Saturday, August 10, 2013

Guys That Invented Encrypted Email Say Email Can Never Be Safe From NSA Snooping

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/silent-circle-shutters-private-email-service-2013-8

Phil Zimmerman

Silent Circle, a company founded by Internet Hall of famer Phil Zimmermann, famous privacy expert Jon Callas, and a couple of Navy Seals, has shut down its secure email service.

They shuttered it because email can't be secured in a way that would prevent a government agency like the NSA from snooping, the founders said.

All email messages "leak metadata" they say. That information includes data about who you are talking to and where you are. That info is visible even if the message itself is encrypted.

"E-mail as we know it today is fundamentally broken from a privacy perspective," Callas says. That's a pretty strong statement coming from this particular guy.

Zimmermann and Callas were the creators and cofounders of Pretty Good Privacy in the 1990s. PGP was one of first technologies to encrypt email to prevent spying.

Last year, they launched a new service, Silent Circle, that encrypts mobile phone calls, video calls and texts. Since smartphones also handle email, Silent Circle was encrypting email.

But now it's pulling the plug on the email portion of their service. The company says that it has not been asked to add a back door or to turn over emails. It is closing the service preemptively.

If you want to see what someone can learn about you by looking at your email metadata, here's a tool called Immersion that will show you.  It was created by a team at the MIT Media Lab.

SEE ALSO: 10 Awesome Apps To Protect Your Smartphone

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Friday, August 09, 2013

This Multi-Camera Rig Lets Sports Fans Watch Any Angle They Want

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-multi-camera-rig-lets-sports-fans-watch-any-angle-1077067721

This Multi-Camera Rig Lets Sports Fans Watch Any Angle They Want

There's usually a talented director calling the shots at televised live events like sports or a concert, but researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute want to put some of the control in the hands of the viewer at home. They've developed the OmniCam360, an ultra-compact 360 degree camera weighing in at just over 30 pounds that can be easily set up by a single operator.

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Article: HP's 20-inch mega-tablet, the Envy Rove 20

The good: The HP Envy Rove 20 costs a bit less than some other tabletop PCs, includes great audio, and runs long enough to watch a couple of movies without being plugged in.

The bad: It's heavier than some comparable big-screen systems, uses a lower-end CPU, and the 20-inch...

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-envy-rove-20/4505-3118_7-35770018.html?subj=cnet&tag=title

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HWiNFO Provides More Info About Your Computer Than You'll Ever Need

Source: http://lifehacker.com/hwinfo-provides-more-info-about-your-computer-than-you-1044830886

HWiNFO Provides More Info About Your Computer Than You'll Ever Need

Windows: When it comes to diagnosing hardware problems, there's not such thing as too much information. HWiNFO gets credit for trying to push that limit, though.

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Roku's updated iOS app now lets you stream video directly from your iPhone to its set-top boxes.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/rokus-updated-ios-app-now-lets-you-stream-video-directl-1075606513

Roku's updated iOS app now lets you stream video directly from your iPhone to its set-top boxes. Which is neat.

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Textbooks now available through Google Play Books in US, iOS app updated to match

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/textbooks-now-available-through-google-play-books-in-us/

Google Play Books textbooks

Google promised us that it would offer textbooks through Google Play Books this month, and it's living up to its word. American students can now buy educational titles or rent them for six months, with prices frequently undercutting paper editions. Appropriately, Google has updated its Google Play Books app for iOS to support rentals like its Android and web counterparts. The launch is a painful reminder that the fall semester is just around the corner, but college-goers who want to be prepared can check out the source links.

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Source: Google Play, App Store

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Silent Circle follows Lavabit's example, shuts down its secure email service

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/silent-circle-follows-lavabits-example-shuts-down-its-secure-e/

Silent Circle follows Lavabit's example, shuts down its secure email service

Silent Circle's thing has always been the promise of end-to-end secure communications, and that drive is apparently causing it to shut down the Silent Mail email service. Reasons cited in a blog post by CTO Jon Callas include the insecure nature of email protocols and preemptively avoiding the outside (read: FISA) pressures that prompted Lavabit to close its doors. Silent Circle says it hadn't received any "subpoenas, warrants, security letters, or anything else". Still, CEO Michael Janke tells TechCrunch he believed the government would come knocking due to certain high profile users of the service. Its phone, video and text products remain operational and claim to be "secure as ever", if you're wondering.

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Source: Silent Circle

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inWatch One smartwatch has GSM connectivity and a heavily skinned version of Android

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/09/inwatch-one-smart-watch-china/

inWatch One smartwatch has GSM connectivity and a heavily skinned version of Android

From Kickstarter projects to rumored devices from the biggest gadget manufacturers on earth, smartwatches of all kinds are popping up all over the world. The latest such wearable was unearthed by our good friends at Engadget Chinese, and is called inWatch One. It sets itself apart from other smartwatches with a custom version of Android 4.0 and a GSM SIM card slot to give your wrist access to mobile voice and data networks. inWatch has a 1.54-inch 240 x 240 capacitive display, a dual-core 1.2GHz CPU of unknown origin, a 2-megapixel camera and a 500mAh battery. Connectivity comes courtesy of the aforementioned GSM (likely for China-friendly 900/1800/2100 MHz bands), WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS radios. As for that custom Android build, dubbed inDroid, its been tailored to fit the watch's smaller screen and works with some of China's most popular apps; WeChat, Sina Weibo, QQ and Baidu music are all supported. Interested? It's available now on the company's website for RMB 1,788 million (about $293 US).

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Via: Engadget Chinese

Source: inWatch (Chinese)

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Dev's CyanogenMod tweak sends content from most apps to Chromecast (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/09/cyanogenmod-chromecast-tweak/

Dev's CyanogenMod tweak sends content from most apps to Chromecast video

ClockworkMod dev Koushik Dutta is showing off another Android tweak that proves what can be done with Google's Chromecast dongle. Following up on his Phone to Chromecast Android app, and a Chrome extension that did the same, now he's added framework extensions to CyanogenMod that pipe audio and video content from any app -- that uses the system's default media player -- straight to the Chromecast. This should apparently work for pretty much anything, as he describes it plays locally stored content or streaming stuff like podcasts. In the demo video (embedded after the break) he shows it working with Twit.tv and BeyondPod. As with the previous examples, this isn't available for mass consumption just yet, but hit the source link to get a peek and ask any questions you have about how it works.

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Source: Koushik Dutta (Google+)

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Thursday, August 08, 2013

Isis Mobile Wallet teams up with American Express for nationwide rollout

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/isis-mobile-wallet-american-express-serve/

DNP American Express Serve comes to Isis Mobile Wallet

Isis is gearing up to expand its Mobile Wallet service nationwide in the coming months, but its plans don't end there. The company has just announced that it's teaming up with American Express to bring the latter's Serve platform to Isis Mobile Wallet. Serve account holders will be able to make use of most of the features they already expect from Amex, like loading cash to their accounts, paying bills electronically and adding funds via direct deposit. By joining up with Isis, Serve is now unlocking the Mobile Wallet's capabilities, like NFC-powered payments at participating retail locations. Though Isis is currently limited to Austin and Salt Lake City, the company -- now with Amex on its side -- hopes to reach customers coast to coast before the year is out, though we don't have a specific date for availability just yet. For more info, check out the press release after the break.

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NVIDIA CEO: 'We're going to bring it with the second generation Surface'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/nvidia-jen-hsun-huang-microsoft-surface-2/

NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang has confirmed to CNET that a followup to the Surface RT is in development, and that it will apparently continue to use NVIDIA hardware inside. Recently news concerning the ARM-powered version of Microsoft's tablet hasn't been good, with a $900 million inventory charge and price cuts for both the RT and Pro. According to Jen-Hsun Huang, the addition of an Outlook mail app in Windows 8.1 can be the killer app the platform has been missing, and the company hopes it will be a big success. Rumors for the next gen of Surface have hinted at Microsoft offering Qualcomm chips in some models as well a smaller 7-inch version. NVIDIA may have some Tegra 4-specific features to contribute on the latter, we'll see if its can take a bigger bite out of the tablet market on their second attempt.

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Source: CNET

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How Thomas Kinkade Helped Prove That Art Can Be Scientifically Bad

Source: http://gizmodo.com/how-thomas-kinkade-helped-prove-that-art-can-be-scienti-1066345777

How Thomas Kinkade Helped Prove That Art Can Be Scientifically Bad

What’s your favorite meal? Logically, your answer depends on the foods you’re familiar with. Now here’s another question: Who’s your favorite painter? Turns out the same logic doesn't apply. A new study that pits Thomas Kinkade against 19th century painter John Everett Millais has proven that some art actually is objectively good or bad—contradicting what scientists previously assumed about aesthetics.

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Is it really practical to live in all these awesome modern houses?

Source: http://roadtrippers.kinja.com/ferris-buellers-day-off-glass-house-on-market-again-1067053678/1068238416

Is it really practical to live in all these awesome modern houses?

The Rose House—the most important modernist building in the Chicago area, featured in John Hughes' movie Ferris Bueller's Day Offis back on sale for just $1.5 million. That's three times in three years! Is this house haunted or just a mess to maintain?

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The Kindle Fire HD Is Cheaper Than It's Ever Been

Source: http://gizmodo.com/the-kindle-fire-hd-is-cheaper-than-its-ever-been-1070710709

The Kindle Fire HD Is Cheaper Than It's Ever Been

In case you haven't noticed yet, Amazon's been hitting its Kindle Fire HD 7-inch with sale after sale, and right now, you can pick one up for the lowest price ever in its relatively short history—a cool $160 compared to the usual $200.

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The Intersection of Comic Books and Infographics in One Glorious Book

Source: http://gizmodo.com/the-intersection-of-comic-books-and-infographics-in-one-1070973118

The Intersection of Comic Books and Infographics in One Glorious Book

Many comics aren't worth reading. Many infographics don't say anything at all. But when one of the keenest visual minds targets one of the most expansive visual mediums, wonderful things happen. Tim Leong's Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe is the perfect collision. And I want it.

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Aereo continues expansion, plans service rollout in Miami, Houston and Dallas-Ft. Worth

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/aereo-new-market-expansion-dallas-houston-miami/

Aereo continues push into new markets, plans September service rollout in Miami, Houston and DallasFt Worth

For a company's that's mired in legal red tape, Aereo's nationwide expansion isn't showing any signs of slowing. The streaming service, which uses an antenna / DVR system to deliver local broadcast stations, will soon launch in three additional major cities -- Houston and Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX; Miami, FL -- in a rollout scheduled to complete by the end of September. Interested parties can head to Aereo's site now to get a leg up on pre-registration for the service, with rates starting at $8/mo for 20 hours of DVR storage. Take note, the first month's gratis, but after that it's the same old subscription ball-and-chain just like any other. And, hey, at least this is one way to guarantee Moonves' content kingdom and his trusty Chenbot still have a home on your flatscreen or iPad or, you know, device.

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HTC One X+ gains BlinkFeed and Zoe Share in unofficial Android 4.2.2 leak (update)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/htc-one-x-leaked-android-jellybean-update-blinkfeed-zoe-share/

HTC One X gains BlinkFeed and Zoe Share in Android 422 update

No, the global One X+ isn't getting an update to Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5 -- not yet, anyway. A round of recent reports have incorrectly stated that an OTA update for the global One X+ has begun rolling out to users' handsets. The purported update, which brings with it a host of HTC's newest features like Zoe Share and BlinkFeed, is in fact a leaked RUU and not an official software release, as HTC confirmed to us. That's not to say a true update isn't on the way -- it is -- but the company's not committing to a specific timeframe for that just yet. One X+ owners, you'll have to hold onto hope just a little bit longer.

Update: It appears HTC's Taiwanese site may have posted that update for users after all. A link on the company's site clearly outlines the Android 4.2.2 / Sense 5 update as available for users. We've reached out to HTC once again for clarification and will update this post accordingly.

Update 2: HTC has confirmed that only the Taiwanese version of the One X+ is currently receiving the update. Still no word as to when that OTA will hit the global model, but it sure can't be far off now.

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Source: HTC

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LG G2 confirmed to arrive on Three and O2 in the UK

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/lg-g2-uk-availability/

LG G2 confirmed to arrive on Three and O2 in the UK

Following the formal reveal of the LG G2 yesterday, UK network Three was quick to report its plan to offer the handset "soon," so we thought we'd follow up with all the other major providers to see where else you'll eventually be able to find one. O2 is also on board, although it would only commit to a vague release window of "later this year." Vodafone said it currently has no plans to offer the G2, and while EE has "nothing to announce," we couldn't get any assurance that it wouldn't show up on its 4G network, or on the Orange or T-Mobile brands. Retailer Carphone Warehouse has put a tentative October arrival date on its website, and although we're still waiting on a response from Phones 4U, you'll more than likely be able to find it there, too. So, if you've developed a particular taste for the slim bezel design and quirky button placement, you'll have at least a few options come launch time.

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Via: CNET

Source: Three, Carphone Warehouse

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Acer to expand its Android and Chromebook lineup, offer fewer Windows devices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/acer-android-chromebooks/

Acer more Android and Chromebook products, fewer Windows devices

Historically, most of Acer's device lineup has been focused on Windows products -- it's the fourth-largest PC maker, after all -- but a less-than-pleasant second quarter seems to have given the company reason to switch its strategy up a bit. According to the Wall Street Journal, Acer is looking into expanding its Google-centric efforts; although it will continue a strong partnership with Microsoft, the Taiwanese manufacturer aims to offer more Chromebooks and Android products, while pushing fewer laptops or tablets sporting Win8. Chairman J.T. Wang told the Journal that smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks are expected to make up 10-12 percent of the company's revenue by the end of this year, while that number should bump up to 30 percent in 2014.

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Source: Wall Street Journal

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Dell unveils Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks with Haswell inside

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/dell-unveils-latitude-7000-ultrabooks/

Dell slips out Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks with Haswell inside

Dell's Haswell-based Latitude laptops have been a tad on the chunky side so far, but the company is making amends by quietly launching its new Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks. Both the 12.5-inch E7240 and 14-inch E7440 fit Intel's new low-voltage, 1.7GHz Core i3 CPU into an aluminum shell that's about 0.8 inch thick, yet meets military standards for resistance to dust, water and shock. They also support Dell's WiGig Wireless Dock and WiDi. Neither will come close to the Precision M3800 in features, however. The two Latitudes both start with 4GB of RAM and a 1,366 x 768 display, and there's no way to upgrade the performance or screen quality. They're also expensive -- the E7240 is launching at a $1,169 sale price with a 128GB SSD inside, while the E7440 with a 320GB hard drive isn't much cheaper at $1,049. Still, we wouldn't complain (much) if an IT manager plunked either of these Ultrabooks on our desks.

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Dell (E7240), (E7440)

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This Simple Chart Is a Brilliantly Minimal Perpetual Calendar

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-simple-chart-is-a-brilliantly-minimal-perpetual-ca-1057709528

This Simple Chart Is a Brilliantly Minimal Perpetual Calendar

Designer Ilya Birman has come up with what has to be one of the most elegant, minimal perpetual calendars we've ever laid eyes on—at least compared to other creations which tend to look like hideous sudoku puzzles.

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MixBit: A New Vine-Like Video Sharing App by YouTube's Co-Founders

Source: http://gizmodo.com/mixbit-a-new-vine-like-video-sharing-app-by-youtubes-1064157000

MixBit: A New Vine-Like Video Sharing App by YouTube's Co-Founders

You might think Vine and Instagram have captured the market with social video, but now the pros are getting involved: Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, the co-founders of YouTube, have just launched a new video app called MixBit, and you can get it now.

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Infuse 1.3 for iOS adds AirPlay video streaming, web-based WiFi transfers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/infuse-1-3-for-ios/

Infuse 13 for iOS adds AirPlay, webbased WiFi syncing

FireCore's Infuse app is already handy for iOS users who want to play less common video formats; with the 1.3 release, it might prove vital. The new version brings AirPlay, letting viewers push any of 14 video codecs to their Apple TV. Transfers should also be simple now that users can use a web browser or FTP client to copy videos over WiFi. There's even a social aspect to 1.3 -- Infuse now sends play counts and ratings to trakt.tv, and users can advertise what they're watching through Facebook and Twitter. If VLC for iOS isn't quite your cup of tea, you can spend $5 at the App Store to try FireCore's take on mobile movie playback.

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Via: FireCore Blog

Source: App Store

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Netflix SuperHD, 3D streaming options pop up on Comcast, Verizon (update: gone)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/netflix-superhd-3d-comcast/

Ever since Netflix introduced its SuperHD streaming with higher quality 1080p video and 3D support at CES in January, it's been restricted to only ISPs participating in its OpenConnect CDN program. Tonight, either there's some kind of glitch or that participation has been expanded, because users with previously unsupported ISPs are seeing SuperHD buttons on Netflix as well. We've been able to confirm it and even stream SuperHD and 3D video on previously unsupported ISPs like Comcast and Verizon. There are several reports on Twitter of people suddenly seeing the option as well, and we've contacted Netflix to see what's going on. So far the company has not responded, but if you've been waiting for some higher quality streaming options, hit the test page to see if you have the green light then try it out on a SuperHD-ready device (PS3, Roku, Apple TV, Wii U, Windows 8 and some others).

Update: And just like that, they were gone. We're getting reports from readers and seeing ourselves that the green light ha gone back to red and SuperHD streaming is no more on our Comcast connection. We have yet to hear from the company but right now a glitch or accident of some kind is the most likely explanation -- luckily it lasted just long enough for us to get through a 3D highlight reel from Art of Flight.


[Thanks, Tim]

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Source: Netflix

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14 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Your iPad (AAPL)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/14-things-you-can-do-with-your-ipad-2013-8

phil schiller ipad miniThe iPad has some tricks up its sleeve that you might not know about.

While many complain about the software being "stale" (well, until iOS 7 comes sometime this fall), there are many features on the iPad that you can take advantage of if you know the right settings, gestures, or apps.

These are our favorite of the less well-known features and capabilities (whether native or app-assisted) in our iPads.

Access your home computer and use it from anywhere in the world

We've been using and loving iTeleport ($19.99) as a means to access our computer at home while we're out with our iPad. Start and stop large downloads, email yourself files you need while you're mobile, or scare your family by playing music from an empty room.

You'll come up with plenty of your own creative ways to use this app.



Remotely wake up your home computer

If you want to use the previously mentioned VNC software and your computer is set to go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity, you need to wake it up before remotely accessing it.

A number of apps support a protocol called "Wake On LAN." All this means is that they can push a signal from your router to your computer to wake it up. Then you can fire up your VNC app to take care of whatever you like.

We recommend iNet WOL ($1.99).



Switch between apps with a special gesture

Instead of activating the multitasking bar and searching for a recently used app, you can make a four-finger swipe to the left or right to switch between your apps.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider
    


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Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Facebook unveils Trending Topics, makes Graph Search available everywhere in US English

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/facebook-launches-trending-topics-expands-graph-search/

Facebook Graph Search

Facebook must be a little envious of Twitter's ability to seize on trends -- it just started experimenting with Trending Topics, a Timeline card that shows the hottest subjects on the social network. Users can tap a trend to see both public comments and posts, whether or not the contributors are friends. The service is only being tested with a small number of those using Facebook's mobile website right now. If you're too impatient for that, the company has a consolation prize: Graph Search is now available to everyone visiting the site in US English, regardless of where they live. The expansion comes with the end to a handy privacy tool that lets members see who can search their Timeline, but Facebook claims that few have been using this feature -- we shouldn't miss it too much.

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Facebook Newsroom, AllThingsD

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Texas federal judge declares Bitcoin a currency, says Bitcoin investments fall under US securities law

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/texas-federal-judge--bitcoin-currency-falls-under-us-law/

Bitcoin's been in the news a fair bit lately due to the uncertainties surrounding the Mt. Gox exchange, where one can trade in the digital money for the official currencies of countries around the world. However, for many, Bitcoin remains an ephemeral idea, neither received nor recognized as a valid way to, you know, pay for stuff. Today, however, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas has officially recognized Bitcoin as a currency and declared that Bitcoin investment funds and transactions fall under the jurisdiction of US securities law, and therefore, the federal justice system as well. The ruling was handed down in a case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission against a man who created a Bitcoin hedge fund and is alleged to have defrauded the investors in that fund. So, while most of us don't have to worry about Bitcoin fraud, it's good to know that the federal government is looking out for us should we decide to invest in the digital currency.

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Via: ArsTechnica

Source: US District Court Eastern District of Texas [PDF]

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Android Open Source Project maintainer leaves role in wake of Nexus 7 open source issues

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/aosp-maintenance-head-leaves-role-in-wake-of-open-source-issues/

Nexus 7 viewing the Engadget app

If you're upset that Google hasn't posted factory images for the new Nexus 7, you're not alone. Android Open Source Project maintainer Jean-Baptiste Quéru has just confirmed that he's leaving his role in the wake of legal issues that prevent him from publishing a Nexus 7 image with working graphics. While he isn't specific about the nature of the conflict, Android Police and others believe that Qualcomm isn't ready to offer its video drivers for use in AOSP builds. We've reached out to both Google and Qualcomm, and we'll let you know if they have any further insight. In the meantime, don't expect a Nexus 7 image anytime soon -- Google will likely need a new AOSP overseer, and Quéru doesn't see any progress on the horizon.

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Jean-Baptiste Queru (Google+), Google Groups

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Unofficial Android update brings Bluetooth support to the HP TouchPad

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/hp-touchpad-bluetooth-support/

HP might have abandoned ship long ago, but some developers are still trying to make the TouchPad happen. While successfully running Android on the discontinued tablet (which shipped with the ill-fated webOS) is old hat at this point, there are still a few obstacles standing in the way of achieving full functionality. For TouchPad owners yearning for Bluetooth support, hope has arrived in the form of developer James Sullins' unofficial Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 build. If you've already modified your tablet to work with Android, installing Sullins' Bluetooth addition seems to be a pretty straightforward process. Those of you who've stuck with your TouchPad this long (we commend your device loyalty) can download the update at the source link below.

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Goo.im

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Piksi brings half-inch GPS accuracy to Kickstarter for $900 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/piksi-brings-half-inch-gps-accuracy-to-kickstarter-for-900/

Piksi brings halfinch GPS accuracy to the masses

Though a shade under a grand might seem quite a sum for a little chip, so-called RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS systems normally run ten times that. To bring such tech down to earth, Piksi has launched its own RTK GPS receiver on a chip, giving UAV and rocketry hobbyists, researchers, surveyers, scientists and teachers a crack at centimeter position accuracy. RTK works by overcoming the normal limitations of GPS technology, namely the 300 meter bit-length and ionospheric delay, by using two receivers to mitigate those sources of error. That lets it position itself down to a single centimeter (less than half an inch), a vast improvement over GPS's normal accuracy of 10 feet or more. On top of that precision, the receiver brings rapid 50Hz positional updates, an open source design, low (500mW) power consumption, and a small two square inch form factor. The company has sold out of its already-assembled pre-production kits (and doubled its $14k funding goal), but you can grab a production model for $900, with an estimated delivery date of December. That ought to help your UAV or autonomous vehicle project arrive on a dime -- literally. Check the source or video after the break for more.

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Source: Kickstarter

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Casio launches EX-ZR800 compact in Japan with 5-axis image stabilization

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/casio-launches-ex-zr800-compact-5-axis-stabilization/

Casio launches EXZR800 compact in Japan with 5axis image stabilization

With the smartphone hordes banging at their gates, compact camera manufacturers are being forced to up their game. As such, Casio's just launched a 16-megapixel, 18X zoom EX-ZR800 Exilim engine-equipped model with features like continuous shooting, "night shot" ISO 25,600 sensitivity, HDR and five axis stabilization. Unlike with the Olympus SH-50, however, the latter feature works on stills only and not video to correct translational and rotational camera shake. You'll also get 1080p / 30fps H.264 video, a 25-450mm zoom range, f/3.5-7.0 aperture, time-lapse, 5fps burst speed, selective blur and "triple shot" exposure, which saves an image before you even press the shutter. The EX-ZR800 will arrive in Japan in red, white or black on August 23rd for 40,000 yen (about $410). There's no indication of a western arrival, but if we had to guess we'd expect it to trickle over to Europe and the US shortly afterwards. In the meantime, check the (translated) source for more.

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Source: Casio Japan (translated)

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Samsung's 3,200 x 1,800 ATIV Book 9 Plus listed for $1,400, shipping August 20th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/samsung-ativ-book-9-1400-august-9/

Samsung's 3,200 x 1,800 ATIV Book 9 Plus listed for $1,400, shipping August 20th

Samsung generated some buzz last month with its ATIV Book 9 Plus sporting a res-tacular 13.3-inch, 275 ppi touchscreen, but left people asking "when" and "how much?" Retailer B&H Photo-Video seems to have answered those questions, listing a $1,399 price and expected availability of August 20th (at the source). That sum will get you a 1.6GHz Haswell Core i5-4200U dual-core CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD, Intel HD 4400 graphics, Windows 8, and of course, that 3,200 x 1,800 touchscreen. As we noted before, you'll be able grab more RAM, a bigger SSD and a Core i7 processor for the light-ish 1.39kg (3.06 pound) device if you're willing to pay more. Though those options aren't listed yet, they'd likely price you into MacBook Pro Retina territory -- but at least you'd get way more pixels.

[Thanks, Jason]

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Source: B&H

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LG G2 vs. the competition: flagship Android smartphones square off

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/lg-g2-vs-the-competition/

LG G2 vs the competition flagship Android smartphones square off

Now that the LG G2 is official, the battle between mid-2013 Android flagships is fully underway. But which wins the war? We've pitted the new smartphone against its biggest competitors in the US -- Samsung's Galaxy S 4, the HTC One and the Motorola Moto X -- to understand which device most deserves a place in your pocket.

Based purely on the spec sheet, the G2 is the frontrunner. Its larger 5.2-inch screen, quicker 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 and image-stabilized 13-megapixel rear camera will please those who want a media powerhouse. Its extra-large battery and 24-bit / 192KHz audio are also unique in a category where longevity and sound quality tend to play second fiddle. If all you want is the most technically capable device, look no further.

Yet each of the G2's competitors has an advantage that's harder to quantify. The GS4 has a full set of hardware nav keys (for those who prefer them), air gestures and a slightly tougher plastic build. The One claims superior low-light photography and dual speakers. And the Moto X partly makes up for its lackluster speed through design customization and helpful tricks like Touchless Control. To us, that puts LG in an awkward middle. While the G2's performance is almost beyond compare, many of its software features aren't all that unique -- those who aren't sold on its performance could easily be lured away.

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