Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, February 06, 2012

Scammers Use Impostor Apps to Flood the Android Marketplace With Malware [Android]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5882776/scammers-use-impostor-apps-to-flood-the-android-marketplace-with-malware

Scammers Use Impostor Apps to Flood the Android Marketplace With Malware Android apps such as Jetpack Joyride, Madden NFL 12, Pinterest and Batman Arkham City Lockdown are rife with malware. But these aren't the official apps. No, they're merely impostor apps that have snuck past the security gates of the Android Market.

According to Android Police, a scam outfit calling itself Rovio Mobile Ltd. (yes, it's even ripping off the name of the Angry Birds developer) has committed the most blatant form of IP theft and are duping people into infecting their phone with apps intended to collect your info and spam your inbox. And MSNBC says that's not all:

Also found lurking the Android Market is a phony version of the Pinterest app, the popular new online pinboard. The bogus Pinterest app, from the ironically named developer "Official Android App," installs other apps without the user's permission.

A glance at the user reviews for "Jetpack Joyride" tells the true tale of the game's intentions.

"Will not let me enter my email address to download the full version! What a load of rubbish," wrote a user named Bethanie on Feb. 5.

Beware what developers you're downloading from. [Android Police via MSNBC]

Google HUD Glasses Might Be a Real, Actual Thing [Google X]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5882798/google-hud-glasses-might-be-a-real-actual-thing

Google HUD Glasses Might Be a Real, Actual Thing Iron Man's HUD display is one of the cooler effects in sci-fi movies, and Google X is apparently pretty darn close to cramming similar tech in a pair of glasses you can buy in the real world.

A 9to5google tipster got to see a prototype pair, and says that they look similar to Oakley Thumps glasses that have a front-facing camera, voice recognition, and navigation/input handled by tilting your head. The guts apparently resemble last generation's Android phones, while HUD itself is only in one eye (and off to the side) because it's not transparent like Tony Stark's tech. It had been previously reported that the device is not simply an "Android peripheral."

The glasses are still a long way from completion, but Google is reportedly looking into a pilot program like it did with Chromebooks. Anything that gets these things on my face faster is all right with me. [9to5google]

Intel SSD 520 review roundup: Intel reliability, SandForce speeds starting at $149

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/intel-ssd-520-review-roundup-intel-reliability-sandforce-speed/

There's plenty of SSD options out there, but Intel's NAND drives are among the most well thought of, simply because they're so reliable. But, with the top speed of competing SSDs spiraling higher, Intel's rock-solid reputation may not be enough for some enthusiasts. Enter the SSD 520, with a performance SandForce SF-2281 controller and custom firmware (codenamed Cherryville) on board to ensure the 520 meets Chipzilla's demanding standards for stability. It's the result of a year and a half long collaboration between Intel and SandForce, and is available in both 7mm and 9.5mm thin form factors to fit any machine -- Ultrabook or otherwise. Aside from the SandForce chip, the 520 packs Intel's finest 25nm NAND Flash, a SATA 6GB/s connection and its 550MB/s reads and 520MB/s writes can be had for $149 in 60GB garb and prices escalate up to a grand for 480GB. Naturally, as this is Intel's effort to snatch back the performance market, a raft of reviews have been written about the SSD 520.

So, how does the 520 stack up? Well, Intel's so confident in the 520 that it's backed the SSD with a five-year warranty. Though its performance doesn't drastically outpace its competition, Storage Review found the drive to be on par with the current speed king, OCZ's Vertex 3 in its benchmarks -- and also found performance and stability to be quite good in both enterprise use and in RAID ar! rays. Me anwhile, AnandTech found that the 520's peak random write speeds quite similar to its sequential reads during testing, which shows how well the optimized firmware works with the NAND. Hot Hardware thought the 520 to be comparable to other SandForce-equipped SSDs, but in terms of power consumption, Tom's Hardware found Intel's latest to be a power hog. Generally, all the reviewers were in agreement: the 520 is a speedy SSD, but you pay a hefty premium for Intel's reputation for churning out reliable drives. Only time will tell if the 520 can deliver the reliability we want, but there's plenty of performance info to be had in the reviews listed below.

Intel SSD 520 review roundup: Intel reliability, SandForce speeds starting at $149 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Storage Review (1), (2), (3), AnandTech, Tom's Hardware, Hot Ha! rdware, Legit Reviews | Email this | Comments

NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/nvidia-kepler-roadmap-leak/

As usual, it seems like whenever a big chip company wants to keep those key details under wraps, someone leaves a spreadsheet lying in a bar. Of course, the following information could be the product of a vengeful former employee mashing at a keyboard, so let's agree that these are rumored details until further notice. NVIDIA's whole range of Kepler-powered graphics cards will be PCI-E 3.0 compliant, with the GTX960 topping the group at $999 when it arrives in Q3 of this year, while the modestly-priced GTX640 will retail for $139 when it arrives in May. If you'd like to drill down into the specifics of all eight cards purportedly on offer for 2012, we've got all the details in a handy chart nestled just after the interval.

Continue reading NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly)

NVIDIA's 2012 Kepler lineup revealed (possibly) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

ITProPortal | source

source

Lenzfire | Email this | Comments

Friday, February 03, 2012

Creative pumps out $99 HN-900 noise-canceling headphones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/creative-hn-900-noise-canceling-headphones/

Fact: not everyone's willing to pay a premium to enhance their personal listening experience. Fortunately for those of you who like noise cancellation and a flush bank account, Creative's just taken the wraps off its $99 headset that'll do the trick. The HN-900 offers great features -- aside from the low price tag -- such as 40-hours of active noise canceling powered by some AAA juice (for the times when you feel like ignoring the world), 40mm Neodymium drivers, and a built-in microphone to help with making and answering calls, just to highlight a few. Naturally, with such a stout feature set and low price, the headphones are selling like hotcakes and are currently out of stock. That said, you can still head over to the source to check out the rest of the deets and be one of the first in line once the second batch hits Creative's virtual shelves.

Creative pumps out $99 HN-900 noise-canceling headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

CNET |

source

Creative | Email this | Comments

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Blurry Cellphone Shots Could Be Eliminated With This Flash Boosting Chip [Photography]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5881693/blurry-cellphone-shots-could-be-eliminated-with-this-flash-boosting-chip

STMicroelectronics hopes to make the wimpy LED flash on your smartphone as bright as the xenon flash in your camera with a new chip that packs a supercapacitor for quick bursts of power.

On average the always-on LED flashes used in smartphones only produce about 2W of power, barely enough to illuminate someone standing right in front of the lens. So to compensate for a lack of light, your phone uses a longer exposure, which can lead to blurry photos if you or your subject is even slightly moving. But STMicro's new STCF04 chip includes a built-in supercapacitor and an array of high-intensity LEDs to produce about 40W of light in quick bursts. Which, according to the company's press release, is the equivalent brightness of an outdoor security floodlight.

At just 3mm per side the chip shouldn't add much bulk to a device's form factor, and for $2 it adds a new feature point that smartphone manufacturers can easily charge a lot more for. [STMicroelectronics via Computerworld]

Qualcomm chips complete first successful VoIP-over-LTE to WCDMA handoff

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/qualcomm-chips-complete-first-successful-voip-over-lte-to-wcdma/

Qualcom Snapdragon S4

For now, voice over LTE is but an idea -- one with unrealized potential, as Verizon, AT&T and Metro PCS all still rely on their 3G networks for voice duty. Qualcomm has edged us one step closer to a completely 4G future, though, with the first successful test of a mid-call LTE to WCDMA transfer. Using one of its own chipsets, specifically an MSM8960 Snapdragon S4, the company successfully utilized Single Radio Voice Call Continuity to switch from a VoIP-over-LTE connection to a traditional voice channel over WCDMA. It might seem like a small victory, but it's one that's an essential step towards and entirely LTE-dependent network. Check out the complete PR after the break.

Continue reading Qualcomm chips complete first successful VoIP-over-LTE to WCDMA handoff

Qualcomm chips complete first successful VoIP-over-LTE to WCDMA handoff originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | | Email this | Comments

ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/asus-tf300t-tablet-shows-up-in-leaked-pictures/

ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer?

While ASUS is still trying to get a firm grip on its latest Transformer, a purported next-gen member of its Eee Pad family is now happily circulating the web. Taiwanese site NCCC claims to have come across what could be a followup to the Transformer Prime. The 10.1-inch slate raised the leak alarms when a QuieTek certification document revealed its "TF300T" codename, which is numerically higher than its Transformer brethren, the OG (TF101) and Prime (TF201). Furthermore, there are no rumored specs, and aside from the blood-like color on the tablet's back -- there isn't much to tell it apart from its quad-core sibling. We'll keep you in the loop if more juicy info fills our glass, in the meantime you can head over to the source for some additional eye-candy.

ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Blogeee.net | source

source

nccc.cool3c.com | Email this | Comments

AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/amds-new-plan-focus-on-tablets-cloud-computing-and-developing/

Chipzilla has long been atop the PC chip manufacturing mountain, with AMD running a rather distant second. That's why AMD's new top man, Rory Read, plans to move the company in a more mobile direction. Speaking at the company's analyst day, Read stated that the chipmaker will focus on outflanking Intel in the tablet space and by growing its business in cloud computing and emerging markets like China (read: entry-level PCs and devices). As to whether AMD would venture into the smartphone space, Read was quite clear in stating that there were no plans to do so. But, he did make mention of being flexible when it came to chip architecture, including using 3rd party IP in developing new silicon -- so a switch to ARM may not be out of the question. How will AMD accomplish its new goals? By focusing on execution of its technology rather than trying to be on the bleeding edge -- sound familiar?

Continue reading AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets

AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Reuters | Email this | Comments

AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/au-optronics-idemitsu-kosan-announce-strategic-alliance-on-ol/

The OLED-infused future is fast approaching in Taiwan, where AU Optronics today announced a "strategic alliance" with Japanese firm Idemitsu Kosan. According to AUO, the partnership will see both companies collaborate on new OLED displays and patents, with Idemitsu filling the role of supplier. Taiwan-based AUO delivered the following statement: "This will accelerate business growth in AUO's small-sized OLED displays for smartphones and tablets, which have emerged as a new growth area in the display industry, and that of large-sized OLED displays for TVs." There's no indication as to when we might see the first fruits of this alliance, but as AUO VP Paul Peng recently reminded us, it may be a while.

Continue reading AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development

AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use o! f feeds< /a>.

Permalink | source

source

Reuters | Email this | Comments

TypeWay iPad Keyboard Adapts To Fit Your Hands Perfectly [Keyboards]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5881381/typeway-ipad-keyboard-adapts-to-fit-your-hands-perfectly

TypeWay iPad Keyboard Adapts To Fit Your Hands Perfectly The limitations of typing on a touchscreen hinder how effective tablets can be as productivity tools. There is hope, though, at least for iPad users. This TypeWay keyboard supposedly makes things easier, by adapting the key layout for each user.

Like the velociraptors in Jurassic Park, the TypeWay replacement keyboard learns and remembers, automatically adjusting the layout and placement of keys depending on your typing style, skill level, or habits. It's basically the first ergonomic on-screen keyboard that can still lead to repetitive stress injuries.

If you happen to find a layout that works particularly well for you, you can freeze the keys' positions at any time, or save a specific layout for later use if you still want to experiment. At $6 it isn't the cheapest iPad app in the App Store, but if it succeeds in making the iPad's keyboard useful for long-form typing, consider it a cheaper alternative to an external wireless keyboard. [TypeWay via Chip Chick]

Vizio's 21:9 CinemaWide LED HDTV Arrives in March [HDTV]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5881514/vizios-219-cinemawide-led-hdtv-arrives-in-march

Vizio's 21:9 CinemaWide LED HDTV Arrives in March Vizio's new line of 21:9 aspect ratio televisions that we told you about in January will be hitting store shelves next month and will retail for $3500.

Why 21:9? That happens to be the same ratio as Cinemascope, the dominant feature film format of today. It will allow viewers to watch 21:9 widescreen movies without the ubiquitous black bars. 16:9 video can either be up-scaled to fit or the extra space can be filled with embedded apps. [The Verge]

Supposed next-gen iPod Nano with camera leaks again, clip back in tow

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/supposed-next-gen-ipod-nano-with-camera-leaks-again-clip-back-i/

If you'll recall, it was April of last year when we reported on pictures from Apple.pro, which claimed to show a seventh-generation iPod Nano chassis with room for a camera. Not long after, the site posted a second leak of the device, hinting at the omission of the Nano's famous clip in favor of optics. Fast forward to the present, and we're now looking another supposed shot of the unit, however, this time the clip is back and it's made room for the shooter. Like prior Nano-camera efforts, this prototype's loaded with a less-than-whopping 1.3-megapixels of resolution, which M.I.C Gadget claims in its non-final form, took overexposed photos. Apple's apparently also been toying with 2-megapixel prototypes, but those too were apparently deemed unsatisfactory. M.I.C. Gadget also muses the two month old prototype is nearing release, and that it could be released before the traditional fall schedule. Seeing as the Nano's long overdue for a hardware refresh, we'd file that under definitively maybe, but before believing, take copious amounts of salt as you hit the source link below for a bevy of pics.

Supposed next-gen iPod Nano with camera leaks again, clip back in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TechnoBuffalo, MacRumors | source

source

Apple.pro | Email this | Comments

Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/vizio-ultrawidescreen-58-inch-3499/

We were told at CES last month to expect Vizio's ultrawidescreen LCDs would hit the market sooner rather than later, now we know how it will fit into our budgets, even if we're not sure how the aspect ratio will fit in our living rooms. Similar to the way its first Theater 3D TVs popped up last year, the XVT 3D CinemaWide product page reveals a 58-inch model (50- and 71-inchers are also planned) sporting its trademark 21:9 aspect ratio (compared to a traditional HDTV's 16:9) and 2560x1080 resolution will start at $3,499. It also has an array of specs, measuring the 120Hz Edge LED lit screen at 56.7-inches wide by 29-inches high and 1.8-inches deep. Just as we saw when they were first announced at CES 2011, Vizio upscales Blu-ray and other wider-than-widescreen sources to fill the screen without those black bars we've become accustomed to. If you're watching standard HD programming, the extra space alongside can accommodate tiles for Yahoo! Widgets pulling information from the internet without blocking the picture at all. Check our gallery below for a better look and a demo video after the break, we'll keep an ear to the ground to find out when and where these displays might hit the market first.

[Thanks, chilipalm]

Conti nue reading Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV

Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | source

source

Vizio | Email this | Comments

Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/pentax-k-01-leaks-wants-to-be-your-retro-looking-mirrorless-fri/

Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend

Above is a purported leak of Pentax's upcoming K-01 -- a retro-inspired mirrorless camera which is apparently set for reveal soon. Divulged in a bevy of official-looking shots on Pentax Forums, the diminutive shooter will apparently be available in several colors alongside its incredibly-thin 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens. Also shown are closeups of a dedicated HDR mode up-top, alongside dedicated red and green buttons, and a curious signature by designer Marc Newson adjacent to its battery cover. Perplexed by the sum of its parts like we are? Well, until Pentax reveals all, get a acquainted with it in the source links below.

[Thanks, Ben]

Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink |

Pentax Forums, Club Snap Forums | Email this | Comments

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)