Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Lenovo's Skylight and U1 Hybrid being revived with fresh Qualcomm silicon?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/lenovos-skylight-and-u1-hybrid-being-revived-with-fresh-qualcom/

What's this? A new sliver of hope in a dark, lost world? Before you throw your hands up and shut your eyes, you should know that all of this is coming from Digitimes, so taking it all in with an unhealthy dose of salt is highly suggested. According to them, Lenovo is actually planning to eventually ship its Skylight and IdeaPad U1 Hybrid (yeah, the two machines that were kinda-sorta shelved a month ago), but with far different specifications. For starters, they'll rely on Qualcomm's recently announced dual-core processor line, and rather than using the now-nonexistent Skylight OS, they'll both rely on Google's Android. If all goes well, the official launch will occur before the dawn of 2011, but there's no solid word on when they'll actually ship. In related news, there's also word that Toshiba will be readying a smartbook in its long-standing Dynabook line, with NVIDIA's Tegra 250 under the hood, a 10.1-inch panel and Android running the show. Now, who's up for seeing if any of this actually comes to fruition?

Lenovo's Skylight and U1 Hybrid being revived with fresh Qualcomm silicon? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS Eee PC 1215N with NVIDIA Ion and dual-core Atom D525 is a netbook powerhouse

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/asus-eee-pc-1215n-with-nvidia-ion-and-dual-core-atom-d525-is-a-n/

The phrase "netbook powerhouse" would typically be considered an oxymoron. That was before ASUS announced its Eee PC 1215N bumpin' a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor with NVIDIA Optimus to intelligently switch between its NVIDIA Ion discrete and integrated graphics. That means it'll cut through 1080p video without any problem when displayed on the 12-inch 1,366 x 768 pixel display or out to an HDTV via the included HDMI jack. Other specs include Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11n WiFi, integrated webcam with lens cover, choice of 250GB or 320GB hard disk drives augmented by 500GB of ASUS WebStorage, and pass-through USB to charge connected devices like cellphones when the Eee is powered off. Sorry, no mention of battery performance, price, or availability on this so-called netbook.

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 1215N with NVIDIA Ion and dual-core Atom D525 is a netbook powerhouse

ASUS Eee PC 1215N with NVIDIA Ion and dual-core Atom D525 is a netbook powerhouse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect detailed in newly precise tech specs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/kinect-detailed-in-newly-precise-tech-specs/

Sure, you know Kinect, but do you know Kinect? While retailers have backed off publishing $150 pricetags for Kinect in bizarre displays of solidarity, UK shop Play.com has up some new specifics on the technology in its listing for the device. Here are a few of the standouts that were news to us:

Field of view is relatively limited, something we could sense when spending time with Kinect at E3. The unit sees 57 degrees of horizontal and 43 degrees of vertical, with a 27 degree physical tilt to keep you in the action.
Depth of view is similarly strict, ranging from 4 feet to 11.5 feet.
Skeletal tracking is limited to two active players at a time, as we knew, but the system can at least keep its eye on up to six people at once -- like that totally optional pair of backup dancers in Dance Central.
Resolution, because we know you were wondering, is detailed as well: 320 x 240, 16-bit at 30 fps (we're guessing this is the depth camera), 640 x 480, 32-bit color at 30 fps (yeah, this is the color one), and 16-bit audio at 16 kHz.

No huge surprises, and we're sure a few more details will leak out before launch -- can't you just wait to get "off the couch, on your feet and in the fun"?

Kinect detailed in newly precise tech specs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MeeGo for handsets makes its first appearance

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/meego-for-handsets-makes-its-first-appearance/

As promised, Nokia and Intel have revealed the pre-alpha version of MeeGo for handsets today, supporting the Intel-powered Aava reference phone and the Nokia N900. What's most interesting at this early stage is the UI, which appears to have taken a big Nokia-influenced step away from the Intel-designed MeeGo netbook and tablet UI -- and we're definitely detecting some hints of Android and webOS here and there. Seriously, just check out that task switching interface. Of course, MeeGo is open-source, so we're sure Nokia has some deeper UI customizations in store -- like homescreen widgets, which are notably missing here.

On a deeper level, this build of MeeGo includes the base MeeGo APIs, including Qt and the MeeGo touch frameworks, the Firefox-based browser, a photo viewer, and some basic UI elements like the status bar, app launcher, and virtual keyboard. There are pre-built images for the Atom-based Aava handsets available now, but N900 owners will have to do a little building until someone makes an image available. Be warned, though: there's a long enough list of known bugs, and while that's totally fine for pre-alpha code, it might not be too fine for your device. That's not going to stop us from installing this thing, but you be careful, alright? And let us know how it goes. Video of the UI after the break.

P.S. Given that the N8 is destined to be the last Symbian N Series device, we can't help but feel it's being overshadowed by MeeGo before it's even out. Can we pre-pour one out? Is that a thing? It is now.

Gallery: MeeGo for handsets makes its first appearance

Continue reading MeeGo for handsets makes its first appearance

MeeGo for handsets makes its first appearance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/droid-x-ad-pokes-fun-at-iphone-4-antenna-troubles/

The world of corporate cheap shots has today been enriched in its number with one supersized ad for one supersized phone. BGR reports that Motorola took out a full-page spread in the New York Times on this final day of June, which was ostensibly dedicated to promoting the positives of its mighty Droid X. But Moto has also followed in the footsteps of Nokia in making a not so subtle jab at the latest king of the smartphone realm. According to the ad, one of the most important things about the Droid X is that:

"It comes with a double antenna design. The kind that allows you to hold the phone any way you like and use it just about anywhere to make crystal clear calls."

Glad we got that established -- next Moto will be telling us the alarm clock on its phones works just fine too. Skip past the break for the untrimmed ad.

Continue reading Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles

Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popbox's Netflix-less launch now scheduled for July 23

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/popboxs-netflix-less-launch-now-scheduled-for-july-23/

Our wait for the Syabas Popbox just got a little longer, with the official blog announcing it will not ship from Amazon until July 23. Like the Boxee Box, the delay is being blamed on software being not "quite where we wanted it to be" but the real bad news here is the official list of content partners which, for the time being, is missing Netflix. Also not included (but likely not as missed) is SDTV support -- even via analog outputs, the Popbox is apparently an HDTV only affair. As far as whether we will ever see Netflix support Syabas is still giving it the Voldemort treatment, but without naming names it refuted rumors regarding a lack of hardware DRM support with the claim that "the PopBox that ships is, TODAY, capable of supporting all foreseeable App partners in the future WITHOUT requiring a hardware upgrade." Check the blog for a complete list of content providers (Revision3, YouTube, Picasa, Clicker, Twitter and others will be ready to go) and decide if that preorder is still worth holding on to.

Popbox's Netflix-less launch now scheduled for July 23 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, June 28, 2010

Google Docs Viewer for iPhone, iPad and Android, Oh Yes [Google]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5574905/google-docs-for-iphone-ipad-and-android-oh-yes

Google Docs Viewer for iPhone, iPad and Android, Oh Yes The Google experience on phones just got more complete with a new mobile version of Google Docs viewer. It supports file types like .docx, so you can read documents attached to emails without downloading them. [Google]

Rebtel Makes Free International Android-to-Android Calls [Downloads]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5574699/rebtel-makes-free-international-android+to+android-calls

Android only: A long time ago, we mentioned cheap international phone service Rebtel, but recently they've regained our attention with a new Android app that lets you call other Android users in over 50 countries for free.

Not unlike the ever-popular Skype, Rebtel's service is based on rerouting international calls to give you cheap rates. However, if you and your overseas chat buddy are both using Android phones, you can now use Rebtel's Android app to call one another for free, as long as they're in one of Rebtel's supported countries (of which there are over 50). You'll still use up regular minutes on your phone, but only as if it were a local call, since Rebtel connects your call through a local number.

The system is set up quite nicely: Rebtel works in the background, intercepting long distance calls and routing them through their service. That way, you don't need to use the Rebtel app to make the calls—you can just make them from your regular Android dialer or address book and it will intervene on its own. And, best of all, you aren't limited to WiFi networks—you can use it anytime, anywhere. It's a good alternative to previously mentioned Fring smartphone app.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to test the actual calling features of the app, since everyone I know lives within a few hundred miles of me, with the exception of one lone iPhone user in Germany. So if you have friends or family overseas, try it out and let us know how it works for you in the comments.

Rebtel for Android [via TechCrunch]

HTC Wildfire review

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/htc-wildfire-review/

If phones could make babies, then this HTC Wildfire would indubitably be the love child of the Desire and Nexus One. But of course, the humdrum reality is that 'tis just an Android 2.1 replacement for the entry-level Tattoo -- same 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7225 processor, 3.2-inch 320 x 240 capacitive LCD touchscreen instead of 2.8-inch resistive, 384MB RAM instead of 256MB, and a 5-megapixel camera instead of 3.2 (although quality matters more, obviously). So can this affordable handset provide enough bang for the buck to satisfy Europeans and Asians? Can the aging processor keep Sense UI well oiled? All will be revealed after the break.

Gallery: HTC Wildfire review

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HTC Wildfire review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kindle for Android now available

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/kindle-for-android-now-available/

Move over, Kobo -- following the promise of a Summer launch, Amazon's Kindle app for Android is now live, bringing the usual array of features that existing Kindle users will hold near and dear: access to the Kindle store right from the app, adjustable font sizes, free book samples, and most importantly, wireless bookmark synchronization with your entire stable of Kindle-equipped devices (because we know you've all got an iPad, iPhone, and physical Kindle lying around somewhere). The app requires Android 1.6 to operate, which is going to leave a few people in the lurch -- but it's always good to have a compelling reason to upgrade hardware, is it not?

[Thanks, Neil]

Kindle for Android now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kindle for Android now available

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/kindle-for-android-now-available/

Move over, Kobo -- following the promise of a Summer launch, Amazon's Kindle app for Android is now live, bringing the usual array of features that existing Kindle users will hold near and dear: access to the Kindle store right from the app, adjustable font sizes, free book samples, and most importantly, wireless bookmark synchronization with your entire stable of Kindle-equipped devices (because we know you've all got an iPad, iPhone, and physical Kindle lying around somewhere). The app requires Android 1.6 to operate, which is going to leave a few people in the lurch -- but it's always good to have a compelling reason to upgrade hardware, is it not?

[Thanks, Neil]

Kindle for Android now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RevoDrive PCIe SSD reviewed, deemed awesome, cheap, and awesome because it's cheap

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/revodrive-pcie-ssd-reviewed-deemed-awesome-cheap-and-awesome/

Just the thought of an almost affordable PCIe SSD inspires some serious gadget lust, so we're glad to see reviews of the OCZ RevoDrive starting to pop up 'round the net. The gang at PC Perpective got their hands on a model, and they're clearly smitten, calling it "an absolute breath of fresh air." Although it ain't the fastest when compared to FusionIO's offering, "it is less demanding on system resources and remains an outstanding performer for its price point" (in the $400-$600 range, depending on configuration). And it employs a simple RAID controller, so you can use it for your boot drive. The reviewer at AnandTech was a little less enthusiastic, pointing out that "application launch times and most conventional desktop uses won't be affected" by the drive. But that's not to say it isn't a well-thought out piece of kit: "As far as the architecture of the drive goes," it continues, "there doesn't appear to be any downside to OCZ's PCI-X to PCIe solution." But that ain't the half of it! Check out the source links to get the nitty-gritty details.

RevoDrive PCIe SSD reviewed, deemed awesome, cheap, and awesome because it's cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid 2 rumored to be launching August 23rd with Android 2.2

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/28/droid-2-rumored-to-be-launching-august-23rd-with-android-2-2/

We've certainly gotten a peak at quite a few Droid 2 details so far, but word of a release date has unfortunately never been among them. That now looks to have changed, however, with the folks at Android and Me reporting that a "trustworthy source" has informed them that the phone will be launching on August 23rd. According to the site, that date was apparently chosen so the Droid 2 would be the first phone to ship with Android 2.2 out of the box, although that of course remains to be confirmed (current test versions of the Droid 2 are said to be running Android 2.1). If recent rumors pan out, however, the Droid 2 wouldn't be the first Droid to make the jump to Froyo -- the original Droid is said to be getting the update in "late July," while the Droid X will have to wait until late August.

Droid 2 rumored to be launching August 23rd with Android 2.2 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Universal USB Installer Makes a Persistent Thumb Drive Version of Any Linux OS [Downloads]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5574276/universal-usb-installer-makes-a-persistent-thumb-drive-version-of-any-linux-os

Universal USB Installer Makes a Persistent Thumb Drive Version of Any Linux OS Windows: Having a full Linux operating system on a USB thumb drive is pretty neat. Having that OS customized, with your own favorite apps and all your settings intact, is far more helpful. This Windows tool makes that possible.

Universal USB Installer is a stand-alone application that automates the process of downloading, formatting, and installing a Linux OS to a USB drive, as well as implementing a variable amount of "persistence." "Persistence" means that when you swap out Firefox for Chrome, change keyboard shortcuts, store files in your home directory, or make other changes to your portable Linux, they stick from boot-up to boot-up—which isn't the case with most portable Linux distributions.

If you've already downloaded a Linux installation ISO and run Universal USB Installer from the same directory the ISO is in, the app will find it and use it for the installation, rather than download another copy. Most useful of all, your USB drive can still be read by Windows when you're done formatting, so creating a "Storage" folder on the drive gives you some room to maneuver whenever a simple storage space is needed.

Universal USB Installer is a free download that runs on Windows systems. If you've found another tool for making persistent USB Linux systems, you'd better believe we want to hear about it in the comments.

Universal USB Installer [USB Pen Drive Linux]

Nokia N900 Hacked With Froyo, While Androids Are Still Waiting [Android]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5574253/android-froyo-hacked-onto-nokia-n900

Nokia N900 Hacked With Froyo, While Androids Are Still Waiting Nokia would be doing much better if they'd announced last week that along with ditching Symbian for high-end devices, they were adopting Android too. Sadly, they're sticking with MeeGo—but as this video demonstrates, you can Androidize it yourself.

Froyo is rolling out gently across some of the Android phones already in people's hands, but just because you bought a Nokia N900 instead doesn't mean you miss out on all the fun.

The video plods along in some places, but does manage to show that everything's running smoothly, minus the icons in the status-bar "curtain." .[DailyMobile]

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