Monday, January 03, 2011

Samsung announces $299 HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down

Samsung announces $299 HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down

Samsung announces 1080p HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down

Lefty? We feel ya -- sometimes modern camcorders just aren't built for those with alternate dominant proclivities, but Samsung's HMX-Q10 most certainly is. Though, really, it'd be great for anyone who has felt the need to keep on filming while using their right hand to cling desperately onto a grabrail or the like. It offers a compact design with a prominent record button right on its fanny, about the only physical control you really need to worry about. The rest displayed on the 2.7-inch touchscreen, which automatically flips itself if you hold the camera upside down. Images are beamed through a 10x (2.75 - 27.5mm) optical zoom and then splayed across a 5 megapixel sensor, which enables full HD recording -- albeit at 60i. If you want progressive you'll have to drop to 720p, but that's not such a bad deal considering the cost of $299 when it ships in February. Besides, the lower res will make your SDHC card feel a little more roomy.

Gallery: Samsung HMX-Q10 camcorder

Continue reading Samsung announces $299 HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down

Samsung announces $299 HMX-Q10 camcorder, makes it work upside down originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Multiple Intel Core 2011 PCs spotted at Vancouver Future Shop, yes it's still the present

Multiple Intel Core 2011 PCs spotted at Vancouver Future Shop, yes it's still the present

Multiple Intel Core 2011 PCs spotted at Vancouver Future Shop, yet it's still the present

Ooh, what's this? A couple of desktops rocking Intel's latest and greatest, available for purchase perhaps a few days too early? Matthew T. spotted these machines at a Vancouver Future Shop, advertising Core i7 2600 and Core i5 2300 processors, which fall squarely in the Intel Core 2011 (née Sandy Bridge) family. Both come from Gateway and both offer all that core 2011 has to offer, which in the case of these desktops isn't too much since neither has a Blu-ray drive to take advantage of the new 3D HDMI 1.4 support and neither has much use for WiDi 2.0 wireless displays. But, don't let that stop you from being the first on your block to Core it up 2011 style.

[Thanks, Matthew T.]

Multiple Intel Core 2011 PCs spotted at Vancouver Future Shop, yes it's still the present originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freescale announces i.MX 6 processor series, wants quad cores in your smartphone

Freescale announces i.MX 6 processor series, wants quad cores in your smartphone

Freescale announces i.MX 6 processor series, wants quad cores in your smartphone

Power. We need more. More for streaming video, more for playing games, and more just so that we can say we have it. Freescale hears us, and it's delivering the i.MX 6 series of mobile processors offering up to four ARM Cortex A9 cores at 1.2GHz each. That's plenty for 3D rendering on your car infotainment system, music-making on your smartphone, maybe a little SETI action on your next smart refrigerator. Even 1080p30 video encoding is a said to be within these chips' reach. i.MX 6 processors will be available in one, two, or four core configurations with up to 1MB of L2 cache. HDMI 1.4 support is onboard, along with gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0, but sadly not 3.0. It seems there's always something to look forward to in the next revision, but that could be quite a wait with i.MX 6 sampling not set to begin until "later this year."

Continue reading Freescale announces i.MX 6 processor series, wants quad cores in your smartphone

Freescale announces i.MX 6 processor series, wants quad cores in your smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MetroPCS tweaks LTE plans: $40 gets you unlimited talk, text, and web*

MetroPCS tweaks LTE plans: $40 gets you unlimited talk, text, and web*

Ah, there always has to be fine print, doesn't there? Don't get us wrong -- $40 for unlimited talk and text alone is still a pretty fantastic deal in the scheme of things -- but in tweaking its LTE service plans today, MetroPCS has made the data situation just a little confusing. Technically, the $40 plan also includes unlimited web access plus YouTube... but at the $50 price point, you get 1GB of "additional data access" for features that aren't covered under MetroPCS' definition of "web browsing." You also get turn-by-turn navigation, international text messaging, access to corporate email accounts (another arbitrary distinction that we'd kind of like to see go away), and audio / video features through the carrier's MetroSTUDIO service. At $60, you get unlimited access to MetroSTUDIO including 18 channels of on-demand video content. MetroPCS' lowest-cost LTE offering had previously been $55, so it's a step in the right direction -- but pro-net neutrality? Yeah, not so much. Follow the break for the press release.

Continue reading MetroPCS tweaks LTE plans: $40 gets you unlimited talk, text, and web*

MetroPCS tweaks LTE plans: $40 gets you unlimited talk, text, and web* originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update)

PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update)

PrimeSense is the brains behind Microsoft's Kinect, and wants a bigger piece of the pie; ASUS has a reputation for announcing wonderfully wacky peripherals every year. At CES 2011, the Wavi Xtion will check off both boxes nicely. In a nutshell, the Xtion is a PrimeSense 3D depth camera built exclusively for PC, but with an important twist -- it connects to the pair of ASUS Wavi boxes you see immediately above, which wirelessly streams its data ~~to your living room PC~~ between your TV and a Windows PC over the 5GHz band. Oh, and should ASUS attract enough developers, it will even pull down applications from an Xtion online store. ASUS says we'll see the package commercially available around the world in Q2 of next year -- with a UI and selection of apps and games on board -- but they'll release an Xtion PRO developer kit in February to tempt all you Kinect hackers into coding magical things for the platform. No more details for now, but there's an event in Vegas this week where ASUS is all but guaranteed to show it off. PR after the break.

Update: Did we say HTPC? Turns out it doesn't quite work that way -- the Wavi are actually a pair of boxes that wirelessly sling data between them. You put the Xtion sensor on top of your TV, connect it to Wavi #1, then plug Wavi #2 into a PC up to 25 meters away. Disappointingly, it looks like the Xtion may not be quite as capable as Microsoft's unit, as there's only a infrared camera inside -- it should be fine for gesture control, but don't expect any augmented reality lightsaber fights. See some mockups below!

Gallery: ASUS and PrimeSense Wavi Xtion and Xtion Pro press images

Continue reading PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update)

PrimeSense and ASUS team, bring Kinect-like Wavi Xtion to your living room TV (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build a Fiber Optic Star Map for Out-of-This-World Ambient Lighting [Astronomy]

Build a Fiber Optic Star Map for Out-of-This-World Ambient Lighting [Astronomy]

If you're looking for ambient lighting so unique you'll likely be the only person in your part of the country to have it, this amazing DIY fiber optic star map is tough-to-beat choice.

Instructables user MrTick wanted a unique light source and an impressive surprise for his wife. He accomplished both ends by building a fiber optic star map that's actually a representation of the night sky visible from his home. His DIY guide includes all the hallmarks of awesomely geeky DIY work: dismantling consumer products to make new things, fiber optics, schematics, LEDs, soldering, and heat shrink tubing. Unlike many awesomely geeky DIY projects, however, this one came with a high wife-acceptance factor.

Hit up the link below to see how he transforms fabric, a fiber optic Christmas tree, and some miscellaneous parts like LEDs, wire, and heat shrink tubing into an absolutely awesome fiber optic star map for his bedroom.

Star Map [Instructables]

Sunday, January 02, 2011

MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D all-in-one review

MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D all-in-one review

When MSI builds an "all-in-one" PC, it doesn't mess around -- the MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D has everything but the kitchen sink ensconced in a plastic frame. Where most consolidated computers aim for the lowest common denominator with low-power components, MSI's dropped a high-end multimedia bomb here -- a 23.6-inch, 120Hz, 1080p, LED-backlit touchscreen LCD panel paired with a desktop-grade 2.53GHz Core i7-860S processor, Mobility Radeon HD 5730 graphics, a Blu-ray drive, 4GB of RAM, and a terabyte of storage. Active shutter glasses spit out 3D images to your eyes while THX speakers (and a built-in subwoofer) pump out jams, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth and USB 3.0 sockets round out a connectivity laundry list. It's got a spec sheet to die for and an equally lethal $1,800 price -- but is the AE2420 3D more than a bucket of primo parts? Is it worth your cash?

Gallery: MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D all-in-one review

MSI Wind Top AE2420 3D all-in-one review originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vizio reveals Via Tablet and Phone with Android, sub-$300 3DTVs ahead of CES

Vizio reveals Via Tablet and Phone with Android, sub-$300 3DTVs ahead of CES

Vizio made its name by packing high end features into value-priced HDTVs and it's taking that mentality to new areas, revealing the tablet we spotted in last night's Rose Bowl ad as the 8-inch Via Tablet and a 4-inch Via Phone. Both will be running Android and while CTO Matthew McRae didn't spill any OS details to the Wall Street Journal, the combination of confirmed Market access and odd button configuration has us thinking Honeycomb is in the works when they are released this summer. The only Via Phone details mentioned are screen size and its front and 5MP rear cameras, while the tablet promises a "high resolution" screen, WiFi, three speakers, HDMI out and front facing camera -- but no cellular service.

Expect TV manufacturers to be on their toes as well, since Vizio says it will bring 3DTVs to market that start at less than $300. The new mobile products will also tie into its TV business through the Via Plus internet service, which sounds a lot like Samsung Apps by allowing access to Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Android market access (to go along with its new Google TVs) and even a new Vizio On Demand movie services across all of its devices. We'll temper our excitement slightly remembering the new TVs and iPhone app shown off last year that never quite made it to shelves, but this trip to Vegas has already gotten even more interesting.

Vizio reveals Via Tablet and Phone with Android, sub-$300 3DTVs ahead of CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI details Sandy Bridge, Fusion all-in-ones ahead of CES, teases a sliding screen

MSI details Sandy Bridge, Fusion all-in-ones ahead of CES, teases a sliding screen

We just finished reviewing a feature-packed MSI Wind Top, but come CES next week we'll have three more to try: the AE2410, AE2210 and AE2050, each with the very latest silicon inside. Notebook Italia reports that the Taiwanese computer company's using Intel's new Sandy Bridge CPUs in each of its 24- and 22-inch rigs, and grabbed a low-power AMD Brazos APU for the likely budget 20-inch model -- which will reportedly still include a Blu-ray drive like its Core 2 Duo cousin. All three will sport 1080p touchscreen displays and USB 3.0 ports, but also a spiffy new feature called Super Charger that will charge attached USB gadgets even when the computer is off. Innovations, to be sure, but perhaps not as exciting as the concept items pictured above and below -- up top is the MSI Butterfly, which reportedly has a sliding multitouch screen with ten points of contact, and after the break, see the luxurious MSI Angelow. Here's hoping for prices, specs and high-res pictures once we get to the show.

Continue reading MSI details Sandy Bridge, Fusion all-in-ones ahead of CES, teases a sliding screen

MSI details Sandy Bridge, Fusion all-in-ones ahead of CES, teases a sliding screen originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use! of feed s.

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HTC Thunderbolt has 8 megapixel camera and video chat, according to the ad up there

HTC Thunderbolt has 8 megapixel camera and video chat, according to the ad up there

HTC's slogan is "quietly brilliant," and the company's living up to it right now -- it snuck new details about its mystery handset directly under our nose. What you see above are three screencaps from a banner ad running on the pages of Engadget even as we speak, hinting at an 8 megapixel imager, a sizable screen, and perhaps even 4G video chat. Why, hello there HTC Thunderbolt / Mecha / Droid Incredible HD, and hurray for controlled leaks!

[Thanks, Taylor S.]

HTC Thunderbolt has 8 megapixel camera and video chat, according to the ad up there originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 20:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturday, January 01, 2011

DIY Coffee Table Folds Into a Dining Table [DIY]

DIY Coffee Table Folds Into a Dining Table [DIY]

If you have limited space in your apartment, you can save some space by making a coffee table that converts to a high dining table when you actually need it.

DIYer Noëlle used a Vika Amon tabletop from IKEA, a trestle and some adapted curtain rods (both of which you can get at a hardware store) to create a sliding mechanism not unlike the one that folds your ironing board in and out. Now it's a low coffee table during the day, but can be folded up into a high dining table when needed:

It's actually a pretty quick and simple mod, but sure to save you some space and make the room feel more open by getting rid of the need for a separate table. Hit the link for more pictures.

Lift Coffee Table | IKEA Hacker

New image of Olympus E-PL2 leaks, shows off macro spotlight

New image of Olympus E-PL2 leaks, shows off macro spotlight

We've already seen leaked images of the Olympus E-PL2, the much talked about follow up to the E-PL1. The Micro Four Thirds is expected to boast a new 14-42mm f/3.5 - 5.6 kit lens, a 'direct movie' button, a high-resolution 3-inch display, and an optional Bluetooth model. From the new image above, however, we can see that there will also be an optional 'Medusa' version of the cam with a closeup spotlight for all those insane macro shots you'll undoubtedly be taking. The adjustable LED will also not require an extra battery, so this is one add-on we'll definitely be seriously considering.

New image of Olympus E-PL2 leaks, shows off macro spotlight originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 14:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge

LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge

It's baaack. We've gone well over half a year without hearing a peep from black magic makers LucidLogix, but here on the doorstep of CES 2011, the company has resurfaced just in time to ride on the coattails of Intel's forthcoming Sandy Bridge platform. Sandy is expected to take over CES when companies start to introduce new PCs in just a few days, and thanks to Lucid's virtualization software, we wouldn't be surprised if a few are served with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. This here technology enables the two to play nice, making the outlandish fantasy of using a multi-GPU, multi-vendor setup a reality. DirectX 11 is also supported, with the only real requirement being to "connect the display screen directly to the motherboard's Sandy Bridge display output." We'll be taking a closer look at the peacemaker once we land in Vegas, but for now, go ahead and prepare yourself for a beta version of 'Virtu' -- it'll hit at some point next month.

Continue reading LucidLogix virtualization tech enables AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge

LucidLogix virtualization t! ech enab les AMD and NVIDIA GPUs to play together with Sandy Bridge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Media Link DLNA streamer review

HTC Media Link DLNA streamer review

Apple's AirPlay might be getting all the attention lately but it's hardly the first solution for wirelessly streaming media to the television. Far from it. In 2003, the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) formed with its first set of interoperable products hitting the market in 2004. Since then, the alliance has certified thousands of products supported by more than 245 member companies, 29 of whom are listed as "promoter members" including such heavyweights as Sony, Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Verizon, AT&T Lab, LG, Qualcomm, Cisco, Microsoft, Panasonic, Intel, HP, and Motorola. Pretty much everyone but Apple. Recently, HTC joined the DLNA ranks with the introduction of two smartphones -- the Desire Z and Desire HD -- and a tiny media streamer known as the HTC Media Link, HTC's first attempt to gain a foothold in the living room. Over the last week we've been testing the Desire Z (a Eurofied T-Mobile G2) with the Media Link, lazily streaming video, music, and images around the house using a myriad of sources and controllers from Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Western Digital. How did it perform? Click through to find out.

Gallery: HTC Media Link

Continue reading HTC Media Link DLNA streamer review

HTC Media Link DLNA streamer review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint's 3G / 4G MiFi 4082 revealed?

Sprint's 3G / 4G MiFi 4082 revealed?

Wasn't long ago that we found hard evidence of a WiMAX-capable MiFi from Novatel in the FCC -- and now, we might have the first press shot of it. Of course, press shots are always prettier than the actual devices, but even if you beat this image with the ugly stick for a minute or two, we're pretty sure it'd still be a good deal more handsome than the first-gen 3G MiFi that Sprint, Verizon, and others are using currently. No word on when this might launch, but with FCC certification under its belt, it's plausible that we'll see it next week at CES -- probably without the tipster's own professionally-Photoshopped status light below the battery indicator, we'd bet.

[Thanks, r0fl]

Sprint's 3G / 4G MiFi 4082 revealed? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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