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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q coming August 8th for $50, we go hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/11/t-mobile-mytouch-series-hands-on/

T-Mobile's myTouch series is back with a new pair of devices -- a slate and a slideout QWERTY, to be precise -- and the lucky manufacturer this time around is Huawei, following in the footsteps made by HTC and LG in years past. Of course, we can't say that this is much of a shocker, considering we've seen these midrange handsets go through endless rounds of rumors, FCC certification and even our very own hands-ons when visiting Huawei HQ (where the devices are known more officially as the Ascend G312 and G312 QWERTY). But they're finally ready for the final production line and will be available August 8th for $50 after a $50 mail-in rebate. The myTouch will come in black and dark red, while the myTouch Q will be offered in black and white.

So what kind of specs can we expect to enjoy (or strongly dislike, depending on your personal preference) on the myTouch and myTouch Q? It's running Android 2.3 on a special customized UI, for starters, which will be a huge disappointment to many potential buyers. Additionally, both devices will offer a 4-inch WVGA screen, 1,500mAh battery, 4GB of internal storage, microSD expansion, 5MP rear camera capable of taking 720p video, 0.3MP front-facing cam, HSPA+ connectivity and an unspecified 1.4GHz CPU (though we reported earlier that it should be a single-core MSM8255T accompanied by 1GB of RAM). Head ! below to check out our gallery and hands-on video, and then continue reading after the break to hear our first impressions.

Gallery: T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q hands-on

Continue reading T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q coming August 8th for $50, we go hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q coming August 8th for $50, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Sony VAIO T13 review: the company's first Ultrabook targets the back-to-school set

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/sony-vaio-t13-review/

More Info

Until recently, Sony's name has been conspicuously absent on the ever-growing list of Ultrabook makers. Sure, we've known about the VAIO T series since CES, when the company teased an unnamed notebook behind glass, but it didn't get its official reveal until May, when it hit the European market -- with last-generation Sandy Bridge processors. That's no way to make a splash when Ivy Bridge CPUs are now de rigueur for Ultrabooks and mainstream laptops alike.

Luckily, Sony got things right on the US side, releasing the 13-inch VAIO T13 with Ivy Bridge processors in tow. Other than those new chips, the Ultrabook features identical specs to the European model, not to mention the same brushed silver aluminum design. And while the brand is in for a serious game of catchup as it enters an already-crowded market, its VAIO T is priced to co! mpete at $770. Let's welcome Sony to the Ultrabook game by giving the T13 the full review treatment.

Gallery: Sony VAIO T13 review

Continue reading Sony VAIO T13 review: the company's first Ultrabook targets the back-to-school set

Filed under: Laptops

Sony VAIO T13 review: the company's first Ultrabook targets the back-to-school set originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ouya's Android-based, hackable game console now official: we chat with designer Yves Behar

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/ouya-android-based-hackable-game-console/

A handful of details briefly slipped out about the project earlier, but now it's here: the Ouya, an attempt not just to delve into the cutthroat world of TV game consoles but to try and shift the goal posts. At its heart, the design sounds more like a smartphone than a gaming rig with a quad-core Tegra 3 and 8GB of storage running Android 4.0. The upscale, RF wireless gamepad's standout is a built-in trackpad for playing mobile games alongside the familiar sticks and buttons -- clever, though not entirely new. But with completely open hardware and software, an emphasis on free-to-play gaming and an all-important $99 price, the system is a gamble by a handful of game industry luminaries that at least a subset of players are frustrated with the status quo enough to want a real break. Read on for the full details, including a Kickstarter project as well as added details from our chat with Ouya (and Jambox) designer Yves Behar.

Gallery: Ouya game console

Continue reading Ouya's Android-based, hackable game console now official: we chat with designer Yves Behar

Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment

Ouya's Android-based, hackable game console now official: we chat with designer Yves Behar originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Votigo Starts A Price War In Social CRM

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/votigo-announces-new-social-suite-2012-7

Jim Risner

Social media management provider Votigo is set to announce new plans for its suite of tools with prices starting as low as $15 per month.

The move, which CEO Jim Risner, described as the "first of its kind," seeks to lower the cost of social customer relations management, promotions, and conversation, allowing smaller businesses into the field.

Votigo already boasts a host of Fortune 500 brands as clients, like Starwood, Ford, Energizer, and Sony Online, but the company says its looking to expand further.

"We’ve listened to our clients who were looking for an always-on approach to promotions, and they want the ability to manage the conversation and track and target their social contacts," said Risner.

Previously, Votigo offered various parts of the suite at lower prices. The new price offer includes more of the options it provides its larger clients.

Risner told BI he believes the move gives smaller clients the ability to have all of their online marketing done through Votigo.

Votigo has 47 employees and was founded with $1.27 million in funding from angel investors in 2007.

The social media marketing are has heated up recently, with Virtue being acquired by Oracle and Buddy Media being bought by Salesforce.com.

See more:

BUDDY MEDIA: Did Salesforce.com Just Overpay For A Money-Losing Company?

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Wacom outs the Cintiq 24HD touch, adds multi-touch controls and more to its largest pen display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/wacom-cintiq-24hd-touch/

Hot off the heels of the more modest Wacom Cintiq 22HD's introduction, the outfit has announced a new version of its 24HD pen display as well. Labeled the 24HD touch, the upcoming offering adds multi-touch functionality to the company's 24-inch input device -- just as the name would suggest. The added features don't stop there. A touch-enabled 24HD also touts an improved display that shows 1.07 billion colors while covering 97% of Adobe's RGB gamut and implementing RGB backlighting that improves on-screen color rendition. Similar to the sans-touch offering, you can expect to utilize Express Keys and Touch Rings to customize your workflow for maximum efficiency in addition to the touchscreen. When the 24HD touch hits shelves, it'll play nice with Windows 8 and will work just fine without installing drivers. In order to customize those pricey multi-touch commands, though, you'll need the requisite software.

If you splurged for the regular ol' 24HD, we can understand your frustration. However, Wacom says that it intended for the touch model to be released at the same time as the pen-only version, but the development took a bit longer than anticipated. Part of the reason for the delay was the extra time needed to perfect features like palm rejection in the kit's software. The peripheral company also hopes that software developers will take the gesture tech and create features that will showcase its full range of p! otential -- your move, Adobe. Itchin' to snag one already? Well, you'll have to wait until sometime in August to get your hands on this model and be prepared to shell out $3699 for the pen display ($1100 more than the previous release). Need a bit more info before emptying your savings account? Hit the PR button for all the particulars or take closer look in the gallery below.

Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 24HD touch

Continue reading Wacom outs the Cintiq 24HD touch, adds multi-touch controls and more to its largest pen display

Filed under: Peripherals

Wacom outs the Cintiq 24HD touch, adds multi-touch controls and more to its largest pen display originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/wacom-cintiq-22hd/

Oh, to sit in a darkened room all day and get paid to do art. No phone calls, no stress, and no technology except for a PC and a brand new $1,999 Wacom Cintiq 22HD tablet display (and maybe also a pair of equally well-engineered Beyerdynamics). Alas, only our Distro magazine crew get to live like that -- the rest of the Engadget team must make do with spec sheets and quick hands-on impressions, which are precisely what you'll find after the break.

Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 22HD hands-on

Gallery: Wacom Cintiq 22HD publicity photos

Continue reading Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals

Wacom announces Cintiq 22HD pen display, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel to buy 15 percent of silicon fab equipment maker ASML, wants manufacturing machines made faster

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/intel-to-buy-15-percent-of-asml/

Chipzilla didn't get its position as the king of semiconductors by twiddling its thumbs, folks. It became a Valley behemoth by delivering us faster and better silicon, and its latest $4.1 billion purchase -- a 15 percent stake in silicon manufacturing equipment maker ASML Holding NV -- should help keep Intel atop the CPU heap. You see, Intel's in the process of retooling its chip manufacturing process to use bigger diameter silicon wafers, which'll make those Ivy Bridge, ValleyView and other future chips cheaper for all of us. Such retooling can take years to implement, which is likely why Intel was willing to plunk down so much cash to ensure nothing futzes with its manufacturing timetable. The company's investment will presumably give it the clout to get ASML's crucial lithography equipment on the fast track to completion. Hop to it, fellas, we want our CPUs at bargain-basement prices, and we want them now.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Intel to buy 15 percent of silicon fab equipment maker ASML, wants manufacturing machines made faster originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR codes, NFC and stickers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/austrian-city-builds-public-library-with-qr-codes-nfc-stickers/

Strangely, the Austrian city of Klagenfurt doesn't have a public library, even though it hosts the Festival of German-Language Literature. However, an initiative dubbed Project Ingeborg is turning the municipality into a book repository of sorts with 70 QR code and NFC chip-equipped stickers. Plastered throughout town, they direct users to web pages where they can download public domain works, largely from Project Gutenberg. Oftentimes, e-books will be located in relevant locations -- so you'll be sure to find Arthur Schnitzler's The Killer near the police station, for example. Come August, the team behind the effort will partner with local talent to distribute books, music and other digital content too. In an effort to build a stronger bond to the location, the organizers have prevented search engines from indexing the links, so you'll have to visit Klagenfurt to access the curated goods. If you'd like to turn your city into a library, the group hopes to release instructions for replicating their system soon.

[Thanks, Michael]

Filed under: Cellphones

Austrian city builds public library with nothing but QR codes, NFC and stickers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul ! 2012 06: 20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, July 09, 2012

Fujitsu unveils the Stylistic Q702 hybrid tablet and the LifeBook T902 convertible laptop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/fujitsu-stylistic-q702-lifebook-T902/

Back at Computex last month we saw dozens of Windows 8-ready Ultrabooks on display: sliding-ones, touchscreen ones, foldable ones. Curiously, though, there were virtually none aimed at businesses -- you know, one of Microsoft's key customer groups. Today, though, Fujitsu is unveiling not one, but two devices aimed at the corporate crowd: the Stylistic Q702 laptop/tablet hybrid and the LifeBook T902, a convertible laptop.

Starting with the Q702, it's an 11.6-inch tablet that works with an optional keyboard dock and also supports pen input. Yes, that's a form factor we know all too well at this point, but this one at least manages to differentiate itself with business-friendly features like TPM, Intel Anti-Theft technology, Computrace support and built-in WWAN and LTE connectivity (so far, we know AT&T, Verizon and Sprint will be on board). Under the hood, it runs Ivy Bridge processors (Core i3 or i5) with 4GB of RAM and an SSD with up to 128GB of storage space. As you'd expect of an 11.6-inch Windows tablet, the resolution is 1,366 x 768, though Fujitsu also added Gorilla Glass coating and ratcheted the brightness up to 400 nits. On its own, the 1.88-pound tablet is rated for 4.5 hours of runtime (the dock adds an extra 5.5). Speaking of which, in addition to a built-in battery, the dock adds two USB 2.0 / 3.0 ports, Ethernet jack and VGA.

Moving on, the LifeBook T902 replaces this guy with a higher-res 13-inch Gorilla Glass display (1,600 x 900 this time) and is powered by Ivy Bridge processors (i5 and i7 chips, to be precise). Inside th! at 4.1-p ound body you can cram up to 16GB of RAM, along with optional WWAN or LTE radios. It's also home to a modular bay, which you can use to add a spare battery or hard drive, or maybe even an optical drive. Fujitsu rates the battery life at up to 11 hours, but that's assuming you go ahead and buy that second battery. Here, too, you'll find security features like TPM and Computrace support, but unlike the Q702 tablet it adds a fingerprint sensor and IT-friendly vPro chips.

The Q702 and T902 will both ship with Windows 7, but are naturally upgradeable to Win8. Look for both to arrive sometime in the third quarter, with the Q702 hybrid starting at $1,099 and the T902 going for $1,899 and up. Full PR after the break, along with a press shot of the convertible.

Continue reading Fujitsu unveils the Stylistic Q702 hybrid tablet and the LifeBook T902 convertible laptop

Fujitsu unveils the Stylistic Q702 hybrid tablet and the LifeBook T902 convertible laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Optimus 4X HD review: runner-up to the quad-core throne

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/lg-optimus-4x-hd-review-runner-up-to-the-quad-core-throne/

More Info

LG has an ongoing smartphone problem: despite a few valiant efforts (the G2x comes to mind) the company continues to live in the shadow of rival Samsung. Most of this malaise can be attributed to hit-and-miss hardware combined with lackluster software (we're looking at you, Spectrum). Last February, at Mobile World Congress, LG spiced things up with an attractive collection of devices including the Optimus L7, Optimus Vu and Optimus 4X HD -- the latter being one of the first quad-core handsets announced. Now, six months later, we live in a world where the global versions of HTC's One X and Samsung's Galaxy S III dominate the superphone market and share the quad-core crown. With me-too features like a Tegra 3 processor, 4.7-inch HD display, 8-megapixel camera and Ice Cream Sandwich on board, the Optimus 4X HD appears ready to play in the big leagues. Does it succeed or is it just a flash in the pan? Is it all style over substance or does it bring something unique and meaningful to the table? Hit the break for our full review.

Gallery: LG Optimus 4X HD review

Continue reading LG Optimus 4X HD review: runner-up to the quad-core throne

Filed under: Cellphones

LG Optimus 4X HD review: runner-up to the quad-core throne origi! nally ap peared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter for D3200 review: using Android as a remote trigger / wireless display

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/nikon-wu-1a-wireless-mobile-adapter-d3200-review-android/

In the world of DSLR shooting, you can certainly catch one's attention by mentioning one of two things: a wireless display, or a remote trigger setup. Neither of these are exactly fresh concepts, but Nikon has chosen a curious beast to highlight one of its most promising accessories to date. The $60 WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter primarily allows two things to happen. First, it enables your Android phone or tablet (and soon, iOS device) to act as a wireless display. You shoot an image, and within seconds, that image is ready for your ogling on a far larger display than the 3-incher found on the D3200's backside. For those looking for a far better way to review each shot without pulling out the laptop, this is it.

Nikon D3200 hands-on

Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device

Engadget Primed: Cameras

The other function -- the one we at Engadget were most intrigued by -- is the ability to use a mobile device to wirelessly trigger a shot. The adapter relies on WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) in order to converse with one's Android device, enabling a connection even when you're away from a cellular data signal or WiFi network. Frankly, we were overly bummed! to see the entry-level D3200 gain compatibility before full-frame shooters like the D800, D3S and D4 -- after all, it sure seems that professionals would be seeking these features more than novices. In the end, however, it's probably best that more spendy clients be kept far, far away from the disappointment. Join us after the break as we explain.

Gallery: Nikon WU-1a mobile wireless adapter hands-on