Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Oxelon Batch Converts Your Music and Movies with Explorer Integration [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/ot_IMYLf6D8/oxelon-batch-converts-your-music-and-movies-with-explorer-integration

Windows only: Free audio/video conversion utility Oxelon Media Converter handles the task of batch converting music and video files to and from almost any format—and it adds a handy Explorer menu integration to make it easy.

Once you've installed the application and the optional plugin package, you can simply right-click on any audio or video file and choose the file format you'd like to use from the context menu, which will launch the full application where you can tweak the settings—or just click the Conversion button to begin the converting process. Since the Explorer context menu integration doesn't work on 64-bit versions of Windows, you can also just drag and drop the files directly into the interface, and select the media format and quality you would like to use.

During our testing, Oxelon worked flawlessly for converting to and from a number of formats, and most notably is really useful for converting a folder of downloaded Flash video *.FLV files to another format. The converted video quality is excellent, and with good reason, since the whole application is just a shell for the often-used ffmpeg conversion utility.

Oxelon is a free download for Windows, but the context menu integration is 32-bit only. Readers should note that Oxelon has a surprising lack of support for generating the Matroska *.MKV format, and if you head into the Settings you should be able to disable the obnoxious launch of their newsletter page every time you close the application.



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Air Video Streams Your Videos to Your iPhone with Minimal Effort, Is Incredible [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/ss7rV7arot4/air-video-streams-your-videos-to-your-iphone-with-minimal-effort-is-incredible

Windows/Mac + iPhone/iPod touch: Not only do videos take up a ton of space on space-constrained devices, but converting videos for the iPhone gets painful quickly. Air Video streams videos straight to your iPhone, converting them on-the-fly if they're incompatible.

The app is actually an iPhone app plus a PC/Mac app that acts as a server. You can use any videos on your computer, whether they are in iTunes or not—and, if you prefer, you can also add video playlists from iTunes to the list of sources. Once you get the server app running on your desktop, you can start streaming over your home network immediately. Streaming over the internet from outside your home, though, only takes a few more seconds—in the server app, go to the "Remote" tab and check Enable Access from Internet (see below). The app will give you a server PIN that you can type in when you go to add a source on your iPhone or iPod touch—note that your router at home needs a public IP address and support UPnP or NAT-PMP protocols, which shouldn't be a problem for most people.

As if that weren't cool (or easy) enough, if you have some videos that can't be played directly on the iPhone, you can convert them using Air Video as you watch it (as long as you're running firmware 3.0 and have a fairly powerful computer back at home). If you prefer, you can also convert the file offline and watch it later.

Air Video is a free download for the iPhone and iPod touch, although the free version only shows you a few videos at a time, at random, from your folders. If you have a large video library you want to share, or don't feel like clicking on the folder multiple times waiting for the video you want to be on the list, there's a $2.99 pro version available as well.

Air Video [Official Site]


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Qualcomm Blabs On "Specific Game-Centric Platforms Launched Around Snapdragon" [Qualcomm]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/3pg1QuTKLgg/qualcomm-blabs-on-specific-game+centric-platforms-launched-around-snapdragon

The Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm is fast becoming the standard chip for smartphones—both Android and Windows Mobile—but surprisingly we haven't seen anything that can harness its performance in gaming. That may change this year, according to Qualcomm.

Speaking to Mobile-Entertainment at Mobile World Congress, their VP of product management, Mark Frankel, said:

"There will be, by the end of this year, specific game-centric platforms launched around Snapdragon"

"You'll be able to see clearly that gaming is the main focus of those devices. There'll be a category of gaming devices that hasn't been on the marketplace before using Snapdragon."

The lack of gaming-centric phones was something we were bemoaning recently, although that could change with the Xbox 360 integration in Windows Phone 7 Series. [Mobile-Entertainment]



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FCC Wants 100Mbps Broadband in 100 Million Homes [Broadband]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/hyN1qiJMVG4/fcc-wants-100mbps-broadband-in-100-million-homes

Almost a year after the FCC first announced their National Broadband Plan, some new details have started to emerge. Specifically: A "100 Squared" plan to give 100 million households 100Mbps broadband. Just for starters.

Of course, there's only so much of that process that's actually in the FCC's control, which is why the agency's chairman gave Google a shout out in his presentation for their plan to deploy 1Gbps fiber internet to 500,000 lucky souls. But there are some steps the FCC can and will take to encourage broader, faster broadband adoption:

· A recommendation for improving the highly successful E-Rate program — which made Internet connections in America's classrooms and libraries a reality — so that kids and teachers can have a 21st century educational experience that is the envy of the world.
· A recommendation to modernize the FCC's rural telemedicine program to connect thousands of additional clinics and break down bureaucratic barriers to a telehealth future.
· A recommendation to take the steps necessary to deploy broadband to accelerate a smart grid.
· A recommendation to develop public/private partnerships to increase Internet adoption, and ensure that all children can use the Internet proficiently and safely — with programs like NCTA's new A+ program playing a helpful role.
· A recommendation to free up a significant amount of spectrum in the years ahead for ample licensed and unlicensed use.
· A recommendation for lowering the cost of broadband build-out — wired and wireless — through the smart use of government rights of way and conduits.
· A recommendation for creating an interoperable public safety network to replace the currently broken system.

If that seems general and vague and imprecise, well, that's because it is. Getting US broadband up to speed is going to be a huge undertaking, and it's not going to happen any time soon. But just seeing the intent there is an incredibly important first step. Now it's a matter of implementation. [FCC via Electronista]



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Battery-powered Wi-Reach Classic turns any USB 3G / 4G modem into portable WiFi hotspot

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/battery-powered-wi-reach-classic-turns-any-usb-3g-4g-modem-int/

Mobile broadband routers certainly aren't new, but Connect One's take on the whole thing just might be our favorite (yeah, even more than Cradlepoint's offerings). Of course, we'd pick up a MiFi of some sort if we were buying into the space today, but for those still under contract with a USB WWAN stick, the Wi-Reach classic adds a whole new level of utility. Put simply, this minuscule device boasts its own battery and a sole USB socket, which is used to connect with whatever 3G (and after a future firmware update, WiMAX / LTE) USB card that you slap in there. Once in place, you're now in possession of a mobile WiFi hotspot which can be shared with up to ten WiFi-enabled devices. We're told that the device can last for up to five hours on a full charge, and it can even be re-energized via USB. Interested? Prove it. It's up for order right now for $99.

Battery-powered Wi-Reach Classic turns any USB 3G / 4G modem into portable WiFi hotspot originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceBusiness Wire  | Email this | Comments

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Aava Mobile's Intel Moorestown prototype hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/aava-mobiles-intel-moorestown-prototype-hands-on/

The LG GW990 got the lion's share of the attention, but Intel showed off a second Moorestown-based MID (or giant smartphone, if you like) back at CES from Finnish startup Aava Mobile -- more a prototype reference design created to show off Moblin 2.1's capabilities than a retail-ready product -- and it's back in force here at MWC this week. What's really striking about this thing is just how much smaller it is than the GW990, probably a good 70 percent smaller by surface area while still managing a shell just 11.7mm thick. Besides Moblin, the proto fully supports Android (though we only saw it on Moblin at Intel's booth) and will naturally support MeeGo going forward. It's got a front-facing cam, noise cancellation, compass, GPS, WiFi, and 3G plus that next-gen Atom core, but don't plan on buying it any time soon -- Aava's stressing that this is just a starting point to get carriers and VARs off the ground. That's probably just as well, though, because the Moblin implementation on here was totally useless; the UI looked like little more than a proof of concept with awful, stuttery performance, bugs left and right, and... well, a distinct lack of features. Maybe we can get a sweet skin over MeeGo down the road, but shorter term, this could make a killer high-end Android device without totally encroaching on the Mini 5's large-and-in-charge attitude. Follow the break for some video!

Continue reading Aava Mobile's Intel Moorestown prototype hands-on

Aava Mobile's Intel Moorestown prototype hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon to allow unlimited Skype calling over 3G starting next month

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/verizon-to-allow-unlimited-skype-calling-over-3g-starting-next-m/

We may be way off base here, but we're pretty sure the game just got upended. Days after AT&T appeased the masses by finally enabling 3G streaming over the iPhone's SlingPlayer app, Verizon Wireless has delivered some big gargantuan news of its own. Starting next month, all Verizon Wireless customers with smartphones (and an accompanying data plan) will be able to make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any user in the world over its 3G network, which is something that AT&T users have been able to do since last autumn. Let us repeat that: VZW, which is known historically as one of the most controlling carriers in this great nation, is opening up its 3G network for limitless Skype calling. The forthcoming Skype Mobile application will also support Skype Out calling, instant messaging between Skype users and an ability to "remain always connected... to see friends' online presence." Nine smartphones will be compatible at launch (the full list is after the break), and we're guessing that more will be added in due time. Giddy yet?

Continue reading Verizon to allow unlimited Skype calling over 3G starting next month

Verizon to allow unlimited Skype calling over 3G starting next month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see! our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceVerizon Wireless  | Email this | Comments

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RIM demos new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser at MWC -- it's fast!

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/rim-demos-new-webkit-based-blackberry-browser-at-mwc-its-fas/

We weren't expecting much out of RIM's presser here at MWC this morning, but the company managed to bust out one surprise -- a demo of the company's new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser. We're assuming this is what came out of that Torch Mobile acquisition, and the early build shown off on-screen looks pretty solid, rendering Amazon.com quickly and scoring a full 100/100 on the Acid3 test. Unfortunately, there's no word on when BlackBerry users will actually be able to get their hands on this, but rest assured we're digging for more info. Video after the break.

Continue reading RIM demos new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser at MWC -- it's fast!

RIM demos new WebKit-based BlackBerry browser at MWC -- it's fast! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceCrackBerry  | Email this | Comments

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LG GW990 to be among first MeeGo phones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/lg-gw990-to-be-among-first-meego-phones/

Intel and Nokia certainly surprised a few of us yesterday when they decided to merge Moblin and Maemo into the new, more terribly-named MeeGo OS, but it looks like LG is ready to roll with it -- the Moorestown-powered LG GW990 we saw at CES will be one of the first MeeGo phones when it launches later this year. Of course, that doesn't mean much of anything beyond branding, since the GW990 uses a custom UI on top of the x86-based Moblin core and we doubt there's any of Maemo's ARM-based code involved there, but it's a definite sign of things to come. So, Nokia -- are we going to see a Moorestown N900, or what?

LG GW990 to be among first MeeGo phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  sourceGearlog  | Email this | Comments

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Digicam hack simultaneously captures stills and high speed video on the cheap

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/digicam-hack-simultaneously-captures-stills-and-high-speed-video/

When researchers at the University of Oxford needed to precisely sync high-speed video with high resolution stills, they had a hell of a time finding an off-the-shelf solution that worked with any degree of accuracy. Instead, the crazy kids hacked together a home cinema projector and a consumer-level digicam to split every frame of video captured by the camera into sixteen frames (albeit with lower resolution). Once that goes down, the frames can either be played in succession for up to 400 fps video, or assembled into one high-res still image. Although originally designed for research purposes -- to capture images of cells or the human heart in action, for instance -- the team is betting that the tech has applications ranging from CCTV to sports photography. For more info, check out the video after the break. [Warning: source link requires subscription]

Continue reading Digicam hack simultaneously captures stills and high speed video on the cheap

Digicam hack simultaneously captures stills and high speed video on the cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink New Scientist  |  sourceNature Methods  | Email this | Comments

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MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/msi-c-series-with-core-i3-and-blu-ray-options-available-for-as-l/

MSI's refreshed C-Series laptops appear to be quite boxy, but that may just be the sacrifice you make to own a seriously affordable Core i3 and i5 machine. The 15.6-inch CR620 models -- which include the CR620-030, CR620-033 and CR620-031 -- range from $650 to $750, and pack new Core i3 or Core i5 processors, Windows 7 Home Premium and six-cell batteries. Those wanting to spend even less have the $529 16-inch CR600, but despite its NVIDIA GeForce 8200M graphics it only has a Pentium Dual Core CPU. We had to do some digging of our own to see just how good these deals could be, and discovered that the CR620-33 with a 2.13GHz Core i3 330M processor, 4GB of RAM and a Blu-ray drive is only $699 at NewEgg. Yeah, we just said $699. If you're not looking at the gallery or the press release below, we'll assume you went shopping.

Gallery: MSI C-Series

Continue reading MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700

MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, February 15, 2010

YouTube Disco Brings Music Discovery to YouTube [YouTube]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/ilC2LmKxdBE/youtube-disco-brings-music-discovery-to-youtube

YouTube has launched a music discovery service, fueled by YouTube's inventory of music videos, called YouTube Disco.

Click on the image above for a closer look.

Presently it isn't the most advanced music discovery service around but it could be the easiest to use. You have two options when searching YouTube Disco. You can search for an artist or song and hear more songs by that artist—you might discover something new but it will be within the artist's own discography—or you can search for music related to the song or artist you initially searched for.

In the screenshot above songs related to Queen appear in the left-hand column where as songs directly in the Queen discography appear in the right-hand column. From the right-hand column you can browse through artist videos—the default view—or select mixes of related music or related artists.

For other ways to discovery new music check out previously reviewed Radio Tuna, Project Playlist, and Source Tone.

Have a favorite music discovery tool? Let's hear about it in the comments.



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How 3D Works: A Simple Picture Guide [Image Cache]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/fV2RYdAKSiQ/how-3d-works-a-simple-picture-guide

3D technology can be confusing, but if you just need to know the basics of how it works and prefer to get your information in picture form, then it's your lucky day.

Click on the image for a closer look.

Now, if this left you wanting to run out and buy a 3D TV, then you can learn more about those in our guide to 3D technologies. [Online Schools]



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ST-Ericsson's U8500 brings dual-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A9 to the Android world

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/st-ericssons-u8500-brings-dual-core-1-2ghz-arm-cortex-a9-to-the/

Can't get enough of hearing about implementations of ARM's Cortex-A9 MPCore processors? Good. ST-Ericsson's powerhouse U8500 system-on-chip has come a major step closer to appearing in mainstream devices with today's newly announced support for the Android operating system. Having optimized the OS to take advantage of Symmetric Multi Processing -- a method for extending battery life by sharing the load between the two processing cores and underclocking when necessary -- the partner company is now ready to start dropping these 1.2GHz dual-core beasts inside the next generation of smartphones. The claim is that you'll get all that additional power while sacrificing nothing, as devices based on the U8500 would maintain "the cost and power consumption characteristics of a traditional feature phone." We're promised built-in HDMI-out support, 1080p video recording, and 120 hours of audio playback or 12 hours of Full HD video off a 1,000mAh battery -- pledges we'd very much like to see fulfilled.

ST-Ericsson's U8500 brings dual-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A9 to the Android world originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceBusiness Wire  | Email this | Comments

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Texas Instruments unleashes new nHD DLP chipset, now with more pico

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/texas-instruments-unleashes-new-nhd-dlp-chipset-now-with-more-p/

We didn't think it could be done, but the fine folks at Texas Instruments have just unleashed a tiny, tiny beast in their all new DLP pico chipset. The nHD DLP chipset, as it's known, boasts 640x360 resolution, a contrast ratio of "better than" 1,000:1, RGB LED wide color gamut (which should more faithfully reproduce colors), a new, and a lower powered processor. Overall, the package is 20 percent thinner and 50 percent lighter than the current generation DLP chipset. We hear the chipset should be available in the second quarter of 2010. The full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Texas Instruments unleashes new nHD DLP chipset, now with more pico

Texas Instruments unleashes new nHD DLP chipset, now with more pico originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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