Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Samsung Vibrant 4G for T-Mobile in the wild? (Update)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/samsung-vibrant-4g-for-t-mobile-in-the-wild-and-full-of-gingerb/

Perhaps Samsung's Vibrant 4G won't be tied to Froyo, after all. Although the initial leak suggested Android 2.2, Boy Genius Report's managed to obtain what it suggests is an in-the-wild shot with a lock screen that looks remarkably reminiscent of the aesthetic touches from Android 2.3 Gingerbread. No TouchWiz UI here, but word on the street (i.e. from its source) is Sammy's hard at work to remedy that disconnect and make the skin jibe with the new version. And if that's not enough, TmoNews is claiming a leaked document that indicates Vibrant 4G will launch February 23rd. Back to the picture, though: if that timestamp is at all accurate, and this is really just hours fresh, perhaps that lucky right-handed gent can snap a few more convincing shots while it charges.

Update: As a number of readers have pointed out, there's some odd discrepancies between this image and the Gingerbread lock screen we all know, chief among them the inclusion of AM / PM in the top bar (that option doesn't exist in actual 2.3. we just checked to be sure). Brief Mobile's got a more nuanced breakdown, but the point is, this looks to be either a half-baked ROM or the work of a certain Robin Goodfellow.

Samsung Vibrant 4G for T-Mobile in the wild? (Update) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceBGR, TmoNews  | Email this | Comments

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SanDisk SDHC UHS-I cards are so Extreme they went Pro

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/sandisk-sdhc-uhs-i-cards-are-so-extreme-they-went-pro/

Let's get this out of the way right up front: Sandisk's new UHS-I SDHC cards are fast but not that fast. So for all the talk of "extreme" and "pro" just remember that the claimed 45MB/s read and write performance pales in comparison to Toshiba's own UHS-I cards announced back in September with staggering 95MB/s read and 80MB/s write speeds. Still, they're fast enough to capture HD video from the latest DSLRs and certainly faster than anything touting a Class 10 SDXC rating. Now for the best part, gadget masochists, they'll range in 8GB to 32GB capacities with retail pricing set somewhere between $109.99 to $349.99. Just be sure your camera supports UHS-I before making the plunge, ok?

Continue reading SanDisk SDHC UHS-I cards are so Extreme they went Pro

SanDisk SDHC UHS-I cards are so Extreme they went Pro originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moneual DSPC puts a monitor on your computer case, welcomes your widgets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/moneual-dspc-puts-a-monitor-on-your-computer-case-welcomes-your/

Moneual DSPC puts a monitor on your computer case, welcomes your widgets
CES is a big place, way bigger than your first apartment, so hopefully you'll forgive us for missing the Moneual Lab DSPC on the show floor. That stands for Dual Screen PC, a case sporting a decidedly tall display that could make for a useful desktop extension despite subscribing to no aspect ratios heretofore known by man. Unfortunately no specs were provided for resolution or size, but we could see throwing your image editor's toolbox over there, maybe a chat window, or just loading it up with widgets as in this picture. However, with an anticipated cost of $1,500, we're thinking you could instead buy a properly large second monitor -- and a new desk to put it on.

Moneual DSPC puts a monitor on your computer case, welcomes your widgets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Oh Gizmo!  |  sourceCES Innovations Honorees  | Ema il this | Comments

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Acer building Sandy Bridge tablets for Android, will use them to 'phase out' netbooks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/acer-building-sandy-bridge-tablets-for-android-will-use-them-to/

You'd be forgiven for expecting that the dual-core Tegra 2 that swept all before it at CES would be the king of tablet processors for a good while, but Acer is already plotting ways to overthrow it. Admittedly, Acer is kind of cheating by jumping into x86 land and snatching some unspecified Intel Sandy Bridge silicon, but are you really going to complain about getting multi-core grunt under the hood of your well-lubricated Android machine? An official from the company has promised two to three new tablets, sized at either 7 or 10 inches diagonally, for the first half of this year -- a tasty morsel of information, which he garnishes with the forecast that netbooks will eventually be phased out in favor of such touchy-feely slate devices. If you can fit a full second-gen Core CPU inside a tablet, why the heck not?

Acer building Sandy Bridge tablets for Android, will use them to 'phase out' netbooks originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceIDG News (Computerworld)  | Email this | Comments

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Monday, January 17, 2011

The Great Movie Sequel Debate Visualized [Charts]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5735548/the-great-movie-sequel-debate-visualized

The Great Movie Sequel Debate VisualizedWhich sequels were truly better than the originals? Finally! The answers! This chart graphs the Rotten Tomatoes scores of a hundred-some sequels against the scores of the originals which preceded them. Apparently the first Star Trek movie really did suck!

Click to make bigger.

Yup, that's Wrath of Khan way up there above the "better-than-the-original" dotted line—the originals' scores are plotted on the the X-axis; the sequels' scores on the Y. Other quantitatively better sequels: Dark Knight, Stuart Little 2, and Mighty Ducks D2. I've always said that! Fans of Bad News Bears Go To Japan, however, which appears to be the greatest drop in critical acclaim from an original film to it sequel, might not like what they see.

The map was created by Edmund over at BoxOfficeQuant.com, and once you figure out how to read it, there's all sorts of interesting box office history to glean. Post it to your Facebook wall and watch your film-loving friends go absolutely crazy. [BoxOfficeQuant via We Love Data Vis]

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X-pire! software will add digital expiration dates to your photos, photo-related embarrassment

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/x-pire-software-will-add-digital-expiration-dates-to-your-photo/

Wouldn't it be nice if photos you uploaded to Facebook, MySpace and Flickr just stopped being accessible after a while, saving you the almighty hassle of having to delete them yourself? Well, a few good Germans have come together to produce the X-pire! software, which promises to do just that -- make online imagery inaccessible after a given period of time following their upload. It's been around in prototype form as a Firefox extension, but next week should see its proper launch, complete with a subscription-based pricing model costing €24 per year. Yes, the observant among you will note that this does nothing to prevent others from grabbing those images and re-uploading them, but this software's ambition is humbler than that -- it just aims to give the less tech-savvy (or simply lazier) user a tool for controlling at least part of his or her presence on the web.

X-pire! software will add digital expiration dates to your photos, photo-related embarrassment originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAFP (Yahoo! News)  | Email this | Comments

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Kinect + projector = augmented reality fireballs (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/kinect-projector-augmented-reality-fireballs-video/

We've seen fancy augmented reality projection before, but we've rarely been able to take it home -- now, it seems Microsoft's hack-friendly Kinect can bring the same trick to the consumer realm. Elliot Woods took the idea that Kinect can map a three-dimensional space and twisted it to his own devious ends -- that is, throwing traditional Street Fighter fireball blasts, complete with the sound effect. What's impressive here, though, isn't the size of his hadouken, but rather the light it's made of -- each is a virtual dynamic light source casting light on the room's real objects to create virtual shadows on the surfaces that stick out. Sounds lovely, but if you can't wrap your head around all that, you'll find all the hot fireball action you need in the video after the break at roughly the five minute mark.

Continue reading Kinect + projector = augmented reality fireballs (video)

Kinect + projector = augmented reality fireballs (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Create Digital Motion  |  sourceKimchi and Chips  | Email this | Comments

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More details emerge on Apple's A5 chip for upcoming iPad 2 and iPhone 5

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/more-details-emerge-on-apples-a5-chip-for-upcoming-ipad-2-and-i/

So, AppleInsider has some new info on Apple's successor to the A4, which we were talking up last week, and our sources say it's spot on. Specifically, AI claims that Apple is moving to dual-core SGX543 graphics, up from the A4's single SGX535 GPU (also known as the PowerVR 535). What's particularly great about this move is that the graphical power improvement is rated at around 4X the current generation -- which makes a true 4X resolution iPad "Retina Display" upgrade seem much more of a possibility. We're also starting to see 1080p HDMI video output as a "default" spec in this year's generation of devices, so there's no reason Apple will want to be left out -- particularly in the Apple TV -- and these dual graphics cores could handle that easily. The same cast of A4 characters are to credit for this new A5 generation, including the Apple-owned Intrinsity and PA Semi, while Samsung will again do the production duties. But details aside, we're just excited to play around with all this new horsepower when it hits -- apparently the PSP 2 is rumored to use the same graphics architecture with even more cores. Isn't Moore's law a grand thing?

More details emerge on Apple's A5 chip for upcoming iPad 2 and iPhone 5 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Optimus 2X 1080p video surfaces, captures a slow day at the docks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/lg-optimus-2x-1080p-video-surfaces-captures-a-slow-day-at-the-d/

Since we reported that the Tegra 2-based LG Optimus 2X was slated to hit Korea and Europe this month, we've been dying to check out its 1080p video recording capability. Lucky for us, someone in Greece has uploaded a video to YouTube that was apparently recorded on the smartphone, and the results, well, decide for yourself. While we're impressed by the video quality (digital zoom excepted) the subject matter leaves something to be desired: a shaky camera slowly pans a port full of docked fishing boats. Sure, we'd like to see some more action, but this sample still has us excited about getting our hands on our very own Optimus 2X. HD video after the jump.

Continue reading LG Optimus 2X 1080p video surfaces, captures a slow day at the docks

LG Optimus 2X 1080p video surfaces, captures a slow day at the docks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink GSM Arena  |  sourceTech Blog  | Email this | Comments

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HTC 7 Pro now available on O2 Germany, â¬22 monthly or â¬599 up front

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/htc-7-pro-now-available-on-o2-germany-22-monthly-or-599-up-fr/

Not that we had any reason to doubt O2 Germany's Twitter account, but a formal press release does help ease our few concerns. The HTC 7 Pro is now official on the European carrier for the asking price of €29 down and 24 months of €22.50. If you want to rip the proverbial band-aid off faster, it's also available for a €599 flat fee -- both of those without SIM lock. The rest of the world? We imagine it's just a matter of time before HTC offers this through its other channels.

HTC 7 Pro now available on O2 Germany, €22 monthly or €599 up front originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcephoneseven.de  | Email this | Comments

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BenQ debuts high-end EW2430, EW2430V LED monitors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/benq-debuts-high-end-ew2430-ew2430v-led-monitors/

BenQ's monitors may have all come from the same glossy black plastic mold as of late, but the company's stepped things up a bit for its new 24-inch EW2430 and EW2430V "Vertical Alignment" LED monitors, which pack some high-end specs and some more refined looks to match. Chief among those specs is the VA LED panel used in each monitor, which promises a native 3,000:1 contrast ratio, minimal light leaking, an improved viewing angle, and a true 8-bit color range, among other benefits. You'll also get a full range of ports (including two HDMI and four USB on each), a pair of 2W speakers, and some added features like "Smart Focus," "Super Resolution," and "3D Noise Reduction" on the EW2430V model. Still no word on pricing, but you can look for both monitors to hit Europe and the Asia Pacific region this month, with a worldwide release set to follow sometime thereafter.

BenQ debuts high-end EW2430, EW2430V LED monitors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAkihabara News  | Email this | Comments

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RIM: PlayBook is a 'great standalone tablet,' not 'reliant on a BlackBerry'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/rim-playbook-is-a-great-standalone-tablet-not-reliant-on-a/

We're sure RIM would still prefer that you own both a BlackBerry smartphone and a PlayBook, but it looks like it's now going some way to address the potential misconception that you actually need a BlackBerry for the tablet to be of any use. Speaking with Forbes, RIM senior product manager Ryan Bidan insisted that "on its own, this is a great standalone tablet," and that "this is not a device that is reliant on a BlackBerry." As Forbes notes, however, it is true that the PlayBook needs to be tied to a BlackBerry for most PIM functions like contacts and calendar management, but Bidan says those features will come to the PlayBook separately "as the platform evolves" -- he didn't get much more specific than that, unfortunately.

RIM: PlayBook is a 'great standalone tablet,' not 'reliant on a BlackBerry' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink BGR  |  sourceForbes  | Email! this | Comments

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Starr Labs AirPower, Missing Link adapters take MIDI into the wild world of wireless

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/15/starr-labs-airpower-missing-link-adapters-take-midi-into-the-wi/

Ah, MIDI. How we love thee. You're older than dirt itself, but still totally relevant -- something we could only hope to one day be. But now, it's time to make a move. A move to a world where copper wires and insulated cabling aren't necessary. A world where wireless rules. Create Digital Music has a new report out on two of the most prominent options when it comes to wireless MIDI, with the both of 'em distributing bleeps and bloops over totally different airwaves. The Starr Labs AirPower relies on a proprietary 2.4GHz communications protocol, enabling MIDI guitarists to finally get their groove on without worry over cable ejections. 'Course, with a $425 (upgrade) / $250 (MIDI-only) price tag, it's far from being affordable, and that $250 dongle is needed in addition to the $425 adapter for any instrument not made by Starr. The Missing Link relies on traditional WiFi waves, enabling phones and tablets to easily tap into its potential. You'll need to be aware that even the slightest bit of WiFi interference could ruin a live gig, but at just $150 (limited first run), it may be worth the risk. Head on past the break for a live demonstration of the latter, and tap that via for more dirt on the duo.

Continue reading Starr Labs AirPower, Missing Link adapters take MIDI into the wild world of wireless

Starr Labs AirPower, Missing Link a! dapters take MIDI into the wild world of wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 03:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Create Digital Music  |  sourceStarr Labs  | Email this | Comments

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Notion Ink Adam clears FCC, begins shipping 'around Wednesday'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/15/notion-ink-adam-clears-fcc-begins-shipping-around-wednesday/

We don't see it in the FCC database yet but Notion Ink's charming Rohan Shravan just penned a post on the company's blog with news that Adam has official clearance from the US government. That's right, after several delays the tiny startup will finally condense its occasionally vapory molecules into a solid slab of shipping tablet starting "around Wednesday" after the hardware receives its FCC tattoo. Remember, Adam was that tablet good enough to earn a Best of CES 2011 honorable mention at an event absolutely flooded with tablets from a who's who of consumer electronics companies. While our first impressions of the production unit were positive, we're holding off on making a final judgement until we've had the chance to perform a full review. Having said that, Adam's final NI3421A01 product code is so nerdy -- the "3421" continues Rohan's tradition of numbering product iterations along the Fibonacci number sequence -- that we're almost tempted to place an order ourselves. Almost.

[Thanks, John]

Notion Ink Adam clears FCC, begins shipping 'around Wednesday' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 04:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NTIA says LightSquared proposal could pose national security threat

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/15/ntia-says-lightsquared-proposal-could-pose-national-security-thr/

Last summer it looked like Philip Falcone's LightSquared was on the path to a democratic LTE solution: a coast-to-coast network, incorporating satellite connectivity to cover the entire country. It's an ambitious goal to be sure -- perhaps too ambitious. In a letter to the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) warned that the wholesaler's wireless network, which would operate on the MSS spectrum, could interfere with systems like Department of Defense communications. Here's the snag: last year the FCC approved the company's initial proposal to create a network that would incorporate both terrestrial and satellite services. Now LightSquared wants to offer the option of terrestrial-only phones to their clients. According to the NTIA, such a system would require far more land-based stations, causing potential MSS overcrowding and increasing the risk of interference with everything from aeronautical emergency communications to Federal agency systems. The FCC has yet to make a decision on the revised proposal, and LightSquared hasn't made a peep, leaving us to wonder whether it was all too good to be true.

NTIA says LightSquared proposal could pose national security threat originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments

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