Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, January 05, 2009

17-inch unibody MacBook Pro with non-removable battery rumored for Macworld

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/17-inch-unibody-macbook-pro-with-non-removable-battery-rumored-f/

9to5Mac is reporting that a unibody, 17-inch MacBook Pro will be announced at Macworld, following in the footsteps of the previously released unibody 13 and 15-inchers. The rumor, backed up by some "whisperers" at Macrumors, isn't really an earth-shattering surprise -- though the accompanying revelation that this model is expected to have a slim, extended-life, non-removable battery is rather eye-opening -- and somewhat disappointing, considering the lameness of non-removable batteries. We'll know for sure on Tuesday at the keynote.

Update: Apple Insider is now independently confirming the imminent arrival of the unibody 17-incher, and also corroborating the fixed internal battery theory.

Read - Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro to go Unibody, sans removable battery (Silver-Zinc replacement?)
Read - 17" Unibody MacBook Pro with Non-Removable Extended-Life Battery?
Read - Sources: 17-inch MacBook Pro, NVIDIA Mac mini due shortly

Filed under: Laptops

17-inch unibody MacBook Pro with non-removable battery rumored for Macworld originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mac mini update with dual display support, banner unfurling rumored for Macworld festivities

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/mac-mini-update-with-dual-display-support-banner-unfurling-rumo/

We've got less than 48 hours until Apple's last Macworld keynote, and the rumor mill keeps hinting that Phil's gonna announce new Mac minis, which so far are purported to have the Macbook's NVIDIA chipset, aluminum casing, and an SATA optical drive that can be swapped out for a second HDD. Go ahead and add dual display support to that list, which is what Apple Insider is speculating based on their sources saying the new minis will sport both a mini DisplayPort and a mini DVI connector. Additionally, the site has managed to snap some shots from the Moscone Center of the expo being set up. There's a picture of a monitor showing what's presumed to be a live feed of the keynote rehearsal with a blurred figure that kind of looks like Al Gore, and inside the south hall there are several mysterious banners concealed in white cloth. So pretty much status quo, though is it just us or do the banners seem to look a little tired and thin this year?

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Read - Apple's next-gen Mac mini to get dual display support
Read - Macworld site rife with concealed banners

Filed under: Desktops

Mac mini update! with du al display support, banner unfurling rumored for Macworld festivities originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo adds multi-touch, facial recognition to its S10 netbook

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/lenovo-adds-multi-touch-facial-recognition-to-its-s10-netbook/

Lenovo has announced today that its dapper young netbook will be getting an upgrade, starting with a modest boost in screen size -- from 10-inches to 10.2-inches. In addition to this embarrassment of riches, the new IdeaPad S10 netbook will pack LenovoSocial, a suite for "social networking enthusiasts," VeriFace facial recognition tech and a multi-touch trackpad. The MSRP is $349 and you should be able to get this guy sometime in March. Available in black, white, red, blue, or pink. Check out a photo and the full press release after the break.

Continue reading Lenovo adds multi-touch, facial recognition to its S10 netbook

Filed under: Laptops

Lenovo adds multi-touch, facial recognition to its S10 netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung prepping 6.5mm LCD for debut at CES

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/samsung-prepping-6-5mm-lcd-for-ces/

Samsung Korea has announced it will reveal an ever-so-thin HDTV prototype at CES this week -- a clear trend going into the show. There's a paucity of info about it as of now, but it's going to be between 6.5 and 7mm thick -- and it doesn't appear to be part of the possible lineup we saw leaked a while back. "Thinnest HDTV" ever, huh? We'll see about that soon enough: Samsung's Vegas press conference is scheduled for Wednesday.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

Samsung prepping 6.5mm LCD for debut at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Freescale's i.MX515 netbook processor promises low cost, long battery life

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/freescales-i-mx515-netbook-processor-promises-low-cost-long-ba/

Look out, Intel -- the whole world's gunning for you, with both VIA (possibly, anyway) and now Freescale looking to snag a sliver of the netbook CPU pie. Reportedly, the latter company will be debuting a netbook-centric chip at CES this week from its i.MX line. More specifically, the i.MX515 -- which is based on the Cortex-A8 core from ARM -- will aim for miniature laptops that sit at or below the almost mythical $199 price point. It's being reported that Freescale will showcase a Pegatron (ASUS spinoff) built netbook in Vegas, though it's not clear just yet if similar models will actually be available for purchase in the near future. The real kicker, however, is the potential battery life of machines with this here chip installed -- we're talking up to eight hours, though there's no indication of what size battery pack would be required to reach that goal. It should be noted that the low-power CPUs won't support Windows at all, so you'll only see 'em within machines with Linux-based operating systems.

[Via PC World]

Filed under: Laptops

Freescale's i.MX515 netbook processor promises low cost, long battery life originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC 5kg 32-inch LCD to be the lightest, greenest at CES?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/jvc-5kg-32-inch-lcd-to-be-the-lightest-greenest-at-ces/

While Samsung's latest may be slightly narrower, JVC swears its CES prototype will be the lightest 32-inch LCD out, weighing a mere 5kg its perfect for ceiling mounted installations. At 7mm thick they've managed to squeeze 1080p resolution and LED backlighting out of 50% of the materials and less mercury used to produce current designs. A hands on should settle the battle of the thin, expect iPhone comparison pics and contentious weigh ins usually reserved for heavyweight bouts this week in Las Vegas.

Gallery: JVC 7mm, 5kg HDTV

Filed under: CES, HDTV, Home Entertainment

JVC 5kg 32-inch LCD to be the lightest, greenest at CES? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:08:00 EST. Please see ! our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's super slim LED backlit LCD packing wireless HD, DivX HD

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/lgs-super-slim-led-backlit-lcd-packing-wireless-hd-divx-hd/

Finally ready to give up further details on its 24.8-mm thick LED backlit LH95 (apparently dubbed the LH9500 in the UK), revealing to Stuff.tv we can expect a 55-inch HDTV with wireless HD box included. DivX HD support on the panel itself (sorry, no word about any Netflix streaming abilities just yet) via USB or Bluetooth makes sure there will be plenty to watch on the 2,000,000:1 contrast screen with 240Hz technology. At least on paper, one of the slimmest, best looking LCDs we've heard about so far, we'll see if it impresses in person shortly.

Filed under: CES, Displays, HDTV

LG's super slim LED backlit LCD packing wireless HD, DivX HD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel, Adobe plan a chicken in every pot, Flash on every HDTV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/intel-adobe-plan-a-chicken-in-every-pot-flash-on-every-hdtv/

Intel's been talking up the CE 3100 (née Canmore) processor for quite some time now, and with Adobe as its newest partner -- late again Yahoo? -- pushing HD Flash streams to Internet connected TV's and set-top boxes. Frankly, we've already gotten quite used to YouTube and other online video access in the living room, but with the first Flash Lite-enabled system-on-a-chip due by mid-2009 and everyone and their mom watching TV on Hulu this could be the push that takes online video to the TV mainstream. Still, Intel must know that only Flash support so 2008, we'll be expecting more widgets to come.

Filed under: CES, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Intel, Adobe plan a chicken in every pot, Flash on every HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/lg-gets-official-with-netflix-enabled-broadband-hdtvs/

Yup, it's official. LG will be showcasing the world's first Netflix-enabled HDTVs at CES this week. The so-called Broadband HDTVs will arrive in plasma and LCD flavors, though exact screen sizes and model names have yet to be disclosed. They'll arrive with Netflix streaming software baked right in, meaning that no external set-top-box will be required to suck down Watch Instantly material. Best of all, it sounds like HD Netflix content will also be supported, and with the accompanying remote, viewers will be able to "read synopses, rate movies and fast-forward / rewind the video stream." No word on pricing, but the family of sets should be shipping this Spring. Hop on past the break for a look at the full release.

Continue reading LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

LG gets official with Netflix-enabled Broadband HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clickfree Transformer Cable gives any USB hard drive auto backup functionality

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/clickfree-transformer-cable-gives-any-usb-hard-drive-auto-backup/

If you're not about to sell off your current stable of external USB hard drives just to experience the wonders of Clickfree backups, you're staring your solution right in the face. Clickfree has just introduced its new Transformer Cable, which is "the first and only USB cable that turns ordinary external hard drives into truly automatic Clickfree backup solutions." Put simply, users just connect their USB HDD to their PC via this here cable, and without any software installations or black magic, the external drive automatically begins to search through, organize and backup your data. The painfully simple cord should be available right now for the mildly reasonable price of $59.99; full release is after the break.

Continue reading Clickfree Transformer Cable gives any USB hard drive auto backup functionality

Filed under: CES, Storage

Clickfree Transformer Cable gives any USB hard drive auto backup functionality originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Rumor: Apple Launching Giant iPod Touch Next Fall [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/msTTwVIXbec/rumor-apple-launching-giant-ipod-touch-next-fall

Citing "three independent sources close to Apple," one who has "actually held the device," TechCrunch says Apple is planning to release a giant iPod touch device with a seven- or nine-inch screen next fall.

In other words, it's a tablet running the scaled down version of OS X that's on the iPod touch and iPhone—not the MacBook touch tablet fanboys have been dreaming of since multitouch became a part of their fantasy lexicon, but very much like the Son-of-Newton PDA with an embedded version of OS X we'd heard about a year ago. What makes this giganto iPod touch worthwhile, according to Arrington—over a full-fledged MacBook tablet—is the App Store. (Of course, we'd heard rumors of touch tablet running both the App Store and real Mac apps, though the inherent philosophical dissonance of an App Store + real Mac apps approach never quite neatly resolved itself in our minds.)

One piece of evidence pointing to something like Arrington describes (besides those earlier Son-of-Newton tablet whispers) however, was the mysterious tidbit in October about an Apple product with "a display somewhere between an iPhone and a MacBook" spotted surfing the internets. An iPod touch ! HD w ith 800 or 720x480 resolution would fit in that space pretty nicely, and be an "interesting" take on the netbook.

Still, TechCrunch doesn't say this is an absolutely guaranteed happening: "I'm not saying Apple is definitely launching a large form iPod Touch." As with all rumored Apple products, we'll see it when we see it, probably 12 hours before it's actually announced (if it ever is) in a slightly grainy photo. [TechCrunch]

VuNow PoD Media Streamer Is Cheap and BitTorrent-Ready [Media Streaming]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/ZuLoo8yqwPQ/vunow-pod-media-streamer-is-cheap-and-bittorrent+ready

While even Blu-ray players are getting into the media streaming business, Verismo Networks has announced the $100/$150 VuNow PoD, promising everything from YouTube to BitTorrent in a clean Apple TVesque interface.

The palm-sized $100 VuNow PoD is standard def and equipped with ethernet, Wi-F and 2 USB ports out of the box.

It's almost hard to summarize everything that the VuNow plays back if you spring for the full (extra $30) codec package. It streams YouTube, Cinemanow, and all sorts of internet-based TV while magaging BitTorrent downloads. Plus it recognizes every codec under the sun through a NAS, networked PC, or just good old USB-based storage.
I know, many of you are shaking your heads at the standard def thing, but the VuNow will also be available in high definition (with HDMI) for $150. Luckily, the high def version includes that whole "premium codec package" thing for free.

Both models are available now on VuNow's site. [VuNow via Wired]

Nokia's 6208c now official, officially in love with stylus input

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/31/nokias-6208c-now-official-officially-in-love-with-stylus-input/

Nokia's 6208c (or 6208 classic, if you prefer) isn't arriving as a surprise, though it is quite nice to see it being made completely official. The rather unique handset was designed with the Chinese market in mind, as it boasts an integrated, removable stylus modeled after bamboo slips for inputting Chinese characters via pen. You'll also notice a stainless steel back cover, 3.2-megapixel camera (with twin LED flash), a 4x digital zoom and a microSD slot for expanding storage. Mum's the word on pricing, but it should be loosed in "select markets" during the first half of 2009.

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia's 6208c now official, officially in love with stylus input originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android-Powered OpenMoko FreeRunner Spotted [Android]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/jApATZ9iMjc/android+powered-openmoko-freerunner-spotted

OpenMoko built the first 100% open-source smartphone—hardware and software both—when Android was but a glimmer in Larry and Sergey's eye. But now, the FreeRunner hardware is officially kissing its open-source cousin OS, Android.

Whether it's viewed as a natural move forward in the name of openness or a sign that no one in the world will ever use OpenMoko's own open-source OS—iMAndroid have some blurry-as-hell shots of the FreeRunner hardware running Google's open-source OS alternative. Either way, huge credit is due to OpenMoko, for fighting the good fight early on.

Still, the reliance on only 100% open hardware components means the FreeRunner is still hobbled by a GPRS-only data connection; that's late-90s tech, and for a data-heavy platform like Android, could be a monumental pain. Or maybe it will be the first Android phone with a battery that can last more than 12 hours without needing a reboost? Rounding out the specs is more typical smartphone fare: wi-fi, AGPS, Bluetooth, microSD slot, and a 400 MHz Samsung processor.

Price and availability are not yet available, but I would reckon CES will shed a bit more light on things. [iMAndroid]

LG Adds YouTube and CinemaNow to Blu-ray Players [Blu-Ray]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/m6QbJDxc4u4/lg-adds-youtube-and-cinemanow-to-blu+ray-players

I know what you've been thinking, Mr. Home Theater Enthusiast. "Why can't I watched low rez Flash clips on my awesome HDTV and Blu-ray player?" Thanks to LG...Now. You. Can.

LG has announced that their 2009 line of "Network Blu-ray Players" will not only include Netflix, but YouTube support along with CinemaNow downloads. They will unveil this new line of players next week at CES.

While many may interpret all this connectivity as a sign of actual home theater/internet convergence, a more skeptical onlooker may see LG hedging their bets on Blu-ray to entice consumers into buying new media players. Either way, I'll take it.

LG ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES NEW STREAMING CONTENT PARTNERS FOR ITS NETWORK BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS

LG to Offer Consumers Unparalleled Access to Streaming Entertainment from CinemaNow, YouTube and Netflix

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Dec. 30, 2008 – LG Electronics today announced the expansion of network entertainment options for its Network Blu-ray Disc players through new alliances with CinemaNow and YouTube™.

Available on new LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players in the first half of 2009, these new services complement LG's instant streaming from Netflix and advanced Blu-ray capabilities to deliver consumers an exceptional entertainment experience. (In 2008, LG was the world's first manufacturer to stream movies instantly from Netflix on a Network Blu-ray Disc Player.)

CinemaNow – an innovator in digital entertainment technology, delivering high-quality movies, TV shows and videos to users through online connectivity – and YouTube – a leading online video community for people to discover, watch, an! d share originally created videos – will be available in LG's 2009 line of Network Blu-ray Disc players to be unveiled next week at the 2009 International CES®.

"As millions of U.S. consumers view and download movies or TV shows through the Internet, they are demanding easier ways to access content and more home entertainment options," said Tim Alessi, director of product development, LG Electronics USA.

"From Blu-ray to instant streaming from Netflix to CinemaNow and YouTube, LG is bridging the gap between packaged media and video-on-demand services to provide entertainment solutions for consumers' demand for content," he said. "With these new alliances, LG continues its innovation leadership by allowing consumers easy access to multiple entertainment options in one device."

CinemaNow: Instant Streaming of Hollywood's Latest Hits

CinemaNow has pushed the envelope of digital video distribution, becoming the first Web site to offer Pay-Per-View movies from major studios and the first broadband distributor of high definition (HD) content. Collaborating with CinemaNow will enable LG Electronics to offer consumers access to more than 14,000 titles from the major movie studios, broadcast and cable television shows, more than 250 independent film titles and music videos from all major labels. Key benefits include the capability to:

* Browse the entire CinemaNow premium content catalog, including latest Hollywood hits,
* Instantly stream content to enjoy on compatible devices, and
* Access and watch movies purchased from other CinemaNow-powered stores.

"We are extremely pleased to be providing CinemaNow premium content services to these innovative new products from LG Electronics that are helping to drive convenient consumer access to digital entertainment at home," said Mark Ely, executive vice president of strategy, Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), parent company of CinemaNow.

YouTube: Original Streaming Video Content

Leading the ! way in p roviding unlimited access to online content, LG's alliance with a prolific online video community, YouTube, will allow consumers to instantly stream millions of Web videos directly from the Internet to an LG Network Blu-ray Player for viewing on their television (without a personal computer). Key benefits include:

o Unlimited access to millions of videos on topics such as current events, instructional videos for hobbies and interests, comedic and viral videos and

o Easy searching, thumbnail previews and multiple screen size viewing options.

Netflix: High Definition Instant Streaming

Now available to consumers as a free on-line upgrade, LG's first Network Blu-ray Disc Player (BD300) now delivers a growing number of Netflix titles in high-definition (HD). This new access to high-definition streaming content enhances the existing standard-definition streaming service that LG and Netflix first brought to consumers in 2008.

Future LG Network Blu-ray Disc Players will also offer consumers a variety of ways to enjoy more than 12,000 choices of movies and TV episodes from Netflix. Netflix members owning these devices pay one low monthly subscription for unlimited DVD rental and unlimited streaming.

LG's full line of Network Blu-ray Disc Players, additional new content alliances and other new products will be revealed at the LG Electronics CES press conference on Jan. 7, 2009 at the Venetian/Sands and will be on display at the 2009 International CES – Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

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