Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The New MBP Retina Display Blows the Doors off Its Competition [MacBook Pro]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5917551/the-new-mbp-retina-display-blows-the-doors-off-its-competition

Apple unveiled its newest batch of MacBook Pros today at WWDC, the ones sporting the new Retina displays. And yes, in terms of performance, next-generation MBPs beat the competition like a pack of rented mules.

It feels an odd comparison when even last season's MBP can't hold a flame to the current version. The 2011 MacBook Pro was nothing to sneeze at—1680x1050 resolution with 128 pixels per square inch (ppi) powered by an AMD Radeon HD 6490M. Pffff, the MacBook Pro unveiled today rocks a 2880 x 1800 display at 220 ppi, roughly double the going rate of current Apple hardware and even more obvious when compared to non-Apple gear.

The New MBP Retina Display Blows the Doors off Its Competition As the table above illustrates, the new MBP screen displays at nearly double the pixel density as it's nearest competitors. Even the $1,700 Alienware M15—the MBP's closest rival in terms of graphics quality—pales in comparison to the new laptop's hyper-HD display.

Android 4.0.3 now available for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, get it while it's cold

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/android-4-0-3-now-available-for-t-mobile-galaxy-s-ii/

It may be late in the evening here in the States, but for T-Mobile users, your time in the sun has finally arrived -- Android 4.0.3 is now available via Samsung Kies for the Galaxy S II. According to the carrier, the update won't be made available via an OTA download, which means that if you don't have a PC, you'd best shake down a friend at this late hour -- or, at least give 'em a call in the morning. In addition to Ice Cream Sandwich, the update is said to bring WiFi calling improvements and enhancements to the voicemail system. It'd also be wise to ensure that your phone's software is up-to-date before you begin, as Android 2.3.6 is a prerequisite of the upgrade. Ready to dive in? Just hop the source link for the complete set of instructions.

Android 4.0.3 now available for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, get it while it's cold originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Android Community | source

source

T-Mobile | Email this | Comments

VIA Technologies' $49 Android barebones PC available for pre-order, ships in July

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/12/via-technologies-apc-up-for-pre-order-ships-in-july/

VIA Technologies' small -- but not bite-sized -- Neo-ITX-based barebones Android PC is now up for pre-order. Folks willing to plunk down $49 now will be among the first to play with the APC's version of Gingerbread that's been modified for use with a mouse and keyboard. When can you expect the return on investment? Well, it's slated to ship in early July, meaning you'll get your hands on its 800MHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 2GB of storage before the end of summer.

[Thanks, Nikolas]

VIA Technologies' $49 Android barebones PC available for pre-order, ships in July originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

VIA Technologies | Email this | Comments

Monday, June 11, 2012

Dish Network, Qualcomm team up on Snapdragon S4 chips for hybrid satellite / cellular mobiles

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/dish-network-qualcomm-snapdragon-s4-lte-satellite/

Qualcomm's dual-core Krait S4 MSM8960 processors have already found friends in Samsung's Galaxy S III and HTC's One X thanks to their integrated support for 3G/LTE, and now Dish Network has announced it's working to use them in devices for its future network. According to the press release (included after the break), the new satellite air interface tech developed by Qualcomm called Enhanced Geostationary Air Link (EGAL), and will allow Dish to support "mobile handsets and other devices" in both terrestrial and satellite modes on the 2GHz / AWS-4 band. Of course, it's moving forward on this tech even while we wait to hear about the FCC rulings in play before it can launch LTE service, but if/when it does arrive there's a chance we could see satellite-boosted superphones sooner rather than later.

Continue reading Dish Network, Qualcomm team up on Snapdragon S4 chips for hybrid satellite / cellular mobiles

Dish Network, Qualcomm team up on Snapdrago! n S4 chi ps for hybrid satellite / cellular mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/apple-magsafe-vs-magsafe-2-photos-incompatible-power-connectors/

Apple quietly introduced a newer, slimmer, snazzier MagSafe connector here at WWDC, with the Retina display-equipped 15-inch MacBook Pro (yeah, the "next-generation" one) and the newly-unveiled MacBook Air machines utilizing it. Still, the original MagSafe is finding its way onto the refreshed MacBook Pro (both 13- and 15-inch), but we're guessing the original isn't long for this world. As with anything, change ain't easy -- for the two to talk to one another, you'll need an optional $10 adapter (which evidently ships gratis with the 27-inch Thunderbolt Display). It's also worth noting that the actual AC power plug returned to the "T-style" form factor, rather than the "side-style" seen in the MacBook units that were new... well, yesterday. We stacked a next-gen MBP atop a last-gen MBP just to showcase the differences; hit the gallery below if you're interested in such things.

Gallery: Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: product comparison shots at WWDC 2012

Continue reading Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors

Apple MagSafe vs. MagSafe 2: photos of the two incompatible power connectors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Intel's NUC mini-desktop said to cost around $400

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/11/intel-nuc-costs-around-400/

Intel's Next Unit of Computing mini-desktop is reportedly going to cost around $400 when it arrives in the third quarter of the year. Designed for kiosks and digital signage setups, the weeny box has attracted so much interest from solder-wielding modders that the company expects it to go on general sale. The initial unit will include a Sandy Bridge Core i3, 4GB RAM and a 40GB SSD, while on the outside it'll come with three USB 2.0 ports and dual HDMI outputs. That high price might dampen the spirits of those hoping for an Intel-powered Arduino / Raspberry Pi, but we still expect to see it crop up in plenty of brilliant mods next year.

Intel's NUC mini-desktop said to cost around $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Slash Gear | source

source

The Tech Report | Email this | Comments

Sunday, June 10, 2012

LG's Optimus 4X HD officially making its way to 11 European locales, 'surprise' in store

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/10/lg-optimus-4x-hd-european-launch/

It's no secret that LG planned to launch its 4.7-inch Optimus 4X HD in select European countries this month, and now the company has confirmed that it's right on schedule. Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy will be the first to receive the Tegra 3-loaded Android 4.0 smartphone, followed by the likes of six others. According to the translated presser, LG also has a "major surprise" in store regarding the device's launches as well, although details appear to be ambiguous for the time being. You can read all about it from the source below while re-acquainting yourself with its 720p HD IPS LCD using our hands-on from MWC.

LG's Optimus 4X HD officially making its way to 11 European locales, 'surprise' in store originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

LG (translated) | Email this | Comments

ComScore: Nearly a quarter of US smartphone owners have tablets, love their video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/09/comscore-says-quarter-of-us-smartphone-owners-have-tablets/

If you've got a smartphone, it's increasingly likely that you're also carrying a tablet as a sidearm. ComScore understands that 23.6 percent of American smartphone owners also have an iPad, Kindle Fire or some other large touchscreen slab as of April. That's only 16.5 percent of all cellphone owners in the land, but that's a huge jump from 9.7 percent of smartphone owners (4.7 percent of cellphone owners) just one year earlier. And if you do own a slate, odds are that you're watching your fair share of movies and cat videos. More than half of tablet users, 53 percent, fire up the likes of Netflix or YouTube at least once a month, with almost a tenth (9.5 percent) tuning in daily. Tablet lovers are unsurprisingly three times more likely to watch than their smartphone counterparts, suggesting that it's just a short hop from buying a tablet to catching up on Daily Show episodes.

ComScore: Nearly a quarter of US smartphone owners have tablets, love their video originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 14:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

ComScore | Email this | Comments

Galaxy S III changes pin layout, incompatible with previous MHL adapters

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/09/galaxy-s-iii-incompatible-with-previous-mhl-dongles/

If you've pre-ordered a Galaxy S III and can't wait to see its display mirrored to the silver screen, add one more thing to that pre-launch shopping list: a new MHL dongle. According to UK retailer Clove, a change in the phone's connector pins renders it incompatible with previous Samsung-made adapters. Sammy's new microUSB-powered connector supports 1080p output via HDMI -- though it reportedly doesn't play nicely with 720p displays -- and rings up at $40 on Amazon. Mosey past the break for a video unboxing of the dongle.

Continue reading Galaxy S III changes pin layout, incompatible with previous MHL adapters

Galaxy S III changes pin layout, incompatible with previous MHL adapters originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Verge | source

source

Clove | Email this | Comments

Adobe Flash 11.3 checks in with security fixes, OS X silent updater and Firefox sandbox in tow

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/09/adobe-flash-11-3-security-fixes-os-x-firefox/

While feverishly revamping Flash with the all-new Next version -- to keep HTML5 from killing it -- Adobe is still plugging the current incarnation with smaller updates. To that end, Flash 11.3 just popped out of beta, which sees the company add a few notable goodies for the beleaguered plugin. On top of filling seven critical security holes, Adobe added a background updating feature for Mac OS X and signed the code in preparation for compatibility with Mountain Lion. That way it'll align it with the upcoming Gatekeeper feature in the next OS X release, though you'll have to dial its max security down one notch to get it. Lastly, sandboxing -- already in Chrome -- has been tacked on to Firefox as well, slowing hackers by isolating the plugin from critical system processes. All that fresh duct tape and polyfill should keep Flash rattling along -- until Adobe can pull the gleaming Next platform out of the hangar. Meanwhile, click the source for the download links.

Ado! be Flash 11.3 checks in with security fixes, OS X silent updater and Firefox sandbox in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

ComputerWorld | source

source

Adobe Blogs | Email this | Comments

EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/10/evga-geforce-gtx-680-classified-water-cool/

Judging by a sneak Computex preview, EVGA's intentions for the upcoming GTX 680 Classified graphics card are not a thorny mystery. With an optional water-cooling block and voltage control inputs, there's plenty here to seduce the hardcore modder. The company isn't talking numbers just yet, but if terms like "14-phase power design" whet your appetite, then you're in luck. In any case, like its other Classified mates, it's apt to be the company's top GeForce GTX 680 performer. So, if you're plugging in the pumps and hoses for that next mod, you might want to leave a slot -- or four -- open for this one.

EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 05:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

AnandTech | Email this | Comments

Saturday, June 09, 2012

Linux lands on Android 4.0-toting MK802 mini PC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/09/linux-lands-on-mk802-mini-pc/

If the MK802 piqued your interest but has you pining for Ubuntu, Linux Questions forum user michaelfisk has a solution. The secret sauce is a pre-baked image of Ubuntu 10.04 modified for a different device using the same 1.5 GHz Allwinner processor. Simply slide a microSD card prepped with a bootable image of the distro into the mini PC and you're set. Though Lucid Lynx can be coaxed to run on the $74 mini PC without considerable hassle, performance isn't exactly top notch -- unseemly load times and a few kinks are reportedly throughout the experience. Eager to load up your Cotton Candy competitor with Linux? Hop past the break to see Liliputing give it a test drive or hit the links below for walkthroughs and the appropriate download.

Continue reading Linux lands on Android 4.0-toting MK802 mini PC

Linux lands on Android 4.0-toting MK802 mini PC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 01:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Liliputing | source

source

Linux Questions, Rhombus Tech | Email this | Comments

Dausen iPhone pico projector battery case at Computex 2012 (hands-on video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/09/dausen-iphone-pico-projector-battery-case-at-computex-2012-hand/

It's not the first iPhone 4/4S pico projector battery case we've come across here at Engadget, but we spotted this little number at Computex 2012 and just couldn't resist sharing it with you. What makes this accessory a bit more unique is that it incorporates the latest in DLP technology from Texas Instruments. As such, it's capable of projecting a 640x360-pixel image up to 70 inches across with 1000:1 contrast ratio. The 2200mAh battery lasts about 3 hours on a charge an can even top off your iPhone in a pinch. Additional features include a built-in speaker powered by a 0.5W audio amplifier. We spent a few minutes using the pico projector and while it works pretty much as advertised, it clearly struggled with the harsh lighting conditions of the show floor. Stay tuned for pricing and availability, but don't miss our hands-on gallery below and our demo video after the break.

Gallery: Dausen battery projector case for iPhone hands-on

Continue reading Dausen iPhone pico projector battery case at Computex 2012 (hands-on video)

Dausen iPhone pico projector battery case at Computex 2012 (hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 02:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Friday, June 08, 2012

More People Pirate Game of Thrones Than Watch Game of Thrones on HBO [Piracy]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5916885/more-people-pirate-game-of-thrones-than-watch-game-of-thrones-on-hbo

According to TorrentFreak, Game of Thrones averages around 3.9 million pirated downloads per episode. According to the great Internet resource known as Wikipedia, only 3.8 million people watch Game of Thrones on HBO. That means more people pirate the show than actually watch the show on TV.

To no one's surprise, Game of Thrones is the most pirated show on television by a huge margin. It's been tracking like that the entire season, but now that the Spring TV season is nearly over, it's been coronated as the king. Last year, the series based on the books by George R. R. Martin clocked in at 3.4 million pirated downloads per episode, so the show is doing better on both the shady black box of ratings and shady grey area of the Internet even though this season wasn't as good as the first.

Obviously, HBO Go numbers don't apply here but the effect of HBO Go isn't nearly as powerful as we think. HBO told the NY Times that only 1% of its total viewership across its network is actually from HBO Go. [TorrentFreak]

Intel's TV service aims at Nielsen, big cable, might not get here

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/08/intel-tv-setbacks/

Reuters is reporting that Intel's mooted virtual television network has hit the buffers because it can't beat its cable rivals spending. The company is eyeing up the $100 million TV business with a set-top-box and over-the-top service that would offer smaller, cheaper bundles of channels rather than the hundreds that come with a basic cable subscription. It would leverage its facial recognition technology in the system both by offering precise ratings data to networks and by showing targeted adverts to whoever it can see is watching. The former will surely annoy Nielsen, a player with plenty of its own influence in the industry. Despite hiring a quartet of industry heavyweights to help negotiations, studios are refusing to offer discounts to a new and untried entrant, meaning we may not see the service arriving by that planned November launch date.

Intel's TV service aims at Nielsen, big cable, might not get here originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Reuters | Email this | Comments

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)