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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Nokia "Wahoo" 3G half-QWERTY flip swings into view

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/nokia-wahoo-3g-half-qwerty-flip-swings-into-view/

Filed under: Cellphones

We didn't see this one on our exhaustive leaked Nokia roadmap, but our homeboy Boy Genius has uncovered pics and specs of a new Nokia flip destined for AT&T. Codenamed "Wahoo," the quad-band clamshell features an interesting half-QWERTY keypad, an internal 2.2-inch QVGA display and a 1.36-inch external unit, push-to-talk, microSD expansion, and A2DP support -- which you'll need because Nokia seems to think a 2.5mm headphone jack is still somehow acceptable. No word on a release date, but if you're waiting on pins and needles for a phone with a display that small we really can't help you anyway.

Nokia "Wahoo" 3G half-QWERTY flip swings into view originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung shows off P3 portable media player

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/samsung-shows-off-p3-portable-media-player/

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Samsung has been pretty tight-lipped about the inevitable successor to its popular P2 (or YP-P2) PMP, but the company has taken the wraps off of it in a big way today, with it not only announcing its new P3 handheld, but letting a few sites actually get their hands on it. As rumored way back in May, the device's touchscreen gets a haptic upgrade, but the size and resolution stay the same at 3-inches and 480 x 272. Otherwise, you can expect capacities ranging from 4GB to 32GB, built-in Bluetooth with A2DP support, an FM tuner, a mono speaker, support for all the usual audio and video formats and, of particular note, an all new interface complete with customizable widgets. No word on a price or launch date just yet, but Samsung will apparently have more to say about that when it gets even more official about the device at CES in January. Until then, you can hit up the links below for some more pics, including an ample supply of comparison shots.

Read - Generation MP3
Read - Le Journal du Geek

Samsung shows off P3 portable media player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia E63 gets unboxed, examined

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/nokia-e63-gets-unboxed-examined/

Filed under: Cellphones

We've seen spy shots and official shots of Nokia's new E63 handset, but nothing quite makes our day like unboxing shots of a fresh new device (even if it's a pre-production unit), and the folks at the TamsS60 blog have thankfully come through on that front, and offered a few impressions of the phone for good measure. Of particular note, they say that the E63's keyboard layout is "a lot less annoying" than the one on the E71, and the "weird type of rubber" used apparently feels better to the touch as well. Anyone looking to ditch their E71 should also be aware that those changes affect the size of the device, so you're out of luck if you were hoping to hang onto your E71's case. Hit up the link below for some more pics, and keep an eye on the site for a full review that's promised soon.

Nokia E63 gets unboxed, examined originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belkin Switch-to-Mac Cable automatically switches you to Mac, gives you a high-five

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/belkin-switch-to-mac-cable-automatically-switches-you-to-mac-gi/

Filed under: Peripherals

PC-to-Mac USB file-transfer cables and migration utilities have been out for a while, but Belkin's out today with a new take on the idea it says makes the transition "as seamless as possible." We're guessing that has more to do with the Switch-to-Mac Cable's bundled software than the dongle itself -- Belkin's custom Migration Assistant (not the OS X assistant) automatically transfers your media, files, and internet prefs, leaving you free to try on mock turtlenecks and practice your air of quiet superiority. Should be out soon for $50.

Belkin Switch-to-Mac Cable automatically switches you to Mac, gives you a high-five originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atlona's AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter answers an age-old prayer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/atlonas-at-hdpix-usb-to-hdmi-adapter-answers-an-age-old-prayer/

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Peripherals

Okay, so maybe Atlona Technologies' latest whiz-bang adapter isn't that awesome, but then again, it's pretty awesome. The AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter does precisely what it says by enabling any PC / digital signage display to accept an HDMI cable so long as a USB 2.0 socket is currently unoccupied. The device supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 (or 720p), and because it takes audio from a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack rather than through the USB port, the full bandwidth of the USB connection is reserved for high-def video. Expect this miracle worker to start shipping next month for $179.

Atlona's AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter answers an age-old prayer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry Curve 8900 hits FCC, destined for US airwaves early next year

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/12/blackberry-curve-8900-hits-fcc-destined-for-us-airwaves-early-n/

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

With the 8900 having just launched on T-Mobile Germany, it only stands to reason that T-Mobile's US subsidiary would be a logical next step; after all, it's already brought in the WiFi-equipped 8320, and the 8900 is the next progression in that bloodline. It also makes a ripe competitor for the Bold, which just saw the light of day on T-Mobile's much-larger rival -- and seeing how RIM has now mentioned that the 8900 will be coming stateside in the first quarter of 2009, we're feeling like a T-Mob launch is about as close to a sure thing as you can find these days. The only question is, why wait so long? When you consider that the darned thing just passed the FCC, we're not seeing a compelling reason to hold it until after the crucial holiday season unless they're looking to give the 8220 some breathing room -- and hey, sorry, 8220, but in a battle against the 8900, you're going to go down every time.

Read - Coming to the US
Read - FCC filing

BlackBerry Curve 8900 hits FCC, destined for US airwaves early next year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ARM to release netbook, MID chips

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/arm-to-release-netbook-mid-chips/

Filed under: Handhelds, Laptops

Intel's Atom is enjoying some pretty lonely dominance in the netbook market, with nary a spot of competition from VIA's ephemeral Nano or whatever AMD has in store for us -- a void ARM has just announced it plans to fill with ARMv7 chips. The mobile device chipmaker has partnered with Canonical to develop a version of Ubuntu specifically tailored to run on netbooks and MIDs with ARM Cortex-A8 and Cortex-A9 processors, a platform ARM says will offer all-day battery life as well as advanced video functionality. That sounds pretty good to us (and Intel, actually) -- too bad we won't see any of these mythical machines until at least Ubuntu's April 2009 steet date for the ARM port. Good thing Intel will be lying around counting cash and not developing anything until then, right guys? Sigh.

ARM to release netbook, MID chips originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official RED Scarlet and EPIC pics are sure to induce drool [Updated with OMG]

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/more-red-scarlet-and-epic-pics-sure-to-induce-drool/

Filed under: Digital Cameras

While the announcement isn't scheduled for another 7 hours and change, RED's Jim Jannard is whipping his fanbase into a frenzy with a steady stream of fragmented pictures. The one above looking every bit the 5D Mark II-killer we've been expecting. Jim's even dropping facts about Scarlet and EPIC being "completely modular and upgradeable in every way." What's more, he's offering hope to RED ONE owners who might feel cheated by today's introduction of Scarlet and EPIC. After all, he did promise to make "Obsolescence Obsolete" with his modular approach to camera building. So in addition to a TBD upgrade price for RED ONE owners to make the jump to a Mysterium-X sensor, owners will also have the option of trading in their cams for a $17,500 value towards the purchase of "any EPIC" (there's more than one?) or keep the RED ONE and receive a 12% credit on a Scarlet system. Nice... expensive, but nice. Check the gallery for all the images including one that looks like a telephoto lens for a RED DSLR.

P.S. Jim confirmed that, "Scarlet and RED EPIC are part of the same DSMC system." While you may not know what DSMC stands for, we're pretty sure that Canon and Nikon are well aware that DSMC means Digital Still & Motion Camera.

Update: Three-pound Scarlet and four-pound EPIC Mysterium-based "brains" capable of shooting 3K and 5K video, respectively, pictured after the break -- choose the brain then build a system around it. What look to be final (and complete!) product shots added to the gallery.

Gallery: More RED Scarlet and EPIC pics sure to induce drool

Continue reading Official RED Scarlet and EPIC pics are sure to induce drool [Updated with OMG]

Official RED Scarlet and EPIC pics are sure to induce drool [Updated with OMG] originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD launches first 45nm, quad-core Shanghai Opterons, hitting desktops Q1

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/amd-launches-first-45nm-quad-core-shanghai-opterons-hitting-de/

Filed under: Desktops

Intel might get all the consumer praise, but AMD has been blazing architectural trails well before Nehalem. As EE Times points out, AMD's 65-nm Barcelona was the first quad-core processor with 2MB of shared L3 cache integrated with the Northbridge memory controller. Now AMD has (finally) caught up with its own 45-nm technology under the code-name, Shanghai. AMD's newest quad-core Opteron server chip with 6MB L3 cache now offers up to 35 percent better performance while drawing 35 percent less idle power. Better yet, it's drop-in compatible with Barcelona which should keep IT-types happy as they extend the life of their server farms. Available immediately in 75-watt, quad-core versions running clock speeds from 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz. Desktop-class "Dragon" chips should hit the PC market in Q1. Great, now where are those 45-nm netbook procs, eh AMD?

[Via EE Times and CNET]

AMD launches first 45nm, quad-core Shanghai Opterons, hitting desktops Q1 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RED's Digital Still and Motion Camera System now official

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/reds-digital-still-and-motion-camera-system-now-official/

After a morning of drip-fed images, RED just went official with its DSMC (Digital Stills and Motion Camera) System. The system starts with your choice of the professional Scarlet or "master professional" EPIC brains which can then be bunged into about 2,251,799,813,685,248 possible camera configurations, RED only half-jokingly chides. The brains are built upon Mysterium-X and Mysterium Monstro sensors which start at 2/3-inch and end at a whopping 6x17-cm -- when a new sensor comes out you just upgrade the brain. Scarlet will launch in 4 choices ranging from $2,500 (and possibly less) to $12,000 with a variety of lens mounts (yes, Canon and Nikon) capable of shooting 3K @120fps on up to 6K @30fps. Epic will offer similar mounts with capabilities spanning 5K @100fps ($28k) to 9K @50fps ($45k) -- a 28K system hitting 25fps is expected in 2010 for $55k. Still image resolutions will range from 4.9 megapixels to a freakish 261 megapixels. The first Scarlet systems could come as early as Spring of 2009 while EPIC should arrive by summer. Of course, the brain is just the beginning of the costs. RED also introduced a 3D camera today in true, "one more thing" fashion. See all the details in the gallery below, 3D camera after the break.

Gallery: RED's Digital Still and Motion Camera System now official

Continue reading RED's Digital Still and Motion Camera System now official

RED's Digital Still and Motion Camera System now official originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atom 330 is benchmarked, fares slightly worse than expected

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/atom-330-is-benchmarked-fares-slightly-worse-than-expected/

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

PC Pro's given Intel's dual-core, 1.6GHz Atom 330 (coupled with a 7200 RPM SATA hard drive and 1GB of DDR2 RAM) the benchmark run-through, and they've got some conflicting details to pass on to you. Overall, the testers found the Atom to be, as expected, faster than the N270, but only by 16 percent. In specific tests, the 330 ran Office 2003 slower than both a 2GHz VIA C7-D and the single-core Atom; PC Pro actually performed the test several times just to be sure it wasn't a glitch... and it wasn't. The 330 performed better running 2D graphics, outpacing the N270 by 41 percent, and it also outperformed its competitors in encoding and multitasking. Not enough details for you? Hit the read link for the full-on benchmarking experience.

Atom 330 is benchmarked, fares slightly worse than expected originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Google Switch: the story behind one of the greatest fakes of all time

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/the-google-switch-the-story-of-one-of-the-greatest-fakes-of-all/

Filed under: Cellphones

It's not the quality of the Photoshop that made the Google Switch one of the great product fakes of all time. In fact, it was questionable enough that we asked the tipster for more detail and a second picture before publishing, and only then did we do so with skepticism. Still, once it was out, it gained so much traction in the Google-crazed Kingdom of Nerd that its image quickly became synonymous with the Googlephone -- the sweaty-palmed rumor circulating back in late 2006. When it became clear that the HTC Dream was to become the Googlephone, many editors and readers alike were left wondering about the Google Switch. After all, the rumor had never been properly debunked. Turns out that the Switch was the idea of three ordinary Dutch students -- Egbert Veenstra, Sytse-Jan Kooistra and Sam Baas -- who had already rendered the finger-touch phone-concept in late 2006. Miffed upon seeing the iPhone unveiled with many of the ideas they felt were theirs, the trio decided to generate some buzz for their idea and hooked it to the rumor du jour: the googlephone. That's when they contacted us. In retrospect, it's amazing how much they got right... or perhaps, how well Google and HTC listened. Hit the read link for their full story.

[Via the Next web]

The Google Switch: the story behind one of the greatest fakes of all time originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of ! feeds.

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

YouTube lets advertisers buy search terms (CNET)

Source: http://tech.yahoo.com/news/cnet/20081112/tc_cnet/8301102331009519893

Posted on Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:27PM EST

SAN BRUNO, Calif.--YouTube on Wednesday said it's rolling out a new ad platform called Sponsored Videos.

According to YouTube, which held a press conference at its headquarters, Sponsored Videos lets users promote their videos by bidding on keywords. Here's how it works: First, YouTube users, whether individuals or corporations, decide which of the videos they've uploaded they want to promote through site search. Then they decide which keywords they want to target.

Google, YouTube's parent company, has created automated tools that help users place bids for the keywords in an automated online auction, as well as set spending budgets. When people use keywords in search terms for videos, YouTube will display relevant videos alongside the search results. If you're, say, a Hollywood film studio, maybe you bid on the words: "movie trailer."

+vdimm +i7 DDR3 memory

Lab Notes - Core i7 920 OC with Patriot Memory DDR3
By hardwarehome
Our settings consisted of 1.3975V VCore, 1.64V VDimm, and the secret sauce setting of QPI voltage at 1.3750V. Our FSX settings were run at Ultra High with AA/AF/DX10 enabled in order to stress the CPU and GPU during the benchmark ...
Hardwarehomes Blog - http://hardwarehome.wordpress.com/

Anti-Packaging: Amazon Goes Frustration-Free

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheDieline/~3/445679635/anti-packaging.html

Amazon_fisherprice

Internet retail juggernaut Amazon.com has taken on a mature and environmentally-responsible initiative they are calling Frustration-Free Packaging. This comes as a welcome response to the ongoing criticism about Amazon's wasteful packaging habits.

As much as we packaging designers love pretty colours, we also like simplicity and clever ideas. This definitely falls into that category.

According to Amazon's FAQ page:

The Frustration-Free Package (above left) is recyclable and comes without excess packaging materials such as hard plastic clamshell casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It's designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging (on the right). Products with Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without an additional shipping box.

Today, there is a bit more logic in the world. So next time you order something from Amazon, poke around for an extra tick box or two.

spotted on Swiss Miss, among other places

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