Monday, May 04, 2009

Samsung Alias 2 launching on May 11, E Ink confirmed?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/01/samsung-alias-2-launching-on-may-11-e-ink-confirmed/

We're hearing that the Alias 2 is on track for a release in less than two weeks from now -- May 11, to be exact -- which would mean that we're just a few short days away from seeing the very first E Ink handset launch in the States. Yes, that's right, we said it -- after all the heated debate over the technology powering the Alias 2's configurable keypad, our tipster tells us that new information floating down from corporate confirms that the device is using E Ink, which would explain why it's able to maintain state even with the power off. We still think it's one awfully ugly phone, but this might be one of those all-too-frequent cases where cool tech ends up winning our hearts anyway. As for pricing, the tipster thinks it may come in at $79, which seems improbable even with deep contract discounting and a big mail-in rebate -- but if by some miracle it does end up being accurate, they're going to be selling tons of these to text-heavy geeks like ourselves.

[Image via PhoneArena, thanks ehjun]

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Samsung Alias 2 launching on May 11, E Ink confirmed? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N86 8MP features amazing active kickstand

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/01/nokia-n86-8mp-features-amazing-active-kickstand/


So here we were, thinking that the Nokia N86 8MP was just a featurebumped N85, and what happens? These screenshots showing off a series of custom settings for the kickstand in the back leak out and blow our minds. See, the N96 just has a dumb plastic stand back there, but the N86 8MP can actually launch an app when you flip it out, making it an instant video player, picture frame, or speaker system. That's innovation, friends. Now let's party.

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Nokia N86 8MP features amazing active kickstand originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Omnia HD i8910 reviewed in the glow of the AMOLED screen

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/02/samsung-omnia-hd-i8910-reviewed-in-the-glow-of-the-amoled-screen/


Whether you call it OmniaHD, i8910 HD, or even "Timmy Tim" (hey, it could happen), Samsung's AMOLED--infused smartphone is a winner, if the fine lads at Phone Arena are to be believed. Points go to its HD video recording and playback, a surprisingly good battery life, and a form factor that's not too hard on the pocket, measuring in at just a wee bit taller and thicker than the HTC Touch HD. Not everything's sunshine and rainbows, though, as trying to use it in direct sunlight's a lost cause and the phone is a magnet for fingerprints. Still, those are pretty minor in comparison, and this is sounding more and more like a solid smartphone. Hit up the read link for a more thorough review, or after the break for the moving pictures version.

Continue reading Samsung Omnia HD i8910 reviewed in the glow of the AMOLED screen

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Samsung Omnia HD i8910 reviewed in the glow of the AMOLED screen originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 May 2009 05:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASA's new e-nose can detect scent of cancerous brain cells

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/02/nasas-new-e-nose-can-detect-scent-of-cancerous-brain-cells/

NASA's recently developed electronic nose, intended for air quality monitoring on Space Shuttle Endeavour and later the International Space Station, has a rather fortunate and unintended secondary role. In addition to being able to detect contaminants within about one to 10,000 parts per million, scientists have discovered it can also sniff out the difference in odor between normal and cancerous brain cells -- not a new use for e-noses, but certainly one that helps to advance the field. Groups such the as Brain Mapping Foundation, City of Hope Cancer Center, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been testing the technology and hope it one day leads to a new understanding of cancer development. We'd also wager it can accurately detect what cologne or perfume you're wearing, another unintended side effect and probably not as fun of a party trick as it seems.

[Via Slashdot; image courtesy of RSC]

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NASA's new e-nose can detect scent of cancerous brain cells originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 May 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8900 hitting AT&T next month?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/03/rims-blackberry-curve-8900-hitting-atandt-next-month/


We're beginning to wonder if we'll ever see RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8900 hit the AT&T airwaves, but considering just how long it takes for a phone to navigate through the carrier's absurdly long certification process, we'll chalk this one up to technical delays. After spotting the so-called Javelin in AT&T attire way back in November of last year, Boy Genius Report now has it on authority that the handset will finally debut next month. Unfortunately for those hoping for a little bonus in exchange for their patience, it's said to be "a mirror" of the T-Mobile version outside of the bundled Bold themes. Pricing details are still under wraps, but if you've waited this long, do the dollars really matter?

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RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8900 hitting AT&T next month? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 May 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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