Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

drag2share: Netflix snags classic BBC shows in UK deal

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/netflix-snags-classic-bbc-shows-in-uk-deal/

Netflix's British charm offensive continues, in preparation for its launch in there early next year. The latest signing is with BBC Worldwide and offers up classic BBC shows like Torchwood, Spooks and Fawlty Towers in return for an undisclosed sum deposited into the public broadcaster's coffers. The license only covers streaming rights to viewers in the UK and Ireland, but Netflix US already has some of the BBC's back catalog and iPlayer should hopefully bring fresher material our way soon. PR after the break.

Continue reading Netflix snags classic BBC shows in UK deal

Netflix snags classic BBC shows in UK deal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Seagate shores up its hard drive business, finalizes Samsung purchase

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/seagate-shores-up-its-hard-drive-business-finalizes-samsung-pur/

It's taken the pair a fair few months to hammer down the details, but it's finally official: Seagate now holds the figurative keys to Samsung's hard drive business. According to the press release, Seagate will retain some Samsung employees as well as gaining access to the electronics manufacturer's solid-state storage for future products. Samsung will hold onto a 9.6 percent stake of Seagate and cash money said to total around $1.375 billion. You can still expect to see remnant Samsung hard drives floating around next year while Seagate decides how it's going to further its storage business -- hopefully involving more than just shrinking warranties.

Continue reading Seagate shores up its hard drive business, finalizes Samsung purchase

Seagate shores up its hard drive business, finalizes Samsung purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Seagate | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: LG's Magic Remote enables voice control for its smart TVs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/lgs-magic-remote-enables-voice-control-for-its-smart-tvs/

LG was quick to introduce Wii-style motion controls and pointing to its smart TV controllers, but its new Magic Remote also adds voice recognition, allowing you to enter search terms without ever contemplating the alphabet. In a radical move, it also conjures up a scroll wheel -- perhaps for no reason other than to spite Samsung's now dowdy-looking QWERTY rival. The fact that it can control your LG Cinema 3D TV without forcing you to star-jump is a happy bonus. There's a full PR after the break, although no sign yet of availability or pricing.

Continue reading LG's Magic Remote enables voice control for its smart TVs

LG's Magic Remote enables voice control for its smart TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Ice Cream Sandwich Coming To More Galaxy Devices Early 2012 [Android]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5869616/ice-cream-sandwich-coming-to-galaxy-devices-early-2012

Ice Cream Sandwich Coming To More Galaxy Devices Early 2012

Samsung has finally confirmed the release schedule for Ice Cream Sandwich on its Galaxy devices — and it should be landing on some phones in the first quarter of 2012.

With the Nexus already packing Ice Cream Sandwich, it was always going to be a short wait. The Galaxy S II and Galaxy Note will be the first recipients to get the Android 4.0 update, which will be available sometime in Q1 2012.

Other Galaxy devices will also receive the update, including Galaxy S II LTE, Galaxy R, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 7.7 and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. However, there's no firm schedule for when it will arrive on these models. Firm dates for the roll-out will, of course, be dictated by carriers. [Samsung]

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Tech mainstays finally come together on something: littering more HD content with more DRM

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/tech-mainstays-finally-come-together-on-something-littering-mor/

Who says the big boys can't be friends? While Samsung, SanDisk, Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic would probably disagree with each other on just about everything, there are still three magical letters that can bring even the biggest rivals together: DRM. While the consortium is doing everything it can to avoid the term, there's no hiding the truth -- the temporarily-named 'Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative' is designed to protect HD content by using "unique ID (identification) technology for flash memory and robust copy protection based on public key infrastructure." Just when we thought Louis C.K. had proven that slapping DRM around something wasn't the best approach, here we go taking a few monumental steps in the wrong direction.

In essence, it sounds as if they're crafting a way to distribute Blu-ray-quality material on SD cards and embedded memory (sound familiar?), and they're also hoping that this will "enable various HD content applications such as HD network download, broadcast content to-go and HD Digital Copy / Managed Copy from Blu-ray Disc." Notably, we're told that Android-based smartphones, tablets, TVs and Blu-ray products in particular can look forward to taking advantage -- in other words, Apple's going to keep doing what Apple does. If all goes well, they'll start licensing the new secure memory technology early next year, and if we had to guess, we'd say the adoption trajectory perfectly matches that of slotRadio. Good luck, folks -- you're going to need it.

Continue reading Tech mainstays finally come together on something: littering more HD content with more DRM

Tech mainstays finally come together on something: littering more HD content with more DRM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of f! eeds .

Permalink | source

source

Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Verizon confirms Galaxy Nexus 'signal strength issue,' says a fix is in the works

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/verizon-confirms-galaxy-nexus-signal-strength-issue-says-a-f/

Well, there's good news and bad. Per usual, we'll kick it off with the latter. The LTEified version of the Galaxy Nexus has signal problems. Or, more specifically, a "signal strength issue." According to Verizon Wireless' Support account on Twitter, the issue is currently being investigated, and while there's no ETA at the moment, a software update is "being developed" to remedy it. We haven't seen a flood of gripes regarding the call quality (or lack thereof) with this particular handset, but it's not exactly uncommon for carriers to work on these types of things soon after a hero device hits the masses. Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of any release details.

Verizon confirms Galaxy Nexus 'signal strength issue,' says a fix is in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MobileBurn, Droid-Life, The Verge | source

source

Verizon Wireless Support (Twitter) | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: VidaBox Media Servers add metadata support for XBMC, Popcorn Hour and others

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/vidabox-media-servers-add-metadata-support-for-xbmc-popcorn-hou/

We wouldn't expect for upper-crust aimed media server setups like the ones offered by VidaBox to play nicely with the common rabble, but apparently that's just what is going on. With the click of a check box, its "Drop-n-Rip" Blu-ray and DVD archiving now includes cover art and other metadata compatible with third party streamers including Popcorn Hour, HDI Dune, TViX, XBMC, Sage TV and others. This probably won't drop the cost of a custom installed setup by much, but if you have one and want to bring your own extender hardware (similar to its recent iPad support) into the mix, it should be a simple upgrade.

Continue reading VidaBox Media Servers add metadata support for XBMC, Popcorn Hour and others

VidaBox Media Servers add metadata support for XBMC, Popcorn Hour and others originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: VMware View delivers virtual Windows machines on Linux, OS X and Kindle Fire

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/vmware-view-delivers-virtual-windows-machines-on-linux-os-x-and/

Kindle Fire

There are very few places left in this world where you can't access a virtualized Windows PC. VMware has its, well, wares available on almost every platform imaginable. Its View client, for connecting to remotely-hosted enterprise servers has become a particularly integral part of the company's plan to put powerful virtualization tools at the tips of your fingers. After debuting on the iPad back in March, followed shortly afterwards by an Android edition, VMware View is now coming to Mac and Linux machines as well as the Kindle Fire. The feature set doesn't contain many surprises, but full screen support in Lion makes a welcome appearance in the list. The app should already be appearing in the Amazon App Store and the Ubuntu Software Center, though you wont find it in the Mac App Store... at least not yet. Check out the complete PR after the break.

Continue reading VMware View delivers virtual Windows machines on Linux, OS X and Kindle Fire

VMware View delivers virtual Windows machines on Linux, OS X and Kindle Fire originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Corsair's Sandy Bridge E-compatible liquid coolers get plumbed in and tested

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/corsairs-sandy-bridge-e-compatible-liquid-coolers-get-plumbed-i/

You'd be crazy to embark on a Sandy Bridge E upgrade without anticipating all the costs involved. Some might argue you'd be crazy, period, but that's only because they're haters. The fact is, if you can drop a grand on an i7-3960X (or $600 for a more sensible i7-3930K), then you can probably find some spare brass for a decent liquid cooler. So, which to get? The crew at HotHardware just reviewed Corsair's LGA2011-compatible H80 and H100 water systems, spiced up with a look at Intel's own RTS2011LC cooler for comparison. They concluded that both Corsairs were a cinch to install and easily surpassed Intel's offering by allowing higher stable overclocks without excessive decibels. However, they also cautioned that the hefty $90-$120 investment in a Corsair or any other high-end liquid cooler won't necessarily yield quieter performance than an air system, because you end up with fans and a water pump chugging away in your rig. See the source link for the full results and then click 'More Coverage' for Bit.tech's review of the H80.

Corsair's Sandy Bridge E-compatible liquid coolers get plumbed in and tested originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink |

Hot Hardware | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Google offers updates for Google+ this holiday season, fruitcake en route

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/google-offers-updates-for-google-this-holiday-season-fruitcake/

If Google's idea of a stocking stuffer is tweaking Google+, its engineers are getting the gift-giving over with a few days early. Today, the company announced that it'll be introducing a few new features to its social network, including new controls that adjust how posts from a given circle are blended into the overall stream of posts, along with which posts are highlighted for your attention. The outfit also says it's working on refining its toolbar to highlight newer posts and see how widely your posts have been shared. For advertisers, up to 50 named managers can now administrate a Google+ Page, and a fix to the photo side of the site allow for improved navigation and better tagging. Head past the break to see full clips of the changes in action, and since Google bought out Santa's operation, expect to hear Eric Schmidt's footsteps on your roof come the 24th.

Update: The Google+ Android app has also seen an update tonight, gaining the ability to start a hangout from a Messenger conversation, new photo album design and more. Hit the Android Market for more details.

Continue reading Google offers updates for Google+ this holiday season, fruitcake en route

Google offers updates for Google+ this holiday season, fruitcake en route originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Google Blog, Android Market | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

Monday, December 19, 2011

drag2share: Algal protein gives boost to electrochemical water splitting

Source: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-algal-protein-boost-electrochemical.html

Photosynthesis is considered the 'Holy Grail' in the field of sustainable energy generation because it directly converts solar energy into storable fuel using nothing but water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Scientists have long tried to mimic the underlying natural processes and to optimize them for energy device applications such as photo-electrochemical cells (PEC), which use sunlight to electrochemically split water – and thus directly generate hydrogen, cutting short the more conventional approach using photovoltaic cells for the electrolysis of water.

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/lightpad-connects-your-smartphone-to-an-11-inch-screen-expands/

Despite Samsung's best efforts, perhaps you haven't found the perfect balance of pocketable size and capacious screen? Sure, it sounds pretty counterintuitive, but QP Optoelectronics may have exactly what you're looking for with the LightPad, a folio-styled peripheral that combines a keyboard with an 11-inch rear projection screen. The built-in pico projector lights up the screen with a resolution of 854 x 480 in the first generation model, with a future model promising the same display size at a high-definition 1280 x 720 resolution. The built-in projector also flips around to create a 60-inch display, and will play nice with any smartphone that has an available MHL or HDMI port. While that three-part footprint doesn't make it a particularly viable option for airplane viewing, office types may appreciate the two different form factors. We'll be staking a claim to a hands-on when it makes its debut next month at CES 2012. Until then, satisfy yourself with a brief video demo after the break.

Continue reading LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection

LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Perm alink | | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Time Warner finally cuts a deal for HBO Go streaming, launches 'in the next month'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/time-warner-finally-cuts-a-deal-for-hbo-go-streaming-launches/

Ever since it launched early last year, the HBO Go library has quickly become one of the best parts of having the premium channel, however it wasn't part of the package for Time Warner Cable customers -- until now. The two companies just announced they have to an agreement which will see access to the streaming back catalog of films and TV shows (including Max Go) open up to TWC subscribers "in the next month" after a short beta period. We're not sure if this access extends to streaming via the Roku box or if it will be blocked (as it is on Comcast and DirecTV), but iOS and Android mobile devices are definitely in on the action. Check the Time Warner blog or press release ( after the break) for more details.

Continue reading Time Warner finally cuts a deal for HBO Go streaming, launches 'in the next month'

Time Warner finally cuts a deal for HBO Go streaming, launches 'in the next month' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

TWCa! bleUntan gled | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Transformer Prime heading to UK shelves next month, bundled with dock for complete transformation

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/transformer-prime-heading-to-uk-shelves-next-month-bundled-with/

ASUS has excelled at building up the global Transformer craze, and although there's been a few hiccups along the way, the quad-core beast is set to start hitting shelves around the world in the weeks ahead. According to Pocket-lint, the Taiwanese company has given confirmation that the newest Eee Pad on the block is hitting Great Britain in January. You'll be surprised to hear that the Prime won't be coming as a lone wolf, instead being bundled with its mighty dock companion and priced at £499 (around $770 in Greenbacks) for the 32GB WiFI-only version. We'd offer you a look at our review in the meantime, but on second thought, that probably makes the wait that much more unbearable...

Transformer Prime heading to UK shelves next month, bundled with dock for complete transformation originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Electronista | source

source

Pocket-lint | Email this | Comments

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

drag2share: Droid RAZR MAXX appears in Verizon Wireless inventory, details remain mysterious

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/17/droid-razr-maxx-appears-in-verizon-wireless-inventory-details-r/

Leave it to Motorola to milk the iconic RAZR branding for all it's worth. A new LTE phone has appeared in Verizon's inventory system, and dubbed the Droid RAZR MAXX, it seems to be at least a spiritual successor to the original MotoRAZR MAXX. Little else is known about the device, other than some EXIF data that hints at a similar 8 megapixel shooter. Like the variants we've seen floating around in China, could this option be sporting a 720p display? Perhaps a beefier battery? Or maybe it's just "maxxxxed" out with a few design tweaks and a slightly higher price. Place your bets while the gamblin' is good, folks. Soon enough, we're going to know what makes this one tick.

Droid RAZR MAXX appears in Verizon Wireless inventory, details remain mysterious originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Droid Life | Email this | Comme! nts

---
drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)