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Monday, June 21, 2010

Super AMOLED vs AMOLED vs LCD in direct sunlight... fight! (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/super-amoled-vs-amoled-vs-lcd-in-direct-sunlight-fight/

By now you know that (one of) AMOLED's Achilles' heel is readability in direct sunlight. But Samsung's been working hard to fix that with its new Super AMOLED technology. Techblog took the display to task by pitting the Samsung Galaxy S (4-inch, 480 x 800 pixel Super AMOLED) against the HTC Desire (3.7-inch 480 x 800 pixel AMOLED) and Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 (4-inch, 480 x 854 pixel TFT LCD). It's clear from the video embedded after the break that the LCD still has the edge in the harsh Greek sun, but the Super AMOLED certainly makes a much stronger showing than its AMOLED sib. In fact, differences in visibility between the LCD and Super AMOLED are often indistinguishable, like the picture above. That'll be good news for us just as soon as Samsung can start meeting demand... regardless of what Stevie J has to say. Check the video after the break and be sure to click the source for some more side-by-side pics, including a few taken indoors where that Super AMOLED display really shines.

Continue reading Super AMOLED vs AMOLED vs LCD in direct sunlight... fight! (video)

Super AMOLED vs AMOLED vs LCD in direct sunlight... fight! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms fo! r use of feeds.

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Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/toshibas-ac100-8-hour-smartbook-runs-android-2-1-on-a-1ghz-tegr/

We wouldn't fault you for thinking that's a first generation ASUS Eee PC what with that iconic fingertip pose and all. But Toshiba's AC100 is a very modern take on the ol' Atom-based netbook idea. For starters, this super slim smartbook runs Android 2.1 on a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 250 SoC (built around a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor) capable of about 8 hours of browsing and video playback (and 7 days standby) before needing a recharge. It's also packing a 32GB SSD, 512MB of DDR2 memory, 802.11n WiFi, optional 3G data, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, and an HDMI jack beneath that 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 pixel display. As for software, the AC100 ships with Documents to Go for editing MS Office docs, an email client with POP3, IMAP, and Exchange support, an Opera Mobile browser, and a Tosh media player which should support HD 1080p video playback if it's taking full advantage of that Tegra 2 silicon. Too bad Toshiba is being quiet about the pricing and availability 'cause this little guy has us intrigued.

Update: Netbooked got its hands on with the Japanse Dynabook AZ twin and received confirmation that it'll ship in Japan in August for between ¥40,000 and ¥50,000 (about $438 to $548). Video after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba's AC100 8-hour smartbook runs Android 2.1 on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor

Continue reading Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!)

Toshiba's AC100 8-hour Android smartbook plays 1080p video on a 1GHz Tegra 250 processor (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tranquil PC iXL takes you up to 2.93GHz sans fans, has equally lofty price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/tranquil-pc-ixl-takes-you-up-to-2-93ghz-sans-fans-has-equally-l/

We told you Intel's 32nm Clarkdales were power efficient, right? Well, Tranquil PC's slapped one of those chips, a 2.93GHz Core i3-530 to be precise, into its all-new iXL Power PC and now boasts a total system juice consumption of a measly 30W at idle. That means this HTPC can get away with living the quiet, fanless life, while HDMI, a trio of eSATA ports, a multicard reader, and a Blu-ray option flesh out a comprehensive package. Naively, we thought we'd throw the Blu-ray drive in with a 500GB hard disk to see what this might cost us, and were stricken with grief at the sight of a £742 ($1,100) price tag. Should four-digit entry fees not scare you off, you'll want to know that the iXL is shipping now. For everyone else, hit the source link for a a bunch of glamor photos.

Tranquil PC iXL takes you up to 2.93GHz sans fans, has equally lofty price originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 06:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia 7- or 9-inch MeeGo tablet rumored to be running ARM (not Moorestown) in Q4

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/nokia-7-or-9-inch-meego-tablet-rumored-to-be-running-arm-in-q4/

While DigiTimes has been known to get a rumor correct now and again, its success rate falls off dramatically when dealing with companies HQ'd outside of its native Taiwan. Keep that in mind when you hear it discuss a Nokia tablet with either a 7- or 9-inch screen. DigiTimes, speaking with "upstream component makers," claims that the Foxconn manufactured device -- of which, about 100 engineering samples have already been produced -- will be ARM-based with a Q4 launch targeted. If true (and that's a big IF) then it would certainly be running the MeeGo OS (that's a Quanta-built prototype above) when it ships. Of course, DigiTimes has been rumoring an ARM-based smartbook from Nokia due in mid 2010 for almost a year. And guess what? It's mid 2010, with smartbooks/netbooks now out of style and tablets all the rage. Thing is, we'd have thought that Nokia would be more likely to opt for Intel's Moorestown in support of their partnership given the Q4 timing. But hey, it's just rumor, let's not get too carried away.

Nokia 7- or 9-inch MeeGo tablet rumored to be running ARM (not Moorestown) in Q4 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$149 WiFi-only Nook confirmed, 3G price dropped to $199 (update: official)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/149-99-wifi-only-nook-confirmed-by-best-buy-listing/

Turns out all our snooping was spot on with this one. We first spotted a simpler, cheaper Nook making its way through the FCC late last month, and then only last night we got tipped off to a $150 price point for the e-reader sans cellular connection. Now Best Buy has confirmed the whole thing with its listing of the BNRV100 model, which comes in over $100 cheaper than Barnes and Noble's original ($259), although Best Buy has seen fit to give that a price trim as well. We like where this is going, especially if it triggers B&N's competitors to lower their own fees.

[Thanks, Paul]

Update: Barnes and Noble has now gone fully official with its new $149 Nook. The 3G version has taken a price drop to $199 as well, matching the pricing indicated by Best Buy. B&N is today also outing its firmware version 1.4, which allows the free use of AT&T wireless hotspots everywhere.

Continue reading $149 WiFi-only Nook confirmed, 3G price dropped to $199 (update: official)

$149 WiFi-only Nook confirmed, 3G price dropped to $199 (update: official) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's BX580 network 3D Blu-ray player now shipping for $100 less than expected

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/lgs-bx580-network-3d-blu-ray-player-now-shipping-for-100-less/

LG's BX580 network 3D Blu-ray player now shipping for $100 less than expected

Is there an HDMI 1.4-compatible Blu-ray player in your future? LG's BX580 wants to be your player of today. The device is now shipping, more or less falling in line with the "month or two" estimate we got back in May, but clocking in at $100 less than the $400 we'd expected it at. Sure it's listed on Amazon's page at $399, but add it to your shopping cart and (spoiler alert) it's actually just $299.86. That's a relative bargain -- though we'd still have a hard time choosing this over an equally 3D-ready PS3.

LG's BX580 network 3D Blu-ray player now shipping for $100 less than expected originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's Charge Grid puts your solar panels to work, smartly charges your EV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/toshibas-charge-grid-puts-your-solar-panels-to-work-smartly-ch/

Got a bunch of photovoltaic cells and a vehicle that requires electricity? Toshiba's thought up a process dubbed "Charge Grid" by which you can juice the latter efficiently. When the sun's out and the electrons are flowing, it doesn't pay to put them into the grid, so this system stores them in a rechargeable battery ready to rapidly charge your EV. For nighttime when the electricity rates are low, a bidirectional inverter lets you hop right back on the neighborhood grid, so your solar cells are put to good use and your car is always well fed. The company tells Tech-On commercialization of the system is still a few years away, so you've plenty of time to raze that roof antenna in favor of some photosynthesized electricity.

Toshiba's Charge Grid puts your solar panels to work, smartly charges your EV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Acclaim arrives in US Cellular stores July 9, we're sure somebody will care

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/samsung-acclaim-arrives-in-us-cellular-stores-july-9-were-sure/

Looks like we have a small band of US Cellular fans among our numbers, as we've received a slew of tips letting us know that the national carrier has dropped an official release date for the Samsung Acclaim. This most mundane of Android sliders will arrive on July 9, and... well, that's it really. US Cellular hasn't seen fit to entice us with any actual specs or even an Android version, though information floating about the interwebs suggests it has a 3.2-inch HVGA screen and a stock Eclair installation. We'll just have to wait until somebody at Samsung swallows the shame of being associated with the Acclaim and finally gives us some official details.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Samsung Acclaim arrives in US Cellular stores July 9, we're sure somebody will care originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba ships Core i7-equipped Satellite A665-3DV, but only to the 3D fanboys

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/toshiba-ships-core-i7-equipped-satellite-a665-3dv-but-only-to-t/

Like it or not, we've got yet another 3D laptop headed your way. Presumably slotted into NVIDIA's newly created 3D PC lineup, Toshiba's Satellite A665-3DV is the outfit's very first 3D lappie, boasting a Core i7-740QM quad-core processor, Windows 7 Home Premium, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 640GB hard drive, NVIDIA's GeForce GTS 350M (1GB), a Blu-ray burner, LED backlit keyboard and 802.11n WiFi. There's also a built-in webcam and a trackpad that looks awfully off-center from here, but all of that pales in comparison to the almighty 1,366 x 768 native resolution spanning the 15.6-inch panel. You heard right -- there's a BD drive and support for 3D, but you can forget about enjoying either in Full HD. But hey, why else would you make use of that HDMI socket? Check it right this very moment for $1,599.99.

Toshiba ships Core i7-equipped Satellite A665-3DV, but only to the 3D fanboys originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 4 now available for your iPhone 3G, 3GS, newer-generation iPod touches

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/ios-4-now-available/

Right on time, Apple has unleashed iOS 4 for owners of the iPhone product codes 1,2, 2,1, and 3,1 -- in other words, the 3G, 3GS, and yet-unreleased iPhone 4. Owners of more recent iPod touches are also in luck. Interestingly, the build is 8A293 -- the exact same that was released to developers before as a GM seed -- so Apple apparently found no showstoppers pressing enough to necessitate a new build before pushing it to the public at large. It's coming up in iTunes now, so go on -- what are you waiting for?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

iOS 4 now available for your iPhone 3G, 3GS, newer-generation iPod touches originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple rolls out iBooks app for iPhone, iPod touch

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/apple-rolls-out-ibooks-app-for-iphone-ipod-touch/

It's not just multitasking apps that are hitting the App Store to coincide with the release of iOS 4.0 -- Apple has also just rolled out version 1.1 of its iBooks app, which is now available for the iPhone and iPod touch in addition to the iPad (officially, this time). As previously announced, the app now also supports PDF viewing, and boasts a range of other more minor improvements, including new ways to bookmark (complete with syncing across devices), your choice of white or sepia colored pages, more font options and, of course, "greater stability and better performance."

Apple rolls out iBooks app for iPhone, iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon's Kindle conveniently falls to $189, Nook looks stunned and bitter

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/amazons-kindle-conveniently-falls-to-189-nook-looks-stunned-a/

Oh, snap! Merely hours after Barnes & Noble came out swinging with a $149 WiFi-only version of its Nook and a price-reduced $199 3G Nook, along comes Amazon to rip a massive hole in B&N's billowing sails. As of this very moment, the $259 Kindle 2 -- complete with global 3G and the 6-ink E Ink display you've come to know and love (or hate) -- is now the $189 Kindle 2. Oh, and there's also free 2-day shipping. Looks like the undercutter just got undercut, huh?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Amazon's Kindle conveniently falls to $189, Nook looks stunned and bitter originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony selling AMD powered VAIOs for the first time in years

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/sony-selling-amd-powered-vaios-for-the-first-time-in-years/

We've been keeping a close eye on AMD's big laptop comeback over the last couple of months, and in addition to gaining steam with HP, Dell, Toshiba and Lenovo, it appears AMD's also gotten Sony back into its court. Both Fry's and Best Buy are now carrying AMD Athlon II X2-powered machines, and as you may expect, the prices are quite tempting. Conversely, the Intel-based lineup ranges from $699 to $799, but until we get our hands on one of these ourselves, there isn't exactly a fair comparison to draw at this point. You can hit the source links for the complete specs, but the 15.4-inch EE Series with 4GB of RAM / 320GB of storage and a Blu-ray player is going for $650 while the 17.3-inch EF with a 500GB hard drive for $720. Both also have integrated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 graphics, but regardless, the move certainly bodes well for AMD's newest processor / graphics, since it appears that Sony hasn't used AMD in its systems since 2005. We guess a welcome back hug is in order.

Sony selling AMD powered VAIOs for the first time in years originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel drops Atom D525 CPU, adds its wireless display tech to a host of new devices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/intel-drops-atom-d525-cpu-adds-its-wireless-display-tech-to-a-h/

Intel's launched a trio of new products for your gadget-loving enjoyment. Up first, the 1.8GHz dual core Atom D525 and the single core D425 which we first spotted at Computex 2010 are now available for low powered desktops, and both are paired with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset. Up next, Intel's made its wireless display technology available on about 25 systems and at 10 retailers. Finally, Clearwire's announced the nationwide availability of 4G-enabled laptops and netbooks based on Intel CPUs at Best Buy. Some of the systems grabbing up the 4G set-up include the Dell Inspiron 14, Dell Inspiron 15, Dell Mini 10, and Toshiba Satellite M645.

Intel drops Atom D525 CPU, adds its wireless display tech to a host of new devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 3G, iOS 4, and you -- what's missing (spoiler: multitasking)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/iphone-3g-ios-4-and-you-whats-missing-spoiler-multitaski/

While iOS 4 is delivering on every promise for the iPhone 3GS users out there, as we were all told up front, the iPhone 3G would be missing some of those touted new features. Granted, we knew such disparities would exist but were never given the finer details. Now that the final build is percolating through the internet, we decided to take a look at what features are and aren't working on the earlier year's model.

What works

Folders
Threaded mail
iTunes playlist creation / editing
5x digital zoom: just tap on the display near the capture button, but be warned, it doesn't paint a pretty picture
iBooks: we were having issues with the earlier build, but it seems to be running fine after today's official download -- PDFs work, too.
Photos: you can now sort by albums, events, faces, and places
Game center: the icon is present, but as of this writing we're unable to connect to the servers.
Spell check has been updated

What doesn't work

Multitasking: this is the big one. Double-tapping the home button doesn't give you the handy menu, there's no fast app switching, and background use is missing in action.
Screen lock: normally in the multitasking menu (which isn't available on 3G), it's nowhere to be found, even under Settings. Bummer.
Home screen wallpaper: you'd think this simple addition would make the cut, but sadly no. The dock has been given a visual upgrade, though.
Bluetooth Keyboard support: we haven't tried this ourselves, but an influx of reports from Twitter suggest this is also a no-go.
Spotlight: the iPhone 3GS can search the web and Wikipedia from the homescreen. The 3G? Not so lucky.

We'll keep testing, but be sure to let us know your own discoveries below!

iPhone 3G, iOS 4, and you -- what's missing (spoiler: multitasking) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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