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Friday, February 03, 2012

Creative pumps out $99 HN-900 noise-canceling headphones

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/creative-hn-900-noise-canceling-headphones/

Fact: not everyone's willing to pay a premium to enhance their personal listening experience. Fortunately for those of you who like noise cancellation and a flush bank account, Creative's just taken the wraps off its $99 headset that'll do the trick. The HN-900 offers great features -- aside from the low price tag -- such as 40-hours of active noise canceling powered by some AAA juice (for the times when you feel like ignoring the world), 40mm Neodymium drivers, and a built-in microphone to help with making and answering calls, just to highlight a few. Naturally, with such a stout feature set and low price, the headphones are selling like hotcakes and are currently out of stock. That said, you can still head over to the source to check out the rest of the deets and be one of the first in line once the second batch hits Creative's virtual shelves.

Creative pumps out $99 HN-900 noise-canceling headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, February 02, 2012

Blurry Cellphone Shots Could Be Eliminated With This Flash Boosting Chip [Photography]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5881693/blurry-cellphone-shots-could-be-eliminated-with-this-flash-boosting-chip

STMicroelectronics hopes to make the wimpy LED flash on your smartphone as bright as the xenon flash in your camera with a new chip that packs a supercapacitor for quick bursts of power.

On average the always-on LED flashes used in smartphones only produce about 2W of power, barely enough to illuminate someone standing right in front of the lens. So to compensate for a lack of light, your phone uses a longer exposure, which can lead to blurry photos if you or your subject is even slightly moving. But STMicro's new STCF04 chip includes a built-in supercapacitor and an array of high-intensity LEDs to produce about 40W of light in quick bursts. Which, according to the company's press release, is the equivalent brightness of an outdoor security floodlight.

At just 3mm per side the chip shouldn't add much bulk to a device's form factor, and for $2 it adds a new feature point that smartphone manufacturers can easily charge a lot more for. [STMicroelectronics via Computerworld]

Qualcomm chips complete first successful VoIP-over-LTE to WCDMA handoff

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/qualcomm-chips-complete-first-successful-voip-over-lte-to-wcdma/

Qualcom Snapdragon S4

For now, voice over LTE is but an idea -- one with unrealized potential, as Verizon, AT&T and Metro PCS all still rely on their 3G networks for voice duty. Qualcomm has edged us one step closer to a completely 4G future, though, with the first successful test of a mid-call LTE to WCDMA transfer. Using one of its own chipsets, specifically an MSM8960 Snapdragon S4, the company successfully utilized Single Radio Voice Call Continuity to switch from a VoIP-over-LTE connection to a traditional voice channel over WCDMA. It might seem like a small victory, but it's one that's an essential step towards and entirely LTE-dependent network. Check out the complete PR after the break.

Continue reading Qualcomm chips complete first successful VoIP-over-LTE to WCDMA handoff

Qualcomm chips complete first successful VoIP-over-LTE to WCDMA handoff originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/asus-tf300t-tablet-shows-up-in-leaked-pictures/

ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer?

While ASUS is still trying to get a firm grip on its latest Transformer, a purported next-gen member of its Eee Pad family is now happily circulating the web. Taiwanese site NCCC claims to have come across what could be a followup to the Transformer Prime. The 10.1-inch slate raised the leak alarms when a QuieTek certification document revealed its "TF300T" codename, which is numerically higher than its Transformer brethren, the OG (TF101) and Prime (TF201). Furthermore, there are no rumored specs, and aside from the blood-like color on the tablet's back -- there isn't much to tell it apart from its quad-core sibling. We'll keep you in the loop if more juicy info fills our glass, in the meantime you can head over to the source for some additional eye-candy.

ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Blogeee.net | source

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AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/amds-new-plan-focus-on-tablets-cloud-computing-and-developing/

Chipzilla has long been atop the PC chip manufacturing mountain, with AMD running a rather distant second. That's why AMD's new top man, Rory Read, plans to move the company in a more mobile direction. Speaking at the company's analyst day, Read stated that the chipmaker will focus on outflanking Intel in the tablet space and by growing its business in cloud computing and emerging markets like China (read: entry-level PCs and devices). As to whether AMD would venture into the smartphone space, Read was quite clear in stating that there were no plans to do so. But, he did make mention of being flexible when it came to chip architecture, including using 3rd party IP in developing new silicon -- so a switch to ARM may not be out of the question. How will AMD accomplish its new goals? By focusing on execution of its technology rather than trying to be on the bleeding edge -- sound familiar?

Continue reading AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets

AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/au-optronics-idemitsu-kosan-announce-strategic-alliance-on-ol/

The OLED-infused future is fast approaching in Taiwan, where AU Optronics today announced a "strategic alliance" with Japanese firm Idemitsu Kosan. According to AUO, the partnership will see both companies collaborate on new OLED displays and patents, with Idemitsu filling the role of supplier. Taiwan-based AUO delivered the following statement: "This will accelerate business growth in AUO's small-sized OLED displays for smartphones and tablets, which have emerged as a new growth area in the display industry, and that of large-sized OLED displays for TVs." There's no indication as to when we might see the first fruits of this alliance, but as AUO VP Paul Peng recently reminded us, it may be a while.

Continue reading AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development

AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use o! f feeds< /a>.

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TypeWay iPad Keyboard Adapts To Fit Your Hands Perfectly [Keyboards]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5881381/typeway-ipad-keyboard-adapts-to-fit-your-hands-perfectly

TypeWay iPad Keyboard Adapts To Fit Your Hands Perfectly The limitations of typing on a touchscreen hinder how effective tablets can be as productivity tools. There is hope, though, at least for iPad users. This TypeWay keyboard supposedly makes things easier, by adapting the key layout for each user.

Like the velociraptors in Jurassic Park, the TypeWay replacement keyboard learns and remembers, automatically adjusting the layout and placement of keys depending on your typing style, skill level, or habits. It's basically the first ergonomic on-screen keyboard that can still lead to repetitive stress injuries.

If you happen to find a layout that works particularly well for you, you can freeze the keys' positions at any time, or save a specific layout for later use if you still want to experiment. At $6 it isn't the cheapest iPad app in the App Store, but if it succeeds in making the iPad's keyboard useful for long-form typing, consider it a cheaper alternative to an external wireless keyboard. [TypeWay via Chip Chick]

Vizio's 21:9 CinemaWide LED HDTV Arrives in March [HDTV]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5881514/vizios-219-cinemawide-led-hdtv-arrives-in-march

Vizio's 21:9 CinemaWide LED HDTV Arrives in March Vizio's new line of 21:9 aspect ratio televisions that we told you about in January will be hitting store shelves next month and will retail for $3500.

Why 21:9? That happens to be the same ratio as Cinemascope, the dominant feature film format of today. It will allow viewers to watch 21:9 widescreen movies without the ubiquitous black bars. 16:9 video can either be up-scaled to fit or the extra space can be filled with embedded apps. [The Verge]

Supposed next-gen iPod Nano with camera leaks again, clip back in tow

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/supposed-next-gen-ipod-nano-with-camera-leaks-again-clip-back-i/

If you'll recall, it was April of last year when we reported on pictures from Apple.pro, which claimed to show a seventh-generation iPod Nano chassis with room for a camera. Not long after, the site posted a second leak of the device, hinting at the omission of the Nano's famous clip in favor of optics. Fast forward to the present, and we're now looking another supposed shot of the unit, however, this time the clip is back and it's made room for the shooter. Like prior Nano-camera efforts, this prototype's loaded with a less-than-whopping 1.3-megapixels of resolution, which M.I.C Gadget claims in its non-final form, took overexposed photos. Apple's apparently also been toying with 2-megapixel prototypes, but those too were apparently deemed unsatisfactory. M.I.C. Gadget also muses the two month old prototype is nearing release, and that it could be released before the traditional fall schedule. Seeing as the Nano's long overdue for a hardware refresh, we'd file that under definitively maybe, but before believing, take copious amounts of salt as you hit the source link below for a bevy of pics.

Supposed next-gen iPod Nano with camera leaks again, clip back in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TechnoBuffalo, MacRumors | source

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Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/vizio-ultrawidescreen-58-inch-3499/

We were told at CES last month to expect Vizio's ultrawidescreen LCDs would hit the market sooner rather than later, now we know how it will fit into our budgets, even if we're not sure how the aspect ratio will fit in our living rooms. Similar to the way its first Theater 3D TVs popped up last year, the XVT 3D CinemaWide product page reveals a 58-inch model (50- and 71-inchers are also planned) sporting its trademark 21:9 aspect ratio (compared to a traditional HDTV's 16:9) and 2560x1080 resolution will start at $3,499. It also has an array of specs, measuring the 120Hz Edge LED lit screen at 56.7-inches wide by 29-inches high and 1.8-inches deep. Just as we saw when they were first announced at CES 2011, Vizio upscales Blu-ray and other wider-than-widescreen sources to fill the screen without those black bars we've become accustomed to. If you're watching standard HD programming, the extra space alongside can accommodate tiles for Yahoo! Widgets pulling information from the internet without blocking the picture at all. Check our gallery below for a better look and a demo video after the break, we'll keep an ear to the ground to find out when and where these displays might hit the market first.

[Thanks, chilipalm]

Conti nue reading Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV

Vizio reveals $3,499 price for its 58-inch ultrawidescreen HDTV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/pentax-k-01-leaks-wants-to-be-your-retro-looking-mirrorless-fri/

Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend

Above is a purported leak of Pentax's upcoming K-01 -- a retro-inspired mirrorless camera which is apparently set for reveal soon. Divulged in a bevy of official-looking shots on Pentax Forums, the diminutive shooter will apparently be available in several colors alongside its incredibly-thin 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens. Also shown are closeups of a dedicated HDR mode up-top, alongside dedicated red and green buttons, and a curious signature by designer Marc Newson adjacent to its battery cover. Perplexed by the sum of its parts like we are? Well, until Pentax reveals all, get a acquainted with it in the source links below.

[Thanks, Ben]

Pentax K-01 leaks, wants to be your retro-looking mirrorless friend originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASA debuts two new educational games for iOS, Facebook

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/nasa-debuts-two-new-educational-games-for-ios-facebook/

NASA is no stranger to apps, but the space agency is branching out further into some new territory with its two latest offerings: a pair of educational games. The first is Sector 33, an air traffic control simulator for iOS devices that certainly won't be confused with Flight Control, but which NASA hopes will help teach math and possibly get folks interested in aviation. Those who prefer their games a bit more casual can also now try out NASA's very first multiplayer Facebook game, Space Race Blast Off, which tests folks' knowledge of various space-related topics (and is considerably more challenging than it first appears). Additional details and the games themselves can be found at the source links below.

[Thanks, Mo]

NASA debuts two new educational games for iOS, Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, February 01, 2012

How-To: Set up a home file server using FreeNAS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/how-to-set-up-a-home-file-server-using-freenas/

Ask Engadget: What's the best budget NAS?

Kingston Wi-Drive for iOS hits stores today, lets you create your own portable music server for $130

Tilera sees sense in the server wars, puts just 36 cores in its newest processor

In today's digital world we've all got data, and lots of it. Our libraries are also growing rapidly: where you used to get by setting aside a few bookshelves for your books, CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes, we now require untold server space to preserve our beloved media in digitized form. We also want our data to be itinerant, or at least seem that way. That is, if you want to take a book or disc to another room of your abode, you pull it from the bookshelf and take it with you. Similarly, if you're working on a document upstairs on your desktop and you want to move to the den with your laptop, you'll need the proper infrastructure working in the background to enable that kind of wizardry. So, how can we create this "digital bookshelf?" Can you go out and buy it now? Can you build it in your garage? As it turns out, the answer is "yes" on all counts. You could go out and buy a Drobo device but in this case, we're going to assemble our own. And we're going to do that with the help of an open source storage platform called FreeNAS. So how involved a process is that? Meet us after the break to find out.

Continue reading How-To: Set up a home file server using FreeNAS

How-To: Set up a home file server using FreeNAS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Docs for Android updates: adds offline support, better tablet experience

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/google-docs-for-android-updates-adds-offline-support/

Google Docs

Google clearly didn't want to blow everyone's mind right away with its Google Docs app for Android. That's why it's been slowly rolling out the updates, incrementally adding features and turning what began life (more or less) as a glorified web browser into a useful app. The latest upgrades deliver possibly the most requested feature -- offline access. Now there's an option to pin individual files for local storage and the app will automatically sync the latest version anytime you're on WiFi. If that's not often enough, you can manually update whenever you have a data connection. There's also a new layout for viewing docs on tablets that allows you to swipe left and right to flip between pages and a scrubber at the bottom for quickly jumping from one part of the doc to another. Hit up the Android Market now to score the update for yourself.

Gallery: Google Docs for Android offline access

Google Docs for Android updates: adds offline support, better tablet experience originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Search Google Images by Drawing What You're Looking For with This Clever Web App [Web Apps]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5881047/search-google-images-by-drawing-what-youre-looking-for-with-this-clever-web-app

Search Google Images by Drawing What You're Looking For with This Clever Web App Finding the image you're looking for can be a little difficult at times, but Google's similar image search is often a big help. If you don't have a similar image, however, the mouthful-of-a-web-app titled "Unofficial Google Image Search by Drawing" will let you quickly sketch up what you're looking for and use it as a search query.

The quality of the results you achieve will vary based on the detail and accuracy you're able to achieve with this tool. It can be tough to draw with a mouse or trackpad, and the drawing tools aren't particularly comprehensive, so if you're looking for something complex you might find it frustrating. Nonetheless, if you're trying to find an icon, a simple shape, a logo, or anything you can easily draw with a simple resizable brush and a few colors you'll get some decent results. While it would be nice to be able to draw a stick figure and get a picture of an actual person, Google's search is pretty accurate and it'll pull the most similar images it can. So long as you understand these limitations, you can use the Unofficial Google Image Search by Drawing to find what you're looking for in a fun and unique way.

Unofficial Google Image Search by Drawing | via Addictive Tips

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