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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/wacom-cintiq-22hd/

Oh, to sit in a darkened room all day and get paid to do art. No phone calls, no stress, and no technology except for a PC and a brand new $1,999 Wacom Cintiq 22HD tablet display (and maybe also a pair of equally well-engineered Beyerdynamics). Alas, only our Distro magazine crew get to live like that -- the rest of the Engadget team must make do with spec sheets and quick hands-on impressions, which are precisely what you'll find after the break.

Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 22HD hands-on

Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 22HD publicity photos

Continue reading Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals

Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel to buy 15 percent of silicon fab equipment maker ASML, wants manufacturing machines made faster

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/intel-to-buy-15-percent-of-asml/

Chipzilla didn't get its position as the king of semiconductors by twiddling its thumbs, folks. It became a Valley behemoth by delivering us faster and better silicon, and its latest $4.1 billion purchase -- a 15 percent stake in silicon manufacturing equipment maker ASML Holding NV -- should help keep Intel atop the CPU heap. You see, Intel's in the process of retooling its chip manufacturing process to use bigger diameter silicon wafers, which'll make those Ivy Bridge, ValleyView and other future chips cheaper for all of us. Such retooling can take years to implement, which is likely why Intel was willing to plunk down so much cash to ensure nothing futzes with its manufacturing timetable. The company's investment will presumably give it the clout to get ASML's crucial lithography equipment on the fast track to completion. Hop to it, fellas, we want our CPUs at bargain-basement prices, and we want them now.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Intel to buy 15 percent of silicon fab equipment maker ASML, wants manufacturing machines made faster originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR codes, NFC and stickers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/austrian-city-builds-public-library-with-qr-codes-nfc-stickers/

Strangely, the Austrian city of Klagenfurt doesn't have a public library, even though it hosts the Festival of German-Language Literature. However, an initiative dubbed Project Ingeborg is turning the municipality into a book repository of sorts with 70 QR code and NFC chip-equipped stickers. Plastered throughout town, they direct users to web pages where they can download public domain works, largely from Project Gutenberg. Oftentimes, e-books will be located in relevant locations -- so you'll be sure to find Arthur Schnitzler's The Killer near the police station, for example. Come August, the team behind the effort will partner with local talent to distribute books, music and other digital content too. In an effort to build a stronger bond to the location, the organizers have prevented search engines from indexing the links, so you'll have to visit Klagenfurt to access the curated goods. If you'd like to turn your city into a library, the group hopes to release instructions for replicating their system soon.

[Thanks, Michael]

Filed under: Cellphones

Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR codes, NFC and stickers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul ! 2012 06: 20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, July 09, 2012

Fujitsu unveils the Stylistic Q702 hybrid tablet and the LifeBook T902 convertible laptop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/fujitsu-stylistic-q702-lifebook-T902/

Back at Computex last month we saw dozens of Windows 8-ready Ultrabooks on display: sliding-ones, touchscreen ones, foldable ones. Curiously, though, there were virtually none aimed at businesses -- you know, one of Microsoft's key customer groups. Today, though, Fujitsu is unveiling not one, but two devices aimed at the corporate crowd: the Stylistic Q702 laptop/tablet hybrid and the LifeBook T902, a convertible laptop.

Starting with the Q702, it's an 11.6-inch tablet that works with an optional keyboard dock and also supports pen input. Yes, that's a form factor we know all too well at this point, but this one at least manages to differentiate itself with business-friendly features like TPM, Intel Anti-Theft technology, Computrace support and built-in WWAN and LTE connectivity (so far, we know AT&T, Verizon and Sprint will be on board). Under the hood, it runs Ivy Bridge processors (Core i3 or i5) with 4GB of RAM and an SSD with up to 128GB of storage space. As you'd expect of an 11.6-inch Windows tablet, the resolution is 1,366 x 768, though Fujitsu also added Gorilla Glass coating and ratcheted the brightness up to 400 nits. On its own, the 1.88-pound tablet is rated for 4.5 hours of runtime (the dock adds an extra 5.5). Speaking of which, in addition to a built-in battery, the dock adds two USB 2.0 / 3.0 ports, Ethernet jack and VGA.

Moving on, the LifeBook T902 replaces this guy with a higher-res 13-inch Gorilla Glass display (1,600 x 900 this time) and is powered by Ivy Bridge processors (i5 and i7 chips, to be precise). Inside th! at 4.1-p ound body you can cram up to 16GB of RAM, along with optional WWAN or LTE radios. It's also home to a modular bay, which you can use to add a spare battery or hard drive, or maybe even an optical drive. Fujitsu rates the battery life at up to 11 hours, but that's assuming you go ahead and buy that second battery. Here, too, you'll find security features like TPM and Computrace support, but unlike the Q702 tablet it adds a fingerprint sensor and IT-friendly vPro chips.

The Q702 and T902 will both ship with Windows 7, but are naturally upgradeable to Win8. Look for both to arrive sometime in the third quarter, with the Q702 hybrid starting at $1,099 and the T902 going for $1,899 and up. Full PR after the break, along with a press shot of the convertible.

Continue reading Fujitsu unveils the Stylistic Q702 hybrid tablet and the LifeBook T902 convertible laptop

Fujitsu unveils the Stylistic Q702 hybrid tablet and the LifeBook T902 convertible laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Optimus 4X HD review: runner-up to the quad-core throne

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/lg-optimus-4x-hd-review-runner-up-to-the-quad-core-throne/

More Info

LG has an ongoing smartphone problem: despite a few valiant efforts (the G2x comes to mind) the company continues to live in the shadow of rival Samsung. Most of this malaise can be attributed to hit-and-miss hardware combined with lackluster software (we're looking at you, Spectrum). Last February, at Mobile World Congress, LG spiced things up with an attractive collection of devices including the Optimus L7, Optimus Vu and Optimus 4X HD -- the latter being one of the first quad-core handsets announced. Now, six months later, we live in a world where the global versions of HTC's One X and Samsung's Galaxy S III dominate the superphone market and share the quad-core crown. With me-too features like a Tegra 3 processor, 4.7-inch HD display, 8-megapixel camera and Ice Cream Sandwich on board, the Optimus 4X HD appears ready to play in the big leagues. Does it succeed or is it just a flash in the pan? Is it all style over substance or does it bring something unique and meaningful to the table? Hit the break for our full review.

Gallery: LG Optimus 4X HD review

Continue reading LG Optimus 4X HD review: runner-up to the quad-core throne

Filed under: Cellphones

LG Optimus 4X HD review: runner-up to the quad-core throne origi! nally ap peared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter for D3200 review: using Android as a remote trigger / wireless display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/nikon-wu-1a-wireless-mobile-adapter-d3200-review-android/

In the world of DSLR shooting, you can certainly catch one's attention by mentioning one of two things: a wireless display, or a remote trigger setup. Neither of these are exactly fresh concepts, but Nikon has chosen a curious beast to highlight one of its most promising accessories to date. The $60 WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter primarily allows two things to happen. First, it enables your Android phone or tablet (and soon, iOS device) to act as a wireless display. You shoot an image, and within seconds, that image is ready for your ogling on a far larger display than the 3-incher found on the D3200's backside. For those looking for a far better way to review each shot without pulling out the laptop, this is it.

Nikon D3200 hands-on

Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device

Engadget Primed: Cameras

The other function -- the one we at Engadget were most intrigued by -- is the ability to use a mobile device to wirelessly trigger a shot. The adapter relies on WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) in order to converse with one's Android device, enabling a connection even when you're away from a cellular data signal or WiFi network. Frankly, we were overly bummed! to see the entry-level D3200 gain compatibility before full-frame shooters like the D800, D3S and D4 -- after all, it sure seems that professionals would be seeking these features more than novices. In the end, however, it's probably best that more spendy clients be kept far, far away from the disappointment. Join us after the break as we explain.

Gallery: Nikon WU-1a mobile wireless adapter hands-on

Continue reading Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter for D3200 review: using Android as a remote trigger / wireless display

Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, Software

Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter for D3200 review: using Android as a remote trigger / wireless display originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIT researchers develop chip that can harvest energy from multiple sources

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/mit-researchers-develop-chip-that-can-harvest-energy-from-multip/

We've seen a number of different devices that can harvest energy from various sources, but none quite like this new chip developed by a team of MIT researchers. It's able to harvest energy from three different sources simultaneously: light, heat and vibrations. The key to that is a sophisticated control system that's able to rapidly switch between the three sources at all times to prevent any of that energy from going to waste (and not draw too much power itself), with energy from the secondary sources stored in capacitors to be picked up later -- as opposed to existing systems that simply switch between sources based on what's most plentiful. As doctoral student Saurav Bandyopadhyay explains, efficiently managing those disparate sources could be a "big advantage since many of these sources are intermittent and unpredictable," and it could in turn lead to the chip being used in a range of different applications where batteries or existing energy harvesting methods just aren't enough: everything from environmental sensors in remote locations to biomedical devices.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Science

MIT researchers develop chip that can harvest energy from multiple sources originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of fee! ds.< /p>

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4D technology coming to 200 US cinemas to help you feel and smell the action

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/4d-technology-to-us-cinemas/

Booming 64-track soundtrack at the cinema making you yawn? Already jaded about 4K , 3D and high frame-rates? If so, a company called CJ Group out of Korea may be able to blast you from your stupor -- it's bringing so-called 4D to nearly 200 theaters stateside. That extra 'D' won't let you warp spacetime, but instead will bring your other senses into play with seats that move and thump, smells from things like flowers or gunpowder, and artificial wind, rain and lightening. All that extra stimulation could bump the freight of a seat by around eight bucks, and movie house owners will need to shell out half of the $2 million cost to retrofit each salon. But CJ Group claims it's been hugely popular in markets like Asia and Mexico, so theaters there have quickly recouped the cost. Of course, you wouldn't want all that strang and durm on certain films, but lots of cinematic squealers could use a good dose of extra lipstick.

4D technology coming to 200 US cinemas to help you feel and smell the action originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 16:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Google Chrome beta lets webcams go plugin-free, video chat gets a lot less Flashy

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/google-chrome-beta-lets-webcams-go-plugin-free/

Google has been talking up the prospects of integrating WebRTC into Chrome for the past several months. It's now ready to put theory into practice with a fresh beta of the web browser. The upgrade uses WebRTC to let typical microphones and webcams talk to the browser without using a plugin like Flash or something otherwise so very 2011. Just to embrace this future of direct hardware support ever the more tightly, Google is also building in a gamepad programming interface that lets controllers tap into Chrome without having to rely on Native Client's magic. There's more waiting at the source link, including more direct tie-ins with Cloud Print, so the more adventurous among us can get to chatting (and playing) right away.

Filed under: Peripherals, Internet, Software

New Google Chrome beta lets webcams go plugin-free, video chat gets a lot less Flashy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, ! 09 Jul 2 012 19:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code now available

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/android-4-1-jelly-bean-source-code-now-available/

Android Open Source Project technical lead Jean-Baptiste Queru has announced the source for the newest version of the OS, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (relive the releases for ICS, Gingerbread and Froyo), will be made available today. Currently, binaries are available for the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus, with Nexus S and Motorola Xoom versions promised soon. As usual, this gets the countdown started for more manufacturers to work on builds for their devices and means third party coders like CyanogenMod can dive in as well. One other thing we should be used to by now is a warning that it still may take some time for things to go live as the code is replicated. Hit the source link for all of the information on the latest build or hit the AOSP site for more information what exactly this is and how to get it.

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple TV? Nexus Q? Boxee? Here's The Ultimate Guide To Picking A Smart TV Box

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/best-tv-boxes-2012-7

google nexus Q

You now have a ton of choices to watch streaming content from the web on your big screen TV.

There are almost a dozen set top boxes like the apple TV out there, and several more so-called "Smart TVs" with streaming services built in.

Before you make a decision try to decide which features you care about the most, how much you are willing to spend and if you want to completely cut out cable, or complement your current cable subscription.

Here are the biggest contenders:

Best Box If You Don't Have An HD TV: Roku LT

The Roku LT box works with virtually any TV. This is particularly important for users who don't have a HDTV.

Enjoy features such as 500+ entertainment channels (Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, Amazon Prime, NBA, MLB, and more) including hundreds of free movies, and wireless connectivity.

Best Box To Watch Your Own Content: PS3

It's ridiculously simple to plug an external hard drive into the PS3 and watch your own content. PS3 sports an easy to use file management system that lets you see all your content and play it with the click of a button.

If you're a downloader and want to take your videos to the next level then the PS3 is for you.

Runner up: Boxee Box also lets you watch your own stuff from an external hard drive or SD card. You can do the same with the Xbox 360 does.

The Box With The Most Apps: Google TV

You can think of Google TV more like an operating system instead of an actual device. Google TV is built into actual TVs like this LG TV set.

Google TV is also baked into the new Vizio Co-Star. The Co-Star not only gives you access to apps through Google's Play store you can browse the web in full screen.

The benefit of Google's Play store is the ability to access thousands of apps, games, music streaming services, and more.

Being able to access a full-fledged app store clearly gives the Co-Star a win in this category.

Sony also makes a Google TV powered box that lets you access apps and search everything, even live TV.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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Microsoft Will Begin Selling Massive 82-Inch Tablets Running Windows 8 (MSFT)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/perceptive-pixel-windows-8-tablet-2012-7

windows 8 perceptive pixel large tablet

As part of its purchase of Perceptive Pixel today, Microsoft will start selling giant tablets running Windows 8.

This is the same 82-inch tablet Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was said to have hanging in his office. Now Microsoft will start selling those tablets, powered by Windows 8 of course, to business and education customers to use for presentations.

During a demo at Microsoft's keynote at its Worldwide Partners Conference in Toronto this morning, we saw a demo of the massive tablet from PPI's CEO. The 82-inch tablet is capable of thousands of multitouch inputs. You can also use multiple styluses on the tablet at the same time.

No word on cost or release date, however. Before the acquisition, PPI sold its 82-inch tablets for about $80,000. Steve Ballmer said Microsoft is working on making the Windows 8-powered devices more affordable for businesses.

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HP's Ivy Bridge-Equipped Envy 23 Offers Premium Style With at a Smaller Price [PCs]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5924337/hps-ivy-bridge+equipped-envy-23-offers-premium-style-with-at-a-smaller-price

Following the release of HP's Omni 27 all-in-one PC last year, a solid, if not exactly jaw-dropping offering, the company is back with the Envy 23, which carries the same design DNA and much of the same functionality, only with Ivy Bridge processors and a smaller screen.

The entertainment-geared PC comes with a 23-inch, 1920x1080 display with edge-to-edge glass, Ivy Bridge CPUs, up to 2 terabytes of storage, Beats audio enhancement, and the option of a HDMI-in, TV tuner and Blu-ray drive. Meant to compete with the likes of the Apple iMac and Dell XPS One 27, th consumer-targeted Envy 23 offers up further proof that all-in-ones are becoming the de facto standard for desktop PCs (as far as average users go). And the Envy 23 definitely has a quality look and feel to it that doesn't scream "CHEAP PIECE OF SHIT" when you look at it. If that isn't enough, then the $950 starting price tag might turn a few heads when it hits stores on August 5. [HP]

Sunday, July 08, 2012

PSA: Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ up for sale again at Google Play store (update: now shipping in '1-2 weeks')

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/07/psa-galaxy-nexus-hspa-up-for-sale-again-at-google-play-store/

And just like that it's back. Following a yesterday's temporary stay of the ban on Google's HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus by Judge Koh, the soon-to-be Jelly Bean-loaded device is again up for sale at the Play store -- and a bit earlier than expected. If you'll recall, Google notes that Android 4.1 apparently mitigates the issues brought up within the dispute by Apple, which has until July 12th to issue a response on the matter. Orders are slated to ship in ~~"two to three weeks,"~~ (see update below) so we'd suggest you grab one quick while it's fresh and tasty to ensure your taste buds get the latest Android sugar fix.

Update: Well that was quick. Just a few hours after going up for sale, the shipping estimate has been reduced from ''two to three weeks'' to ''one to two weeks.'' It's so close you can almost taste it.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

PSA: Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ up for sale again at Google Play store (update: now shipping in '1-2 weeks') originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 15:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feed! s.

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Foxconn fanless nano PCs get priced, dated and tweaked

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/07/foxconn-nano-pcs-get-priced-dated-and-tweaked/

Remember those Foxconn built nano PCs that surfaced back in May? The giant manufacturer recently made them official, detailing a few unexpected tweaks in a Russian language press release. Now decked out in a sleek black finish, the nettops will sport the same I/O, but one image courtesy of FanlessTech hints that DVI might be thrown into the mix despite lacking a mention in the official press release. The AT-5250 model won't be walking the Cedar Trail with an Atom D2700 as originally planned -- instead, its sights are set on a 1.86 GHz D2550. On the other hand, the AT-5600 will pack a Radeon HD 6320 alongside the anticipated AMD E450 APU. Surpassing their presumed sub-$200 price tag, they're set to ring up at $260 and $280, respectively, when they launch this September. Journey past the break for the translated press release.

Continue reading Foxconn fanless nano PCs get priced, dated and tweaked

Foxconn fanless nano PCs get priced, dated and tweaked originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 18:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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