Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Rumor: Apple Launching Giant iPod Touch Next Fall [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/msTTwVIXbec/rumor-apple-launching-giant-ipod-touch-next-fall

Citing "three independent sources close to Apple," one who has "actually held the device," TechCrunch says Apple is planning to release a giant iPod touch device with a seven- or nine-inch screen next fall.

In other words, it's a tablet running the scaled down version of OS X that's on the iPod touch and iPhone—not the MacBook touch tablet fanboys have been dreaming of since multitouch became a part of their fantasy lexicon, but very much like the Son-of-Newton PDA with an embedded version of OS X we'd heard about a year ago. What makes this giganto iPod touch worthwhile, according to Arrington—over a full-fledged MacBook tablet—is the App Store. (Of course, we'd heard rumors of touch tablet running both the App Store and real Mac apps, though the inherent philosophical dissonance of an App Store + real Mac apps approach never quite neatly resolved itself in our minds.)

One piece of evidence pointing to something like Arrington describes (besides those earlier Son-of-Newton tablet whispers) however, was the mysterious tidbit in October about an Apple product with "a display somewhere between an iPhone and a MacBook" spotted surfing the internets. An iPod touch ! HD w ith 800 or 720x480 resolution would fit in that space pretty nicely, and be an "interesting" take on the netbook.

Still, TechCrunch doesn't say this is an absolutely guaranteed happening: "I'm not saying Apple is definitely launching a large form iPod Touch." As with all rumored Apple products, we'll see it when we see it, probably 12 hours before it's actually announced (if it ever is) in a slightly grainy photo. [TechCrunch]



VuNow PoD Media Streamer Is Cheap and BitTorrent-Ready [Media Streaming]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/ZuLoo8yqwPQ/vunow-pod-media-streamer-is-cheap-and-bittorrent+ready

While even Blu-ray players are getting into the media streaming business, Verismo Networks has announced the $100/$150 VuNow PoD, promising everything from YouTube to BitTorrent in a clean Apple TVesque interface.

The palm-sized $100 VuNow PoD is standard def and equipped with ethernet, Wi-F and 2 USB ports out of the box.

It's almost hard to summarize everything that the VuNow plays back if you spring for the full (extra $30) codec package. It streams YouTube, Cinemanow, and all sorts of internet-based TV while magaging BitTorrent downloads. Plus it recognizes every codec under the sun through a NAS, networked PC, or just good old USB-based storage.
I know, many of you are shaking your heads at the standard def thing, but the VuNow will also be available in high definition (with HDMI) for $150. Luckily, the high def version includes that whole "premium codec package" thing for free.

Both models are available now on VuNow's site. [VuNow via Wired]



Nokia's 6208c now official, officially in love with stylus input

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/31/nokias-6208c-now-official-officially-in-love-with-stylus-input/

Nokia's 6208c (or 6208 classic, if you prefer) isn't arriving as a surprise, though it is quite nice to see it being made completely official. The rather unique handset was designed with the Chinese market in mind, as it boasts an integrated, removable stylus modeled after bamboo slips for inputting Chinese characters via pen. You'll also notice a stainless steel back cover, 3.2-megapixel camera (with twin LED flash), a 4x digital zoom and a microSD slot for expanding storage. Mum's the word on pricing, but it should be loosed in "select markets" during the first half of 2009.

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Nokia's 6208c now official, officially in love with stylus input originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android-Powered OpenMoko FreeRunner Spotted [Android]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/jApATZ9iMjc/android+powered-openmoko-freerunner-spotted

OpenMoko built the first 100% open-source smartphone—hardware and software both—when Android was but a glimmer in Larry and Sergey's eye. But now, the FreeRunner hardware is officially kissing its open-source cousin OS, Android.

Whether it's viewed as a natural move forward in the name of openness or a sign that no one in the world will ever use OpenMoko's own open-source OS—iMAndroid have some blurry-as-hell shots of the FreeRunner hardware running Google's open-source OS alternative. Either way, huge credit is due to OpenMoko, for fighting the good fight early on.

Still, the reliance on only 100% open hardware components means the FreeRunner is still hobbled by a GPRS-only data connection; that's late-90s tech, and for a data-heavy platform like Android, could be a monumental pain. Or maybe it will be the first Android phone with a battery that can last more than 12 hours without needing a reboost? Rounding out the specs is more typical smartphone fare: wi-fi, AGPS, Bluetooth, microSD slot, and a 400 MHz Samsung processor.

Price and availability are not yet available, but I would reckon CES will shed a bit more light on things. [iMAndroid]



LG Adds YouTube and CinemaNow to Blu-ray Players [Blu-Ray]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/m6QbJDxc4u4/lg-adds-youtube-and-cinemanow-to-blu+ray-players

I know what you've been thinking, Mr. Home Theater Enthusiast. "Why can't I watched low rez Flash clips on my awesome HDTV and Blu-ray player?" Thanks to LG...Now. You. Can.

LG has announced that their 2009 line of "Network Blu-ray Players" will not only include Netflix, but YouTube support along with CinemaNow downloads. They will unveil this new line of players next week at CES.

While many may interpret all this connectivity as a sign of actual home theater/internet convergence, a more skeptical onlooker may see LG hedging their bets on Blu-ray to entice consumers into buying new media players. Either way, I'll take it.

LG ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES NEW STREAMING CONTENT PARTNERS FOR ITS NETWORK BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS

LG to Offer Consumers Unparalleled Access to Streaming Entertainment from CinemaNow, YouTube and Netflix

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Dec. 30, 2008 – LG Electronics today announced the expansion of network entertainment options for its Network Blu-ray Disc players through new alliances with CinemaNow and YouTube™.

Available on new LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players in the first half of 2009, these new services complement LG's instant streaming from Netflix and advanced Blu-ray capabilities to deliver consumers an exceptional entertainment experience. (In 2008, LG was the world's first manufacturer to stream movies instantly from Netflix on a Network Blu-ray Disc Player.)

CinemaNow – an innovator in digital entertainment technology, delivering high-quality movies, TV shows and videos to users through online connectivity – and YouTube – a leading online video community for people to discover, watch, an! d share originally created videos – will be available in LG's 2009 line of Network Blu-ray Disc players to be unveiled next week at the 2009 International CES®.

"As millions of U.S. consumers view and download movies or TV shows through the Internet, they are demanding easier ways to access content and more home entertainment options," said Tim Alessi, director of product development, LG Electronics USA.

"From Blu-ray to instant streaming from Netflix to CinemaNow and YouTube, LG is bridging the gap between packaged media and video-on-demand services to provide entertainment solutions for consumers' demand for content," he said. "With these new alliances, LG continues its innovation leadership by allowing consumers easy access to multiple entertainment options in one device."

CinemaNow: Instant Streaming of Hollywood's Latest Hits

CinemaNow has pushed the envelope of digital video distribution, becoming the first Web site to offer Pay-Per-View movies from major studios and the first broadband distributor of high definition (HD) content. Collaborating with CinemaNow will enable LG Electronics to offer consumers access to more than 14,000 titles from the major movie studios, broadcast and cable television shows, more than 250 independent film titles and music videos from all major labels. Key benefits include the capability to:

* Browse the entire CinemaNow premium content catalog, including latest Hollywood hits,
* Instantly stream content to enjoy on compatible devices, and
* Access and watch movies purchased from other CinemaNow-powered stores.

"We are extremely pleased to be providing CinemaNow premium content services to these innovative new products from LG Electronics that are helping to drive convenient consumer access to digital entertainment at home," said Mark Ely, executive vice president of strategy, Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), parent company of CinemaNow.

YouTube: Original Streaming Video Content

Leading the ! way in p roviding unlimited access to online content, LG's alliance with a prolific online video community, YouTube, will allow consumers to instantly stream millions of Web videos directly from the Internet to an LG Network Blu-ray Player for viewing on their television (without a personal computer). Key benefits include:

o Unlimited access to millions of videos on topics such as current events, instructional videos for hobbies and interests, comedic and viral videos and

o Easy searching, thumbnail previews and multiple screen size viewing options.

Netflix: High Definition Instant Streaming

Now available to consumers as a free on-line upgrade, LG's first Network Blu-ray Disc Player (BD300) now delivers a growing number of Netflix titles in high-definition (HD). This new access to high-definition streaming content enhances the existing standard-definition streaming service that LG and Netflix first brought to consumers in 2008.

Future LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players will also offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix. Netflix members owning these devices pay one low monthly subscription for unlimited DVD rental and unlimited streaming.

LG's full line of Network Blu-ray Disc Players, additional new content alliances and other new products will be revealed at the LG Electronics CES press conference on Jan. 7, 2009 at the Venetian/Sands and will be on display at the 2009 International CES – Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.



OQO Model 02+ to Launch at CES With OLED Screen, Atom Processor, Touch Technology [Umpc]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/K1NXLbvMQyY/oqo-model-02%252B-to-launch-at-ces-with-oled-screen-atom-processor-touch-technology

OQO will launch a revamped version of their Model 02 UMPC, dubbing it the Model 02+ and endowing it with an OLED display, embedded touchscreen, Worldwide 3G internet, and a 1.86 GHz Atom processor.

Referenced in an email by trade event organizers Pepcom, the Model 02+ will be announced at CES. Further details are pretty nonexistent, seeing as this was mentioned in passing, but it will apparently be twice as fast as the Model 02 and will be on display next week in Vegas. [OQO Talk]



BlackBerry Curve 8900 And 8MP Samsung Memoir Look Certain For Feb. 18 on T-Mobile [Cellphones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/d0pRFYdPQ8M/blackberry-curve-8900-and-8mp-samsung-memoir-look-certain-for-feb-18-on-t+mobile

We had a strong suspicion before, but this release memo over at BGR appears to confirm that T-Mobile will get the Curve 8900 and the 8-megapixel Samsung Memoir (which has gone by a number of different names through its FCC process) on February 18. In other shocking news, the 3G-equipped TM506 will be available in January in...RED! [BGR]



MSI U115 Hybrid SSD / HDD netbook unleashed upon the world, could be awesome

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/29/msi-u115-hybrid-ssd-hdd-netbook-unleashed-upon-the-world-coul/


MSI's officially launched the U115 Hybrid netbook we saw not too long ago, which can operate both SSD and HDD drives at the same time. The 10-inch (1024 x 600 resolution) laptop primarily uses the SSD, reserving the HDD for storage, and boasts an "Eco Mode" button which will temporarily disconnect the HDD to save power. The hybrid functions should provide both a faster OS and longer battery life -- but we'll wait till the test results are in to form our opinions. If you've forgotten, spec-wise the U115's got a 1.60GHz Intel Atom CPU, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, plus 8GB SSD / 80GB HDD, 16GB SSD / 120GB HDD, and 32GB SSD / 160GB HDD storage options, and a 2 megapixel webcam. No word on pricing or release date for this bad boy yet. We'll keep our eyes peeled.

[Via PC Launches]

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MSI U115 Hybrid SSD / HDD netbook unleashed upon the world, could be awesome originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer's quad-core packing Aspire 8930G hits the streets, guns blazing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/29/acers-quad-core-packing-aspire-8930g-hits-the-streets-guns-bla/


Acer's just updated their 8930G gaming line, adding the 8930-7665 to its arsenal. This 18.4-inch beast boasts Intel's new (and surprisingly affordable) Core 2 Quad Mobile Q9000 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB 7200 SATA hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9700M GT graphics with 512MB of dedicated video memory. Other than that, it's identical to previous 8930G models. Sure, it's a little extreme, but hey -- why not? It's available now, if you're willing to drop $1800.

[Via CNET]

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Acer's quad-core packing Aspire 8930G hits the streets, guns blazing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Display plans to melt eyes with Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/29/lg-display-plans-to-melt-eyes-with-trumotion-480hz-lcd-tv/


Seriously, there's only so much picture improving you can do before the law of diminishing returns demands some recognition. While Sony just spent boatloads creating an over-the-top advertisement for its largely unimpressive 240Hz Motionflow technology, LG Display is laughing all the way to Vegas with its Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV. Set to debut at CES 2009, said panel will boast a four-millisecond response time and an unprecedented 480 refresh rate per second. Curiously, we're not informed of the screen size nor the resolution, so we could theoretically run into a 9-inch 320 x 240 display and be totally underwhelmed. On the real, the outfit is expected to launch the world's first Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV panel in the second half of next year, but we're just about to lay down good money that Sony or Samsung accelerates development in order to beat it to the punch. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading LG Display plans to melt eyes with Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV

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LG Display plans to melt eyes with Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Overclocking guide shows what Intel's Core i7 is / isn't capable of

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/overclocking-guide-shows-what-intels-core-i7-is-isnt-capable/


Oh sure, we've seen just how far Intel's most potent Core i7 chip can be pushed under the most extreme conditions, but honestly, how's that helping you? In short, it's not. To that end, HotHardware has whipped up a useful, easy-to-digest guide on overclocking the Core i7 920, complete with benchmarks, recommendations and tips for dealing with excess heat without hooking up a liquid nitrogen tank. Interested to see how to crank a stock 920 to a level that outpaces the pricey 3.2GHz Core i7 Extreme Edition? The read link, friends -- hit it.

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Overclocking guide shows what Intel's Core i7 is / isn't capable of originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG to debut world's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV (LH95) at CES

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/lg-to-debut-worlds-slimmest-led-backlit-lcd-tv-lh95-at-ces/


Not content with just making soap opera hair look like watery strands of gold, LG is also planning to trump last year's round of ultrathin LCD TVs by bringing the planet's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV to Las Vegas. Expected to garner fingerprints from every nationality at CES 2009, the LH95 will check in at just 24.8-millimeters thick (0.976-inches) and boast a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the outfit's 240Hz TrueMotion Drive dejudder technology. No word on a price or release date (or panel size, oddly enough), but hopefully we'll find out more in just under a fortnight.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

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LG to debut world's slimmest LED-backlit LCD TV (LH95) at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RunCore's 1.8-inch netbook SSDs now shipping, 2.5-inch 256GB edition coming soon

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/runcores-1-8-inch-netbook-ssds-now-shipping-2-5-inch-256gb-edi/


Remember those comparatively cheap RunCore SSDs we caught wind of last month? Yeah, well those puppies are shipping out. The unashamedly named 1.8-inch Low Cost Zif PATA SSDs can be sealed in a corrugated box and shipped off to your place of residence for $69.99, $119.99, $199.99 or $389.99 depending on size (16/32/64/128GB, respectively). If you're looking for a bit more room and have the space to install it, the February-bound 256GB Pro III Hyper Speed 2.5-inch SATA SSD is right down your alley. The drive boasts a maximum read rate of 230MB/sec and a top write speed of 150MB/sec; unfortunately, that whole "low cost" mantra fades a bit on this one, with the $699.99 list price causing the eyes to open just a wee bit wider.

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RunCore's 1.8-inch netbook SSDs now shipping, 2.5-inch 256GB edition coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG plugs YouTube, CinemaNow into next year's Blu-ray players

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/lg-plugs-youtube-cinemanow-into-next-years-blu-ray-players/


Never satisfied with offering only a Blu-ray disc player (see 2007's BH100 Blu-ray + HD DVD combo and 2008's Netflix-streaming BD300), LG is upping the ante for '09, promising support for YouTube and CinemaNow videos on its next gen decks. Along with the now-standard Netflix, owners can browse CinemaNow pay-per-view offerings (or other stores powered by the service) abd thumb through YouTube's catalog directly from the device. Unmentioned in the PR fluff is additional info like price and more detailed specs, but expect all to become (hopefully) clear January 7 in Las Vegas.

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LG plugs YouTube, CinemaNow into next year's Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OQO bringing Atom-powered Model 2+ UMPC to CES

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/oqo-bringing-atom-powered-model-2-umpc-to-ces/


If it feels like forever to you since OQO's Model 02 hit the market, your instincts are pretty darn good. But if you were overly optimistic that the Atom-powered prototype it showed off back in August (pictured) would eventually become a reality, you -- sir or madam -- take today's golden crown. In a recent Digital Experience! email blasted out to media members worldwide (full blurb is after the break), we're very clearly told that OQO will be on hand to demonstrate its new Model 2+. Said UMPC will pack a 1.86GHz Intel Atom CPU, a touchscreen OLED display, 2GB of RAM and global 3G connectivity. OQO even goes so far as to say that it will offer performance "up to twice as fast as its predecessor." Did our heart just skip a beat over a UMPC? Why, yes it did!

[Via GottaBeMobile]

Continue reading OQO bringing Atom-powered Model 2+ UMPC to CES

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OQO bringing Atom-powered Model 2+ UMPC to CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation 3 used to hack SSL, Xbox used to play Boogie Bunnies

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/hackers-playstation-3-make-ssl-much-less-secure/


Between the juvenile delinquent hordes of PlayStation Home and some lackluster holiday figures, the PlayStation has been sort of a bummer lately, for reasons that have nothing to do with its raison d'etre -- gaming. That doesn't mean that the machine is anything less than a powerhouse -- as was made clear today when a group of hackers announced that they'd beaten SSL, using a cluster of 200 PS3s. By exploiting a flaw in the MD5 cryptographic algorithm (used in certain digital signatures and certificates), the group managed to create a rogue Certification Authority (CA) which allows them to create their own SSL certificates -- meaning those authenticated web sites you're visiting could be counterfeit, and you'd have no way of knowing. Sure, this is all pretty obscure stuff, and the kids who managed the hack said it would take others at least six months to replicate the procedure, but eventually vendors are going to have to upgrade all their CAs to use a more robust algorithm. It is assumed that the Wii could perform the operation just as well, if the hackers had enough room to spread out all their Balance Boards.

[Via ZD Net]

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PlayStation 3 used to hack SSL, Xbox used to play Boogie Bunnies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EMTEC bringing 10-inch Gdium netbook to America for $400

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/emtec-bringing-10-inch-gdium-netbook-to-america-for-400/


While EMTEC clearly knows how to have a good time, it's getting back to business with the Gdium. If you'll recall, we heard about this here netbook eons ago, but since then, we've been too overwhelmed by countless Eee models and various changes in Wind direction to even give this fellow a second thought. Now, however, we're told that the firm will be debuting the 10-inch netbook at CES in preparation for a US release. The Linux-based machine will come loaded with loads of open source software as well as a G-Key, which is described as "a bootable USB key on which the Linux operating system, applications, and personal data are stored." Expect it to ship in white, black and pink sometime between January and the end of time for $400.

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EMTEC bringing 10-inch Gdium netbook to America for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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