Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Dell Bringing Mini 3i Android Smartphone to US? [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/CYf18Z-jeW0/dell-bringing-mini-3i-android-smartphone-to-us

We knew Dell's Mini 3i Android-based smartphone would be coming to China, but now Crunchgear hears that Dell might bring an altered version of the device Stateside.

The Chinese version of the phone was simply not fit for the US market, lacking 3G and Wi-Fi, but according to a tipster, Dell will change some of the internals before it debuts here. The tipster specifically names an improved camera (5MP, up from 3MP) but we'll assume that if the rumor is true, it'll also get a bump in the wireless department to 3G. Interestingly, Dell is said to be messing with Android's internals for some reason, making some apps incompatible, though we can't imagine what purpose that would serve other than customer frustration.

The phone is said to be thinner than the iPhone, though with a similar icon list and feels "plasticky, like the Palm Pre," which would be fairly in line with the Chinese model. This is unconfirmed for now, but we'll keep you updated if we hear anything else on Dell's possibly entering the US smartphone arena. [Crunchgear]

Explore the New York City Which Could've Been With the Phantom City iPhone App [IPhone Apps]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Tm7hNVH3G3Q/explore-the-new-york-city-which-couldve-been-with-the-phantom-city-iphone-app

NYC is where what-could've-beens live. But if it's the architecture related musings that intrigue you, then you can at least find answers to the wonder-what-would've-been-on-this-street-corner. Walk around NYC with the Phantom City app running and you'll see designs and dreams.

You'll see broken and unrealized dreams, that is. With Museum of the Phantom City, an public art project of an app sponsored by the Van Alen Institute, you can explore the various "images and descriptions of speculative projects" for New York City. BLDGBLOG even romanticizes the entire adventure (and justly so):

You walk past a certain corner on the Upper West Side and your iPhone starts to ring: you're being called by a missing building... Absent structures detected in a wireless blur, leaving messages for you (complete with call-back number).

Missing buildings calling to you, potential designs chirping to make themselves known. It's almost enough to make me book a flight and go for a stroll through Manhattan.

Actually, I may just have to book that flight anyway, because the app's dowsing rod-like nature demands proximity to the buildings to view any information or images. Otherwise there's a cold "Out of Range" popup. Time to pack a bag. [Phantom City via BLDGBLOG]

Active Media debuts 'seriously fast' Aviator 312 USB 3.0 SSD

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/active-media-debuts-seriously-fast-aviator-312-usb-3-0-ssd/

It may not be the first USB 3.0 hard drive, but Active Media's new Aviator 312 external SSD does look to be the fastest one around at the moment-- assuming it actually lives up to the company's claims, that is. The biggest of those are read speeds "up to" a blazing 240MB/s and write speeds up to 160MB/s -- both, of course, made possible through the magic of USB 3.0, which also just so happens to let the drive be an external one, and be powered solely by USB. Of course, there are a few not insignificant trade-offs as well, the most notable being that the drive is limited to just 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, which also unsurprisingly demand more than their capacities would suggest: $89, $119, and $209, respectively.

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Peripherals, Storage

Active Media debuts 'seriously fast' Aviator 312 USB 3.0 SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Motorola Sholes not running MOTOBLUR?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/verizon-motorola-sholes-not-running-motoblur/

We'd been hearing rumors that the Motorola Sholes on Verizon wouldn't be running MOTOBLUR because it's to be a "Google Experience" device, and while that seemed silly at first, it certainly looks like the device Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam was waving around this morning was running stock Android. How can we tell? For starters, Blur has a different 3G icon in the menu bar, and different icons for several apps -- Calendar leaps out to us here. What's more, that certainly appears to be the default Android search box lurking back there, something that's not part of the Blur homescreen. That's definitely odd, considering how big a bet Motorola seemed to be placing on Blur as its handset differentiator -- and doubly odd since the HTC Hero Eric Schmidt was holding at the same photo op was running Sense on top of Android. We'll have to see how this one shakes out when the Sholes is actually launched, but for now we'd say those rumors are looking awfully true.

[Image credit: Associated Press, under license; thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Verizon Motorola Sholes not running MOTOBLUR?

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon Motorola Sholes not running MOTOBLUR? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/3ms-mpro-120-pocket-projector-fights-the-good-fight-at-ceatec/

3M's MPro 120 didn't really add a whole lot of spice to the currently drab pocket projector lineup, boasting a simple VGA resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio and image quality suitable for presentations alone. Granted, the 12 lumens and 4 hours of battery life both trump figures on the decidedly impressive SHOW WX (which has 10 lumens and 2 hours of life), but in the wide world of beamers, it's the picture quality that matters most. We took a peek at the latest MPro here in Japan, and while the results were less than impressive underneath the lights, the sub-$330 street price in the US is definitely admirable. If you'll recall, the laser / PicoP-based SHOW WX is slated to retail right around $500, while this bugger can be found right now in trusted e-tailers for over a Benjamin less. 'Course, 3M might want to inform its booth attendant of this little matter, as the (erroneous) $600 price quote we got from a certain someone definitely shocked us momentarily. Video's after the break.

Gallery: 3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC

Continue reading 3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video)

Filed under: Displays, Portable Video

3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Intrepid intros Sprint to Windows Mobile 6.5 on October 11

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/samsung-intrepid-intros-sprint-to-windows-mobile-6-5-on-october/

Looking for a worthy successor to that aging Ace? Sprint customers need no longer wonder when they'd be up for their own dose of WinMo 6.5 because the carrier has officially announced the Intrepid, a portrait QWERTY device that basically brings the design of the OmniaPRO B7320 and AT&T's Jack over the CDMA world. Like its predecessor, though, the Intrepid isn't just about CDMA -- it'll also do GSM for global roaming, so feel free to pack it as you gallivant across the Mediterranean, and unlike the Jack, the Intrepid's got a QVGA touchscreen up top to compliment the chiclet keys down below. At any rate, you'll be able to pick this up starting this Sunday, October 11 for $149.99 on contract after rebates -- the same price as a Pure over on AT&T, coincidentally, so pick your poison.

[Thanks, Jay]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Samsung Intrepid intros Sprint to Windows Mobile 6.5 on October 11 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entelligence: The HTC HD2 and the future of Windows Mobile

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/entelligence-the-htc-hd2-and-the-future-of-windows-mobile/

Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

A few columns ago, I wrote how folks shouldn't dismiss Windows Mobile. This week, Microsoft released Windows Mobile 6.5 and it's further proof that this OS is very much a serious contender in the mobile OS platform wars. What makes Windows Mobile 6.5 work isn't so much the OS per se, but rather the Windows Phones that are the basis for the ecosystem.

Despite Steve Ballmer himself apologizing for the delay of Window Mobile 7 a few days ago, there's a lot in WinMo 6.5 that Microsoft should be proud of. Overall the OS itself has been tweaked a lot for performance -- I've tried devices that were running WM 6.1 and were upgraded to 6.5 and there's a dramatic difference in speed. Microsoft has also worked hard to make the new OS much more finger friendly, with UI elements that really required a stylus in the past much more usable with a finger instead. There's also some nice integration with new services such at the marketplace for mobile applications and MyPhone synchronization.

That's all well and good, but it's one device that I've had the chance to use for just a few minutes that's really affirmed my view of Windows Mobile viability, and it has me very excited about the platform. It's the new standard for Windows Phones and it's pretty much the device that every other Windows-powered phone is going to need to live up to. It's called the HTC HD2 (code named Leo) and it's a game changer in my opinion.

Continue reading Entelligence: The HTC HD2 and the future of Windows Mobile

Filed under: Cellphones

Entelligence: The HTC HD2 and the future of Windows Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Mini 311 reviewed with earnest, ION-enhanced affection

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/hp-mini-311-reviewed-with-earnest-ion-enhanced-affection/

It's taken longer than we thought for a honest-to-goodness NVIDIA ION-powered within arm's reach, but sure enough the HP Mini 311 accomplishes just that. Laptop's managed one of the first reviews, and much like what the site intimated with earlier benchmarks, you're looking at a surprisingly capable and sleek $400 netbook with good battery life. In fact, the only major complaint seems to be a trackpad that's a bit too rough for the reviewer's tastes -- probably a sacrifice worth making if you're definitely in the market for a new ultraportable right now. Hit up the read link for the full review.

Filed under: Laptops

HP Mini 311 reviewed with earnest, ION-enhanced affection originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's 50-inch 1080p 3D plasma spotted, watched at CEATEC

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/panasonics-50-inch-1080p-3d-plasma-spotted-watched-at-ceatec/

At this point, Panasonic's 50-inch 3D plasma is just another one joining the fray, but considering how highly hyped the technology behind this was, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to throw our eyes on it for a bit at CEATEC. The 1080p panel was strikingly thin (or well mounted to give that impression), and the viewing angles were fantastic. The glasses that Panny provided, however, were relatively annoying (no surprise there). It should be noted that the actual spectacles sit pretty far off of your face, which simultaneously enables those with actual glasses to partake in the 3D experience while frustrating those without by giving them a cute blue rim that refuses to leave the periphery. As for image quality, the G-Force demo looked downright stunning, with depth being easily perceived and fast moving action whisking about seamlessly. Still, we're having a hard time believing a family of four would sit down and use these glasses for a two-hour presentation, but hey, we're not going to give up on the marketing squads just yet.

Gallery: Panasonic's 50-inch 1080p 3D plasma spotted, watched at CEATEC

Filed under: Displays

Panasonic's 50-inch 1080p 3D plasma spotted, watched at CEATEC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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