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Friday, July 15, 2011

Android 3.2 gets official, updated SDK now available

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/android-3-2-gets-official-updated-sdk-now-available/

And just like that, it's official. After hearing about the next incremental step in Honeycomb's journey by way of Huawei's MediaPad, we've seen breadcrumbs about its functional differences. Today, we're being given the full shebang -- Google has just made official v3.2, boosting the API level to 13 and releasing the SDK into the wild in one fell swoop. The new build brings along optimizations for a "wider range of tablets," as well as "compatibility zoom for fixed-sized apps," media sync from SD card (huzzah!) and an extended screen support API. Head on down to the links below for a closer look, and expect to see this rolling out to [insert your favorite Android tablet here] in due time.

Android 3.2 gets official, updated SDK now available originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Latitude XT3 convertable tablet hits the FCC, sneaks in with Broadcom filing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/dell-latitude-xt3-convertable-tablet-hits-the-fcc-sneaks-in-wit/

Dell Latitude XT3 convertable tablet hits the FCC, sneaks in with Broadcomm filing

Well, look what we have here: the Dell Latitude XT3, fresh from the all-seeing eyes of the FCC. It wasn't under federal inspection on its own, mind you, but was merely tagging along with a Broadcom WLAN minicard that dropped in for certification. This notebook / tablet hybrid rocks a dual-core 2.5GHz Core i5-2520, 2GB of RAM, a sunlight-friendly 13-inch matte display, and of course, Broadcom's own 802.11g WLAN card. Pricing and availability? Still no word, but check out our hands-on for a peek at the hybrid-slate's multitouch capabilities.

Dell Latitude XT3 convertable tablet hits the FCC, sneaks in with Broadcom filing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon LTE: no roaming, even if you want to

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/verizon-lte-no-roaming-even-if-you-want-to/

Several companies are hopping on the LTE bandwagon, but it's turning out to be more isolating an experience than we hoped. According to PCMag, a Verizon spokesperson confirmed that its fourth-generation broadband network won't be compatible with other carriers in the US. As it turns out, Big Red and AT&T each own a separate block of 700MHz spectrum with only a fraction of overlap, leaving little room for phones on both networks to mingle with one another. There's not much hope for roaming on MetroPCS or LightSquared, either, as their waves of LTE run at 1700MHz and 1500MHz, respectively. This smattering of frequencies means it'll be near impossible to get roam on other companies' 4G networks nationally. What's worse, the ITU has approved twelve bands for LTE use around the world, so don't count on a wide selection of global devices -- and you thought sorting through international 3G was bad, didn't you? We're still a long way from learning our LTE roaming fate, but it appears the largest carrier in the US won't make the journey any easier on us.

Verizon LTE: no roaming, even if you want to originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid 3 on sale now at Verizon Wireless

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/droid-3-on-sale-now-at-verizon-wireless/

Big news for Big Red-eyed fans -- the Droid 3's finally made its dual-core, 3G surfin' ways official at the carrier's retail outlets. You can pick this QWERTY slider up now for $199 on a two-year contract, or just go whole-hog and pay $459 with no strings attached. It's not the operator's top of the line offering, nor is it the increasingly mythical Bionic, but it should satisfy your Android needs. Click the source to order the latest in the Droid's lineage.

Droid 3 on sale now at Verizon Wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple considering TSMC mobile chips?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/apple-considering-tsmc-mobile-chips/

We hope you're ready for a heaping helping of Apple speculation, because Reuters is serving up a nice big slice of rumor pie today. According to the ever-present "source with knowledge of the matter," Taiwanese chipmaker, TSMC is gearing up to supply Apple with its next generation mobile processors. According to the apparently credible anonymous source, TSMC has already begun trial manufacturing on the chips and "has got all the authorization and details ready." As you may already know, Apple's current supplier of its A5 CPU is Samsung, and relations between the two have been rocky (at least in court). This round of speculation also comes just one year after TSMC began construction on its new $9.3 billion foundry, and teamed up with ARM -- the brains behind the A5. Of course all parties have declined to comment, which lands this report squarely in the grapevine for now, but we'll keep you posted if it winds its way into reality.

Apple considering TSMC mobile chips? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Store to expand retail presence by 2014, makes shopping for a PC redundant

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/microsoft-store-to-expand-retail-presence-by-2014-makes-shoppin/

Microsoft really wants to hang with the cool kids at the mall. Or, at least park its retail derriere next to the likes of Apple's sleek boutiques -- to the tally of 86 stores by 2014. We know most of you are scratching your heads thinking, "Microsoft store? Don't you mean Best Buy?" Aye, but we don't. The MS-branded outfits started cropping up in 2009 and with 11 locations already dotting our map, COO Kevin Turner hopes to plant some more Windows flags in California, Florida and most of the northeast. Comments regarding the Ballmer-led company's retail expansion came during the 2011 Worldwide Partner Conference and centered mostly on the benefits of customer feedback. It sure is nice to see the former market monopolist catering to us plebes, but we're more interested in the D-list stars and awkward dancing destined to accompany opening ceremonies.

Microsoft Store to expand retail presence by 2014, makes shopping for a PC redundant originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arduino delivers Android and Ethernet toys for all the good little DIYers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/arduino-delivers-android-and-ethernet-toys-for-all-the-good-litt/

Adruino Ethernet

It's like Christmas in July Arduino fans. The Italian open-source hardware platform just scored a number of new add-ons and a pair of fresh iterations that are sure to keep you tinkering and hacking for some time. First up is the Arduino Ethernet -- which, as you may have guessed -- sports an onboard Ethernet jack. You'll probably want to pick up a USB Serial Adapter to program the ATmega328 chip but, once you've loaded your code, it can be hooked up to the web without the need for a Ethernet shield -- and an optional PoE (Power over Ethernet) module means you'll only need one cable for all you net-connected projects. The DIY scene's favorite microcontroller was also blessed with the new Arduino ADK board, a take on Google's accessory development platform. And, if you're not sure where to get started, you can pick up an entire kit for €249 (about $352) that includes not only the ADK board, but a huge pile of sensors and components, and the Mega Sensor Shield to arrange them on. The ADK alone will run you €59 ($83), while the Arduino Ethernet costs €39.90 ($56) with an additional €14.90 ($21) for the PoE module. Can you say a synonym for awesome?

Continue reading Arduino delivers Android and Ethernet toys for all the good little DIYers

Arduino delivers Android and Ethernet toys for all the good little DIYers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ITC finds HTC guilty of infringing two of Apple's patents, appeal expected in 3... 2...

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/itc-finds-htc-guilty-of-infringing-two-of-apples-patents-appea/

Talk about a sting to start the weekend. The International Trade Commission has just made an initial determination in the ongoing patent infringement case between HTC and Apple (not to be confused with yet another, similar case involving Apple and Samsung), and it's not looking great for HTC. The judge ruled that HTC had infringed on two of the ten patents in question, and if this ends up flushing through, it's possible that select HTC products would be banned from ever arriving in the US. More likely, however, is a settlement between the two at war, with HTC forking out untold quantities of greenbacks in exchange for Apple backing away from the blockade trigger. Naturally, HTC's already saying that it'll appeal the ruling, while Cupertino's legal team is remaining mum. And, you know, grinning slyly.

ITC finds HTC guilty of infringing two of Apple's patents, appeal expected in 3... 2... originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Make an Awesome Lamp Out of Plastic Cups [DIY]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5820515/make-an-awesome-lamp-out-of-plastic-cups

Having recently moved into an apartment with far less built-in lighting, I've come to find that lamps are pretty useful when you want to actually see indoors. Lamps can be pricy, ugly, or both, however, but Bit of Green has a neat solution to this problem: plastic cups and staples.

Basically, you need 250 cups and 600-700 staples to create a cup sphere (as you see pictured above). Once you've managed to put together your 250 cup combo ball you just need a lamp socket, cord, and plug. Stick that in the middle and you've got an awesome lamp. (Just be sure to use a bulb that doesn't get too hot. You are dealing with plastic after all).

Want the full instructions? Go check out this project over on Bit of Green.

Crafts :: Plastic Cup Lamp | A Bit of Green via Curbly

You can follow Adam Dachis, the author of this post, on Twitter and Facebook. Twitter's the best way to contact him, too.

Smart Converter Is A Free, Easy-To-Use Audio and Video File Converter [Video]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5820647/smart-converter-is-a-free-easy+to+use-audio-and-video-file-converter

Mac: There are plenty of file conversion utilities for the Mac, but Smart Converter is probably the easiest. Simply drag your file onto the window, select the destination device, and click convert. Smart Converter handles the rest.

The app will automatically convert your files to the format required for the destination device. If you're not sure whether your file needs to be converted, or if you have a video where the audio needs conversion but the video does not, Smart Converter will do it.

The app relies on ffmpeg for audio and video conversions, but there's something to be said for its simple interface and ease of use. How do you convert video when moving it to multiple devices? Share your tips in the comments.

Smart Converter | Shedworx via AddictiveTips

You can reach Alan Henry, the author of this post, at alan@lifehacker.com, or better yet, follow him on Twitter.

Sleeping in an Underwater Bedroom Would Be Amazing [Architecture]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5820721/sleeping-in-an-underwater-bedroom-would-be-amazing

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Hotel in the Indian Ocean has a stunning undersea restaurant. To celebrate its 5th anniversary, the hotel turned the restaurant into a private bedroom for two with a fancy champagne dinner and breakfast in bed.

And it gets even better. The bedroom lies 16-feet below the water and is enclosed by a clear glass window. It's a semi-circle so you have a stunning 180-degree view of the local marine life and nearby coral reef. Yeah, it's probably expensive, but think of all the memories you will make. Ooh la la. [My Modern Met]

You can keep up with Kelly Hodgkins, the author of this post, on Twitter or Facebook.

Google Won't Let Ex-Employee Release Book Called Social Circles [Google]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5820740/google-wont-let-ex+employee-release-book-called-social-circles

What follows is the awkward tale of Paul Adams's (ex-UX Researcher guy at Google-turned-Facebook advertising product manager) Social Circles research book, which he wrote while working for Google. Research which contributed directly to Google+, particularly its friends groups.

Having joined Facebook in January some seven months before the launch of Google+, you can imagine he was both anticipating and dreading the launch of his pet project. Now describing the launch being like "bumping into an ex-girlfriend," Adams' obviously keen to finally launch his book—only trouble is, Google isn't. Supposedly the big G gave Adams the thumb's up in June last year, telling him to publish Social Circles—this was before he left Google, and before work on Google+ began. But since then, Google's asked Adams to wait until after the launch before publishing the book—and now, they're trying to block him from publishing his work at all.

Fair enough that a lot of workplaces have clauses written into employees' contracts about any work done whilst on the payroll is owned by that employer, but you'd think a book about social-networking—a book which is practically a puff-piece for Google's own service!—would be fully supported by them.

Adams has said that "the book contains no proprietary information, it is based almost entirely on research from 3rd parties (mostly universities) and any Google research referenced is already in the public domain," so it's not like he's divulging secrets or anything.

Having written up a lengthy blog-post about the situation, Adams sums up that "the industry needed this book...the irony that Google is blocking this endeavor is not lost on me." He is now working on a new book called Grouped, which he promises will be out soon. [Paul Adams via TechCrunch]

Sensor-Laden Gloves Help Songstresses Make Music From Thin Air [Music]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5820751/sensor+laden-gloves-help-songstresses-make-music-from-thin-air

Developed specially for the musician Imogen Heap, these gloves are equipped with an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, wireless mics and a bunch of other sensors. Performing at the TEDGlobal stage yesterday, she made music using just her hands.

Instead of strumming a guitar or banging the drums, she created loops by simply opening her hand, or shifted volume by opening or closing her arms. Inspired by prototypes at MIT, Heap worked on the gloves with a team at the University of West England, and will be using the gloves for future performances, so hopefully more than just TED nerdlingers can experience the singer walking on stage and playing an entire concert using just her voice and hands. [Mashable and BBC]

Now's Your Chance To Buy a Bionic Camera Eye For a Lady [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5820839/nows-your-chance-to-buy-a-bionic-camera-eye-for-a-lady

After a close encounter with Death's sickle during a car accident in 2005, Tanya Vlach lost her left eyeball. Not content with any old prosthetic replacement, she wants the Kickstarter community to fund a totally Terminator-style cyborg eyeball.

Having appealed to WIRED magazine founder Kevin Kelly, engineers flocked to her call for ideas, and provided her with a list of features she should be looking for. Well, if you're going to kit out your body with a high-tech bionic eye, you may as well aim high, right? Personally, I'd love to be able to take geotagged photo simply by blinking my eye, or to capture 720p video on the fly.

Hoping to raise $15,000 for her new eye, Vlach has already received over $5,000 worth of funding from supportive fans. And if you happen to stump up five grand, you'll be awarded with your very own souvenir bionic eyeball. You know...just in case. [Kickstarter via LA Times]

MIT researchers revolutionize solar cell printing, fold the power of the sun into your everyday home (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/mit-researchers-revolutionize-solar-cell-printing-fold-the-powe/

Wouldn't it be neat if you could power a few gadgets around the house with some tastefully chosen, solar cell-embedded curtains? Alright, so this MIT-pioneered tech's not quite that advanced yet, but it's destined to have a Martha Stewart Living future. By eschewing liquids and high temperatures for gentler vapors kept below 120 degrees Celsius, researchers were able to cheaply print an array of photovoltaic cells on "ordinary untreated paper, cloth or plastic." And here's some additional food for thought -- the vapor-deposition process used to create these cells is the same as the one that puts that "silvery lining in your bag of potato chips" -- science, it's everywhere. Despite the tech's home furnishing friendly approach, this breakthrough printing technique can't be done with your everyday inkjet, but it will make the cost of solar energy installations a bit cozier. Its flexible durability aside, the cells currently operate at only one percent efficiency -- so you might want to buy those drapes in bulk to see a real bottom line kickback. Foldable paper video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading MIT researchers revolutionize solar cell printing, fold the power of the sun into your everyday home (video)

MIT researchers revolutionize solar cell printing, fold the power of the sun into your everyday home (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for! use of feeds.

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