AMD reveals Opteron 3300 and 4300 processors for the penny-pinching enterprise

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/amd-opteron-3300-4300/

As a followup to its flagship Opteron 6300 launch last month, AMD has just released several more Piledriver-based processors meant for the server room. One eight-core and two quad-core models are part of the Opteron 3300 series, while the Opteron 4300 series gets six new CPUs: one quad-core, three six-core and two eight-core designs. With all this new silicon, IT pros may have concerns about compatibility issues -- but fear not, for all of AMD's new gear has sockets that fit in with the 3200 and 4200 series to make upgrading a painless process. Designed for small-to-medium sized businesses and web host servers, the chips are relatively inexpensive with prices ranging from $174 to $501, a far cry from the the $575 to $1,392 price of the higher-end 6300.

Despite the low cost, AMD claims the CPUs have a 24 percent performance per watt increase and 15 percent less power usage than their predecessors. The chip maker will likely still face an uphill battle against Intel's mighty Xeon, but businesses looking to save a little cash might be the Opteron's saving grace. There's more detailed specs on the newly announced processors at the source, and you can get a peek at the pricing table after the break.

Continue reading AMD reveals Opteron 3300 and 4300 processors for the penny-pinching enterprise

! Filed un der: Desktops, AMD

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Via: PC Perspective

Source: AMD

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Twitter announces 'Trends' for 100 more cities, spreads the trending topics love

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/twitter-trends-in-100-more-cities/

Even though there's an ongoing kerfuffle between social giants Instagram and Twitter, the microblogging service is putting that aside and focusing its own efforts on improving the experience for some of its (many) users. With that in mind, Twitter announced earlier today that it has expanded its trending topics feature, also known as Trends, to an additional 100 cities around the world, including big-name places like Frankfurt in Germany and Guadalajara down in Mexico. Of course, this means more people can now easily glance at some of the most talked about things around the Blue Bird social network -- still, don't expect Justin Bieber's name to pop up every single day on the list, as Twitter was pretty clear on how it feels about that.

Filed under: Internet

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Twitter

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GoPano Micro brings 360 degree video to iPhone 5, now on pre-order for $69

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/gopano-micro-brings-360-degree-video-to-iphone-5/

Not all Kickstarter projects take flight, to say the least, so it's nice to see one like GoPano Micro that not only went somewhere but is continuing to evolve. The company has just put a new version of the 360 degree camera lens adapter on pre-order, this time for the iPhone 5. The tiny lens is mounted to a case for Apple's latest smartphone, and lets you film while panning in any direction by swiping the screen left or right -- as shown in the video for the last model, after the break. It even lets you scroll around the video after its been recorded, since it films the entire circular panorama at once. It'll run you $69 to grab one, including a second case for the iPhone 4/4S, so if you're looking add to your bag of cinematic tricks, click on the source.

Continue reading GoPano Micro brings 360 degree video to iPhone 5, now on pre-order for $69

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile

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Source: GoPano Store

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Would You Trust a Doctor Checking Your Heart with a Goddamn iPhone?

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5965965/would-you-trust-a-doctor-checking-your-heart-with-a-goddamn-iphone

You're in a doctor's office, about to get a heart test that could be all that stands between you and dropping dead during a sporting event. The doctor pulls out his iPhone, which is a little unprofessional, you think, let's get down to the—HOLY GOOD GOD HE'S USING IT TO RUN THE ACTUAL TEST??? Meet the Alivecor Heart Monitor iPhone case. The FDA just approved it.

Affordable electrocardiogram (ECG) screening is actually a real need (the AliveCor monitor is just $200), even though you've probably never heard of it. Failure of the ECG screens to detect underlying heart conditions is suspected to have led to many young athletes going into cardiac arrest, and sometimes death. Children's lives literally depend on these things. And being FDA-approved is about as good an endorsement as you can get.

Appending sensors onto the computing power of a device you probably already have is a fine and efficient idea. There are other medical iPhone uses, like blood sugar tests for diabetics, or simple heart monitors. And again, AliveCor has all of the backing of the FDA, as well as the encouraging responses from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology.

But still. It's a damn iPhone. This is already a fairly easy test to misread, and now you're watching some dipshit doctor pull his iPhone out of his pocket, flip it on, while dismissing his banner notifications on his lock screen, and firing up your test. And you, being a relatively tech-savvy person, notice it's only good on an iPhone 4 or 4S. Ugh. This is going to become more common, and honestly, probably doesn't mean too much regarding the quality of tests, maybe. But man, wouldn't that make you just a little more nervous than you would be with a big, beeping hunk of plastic on wheels form the 70s? [AliveCor via Dvice]

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The 10 Most Important Cameras of 2012

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5966073/the-10-most-important-cameras-of-2012/gallery/1

This was a banner year for photo gear. We saw some of the most-anticipated camera refreshes in years (a new 5D, finally!) not to mention some groundbreaking technologies (that weird little Lytro!). Here's a rundown of this year's ten hottest cameras.

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10. Panasonic Lumix LX7 Review: A Lovely Point-and-Shoot For Control Freaks

Anyone in the market for a top point-and-shoot camera is probably deciding between Canon's S100 and Sony's RX100. But Panasonic is back in the game with the Lumix LX7, a sequel to one of the top shooters of 2010, the wildly popular LX5. Does Panasonic's latest have what it takes to beat these pocket titans? [More]

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9. Canon S110 Review: The Best Camera You Can Fit in Your Pocket

The Canon S110 is the most refined little pocket camera Canon has ever made. The core design of the S110 remains unchanged from previous iterations. But with a little streamlining and some key new features, it's inched one step closer to perfection. Are you looking for the highest quality possible in a small point-and-shoot? Check out your new camera. [More]

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8. FujiFilm X-Pro1 Review: Serious Style, Serious Price (Updated)

Mirrorless cameras are generally geared toward the enthusiast or semi-pro consumer. Some companies, like Canon with its new EOS M offering, are seeking to cater to a broader market in features and styling. [More]

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7. GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition Review: Yes, It's the Best (Updated)

Yes, it's action cam season. Sony's entered the market, Contour has updated its line with the Contour+2. But what about the latest from the brand that's come to define the category—the Kleenex of action cams, if you will? [More]

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6. Olympus OM-D E-M5: The First Micro Four Thirds Camera Aimed at Replacing a DSLR

Olympus and Panasonic had an uphill battle in front of them with their micro four thirds system. Other brands were using larger sensors that simply performed better. But when Olympus revealed the OM-D EM-5, people fell in love not only with the vintage style, but with the crisp image quality and best autofocus around. [More]

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5. Sony NEX-5R Review: A Great Camera with a Few Missing Pieces

Over the last year, Sony's NEX cameras have been our favorite of the compact, mirrorless lot. They just handle so well. And on a small camera with big DSLR flexibility, the way you hold, adjust, and operate it makes a huge difference. [More]

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4. Lytro Light Field Camera: This Is What New Feels Like

It isn't very often we encounter technology that is really, truly new. PCs, cellphones, the Internet, multitouch. Those all changed our world when they were first introduced. Not to overstate it, but Lytro may well be the latest member of that clique. The selling point is simple: you no longer have to worry about getting a shot in focus, because any part of the photo can be brought into focus after the fact. Magic. [More]

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3. Sony RX100 Review: This Camera Singlehandedly Makes Point-and-Shoots Relevant Again

Turns out, this camera is a significant achievement for Sony. In fact, it makes you remember that Sony is still capable of making some amazing things. [More]

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2. Nikon D800 Review: A Major HD Upgrade, But Is It the Best DSLR For the Money?

The Nikon D700 was the last great pre-video DSLR. It was an excellent and very boring camera. Nikon's newest, a $3,000 body called the D800, introduces two major features: HD video and a 36-megapixel sensor. [More]

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1. Canon EOS 5D Mark III Review: The Best DSLR for Shooting Video

It's been nearly four years since Canon released the EOS 5D Mark II, the camera that turned digital still cameras into affordable workhorses for videographers and indie filmmakers. And this next evolution was definitely created with those filmmakers in mind. [More]

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Skype updates terms of service to make mention of 'Video Messaging' feature

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/skype-video-messaging-feature-leak/

Skype hardly has a history of keeping its forthcoming features secret, but then again, surprises aren't all they're chalked up to be. This go 'round, an updated terms of service page has outed a heretofore unannounced update: Video Messaging. While it's not possible to indulge just yet, we're left to assume that an impending update will enable Skype Premium users (who pay $8.99 per month for certain privileges) to "send and receive an unlimited number of Video Messages." For those taking advantage of Skype's free offerings, you'll be able to send a "limited" amount, though you'll be able to receive an unlimited quantity of 'em. We're also told that non-premium members will see their video messages expire within 90 days -- unless it was sent by a premium member or you upgrade your account in time, of course -- but the TOS makes no mention of when any of this will find itself under public scrutiny. Hopefully it'll be before those year-end fireworks go up, you know?

Filed under: Internet

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Via: The Verge, ITWor! ld

Source: Skype

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Qualcomm COO Steve Mollenkopf talks 28nm supply, low-end market and displays

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/qualcomm-coo-steve-mollenkopf/

It goes without saying that it's been a good year for Qualcomm -- so good that the mobile chipmaker invited us over to its San Diego headquarters to share the story. There we met up with President and COO Steve Mollenkopf, who started off the session by reflecting on the 28nm production "issues" since mid-year. Without naming any participating foundries, Mollenkopf carefully reiterated that the supply struggled to match the "tremendous demand" of the new 28nm Krait-based products at the time, but he thinks Qualcomm will be out of that problem starting this month. "It was something that we had this year and last fiscal year, but moving forward, I don't see that to be an issue," said Mollenkopf. Judging by the increasing number of devices carrying Qualcomm's quad-core chipsets, we certainly hope this is the case.

Continue reading Qualcomm COO Steve Mollenkopf talks 28nm supply, low-end market and displays

Filed under: Mobile

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ASUS Zenbook Prime review (UX51Vz): a blazing 15-inch Ultrabook with a lofty price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/asus-zenbook-prime-ux51vz-review/

Windows 8 has ushered in an era of category-defying devices, with hybrid machines that bend, flip around, lie flat and otherwise contort flooding the market (and our offices). When virtually every Windows 8 product we've reviewed possesses acrobatic abilities, it's easy to forget regular ol' laptops are running Microsoft's new OS, too. One such machine is the $1,949 ASUS Zenbook UX51Vz (aka the U500), a 15-inch Ultrabook with the trappings of a multimedia powerhouse, including a quad-core Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GT650M graphics and a 1080p IPS display -- and no gymnastic tricks up its sleeve. Another thing it doesn't have: a touchscreen, which is available on plenty of other Windows 8 notebooks, not to mention other upcoming Zenbook Prime models. Considering that (possibly glaring) omission, is the UX51Vz still an attractive option at this premium price point? Head past the break to find out.

Gallery: ASUS UX51Vz review

Continue reading ASUS Zenbook Prime review (UX51Vz): a blazing 15-inch Ultrabook with a lofty price

Filed under: Laptops, ASUS

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All Sony connected TVs to get Ensequence tech in 2013 to serve up contextual content

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/04/sony-connected-tvs-ensequence-2013/

Not getting your fill of connected TV action with contextual content and ads appearing alongside your soaps? Your hunger could be satisfied by picking up a Sony-made television in 2013, as Hirai and Co. have inked a multi-year deal with the folks at Ensequence to bake software for such experiences into all of their connected TVs starting next year. Ensequence leverages the automatic content recognition tech inside Sony's sets and provides a platform for content producers and advertisers to sling up everything from relevant coupons to trivia games on displays. If you watched the 2012 Olympics through Verizon FiOS, chances are you've glimpsed the company's technology in action. Proud owners of connected TVs made by Sony between 2011 and 2012 won't be left out of the contextual content bonanza, however, as a software update packing Ensequence's secret sauce will be available. For more details, and prognostications regarding the future of internet-savvy televisions, hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading All Sony connected TVs to get Ensequence tech in 2013 to serve up contextual content

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony

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Source: Ensequence

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HP announces the EliteBook Revolve, a Windows 8 convertible for the business crowd (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/hp-elitebook-revolve/

See that laptop up there? Basically, HP has announced something like that every year for we don't even know how long. It's always a convertible PC of the traditional sort, one with a fixed screen that swivels around and can fold down into tablet mode. It always supports a mix of pen and finger input. It's always made of sturdy magnesium alloy. And it's almost always aimed at businesses.

All that's true of the EliteBook Revolve, the laptop HP unveiled today and which we've so helpfully featured in the photo gallery below. The difference, of course, is that this is the company's first old-school convertible to run Windows 8, whose finger-friendliness has the potential to change the way we interact with PCs like this. As it happens, you could configure the Revolve with Windows 7 and you could buy an optional pen to go with it, but obviously, if you'd prefer to use your fingers, you'll have a lot more luck here than you would have with earlier models.

In terms of design, this is indeed made of mag-alloy, with a total weight of three pounds, and it was tested in accordance with the military's MIL-STD 810G standards. Unlike previous EliteBooks, though, it sports soft, rubbery surfaces instead of the brushed metal we've come to expect from HP's high-end business machines. Lift the lid and you'll find a backlit keyboard and an 11.6-inch Gorilla Glass screen, with resolution capped at 1,366 x 768. Inside, it has pretty much the exact specs you'd expect to find on any new Ultrabook: up to 256GB of solid-state storage and your choice of Core i3, i5 and i7 CPUs. And though it doesn't quite make up for the middling resolution, there's at least an open memory slot, allowing folks to go beyond the standard four gigs. Rounding out the list, this thing has built-in NFC, TPM and a SIM slot supporting LTE in the US and HSPA+ everywhere else. That answers just about everything -- everything except for price, anyway. HP says the Revolve won't actually go on sale until sometime in March, so until then, your guess is as good as ours.

Gallery: HP EliteBook Revolve hands-on

Gallery: HP EliteBook Revolve

Continue reading HP announces the EliteBook Revolve, a Windows 8 convertible for the business crowd (video)

Filed under: Laptops, HP

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HDHomeRun Prime is the first CableCARD tuner to deliver live TV to DLNA Devices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/hdhomerun-prime-is-the-first-cablecard-tuner-to-deliver-live-tv/

Our favorite shows, anywhere, that's all we really want. Of course that is asking too much but we'll be closer to the dream now that Silicondust has announced its three tuner HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD is a certified DLNA Digital Media Server (DMS). While the options this opens are seemingly limitless, one specific use case is watching premium cable on a PS3. CableCARD tuners aren't exactly known for their ease of setup, but once you do get this working with your cable company and on your network, it'll show up like any other DLNA source to your PS3. From there you can browse the list of channels and watch any you happen to subscribe to.

The PS3 isn't the only DLNA Digital Media Player (DMP) or Digital Media Renderer (DMR) that works with a DLNA DMS, and plays MPEG2 video. However, at this point it's the only one we know of that also supports DTCP-IP, which is the DRM required to play premium content. A representative of Silicondust told us he's confident more compatible devices are on the way, while even more devices will support the unprotected content. Keep an eye out for an official list of compatible hardware on its site some time after this update starts rolling out later this month. Finally, yes, you will be able to use your DLNA Digital Media Controller (DMC) to record content to your other Digital Media Servers -- is that enough acronyms for you? If this interests you, then stay tuned for CES where Silicondust plans to announce phase 2, which is where we think things could really get interesting.

Continue reading HDHomeRun Pr! ime is t he first CableCARD tuner to deliver live TV to DLNA Devices

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Sonos for iOS adds direct device streaming, takes PCs out of the equation (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/sonos-for-ios-adds-direct-device-streaming/

Sonos has been steadily reducing our dependency on the computer as the cornerstone of its multi-room audio system, but there's been one link left to cut: local music. Outside of an AirPlay workaround, a PC of some sort has always had to stay awake to stream a personal collection. If you're an iOS user, it's now possible to go truly PC-free. A 3.8.3 update for Sonos' apps plays music stored on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch directly through the system, with no hoop-jumping required. Local content is put on equal footing with pure internet sources, too -- the software can mix local tracks with those from Amazon Cloud Player, Spotify and other internet services as part of the same playlist. There's no official word of direct device streaming for Android, although we wouldn't be surprised to see it follow before too long.

We gave the update a quick spin of our own, and it works largely as you'd hope. There's a logical hierarchy for browsing music by categories; songs, albums and podcasts play almost as soon as you've added them to the queue, even if the Sonos app is in the background. We heard slight hitches when playing tracks meant to play seamlessly -- this may not be a dream Dark Side of the Moon setup -- but grouped speakers stay just as nicely in sync as they have in the past. The Sonos upgrade is more than good enough to save a w! alk acro ss the house for a favorite tune, and that's really all we need.

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video, Tablets, HD

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Source: App Store (iPad), (iPhone)

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Oppo Find 5 spec sheet pops up, heading to US for $499 unsubsidized

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/oppo-find-5-spec-sheet/

Quad-core APQ8064 chip: check. 5-inch 1080p display: check. That's right, it's the Oppo Find 5 again, but this time we're seeing the phone's full spec sheet courtesy of the manufacturer's overly simple US website -- we've already verified this with our contacts. Apart from the fact that Oppo will be selling the much anticipated Find 5 in the US, the product page also lists an unsubsidized price of just $499, which isn't bad when you look at the $600 HTC Droid DNA off contract. The specs also mention Android 4.1.2, a 2,500mAh battery, NFC, 16GB of built-in storage and 2GB of RAM, as well as compatibility with T-Mobile and AT&T's 3G networks. Now all we need are some pictures, but we'll even get to touch it at the Beijing launch event next Wednesday.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Source: Oppo

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Broadcom outs Jelly Bean-optimized budget SoC with dual-core ARM processor, HSPA+

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/broadcom-dual-core-arm-soc-hspa-bcm21664t/

Broadcom's just added a new 3G SoC to its resume that promises a solid punch in performance without breaking the bank -- while being optimized for Jelly Bean, too boot. Dubbed BCM21664T, the chip packs a 1.2GHz dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor accompanied by VideoCore graphics to give it the oomph to run Android 4.2 and support 720p recording and 1080p playback. As for connectivity, the silicon comes loaded with WiFi, Bluetooth and HSPA+, which garners downstream speeds of 21.1Mbps and 5.8Mbps upstream. Support for GPS and even NFC have also been rolled into the SoC. Broadcom claims the hardware is the first of its kind aimed at entry-level smartphones, and if things go the firm's way, the chip will make appearances in budget Android phones when it goes into volume production next year.

Continue reading Broadcom outs Jelly Bean-optimized budget SoC with dual-core ARM processor, HSPA+

Filed under: Cellphones

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Source: Broadcom

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The Bottom Falls Out Of The European Consumer

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/horrendous-european-retail-sales-2012-12

There are green shoots in Europe.

Financial markets are doing well both on the equity and debt front. Germany's engine is revving again. PMI data hit its lowest level in 8 months.

But as always, the biggest risk in Europe is, well, how long will the people tolerate recession? How long can they handle dismal growth.

New data from Eurostat provides a really depressing snapshot of the state of the consumer, at least as of October.

In October 2012 compared with September 2012, the volume of retail trade fell by 1.2% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.1% in the EU272, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In September, retail trade decreased by 0.6% and 0.2% respectively. In October 2012, compared with October 2011, the retail sales index fell by 3.6% in the euro area and by 2.4% in the EU27.

Click to enlarge the chart. It's really ugly.

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