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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Hands-on shots of Creative's Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/hands-on-shots-of-creatives-vado-hd-720p-pocket-camcorder/

Creative's recently unleashed Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder isn't dramatically different (design wise, anyway) than its predecessor, but it's obviously what's tucked inside that counts. Still, we have to admire the subtle but meaningful updates that Creative has applied here, and while beauty will strike everyone differently, we personally like the direction the Vado HD has taken. For a few more looks, saunter on down to the read link.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Hands-on shots of Creative's Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo drops IdeaPad S10 pricing across the board

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/lenovo-drops-ideapad-s10-pricing-across-the-board/

A mere two days after launching a large capacity version of its multi-hued IdeaPad S10 netbook, Lenovo's gone and chopped prices through and through, with specialty-color netbooks that used to retail for $439 landing at $359, and the boring black or white models retailing for $349, down from $399. Large capacity versions, with their fancy 1GB of RAM and 160GB hard drives go for $399 and $409 now, respectively. That's a savings of $50 or $80 for all you math whizzes out there, which is great but Lenovo is certainly not the only one to be pushing down netbook price points to what one might call "recession levels."

[Via LogicBUY]

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo drops IdeaPad S10 pricing across the board originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Open Handset Alliance signs up 14 more Android-lovers, including Sony Ericsson, ASUS and Garmin

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/open-handset-alliance-signs-up-14-more-android-lovers-including/

The Open Handset Alliance just made a major score with 14 more members: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUSTek Computer Inc., Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International Inc., Huawei Technologies, Omron Software Co. Ltd, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba Corporation and Vodafone. That's not quite everyone that matters, but pretty darn close. Developing...

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Open Handset Alliance signs up 14 more Android-lovers, including Sony Ericsson, ASUS and Garmin originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New in Labs: Tasks

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OfficialGmailBlog/~3/2XH_XVVMhGI/new-in-labs-tasks.html

Posted by Jonathan Terleski, Michael Lancaster, and Brett Lider, Tasks team People use Gmail to get stuff done, so we've added a lightweight way to keep track of what you need to do, right from within Gmail.

Take entering a new task: just click in an empty part of your list and start typing. No buttons to click and it's saved automatically. Hit Return and you've got a new task right there. You can also easily convert emails into tasks: select one or more messages and go to More Actions > Add to Tasks. (Or turn on keyboard shortcuts and use <shift> + t.)

We put your tasks in the same kind of window as chats, so they're visible while you're scanning your inbox, reading mail, or searching (and in Settings, too!). Just pop your list out into a new window to use Tasks outside of Gmail. To enable Tasks, go to Settings, click the Labs tab (or just click here if you're signed in). Select "Enable" next to "Tasks" and then click "Save Changes" at the bottom. Then, after Gmail refreshes, on the left under the "Contacts" link, you'll see a "Tasks" link. Just click it to get started. read more on gmail tasks...

Monday, December 08, 2008

Five Best Media Center Applications [Hive Five]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/h5vxx38X18M/five-best-media-center-applications

The past ten years have completely changed the way we listen to music, watch movies and television, and take photos, and one thing is abundantly clear: The future of your media lies undeniably in the digital realm. Now you just need to find the perfect media center application to pull it all together. Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite media center applications, and today we're back with the five most popular answers. Keep reading for a closer look at the favorites, then cast your vote for the media center app you count on to manage your digital media life. Photo by Aaron Escobar.

XBMC (Windows/Mac/Linux/Xbox/Apple TV)

XBMC (aka Xbox Media Center) is a free, open-source media center application designed, in the beginning, for the original Xbox. XBMC has made serious progress over the past year or so and can now run virtually anywhere—including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Apple TVs. Not only is XBMC an incredible media center app with tons of great add-ons and customization options, but it's also spawned several popular forks, including Boxee (mentioned below). XBMC is in constant development and has gotten better and better at running on your PC, but if you've got an old Xbox hanging around, here's how to transform your classic Xbox with XBMC.

Boxee (Mac OS X/Apple TV/Linux)

Boxee is an XBMC fork with an emphasis on taking your media center into the social realm. Like XBMC, Boxee is free and open source, but while it's aiming for the same platforms, Boxee currently only supports Mac OS X, Linux, and the Apple TV. Still, a pre-alpha release of the Windows version was released to a small group of testers just last week, so if you're on Windows and you like what you see, it may not be long before there's a Boxee for you. Despite its aim to be your social media center, Boxee's great interface and impressive features—including recent support for Netflix playback and integration with online video sites like Hulu—demonstrate that Boxee isn't slacking on overall innovation.

Windows Media Center (Windows/Xbox 360)

Windows Media Center brings a full and robust media management to your Windows operating system. Not only does Windows Media Center provide access to all your music, videos, photos, and more, but it also sports fantastic DVR functionality (it's like having a TiVo without the monthly bills). Microsoft released the first version of Windows Media Center with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, but Vista comes with Windows Media Center built in to its Home Premium and Ultimate editions. Sound interesting? Check out how you can turn your Windows PC into a media center powerhouse on the cheap with WMC, watch and schedule Media Center recordings from any computer, and stream Netflix Watch Instantly videos in WMC. Lastly, if you've got an Xbox 360, it works beautifully as a Media Center extender for Windows Media Center.

SageTV (Windows/Mac/Linux)

SageTV is a cross-platform media center and DVR application. SageTV works great if all you want is a straightforward DVR, but it's also an awesome app for the consummate tweaker. In contrast to Windows Media Center, SageTV recordings are DRM free, so it's easy to convert your media and play back the files anywhere—and on any device—you like. SageTV is a commercial application that'll set you back $80, but a 21-day free trial is available if you want to kick the tires. For more, check out our old guide to building your own DVR with SageTV and adding a web interface that lets you play back and set up recordings from any web browser.

MythTV (Linux)

MythTV is a Linux-based DVR and media center application designed as a free, open-source alternative to TiVo and Windows Media Center. First started way back in 2002, MythTV is the granddaddy of many of the media centers in this Hive Five and many that aren't. ! Currentl y several Linux distributions come bundled with MythTV, including the popular KnoppMyth live CD and Mythbuntu. MythTV's biggest hurdle for new users is probably Linux, but if you're willing to roll up your sleeves or you've already got a little know-how, this saucy media center has a lot to offer.

Now that you've seen the best, it's voting time.
Which Is the Best Media Center Application?
( surveys)

This week's honorable mentions go out to the open-source Windows-based media center and DVR, MediaPortal, and Mac OS X-based XBMC fork, Plex. Whether the media center love of your life made the short list or not, let's hear more about it in the comments.

Would You Pay $7 for Two-Factor Online Banking Authentication? [Ask The Readers]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/rvC_9SZ7uuw/would-you-pay-7-for-two+factor-online-banking-authentication

Online game World of Warcraft now offers more secure authentication than nearly every online banking system the average consumer can access. Blizzard, the company behind the MMORPG powerhouse, has introduced the ability to use two-factor authentication in WoW. Two-factor authentication involves a second verifier on top of your normal password to log you in (like biometrics or a physical key card). In the case of the new Blizzard system, players can purchase a $6.50 keyfob that provides a six-digit authentication code, which it wirelessly creates on-demand for each login. If an online game system can implement it, why not your bank? Would you pay around the average cost of a fast food meal to have a secure and wireless two-factor authentication system for your bank (or any other online service you wanted a higher level of security on)? I know I won't be able to rest until my Facebook login is secured with a retinal scan.

Warcraft Account Security [via Waxy]

Nvidia Badaboom and ATI Avivo GPU Video Transcoders Battle to the Death [Video]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/oduKhmBAHvk/nvidia-badaboom-and-ati-avivo-gpu-video-transcoders-battle-to-the-death

Dedicated graphics cards from ATI and Nvidia used to be critical just for gamers and pros, but now they do a lot more than make splattered guts look good. Like make video transcoding really fast.

PC Perspective compared GPU-powered video transcoding programs from ATI and Nvidia—Avivo and Badaboom, respectively, which work exclusively with their own graphics cards.

The Nvidia Badaboom transcoder wins on interface, looks and ease of use, though you need an Nvidia card that supports CUDA, limiting it to relatively recent GPUs. ATI's Avivo uses a crappy wizard format and is kind of ugly, but it has a wealth of options and outputs that Badaboom simply doesn't offer. It's also faster, though it does use more CPU action than Badaboom. And you know, it's free, while Badadoom is $30 if you don't want that gross watermark.

Avivo slightly edges out Badaboom as PCPer's favorite because it's faster and more powerful, though one potential downfall is that it has some problems with "video garbage" during WMV and iPod video file playback. Still, both pretty impressively show off the power of GPU-accelerated apps versus standard CPU-driven fare. Either way, it can't hurt to check out Avivo—it's free. [PCPer]

100Mbps Verizon FiOS to (Probably) Arrive in 2009 [FiOS]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/15CQArhlqMg/100mbps-verizon-fios-to-probably-arrive-in-2009

With Comcast upping its speeds to 50Mbps in a few markets, Verizon's gotta roll out a big, round number to compete, so they've announced, and then hedged, the upcoming rollout of 100Mbps FiOS service, starting hopefully in 2009.

Verizon technology director Vincent O'Byrne declared 2009 the year America finally breaks the 100Mbps barrier that Hong Kongers have, well, long since passed. O'Byrne was quick to note that the bump in speed isn't really essential to most Verizon customers, but that the number represents more of a marketing milestone that could give them a one-up on chief competitor Comcast.

Later, a Verizon spokesperson contacted Telephony Online, the original reporter, to perform some spectacular hedging: "Verizon expects to have its delivery processes for speeds like that locked down in 2009 so that service with speeds approaching 100 Mb/s would be enabled in the very near future," the spokesperson said. So Verizon is going to hit that landmark 100Mbps soon, but it appears for now there's no guarantee. No pricing was made available, either, although the current fastest tier, at 50Mbps, costs $145 without bundled phone service. [DSL Reports]

How would you change the Slingbox Pro HD?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/05/how-would-you-change-the-slingbox-pro-hd/

Sling Media's Slingbox Pro HD arrived with lofty expectations, and while the box handled its core tasks reasonably well, we found it to have some issues on the software side. The good news there is that software is modifiable, which means Sling could definitely improve matters in the near future. To that end, we're interested to see how you'd change the high-def-capable placeshifter. Any bugs you want knocked out? Any particular hardware traits you aren't fond of? Is it simply too difficult for your mother-in-law to get working? Sound off below! You never know -- someone important may be listening.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

How would you change the Slingbox Pro HD? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget reader meetup / holiday party in NYC, December 19th!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/05/engadget-reader-meetup-holiday-party-in-nyc-december-19th/

This is the one you've been waiting for, Engadget fans. We've decided to end the year on a high note with a big reader meetup and holiday bash for our faithful readers! On December 19th, we're blowing it out at the completely amazing Hiro Ballroom in Manhattan. We'll have a big selection of gear and giveaways on hand, including products (both to play with and to win) from: Nokia, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Voodoo, SanDisk, Peek, Sling, Rhapsody, and more! And believe us, there really is more to come. Here are a few details:

We're giving away tens of thousands of dollars in gear! Including...
SanDisk 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB microSD cards for the first 200 people through the door!
Free food, and free drink tickets for the first 500 people, totally awesome music all night
Live Q&A session with Engadget editors
The event is 18 TO ENTER / 21 TO DRINK, and ADMISSION IS FREE. Sorry younger readers, but we'll do a follow-up all ages event soon!

When: Friday, December 19th, 7:00PM to 12:00AM

We're still working out details as well as adding to our roster of giveaways and companies which will be in attendance, so expect updates as we move towards the event. If you're planning on coming, shout it out in the comments!

Filed under: Announcements

Engadget reader meetup / holiday party in NYC, December 19th! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SIM / hardware-unlocked Android Dev Phone 1 surfaces for $399

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/05/sim-hardware-unlocked-android-dev-phone-1-surfaces-for-399/

Oh, snap! Out of seemingly nowhere, Google has revealed the Android Dev Phone 1, a SIM- and hardware-unlocked G1 designed to be sold exclusively to hard working developers. The handset ships with a system image that's fully compatible with Android 1.0, and obviously, it complies with any SIM card and can "flash custom Android builds that will work with the unlocked bootloader." In other words, the mobile should seriously appeal to devs who live far, far away from areas blanketed with T-Mobile coverage. In order to get one, you must first register as an Android developer on the Android Market site (which involves a one-time $25 setup fee); once you're in, you simply surf over and nail the "Purchase" link. For $399 (including free shipping in the US of A), this swanky G1 -- custom back and all -- can be yours, and it's scheduled to ship in 18 international markets soon. Would it be too much to yell "snap!" again?

[Thanks, Ryan]

Gallery: SIM / hardware-unlocked Android Dev Phone 1 surfaces for $399

Filed under: Cellphones

SIM / hardware-unlocked Android Dev Phone 1 surfaces for $399 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharp introduces PG-F255W 720p DLP projector for under $1,000

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/06/sharp-introduces-pg-f255w-720p-dlp-projector-for-under-1-000/

Nah, it's no 1080p, but if 720p will do ya, Sharp's got a new one you should consider. The PG-F255W DLP beamer packs a WXGA resolution (1,280 x 800), BrilliantColor technology, 2,500 ANSI lumens, a 2,200:1 contrast ratio, DVI / VGA inputs, integrated speakers, RS-232C / USB sockets, Ethernet and a variable audio line-out. The PJ is geared for more commercial applications (think education, churches, board rooms, etc.), but we don't see any reason why it won't handle your home cinema needs just fine. It's available this month for "under $1,000," which probably means $999.99 plus applicable sales tax.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Sharp introduces PG-F255W 720p DLP projector for under $1,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acer ships 22-inch B223 DisplayLink USB monitor in Europe

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/06/acer-ships-22-inch-b223-displaylink-usb-monitor-in-europe/

The whole DisplayLink thing still hasn't completely caught fire or anything, but it's getting there -- slowly, but surely. Now, Acer has a new USB-connected monitor that's shipping in Europe, the 22-inch B223. The unit is part of the outfit's B series of monitors and features a decidedly ho hum 1,680 x 1,050 resolution, a DL-160 network display chip that enables up to six of these to be connected to a single PC and a 5-millisecond response time. You should definitely expect a premium when getting all this USB-y functionality, but €339 ($430) just seems, how do you say... outrageous?

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Displays

Acer ships 22-inch B223 DisplayLink USB monitor in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moritz Waldemeyer's keyhole surgery box tests your nerves

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/06/moritz-waldemeyers-keyhole-surgery-box-tests-your-nerves/

Okay, so let's get on the same page here: Operation. Now that we're all focused on that goofy looking guy flat on a table before we all lost our innocence in this Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, let us introduce you to Moritz Waldemeyer's crafty little box. Simply dubbed keyhole surgery, the device is more or less a 3D version of the aforementioned board game, designed to see just how steady you can hold the key and complete the puzzle without brushing up against the wall. We get this idea this is one of those "easier said than done" thingamajigs, wouldn't you agree?

[Via Unplggd]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Moritz Waldemeyer's keyhole surgery box tests your nerves originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Mini 1000 to get $40 price cut

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/06/hp-mini-1000-to-get-40-price-cut/

What's this? A $40 price cut on an item that's likely on at least one gift list that you're currently staring at? Huzzah! Unless, of course, you're one of those proactive individuals who went out and already nabbed one. In all seriousness, Laptoping has reportedly received an email notification from Hewlett-Packard that the sleek and sexy Mini 1000 netbook will stoop to $359.99 starting tomorrow. That'll net you a 10-inch panel, Atom N270 CPU (1.6GHz), 1GB of RAM, an 8GB SSD, 3-cell battery and Windows XP Home. There's no word on whether the stylish Vivienne Tam Edition will receive a drop of her own, but we wouldn't count on it (yet).

Filed under: Laptops

HP Mini 1000 to get $40 price cut originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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