get comfy.

Continue reading The Engadget Podcast is live… NOW!

The Engadget Podcast is live… NOW! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spice S-1200 brings 3X optical zoom to cellphone!

2010-03-26T09:08:00.002-07:00

Spice S-1200 brings 3X optical zoom to cellphone!

Now thats a surprise ! While most smartphones are playing the megapixel game, unexpected! but its Spice that is bringing a 3x optical zoom to a cellphone. The Spice S-1200 that is said to be priced around Rs 14,500 ($315). The same old question ‘will cellphones would replace digital cameras?” is back in my mind now.

Spice has been advertising hard recently and aim to sell a million handsets a month (which is a modest target given the fact that India is the fastest growing mobile market, but my past experience with Spice for some reason makes me feel that the S-1200 won’t be a game changer at all. Waiting for a hands-on…

Key features:

GSM 900/1800/1900
12 MP Camera + 3X Optical Zoom
Xenon Flash
32 GB Expandable Memory (70MB internal)
TV Out with Cable
EDGE/ JAVA
GSM 900/1800/1900

Via (Manufacturer site)
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Sicis captures the market of chairs with its fascinating collection

2010-03-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

Sicis captures the market of chairs with its fascinating collection

Sicis has captured the market of chairs with its fascinating collection. They have made wonderful chairs wherein you can have a comfortable sitting and can enjoy the place. The gorgeous chairs are of tremendous archaicism and painlessness. In ancient times chairs were piece of state and decorum rather than the normal use. We can say that chairs are the symbol of authority in all the homes worldwide.

Chairs of the house should exhibit the wealth of the house and it should be comfortable for the chief person. There are many chairs available in the market but this new Sicis collection have captured the chair market and are now found in all homes. They are very elegant and have sophisticated look. We can say that they are one among the alluring and marvellous gifts for her. They are sui generis and beautiful. The craftsmanship can be easily seen in these chairs. You can also have these fascinating collection for your homes, truly they are magnificent!

USB mass storage support coming to Xbox 360 on April 6th

2010-03-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

USB mass storage support coming to Xbox 360 on April 6th

We had a pretty firm idea that this was happening, but now Major Nelson has gone and made it official: mass storage is coming the Xbox 360 at long last. There will be a system update on April 6th, which will allow up to two simultaneous USB flash drives plugged into the system, which will be capable of storing profiles, game saves, demos, “and more.” The maximum size supported is 16GB, and even though regular USB hard drives will be supported, they’ll be up against the same size cap, and performance will suffer as well. You’ll have to manually format a USB device for use in this way when plugging it into the 360, but Microsoft will be partnering with SanDisk for a branded drive in May that will come preconfigured. Also tweaked is the new memory management screen (what convenient timing!) which should make shuffling around these files less of a chore. Check out some screenshots below.

[Thanks, Jeff]

Gallery: Xbox 360 mass storage screenshots

USB mass storage support coming to Xbox 360 on April 6th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hila Rosenberg Arazi Mimoco Mimobot – GiddyUp

2010-03-26T03:08:00.002-07:00

Hila Rosenberg Arazi Mimoco Mimobot – GiddyUp

Fashion and style is the new obsession among the youths and this is exactly what the technology is offering its users. Especially for the women section Mimoco has launched MIMOBOT artistic collection of cutely designed USB flash drive. Highly innovative and stylish Mimobot - GiddyUp created by Hila Rosenberg Arazi boost the market and fully modernizes its user’s personality. This sensitive range is nicely enriched designs which surely captivates the attention all people over the globe. Growing technology based market loves to add these ground-breaking items in overall gadget collection.

Hila Rosenberg Arazi Mimoco Mimobot - GiddyUp collection mainly featured with girl riding a giraffe and a great sequential story has attached behind the entire series. The coolest designs Mimoco Mimobot - GiddyUp has the storage capacities from 2GB to 16GB.You will get these cute designs at a price range of $24.95 to $79.95 correspondingly. Enjoy the company of these cute collections of USB flash drives and experience the change in your life…

3GS India launch – Twitter reactions

2010-03-26T03:08:00.001-07:00

3GS India launch – Twitter reactions

Though there wasn’t too much excitement about the much delayed 3GS launch in India today, the pricing sure is a big disappointment. You would pay as much as Rs 47,500 (over $1000) to get the 32GB iPhone 3GS in Mumbai. Here is the complete India pricing.

At this point I am sure there are more takers for the iPad in India than the 3GS!

Pictures above @preshit @mahindragrp @sumants @b50
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Taurus concept adds a touch of bullish masculinity to personal transportation

2010-03-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

Taurus concept adds a touch of bullish masculinity to personal transportation

Ah, the old electric two-wheeler, a dream of so many ecologically conscious geeks and yet never popular enough to achieve its Gaia-saving objective. Enter designer Eric Lanuza, with his own spin on the idea, who brings in a few exciting curves straight from the world of motorbikes, but keeps the self-balancing antics of the concept’s progenitor. Setting aside the cute toro theme, we reckon the addition of a seat will be one of the biggest differences, since — though they may not be wiling to admit it — most people don’t consider something a vehicle unless they can sit in or on it. Hit the source for a photo gallery, though we’d advise against holding out any hopes for this making it past the concept drawing board.

Taurus concept adds a touch of bullish masculinity to personal transportation originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple job posting hints at LTE for a future iPhone?

2010-03-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Apple job posting hints at LTE for a future iPhone?

What could possibly come after the iPhone 3GS? The iPhone 3GSS, of course! Joking aside, Apple’s dropped the 4G bomb on one of its latest job postings while seeking for a “Cellular Technology Software Manager” with “expert knowledge of… WCDMA/UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE etc.” That’s right, LTE. Now, we’re not saying this means a 4G-powered iPhone is next in line in the annual product cycle, nor does this listing confirm Apple’s favored 4G radio, but given AT&T’s interest in LTE plus its prolonged love affair with Cupertino, it’s pretty hard not to consider LTE as a realistic option on future portables, be it iPhone or even iPad. Frankly, it won’t be the end of the world if a 4G iPhone fails to turn up this summer — most of us here would rather have something with improved battery life, real multitasking, and 720p camera over those insane data speeds. No, really.

[Thanks, Bryan]

Apple job posting hints at LTE for a future iPhone? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Synology DS410 NAS will back up your files, won't incite a passionate response

2010-03-25T15:08:00.001-07:00

Synology DS410 NAS will back up your files, won't incite a passionate response

The last time we laid eyes on Synology’s DiskStation line it was in the form of the DS409Slim — a diminutive NAS without the ‘zazz of lots of your flashier network storage solutions. The newly announced DS410 also keeps it pretty simple: features include four bays of RAID-5 storage, 256-bit encryption, Amazon S3 cloud backup, Apple Time Machine integration, media streaming, print server, and web hosting with PHP/MySQL. Don’t worry, you Big Brother-types don’t get left out either: the included Surveillance Station 4 software allows the deployment of multiple IP cameras and support for H.264 video. Available now for $500.

Synology DS410 NAS will back up your files, won’t incite a passionate response originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OG Review: Sony Ericsson MW600, bluetooth headset with FM

2010-03-25T09:08:00.001-07:00

OG Review: Sony Ericsson MW600, bluetooth headset with FM

Well we happen to be one of the lucky souls to get a hands-on with the Sony Ericsson MW600 bluetooth headset. The MW600 is loaded with features with a OLED display, stereo (3.5mm jack), music controls, volume controls, multipoint bluetooth, FM and more. The music quality (testing on our SE W595) is good and if not the best we have ever witnessed on a bluetooth headset. MW600 also connected without any issues to our iMac and the range of the bluetooth connectivity was enough for us to visit our neighbors and comeback without any disruption in playback.

MW600 is roughly as big as a pencil cell and the music ( << >ll >>), power are rugged rubber material whereas the call button that sticks at the bottom of the OLED display is a little glossy and goes well with the shiny screen. At one end you have the power button & the micro-usb charger port whereas on the other end you have the call button, mic and the 3.5mm audio jack. On both sides of the OLED display you have controls, with one side featuring the cool touch sensitive volume scroll (yeah we missed it in the HBH-IS800) and the other side has the music keys. The volume scroll on the side even helps in navigation when required. The design / feature set has certainly evolved from the DS220. The multiple attachments with the earplugs (i.e. different sized earbuds) ensures that you get the best fit in your ears (thats one good habit of SE, which has retained over the years).

Being able to connect a external speaker via the 3.5mm audio jack and inbuilt FM in the bluetooth headset makes this a real multipurpose bluetooth headset. Something you will find yourself using very frequently in a day and not just when driving out. Well, that doesn’t mean that the MW600 doesn’t do calls, it actually makes your handset only a data communicator with caller ID showing up on your bluetooth device itself. Even when using a bluetooth headset, removing the phone from the pocket to see who the caller is, is a frustrating experience (specially for a biker like me). Speaking about bikers, this is one of the few bluetooth headsets that would slip into your helmet without any discomfort and that won’t affect the reception one bit. The only thing that I can expect to be improved here is the quality or rather firmness of the clip. It doesn’t fall off but is pretty loose and even a small hit would knock it off the fabric it attaches to. Rest this thing works like a charm. Even without a manual I was able to get through all the functionality in no time.

We were able to connect the MW600 with the Nokia 6303, E63, iPhone 2G (for calls, stereo) and of-course the auto-pair with the W595 (non Sony Ericsson devices need to use the code ‘0000′ to pair with the MW-600). The battery life looks good (I will need to test a little longer to post figures, will update).

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Vitality GlowCap hands-on

2010-03-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Vitality GlowCap hands-on

We just got a quick look at one of those Vitality GlowCap bottles. It’s about as dead simple as it looks: the LED at the top of the cap glows (orange, but there’s also a blue mode that must mean something else like “you’re all going to die”), and with the right amount of adult supervision you can push down and twist off the cap. All the details of the service, which involves patent recognition to figure out the best way to remind you and incentivize you to take your pills via phone calls, flashing lights, and social network reminders, aren’t completely ironed out, but it sounds like Vitality is paying AT&T up front for the bandwidth — at least you won’t have another charge on your AT&T bill to worry about. Not shown is a base station that the GlowCaps connect to over 2G wireless (more unclarity here, but rest assured your prescription infos will be beamed over the internet via AT&T’s network), and which does the primary flashing when you need to take a pill.

Gallery: Vitality GlowCap hands-on

Vitality GlowCap hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer launches Aspire Ethos line with swanky 5943G and 8943G models

2010-03-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Acer launches Aspire Ethos line with swanky 5943G and 8943G models

Acer’s aspirational laptops have a new Ethos to them now, and it clearly has something to do with entertainment. The newly revealed 18.4-inch 8943G sports a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a true 5.1 surround sound setup, meaning that somewhere within its shell reside five miniature speakers and a sub. Processor options range all the way up to the quad-core Core i7-820QM, which offers 8MB of built-in cache and a 1.73GHz clock speed that cranks all the way to 3.06GHz when required. ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 graphics and up to 1.28TB of storage (2x 640GB) complete the overkill recipe. The 5943G is basically a scaled down version, offering as it does 1366 x 768 resolution across a 15.6-inch display, a 2.1 internal speaker arrangement, and a merely adequate 640GB storage maximum. The rest of the specs are shared, including a 4,800mAh battery, which should perish quicker than you can say “desktop replacement.” Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

Gallery: Acer Aspire Ethos

Acer launches Aspire Ethos line with swanky 5943G and 8943G models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's R30 and R80 Touch of Color laptops now on sale

2010-03-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Samsung's R30 and R80 Touch of Color laptops now on sale

Plain they are not, and Samsung’s Touch of Color laptops that were launched at the tail-end of CES this year have finally begun to ship. As of now, the Core 2 Duo-equipped R430, Core i3-packin’ R480, and Core i5-based R580 / R780 are all on sale at Best Buy, with prices ranging from $629.99 to $829.99. The whole lot seems to be available for shipping or direct pickup, so give that source link a look to figure out which configuration fits you best. Or don’t — no pressure.

Samsung’s R30 and R80 Touch of Color laptops now on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T's mobile U-verse getting upgraded: download your recordings on the go

2010-03-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

AT&T's mobile U-verse getting upgraded: download your recordings on the go

In a session held by AT&T at CTIA today, the carrier previewed an upgraded version of its mobile U-verse app, and let’s just put it this way: it’s significantly more important to AT&T’s “three-screen” strategy than the version that launched in the middle of last year. The big deal is that shows recorded on your box at home can be streamed to your phone from any WiFi hotspot, a nice little bonus for U-verse subscribers who haven’t ponied up for something like a Slingbox. We don’t have a launch date yet, but what we saw demoed today certainly looked like it was just about ready to go — and fortunately, they’ll be bringing the app to a number of platforms, not just the iPhone alone. Follow the break for a few more shots of AT&T’s David Christopher demoing the goodies on the overhead.

Gallery: AT&T U-Verse Mobile getting upgraded: download your recordings on the go

AT&T’s mobile U-verse getting upgraded: download your recordings on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick hands on with the Nokia 7230

2010-03-24T09:08:00.001-07:00

Quick hands on with the Nokia 7230

Though this one is yet to go official in India some stores have already managed to have the Nokia 7230 on sale. 7230 is a sturdy slider phone that runs Symbian series 40 and features a impressive3.2MP camera (going by the word of our source). The back cover has scaled drawn all over it (not very visible in the pic I took) and it kind looks good to me. The phone features 3G, 2.4″ screen and pre-installed social media apps.

The pink colour that I handled gave me a impression that this would be targeted towards the ladies, but this graphite colour image on Nokia site makes me think otherwise. The keypads looked good for use and overall the device felt very comfortable (my gadget sense says this would be a hit.)

Selling at Rs. 7500 currently, I am hoping this one would see a little more affordable price tag upon official India release.

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MotroPCS bringing LTE to Las Vegas this year, Samsung doing infrastructure and first LTE handset: the SCH-r900

2010-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

MotroPCS bringing LTE to Las Vegas this year, Samsung doing infrastructure and first LTE handset: the SCH-r900

Look out folks, we’re about to go LTE, and it’s not from where you were expecting: MetroPCS is building out an LTE network in “various metropolitan markets,” with Las Vegas due to go online first in the second half of 2010. Samsung will be doing the infrastructure work, and is running the presser here at CTIA, with a pretty impressive display of room-based LTE show of force. Samsung, as previously announced, will also be building the first 4G handset for the network, dubbed the SCH-r900, though they aren’t sharing any other details about the device at this point. Samsung ran a quick demo of 4G performance using some laptops and a couple of racks of LTE parts (we’ll have video up momentarily), and was also running some sort of LTE prototype (pictured above), though we don’t know squat about it. Developing…

MotroPCS bringing LTE to Las Vegas this year, Samsung doing infrastructure and first LTE handset: the SCH-r900 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now Expand upto 32 GB; Thanks SanDisk

2010-03-24T03:08:00.001-07:00

Now Expand upto 32 GB; Thanks SanDisk

There are a million smartphones in the market which says; “Expandable upto 32GB”. I would always wonder they are expandable upto 32 GB but how am I going to utilise that capacity when there are no 32GB SDHC cards for the mobile phones available in the market. But now it has become possible, thanks to SanDisks 32 GB micro SDHC card; its the first to come up with a 32GB card for mobile phones . Just wondering how these phones, that claim a capacity of 32GB would perform. Hope these function smoothly enough.

You can buy the card here.

Via Akihabaranews
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Dell looking outside of China for 'safer environments,' according to Indian PM

2010-03-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

Dell looking outside of China for 'safer environments,' according to Indian PM

The Hindustan Times cover this morning has a generous space dedicated to Google’s exit out of China and related efforts at redirecting mainland users to its Hong Kong hub, but couched cosily inside that story is perhaps an even bigger one. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is quoted as saying that Dell is considering taking its $25 billion’s worth of business elsewhere, possibly India:

“This morning I met the chairman of Dell Corporation. He informed me that they are buying equipment and parts worth $25 billion from China. They would like to shift to safer environment with climate conducive to enterprise with security of legal system.”

Michael Dell’s outfit already has one manufacturing plant in India, and the man himself has been on a charm offensive in the country this week meeting and greeting local officials. It could well be, however, that Dell is just seeking to play China and India off one another to get itself the most favorable manufacturing deal, but it’s still interesting to find such a high profile protestation against the supposedly enterprise-choking climate and uncertain legal system in China. It appears that Google’s wrangle with the Middle Kingdom’s leadership has forced consumer electronics execs to reevaluate their strong reliance on China, and the (very) long-term effects could indeed be a shifting, or at least diversification, of manufacturing away from Yao’s homeland.

[Thanks, Piyush]

Dell looking outside of China for ’safer environments,’ according to Indian PM originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origin's Eon15 gaming laptop offers less bang, saves more buck

2010-03-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Origin's Eon15 gaming laptop offers less bang, saves more buck

While some high-profile custom PC vendors are on their way out, Origin PC is just getting started. The company recently launched the Genesis, a desktop that melts gamers’ faces at the same time it incinerates their wallets, and the Eon18, a laptop that… honestly does just the same. Come to think of it, flame seems to be a recurring theme for the company, but before you work yourself into a burning hot rage because of your inability to afford Origin product, consider the new Eon15. With only room for a single powerful mobile graphics chip and a single storage drive, it won’t be setting new 3DMark or I/O benchmarks like its cousins, but it will let you get away with a 1080p screen, Core i7-820QM processor, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, a GeForce GTX 285M and even a snazzy paint job for a merely painful, rather than excruciating, price. Configurations start at $1,900 — hey, it’s not like you were gonna be using those paychecks for anything else, right?

Origin’s Eon15 gaming laptop offers less bang, saves more buck originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands on with the Razer DeathAdder Left Handers edition

2010-03-23T15:08:00.001-07:00

Hands on with the Razer DeathAdder Left Handers edition

Just last week we heard about the first gaming mouse for left handers from Razer and we managed to get hands-on with the same today. The lightweight and extremely responsive Death Adder is the best selling Razer product and the co. felt its time to target a focused market like left handers with this product.

Though I happen to be right handed, I often juggle my mouse between both hands hoping to relax the CTS a little. The Death Adder Left Hander edition felt good and placing it side to side with a regular DeatAdder, I realise that its a pure mirror of the same. Even the packaging of the left hander edition is a mirror of the regular pack (including how you open the box).

Razer India head Sanjeev Gupta informed us that Razer products would be available in India the same day as its global launch and what better than going hands-on with a product that just came out. Gamers in India sure have something to cheer about now!

PS: this costs $59 internationally, I shall confirm the India price shortly.

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ASIMO slims down, gains new capabilities in latest revision

2010-03-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

ASIMO slims down, gains new capabilities in latest revision

We’ve been hearing about a few of ASIMO’s new tricks as of late, and it looks like Honda’s now finally showing off some of its hard work. The most noticeable change is that ASIMO (now sporting the P4 designation) has shed over one hundred pounds, and now weighs in at a slight 176 pounds — letting it slip into a stylish new blue cover for its torso. That weight loss also comes with some added mobility, with the P4 boasting 34 degrees of freedom (four more than its predecessor), and a more flexible waist that makes it more adept at walking and even dancing. Yeah, we’re as sad as everyone that there’s no video yet, but you can at least check out few more pics at the link below.

ASIMO slims down, gains new capabilities in latest revision originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live from CTIA 2010's day one keynote with Ralph de la Vega and J. K. Shin!

2010-03-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Live from CTIA 2010's day one keynote with Ralph de la Vega and J. K. Shin!

We’ve just been seated in an extraordinarily large keynote hall — as big as anything you’ll find even at CES — for CTIA 2010’s first day keynote session featuring AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega and J. K. Shin, president of Samsung’s mobile business. It should be an interesting shindig, so keep it locked!

Continue reading Live from CTIA 2010’s day one keynote with Ralph de la Vega and J. K. Shin!

Live from CTIA 2010’s day one keynote with Ralph de la Vega and J. K. Shin! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fastest Texting Ever Guinness record by Samsung Omnia II (Video)

2010-03-23T03:08:00.001-07:00

Fastest Texting Ever Guinness record by Samsung Omnia II (Video)

We have heard about people testing messages really fast, but this one supposedly has taken the Guinness world record. Samsung Omnia II bundled with the super fast Swype feature has just swiped the old record by a margin of complete 5 seconds to spare with the previous being 40.91 seconds.

This one was set by a Swype’s intern named Franklin Page with the record time being 35.54 seconds; using the same standard phrase that Guinness uses to measure texting records. It reads:

“The razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.”

For now Swype’s only available with Samsung, but there are rumors doing the rounds suggesting that it might soon be available preloaded with an unnamed Android phone launching this year.

See the record below:

Source: Gizmodo

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D-Link DWM-351 turns the doorbell into a 3G video intercom

2010-03-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

D-Link DWM-351 turns the doorbell into a 3G video intercom

In lieu of a cost-effective, consumer-friendly home automation standard being available, products like the D-Link 3G Door Phone have emerged to address ad hoc automation needs. This suped-up, waterproof doorbell allows home owners to monitor the front door over a 3G cellphone or PC via the unit’s integrated 0.1 megapixel camera, SIM card, speaker, and mic. Home owners can then see the visitor as a snapshot or over one-way 3G video while interacting over a two-way voice call. Unfortunately, it won’t allow you to remotely unlock your door; for that you’ll need something like a Schlage lock and a fussy Z-Wave network to go with it. Alternatively, devices like the Siemens Gigaset HC450 intercom has the option to control your electronic door lock from your home landline (accessible via your mobile phone) but lacks video and direct 3G data access. Hey, nobody said home automation was going to be easy.

D-Link DWM-351 turns the doorbell into a 3G video intercom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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