Unofficial Android update brings Bluetooth support to the HP TouchPad

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/hp-touchpad-bluetooth-support/

HP might have abandoned ship long ago, but some developers are still trying to make the TouchPad happen. While successfully running Android on the discontinued tablet (which shipped with the ill-fated webOS) is old hat at this point, there are still a few obstacles standing in the way of achieving full functionality. For TouchPad owners yearning for Bluetooth support, hope has arrived in the form of developer James Sullins' unofficial Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 build. If you've already modified your tablet to work with Android, installing Sullins' Bluetooth addition seems to be a pretty straightforward process. Those of you who've stuck with your TouchPad this long (we commend your device loyalty) can download the update at the source link below.

Filed under: Tablets, Software, HP

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Goo.im

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Piksi brings half-inch GPS accuracy to Kickstarter for $900 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/piksi-brings-half-inch-gps-accuracy-to-kickstarter-for-900/

Though a shade under a grand might seem quite a sum for a little chip, so-called RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS systems normally run ten times that. To bring such tech down to earth, Piksi has launched its own RTK GPS receiver on a chip, giving UAV and rocketry hobbyists, researchers, surveyers, scientists and teachers a crack at centimeter position accuracy. RTK works by overcoming the normal limitations of GPS technology, namely the 300 meter bit-length and ionospheric delay, by using two receivers to mitigate those sources of error. That lets it position itself down to a single centimeter (less than half an inch), a vast improvement over GPS's normal accuracy of 10 feet or more. On top of that precision, the receiver brings rapid 50Hz positional updates, an open source design, low (500mW) power consumption, and a small two square inch form factor. The company has sold out of its already-assembled pre-production kits (and doubled its $14k funding goal), but you can grab a production model for $900, with an estimated delivery date of December. That ought to help your UAV or autonomous vehicle project arrive on a dime -- literally. Check the source or video after the break for more.

Filed under: GPS

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Source: Kickstarter

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Casio launches EX-ZR800 compact in Japan with 5-axis image stabilization

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/casio-launches-ex-zr800-compact-5-axis-stabilization/

With the smartphone hordes banging at their gates, compact camera manufacturers are being forced to up their game. As such, Casio's just launched a 16-megapixel, 18X zoom EX-ZR800 Exilim engine-equipped model with features like continuous shooting, "night shot" ISO 25,600 sensitivity, HDR and five axis stabilization. Unlike with the Olympus SH-50, however, the latter feature works on stills only and not video to correct translational and rotational camera shake. You'll also get 1080p / 30fps H.264 video, a 25-450mm zoom range, f/3.5-7.0 aperture, time-lapse, 5fps burst speed, selective blur and "triple shot" exposure, which saves an image before you even press the shutter. The EX-ZR800 will arrive in Japan in red, white or black on August 23rd for 40,000 yen (about $410). There's no indication of a western arrival, but if we had to guess we'd expect it to trickle over to Europe and the US shortly afterwards. In the meantime, check the (translated) source for more.

Filed under: Cameras

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Source: Casio Japan (translated)

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Samsung's 3,200 x 1,800 ATIV Book 9 Plus listed for $1,400, shipping August 20th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/samsung-ativ-book-9-1400-august-9/

Samsung generated some buzz last month with its ATIV Book 9 Plus sporting a res-tacular 13.3-inch, 275 ppi touchscreen, but left people asking "when" and "how much?" Retailer B&H Photo-Video seems to have answered those questions, listing a $1,399 price and expected availability of August 20th (at the source). That sum will get you a 1.6GHz Haswell Core i5-4200U dual-core CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD, Intel HD 4400 graphics, Windows 8, and of course, that 3,200 x 1,800 touchscreen. As we noted before, you'll be able grab more RAM, a bigger SSD and a Core i7 processor for the light-ish 1.39kg (3.06 pound) device if you're willing to pay more. Though those options aren't listed yet, they'd likely price you into MacBook Pro Retina territory -- but at least you'd get way more pixels.

[Thanks, Jason]

Filed under: Laptops, Samsung

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Source: B&H

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LG G2 vs. the competition: flagship Android smartphones square off

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/lg-g2-vs-the-competition/

Now that the LG G2 is official, the battle between mid-2013 Android flagships is fully underway. But which wins the war? We've pitted the new smartphone against its biggest competitors in the US -- Samsung's Galaxy S 4, the HTC One and the Motorola Moto X -- to understand which device most deserves a place in your pocket.

Based purely on the spec sheet, the G2 is the frontrunner. Its larger 5.2-inch screen, quicker 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 and image-stabilized 13-megapixel rear camera will please those who want a media powerhouse. Its extra-large battery and 24-bit / 192KHz audio are also unique in a category where longevity and sound quality tend to play second fiddle. If all you want is the most technically capable device, look no further.

Yet each of the G2's competitors has an advantage that's harder to quantify. The GS4 has a full set of hardware nav keys (for those who prefer them), air gestures and a slightly tougher plastic build. The One claims superior low-light photography and dual speakers. And the Moto X partly makes up for its lackluster speed through design customization and helpful tricks like Touchless Control. To us, that puts LG in an awkward middle. While the G2's performance is almost beyond compare, many of its software features aren't all that unique -- those who aren't sold on its performance could easily be lured away.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, Google, LG

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LG Thinks Putting A Volume Button On The Back Of Its New Phone Will Make You Want To Buy It

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/lg-g2-reveal-in-nyc-2013-8

LG revealed it's latest smartphone today called the G2.

The G2 will become the company's new flagship Android phone.

The smartphone is slightly bigger than Samsung's Galaxy S4, but a millimeter thicker and heavier.

The G2 is one of the first smartphones to feature what LG calls an "intuitive rear key."  

LG decided to move away from the norm by adding a volume rocker to the back of the phone, right below the camera, instead of on the side. 

LG believes that the buttons on the side of smartphones contribute to you dropping it. The company hopes that by moving the buttons to the back of the phone it will help you keep a better grip.

LG says it placed the keys where your index finger "naturally sits on the phone. The key provides the best comfortable and stable one hand grip with easy volume up and down and self photo."

Besides increasing volume, pushing up on the top button will allow you to quickly launch the memo app, which lets you take a note. The bottom button launches the camera, "so you can quickly take a selfie," LG says.

Similar to Samsung's Galaxy S4, the G2 will feature a "quick window" case, which covers the screen but has an opening cut out so you can quickly glance at the time and weather widgets.

Specs include:

• Measurements are 5.4-inches long x 2.8-inches wide x 0.35-inches thick. 
• the G2 weighs 143 grams
• A 5.2-inch screen with a resolutions of 1080 x 1920
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor
• 3GB of RAM
• Android 4.2.2
• the G2 will use a nano SIM card
• 13 megapixel camera (with 1080p video recorder)
• microSD card slot for additional storage
• a removable 2,610mAh battery

As a company, LG shipped 12.1 million smartphones the last quarter, a year-on-year increase of more than 100%, reports Forbes.

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Android Now Controls A Breath-Taking 80% Of The Smartphone Market (GOOG, AAPL)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/android-now-controls-a-breath-taking-80-of-the-smartphone-market-2013-8

Android's dominance of the smartphone market continues to be remarkable.

According to the latest data from IDC, Android now controls 79.3% of the global smartphone market, up from 69.1% a year ago.

Apple, meanwhile, 13.2% of the market, a drop from 16.6% a year ago. 

In terms of unit growth, Apple was up 20% on a year-over-year basis, while Android was up 73.5%. 

These numbers are just astounding. Google's search business isn't even as dominant as Android. In the U.S., one of its strongest markets, Google search only has ~67% of the market.

Here's a look at the market share:

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Netflix releases trailer for Ricky Gervais' Derek, streaming begins September 12th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/netflix-releases-trailer-ricky-gervais-derek/

A few more of these, and it won't even be news. Netflix is going hard into the original content business, and judging by the outstanding results with House of Cards, we're guessing that it'll be aiming for similar results with a different demographic here. Derek, described as something of a comedy / drama mishmash, is fronted by the affable Ricky Gervais. The show actually aired as Dramedy over on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, so while it's not exactly a Netflix original, it's getting "original treatment." Per usual, the entire season will be available to stream at once on September 12th (overwhelming, we know), and if you're looking to decide just how much time you should set aside, the trailer is embedded after the break.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Via: Variety

Source: Netflix (YouTube)

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B&O Play previews A9 Nordic Sky edition wireless speakers (eyes-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/bo-play-a9-nordic-sky-edition-wireless-speaker-preview/

Not to leave its $2,699 A9 wireless speaker stuck with solid colors for the fall and winter, B&O Play's added some limited editions inspired by the natural color palette of Scandinavia. Dubbed the Nordic Sky editions, the three variants previewed for Copenhagen Fashion Week represent dawn, twilight and dusk. The pastel gradient grilles aim to keep the summer night's visual influence alive through the colder seasons, as B&O explains it. The units still feature the same 480-watt (x5) 2.1 stereo output, with DLNA and AirPlay to keep the music flowing. The Nordic Sky editions will retail for the same $2,699 price as the standard versions, while current A9 owners can also purchase each color kit (three wooden legs and a grille cloth) for $259 a pop. There's no exact arrival date yet, but B&O says to expect them on its shelves in September. No doubt these pieces scream opulence, but they're a visual treat in person. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: B&O Play A9 Nordic Sky editions (press images)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video

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Source: B&O Play

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LIDAR system uses lasers to detect clear air turbulence before it hits

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/lidar-system-lasers-turbulence/

Fact: turbulence is no fun at all. Aside from the brief moments of bone-deep terror it can cause passengers, clear air turbulence (CAT) can also prove costly for airlines in terms of damages. To help pilots deal with difficult-to-spot areas where CAT is likely to occur, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is spearheading a new joint European project known as DELICAT. Essentially, the DELICAT program calls for planes to be equipped with a light detection and ranging instrument (LIDAR) that emits short-wave ultraviolet lasers. Radiation then bounces off oxygen and nitrogen particles in the air, indicating fluctuations in air density that signal the presence of CAT pockets. Until the end of August, the DLR will run test flights in a specially modified Cessna Citation plane to both show off LIDAR's capabilities and to give researchers invaluable data on CAT patterns. Though the system is still in its infancy, the folks at the DLR hope that the technology will one day become a standard part of commercial air travel.

Filed under: Misc, Transportation

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Via: Gizmodo

Source: German Aerospace Center

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Lenovo Miix 10 Windows 8 tablet now on sale, slated to ship on August 16th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/lenovo-miix-10-windows-8-tablet-on-sale-date/

Remember that "watered-down ThinkPad Tablet 2" we were able to ogle back in June? Eh, don't bother lying -- the Miix 10 name is hitting you as the freshest of the fresh, and honestly, there's no shame in that. Lenovo's latest Windows 8 slate is now officially featured on the company's site, with orders being accepted now and early shipments expected to commence on August 16th. For those curious, $600 nets you a 10.1-inch tablet, replete with a 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z2760 CPU, integrated graphics, 2GB of LPDDR2 memory, a 1,366 x 768 native resolution, 64GB of eMMC flash, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, 1MP front-facing camera and a two-cell Li-Polymer battery. Interested? You can part ways with your credit card number right here.

Filed under: Tablets, Lenovo

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Via: WPCentral

Source: Lenovo

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Google, IBM and NVIDIA partake in OpenPOWER Consortium, a dev group for data centers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/google-ibm-nvidia-openpower-consortium-data-center/

It's a rare occurrence to see Google, NVIDIA and IBM working lockstep towards a common goal, but the aforesaid trio has joined Mellanox and Tyan in order to launch a development group for data centers. The aptly-titled OpenPOWER Consortium is hailed as a "development alliance based on IBM's POWER microprocessor architecture." We're told that it intends to concoct "advanced server, networking, storage and GPU-acceleration technology aimed at delivering more choice, control and flexibility to developers of next-generation, hyperscale and cloud data centers." Sounds pretty bold, and it'll require IBM to offer up open-source POWER firmware to those participating. Moreover, NVIDIA and IBM will be jointly working to integrate the CUDA GPU and POWER ecosystems, but beyond that, it's not entirely clear what the immediate impact on mankind will be. You're more than welcome to take stabs in comments, though.

Filed under: Internet, Google, NVIDIA

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Source: IBM

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Boundless unveils iPhone textbook app and premium studying upgrades

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/boundless-unveils-iphone-textbook-app-and-premium-upgrades/

Boundless has pitched its digital textbook service as the free alternative to expensive college textbooks, but the absence of mobile support and study aids has limited its appeal. The educational startup is addressing both of those issues today. To start, it has launched a native iPhone app that optimizes the web client's highlights, note-taking and summaries for a smaller screen. The company is also introducing a premium option for students who need a little motivation. Readers who pay $20 per textbook get access to a steady stream of flashcards and quizzes, with notifications to minimize any slacking. Diligent learners can grab both the app and premium upgrades today -- at least, so long as they have no qualms with Boundless' ongoing copyright disputes.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: App Store, Boundless

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drag2share: Contacts With A Built-In Zoom Could Give Us All Superpowers

source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/~3/ufG-OdLlMK8/zooming-contacts-impart-superpowers-2013-7

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

For some people, having the ability to zoom your vision would be at the top of the list. Luckily for them, researchers have recently published the latest breakthrough to making this a reality: a contact lens that lets the wearer magnify their vision by almost three times.

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drag2share - drag and drop RSS news items on your email contacts to share (click SEE DEMO)

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NASA to broadcast Curiosity's 1st anniversary celebration on August 6th 10:45 ET

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/06/nasa-curiosity-first-anniversary-broadcast/

It's hard to believe August 5th marks Curiosity's first year on Mars -- it seems like only yesterday that we were on tenterhooks during the rover's precarious landing on the red planet. Within that time, it hasn't only fulfilled its initial mission of finding evidence of extraterrestrial water, but it has also discovered traces of carbon-based materials and captured an astounding number of Mars close-ups. To celebrate everything Curiosity's done thus far, NASA JPL will broadcast its first anniversary event via Ustream on August 6th, 10:45AM EDT.

The program kicks off with a series of pre-recorded interviews with the mission's team, but a live stream with NASA officials and the crew aboard the ISS will follow. Folks itching to pick their brains can ask them questions in advance via Curiosity's Twitter or Google+ accounts, or during the event by using the #askNASA hashtag. Even if you're not a fan of the rover, you might still want to tune in -- NASA will also be chatting about its preparations for the first human mission to Mars and to an asteroid.

Filed under: Misc

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Source: NASA (Twitter), (Ustream), Space

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