Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Friday, September 18, 2009

RAmos Android event scheduled for next week, mystery MID getting real?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/ramos-android-event-scheduled-for-next-week-mystery-mid-getting/

Any time a good conundrum is solved there's bound to be mixed feelings -- and The Case of the Mysterious Android MID was certainly no different. Has it really only been a month? Certainly you remember the affair -- how pictures (and eventually video) of this handheld Internet device, running Android, kept popping up all over the place? Well, we were somewhat comforted to discover that it was a Rockchip-powered concept device, although at the same time we felt a little cheated: how dare RAmos flaunt such a thing and fail to deliver? But not so fast! According to a teaser that's made its way to us on the Internet machine, a press event scheduled for September 25th will feature some combination of: "Android" and "ramos digital." Whether or not its the Rockchip-powered device we've been taunted by remains to be seen, but it's definitely a fair guess to say that it will be. Besides, RAmos, after Apple's recent iPod event, we need this.

[Via Pocketables]

Filed under: Handhelds

RAmos Android event scheduled for next week, mystery MID getting real? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYC, just saw a woman handing out parking vouchers to people WALKING to work. Hmm... what is the rate of success of this marketing campaign?

Thursday, September 17, 2009

#digiday - of Ashton's 3.6M followers or JetBlue's 1.2M whose followers can have greater business impact for an advertiser? Why?

@shivsingh - no one cares about your temple (site); your pages need to be social too (findable, sharable).

Samsung S7550 Blue Earth reviewed, Monkey Wrench Gang unavailable for comment

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/samsung-s7550-blue-earth-reviewed/

We're not sure if the recent trend for greener gadgets comes from a wish to save the planet, assuage consumer's guilt, cash in on a trend, or some combination of the three, but we'll tell you one thing: it's not going anywhere. Of course, with a product named "Blue Earth" you know that you're not just getting a handset, but some vageuly eco-friendly ID, including: an outer shell (mostly) fashioned from recycled water bottles, a solar panel, and a pedometer (you know, to encourage walking / discourage driving). Of course, these are all things we can abide, but the question remains: how does this handset hold up, you know, as a handset? Well, GSM Arena recently put one through its paces and was kind enough to let us in on its findings. As feature phones go, says the author, this one stacks up quite nicely with something like Nokia's 5530 XpressMusic -- and even does it one better by throwing in a GPS. On the other hand, this isn't the thinnest phone in the world, the lack of HSDPA will be a deal breaker for some folks, and the 3 megapixel fixed focus camera leaves something to be desired. And how about the solar panel? According to Samsung, one hour of solar charging is good for 2 hours of standby and a little over 15 minutes of call time in 2G (or 10 minutes of talk time in UMTS). Also, it seems that they make the phone bulkier and harder to handle -- although we imagine it can't be as bad as whatever users of after-market solar panel attachments are experiencing. Other features include a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen (quite responsive, apparently) and WiFi. But that ain't all -- you really need to wade into this review yourself if you want all the juicy details. Luckily, it's but one click away: hit the read link to see ! for your self.

Filed under: Cellphones

Samsung S7550 Blue Earth reviewed, Monkey Wrench Gang unavailable for comment originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's dynadock wireless U: it's a universal docking station, but wireless

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/toshibas-dynadock-wireless-u-its-a-universal-docking-station/

Wireless docking stations have been around for years now, but the main issue has been bandwidth. Sure, it's easy to send a wireless mouse signal through the air, but try shoving 720p video, four USB signals and a little bit of arrogance though those highly-spaced particles. Toshiba's new dynadock wireless U USB docking station does a commendable job of doing the best it can with what it has, tapping into wireless USB technology in order to nix the need for your laptop to actually be seated into your docking station. The device can be setup to auto-connect when your machine is in range, and a one-touch undock button carefully shuts down all of your peripherals as you exit. There's six USB 2.0 sockets (included two of the Sleep-and-Charge variety), integrated 7.1 audio and support for a VGA / DVI monitor with resolutions as high as 1,680 x 1,050. Nah, that's not quite 1080p, but we'll take it for now. The $299.99 asking price, however, is a bit harder to swallow.

Filed under: Laptops, Peripherals

Toshiba's dynadock wireless U: it's a universal docking station, but wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At Giz Gallery '09: Brammo Enertia Electric Motorcycles [Giz Gallery 09]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/6qx9G2T2Xxo/at-giz-gallery-09-brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycles

Motorcycles are cool. But I'll venture further out and say that Electric Motorcycles are even better because like in Tron, are silent and require no gas. That's why we'll have the all-electric Brammo Enertia Motorcycle at Giz Gallery '09.

Brammo's wonderbike runs off six lithium phosphate batteries and reaches a top speed of 50 miles with no emissions. Plus, because the bike is 100% battery powered, the bike doesn't require gears or a clutch. Basically, it's the ultimate way to get around a city. You should check it out when you stop by to get your laptop laser etched and stuff your face with pancakes.

Gizmodo Gallery 2009
Groupe
267 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012

Gallery Dates:
September 23rd-27th

Times:

9/22 Tuesday
Media Day by appointment only. For info please contact gallery@gizmodo.com.

9/23 Wednesday
12-8

9/24 Thursday
12-8

9/25 Friday
12-8

9/26 Saturday
11-8
9-? - Live Musical Performance

9/27 Sunday
11-6

[Read more about our! Giz Gallery 09 here, follow @gizgallery on Twitter and see what else we'll be playing with at the event.]

Archos 5 Android Internet Tablet: Amazon Taking Pre-Orders [Internet Tablets]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/fn-6C52cWZM/archos-5-android-internet-tablet-amazon-taking-pre+orders

The 4.8-inch screen tablet won't get full Flash support until December-ish, but you can slap down your plastic now if you don't wanna wait: 160GB ($330), 500GB ($430), 32GB SSD ($380). No word yet on the shipping date. [Amazon]

picoStick USB Digital TV tuner is insanely small, but only in Europe

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/picostick-usb-digital-tv-tuner-is-insanely-small/

It's not like we've ever felt particularly overwhelmed by the size or heft of the USB digital TV tuners already on the market, but Hauppauge's latest has us feeling positively overwhelmed at the thought of lugging one of those other, nearly credit card-sized behemoths ever again. The PCTV Systems picoStick, launched at PlayBite 2009 in London today, is being billed as the world's smallest DVB-T (Western Europe) tuner, requires no antenna, costs £50 (about $83) and should be available from Amazon.co.uk and Play.com next week. One more pic after the break.

[Via Richard Lai]

Continue reading picoStick USB Digital TV tuner is insanely small, but only in Europe

Filed under: Home Entertainment

picoStick USB Digital TV tuner is insanely small, but only in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/hps-new-dreamscreens-pack-pandora-and-facebook-into-a-wireless/

Photo frames sure have come a long way -- from back when they were photo frames. The new HP DreamScreen 100 and 130 (which we spotted back in July) pack in 2GB of built-in storage, and all the assorted connectivity for pulling in photos from a camera, drive or networked PC (802.11b/g or Ethernet), but stack on top of that 10,000 internet radio stations, Facebook, Snapfish internet photos, a full-featured music player, Pandora, weather and even a fancy clock. The unit has a built-in speaker, but you'll probably want to use the sound-out jack to get any reasonable enjoyment in listening. The 10-inch DreamScreen 100 goes for $249 and is available today, while the DreamScreen 130 bumps it up to 13.3-inches and will be out this fall for $299. PR is after the break.

Gallery: HP DreamScreen press shots

Gall! ery: HP DreamScreen hands-on

Continue reading HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame

Filed under: Displays, Household, Wireless

HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pentax K-x DSLR now official: 12.4MP, 720p video, coming October for $650

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/pentax-k-x-dslr-now-official-12-4mp-720p-video-coming-october/

Looks like we didn't have to wait long after today's leak. Pentax has made its not quite entry-level DSLR, the K-x. All the earlier specs have panned out, so we're looking at a 12.4 megapixel CMOS censor, a 200 to 6400 ISO sensitivity expandable to 100 to 12,800, 4.7 frames per second continuous shooting, and 720p HD video at 24 frames per second. Sized up to the K-7, its wider ISO range is the only improvement, otherwise on par in features or lacking, as is in the case of AF / AE, video, and continuous shooting speed. It's due out in October available in black, white, red, or navy blue, with an attractive base price of $650 that nets you a 18-55mm lens.

Gallery: Pentax K-x DSLR press shots

Read - Press release
Read - Brief hands-on

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Pentax K-x DSLR now official: 12.4MP, 720p video, coming October for $650 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung announces Omnia Pro B7330, spills WinMo 6.5 plans for entire Omnia range

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/samsung-announces-omnia-pro-b7330-spills-winmo-6-5-plans-for-en/

If you knew nothing of Samsung's lineup you might think that they'd just announced five Windows Mobile smartphones, but the reality is much, much less interesting: they've basically announced one (which was already widely known) and whipped up a rebranding and relaunch campaign for the other four. To the Omnia range, Sammy has now officially added the Omnia Pro B7330, essentially an upmarket B7320 with a square 320 x 320 display in place of the earlier model's QVGA unit and HSUPA thrown in for good measure. The bigger news might be that the i8000, B7320, B7300, B7330, and B7610 -- every current Omnia model -- will be packaged with Windows Mobile 6.5 going forward, while updates will be offered to Omnia IIs, B7610s, and B7320s currently in the field running 6.1. The B7330 launches on October alongside the previously-announced Omnia Lite B7300; Samsung's being a little more coy about dates for the upgrades, but we're hoping owners aren't waiting too long.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Samsung announces Omnia Pro B7330, spills WinMo 6.5 plans for entire Omnia range originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OCZ's PCIe SSD Z-Drive finally starts shipping

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/oczs-pcie-ssd-z-drive-finally-starts-shipping/

Call it coincidence if you will, but on the same day that Super Talent announced that its 2TB RAIDDrive would begin shipping next month, OCZ has finally confessed that its Z-Drive is shipping... right now! Originally shown in prototype form back at CeBIT, this PCIe card is equipped with four SSDs linked in a RAID 0 configuration. We'd originally assumed that just a few capacities of the same device would be available, but we're learning today that two iterations will be produced: the Z-Drive p84 will be MLC-based and tout a 750MBps maximum read rate / 650MBps maximum write rate, while the SLC-based Z-Drive e84 cranks that to 800MBps and 750MBps (respectively). Also of note, both models will be available in 256GB and 512GB sizes, though the 1TB flagship will be p84 only. We've checked Amazon again and it's still showing "1 to 3 months" before release, but hopefully there's a memo waiting in some admin's inbox to remedy that.

Filed under: Storage

OCZ's PCIe SSD Z-Drive finally starts shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hercules loads Windows 7 Starter on $399 eCAFE EC-1000W netbook

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/hercules-loads-windows-7-starter-on-399-ecafe-ec-1000w-netbook/

Is this really the first netbook to be officially announced with Windows 7? From Hercules? Yeah, we're miffed too. In fact, we forgot all about the outfit's eCAFÉ lineup -- which briefly splashed down about this time last year -- but we suspect this bugger may have a bit more staying power. The eCAFÉ EC-1000W is destined to ship at the tail end of October (you know, just after Win7 hits the streets), and while the 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 1GB RAM module and 250GB hard drive are totally predictable, we get the feeling it'll just feel nicer thanks to the revitalized OS. Other specs include a 10.1-inch display (1,024 x 600), 50GB of online storage, a chiclet-style keyboard, 802.11n WiFi, a 6-cell battery, integrated webcam / microphone, three USB 2.0 sockets, audio in / out, a VGA output, Ethernet and a multicard reader. Not bad for $399 -- but where's that $200 Win7 netbook we were promised?

Gallery: Hercules loads Windows 7 Starter on $399 eCAFE EC-1000W netbook

Continue reading Hercules loads Windows 7 Starter on $399 eCAFE EC-1000W netbook

Filed under: Laptops

Hercules loads Windows 7 Starter on $399 eCAFE EC-1000W netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Waze Generates and Reports Real-Time Traffic Data on Your Phone [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/pWPT8MOV50A/waze-generates-and-reports-real+time-traffic-data-on-your-phone

iPhone/Android/Windows Mobile: Waze turns your GPS-enabled phone into a node in a network of real-time traffic reporters. As you use Waze, you build maps, get traffic data, and alert other commuters to events on the road.

Waze is focused on bringing you live traffic information and maps via crowd sourcing. Each phone with Waze installed generates map data and, through user-interaction, also provides information about construction, traffic jams, and other road-related events important to drivers.

Waze also provides turn-by-turn driving directions, which are adopted in real time based on traffic conditions and other information in the Waze network—it should be noted, however, that Waze currently doesn't function as a long range navigation tool but instead analyzes the areas you regularly drive in and suggests optimal routes.

Check out the demo from Waze to get a better feel for how the system works:

In addition to the application on your phone, there is also a dashboard system on the Waze web site. There you can flag areas of the map that need to be edited or repaired, make changes to the map to correct errors, and add additional information to the maps to help other commuters. Even if you don't use Waze on your phone, you can still visit the Waze site and view their live map of your area.

Waze is free and requires an iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, or Symbian phone.

Waze [via jkOnTheRun]

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