Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, July 22, 2010

RT @glenngabe: Despite Enormous Popularity, Old Spice Guy Not Helping Sales http://ping.fm/xC38v h/t @wilreynolds viral does not = $

Droid X users gobbling up 5x the data of other Verizon smartphones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/droid-x-users-gobbling-up-5x-the-data-of-other-verizon-smartphon/

Been wondering why Verizon would seek to curb its unlimited data plans with bogus restrictions? Wonder no more. Jennifer Byrne, a business development executive director at Big Red, has shared with us the shocking stat that early data usage from Droid X owners is five times what other smartphones are suckling down. Clearly, the jumbo screen is being used to the fullest by those lucky enough to get an X when they wanted one, and Verizon is (outwardly, at least) really, really excited to see such keen use of its network. Enjoy it while it lasts, Droidsters!

Droid X users gobbling up 5x the data of other Verizon smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pocketnow, AndroidSPIN | source

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Droid X can now be counted among the rooted

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/droid-x-can-now-be-counted-among-the-rooted/

It's recently come to our attention that Birdman over at the AllDroid.org forums has rooted the Droid X. By all accounts (which, at the time of this writing, consists of two forum posts that exclaim "it works!") things are going beautifully, so what do you think? Ready to pierce the soft underbelly of your smartphone's OS? Been dying to get a hot session of ADB going? Hit the source link, and remember: if you brick your phone, you only have yourself to blame.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Droid X can now be counted among the rooted originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olive Pad VT100 brings a voice-capable, 7-inch Android tablet to India's airwaves

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/olive-pad-vt100-brings-a-voice-capable-7-inch-android-tablet-to/

Ha, and you thought Dell's Streak was pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable to hold to one's ear. In a bid to make even the xpPhone look diminutive, Olive Telecom has just announced India's first 3.5G Android (2.1 for now) tablet in the Olive Pad VT100. This 7-inch slate is said to boast an 800 x 480 resolution on a capacitive touchpanel, not to mention Bluetooth, WiFi, an SD card slot, 512MB of internal memory (plus 512MB ROM), a 3.5mm audio jack, 3 megapixel camera, mini USB socket and a 3,240mAh battery. There's also a mysterious front facing camera for video calls, and sure enough, this thing actually supports voice, which may very well make it the largest smartphone to launch in 2010. If all goes well, it'll seep out in India next month, with a price of around Rs.20000 to Rs.25000, or $425 to $530 in terms of Greenbacks. We wouldn't get our hopes up for an immediate launch in North America, but word on the street has it that Russia and Europe could see this bad boy in the not-too-distant future.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Olive Pad VT100 brings a voice-capable, 7-inch Android tablet to India's airwaves

Olive Pad VT100 brings a voice-capable, 7-inch Android tablet to India's airwaves originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nook for Android now available to download, offers eBook lending

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/nook-for-android-now-available-to-download-offers-ebook-lending/

Well, what do you know? Turns out you don't actually need to invest in a Nook e-reader to enjoy the experience on your existing smartphone. And considering that the average Android smartphone will boast a display larger than your face within 2 years (if current trends continue, anyway), we'd say we could be onto something good here. At any rate, B&N's own eBookstore app is now available for Google's dear mobile OS, landing just weeks after Amazon pushed its Kindle app out into the same marketplace. Of course, B&N's not shying away from the competition, dubbing its app "the only Android e-reader application to offer eBook lending." It's available to download now on devices rocking Android 1.6 or above, and yes, even Android users can pick up on another platform where you leave off on your phone. Fancy.

Continue reading Nook for Android now available to download, offers eBook lending

Nook for Android now available to download, offers eBook lending originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ! ;| source

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What kind of fishing do you do? net, pole, or pod? do my fishing analogies for advertising work for u? - http://bit.ly/cC5sRY

Navigate The 3D Globe of News [Ipad]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5593410/navigate-the-3d-globe-of-news

Navigate The 3D Globe of News TV network ABC has released a custom ABC News iPad app that's interesting for two reasons—its clever use of HTML5 and the amazing rotating Globe of News.

Oh no, news isn't just listed in a list like some boring old RSS reader here, instead your lead stories are warped around a navigation globe, giving today's attention-lacking users a nice, easy, visual way of finding the very latest in Lindsay Lohan developments. [ABC News for iPad via PaidContent]

Fraunhofer FIT touch-free gesture-control for multiple users (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/fraunhofer-fit-touch-free-gesture-control-for-multiple-users-vi/

It seems like everyone is cooking up their own touch-free gesture-based control technology, just like every blogger is destined to refer to it as "Minority Report-like" or "Minority Report-esque," or "Tom Cruise-tastic!" Fraunhofer's FIT, the newest such project, has recently appeared on the YouTubes, where we must say it looks pretty darn good. Not only does it not require special gloves or markers, this thing also works in real time and can support multiple users (and multiple fingers). The researchers hope to use this for working with complex simulation data and in education, although there are some kinks to be worked out: currently elements like the reflections caused by wristwatches and the orientation of the palm confuses the system. That said, the demo is pretty rad! See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Fraunhofer FIT touch-free gesture-control for multiple users (video)

Fraunhofer FIT touch-free gesture-control for multiple users (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DVice |

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Samsung rolls out budget-minded PL200 point-and-shoot

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/samsung-rolls-out-budget-minded-pl200-point-and-shoot/

Not interested in Samsung's newfangled DualView cameras? Don't worry, the company is still cranking out plenty of regular point-and-shoots as well -- like this just-announced PL200 model. Coming in at a reasonable $179.99, this one packs a 14.2-megapixel sensor, a 7x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD 'round back, 720p video recording, and dual optical and digital image stabilization, among other standard features. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look, and watch for the camera for to be available sometime this September in your choice of black, silver or red.

Gallery: Samsung PL200

Continue reading Samsung rolls out budget-minded PL200 point-and-shoot

Samsung rolls out budget-minded PL200 point-and-shoot originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Streak available for purchase 'in late July,' says US product page

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/dell-streak-available-for-purchase-in-late-july-says-us-produ/

It's funny to think, even after reviewing the device (thrice, at this point), that we still don't have a US release date for Dell's Streak. The company's been uncharacteristically coy, but the stateside product page does offer this tantalizing tidbit: "available for purchase in late July." That gives us a good 10-day window, so if you've been eyeballing that pre-sale button with intent to click, now might be the time jump on the list.

Dell Streak available for purchase 'in late July,' says US product page originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC reevaluates US broadband competitiveness, finds 14 to 24 million lack access

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/fcc-reevaluates-us-broadband-competitiveness-finds-14-to-24-mil/

The National Broadband Plan may one day bring broadband to everyone in the United States but, as a new report from the FCC itself reveals, there's still quite a ways to go. According to the report (issued every year by the agency), between 14 and 24 million Americans have no access to broadband, which is now defined by the FCC to be a 4Mbps downstream and 1Mbps upstream. That's a significant revision from the previous 200kbps downstream standard used by the annual report, and brings it in line with the minimum goals set by the National Broadband Plan. What does that mean for the 14 to 24 million without broadband access? Not much at the moment, unfortunately. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says that those individuals are mostly in "expensive-to-serve areas with low population density," and that "without substantial reforms to the agency's universal service programs, these areas will continue to be unserved." Of course, that finding is just one part of the report -- hit up the source link below to check out the whole thing.

FCC reevaluates US broadband competitiveness, finds 14 to 24 million lack access originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TechDirt | FCC | Email this | Comments

BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/blindtype-vows-to-autocorrect-all-wrongs-by-replacing-your-virtu/

Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer gets too fat to be able to dial a number? Well, he wouldn't have had that problem had BlindType been around. This soft keyboard is described by its makers as being extremely resilient to inaccurate input and looking at the demo video after the break, you kinda have to agree -- it seems to have a pretty kickass predictive algorithm. Aside from that, the keyboard also dynamically adjusts to wherever and however you choose to type, meaning its size and orientation track along to your input, which goes some way to justifying the somewhat odd name (it's meant for blind operation, not blind people). Text can be inserted without the keyboard even being on screen, while spaces are added by swiping to the right. BlindType should be coming to Android and iOS devices some time in the near future.

[Thanks, Fadl]

Update: We asked BlindType's makers whether implementing their software will require replacing Apple's default button slate and they've confirmed that it would. They're making and submitting it for iOS use, nonetheless, "to put pressure on Apple to finally allow this kind of thing."

Continue reading BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video)

BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexar's 128GB Echo SE USB thumb drive continuously backs up your netbook, mobile life

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/lexars-128gb-echo-se-usb-thumb-drive-continuously-backs-up-your/

Previously available in 16GB and 32GB versions, Lexar's Echo SE line just got gigantic. And a lot more useful, if we should say so ourselves. With many SSDs topping out at 128GB, and quite a few netbooks shipping with 160GB HDDs, having this USB drive plugged essentially allows your entire laptop to be continuously backed up. The built-in, "no touch software" automatically backs up files in use, requiring absolutely no activation on your end. We're told that the little bugger will work with Windows and OS X platforms, but the assurance of having your mobile life backed up at all times will cost ya. And by that, we mean "make you $349.99 poorer." It's available now at various e-tailers (Amazon, Newegg, etc.) if you're willing to pay the premium.

Continue reading Lexar's 128GB Echo SE USB thumb drive continuously backs up your netbook, mobile life

Lexar's 128GB Echo SE USB thumb drive continuously backs up your netbook, mobile life originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexar | Email this | Comments

Horizon's Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/horizons-minipak-hydrofill-and-hydrostik-fuel-cell-devices-go/

We first learned of Horizon's most recent fuel cell-powered aspirations back at CES, but the company has been radio silent ever since. Well, until today. As of this very moment in time, a trio of alternative energy charging solutions are up for pre-order on the company's site, and while they promised that the family would be available by the end of 2010, it seems as if the first shipments will head out as early as next month. The Minipak -- described as a charging device that integrates a passive air-breathing fuel cell and a 'solid-state' hydrogen storage unit -- is up for pre-order at $99.99, while the monstrous Hydrofill water-to-hydrogen-to-power converter can also be claimed for $499.99. Last (but certainly not least), the Hydrostik can be reserved for a penny under a Hamilton. Go on, give that source link a look -- your angered AAs will peter out before they're able to take up arms, anyway.

[Thanks, Mitchell]

Horizon's Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Onkyo busts out HDMI-connected 10.1-inch picture frame

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/onkyo-busts-out-hdmi-connected-10-1-inch-picture-frame/

To cut a long story short, Onkyo's LPF10M01 is basically a netbook's screen sans (most of) the netbook. 10.1 inches of LED-backlit LCD get covered in a 1,024 x 600 pixel array and are backed up by 250 nits of brightness and a 500 to 1 contrast ratio. The big selling point here is the inclusion of an HDMI input -- still something of a rarity in picture frames -- which sidles up alongside a USB port, SDHC and Memory Stick card reader, and 512MB of integrated memory. We're fancying the flexibility of using it as a secondary display or as part of some truly minimalist desktop environment, but doubt many will be won over by the austere 140 degree horizontal viewing angle, which narrow down to a zany 110 on the vertical axis. Anyhow, it launches on August 6 in Japan for around ¥19,800 ($227).

Onkyo busts out HDMI-connected 10.1-inch picture frame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PC Watch Impress |&nbs! p; source

Onkyo | Email this | Comments

Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Droid X users gobbling up 5x the data of other Verizon smartphones

Droid X can now be counted among the rooted

Olive Pad VT100 brings a voice-capable, 7-inch Android tablet to India's airwaves

Nook for Android now available to download, offers eBook lending

Navigate The 3D Globe of News [Ipad]

Fraunhofer FIT touch-free gesture-control for multiple users (video)

Samsung rolls out budget-minded PL200 point-and-shoot

Dell Streak available for purchase 'in late July,' says US product page

FCC reevaluates US broadband competitiveness, finds 14 to 24 million lack access

BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video)

Lexar's 128GB Echo SE USB thumb drive continuously backs up your netbook, mobile life

Horizon's Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order

Onkyo busts out HDMI-connected 10.1-inch picture frame

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