Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/google-voice-update-for-android-brings-design-refresh-and-asynch/

Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS
A new version of Google Voice has just crawled out of the woodwork, and while the changes are minor, we think most users will like what's in store. First and foremost, we were greeted with a new, darker interface that better matches Honeycomb's design philosophy, along with a refreshed icon that more closely resembles the messaging app in Ice Cream Sandwich. There's also a curious new feature known as asynchronous SMS, which allows you to queue up messages for later delivery when you happen to be without signal. To test this out, we put our handset into airplane mode, fired off a few texts -- which showed up as queued -- and then took our phone back onto the network. Once back online, the messages were delivered as expected. And hey, it can't get much better than that, really.

Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-review-international-edition/

Within an 11-day period last fall, Engadget published reviews of two different Samsung Galaxy tablets. At the time, we felt the company was turning into a caricature of itself, with slates in every conceivable size, including 10.1, 8.9 and 7 inches. Mostly, though, if we sounded exasperated with Sammy's "see what sticks" strategy, it was because the outfit unveiled not one, but two 7-inchers over the course of a month. One of these, the 7.0 Plus, went on sale in the US back in November, with mid-range specs and a mid-range price to match its in-between size. But that tablet always felt like a consolation prize next to our second contender, the Galaxy Tab 7.7, which brings a brushed metal back, 10-hour battery and Super AMOLED Plus, 1280 x 800 display. Even on paper, it always seemed promising. Special.

Maddeningly, though, those of us here in the states still can't buy one through the likes of Best Buy and Amazon, and though Verizon Wireless plans to sell an LTE-enabled version, we know scant few details about when it will arrive, how much it will cost or ! whether there will be an off-contract option. Luckily for us, our friends over at Negri Electronics hooked us up with an international model, one with 16GB of internal storage and WiFi, HSPA+ and EDGE / GPRS radios -- a doozy of a tablet that would cost you $668.50 if you were to import it to the US. (You can buy it domestically if you live in select markets like the UK.) So is the product novel enough to warrant that novelty price? Find the answer to that question and more after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/olympus-om-d-e-m5-camera-details-leaked/

Olympus E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' autofocus and 3D tracking system on the way?

A certain purported Olympus Micro Four Thirds shooter has been anything but shy prior to its official unveiling (whenever that happens). Now, 43 Rumors is keeping the intel flowing with tidbits it received from a "super European source." The fresh bits suggest the E-M5 could sport a "super fast" autofocus and 3D tracking system, an external "weather-sealed" GN10 flash and additional filters. And, if rumors are to be believed, you'll be able to see the effects of the image stabilization through the electronic viewfinder. Though your skep-alarm should be on high alert, we can't keep you from believing, so hit up that source link to find the rest of the alleged details.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/hasbro-reinvents-lazer-tag-for-the-smartphone-generation/

Hasbro NERF Lazer Tag
Xappr and appBlaster are fine weaponizers for your smartphone, provided you don't care to share your violent tendencies with your friends. Thankfully, Hasbro is bridging the gap between new-school AR shooter and that teenage classic -- laser tag. The NERF Lazer Tag system is getting an update for 2012 that lets you pair your blaster with an iPhone or iPod touch. The top of the plastic guns now sport a slot for your iDevice which, when loaded with the Lazer Tag app, provides you with an augmented HUD view. While you can play against purely virtual opponents, the real fun is in using to track your battles with fleshy foes. The app will display your gear and power level, and update your progress on a global Lazer Tag leaderboard. As you play, new attacks and gear will be unlocked for you to enhance your gaming experience. The app will even actually show your blasts' trajectory, letting you see exactly where you shot your former friend. The 2012 edition of Lazer Tag will hit shelves on August 1st with individual blasters costing $40 and sets of two $70. Check out the PR and a screen shot of the app after the break.

Continue reading Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies

Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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c u @ OMMA Metrics Feb 21 NYC: Trending the Analytics Business: Recurring Strategic, Tactical and Technical Themes - http://bit.ly/w9KNq9

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You Can Buy A New Computer For $35 Later This Month

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/raspberry-pi-launch-2012-2


raspberry pi

The first set of Raspberry Pi computers will be available for $35 on February 20, reports Ars Technica.

The computer (pictured right) is a barebones device in every sense -- you'll have to supply your own monitor and Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, but after that you've got a feisty Linux-powered device with internals comparable to a smartphone.

Intrigued by the prospect of a $35 computer?

Head over to Raspberry Pi's FAQ page to learn more >

Please follow SAI: Tools on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

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Rumor Mill: 7mm-thick Galaxy S III coming in May?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/rumor-mill-7mm-thick-galaxy-siii-coming-in-may/

Korea's ETNews is betting its reputation upon this raft of rumored details concerning Samsung's Galaxy S III. Since the only thing we know for certain is that it'll be announced "After MWC," lets take all of these tidbits with a strong pot of "We'll believe it when we see it," okay? According to the report, the handset's going to be 7mm thick, helped by the company shrinking down its PCB, connector and chip sizes by between 10 and 20 percent. The only thing that hasn't lost any weight is the camera, which may sit on a "protrusion" (like the Droid RAZR's hump). It'll be running a custom quad-core processor with HDMI and LTE baked-in, and rather obviously it'll be running Ice Cream Sandwich. Here's where things get a little confusing, either this is the first of a raft of models that will highlight different features (so we'll see subsequent GS3s with an S-Pen, 3D display or souped-up camera) or the above perks will come with the flagship as standard. Parts are reportedly gearing up to be shipped, but the only time we'll get confirmation is when that special event kicks off closer to the summer.

[Thanks, Erich]

Rumor Mill: 7mm-thick Galaxy S III coming in May? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon unveils new PowerShot A-Series cameras, brings image stabilization to its entry-level

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/canon-unveils-new-powershot-a-series-cameras-brings-image-stabi/

Canon unveils new PowerShot A-Series cameras
Thought Canon was done with the point-and-shoot updates after refreshing its ELPH lineup last month? Think again, as the company is updating its PowerShot A-Series shooters with six new models in a variety of colors. All the cameras pack a 16-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide angle lens and can take 720p video. First up is the A4000 IS, which brings image stabilization, 8X optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD for $200 later this month. The A3400 IS and A2400 IS make their debuts in March, and bring the same image stabilization as the 4000, but have a lesser 5X optical zoom. Additionally, the 3400 packs a 3-inch touchscreen LCD and costs $180, while the 2400 gets a smaller non-touchscreen 2.7-inch LCD and retails for $150. Meanwhile, the A2300 has the same specs as the 2400, minus the image stabilization, and will cost ten bucks less than its brother when it drops next month. Finally, the PowerShot A1300 and A810 each come with 5X optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD when they debut in April, with the A810 priced at $110 and the A1300 available for $120.

Continue reading Canon unveils new PowerShot A-Series cameras, brings image stabilization to its entry-level

Canon unveils new PowerShot A-Series cameras, brings image stabilization to its entry-level originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon welcomes ELPH 530 HS / 320 HS, SX260 HS and D20 to PowerShot lineup

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/canon-introduces-four-new-powershot-cameras/

Canon welcomes ELPH 530 HS / 320 HS, SX260 HS and D20 to its PowerShot lineup
In addition to the new additions to Canon's A-Series of digital cameras, the company is also giving more demanding consumers a similar outpouring of love with four additional shooters in the PowerShot family, which sport a diverse array of features such as WiFi connectivity, 20x optical zoom and rugged designs. Leading the charge for the ELPH lineup is the 530 HS. Along with the 320 HS, it features the ability to wirelessly upload images to Canon's online portal, where users may then post their latest captures to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The ELPH 530 HS features a 12x optical zoom lens paired with a 10 megapixel sensor and is expected to retail for $349 in April. Meanwhile, the 320 HS delivers a 5x optical zoom lens and a 16.1 megapixel sensor. It'll carry a $280 price tag and is set to hit stores in March. Both ELPH models feature Canon's DIGIC 5 image processor, capture 1080p video and include a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen.

Those who roll Rear Window style may want to check out Canon's new SX260 HS, which packs a 25mm wide-angle lens that boasts up to 20x optical zoom. Like the latest ELPH's, it also offers the DIGIC 5 processor and captures 1080p video. Unique to the SX260 HS, it features GPS for location tagging and a burst shooting mode that captures a continuous 10.3 frames per second. It'll be available in March for $349 and is set to come in black, green ! and red finishes. Lastly, the D20 offers up a few ruggedized features for outdoor enthusiasts. It features underwater shooting abilities (including a specific macro mode), and is also said to be shock-proof and freeze-proof -- no mention of it tolerating heat, though. The D20 incorporates a 12.1 megapixel sensor, captures 1080p video and features a 5x optical zoom lens. It also offers GPS, but unlike the other cameras here, it uses the DIGIC 4 image processor. If you're considering the D20 for your next adventure, it'll be available in May for $349. You'll discover more about these four additions in the PR, after the break.

Continue reading Canon welcomes ELPH 530 HS / 320 HS, SX260 HS and D20 to PowerShot lineup

Canon welcomes ELPH 530 HS / 320 HS, SX260 HS and D20 to PowerShot lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, February 06, 2012

Apple's New High Definition Cursors In Mac OS Update May Signal Retina Display Macs [Apple]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5882843/apples-new-high-definition-cursors-in-mac-os-update-may-signal-retina-display-macs

Apple's New High Definition Cursors In Mac OS Update May Signal Retina Display MacsCheerful, Apple spokesman aficionado John Gruber talks about four tweets that, according to him, "may" indicate an incoming Apple hardware upgrade, perhaps the introduction of new Retina Display-level Macs or displays. Given his intimately wet relationship with Apple, you better listen up to his "wishful thinking."

The latest update—which was pulled by Cupertino after dreadful stability reports—includes some high definition cursors. Here you can see the new Mickey Mouse pointing finger icon, redrawn for high-density displays in Mac OS X 10.7.3, compared to the current one. Other new cursors include the Mickey Mouse grabbing hand icon and the old Nextstep camera, all of them re-rendered at super-high resolution.

Fanboy Número Uno thinks that these icons, coupled by reports of some Mac Minis booting into HiDPI mode after the 10.7.3 update, may indicate that "we may be on the cusp of Apple releasing HiDPI Mac displays and/or HiDPI MacBooks. I.e.: retina display Macs."

For those new to this party, HiDPI is a new resolution independent mode designed to offer ultra-sharp graphic elements without making them tiny on the screen. As a screen's pixel density increases, the elements on the screen become smaller and smaller using traditional a display mode. You can observe this effect if you have a very high resolution monitor.

With HiDPI things change: the absolute size of a screen object is kept the same no matter how many pixels per inch you have on the screen. If you keep the size and increase the number of pixels that define the object, then you make it a lot sharper but never physically smaller.

McGruber gives a warning: this may be all his wishful thinking, so be skeptical. A little bit. On the inside. [Matt Gemmell, Cabel Sasser, Cabel Sasser, Dan Wineman, via Daring Fireball]

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Nokia reveals polarizing secrets of ClearBlack display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/nokia-how-clearblack-display-works/

Nokia's revealing the secrets behind ClearBlack: its display technology that, even under the brightest sunlight, renders black as black as blackest night during a dark spell. Wedged above the E7, Lumia 800 and 900 displays are three thin layers, a linear polarizer, a quarter-wave retardation film and a reflecting surface. When light enters the first layer, it vertically aligns the "wave vibration" of the light so when it hits the retardation layer, it begins to rotate towards the right. Hitting the reflecting surface causes it to reverse, becoming left-circularly polarized before passing through the retardation later again, where it polarizes horizontally. This enables the polarizing filter up top to screen out horizontally polarized light, meaning it doesn't reflect back in your face. Why (we hear you ask) then doesn't it happen with the light from the display itself? Because it only passes through the second half of the process, it doesn't become horizontally aligned, leading to that beautifully dark display reaching your peepers. It's a clever and elegant solution that we can't help but be impressed at, even if we've used up the world's supply of the word 'polarize' in order to explain to you.

Nokia reveals polarizing secrets of ClearBlack display originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scammers Use Impostor Apps to Flood the Android Marketplace With Malware [Android]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5882776/scammers-use-impostor-apps-to-flood-the-android-marketplace-with-malware

Scammers Use Impostor Apps to Flood the Android Marketplace With MalwareAndroid apps such as Jetpack Joyride, Madden NFL 12, Pinterest and Batman Arkham City Lockdown are rife with malware. But these aren't the official apps. No, they're merely impostor apps that have snuck past the security gates of the Android Market.

According to Android Police, a scam outfit calling itself Rovio Mobile Ltd. (yes, it's even ripping off the name of the Angry Birds developer) has committed the most blatant form of IP theft and are duping people into infecting their phone with apps intended to collect your info and spam your inbox. And MSNBC says that's not all:

Also found lurking the Android Market is a phony version of the Pinterest app, the popular new online pinboard. The bogus Pinterest app, from the ironically named developer "Official Android App," installs other apps without the user's permission.

A glance at the user reviews for "Jetpack Joyride" tells the true tale of the game's intentions.

"Will not let me enter my email address to download the full version! What a load of rubbish," wrote a user named Bethanie on Feb. 5.

Beware what developers you're downloading from. [Android Police via MSNBC]

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Google HUD Glasses Might Be a Real, Actual Thing [Google X]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5882798/google-hud-glasses-might-be-a-real-actual-thing

Google HUD Glasses Might Be a Real, Actual ThingIron Man's HUD display is one of the cooler effects in sci-fi movies, and Google X is apparently pretty darn close to cramming similar tech in a pair of glasses you can buy in the real world.

A 9to5google tipster got to see a prototype pair, and says that they look similar to Oakley Thumps glasses that have a front-facing camera, voice recognition, and navigation/input handled by tilting your head. The guts apparently resemble last generation's Android phones, while HUD itself is only in one eye (and off to the side) because it's not transparent like Tony Stark's tech. It had been previously reported that the device is not simply an "Android peripheral."

The glasses are still a long way from completion, but Google is reportedly looking into a pilot program like it did with Chromebooks. Anything that gets these things on my face faster is all right with me. [9to5google]

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Intel SSD 520 review roundup: Intel reliability, SandForce speeds starting at $149

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/intel-ssd-520-review-roundup-intel-reliability-sandforce-speed/

There's plenty of SSD options out there, but Intel's NAND drives are among the most well thought of, simply because they're so reliable. But, with the top speed of competing SSDs spiraling higher, Intel's rock-solid reputation may not be enough for some enthusiasts. Enter the SSD 520, with a performance SandForce SF-2281 controller and custom firmware (codenamed Cherryville) on board to ensure the 520 meets Chipzilla's demanding standards for stability. It's the result of a year and a half long collaboration between Intel and SandForce, and is available in both 7mm and 9.5mm thin form factors to fit any machine -- Ultrabook or otherwise. Aside from the SandForce chip, the 520 packs Intel's finest 25nm NAND Flash, a SATA 6GB/s connection and its 550MB/s reads and 520MB/s writes can be had for $149 in 60GB garb and prices escalate up to a grand for 480GB. Naturally, as this is Intel's effort to snatch back the performance market, a raft of reviews have been written about the SSD 520.

So, how does the 520 stack up? Well, Intel's so confident in the 520 that it's backed the SSD with a five-year warranty. Though its performance doesn't drastically outpace its competition, Storage Review found the drive to be on par with the current speed king, OCZ's Vertex 3 in its benchmarks -- and also found performance and stability to be quite good in both enterprise use and in RAID ar! rays. Me anwhile, AnandTech found that the 520's peak random write speeds quite similar to its sequential reads during testing, which shows how well the optimized firmware works with the NAND. Hot Hardware thought the 520 to be comparable to other SandForce-equipped SSDs, but in terms of power consumption, Tom's Hardware found Intel's latest to be a power hog. Generally, all the reviewers were in agreement: the 520 is a speedy SSD, but you pay a hefty premium for Intel's reputation for churning out reliable drives. Only time will tell if the 520 can deliver the reliability we want, but there's plenty of performance info to be had in the reviews listed below.

Intel SSD 520 review roundup: Intel reliability, SandForce speeds starting at $149 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceStorage Review (1), (2), (3), AnandTech, Tom's Hardware, Hot Ha! rdware, Legit Reviews  | Email this | Comments

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NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/nvidia-kepler-roadmap-leak/

As usual, it seems like whenever a big chip company wants to keep those key details under wraps, someone leaves a spreadsheet lying in a bar. Of course, the following information could be the product of a vengeful former employee mashing at a keyboard, so let's agree that these are rumored details until further notice. NVIDIA's whole range of Kepler-powered graphics cards will be PCI-E 3.0 compliant, with the GTX960 topping the group at $999 when it arrives in Q3 of this year, while the modestly-priced GTX640 will retail for $139 when it arrives in May. If you'd like to drill down into the specifics of all eight cards purportedly on offer for 2012, we've got all the details in a handy chart nestled just after the interval.

Continue reading NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly)

NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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