Ice Cream Sandwich takes a bite out of Gingerbread, represents 15.9 percent of Android devices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/ice-cream-sandwich-now-on16-percent-of-android-devices/

Two major updates later (three if you count the tablet-exclusive Honeycomb), and Gingerbread is finally starting to falter. According to Google's latest two week survey of devices accessing the Play store, Ice Cream Sandwich is on the rise, filling out 15.9-percent of the Android user base. That's a full five points ahead of Android 4.0's July score, and it's eating into the OS' other flavors: Gingerbread (Android 2.3) dropped by 3.4-percent, Froyo (Android 2.2) by 1.8 and Eclair (Android 2.1) by a meager half a percent. Google's latest confectionery update, Jelly Bean (Android 4.1), made an appearance as well, eking out a shy 0.8-percent of the market. Check out Google's collection of charts for yourself at the source link below or let us know where your devices falls in the comments.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCs, Software

Ice Cream Sandwich takes a bite out of Gingerbread, represents 15.9 percent of Android devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 22:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung starts mass-producing 4x faster mobile flash memory, kickstarts our phones and tablets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/02/samsung-starts-mass-producing-4x-faster-mobile-flash-memory/

Samsung isn't content to leave fast NAND flash memory to traditional solid-state drives. Its Pro Class 1500 promises a big jolt to the performance of frequently pokey smartphone and tablet storage. By how much? That name is a clue -- it reaches 1,500 IOPS (inputs/outputs per second) when writing data, which along with 3,500 IOPS data reads is about four times faster than any previous embedded flash chip Samsung has tested. In the real world, that leads to as much as 140MB/s when reading data and 50MB/s for writes. The speed comes after Samsung has thrown virtually every trick in the book at its new chips, including a dense 20-nanometer manufacturing process, quick toggle DDR 2.0 memory with its own controller and a new JEDEC memory standard with 200MB/s of bandwidth to spare. Samsung hasn't named customers for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB parts that are rolling out of the factories, although we'd do well to remember that a flourishing phone business doesn't guarantee that the only major customer is Samsung itself: even in the face of legal challenges, Samsung still has at least one noteworthy client that tends to snap up much of its flash supply.

Continue reading Samsung starts mass-producing 4x faster mobile flash memory, kickstarts our phones and tablets

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCs, Storage

Samsung starts mass-producing 4x faster mobile flash memory, kickstarts our phones and tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 01:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon pricing spotted in Hong Kong

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/02/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon-pricing-spotted-in-hong-kong/

Lenovo floated the ThinkPad X1 Carbon past us in May without so much as a whisper of what the lightweight Ultrabook's price would be. The company doesn't mind shouting it out in what looks to be a Hong Kong back-to-school promo flyer, though. As long as the Newsmth.net post represents the final pricing, local residents can normally expect to pay about HK$12,880 ($1,660 US) for an X1 Carbon with a 1.7GHz Core i5, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. That's quite the premium if you compare it directly to what we see in the US for a PC like the Samsung Series 9, although it's tricky to tell if prices will be comparable on the other side of the Pacific: there's no sales tax in Hong Kong, among other factors. Even if the price varies by the time of the US launch later this summer, students in the city are already getting a discount to HK$9,180 ($1,184) that suggests at least some wiggle room if competition among Ultrabooks grows especially fierce.

[Thanks, Sam]

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon pricing spotted in Hong Kong originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos teases G10 xs with first press shot, vows launch in three weeks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/02/archos-teases-g10-xs-with-first-press-shot/

Previously, Archos has only ever given us a fleeting glimpse of the G10 xs tablets it's planning to launch this year -- FCC filings don't count. Cogs in the company's media machine are turning once again, as the company has posted a teaser press image on Facebook with confirmation that a launch is just three weeks away. It's difficult to read the tea leaves from the oblique shot we're given, although we already know that the Android 4.0 slate will support microSD, mini-HDMI and a connector for that Eee Pad Transformer-style keyboard dock. Our main questions now center on when the G10 xs pops up in the US as well as the degree of bang we'll get for our buck.

Filed under: Tablet PCs

Archos teases G10 xs with first press shot, vows launch in three weeks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 03:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazing 'Fire Rainbow' Image Captured In South Florida

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/amazing-fire-rainbow-image-captured-in-south-florida-2012-8

So-called "fire rainbows" are neither on fire nor are they rainbows, but they sure are stunning.

They are technically known as iridescent clouds, a relatively rare phenomenon caused by clouds of water droplets of nearly uniform size, according to a release by NASA. These clouds diffract, or bend, light in a similar manner, which separates out light into different wavelengths, or colors.

That makes them similar to rainbow-colored glories, which are also formed by diffraction, and also produce an oscillating pattern of colors ranging from blue to green to red to purple and back to blue again.

Although iridescent clouds have rainbow-like colors, the way light is scattered to produce them is slightly different. Rainbows are formed by refraction and reflection. When light is refracted, it is bent by passing through mediums of different densities, such as water or a prism. Reflected light bounces off a surface at an angle equal to the angle it hit the surface at. Diffraction, though, involves light waves being scattered into a ring-like pattern.

As with other iridescent objects, like peacock feathers, the color changes depending upon one's position relative to the sun and the object.

Iridescence usually occurs in newly formed clouds. That appears to be the case here as well. According to the Weather Channel, these are pileus clouds caused by a fast-growing thunderstorm that shoved air into the upper atmosphere through a layer of moisture. This created a fog-like cloud that looks like a glowing dome atop the thunderstorm.

Iridescent clouds are not to be confused with circumhorizontal arcs, which form bands of color parallel to the horizon.

The phenomenon was captured in a photo taken on Tuesday (July 31) in the clouds over South Florida.

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700 Lumen LED Headlamp Is Like Strapping a Miniature Sun To Your Forehead [Flashlights]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5930951/700-lumen-led-headlamp-is-like-strapping-a-miniature-sun-to-your-forehead

It's probably not the safest idea to be out in the woods, or swooshing down a mountain on skis, in the middle of the night. Unless you've got Petzl's upcoming Ultra Rush headlamp strapped to your head, with 700 lumens to illuminate everything that goes bump in the night—or that you might bump into.

For comparison, an LED MagLite powered by three D-sized batteries produces just 131 lumens, so this lamp blasts forth a surprising amount of light given its size. There's no pricing or availability details besides a vague promise of a 2013 release, but the Ultra Rush will apparently come with a rechargeable battery pack and four brightness levels. And it's safe to assume that when set to its full brightness level of 700 lumens, the Ultra Rush's battery life will be severely limited. Which is why you're able to turn it down during those times you don't need to simulate daylight in the middle of the night.

[Petzl via Gear Junkie]

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Google Wallet moves to the cloud, opens up to all credit and debit cards

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/google-wallet-moves-to-the-cloud-opens-up-to-all-credit-and-deb/

Google Wallet has been hampered by a number of limitations since its launch, not the least of which is its limited device compatibility. Perhaps a bigger problem though, was its lack of support for most major credit and debit cards. Today that finally changes with the latest version of Big G's mobile payment system. Now you'll be able to use any credit or debit card you wish, and take them with you from one device to the next. Early versions of the digital wallet used the phones secure local storage to protect your card info, now it's all in the cloud allowing you to sync your preferred payment method across multiple devices and keep track of both your online and in-store purchase's through Google's web Wallet. Perhaps most importantly though, Mountain View has upped the security ante, by allowing you to disable individual devices, should a tragedy befall your beloved Nexus. For more info check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Google Wallet moves to the cloud, opens up to all credit and debit cards

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCs, Software

Google Wallet moves to the cloud, opens up to all credit and debit cards originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meizu MX 4-core review

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/meizu-mx-4-core-review/

More Info

• Meizu MX review
• Meizu MX 4-core announced
• Meizu MX 4-core hands-on

If it feels like yesterday you read our in-depth review of the dual-core Meizu MX, you're not too far from the truth. In reality, it's been just over seven months and we've already moved onto the smartphone's quad-core sequel, aptly named the Meizu MX 4-core. Not only is it easy to confuse the two phones by name, but good luck trying to tell which one is which. Indeed, the two handsets are quite similar both inside and out, with the exception of some improvements in a couple rows on the 'ol spec sheet.

The biggest surprise isn't necessarily the speed with which the company cranked out a second MX, and it's not even the reasonable price (HK$3,099, or US$400, or the 32GB version, and HK$4,099 / US$530 for the 64GB). Nope, it's seeing Meizu, a manufacturer known for its copycat products, evolving into a relevant player beyond its native China. So how does this latest effort stack up? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Meizu MX 4-core overview

Continue reading Meizu MX 4-core review

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software

Meizu MX 4-core review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackmagic Cinema Camera pushed back a few weeks, new footage shown

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/blackmagic-cinema-camera-delayed-new-footage/

Unfortunately, there's a delay for cinéastes anxiously awaiting their 12-bit RAW Blackmagic Cinema Cameras, but the news isn't all bad. The camera is "in the final stages of Thunderbolt certification and internal testing" and manufacturing will follow as soon as that's done -- probably in the second week of August, according to the company. It will still hit the market with the $2,995 price tag, Canon or Zeiss lense mounts, Super 16 sensor and built-in SSD recorder intact. In more positive news, the company has identified the cause of aliasing noticed by some viewers and blames it on the workflow used. It's posted a few new videos to back up the claim, which can be viewed at the source link below. Considering the company might soon have nearly identical competition, it's probably best to work out any bugs before shipping a boatload out to finicky cinema clients.

Gallery: Blackmagic Cinema Camera

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Blackmagic Cinema Camera pushed back a few weeks, new footage shown originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Man Responsible for the iPhone and iPad CPU Just Left Apple for AMD [Apple]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5930795/the-man-responsible-for-the-iphone-and-ipad-cpu-just-left-apple-for-amd

Apple's homegrown processors in their iOS devices are pretty awesome, able to outperform—and in some cases, blow away—other mobile chipsets. Jim Keller, one of the men largely responsible for that feat, is leaving. Where is he going? AMD. Ouch.

According to 9to5mac, Keller was an employee at PA Semi when the company was acquired by Apple, and while at Apple, was listed as "A4/A5 Designer & K8 Lead Architect." Of course, what makes this all the more intriguing is that Keller was hired by and will work under Mark Papermaster, a former iPhone employee who was dismissed after the whole Antennagate debacle came to light in 2010. Regardless your feelings about AMD, you can't deny that they now have two very talented employees. [9to5mac]

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AMD poaches Apple's platform architecture lead to head up CPU team

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/amd-poaches-apples-platform-architecture-lead/

We suppose after a reasonably high-profile defection of one of AMD's own to Apple, the Sunnyvale company had to exact revenge. That payback was announced today in the form of Jim Keller, the now former platform architecture head in Cupertino, who will be joining AMD as corporate vice president and chief architect of its microprocessor unit. In a statement, the company said that Keller will be leveraging his "low-power design expertise," possibly as part of its oft-rumored ARM plans. Keller previously worked as VP of design at P.A. Semi before being brought into the Apple fold where he played an important role in the development of the processors inside the iPad, iPhone and Apple TV. With AMD struggling to keep pace with Intel in both the desktop and laptop space, a move into low-powered mobile chips could be a plan to stave off more dire days. Check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading AMD poaches Apple's platform architecture lead to head up CPU team

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

AMD poaches Apple's platform architecture lead to head up CPU team! ori ginally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/roku-streaming-stick-ready-manufacturers/

Roku unveiled its miniaturized Streaming Stick at CES, and while we still don't have an exact release date or price tag, the company has produced a list of manufacturers that will deliver "Roku Ready" hardware. That list is comprised of Element Electronics; GlobalVue International, LLC; Haier; Hitachi America, Ltd.; Insignia / Best Buy (which already tried out this strategy once with the whatever-happened-to-the TiVo-powered cTV); Mitsubishi Electric (TVs); Onkyo and Integra; OPPO and TMAX Digital, Inc.(Apex Digital(R) TVs). In case you've forgotten, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs into MHL-compatible HDMI ports to not only feed video to the HDTV, receiver or other device, but also accept remote control inputs and power, and brings its own WiFi hookup for internet access. That way, users can add this single accessory to make a "dumb" flat panel into a connected TV all without any extra cords or switching remotes, and, if necessary, easily upgrade in the future.

As CEO Anthony Wood mentioned just days ago Roku's current focus is finding companies willing to work together to provide a well integrated experience for the add-on. To make that clear for potential buyers, Roku Ready devices like HDTVs, receivers and Blu-ray players will not only be stampe! d with a logo to show they're compatible, some will arrive with the dongle packed in. Its due date is set for "the coming weeks" so it shouldn't be long until we nail down the other details about the Roku Streaming Stick -- all currently available information can be found in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Roku Streaming Stick hands-on

Continue reading Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Roku Streaming Stick ready devices will come from Insignia, Mitsubishi, Onkyo, Oppo and others originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, ! 01 Aug 2 012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raspberry Pi gets Ice Cream Sandwich up and running, sounds delicious

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/raspberry-pi-android-ice-cream-sandwich/

Work on Raspberry Pi just doesn't stop, and the latest news from the programming box's official blog is that its already got Google's (second) newest Android iteration running on the tinker toy. While this early version is reportedly working smoothly, with hardware-accelerated graphics already in place, a developer is still working on adding support for AudioFlinger, Android's native audio software. This Raspberry-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich apparently runs on both a kernel and VideoCore binary image that's currently not publicly available. The team is still looking into whether the two code lines can be wrapped into a single entity before it offers up the source to its users. See how the experimental pairing fares in a quick video runthrough after the break.

Continue reading Raspberry Pi gets Ice Cream Sandwich up and running, sounds delicious

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Software

Raspberry Pi gets Ice Cream Sandwich up and running, sounds delicious originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR project hits Kickstarter, developer kits start at $300

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/oculus-rift-kickstarter-john-carmack/

We heard late last month that the John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR headset would be hitting Kickstarter any day now, and it turns out today is that day. The project has just launched on the crowd-funding site with a goal of $250,000. To reach that, the team (led by company founder Palmer Lucky) is offering a variety pledge options, starting with posters and t-shirts for $15 and $25 (or $10 for a simple thanks), and of course the headset itself that is initially only being offered as a developer kit. It will set you back $300, which also includes a copy of Doom 3 BFG, and is expected to start shipping in December (signed kits and a complete bundle are available as well). Those that act fast can also snag one of 100 unassembled prototype kits, which run $275 and ship a month earlier in November. Despite that developer-only status, though, the project is already off to an impressive start -- it's raised over $50,000 as of this writing. You can find the usual video overview of the project after the break.

Update: The 100 prototype kits are now sold out, and the project itself has already sailed past the $100,000 mark. John Carmack also tweeted that he's not "backing" the project in any official capacity, only endorsing it as a "wonderful advancement in VR tech."

Continue reading John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR project hits Kickstarter, developer kits start at $300

Filed under: Peripherals, Wearables

John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR project hits Kickstarter, developer kits start at $300 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Philips' Mini Hi-Fi System lets you dock iPhones, spins them into turntables

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/01/philips-mini-hi-fi-system-300w-iphone-dock/

The iDevice clique's had no shortage of options when it comes to choosing DJ-friendly gear. Now one of the latest peripherals to enter the spinning market is Philips' Mini Hi-Fi System, which boasts a modest 300W total output power and offers a cozy turntable canvas that has docking room for a couple of iPhones -- in theory, iPod touches should be okay to fit as well. Furthermore, the beat-inducing apparatus is also compatible with that rather popular djay application for iOS, making it easier to mix, scratch and blast all your favorite tunes in one place. Philips launched this Mini Hi-Fi add-on a while back, but today it's finally placing it up for grabs in the UK for a hefty £300, or about $470 if you're this side of the Atlantic. Be sure to click on past the jump to quickly gaze at a largely appealing pic gallery.

Gallery: Philips Mini Hi-Fi System press shots

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

Philips' Mini Hi-Fi System lets you dock iPhones, spins them into turntables originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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