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Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Verizon speaks up, confirms usage-based data plans are coming July 7th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/verizon-speaks-up-confirms-usage-based-data-plans-are-coming-ju/

The leaks about Verizon's usage-based plans have become so abundant that it's been nearly impossible to shake off with any amount of skepticism, but one key ingredient's been missing from the saga: official word from the carrier itself regarding the exact date and specific pricing. A mere two days before DataGate's rumored debut, Verizon's finally cleared its throat to make a statement confirming the inevitable. The unlimited smartphone data plan will predictably make a sad and sudden departure from the company's brochures -- lingering only for those grandfathered into it -- and a tiered structure will enter in its place.

There were no surprises on pricing: for smartphone data, plans start at $30 for 2GB, $50 for 5GB, and $80 for 10GB. New customers can add mobile hotspot service for an extra $20, and Big Red will throw in a couple additional gigabytes as well. Customers currently using the unlimited LTE mobile hotspot will be given the option to retain that service for another $30. We've yet to receive confirmation from our spokesperson, but will keep you updated as soon as we get word. Knowing is half the battle, though, so take action -- interested parties only have two days left.

Verizon speaks up, confirms usage-based data plans are coming July 7th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/galaxytab-10-1-demo-video-shows-touchwiz-on-honeycomb-mini-app/

GalaxyTab 10.1 demo video shows off TouchWiz on Honeycomb, 'Mini apps'

Surely by now you're mighty familiar with Samsung's Android-conquering Galaxy Tab 10.1, but we're still here waiting on that slate's promised TouchWiz update. Now it's on display, courtesy of an official video posted by the company. Whilst listening to some incredibly jazzy music that will make racing fans think they've accidentally booted into Gran Turismo 5, watch a disembodied hand show off some of the Honeycomb customizations that, for the most part, look fairly unobtrusive, including a bigger, friendlier settings screen. More interesting, though, is a look at the Mini Apps that are accessed by what looks to be a gesture from off the bottom of the display. Six proggies will be available at launch: a calendar, task manager, clock, note pad, calculator, and music player. We're still not sure just when the OTA update will filter out to enable these suckers, but more importantly we're not sure what to call them when it does. Mini Apps isn't doing it for us, and sadly Java already has "applets" locked up tight.

[Thanks, Marc]

Continue reading Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps

Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix bringing instant streaming Latin America, global domination plan on track

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/netflix-bringing-instant-streaming-latin-america-global-dominat/

Netflix Expansion

Soon enough, most of the western hemisphere will be able to enjoy Netflix Watch Instantly without the need for proxies and work-arounds. Later this year the company will add 43 countries in Central and South America, and the Caribbean to its list of supported locales. It will also wrap up its North American expansion by streaming flicks into the heart of Mexico. When exactly folks in Brazil and Trinidad will be able to sign up, and how much it will cost when it launches are still up in the air at the moment. One thing is certain though -- while Hulu is striking deals with the likes of Miramax and the Criterion Collection to bolster its library of feature length films, Netflix is building a global empire.

Netflix bringing instant streaming Latin America, global domination plan on track originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qbo, the open-source robot, interacts with people, makes adorable mistakes (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/qbo-the-open-source-robot-interacts-with-people-makes-adorabl/

A while back we got a detailed look at the innards of Qbo, TheCorpora's open-source robot. But we haven't gotten to see the little guy in action -- until now. His handlers recently let him loose to run autonomously, guided by a pair of webcam eyes and voice recognition courtesy of Willow Garage's ROS software. The team soon noticed some unexpected behavior, though. Despite being programmed to follow humans at a specific distance, Qbo trailed uncomfortably near with taller people -- probably the first example of a robotic "close walker." Poring over the log files revealed why: proximity was calculated based on faces. The faces of taller people were farther away from the ground-hugging robot, which adjusted accordingly. Roll your way down the page to see more of our cute mechanized friend, and over to the source link for more musings on programming him.

Continue reading Qbo, the open-source robot, interacts with people, makes adorable mistakes (video)

Qbo, the open-source robot, interacts with people, makes adorable mistakes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/insert-coin-triggertrap-open-source-automatic-camera-release-v/

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Perhaps the simplest function on any camera, the shutter release is typically triggered using a dedicated button, or -- most often in the case of a professional rig -- using a wired or wireless remote. The Triggertrap falls into that latter category, completing the circuit necessary to capture an image after receiving commands from a virtually limitless array of sources. After pairing with your DSLR or ILC using a universal connector, you'll be able to trigger the device to snap a photo using a laser beam (thanks to the built-in photo transistor), sound (a hand clap, for example), or a timer -- typically most applicable to time-lapse photography. An auxiliary port will enable you to get even more creative -- you could release the shutter using a remote control, pressure trigger, or even a cell phone call, for example.

The Triggertrap is well on its way to a Kickstarter campaign goal of $25,000, but there's still time to pre-order a DIY kit for $70, or a turn-key version for five bucks more. As always, Kickstarter will issue a refund if the project isn't funded before the July 31st deadline. Both devices are Arduino based and open source, so you're free to make modifications as you wish -- assuming you don't mind getting your hands dirty with a bit of programming. Jump past the break for a quick demo video, and keep an eye out for the creator's Pringles can DIY macro lens, just past the 13 second mark.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video)

Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon roadmap leaks, Krait slithering on the scene soon

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/qualcomm-snapdragon-roadmap-leaks-krait-slithering-on-the-scene/

Qualcomm Roadmap

We've gotten a few peeks at Qualcomm's next-gen Snapdragon chips, codenamed Krait, but now we've got a proper roadmap, including time frames for release, model numbers, and even details about the memory channels. Glancing at the slide above doesn't reveal anything terribly surprising -- the dual-core 8960 (LTE), 8270 (HSPA), and 8260A (HSPA+) will all be shipping to manufacturers later this quarter, in speeds ranging from 1.5GHz to 1.7GHz and come packing the latest Adreno 225 GPU. In Q3 of next year Qualcomm's 28nm tech will trickle down from the high-end to mid-range phones, just ahead of the launch of those quad-core, 2GHz mobile monsters the company teased back in February. Check out the full PDF presentation at the source for more nitty-gritty details.

[Thanks, Gadgeteer]

Qualcomm Snapdragon roadmap leaks, Krait slithering on the scene soon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix for Android gets first HD streaming certification, Texas Instruments accepts your applause

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/netflix-for-android-gets-first-hd-streaming-certification-texas/

Texas Instruments just called First!... on Netflix, that is. The Watch Instantly app for Android has an HD streaming future coming soon to OMAP 4-equipped devices thanks to the SoC's inbuilt security measures. The announcement marks the first time any Netflix partner has received 'Netflix Silicon Reference Implementation certification,' a clumsily-titled, yet essential requirement for end-to-end protection of mobile streamed 1080p content. The chip's M-Shield security tech "runs on the OMAP processor [without the need for] a dedicated chip or extra CPU cycles," so you're free to multi-task that dual-core (we assume) to its breaking point. And because you can never be too safe, TI's also thrown in its onboard WiLink 7.0 solution -- an industry first -- that makes use of WEP, WPA and WPA2 to keep the unsecured funny business at bay. The only downside to all this joyous high-definition news: it only runs on Gingerbread, so current LG Optimus 3D owners are out of luck until things get up to speed. Hit the break for some densely-worded silicon accolades.

Continue reading Netflix for Android gets first HD streaming certification, Texas Instruments accepts your applause

Netflix for Android gets first HD streaming certification, Texas Instruments accepts your applause originally appeared on Engadg! et o n Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, July 04, 2011

Quadrocopters reined in by Kinect leash, we feel safer already

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/quadrocopters-reined-in-by-kinect-leash-we-feel-safer-already/

Kinect controlled quadrocopter

It seems like the folks over at the Flying Machine Arena are finally starting to catch on -- those quadrocopters are going to kill us all. Thankfully, after teaching them to juggle and tap out some tunes, the researchers came to their senses and put the flying machines on a Kinect-controlled leash. Instead of flitting about autonomously, the four-rotored nightmares are directed by a puppeteer waving his hands. Movement is controlled by the right hand, while raising the left one tells the copter to do a little flip for its master's amusement, and a commanding clap makes it sit down like a good little pup. Best of all, if you don't give it any arm-waving instruction it just hovers and waits until you tell it otherwise. On further consideration, maybe we haven't been creating our own murderers, but a new man's best friend -- after all, they don't eat much and can't chew up your remotes. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Quadrocopters reined in by Kinect leash, we feel safer already

Quadrocopters reined in by Kinect leash, we feel safer already originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 01:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caffenol turns Folgers into DIY film developer -- decaf won't do (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/caffenol-turns-folgers-into-diy-film-developer-decaf-wont-do/

Caffenol turns Folgers into DIY film developer -- decaf won't do (video)

We knew instant coffee was good for something. The folks at Make just demoed a rather novel method for developing negatives from a roll of black and white film -- you remember film, don't you? Known as Caffenol, the process involves a smattering of household substances, including Vitamin C powder, instant coffee (caffeinated only), good ole H₂O, and Cascade. Of course, it's not as simple as throwing this stuff in a slosh bucket with a roll of film and mixing it up, but it's not that complicated, either. If you're looking for something to do with those instant crystals, and still have a non-digital camera laying around, hop on past the break for a homebrew tutorial.

Continue reading Caffenol turns Folgers into DIY film developer -- decaf won't do (video)

Caffenol turns Folgers into DIY film developer -- decaf won't do (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday, July 03, 2011

Turn Your iPhone Into a Universal Remote For $10 With BlinQ [Stuff We Like]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5817504/turn-your-iphone-into-a-universal-remote-for-10-with-blinq

I've previously checked out the Peel remote, which turns your iPhone into a universal remote by way of an Ethernet adapter and a fruit-shaped IR blaster. The blinQ, on the other hand, skips the adapter and fruit by just placing an IR blaster into your iPhone, which saves you $90 in the process.

The blinQ app is free, whereas the Q IR blaster, which plugs into the headphone jack, costs $10. After customizing the remote to your specific set of equipment by cycling through various IR code frequencies, you start using it as a universal remote. The app isn't as polished as the Peel one—which in turn falls quite short of a full-blown universal remote like a Logitech Harmony.

The Q app does work on iPhones, iPod touches and iPads, and gives you an on-screen guide that you can quickly navigate and choose shows from. There are other, and now seemingly mandatory, social features that you can use to watch TV "with" friends at the same time, or just tell them what you're watching. It doesn't add a lot to the value of the app, and I would have rather them use that development time to add more IR code support for various devices and clean up their interface more.

The bottom line is that while the universal remote functionality is more like a 5 out of 10, it works, and it's only $10. It's a type of thing that's perfect for using in the bedroom or exercise room where you're there only occasionally, yet still want to control various things with your iDevice.

Blinq on iTunes

Droid Bionic seemingly clears the FCC, may finally be headed for (US) glory

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/droid-bionic-seemingly-clears-the-fcc-may-finally-be-headed-for/

Is this the Droid Bionic, eager to make its US debut at long last? After a false start, it's looking more and more like Motorola's next superphone could be inching ever closer to that elusive "summer release," with a new FCC filing showcasing a cellular communications device with EVDO, LTE, 700MHz radios, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and an inductive charging battery cover. 'Course, a few things are still under wraps until August 7th, so it's fairly impossible to tell with any level of certainty what handset we're peering at. The clues most certainly add up, however, and if you were thinking of holding out just a wee bit longer, maybe the outline above is just what you needed to find patience (and all her friends).

Droid Bionic seemingly clears the FCC, may finally be headed for (US) glory originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's Galaxy S II becomes company's quickest selling phone: three million in 55 days

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/samsungs-galaxy-s-ii-becomes-companys-quickest-selling-phone/

Samsung sold three million of its original Galaxy S phone in 85 days. A few months later, a full ten million had been moved. Now, it looks as if the superphone's proper successor may put that latter statistic to shame. The outfit just announced that it took but 55 days to move three million Galaxy S II handsets, which works out to one phone every 1.5 seconds. It's Sammy's briskest-selling smartphone ever, and we're guessing that it'll keep up the pace once that AT&T variant lands on US soil. Which is coming soon, right Samsung?

Continue reading Samsung's Galaxy S II becomes company's quickest selling phone: three million in 55 days

Samsung's Galaxy S II becomes company's quickest selling phone: three million in 55 days originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 13:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect / iPad hack should help you get Obi-Wan's attention (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/kinect-ipad-hack-should-help-you-get-obi-wans-attention-vide/

You know the old story, right? You come into possession of plans for the Empire's moon-sized space station, and now they've come to capture you. What to do? Well, if you've got access to a Kinect, an iPad, and the String SDK, you're in luck. The folks at LAAN Labs demonstrated a nifty little hack that can turn 3D data recorded using the Xbox 360 peripheral into a Princess Leia-esque augmented reality image playable on the Apple tablet. Check the video below -- unless you're a scruffy-looking nerf herder, that is.

Continue reading Kinect / iPad hack should help you get Obi-Wan's attention (video)

Kinect / iPad hack should help you get Obi-Wan's attention (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4 prototype surfaces on eBay: A+++ condition, would buy again

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/iphone-4-prototype-surfaces-on-ebay-a-condition-would-buy-a/

And with that, the tradition continues. Every year or so, it seems that an iPhone prototype of some description manages to find its way onto eBay, and just over a year after the first iPhone 4 prototype made its way into public view, the precious item you see above is now available on a public auction site. To our knowledge, this is the first iPhone 4 prototype to be offered for sale on eBay -- at least from someone who actually appears to be legitimate and in possession of the device he / she claims to own -- boasting an etched 'DF1692' label in the lower right, omitted volume button markers and a mysterious 'XXGB' label around back. Unfortunately, we're told that it can't be activated through iTunes, and popping in an AT&T SIM did the seller little good. 'Course, at $810 and rising, we highly doubt such trivial matters will deter collectors from ponying up. Hit the source link to get your bid in -- you know, before Apple's henchmen convince Mr. Donahoe to pull the plug.

iPhone 4 prototype surfaces on eBay: A+++ condition, would buy again originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: webOS wherever

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/03/switched-on-webos-wherever/

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

This week's release of the HP TouchPad, the first device other than a handset to feature webOS, aptly demonstrates the promise and perils of HP's adopted operating system. The 4:3 tablet provides the large canvas that webOS seemed born to cover. However, like the Xoom and PlayBook before it, the TouchPad suffers from an impoverished app library among other holes. To help share development costs of webOS and expand the market for its developers, HP has warmed to the idea of licensing the Palm-developed operating system.

HP's willingness to license webOS while continuing to make devices based on the operating system serves up a healthy helping of déjà vu for those who followed the history of Palm, Inc. The PDA pioneer sought to take advantage of its dominance in handhelds, and stave off rival Pocket PCs powered by Windows CE, by licensing the Palm operating system while continuing to use it.

The decision proved to be Palm's short-term salvation and long-term ruin. One of the first companies to license the Palm OS was Handspring, founded by former Palm executives. Handspring created the Treo, which became Palm's entry into smartphones when Palm acquired Handspring. A few other companies licensed the Palm OS for smartphones, including Kyocera and Samsung, but the inherent conflict created by competing with licensees forced Palm to spin Palm OS out into a company called PalmSource, which folded three years later.

Continue reading Switched On: webOS wherever

Switched On: webOS wherever originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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