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Sunday, February 08, 2009

Special Edition Samsung NC10 gets 6-cell battery, larger touchpad

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/special-edition-samsung-nc10-gets-6-cell-battery-larger-touchpa/

Tired of waiting for that NC20, are you? Fret not, as Samsung has apparently hammered out a deal with Amazon to exclusively sell a special edition of the NC10. As we saw with MSI's upgrading of the Wind U100, the nicely refreshed NC10 checks in with most of the same specs -- a 10.2 WSVGA display, 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 160GB HDD, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR -- but it does add a few delectable extras for just $50 over the "other" NC10. Most notable is the 5,900mAh 6-cell high capacity battery, which extends the already respectable battery life to a staggering 9.4 hours. Furthermore, the enlarged touchpad should make mousing around a bit easier, and there's also an anti-reflection gloss coating display that may or may not float your boat. Obviously, there's no word on a ship date just yet, but we'd put our money on "sooner," not "later."

[Via PortableMonkey]

Filed under: Laptops

Special Edition Samsung NC10 gets 6-cell battery, larger touchpad originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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multiple inboxes in gmail (labs feature)

http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-in-labs-multiple-inboxes.html

Thursday, February 05, 2009 5:43 PM

Posted by Octavian "Vivi" Costache, Software Engineer

I'm seriously into filters and labels. All the email I get related to Flash goes under my "flash" label, everything about paragliding goes under "flying," and they all skip my inbox because that's how I like to stay organized. But when new email arrives I have to switch to the "flash" label first, then click on "paragliding," etc. I wanted a way to see it all at once.

So when I heard about Gmail Labs, I started implementing a Labs feature in my 20% time that would help me (and you!) spend less time monitoring important messages that may end up getting filtered away. Starting today, you can try Multiple Inboxes, a Labs experiment which makes it possible to have more than one 'inbox' in your default Gmail view.

An image is worth a thousand words, so here's what my inbox looks like:

In addition to a quick view of my important labels, I also like to keep all my starred and draft messages in separate panels.

After you turn on Multiple Inboxes from the Labs tab under Settings, you can configure what you want to see, as well as set the number of messages displayed and the positioning of your panels from the Multiple Inboxes section under Settings.

However you choose to use it, let us know how we can improve the Multiple Inboxes experiment -- all feedback is welcome.

Sony Blatantly Rips Off Improv Everywhere For Crappy 'Viral' Ad [Ripoffs]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/svoChItUoa8/sony-blatantly-rips-off-improv-everywhere-for-crappy-viral-ad

You've probably seen Improv Everywhere's amazing Frozen Grand Central video — it's gotten over 15,000,000 YouTube views. Apparently, so has Sony, because they totally ripped it off without asking permission or giving credit. Weasels.

In this spot, a bunch of easily-entertained commuters talk about how awesome it is to see models pretending to be mannequins holding Sony products in the middle of Grand Central. You see the models standing perfectly still, and then they show a fast-motion shot of the models in the middle of the hubbub. It's exactly like the Improv Everywhere video, just without any soul.

And this isn't the first time Sony has ripped off an artist for their advertisements. They ripped off LA-based kozyndan for their Bunnies Bravia ad, denying it later despite clear evidence of sleaziness. They apparently didn't learn their lesson, because this one is even worse. You suck, Sony. Come up with your own ideas.

Time for a mea culpa. Seriously, we're waiting. [Improv Everywhere and Creativity Online, Thanks, Zach Linder!]

Intel Shipping Atom N280 Processors, Bringing HD Quality to Netbooks [NetBooks]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/6DgVXzIwXLM/intel-shipping-atom-n280-processors-bringing-hd-quality-to-netbooks

Intel is now shipping their new 1.66GHz Atom N280 processors to PC makers—a chip should give netbooks a performance boost with HD video.

The 1.66GHz N280 is only a 0.06GHz jump over its N270 processor, but the 667MHz front-side bus and the pairing of the GN40 chipset with its hardware-based 720p HD video decoder is really where its at. That will lead to better HD viewing with less power consumption.

However, Nvidia is still looming looming on the horizon with their Atom-ion plaform and its full on 1080p capability. If you simply can't wait for that to go down, the Eee PC 1000HE will be the first netbook to ship with the N280/GN40 combo and is now available for pre-order. [PC World via Wired Gadget Lab]

Hands-On With JaJah's iPod touch VoIP App [VoIP]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/wtUTrjKN5x0/hands+on-with-jajahs-ipod-touch-voip-app

Jajah isn't the first VoIP app for the iPhone/iPod touch, but it's the first that let's you send/receive SMS messages over wi-fi. I got a brief look at it, and so far, so good.

Previously, the JaJah app for the iPhone was used as a middleman to connect people on VoIP to your cellphone, but it still required a mobile plan, and used minutes. Now, the Jajah app works entirely over wi-fi, meaning you can use the iPod touch, and make calls without a mobile plan. It also works on the iPhone, but won't work over 3G or EDGE, because then AT&T wouldn't make any money.

The strength of this Jajah app is simplicity, and that is a good thing. It doesn't try to work with a million different communication services (such as Fring or IM+), and it maintains much of Mobile OS X's design DNA. This makes the app extremely easy to use.

Placing a call is as simple as selecting a contact from your list, or bringing up the dialpad and entering a number. Similarly, sending a text over IP (handy for international SMS) looks like it's pretty much the same as sending a normal SMS, except that you're inside the JaJah app. I got to see the UI for sending an SMS, but because the service isn't set up yet, I didnt get to see it go through.

As for call quality, voices sounds a tad on the tinny side, but not to the extent that I would say it's bad quality. There's also a few seconds of lag while the data passes through JaJah's servers, yet that's no huge surprise either.

The cool thing is that JaJah would like to work with Mobile Carriers on branded solutions, and expect carriers to offer flat rate VoIP service using ! the JaJa h technology. This means you wouldn't need to buy minutes, you'd just pay one dollar amount every month for unlimited use. In any case, VoIP junkies should look at JaJah when it comes out in a few weeks.

How To: Hack Android For Multitouch Web Browsing on the T-Mobile G1 [How-to]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/NrXsHaU6Fqc/how-to-hack-android-for-multitouch-web-browsing-on-the-t+mobile-g1

Android's new 1.1 update doesn't include multitouch because Google is scared of Apple. We are not, however, and nor should you be-follow our guide to get iPhone-like multitouch browsing on your G1 right now.

As teased yesterday, this update will also give you all the new Android 1.1 firmware features, so if you haven't received your over-the-air update from T-Mobile yet, wait no more and follow our guide. And on top of the added multitouch features, the hacked ROM you're going to install will also include handy root access to your G1 for further hacking.

Many thanks in particular to the folks at the xda-developers forum, the #1 hangout for HTC phone tweakers on the web.

What You'll Need:
• Your G1
• USB cord
• JFv1.41_RC33.zip-an Android RC33 ROM With Multitouch assembled by a nice chap that goes by the name of JesusFreke.
• An old RC29 ROM (with root access bug)
• An Android recovery image
• A micro-SD card reader (maybe, if you mess things up)
• The Android SDK (for installing more multitouch demos)

Let's get started:

Downgrade Your Android Software to Gain Root Access
Even though Android is open source, access to the root user is disabled by default, so you still have to work to get root access. To do that you have to exploit a well publicized bug in an earlier Android build that easily allows you to slip into root access easily.

Note: In doing this, you will lose everything you have saved to your phone. Your synced Google Account info will of course! stay pu t, but you'll lose your installed apps, text messages, and anything you have on your SD card. Searching "backup" in the Android Market will lead you to apps that can backup your SMS messages and other files.

1. Your phone is likely running either the RC30 (1.0) or the new RC33 (1.1) version of the Android software (you can check under Settings -> About phone -> Build number). RC29 is the one with the bug, so you'll need to download that file here (grab this one if you're in the UK, and perhaps seek out a UK-specific guide, as we're talking North American language here and I don't want you to hurt your phone).

2. Reformat your phone's SD card to the FAT32 format.

3. Rename the downloaded file to exactly this: DREAIMG.NBH in all caps for the extension and the filename. It matters. It will still show up with a lowercase extension in the bootloader, but that's OK, as long as the file you dropped on your SD card was named properly, you won't get a FAIL.

4. Drop the downloaded and renamed RC29 file onto your SD card via USB, power your phone off, and then power it back on while holding down the camera button. This will bring you into the bootloader. Press the power button to start the update, which will wipe your phone and install the old software.

5. When it's done you should get a declaration of success. After that, hit the trackball button (known as the "action button" in the darker recesses of the G1's bootloader) and then press Call, Menu and End simultaneously to reboot into your downgraded G1. You'll see that you're starting from scratch.

6. Sign in to your Google account and then grab the "Telnet" app ! from the market. You'll need this to exploit your newly gained root access.

Update Your G1 With a Multitouch-Enabled ROM
Now that you have not only the permission but the impetus to do naughty things with root access, it's time to install the updated Android files.

These are assembled by a nice chap that goes by the name of JesusFreke on various phone-hacking forums. He's the one, primarily, who made all this multi-touching on the G1 possible.

1. Grab Le Freke's RC33 v1.41 ROM (the one with multitouch goodness baked in) and rename it from "JFv1.41_RC33.zip" to "update.zip"-all lowercase-and copy it to your SD card.

2. Also grab this tweaked "recovery.img" file and also copy it to your SD card. Eject your SD card from your desktop and unplug the USB cable when you're done.

3. Now that you're in the exploit-y RC29 version, your phone will start responding to various Linux commands you type on the keyboard no matter what you happen to be doing in Android at the time. Fun! What you need to type to get root access is:

telnetd

You may find yourself in some odd place in the OS, but it doesn't matter-if done correctly, a telnet server should be running in the background on your phone.

4. Open up the Telnet app you downloaded from the Market, type in "localhost" in the box if it's not there already, and tap "Connect to server." You'll see some weird ASCII characters, but all should be well. To test, type this in at the prompt (make sure you've ejected your SD card from your computer and detached! the USB cable):

ls /sdcard

You should see the names of the files you copied (if you don't, try step 3 and 4 again).

5. Now it's time for some more command line magic. You'll need to type four more commands to mount the file system in a writeable state, change to the system directory, copy the recovery.img file from your SD card to your phone's /system directory, and flash the recovery image, in that order:

mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system

cd /system

cat /sdcard/recovery.img > recovery.img

flash_image recovery recovery.img

You won't get any response from any of these commands other than a slight pause before the next prompt appears-that means you've done everything correctly. If you get any error messages, check for typos and try again.

6. Power down your phone, then power it back on again. One power cycle is required to complete the magic.

7. Power down your phone AGAIN. And now, while off, start it up by holding the Home button along with Power; your phone will enter into recovery mode, which normally shows a caution icon with a phone, but will in this case stream a bunch of Linux code on the screen. Wait for that to calm down, and you will reach the ROM flashing screen of Mr. Freke's design. If all looks good, press Alt+S to flash your ROM, then press Home+Back when prompted to restart into your multitouch-enabled G1.

8. Open up the browser, and try the ol' pinch-to-zoom gesture. Hey, what's that? Zooming! It's not lighting fast at the moment, but I'd say it still beats pressing plus and minus buttons to zoom.

While Mr. JesusFreke is responsible for packaging this up for consumption, we can thank Mr. Luke Hutchison for the actual multitouch coding. His blog sheds more insight on the state of the multitouch implementation you're now playing with, and illustrates how it will so! on impro ve. But let's play some more.

Download More Multitouch-Enabled Apps
In the flashed ROM you just installed, only the WebKit browser has been tweaked to accept multitouch input. But your fun shan't stop there. Hutchison has provided a few more demo apps-including a simple Google Maps app, photo browser and fun Multitouch visualizer. You can download them all in .apk package format from his site.

To install an APK package via the Android SDK, make sure you've enabled "Unknown sources" under Settings -> Applications, then follow these instructions for Windows or, for Mac:

1. Open the Terminal and navigate to the directory where you unzipped the Android SDK (you can auto-fill the Unix path to any file or directory in Finder by dragging it to the cursor point in Terminal):

cd

2. Then, with your phone plugged in via USB, type:

./tools/adb install

3. After the "Success" message, voila, the app is now on your phone.

And that's about it! Enjoy multitouch browsing, and for more Android hacking on the G1, check out these sites:

References
• AndroidWiki
• XDA Developers Wiki
• XDA Developers Forum

LCD "overdrive" gets explained, lamented

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/lcd-overdrive-gets-explained-lamented/

There's plenty of well known problems that plague LCD monitors, but the folks at bit-tech.net have set out to bring some attention to one of the decidedly lesser known issues, somewhat deceptively dubbed "overdrive." That is a technique some LCD manufactures use to artificially boost response times by increasing the voltage used to make liquid crystals change state, which does in fact increase the response time, but also has the nasty side effect of input lag and what's known as "inverse ghosting." While both likely go unnoticed by the majority of users, they are each able to be easily demonstrated and, as they say, once you see it, you likely won't be able to unsee it. The good news is that each issue can be easily tested, and Bit-tech commends LG in particular for switching to a new technique known as "Through Mode," that actually increases response time while also eliminating lag. Be sure to hit up the link below for the complete rundown, complete with plenty of helpful pics and videos.

Filed under: Displays

LCD "overdrive" gets explained, lamented originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia's E63 NAM now on sale at Chicago flagship store

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/nokias-e63-nam-now-on-sale-at-flagship-stores/

So when Nokia said "in the coming weeks" at CES, we definitely expected the North American E63 to be available in the US before now. But hey, if you've hung in there this long, there's nothing sweeter than snagging a device you've been longing after for longer than originally anticipated. According to Symbian-Guru, the Chicago flagship location has received stock of the blue model, while the red flavor should be arriving at any moment; there's been no direct word on stock at the New York location, but we can't imagine the Nokia mother-ship leaving those in the Big Apple hanging. In case you've forgotten, $279.99 buys you a QWERTY-packin' S60 handset, though you should be absolutely sure you're okay without HSDPA.

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia's E63 NAM now on sale at Chicago flagship store originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC, Samsung, LG looking to Snapdragon for future handsets?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/htc-samsung-lg-looking-to-snapdragon-for-future-handsets/

Qualcomm's Snapdragon mobile device platform was little more than suitcase-sized prototype vaporware at CES, but with the launch of the Toshiba TG01, it looks like it's ready to make a move -- word on Digitimes' somewhat unreliable Taiwanese street is that HTC, LG, Samsung and others are interested in the high-powered chipset. We're guessing that means we'll be seeing more more hotrod Windows Mobile devices in the short term, but Snapdragon also supports Android, so we're holding out hope that those upcoming HTC G-series devices crank the gaming and entertainment factors to 11.

[Via PhoneScoop]

Filed under: Cellphones

HTC, Samsung, LG looking to Snapdragon for future handsets? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New 3D software tracks peoples' location in buildings

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/new-3d-software-tracks-peoples-location-in-buildings/

It's not exactly the level of technology that'll cause Lucius Fox to storm out of a room, but this new so-called BEAM 3D mapping software developed by a pair of students from the Engineering College of Aarhus is still pretty impressive, and could be of real use to firefighters and others in an emergency. While complete details are a bit light, the software is apparently intended to be paired with a 3D sensor of some sort that's carried through a building by a firefighter or other individual, which relays information back to a handheld device that pinpoints the person's location. The downside, and a fairly big one at that, is that it only works if there's 3D plans of the building pre-loaded on the handheld. No word on a commercial version just yet, but the students did receive a bit of help from software firm Systematic, which is apparently "extremely pleased" with their efforts.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

New 3D software tracks peoples' location in buildings originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel 80GB SSD price cut by one-third, still very expensive

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/intel-80gb-ssd-price-cut-by-one-third-still-very-expensive/

Looks like Intel is giving some of its SSDs a more reasonable -- yet still very exorbitant -- price tag. The company has slashed the 2.5-inch 80GB X25-M from $595 in September to now $390. While a 34 percent cut is nothing to scoff at, that's still $90 more expensive than Western Digital's 2TB spinner, which offers 25 times the capacity. The company also recently discounted its 160GB variant 19 percent, from $945 to $765. No reason was given for the markdown, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize the economy isn't looking too kindly on solid state's dollar-to-data ratio.

Filed under: Storage

Intel 80GB SSD price cut by one-third, still very expensive originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Arena KM900 press photo leaked... by LG

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/lg-arena-km900-press-photo-leaked-by-lg/

Guess LG UK apparently can't wait to show the world the new Arena KM900 -- it's published a high-quality press photo on its corporate blog ten days before the official reveal at MWC. This is also our first glimpse of that "S-Class 3D interface," and it's... definitely a spinning 3D cube with some icons on it. No further confirmation on those details we'd heard, but we'll see if this thing is more than just another touchscreen dumbphone wannabe when we get our hands on it.

[Via Unwired View; thanks, staska]

Filed under: Cellphones

LG Arena KM900 press photo leaked... by LG originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked Samsung M7600 phone sports Bang & Olufsen sound, Helio looks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/leaked-samsung-m7600-phone-sports-bang-and-olufsen-sound-helio-lo/

We don't know exactly where this one came from... but these leaked photos appear to be of an Ocean-esque Samsung M7600. Here's what we know about it, spec-wise: it's an HSDPA phone which will have a 3 megapixel camera, GPS, a 2.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, and yes, a Bang & Olufsen amplifier. We understand that it'll also sport some kind of of DJ scratching app -- which should make your nightlife way more interesting -- and that it's supposedly set to appear sometime in May of this year (though we'd be surprised if we don't see more of it at MWC). Check a few more shots after the break, and hit the read link to see the device in all its glory.

Continue reading Leaked Samsung M7600 phone sports Bang & Olufsen sound, Helio looks

Filed under: Cellphones

Leaked Samsung M7600 phone sports Bang & Olufsen sound, Helio looks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change HP's TouchSmart tx2z?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/how-would-you-change-hps-touchsmart-tx2z/

The TouchSmart tx2z isn't the first multitouch laptop out, but HP's pretty adamant that it's the first multitouch "consumer" convertible tablet. Semantics aside, we're interested in finding out just how impressed you early adopters are with what the company has crafted. Are the multitouch capabilities as awesome as you had hoped? If not, what areas could be improved? Would you still recommend it to prospective buyers looking to give their digits a bit more work? We get the feeling we'll see loads of multitouch laptops gracing our presence over the next few months / years, so make sure you really unload on this one. It's what makes progress possible, people.

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

How would you change HP's TouchSmart tx2z? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon Kindle 2 launching on Monday -- we'll be there live!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/amazon-kindle-2-launching-on-monday-well-be-there-live/

There's not much of a surprise in store now, seeing as we've already seen official photos of Amazon's newest iteration of its e-book reader (and gotten a handful of info on price and release date). Still, we'll be there liveblogging and blowing it out Engadget style come 10AM ET Monday morning -- and who knows, maybe Bezos will announce some other colors.

Filed under: Announcements

Amazon Kindle 2 launching on Monday -- we'll be there live! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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La Fonera 2.0 gets demoed on video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/07/la-fonera-2-0-gets-demoed-on-video/

Developers have been able to get their hands on a Fonera 2.0 for some time now, but others haven't been able to do much more than stare at their current Fonera and imagine all the USB devices that'd be so much better connected to it. Now folks can at least get a pretty good idea of what's in store courtesy of a demo video from Fon CEO Martin Varsavsky himself (available after the break), which provides a decent overview of the device and includes a couple of new details. From the looks of it, the router delivers as promised, with it able to get along nicely with a whole host of USB devices including hard drives, printers, or a 3G modem, and make use of plug-ins for everything from Flickr to BitTorrent. What's more, while Varsavsky didn't offer too many specifics, he did throw out €50 or €60 as a possible price point, and said that it should be launching in the next 60 days or so.

[Thanks, estqwerty]

Continue reading La Fonera 2.0 gets demoed on video

Filed under: Wireless

La Fonera 2.0 gets demoed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell's Mini 9 selling for just $249 -- who needs a subsidy?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/07/dells-mini-9-selling-for-just-249-who-needs-a-subsidy/

Dell's Mini 9 selling for just $249, who needs a subsidy?

If you thought last month's $99 Mini 9 was just too cheap (unlikely), or were scared off by the two year contract that came along with the offer (rather more likely), check out Dell's latest deal. The company is selling its lowest-spec Mini 9n, offering 512MB of memory and Ubuntu installed on a 4GB SSD, for just $249. That's $100 less one went for for last September. Can't live without Windows? You'll still need to pony up another $50, but will at least get an extra 4GB of storage out of the deal. Surely one of these two bargain portables will fit into your budget and your lifestyle, but don't spend too long deciding which -- this deal expires on February 12.

[Thanks, Justin R.]

Filed under: Laptops

Dell's Mini 9 selling for just $249 -- who needs a subsidy? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell XT2 specs and availability leaked, launching on Weds?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/07/dell-xt2-specs-and-availability-leaked-launching-on-weds/

Dell XT2 specs and availability leaked, launching on Weds?

It's been a long, long time since the first information about Dell's update to the venerable XT convertible tablet snuck out of Texas, and while we got some choice morsels of information last month, we were still missing any semblance of a release date (that original November 2008 target proved to be a bit optimistic). Now we have what could be the official spec sheet for the series and a date to boot, confirming much of what we'd heard before, like your choice of 1.2GHz SU9300 or 1.4GHz SU9400 Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, a 12.1-inch multitouch display, up to 5GB of DDR3 memory, and either 80GB worth of platters or 64GB of SSD. Base weight is 3.62 pounds, just over the 3.5 pound target the company had been aiming for, and if this source is correct the machine will be getting an official unveiling on February 11 -- close enough that we'd advise holding off on any other tablet purchases for a few days.

[Thanks, Sam]

Filed under: Laptops

Dell XT2 specs and availability leaked, launching on Weds? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic's HDC-HS300 HD camcorder reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/panasonics-hdc-hs300-hd-camcorder-reviewed-thoroughly-enjoyed/

Panasonic's HDC-HS300 was unleashed amidst a flurry of other camcorders at CES this year, but according to Trusted Reviews, it won't be hiding under the shadows of everyone else for long. Rather than bogging you down with details, we'll just get right to the punch -- critics didn't hesitate to suggest that this "could well be the best [consumer] camcorder released all year." The most important aspect (yes, we're talking about image quality) was said to be "nothing short of stunning in virtually all conditions," and low light performance was deemed "particularly amazing." There were plenty of outputs, a swank touchscreen LCD and a very impressive cross-shaped array of microphones that could record 5.1 audio. Add all that up, and you've got a real winner; in fact, these guys suggested that even Canon's stellar line of VIXIA camcorders should watch closely, 'cause the HS300 is stepping all up in that rarefied air.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Panasonic's HDC-HS300 HD camcorder reviewed, thoroughly enjoyed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, February 05, 2009

Verizon Buy One Get One Free BlackBerry Sale Starting Feb. 6th [Dealzmodo]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/H_3pWwMR_ZU/verizon-buy-one-get-one-free-blackberry-sale-starting-feb-6th

Whether you have a family plan, you want to give a BlackBerry gift or you're a douche that wants to use two Blackberrys at the same time, Verizon's BOGO sale has you covered.

Starting tomorrow, Verizon Wireless will be giving away free BlackBerrys (of equal or lesser value) with the purchase of a BlackBerry (including the Storm) and a two-year commitment. The promotion runs until March 31st. [BGR]

JaJah App Now Turns Your iPod touch Into a VoIP Phone [Ipod Touch]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/j1k5OPXTvqg/jajah-app-now-turns-your-ipod-touch-into-a-voip-phone

JaJah is readying their VoIP calling app for the second-gen iPod touch, offering cellphone-esque functionality free of SIM cards and contracts, and provide mobile carriers the JaJah technology to use under their own brand.

To use JaJah on your iPod touch, all you need is a wi-fi connection, and a compatible headset so you can talk. Calls can be placed to any phone, anywhere, and you can even have a real number assigned to your iPod touch that let's you receive calls from any phone.

As for service, you can either purchase call minutes through JaJah, or soon enough, they'll make their service available to mobile carriers, letting them use the technology under their own name, letting customers deal with a company they already know. JaJah says pricing for the iPod touch service will be the same as the rest of their devices, which is to say about 3 cents/minute to other people in the US, and as low as 3.4 cents/minute in parts of Europe.

The App isn't out quite yet, but JaJah expects to have it ready as a free download in the coming weeks. [JaJah]

JAJAH Turns iPod Touch Into an iPhone
White Label Solution Enables Any Carrier to Provide High Quality Calls and text Messaging via the iPod Touch

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA — February 5, 2009 — JAJAH, the leading IP telecommunications company, today announced a complete revamp of the iPod touch, turning the device into a fully functioning mobile phone for consumers. The new capability, available as a white label solution, enables carriers as well as non-carriers to launch th! e servic e under their own brand and provide their customers with the ability to make low-cost phone calls and send SMS text messages to any phone in the world from their iPod touch. To use the service, end users only require an iPod touch and a Wi-Fi connection, with no need for a SIM card or contract.

Move over, iPhone
The iPod touch is one of the most popular consumer devices in the world for music, entertainment, Web-browsing and now, making phone calls.

"Millions of people around the world already have an iPod touch in their pocket. With JAJAH's solution, any company can turn their customers' iPod touch into a fully functioning mobile phone," said Trevor Healy, CEO, JAJAH. "The device is particularly popular amongst students, who live in a world where Wi-Fi access is always available and, like everyone, they are looking to save costs, so this is a perfect solution."

JAJAH's next generation IP communications platform gives its partners everything they need to launch the service immediately. This includes the application itself, plus the entire suite of management services, from termination of the calls and quality control, right through to billing and processing payments in 200 countries around the world.

Given the economic downturn, consumers are seeking ways to make calls on any mobile device they own, as inexpensively as possible. "Offering a turnkey solution provides iPod touch users with added value," said Jon Arnold, principal analyst of J Arnold & Associates. "This is a prime example of how JAJAH's innovative platform helps carriers differentiate their services."

Connection made easy ...
Anyone with the latest version of the iPod touch will be able to download the service from the Apple App Store. With a microphone headset (available from Apple), users will immediately be able to make calls and send SMS messages from their device from any Wi-Fi network in the world. Calling costs will be up to 98 percent cheaper than existing rates on mobile networks, and ! in many cases could be free.

A platform for everyone (else)
JAJAH's plug-and-play IP platform is the only service that provides the full suite of services required to develop, deploy and monetize IP communication services anywhere in the world. The JAJAH platform is used by a number of the world's largest companies including Intel, Yahoo! and Comcast, and allows any company to offer value-added-services (VAS) to their customer base with no upfront payment or development work, saving millions for its customers and ensuring partners are prepared for the next generation of service provision.

JAJAH continues to develop innovative communications services. In the coming months the company will announce a range of new data communication services, applications and partnerships. For more information, please visit: www.jajah.com.

Samsung's SyncMaster U70 is 7-inches of extra real estate

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/samsungs-syncmaster-u70-is-7-inches-of-extra-real-estate/

We can't get enough of these cute, fuzzy little add-on displays, and Samsung's chipping in with the new U70 SyncMaster unit which just hit Korea, and is already available in Europe. The 7-inch display runs at a fairly standard 800 x 480 resolution, and plugs into a single USB port for power and image. It's got 200 nits of brightness, a 400:1 contrast ratio and a 140 degree viewing angle, but like most of these displays is unfortunately Windows-only at the moment. You can pick one up for 99 Euro (about $127 US), but no word on whether or when this will make it Stateside.

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals

Samsung's SyncMaster U70 is 7-inches of extra real estate originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nine-year old writes iPhone app, hates vegetables

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/nine-year-old-writes-iphone-app-hates-vegetables/

We've seen plenty of remarkable kids -- the world is just bursting with them -- and Lim Ding Wen, a nine-year-old from Singapore is no exception. Like his father, Wen enjoys writing iPhone apps in his spare time. His application, called Doodle Kids, is a drawing application for children that he wrote for his two younger sisters, who enjoy drawing, and it's already been downloaded over 4,000 times (we just checked in the App Store and it does indeed appear to be quite popular) since its release on February 1st. Wen, who is fluent in six programming languages and enjoys reading books about -- you guessed it -- computer programming, is already hard at work on his next app, a game called "Invader Wars." We can't wait to see that one!

Filed under: Cellphones

Nine-year old writes iPhone app, hates vegetables originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR's photos shown off

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/fujifilm-finepix-f200-exrs-photos-shown-off/

We were fairly hopeful that Fujifilm's recently revealed 12 megapixel FinePix F200 EXR point and shoot would produce some great looking shots. Well, the fine folks over at Impress Watch have gotten their hands on one and taken it for a spin. In case you've forgotten, the camera is Fuji's first offering to boast its new 1/1.6-inch Super CCD EXR sensor, and it's got a 3-inch LCD, a 28-mm wide-angle 5x zoom lens, and is capable of 640 x 480 AVI video recording. The photos we're seeing are very crisp and detailed, with excellent color and very low noise. Though we won't know until we see for ourselves (still no word on pricing or availability for this one), we're preliminarily impressed. Check a few more after the break -- hit the read for full comparison shots with explanations.

Update: It looks like the cam's going to be available some time this month for about $400.

Continue reading Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR's photos shown off

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR's photos shown off originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung NC10 netbook touchscreen hack caught on film

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/samsung-nc10-netbook-touchscreen-mod-how-to/

Of all the DIY touchscreen projects we've come across lately, this is certainly one of them. The kids over at Netbook Mag have got their hands on the stately Samsung NC10 and were kind enough to put together a full blown, step-by-step guide to replacing its tired, non-touch responsive display with an exciting, new fashioned touchscreen. And if that weren't enough, there's a video of the software drivers being installed -- with a cool, vintage 1994 Euro-rave soundtrack. How great is that? Check it after the break.

Continue reading Samsung NC10 netbook touchscreen hack caught on film

Filed under: Laptops

Samsung NC10 netbook touchscreen hack caught on film originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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stats, recall, no hope for reversing the decline in display ad revenues

Despite improving click through rates (which they will definitely achieve by reducing the number of ads on the page), it will not lead to improving revenues. CPMs are being depressed by competition, not just oversupply. Click rates are a function of users' hatred of banner ads and conditioning to ignore the top and right of the web page. And even with better targeting, which commands premium CPMs, the total buys are smaller. All of these lead to continuously declining advertising revenues from display ads, whether or not they are able to improve click rates from nearly zero to something slightly higher.

U.S. Internet users saw 4.5 trillion banners last year, according to ComScore. That's 2,000 per user a month, 24,000 for the year.

informal survey of twitter followers about recall and clicks on banners by @bmorrissey

Candlelight Be Damned, LED Forks Are Here

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/hYR7hx_FrBQ/

It's the Valentine month, and love is in the air. Planning out gifts, romantic dinners, cards…awesome fun! Care to sparkle the evening a bit? Dine in elegance in exquisite settings with gourmet food, candlelights and good old charm! Perhaps lightWARE cutlery will illuminate the ambience; after all it's a heady combination of silver, crystal and LED lights.

With a silver head and engraved crystal body, the least you expect from a cutlery is to emit soft colorful lighting. At the tip is a removable silver cap that hosts the LED and a watch size battery. Giving the adage "Silver Spoon" a totally luminous meaning, I reckon this will be a hit during the dating season!

Designer: David Veldkamp

D-FileMU Renames Your Files on the Go [File Management]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/tcF7t3RuaMw/d+filemu-renames-your-files-on-the-go

Windows only: D-FileMU is an ultra-compact and portable file renaming application that sports a spartan, but effective, user interface and up to seventeen ways to organize your files.

If the enormous command-center-style dashboard interface of previously reviewed Bulk Rename Utility is overwhelming and way more than you need, D-FileMU provides a simple—and soothingly blue—alternative to all that extra chrome. All the basic file renaming tools are present in D-FileMU, but laid out in a step by step way that allows you to selectively activate them. After choosing the actions you want to perform—completely replacing the name, appending it, removing select characters, etc.—you can choose the files to act on one-by-one, or by file extension. In a basic test where one thousand image files were completely renamed, D-FileMU performed the task in a matter of seconds, keeping it on par with other, bulkier renaming tools I use. D-FileMU is freeware, Windows only.

D-FileMU [via MakeUseOf]

Roll Your Own LogMeIn Pro with Free Apps [Remote Desktop]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/XBwDPPMLDGI/roll-your-own-logmein-pro-with-free-apps

LogMeIn Pro offers fans of the well-liked remote desktop software some key features over the free version, including file syncing and remote printing. With some free apps, you can cover most of the difference.

The Daily Cup of Tech blog recommends a few free apps that boost a free LogMeIn connection to nearly pro-level features. Key among them is the use of Dropbox, the free, multi-platform, password-syncing, Hive-Five-winning app. The basic idea is that if you need to manipulate a file you've got locally with another remote computer, simply drop your file into your Dropbox bin, and it'll arrive there in a few moments.

For printing from one computer to another, Tim Fehlman suggests using a Windows PDF printing solution, like the http://lifehacker.com/software//create-a-pdf-from-any-document-032880.phpCutePDF Writer and doPDF options we've written about before. Another good pick is the previously mentioned Yuuguu for screen sharing, as its a very simple connection (PIN and username) and works with both Macs and PCs.

The only no-go with Cup of Tech's free substition plan is remote audio streaming—something that only a fraction of the user base would likel! y want, but still a nifty feature. Any suggestions from our remote-savvy readers on getting all your remote system's audio through your local speakers?

Expanding Your LogMeIn Free's Abilities [Daily Cup of Tech]

Skype 4.0 Finalizes Video Chat, Bandwidth Improvements [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/gmCwr1zmYs8/skype-40-finalizes-video-chat-bandwidth-improvements

Windows only: Skype 4.0 is officially out, and it features all the really big video windows and Outlook and problem-reporting tools from last year's betas. It also beefs up Skype's handling of bandwidth.

The biggest jump noticeable, at least for users of the official 3.8 version, is the window real estate given to video chat and IM chats, and the general overhaul given to the app's skin and look. Skype's standard two-pane video chat has been traded in for a picture-in-picture layout, but that can be changed by dragging out your own video thumbnail.

Skype also touts a new audio engine and network manager, Silk, that uses half the bandwidth to provide audio and tries to save it from stuttering when Skype notices your connection slowing down in the background. The video engine purportedly does the same type of save-the-call moves when your bandwidth drops off.

Skype 4.0 is a free download for Windows systems only. Skype hounds, are you noticing better audio quality and fewer glitch-outs? Liking the new look of video chat? Tell us in the comments. Screenshot from Skype.

Skype 4.0 for Windows [via Download.com]

Make Homemade Vanilla Extract [Cooking]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/ixqF5Uo2LeM/make-homemade-vanilla-extract

Making your homemade vanilla extract might seem like overkill—why not just shell out the small ransom for a tiny bottle? But brewing your own is surprisingly simple, and yields customized, better-tasting results.

Photo by Bill HR.

Over at the culinary blog Chocolate and Zucchini, they have a detailed but simple guide to making your own extract. It's not more complicated than putting sliced vanilla beans into a jar with a high-proof alcohol like vodka or rum.

Using a sharp knife, slice the beans open lengthwise to expose the seeds. Tuck the beans in the jar and fill with liquor. Close the jar, shake it a few times, and place it in a cool, dark cabinet; you may have to whisper a few words of reassurance if the jar is, understandably, a little frightened.Let the jar rest in there for 8 weeks, shaking it again once or twice a week, or whenever you remember to. The mixture will get darker and darker over time.

The best part about the entire process is, so long as you throw a few more beans in occasionally and top off the alcohol as needed, you've got a perpetual source of rich and fresh vanilla extract. For a more extensive take on customizing the brew and getting the best results, check out VanillaReview.com's picture-packed guide.

Homemade Vanilla Extract [Chocolate and Zucchini]

PhotoPerfect Tweaks Your Pictures with Presets [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/OeYL-NuPMMU/photoperfect-tweaks-your-pictures-with-presets

Windows only: PhotoPerfect Express is a free, powerful image optimization tool that covers a wide range of photo enhancement scenarios, and can provide casual photographers with great results.

While nothing can compare to getting your hands dirty with a detailed photo editing application like Photoshop, the majority of casual digi-cam shooters won't need or want to invest that kind of time into snazzing up their snap shots. PhotoPerfect Express comes bundled with five pre-set photo enhancement methods—each of which can be further fine-tuned if you desire. There's batch processing options, especially handy if you realize after tweaking the first few photos in a series that you're seeing the same issues throughout the set. If you're having trouble deciding which optimization is yielding the most pleasing result, press the A key while tweaking to display the original next to all five optimization algorithms for easy comparison—a nice fix for those with photo-fixing self-doubt. PhotoPerfect Express is freeware, Windows only.

PhotoPerfect Express [via Life Rocks 2.0]

GCalTasks Gadget Tracks Time in Google Calendar [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/jk76eZIEDJU/gcaltasks-gadget-tracks-time-in-google-calendar

Windows 7/Vista only: Sidebar gadget gCalTasks tracks your time with a couldn't-be-easier start/stop timer that saves your current task directly to Google Calendar.

Installing the gadget is easy—just double-click on the downloaded file to add it to your sidebar, and use the wrench icon to add in your Google account details (works with Apps too). Once you've authenticated you can choose which calendar you want to send your time tracking data too. (It's probably best to create a new one to keep from cluttering your regular schedule.) At this point you can start tracking your time by simply typing what you are working on and clicking Start; when you're done, hit Stop to save your data up to Google. At the end of the day you can check the Agenda view in Google Calendar to see a nice list of everything you worked on throughout the day.

The gadget has a few issues—most noticeably it's too wide to fit in the sidebar so you really have to use it on the desktop, but the bigger problem is the lack of automatic sync, requiring you to remember to use the Stop button to save. The benefits of being able to easily track what you are working on and save to the accessible-everywhere Google Calendar outweigh the problems—and make this worth a look for anybody looking to keep better tabs on their time.

gCalTasks is a free download for Windows 7 or Vista users. If you are looking for a hands-off, completely automated solution, take a look at previously mentioned Productivity Meter or Slife instead. Do you have a preferred solution for tracking your time? Share it i! n the co mments.

gCalTasks [via Download Squad]

Free Disk Analyzer Finds the Largest Space-Wasting Files [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/mM2ZmhpoGCU/free-disk-analyzer-finds-the-largest-space+wasting-files

Windows only: File space usage application Free Disk Analyzer quickly and easily finds the largest files that are wasting space on your drive.

Once installed, you can locate the largest files by selecting a drive on the left-hand side, and then choosing the Largest Files tab on the bottom, which sorts by file size regardless of the directory they are located so you can quickly identify files for deletion. The Largest Folders tab shows you a view that resembles the previously mentioned Windirstat (another app that's a whiz at visualizing your hard drive usage), with the option to drill down into folders. Hidden behind the options panel you will find some even better settings—the ability to filter by file type, or only analyze files larger than a specified size, making this a great utility for cleaning up your drive.

Free Disk Analyzer is a free download for Windows users only. For a similar utility with more eye-candy, take a look at previously mentioned DriveSpacio.

Free Disk Analyzer [via Freewaregenius]

Windows 7 Gets Customized [Featured Desktop]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/w9HdmKtT5XA/windows-7-gets-customized

We've featured a desktop that makes XP look like Windows 7, but today we get a look at our first Windows 7 desktop customized to the hilt courtesy of reader SJRNWT.

The setup behind this tweaked Windows 7 desktop features a lot of familiar faces, including Rocketdock, Rainmeter, and some of the latest Enigma customizations. Ultimately the results of this customization don't actually look all that different from an XP or Vista transformation, but that's probably a good thing—it means that customization lovers won't need to expect many problems moving their favorite tweaks over to Windows 7.

Windows 7- N.W.T. [Flickr]

Foxmarks Bookmark Syncing Available for Internet Explorer, Safari [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/KTMSx5vosGw/foxmarks-bookmark-syncing-available-for-internet-explorer-safari

Windows/Mac: Foxmarks, our favorite way to keep Firefox bookmarks synced across computers, is now offered for Internet Explorer and Safari, giving anyone with multiple computers or browsers a pain-free way to keep it all together.

Foxmarks offers basically the same type of background bookmark-syncing awesomeness for IE and Safari as it does for Firefox, with a few key exceptions:

No password syncing: A tough break, but not too hard to overcome by using Dropbox as a cross-platform password syncer.
No syncing bookmarks to your own server: Probably not a deal-breaker for most users, but we hope it makes a showing some day soon.
iPhone sync only for Mac Safari: Actually, this isn't a feature Foxmarks even offers for Firefox, so it's kind of a bonus.

If you're still down to try out Foxmarks in its newest forms, head to the Foxmarks downloads page and grab your appropriate installer. I lack a Mac system, so I'll be stepping through an Internet Explorer setup below.

Double-click the installer, accept all the standard "Do you want ..." and "Allow ..." prompts, and you'll be asked to either create a Foxmarks account or sign in with the one you've got. After verification, you'll end up at this simple screen, familiar to Foxmarks veterans:

The default action, if you simply hit "Synchronize," is for Foxmarks to merge any favorites you've got on your system with anything backed up in your Foxmarks cloud. That's fine for newcomers, but I generally like to get rid of all of the pre-loaded MSN, Windows Live, and similar bookmarks, so let's hit "Change sync settings" and switch it up:

After that, Foxmarks gets going. Instead of installing an icon in Internet Explorer's bottom status bar, Foxmarks plants itself in your system tray. You'll see it pop up a notification when it's done grabbing or placing bookmarks to/from the servers. Right-clicking this icon gives you access to your Foxmarks settings, can open up your web-based bookmarks browser, and close down the Foxmarks process. It seems to run whether or not you've got IE up and running, which is somewhat memory insensitive, but also convenient for those who open and close their browser regularly.

The Foxmarks options are similar to what Firefox users have been used to: a quick-sync button, choices on how and when Foxmarks synchronizes, and, best of all, the same kind of computer-by-computer selective bookmark syncing, or "profiles."

And here's the advanced options, where you can change your encryption demands, force a server- or computer-wiping sync, and turn off that Foxmarks tray icon. Turning off the icon still lets you at the Foxmarks options from IE's "Tools" menu:

Here's a video tour of Foxmarks features, composed by Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal/All Things Digital. It's somewhat introductory-level, but covers a lot of ground (and here's his full, positive review of Foxmarks' functionality.

Safari users, be sure to tell us how Foxmarks is working for you. Does tri-browser Foxmarks open up a new realm of synchronized browsing? Waiting for just one more platform (noting that mobile access is, of course, already covered)? Give us your reviews in the comments.

Bill Gates Just Unleashed a Swarm Of Live Mosquitoes On A Room Full of Geniuses [Whoa]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/xGOTAQF-cS0/bill-gates-just-unleashed-a-swarm-of-live-mosquitoes-on-a-room-full-of-geniuses

In what is probably the coolest conference-talk attention grab I've ever heard of, Bill Gates apparently just released a swarm of mosquitoes into the crowd at TED, the geniuses-only mind meld. Holy shit.

"Not only poor people should experience this," the Tweetosphere has Gates saying as he released the swarm into the audience. Malaria is a cause that Bill and Melinda have been hitting hard with their philanthropy, and this is certainly a way to drive that point home.

No word yet on the size of said swarm, or confirmation that they weren't actually infected with malaria for that matter, but as far as stunts go, this is prit-tay fucking awesome. We would know.

Bravo Bill—your sense of humor does geeks proud. [Valleywag, Twitter, Photo: jurvetson/flickr]

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