Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, July 12, 2010

YouTube moves solidly into the future by supporting 4K content

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/youtube-moves-solidly-into-the-future-by-supporting-4k-content/

It's funny -- we remember the day that YouTube began supporting plain ole HD like it was yesterday, and we're guessing today will hang in our memory banks for quite awhile, too. Over at the VidCon 2010 conference, YouTube officially announced support for videos shot in 4K (a reference resolution of 4096 x 3072), which means that the famed online clip portal now supports "resolutions from 360p to 4,096p" (their words, not ours). Granted, only a handful of humans even have access to a 4K camcorder, and 4K projectors aren't exactly simple to find (or afford), but we couldn't be happier to see YT staying way ahead of the curve here. If you're up for putting a severe strain on your broadband connection (and just pretend that your monitor can actually support a legit 4K feed), feel free to hit that first source link and attempt to watch any of those videos at their "Original" resolution. Godspeed.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

YouTube moves solidly into the future by supporting 4K content originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's Larry Page: Steve Jobs is 'rewriting history' by saying Android came after the iPhone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/googles-larry-page-steve-jobs-is-rewriting-history-by-saying/

Steve Jobs might have thought he was lightly playing down reports that the Apple / Google rivalry had dramatically changed when he said "they decided to compete with us -- we didn't go into the search business" at D8, but it appears that his phrasing didn't sit so well with Larry Page, who told Reuters yesterday that Jobs was doing a "little bit of rewriting history," and that the "characterization of us entering [the phone market] after is not really reasonable." Page, who was being interviewed alongside Eric Schmidt, also said that Google had been working on Android for "a very long time" and that the goal was always to develop phones with solid browsers to fill a market void.

That's true, of course -- Google purchased Andy Rubin's Android, Inc. in 2005 -- but it's also an equally slight distortion: when Android was officially announced in November of 2007, it looked nothing like the OS we know and love today, and the SDK emulator used an image of an HTC-built prototype that had much more in common with the traditional BlackBerry than the iPhone. (Fun fact: that device eventually became the Palm Treo Pro running Windows Mobile.) It wasn't until the G1 shipped almost a year later that Android started to look more like what it is today, and we'd even argue that it wasn't until Android 2.0 hit on the OG Motorola Droid along with Verizon's Droid Does marketing campaign that the platform grew into its own unique and successful identity -- an identity that is now powerfully differentiated against the iPhone and driving accelerating device sales every quarter.

So, does any of this really matter? To the tech historians, perhaps -- and Apple and Google clearly see what they're doing as historically significant. Apart from that, it's a pretty meaningless distinction; Eric Schmidt followed up Page's comment by saying that the market was big enough for the iPhone and Android to coexist, and we seriously doubt anyone's phone purchasing decision will ever turn on what platform was released first. But it's also clear that the competition between these two companies is at fever pitch, which is great news for the rest of us -- let's just hope everyone involved remembers that Jobs closed his D8 remarks by saying "just because we're competing with somebody doesn't mean we have to be rude."

Google's Larry Page: Steve Jobs is 'rewriting history' by saying Android came after the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone AT&T exclusivity lawsuit granted class-action certification, every AT&T iPhone customer included

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/iphone-atandt-exclusivity-lawsuit-granted-class-action-certificati/

Hey, remember that iPhone class-action lawsuit we poked around in a couple months ago and discovered Apple's lawyers confirming the original five year AT&T exclusivity agreement? Well, get ready to hear about it a lot more in the months to come, as the judge in the case has officially certified the case as a class action, meaning it now officially includes anyone who's ever bought an iPhone on AT&T. If you'll recall, the argument is that iPhone customers signed up for a two-year contract without being told that AT&T had an exclusive for five years -- thus in reality being held to the carrier for an additional three years without recourse. Sure, that sounds a little silly, but if you bought the first-gen iPhone and wanted to stick with the platform it's the truth -- discounting the fact, of course, that no one's required to buy another Phone after two years, and even then you have to sign a new contract. While we're definitely curious to see if the plaintiffs can get past that little logical hurdle and win something more than a token settlement, we're far more interested to see if they can get any more documentation from Apple nailing down its actual agreement with AT&T. Should be juicy -- we'll keep you in the loop.

iPhone AT&T exclusivity lawsuit granted class-action certification, every AT&T iPhone customer included originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iTunes fraud takes trip to travel section?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/itunes-fraud-takes-trip-to-travel-section/

Here we go again, unfortunately. Both 9 to 5 Mac and Ars Technica are reporting a new spat of potentially-fraudulent apps climbed the iTunes charts today, now in the Travel section. This time, the culprit's purported to be Chinese-based WiiSHii and a series of "GYOYO" Chinese- and English-language maps. The two publications have a screenshot each showing the apps climbing the charts, as well as an apparent receipt from one customer who unwittingly found charges for the software on his or her bill -- and yeah, we see them, too, albeit not topping any charts as of this writing. So yet again, we advise caution and double-checking your payment history. Le sigh.

Gallery: iTunes fraud takes trip to travel section?

iTunes fraud takes trip to travel section? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Aria update for AT&T enables mobile hotspot, sideloaded app support (update: partially working!)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/10/htc-aria-update-for-atandt-enables-mobile-hotspot-sideloaded-app/

Well, this is genuinely awesome: it seems AT&T is pulling back from its ban on third-party sideloaded apps on its Android devices, because HTC has just released an Aria update that enables them (either that or HTC just went rogue here, but we highly doubt it). While that doesn't have much practical implication for your typical smartphone user, it's a strong sign that AT&T might be ready to take a more reasonable stance on the openness of its branded devices that would put it inline with the attitudes Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile have all taken with their Android phones so far. Additionally, the update includes "the Mobile Network sharing function," which we take to mean a mobile hotspot app in the same vein as the one that's shipping with Froyo -- if we had to guess, it probably requires AT&T's 2GB DataPro plan plus the tethering add-on, which would put it in line with what they're charging on the iPhone. Onward and upward, AT&T.

Update: We got downright excited for a second there, but an HTC spokesman just called to inform us there's been a mistake -- this download is only for the desktop HTC Sync client and doesn't actually enable anything on the phone. We're working to get more information right now, but it sounds like the sideloading ball is still squarely in AT&T's court.

Update 2: HTC apologizes for the confusion, saying the update description was in error -- it was merely supposed to read that the Aria now works with the company's desktop sync client. On Monday, the text will be updated to remove every last ounce of false hope.

Update 3: Sideloading works after all! Read all about it.

[Thanks, Dylan T.]

HTC Aria update for AT&T enables mobile hotspot, sideloaded app support (update: partially working!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T handing out free 3G MicroCells to loyal customers?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/10/atandt-handing-out-free-3g-microcells-to-loyal-customers/

While we've no clue how widespread AT&T's generosity is, or how you might get one, it appears that the company's "most valuable customers" are now receiving free range-boosting femtocells. Today, loyal reader Jason got a old-fashioned paper letter in the mail, offering his iPhone-wielding family a 3G MicroCell with no strings attached. Driving down to the local AT&T store, he got the product, but the dumbfounded reps offered no explanation why. Though his calls do frequently drop at home, Jason says he wasn't terribly vocal about the issue and only pays around $180 per month for his family plan -- the only thing that might possibly qualify him, in his opinion, is that his contract was set to expire. We've reached out to AT&T for more information; in the meanwhile, see Jason's letter after the break.

[Thanks, Jason]

Continue reading AT&T handing out free 3G MicroCells to loyal customers?

AT&T handing out free 3G MicroCells to loyal customers? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cyanogen squeezes Android 2.2 Froyo into G1, MyTouch 3G

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/cyanogen-squeezes-android-2-2-froyo-into-g1-mytouch-3g/

Earlier this evening, we took the plunge -- now, we're rocking Froyo on our formerly old-and-busted T-Mobile G1. That's because Cyanogen's team of ROM hackers has come through once again for the little handset that could, serving early adopters with HTC Dream and Magic phones (as well as the Nexus One) with the first fully-functioning, stable build of CyanogenMod 6. Based on Google's famous frozen yogurt, the release candidate's got more fabulous tweaks than you can shake a stick at, but sadly doesn't seem to include Flash 10.1, and though WiFi and the camera are working great (as well as SurfaceFlinger and Chrome to Phone) many would-be shoppers in the Android Market are finding themselves faced with the dreaded force close. As usual, you'll find instructions at the source link if you understand the risks -- if you're not careful, you can easily brick your phone.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Cyanogen squeezes Android 2.2 Froyo into G1, MyTouch 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: HTC Sync lets tethered AT&T Aria sideload apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/confirmed-htc-sync-lets-atandt-aria-sideload-apps/

Looks like more than HTC's description was erroneous yesterday afternoon -- we've just confirmed that the HTC Sync desktop client for the AT&T Aria allows users to install third-party apps on non-rooted devices, just as promised. We ran some quick tests, and while it doesn't actually enable anything on the handset end, it most certainly does allow those of you with Windows PCs (or VMware) to sideload APKs like Swype over USB with a simple drag-and-drop maneuver. Given how quickly the company sought to correct our original post on the subject, we'd expect HTC will be issuing a rather different version of the software soon, so hit up that source link, pound in your serial number, grab the EXE, and get while the getting's good.

[Thanks, Dylan]

Continue reading Confirmed: HTC Sync lets tethered AT&T Aria sideload apps

Confirmed: HTC Sync lets tethered AT&T Aria sideload apps originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twelve flavors of GeForce GTX 460 now shipping from Newegg (update: official)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/twelve-flavors-of-geforce-gtx-460-now-shipping-from-newegg/

NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 460 hasn't even been officially announced, much less reviewed, but that won't keep you from buying the company's latest Fermi-based graphics card anyhow. Over at Newegg, usual suspects ASUS, EVGA, Gigabyte, MSI and Palit have fielded twelve models in all, most with slightly different features, thought it seems the base configuration has 336 CUDA cores (down from 352) and a mere 768MB of GDDR5 memory. Interestingly enough, this silicon's actually rated faster than its older brother the $280 GTX 465 with 675MHz graphics and 1,350MHz processor speeds, and a 3.6GHz effective memory clock. All your frames are pushed through a decidedly narrower 192-bit memory interface, though, so we'd guess that for around $200, you won't be getting (much) more than you pay for. Let's just hope they run cool.

Update: The card's official, and it seems there's a 1GB, 256-bit version of the GTX 460, too. Hit the break for the full press release, filled with all the puffery a video game marketing team could want.

[Thanks, Polytonic]

Continue reading Twelve flavors of GeForce GTX 460 now shipping from Newegg (update: official)

Twelve flavors of GeForce GTX 460 now shipping from Newegg (update: official) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mimo goes giant with 10-inch iMo Monster USB-driven monitor

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/mimo-goes-giant-with-10-inch-imo-monster-usb-driven-monitor/

Who says the USB monitor fun has to end at seven diagonal inches? Not Mimo, that's for sure. The famed secondary display company has issued its latest device, and this one's a looker. The 10-inch iMo Monster is aptly named, offering 10 full inches of touchscreen real estate with a native 1,024 x 600 resolution panel. The whole thing weighs just 1.77 pounds and it fully supports both Windows and OS X platforms; best of all, a single USB 2.0 cable provides all the power and connectivity you'll need. Mimo throws in a stylus, 4.5-inch USB cable and a boatload of bragging rights, but given the "limited availability," you may want to part ways with your $259.99 right away if you're looking to pick one up.

Continue reading Mimo goes giant with 10-inch iMo Monster USB-driven monitor

Mimo goes giant with 10-inch iMo Monster USB-driven monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to once again embrace and extend

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/11/entelligence-time-for-microsoft-to-once-again-embrace-and-exten/

Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

A core part of Microsoft's strategy from days gone by was known as embrace and extend. With a reboot of their mobile platform due later this year, is it time for Microsoft to think about moving some of their services and applications to competitor's platforms? To some degree, it's already happening. Microsoft licenses the ActiveSync protocol which allows Android, iOS and other platforms to wirelessly sync with Exchange. It's developed Bing and Live Messenger apps for iOS and also done a deal to bring mobile Office apps to Nokia's platforms. One could argue that in some of these cases Microsoft has given competitors access to what could have been key differentiators for its own mobile efforts. I'm not sure I disagree with that analysis, but now that it's happening, I think Microsoft should think even more broadly about porting some applications and services. Here's what I'd like to see made available for other platforms.

Office Mobile: Sure, there are other solutions for viewing and editing Office documents on almost every platform, but none of them carry the Microsoft Office brand. A version of Office for mobile (including a touch-enabled version of OneNote) would be an instant best seller on every platform and a become the de facto standard for mobile office applications. A combination of free document viewers and a suite of applications at a reasonable cost would put Microsoft at the top of mobile productivity and at the same time help continue to drive Office sales for PCs and Macs.

Continue reading Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to once again embrace and extend

Entelligence: Time for Microsoft to once again embrace and extend originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 becomes everyone's favorite midrange graphics card

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/nvidia-geforce-gtx-460-becomes-everyones-favorite-midrange-grap/

It's rare to come across a universally lauded product nowadays, but NVIDIA's fresh new GTX 460 is just that sort of exceptional creation. Contrary to its GTX 465 elder brother, the 460 isn't a chopped-down top-tier part and is instead built on the new GF104 core. This smaller core, designed from the start to perform humbler functions, has ameliorated the famed power inefficiency that has been a Fermi signature so far, and has resulted in AnandTech describing the new card as "the $200 king." You'll get 768MB of onboard RAM at that point, but we'd splurge an extra $30 to make that a round gigabyte and enjoy some extra L2 cache and ROPs on the card. Either way, the GTX 460 seems to have completely killed off the market for the 465 and is stepping all over ATI's toes with its competitive pricing and, for once, decent heat and power metrics. Oh, and apparently it "overclocks like a monster" too -- hit the links below for the full reviews.

Read - AnandTech
Read - HardOCP
Read - Hot Hardware
Read - Tom's Hardware
Read - PC Perspective
Read - Bit-tech
Read - Guru 3D
Read - Legit Reviews

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 becomes everyone's favorite midrange graphics card originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android App Inventor lets you be the developer (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/android-app-inventor-lets-you-be-the-developer-video/

Google is following in Nokia's footsteps today by offering its users a simple-to-use DIY app maker. Employing a design scheme that relies on visual blocks rather than oodles of arcane code, the App Inventor -- still in Beta, of course -- has functions for "just about anything" you can do with an Android handset, including access to GPS and phone functionality. All that's really missing is the raw creative talent, which we're sure you'll be happy to provide. Hit the source link to get involved or skip past the break for an educational video.

Continue reading Android App Inventor lets you be the developer (video)

Android App Inventor lets you be the developer (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday, July 09, 2010

Paste Web URLs in File Upload Dialogs for Quick Uploads from One Web Site to Another [Windows Tip]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5582432/paste-web-urls-in-file-upload-dialogs-for-quick-uploads-from-one-web-site-to-another

If you want to upload a file to a web site and that file's already on another site—say, an adorable dog photo from Flickr to your blog—this handy shortcut shaves a few steps off how you're probably doing it.

Rather than save the file to your desktop, then opening the upload file dialog and navigating to where you downloaded the file, you can just copy the URL to the file and paste that URL in the Select File dialog. When you hit Open, Windows takes care of downloading the file from the original server and then uploads it to the server in question without requiring the extra steps from you. It's maybe not a life-changing revelation, and it's also not new, but it was new to us, and is a nice shortcut to have in your arsenal.

The Government's "Perfect Citizen" Program Will Protect Companies By Monitoring Them [BigBrother]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5582348/the-governments-perfect-citizen-program-will-protect-companies-by-monitoring-them

In order to curb cyber attacks on companies that control critical infrastructure, the US federal government is launching a new surveillance program dubbed "Perfect Citizen." The people behind it are already calling it "Big Brother."

The purpose of the "Perfect Citizen" program is to monitor critical infrastructure like electricity grids and nuclear-power plants and prevent cyber attacks from occurring. The NSA would place sensors in computer networks and watch for any unusual activity. An internal e-mail said, "Perfect Citizen is Big Brother", which is damn scary but the truth is, many large, older computer control systems like subway systems, air-traffic control networks, etc, weren't designed to connect to the internet but are now linked in to it, making them vulnerable to such attacks. These old systems could maybe use a big brother.

A US military official said:

The program [is] long overdue and any intrusion into privacy is no greater than what the public already endures from traffic cameras. It's a logical extension of the work federal agencies have done in the past to protect physical attacks on critical infrastructure that could sabotage the government or key parts of the country

The overall goal of the program, according to the US government, is to close the holes in our critical infrastructure and eventually, when the government builds up enough data, help other companies deal with cyber attacks (like Google earlier this year). That sounds very charitable of our government.

The truth likely lies somewhere in between that and "Big Brother", but as long as "Perfect Citizen" keeps the important things running and doesn't extend a peek into unimportant ol' me, I'm actually okay with it. I think. [WSJ]

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