Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Motorola Phone Portal enables WiFi PC-to-phone connections, browser-based management

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/motorola-phone-portal-enables-wifi-pc-to-phone-connection-brows/

Hey, remember Motorola Phone Tools? That overpriced app that enabled a select few of you to hack into your Moto and do all sorts of nifty things? Yeah, if and only if you were amongst the smattering of individuals lucky enough to get it installed and functioning properly. Now, it seems as if the company is looking produce a similar app with one primary difference: the new iteration is easy to use. Dubbed Moto Phone Portal, the Android program allows users to select WiFi or USB to connect to one's PC, and once the app is fired up, you simply point your machine's web browser to the listed URL in order to manage contacts, media, etc. on the big(ger) screen. Obviously, Motorola has yet to come forward and confess that this beautiful bit of code is actually real, but we're pretty sure Leakdroid's extensive hands-on will have you convinced.

[Via Leakdroid]

Filed under: Cellphones, Software

Motorola Phone Portal enables WiFi PC-to-phone connections, browser-based management originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder seen behind three-dee glass at CEATEC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/panasonics-1080p-twin-lens-p2-camcorder-seen-behind-three-dee-g/

We can't say for certain how good it feels to hoist this big-faced behemoth onto one's shoulder, but it's the first time we've seen Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 3D camcorder out and about since its fabled introduction at NAB earlier this year. Strategically placed beside a 3D Avatar trailer demo, the camcorder looked exactly like the press shot we saw of the prototype before, though there's still no formal word on when it'll be used to film your friend's Bar Mitzvah (or anything else half as cool). A boy can dream, yeah?

Gallery: Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder seen behind three-dee glass at CEATEC

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Panasonic's 1080p twin-lens P2 camcorder seen behind three-dee glass at CEATEC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FLO TV Personal Television gets official: $250 plus a monthly fee you'll never pay

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/flo-tv-personal-television-gets-official-250-plus-a-monthly-fe/

You know, considering just how unappreciated FLO TV's mobile television services are here in the US of A, you'd think the company would do its best to keep the losses at bay. For whatever reason, suits at the outfit have it in mind that the answer to their woes isn't to throw in mobile TV gratis and find revenue streams from other sources, but to produce a dedicated TV that will only appeal to those looking to actually carry more portable devices with them. Brilliant, no? The oft-rumored FLO TV Personal Television finally got official tonight, with an aim to bring live and time-shifted content directly to the 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen for up to five straight hours on a single charge. To its credit, it weighs just 5 ounces and features an integrated kickstand and stereo speakers, but with a $249.99 price tag and a required $8.99 monthly plan (or more, if you're not a fan of locking yourself into an absurd 3-year contract), we can't exactly see this thing selling well. Or at all, really.

Gallery: FLO TV Personal Television gets official: $250 plus a monthly fee you'll never pay

Filed under: Displays, Portable Video

FLO TV Personal Television gets official: $250 plus a monthly fee you'll never pay originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gateway introduces One ZX series of multitouch all-in-one desktops

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/gateway-introduces-one-zx-series-of-multitouch-all-in-one-deskto/

It's been done before by the likes of MSI and HP, but given the finger-friendly nature of Windows 7, we aren't shocked at all to hear that Gateway's getting in on the action. The splotchy PC maker is unveiling the One ZX lineup tonight, which will initially be comprised of the ZX6800 series and ZX4800 series. Both crews will ship with Win7, and Gateway's hoping that you'll fall in love with its custom suite of multitouch-supporting media management tools. If you're curious about specs, the ZX6810-01 will include a 23-inch multitouch LCD (1,920 x 1,080), 2.33GHz Core 2 Quad Q8200S CPU, 1GB ATI Radeon HD 4670 GPU, 8GB of DDR3 memory, an 8x slot-loading DVD burner, a 1TB HDD (or 64GB SSD), WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA socket, bundled wireless keyboard and mouse, integrated HD webcam, a hybrid TV tuner and built-in speakers. The lower-end ZX4800-02 steps down to a 20-inch LCD (1,600 x 900), a 2.1GHz T4300 CPU, GMA X4500HD integrated graphics, 4GB of DDR2 RAM and a 750GB SATA HDD. Both lineups should be in US stores later this fall, with prices starting at $1,399.99 and $749.99, respectively.

Gallery: Gateway introduces One ZX series of multitouch all-in-one desktops

Filed under: Desktops

Gateway introduces One ZX series of multitouch all-in-one desktops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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International Kindle ships October 19 to over 100 countries for $279, 'US' edition falls to $259

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/international-kindle-ships-october-19-to-over-100-countries-for/

We can't say that we never saw this day coming, but we definitely didn't it see it coming today. After months of forcing us to twiddle our thumbs (and a good bit of pressure from other e-reader players), Amazon has finally taken the Kindle international. Aside from being able to wirelessly download content in over 100 countries and territories, the 6-inch device is the same as it ever was. The $279 price tag on the Kindle U.S. & International Wireless now represents a $20 premium over the standard Kindle, which simultaneously fell from $299 to $259 in price and picked up a new label ("Kindle U.S. Wireless"). The extra Jackson is evidently there to cover the inevitable roaming charges that'll occur when downloading new content overseas, but given AT&T's extensive global roaming footprint (yeah, the global reader is tied to AT&T, not Sprint), you should be covered in most every nation fit to visit. Feel free to place your pre-order now, and get ready for a new life as a globetrotting digital bookworm come October 19th.

Update: Just saw this in the fine print: "When traveling abroad, you can download books wirelessly from the Kindle Store or your Archived Items for a fee of $1.99."

[Thanks, Tom]

Read - Kin! dle goes international
Read - US Kindle falls to $259

Filed under: Displays, Handhelds

International Kindle ships October 19 to over 100 countries for $279, 'US' edition falls to $259 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iida Ply and Prismoid phones strut their stuff at CEATEC (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/iida-ply-and-prismoid-strut-their-stuff-at-ceatec-video/

While Fujitsu's design entrants already boggled our minds here at CEATEC, KDDI au is looking to take things one step further by actually shipping a pair of decidedly futuristic handsets in Japan. Just months after the iida sub-brand was formally launched, the Ply and Prismoid are making their debuts on the show floor. The latter sports a 2.7-inch primary display, a 0.6-inch OLED sub-display, a microSD expansion slot and a design to die for; the former packs a 3.2 megapixel camera, 1seg TV tuner and a 3-inch panel. Have a look at the gallery below (and video past the break) if you're yearning to see just how lovely a dumbphone can be, and trust us when we say you've only yourself to blame if you carelessly let this opportunity pass you by.

Gallery: iida Ply and Prismoid hands-on

Continue reading iida Ply and Prismoid phones strut their stuff at CEATEC (video)

Filed under: Cellphones

iida Ply and Prismoid phones strut their stuff at CEATEC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon Coolpix S1000pj torn asunder, L-shaped projector module examined

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/nikon-coolpix-s1000pj-torn-asunder-l-shaped-projector-module-ex/

ifixit's gotten ahold of Nikon's new camera - projector hybrid, the Coolpix S1000pj, and done what they do... meaning they've ripped it apart. Okay, they slowly and carefully disassembled it while painstakingly photographing the proceedings. Most interesting to us, of course, is the Nikon developed, L-shaped projector we just heard about that makes the whole set up possible, and we have to say that the internal layout of the S1000pj is terribly impressive to behold. There's another shot (and video!) after the break -- but hit the read link for the entire, time consuming project in all its tedious glory!

Continue reading Nikon Coolpix S1000pj torn asunder, L-shaped projector module examined

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Displays

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj torn asunder, L-shaped projector module examined originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia shows off N900's sweet web browsing skills on video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/nokia-shows-off-n900s-sweet-web-browsing-skills-on-video/

Eager to get your pulsing palms around Nokia's N900? Yeah, we feel your pain. As if the phone itself and Maemo 5 haven't been talked about enough, Nokia itself has published a new video showcasing the Mozilla-based web browser. Only time will tell if said browser lives up to the hype, but if the video posted up after the break is any indication, we'd say things are looking good. Six minutes may be a long time to look at something you can't touch, but we're guessing you'd listen to six minutes of the host saying anything. Have a listen -- you'll see.

[Via HotHardware, thanks dafrabbit]

Continue reading Nokia shows off N900's sweet web browsing skills on video

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia shows off N900's sweet web browsing skills on video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple 'Tablet PC' manufactured by Foxconn, shipping in Q1?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/apple-tablet-pc-manufactured-by-foxconn-shipping-in-q1/

It's been what, five whole days since we've heard any fresh rumors on the Apple Tablet. That ends today with DigiTimes claiming that Foxconn (aka, Hon Hai Precision) not Quanta has secured manufacturing rights to Apple's "tablet PC." Its sources claim that the device will focus on "e-book functionality" and hit the market in Q1 with initial shipments set in the 300,000 to 400,000 range -- a modest, but healthy number when you consider that Apple sells about 2.6 million Macs per quarter. DigiTimes claims it will have a 10.6-inch panel (not 10.7- or 9.6-inch) and that the panels could be sourced from Innolux Display, not WinTek. If nothing else, at least the Taiwan-based rumor monger has quit calling the device a netbook as all these rumors coalesce around a Q1 launch.

[Thanks, Chan N.]

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

Apple 'Tablet PC' manufactured by Foxconn, shipping in Q1? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Gateway's EC18T Windows 7 Tablet Leaked Early? [Laptops]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/3Xaxy1waM9w/gateways-ec18t-windows-7-tablet-leaked-early

A tipster has dished up a number of photos and spec details on a previously unknown Gateway Tablet PC. Likely arriving on October 22nd (alongside Windows 7), it has a convertible 11.6-inch screen, and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

It's believed the EC18T will support up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, and have Mobile Intel GS45 Express graphics (aka graphical blah). The design looks decent enough, though, and I'm betting it has multi-touch like the Lenovo ThinkPad T400s. [Engadget]

Verizon removes gloves, begins 'There's a map for that' anti-AT&T ad campaign (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/verizon-removes-gloves-begins-theres-a-map-for-that-anti-atand/

Ouch. If you've been waiting for another flare up in the old carrier wars, here you have it. Turning Apple's "there's an app for that" slogan on its ear, Verizon has introduced a campaign touting its network coverage. The ads -- which highlight the company's new tongue-in-cheek "there's a map for that" catchphrase against tuneful, chirpy music -- also boast that Verizon's 3G blanket is a whopping five times the size of AT&T's. Does this do anything to dispel the idea that Verizon and Apple may be getting together for that phantom tablet? Who knows, but it's fun to watch the fireworks. Check out the full commercial after the break.

[Via All Things Digital]

Continue reading Verizon removes gloves, begins 'There's a map for that' anti-AT&T ad campaign (video)

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon removes gloves, begins 'There's a map for that' anti-AT&T ad campaign (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Palm pulls paid apps due to major bug allowing free app downloads

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/palm-pulls-paid-apps-due-to-major-bug-allowing-free-app-download/

After mere hours of App Catalog-stravaganza, the paid apps have been removed for the time being by Palm due to a major flaw in purchase verification. From what we've gathered from the seedy underbelly of the internet, an exploit involving building your own dummy application with the same name as a paid application allowed folks to download a free "update" to these falsified shells and score for-purchase apps galore without dropping a cent. Whether or not this was the only exploit afoot we're not sure, but it sounds like plenty of folks found ways to nab apps for free because Palm has clamped down hard on distribution for the time being. Optimistically, the company claims it should have the Catalog back up by tomorrow morning, but if the failure is really as severe as it sounds, we won't be holding our breath.

Update: And... they're back.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in; picture courtesy of glamajamma]

Filed under: Cellphones

Palm pulls paid apps due to major bug allowing free app downloads originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Powermat wireless chargers unleashed into the atmosphere, for real

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/powermat-wireless-chargers-unleashed-into-the-atmosphere-for-re/

Oh, Powermat wireless chargers. We thought you were vaporware -- and then, like an undreamed dream -- you appeared to us in the flesh (and on video!) at CES. We didn't really hear much about it after that, and we'll be honest: we had nearly forgotten all about it! Well, it turns out these bad boys are now available. If you don't recall the details, the Powermat is a one pad, one plug system designed to charge all your gadgets in one place -- refreshing! Your phone or DS or whatever you want to charge will need a Powermat Receiver sleeve, enabling it to lock onto the mat and charge in the amount of time it takes to charge up traditionally. At $99.99 (plus around $40 per receiver), it's not the cheapest charging method we can think of, but it's sure to be a conversation piece at your next rager. Powermat's lineup is now available at Best Buy and Target stores.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

Powermat wireless chargers unleashed into the atmosphere, for real originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu cellphone design contest yields mind-blowing results: hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/fujitsu-cellphone-design-contest-yields-mind-blowing-results-ha/

Fujitsu has been wowing us with cellphone concepts for quite some time, but this year's round at CEATEC is undoubtedly a show-stopping bunch. Some of the hottest ideas to come from the outfit's most recent mobile phone design contest were on display here in Japan, and we went end to end capturing the lot. The clear pebble mock-up (shown above) was easily the crown jewel (in our mind, anyway), with a small black blob able to morph into different screens (media panels, a keypad, web browser, etc.) depending on which corner you drag said blob into. There was also a design reminiscent of paper mache, not to mention one with a circular vibe that just has to be a long lost cousin to Motorola's AURA. Have a gander at the masterpieces in the gallery below, but don't bet on these hitting your ~~favorite~~ carrier anytime soon.

Gallery: Fujitsu cellphone design contest yields mind-blowing results: hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets

Fujitsu cellphone design contest yields mind-blowing results: hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/video-sonys-ceatec-concept-party-includes-walkman-bracelet-and/

We've yet to see a trade show where Sony left its Rhode Island-sized booth at home, and CEATEC is no exception. Aside from pushing its 1080p 3D installations with an epic amount of force, the company also had a smattering of swank new concepts on display that caught our eyes. A 0.2 millimeter-thin flexible OLED display was alive and displaying content, while an ultrathin Reader mock-up looked more like a MID and less like a Kindle. Without question, the two items that took our breath away were the all-panel laptop (which tossed the traditional keyboard in favor of a single, swooping display) and the Walkman bracelet, which did little more than talk dirty to us and get our imaginations working overtime. Unfortunately, all the good stuff was behind bulletproof glass with practically zero information to digest, but you can indulge your senses anyway in the gallery below and video after the break.

Gallery: Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED

Continue reading Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED

Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets, Laptops, Wearables

Sony's CEATEC concept party includes Walkman bracelet and 0.2mm thin OLED originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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