Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Friday, October 09, 2009

iriver's N20 DAP shuffles onto the scene, complete with PMOLED screen

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/irivers-n20-dap-shuffles-onto-the-scene-complete-with-pmoled-s/

We first caught sight of an N20 MP3 player from iriver way back in 2006, but it looks like the company is now back with another player that shares the same moniker, and thankfully boasts a few improvements over its predecessor. The biggest of those is a new greyscale PMOLED display, which is just big enough to display four lines of information, but small enough to keep the player for expanding beyond its 26 x 55.5 x 13mm dimensions. Otherwise, it looks like you can expect your choice of 2GB or 4GB capacities, a full range of supported audio formats (including FLAC and OGG), and even a built-in FM tuner despite its diminutive size. Still no official word over here, but it looks like folks in China will be able to pick this one up for 649 yuan or 749 yuan depending on the capacity, or roughly $95 or $110.

[Via PlayBites]

Filed under: Portable Audio

iriver's N20 DAP shuffles onto the scene, complete with PMOLED screen originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giorgio Armani and Samsung unveil Windows Mobile smartphone... with a little help from Steve Ballmer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/giorgio-armani-and-samsung-unveil-windows-mobile-smartphone-w/

Fashion fans, rejoice. Your two favorite labels have finally come together: Giorgio Armani... and Windows Mobile. Today in Milan, Armani's empire unveiled a new, €700 (or about $1030) smartphone built by Samsung, running Microsoft's latest 6.5 OS iteration. The device -- featuring a full touchscreen and slide-out, landscape QWERTY keyboard -- touts a 3.5-inch AMOLED display, a 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of internal storage, GPS chip, and microSD slot. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who spoke at the launch, says the device is "the most fashionable phone [he's] ever had a chance to talk about." We won't lie, there is something weirdly appealing about the bronze and black smartphone, though we don't see ourselves shelling out that kind of dough on this particular model. Oh, not because we don't want to, but it doesn't go with our shoes. Check out a couple of videos from the launch after the break, including a short clip with Ballmer.

Gallery: Giorgio Armani and Samsung's new Windows Mobile phone

Continue reading Giorgio Armani and Samsung unveil W! indows M obile smartphone... with a little help from Steve Ballmer

Filed under: Cellphones

Giorgio Armani and Samsung unveil Windows Mobile smartphone... with a little help from Steve Ballmer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maemo 6 UI concept revealed to include portrait mode, capacitive multitouch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/maemo-6-ui-concept-reveled-to-include-portrait-mode-capacitive/

Today at the Maemo Summit -- which we like to imagine happens in a lavish, remote mountain fortress somewhere in Finland -- Nokia dropped some interesting hints about what we can expect from Maemo 6. Look for both portrait and landscape support, multitouch, capacitive touchscreens, an "iconic user experience and integrated internet services in one aesthetic package" (as opposed to a user experience that lacks icons, integrated internet services, or aesthetics, we suppose), and a desktop significantly larger than the display, which can be navigated either vertically or horizontally: Nokia is calling this "the canvas principle," although we'd call it "possibly quite confusing" unless the design is particularly well implemented. But the designers have plenty of time for that: Maemo 6 probably won't see the light of day until late 2010. Hit the read link for plenty more mind-blowing slides.

[Via SlashGear]

Maemo 6 UI concept revealed to include portrait mode, capacitive multitouch originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N900 video shows off 3D gaming, YouTube shenanigans, and more

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/nokia-n900-video-shows-off-3d-gaming-youtube-shenanigans-and-m/

Not satisfied with a video of the Nokia N900's browser, an in-depth look at its Maemo 5 operation system, or even a glimpse of it playing the odd SNES game? Then fear not, 'cause the device is on the scene at the now-happening Maemo Summit, and it's thankfully been caught on video once again for those not lucky enough to be in attendance. Highlights this time around include a look at the device's 3D gaming capabilities (demoed with a Marble Madness-type game called Bounce Evolution), and a demonstration of the device not only playing YouTube videos in a browser, but within a thumbnail in the Maemo interface -- not exactly the most practical thing in the world, but it sure is impressive on a mobile device. Head on past the break to see the whole thing for yourself.

[Thanks, Welly]

Continue reading Nokia N900 video shows off 3D gaming, YouTube shenanigans, and more

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia N900 video shows off 3D gaming, YouTube shenanigans, and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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INQ working on Spotify-branded phone, possibly running Android?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/inq-working-on-spotify-branded-phone-possibly-runni/

While the Spotify music service continues to tease us US-bound folks from afar, there's word of a Spotify handset now to make us even more jealous. The phone is apparently being built for Swedish provider Telia (Spotify already accounts for 35 percent of digital music sales in Sweden), and according to TechCrunch, INQ is building the phone. Interestingly, the last thing we heard from INQ about future plans was a forthcoming Android handset, and we also have a source that says that Spotify probably wouldn't be placed onto a regular BREW-powered INQ handset, so the optimist in us would like to believe that this Spotify phone could be INQ's big Android play -- there is already an official Spotify Android app to make that whole process seem even more doable. Either way, Telia's Spotify handset should be on the market in a "couple of months."

[Via Pocket-lint]

Filed under: Cellphones

INQ working on Spotify-branded phone, possibly running Android? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM posts new BlackBerry widget APIs, dev kit

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/rim-posts-new-blackberry-widget-apis-dev-kit/

We know you love widgets, so feast your eyes on this: RIM has just announced a software development kit for creating web-based widgets on the BlackBerry platform. With new APIs that allow access to a everything from email and calendar applications to the GPS, media player, files and documents stored on the smartphone, the handset's push technology and more, hot-to-trot software developers such as yourself can build all kinds of crazy apps for OS 5. What are you waiting for? Hit the read link for everything you need -- including the Smartphone Simulator and BlackBerry Widget SDK beta. And be sure you drop us a line after creating some award-winning apps. PR after the break.

[Via PhoneArena]

Continue reading RIM posts new BlackBerry widget APIs, dev kit

Filed under: Cellphones

RIM posts new BlackBerry widget APIs, dev kit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/panasonic-lumix-gf1-reviewed/

The typical Micro Four Thirds review seems to come down to a matter of tradeoffs -- size and convenience for a bit of a drop from the image quality and performance of a real DSLR. The GF1 doesn't break that trend, but it has some pretty nice things to offer for the inquisitive interchangeable lens shopper. The most notable feature when put up against its direct competition, the E-P1, is the GF1's built-in pop-up flash, and the primary drawback of both of these cams versus their regular Micro Four Thirds counterparts is the lack of an eye-level viewfinder, though the GF1 does offer a pricey hot-shoe mounted approximation. As for images PhotographyBLOG says the camera gets "almost everything right," and video doesn't look bad neither -- a couple samples are after the break. The camera is no ultra-compact, but it seems another good proof for the existence of Micro Four Thirds as a DSLR alternative.

Continue reading Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Panasonic Lumix GF1 reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NSF awards Harvard $10 million for robot bees (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/nsf-awards-harvard-10-million-for-robot-bees-video/

When we heard that the National Science Foundation awarded $10 million to Harvard to make a swarm of robot bees, our first thought was: "We could do it for half the price." Then we remembered that the university has been down this path before, including its robot fly program (whatever happened to that thing?) and might be the better choice after all. What does the NSF and Harvard hope to get for all that time and money? Aside from insight into such areas as distributed intelligence, robotic flight, and energy storage, a swarm of these bad boys could be tasked to do anything from battlefield spying to pollination (which might be necessary, with the way that real bees are vanishing at such an alarming rate). The RoboBee project is slated to run for the next five years. Video after the break.

[Via Switched]

Continue reading NSF awards Harvard $10 million for robot bees (video)

Filed under: Robots

NSF awards Harvard $10 million for robot bees (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MOTOBLUR ported to the G1, unreleased CLIQ looks on in envy

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/motoblur-ported-to-the-g1-unreleased-cliq-looks-on-in-envy/

It's unclear exactly how MOTOBLUR software might've leaked into the wild, but it's already been repurposed in the best sort of way into a G1-friendly ROM. Despite its beta status it's looking relatively snappy, but there are still some missing elements like WiFi and Bluetooth. If anything it's a testament to how portable and hackable Android is turning out to be so far, and we look forward to the ongoing improvements to Android by diverse manufacturers being disseminated far and wide -- though if Motorola had its way, it'd probably at least happen after the relevant device has hit the market. Video is after the break.

[Via OnlyGizmos; thanks Annkur]

Continue reading MOTOBLUR ported to the G1, unreleased CLIQ looks on in envy

Filed under: Cellphones

MOTOBLUR ported to the G1, unreleased CLIQ looks on in envy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asus Eee Top ET2002 reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/asus-eee-top-et2002-reviewed-thoroughly-enjoyed/

The kids at Liliputing got their hands on the Asus Eee Top ET2002 all-in-one recently and were cool enough to both put it through its paces and clue us in on their findings. According to the reviewer the device, which sports a 1.6GHz Dual Core Atom 330 processor, a 20-inch / 1600 x 900 pixel display, 2GB of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive, was "impressive... in many ways." It easily handles 1080p playback and video games that would cause "most Intel-Atom based PCs to choke." Aside from the ION graphics, unfortunately, this guy comports itself like a "typical" Atom netbook: unzipping large files takes forever, boot times are slow, and the system sometimes felt overtasked when browsing the web. Then again, when you're spending less than $600 on a machine (Amazon's currently selling 'em for $581) you're going to have to make some compromises. Hit the read link to see for yourself.

Filed under: Desktops

Asus Eee Top ET2002 reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yamaha's 1mm-thick prototype speaker is made from cloth, highly directional (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/yamahas-1mm-thick-prototype-speaker-is-made-from-cloth-highly/

We've already heard first-hand how Yamaha can make surround sound emerge from a single soundbar, and now the outfit's wowing again here at CEATEC. It's latest aural innovation was tucked quietly away within its booth, disguised as an advertorial for the show itself. Essentially, the banner you're peering at above is a one millimeter thick speaker that's made from cloth, and it definitely has the potential to revolution billboards and possibly even portable media devices. As you can clearly hear in the video just past the break, the flat sound waves emitted from the cloth cannot be heard unless you're standing directly in front of it; even separate audio files playing back just a few feet away didn't overlap with what we heard coming directly at us. There's no telling if Yamaha will ever take this public, but if it does, there are about forty billion ad agencies in the greater New York area that would like to speak to it.

Continue reading Yamaha's 1mm-thick prototype speaker is made from cloth, highly directional (video)

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Portable Audio

Yamaha's 1mm-thick prototype speaker is made from cloth, highly directional (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HotPrints Prints Free, Ad-Supported Photo Books [Free]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/Xq6w7UEmbTg/hotprints-prints-free-ad+supported-photo-books

Need physical copies of some great shots, but you're a bit too lazy to order and pay for them? HotPrints mails you free 16-page photo books, with shots pulled from Facebook, if you don't mind some non-intrusive paper ads.

In this case, non-intrusive means the advertisements aren't watermarked or otherwise touching your actual photos. They're inserted between the pages, and can be pulled out, kind of like magazine subscription cards. You'd also have to be comfortable with HotPrints using "contextual" data from Facebook to target some ads at you. That means the album style you choose, the content of your profile, and region information from your Facebook account are used to target the ads, but the company claims that no identifying information is given out to its sponsoring partners. You can read more about HotPrints' do's and don'ts at their privacy policy.

If you're cool with that at the cost of free, even free shipping, HotPrints' Facebook app makes it fairly easy to pull in tagged photos of yourself or any Facebook contacts for a quickie album, with a limit of one per month. It's a free service, requires a Facebook account (and app authorization) to use.

HotPrints [via TechCrunch]

Disk2vhd Turns Your PC Into a Virtual Machine [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/pt41XuOu5KM/disk2vhd-turns-your-pc-into-a-virtual-machine

Windows only: Free Sysinternals application Disk2vhd takes a snapshot of your PC, and turns it into a Microsoft Virtual PC virtual hard drive—while your system is up and running.

Using the software, which requires no installation, is as easy as launching, selecting the drives you would like to create into a virtual disk, giving the file a name, and clicking the Create button. The utility uses the same volume snapshot feature that Windows uses for backup utilities, so it doesn't matter if software is running or not—but you'll have best results if you create the virtual disk on a separate drive.

Once you've created your virtual drive, you can use the free Microsoft Virtual PC to boot the image of your PC, which you can then use for testing, or just as a great way to completely backup your computer. Disk2vhd is a free download for Windows only.

Disk2vhd v1.0 [Windows Sysinternals]

The JD Power Smartphone Satisfaction Ratings Give Apple a Win, Motorola a Big Lose [Ratings]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/hy41ICyMzyc/the-jd-power-smartphone-satisfaction-ratings-give-apple-a-win-motorola-a-big-lose

JD Power's annual ratings put Apple on top with an 811, beating the industry average of 765. What's surprising is that only Apple and LG are above the average, whereas everyone else is below.

What's not surprising is that Motorola is dead last. Up until their Android Cliq they really didn't have much going for them—and neither did Palm, until their Pre. So our guess is that these ratings will look a little different next year with Palm moving up a slot or two, and Motorola pulling out of the shame spot.

Motorola doesn't do too bad on the dumbphone ratings, on the other hand.

Also, LG? [JD Power]

Dealzmodo: 58-inch Samsung Touch of Color Plasma for $1800 [Dealzmodo]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/6VSETHAgp6o/dealzmodo-58+inch-samsung-touch-of-color-plasma-for-1800

Newegg has a pretty fantastic deal on this 58-inch Samsung PN58A650 for $1800 AND free shipping.

Samsung's plasmas are pretty quality (I've got one of their 63 inchers), so you should take a long hard look at your bank account and see if you can afford this. Seriously, free shipping too. And that rotating stand is very handy. [Newegg]

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