Thursday, December 13, 2012

Amazon Cloud Player arrives for Roku boxes, Samsung Smart TVs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/amazon-cloud-player-arrives-for-roku-boxes-samsung-smart-tvs/

Amazon Cloud Player app arrives for Roku, Samsung Smart TVs

So you've embraced Amazon Cloud Player to the point where you want it at the center of your living room. Amazon is more than happy to oblige with newly launched apps for both Roku media hubs as well as Samsung Smart TVs. The two apps will stream Amazon MP3 purchases and uploaded songs for everyone in the living room, although they share the same limitations: uploading music is clearly off the table given the lack of local storage, and we'll have to manage that party playlist elsewhere. When both apps are free perks of an existing service, though, we won't grouse too loudly.

Continue reading Amazon Cloud Player arrives for Roku boxes, Samsung Smart TVs

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Source: Amazon (1), (2)

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Posted by Augustine at 10:36 AM

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Make a Raspberry Pi Solar-Powered FTP Server

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5967840/make-a-raspberry-pi-solar+powered-ftp-server

Make a Raspberry Pi Solar-Powered FTP ServerThere are lots of great #Raspberry Pi projects you can make. Add to the growing list using the small computer as an FTP server—a solar-powered one, no less.

CNET has the instructions for setting up your mini FTP server. With it, you can access your digital files from anywhere 24/7—and the solar panel means your electricity bill won't be affected at all.

Basically you just need a solar panel with a rechargeable battery pack in a case. You can buy the parts from Cottonpickers (based in the UK, but shipping worldwide).

Once you've got your sun bed set up, follow CNET's straightforward instructions for setting up the static IP, VNC, and so on. You can hook up an external hard drive for file sharing.

In theory, you could use the solar panel case for any Raspberry Pi project, including setting up a personal web server.

How to make a Raspberry Pi solar-powered FTP server | CNET UK viaTechCrunch

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Posted by Augustine at 9:46 PM

Verizon Galaxy Note II bootloader unlocked, ready for flashing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/verizon-galaxy-note-ii-bootloader-unlocked/

Verizon Galaxy Note II bootloader unlocked

Well, that didn't take long. The talented folks over the XDA Developers forums have cracked the Verizon version of the Galaxy Note II. The bootloader has been fully unlocked and the giant phone is ready to be hacked, modded and flashed with custom ROMs. The steps are pretty simple, though, we'll still give you the perquisite warning that messing with your phones bootloader could lead to irreparable damage. But,, if the risk of bricking your handset doesn't phase you, just download a few packages, including the leaked Odin3 tool from Samsung and get cracking. Sadly, unlocking the bootloader can't strip all of the terrible Big Red branding from the device -- you'll need some sandpaper for that. Some users are reporting issues with the unlocking process related to root and the dev has promised an update addressing the bug soon. Complete instructions await you at the source and there's a video walk through after the break.

Continue reading Verizon Galaxy Note II bootloader unlocked, ready for flashing

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Source: XDA Developers

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Posted by Augustine at 5:12 PM

JVC launches five Everio camcorders in Japan, two with Android remote control

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/jvc-launches-five-everio-camcorders-in-japan-two-with-android-control/

JVC launches five Everio camcorders in Japan, two with Android remote control

JVC occasionally drops hints as to what we'll see at CES through launches in Japan late in the year; if that's true with its new Everio camcorder launch, we'll face a small avalanche in Las Vegas. Five models are shipping in late December that include two with remote control: WiFi on the 16GB GZ-EX350 and 32GB GZ-EX370 lets a nearby Android phone or tablet steer the camera from a distance, and the camera itself can wirelessly back up its footage as well as share media through WiFi Direct. Springing for one of these or the strictly-offline GZ-E325 (8GB) and GZ-E345 (16GB) cameras will still net you a just-the-highlights playback mode that looks for smiles and tagged scenes. While the entry-level GZ-E320 misses out on the highlight mode, all five models share a 40X optical zoom, 1080p shooting from a BSI CMOS sensor, an SDXC card slot and a 3-inch touchscreen for previewing any would-be masterpieces. Although JVC hasn't mentioned any US plans, we wouldn't be surprised to see at least one or two of the new Everios cross the Pacific.

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Via: Akihabara News

Source: JVC (1), (2)

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Posted by Augustine at 5:12 PM

Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ review: a high-def 9-inch tablet at an entry-level price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/nook-hd-plus-review/

DNPBarnes & Noble Nook HD review a highdef 9inch tablet at an entrylevel price

A couple of weeks back, we referred to the Nook HD as a "tablet with the heart of a reader." And given Barnes & Noble's roots in brick-and-mortar bookstores, the sentiment makes sense; the company has given the world a product that felt a bit like an LCD reader with some solid tricks up its sleeve. While it shares the same core operating system as the HD, the HD+ brings a bit more to the hardware party -- namely, a high-def, 9-inch HD display. The change shifts some of the product's focus toward multimedia, with a particular emphasis on the recently announced Nook Video service. That, coupled with a $269 price tag, makes for a pretty compelling combination. But is it enough to ensure that Barnes & Noble will have a winner on its hands for the holiday? Find out after the break.

Continue reading Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ review: a high-def 9-inch tablet at an entry-level price

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Posted by Augustine at 10:23 AM

This Dual LCD and E-Ink Phone Will Be Available in 2013

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5967746/this-dual-lcd-and-e+ink-phone-will-be-available-in-2013

This Dual LCD and E-Ink Phone Will Be Available in 2013Earlier this year, a prototype of a dual e-ink and LCD phone was floating around. Turns out it's much further down the development road than that, though—and in fact it should be available next year.

Manufactured by a Russian company called Yota Devices, this is an Android phone at heart. But unlike other phones, into its frame is crammed both a 4.3-inch 720 x 1,280 LCD display on the front and a 200 dpi e-ink display of the same size on the rear.

Elsewhere, Yota has released details of the guts that lurk inside, too: a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, at least 32GB of storage, LTE, a 12-megapixel rear camera, and a 720p front-facing camera. Despite having two screens, Yota claims it's less than 10mm thick. This things sounds none too shabby.

Yota also claims to be planning to make more use of the e-ink display than reading. It explains that it will route data to the second screen whenever it makes sense in an attempt to increase battery life—by up to 50 percent, or so it claims. How well that will work in practice—and how much users will appreciate it—is another question entirely.

Which brings us to a couple of major question marks. First, it's unclear who exactly would want a dual display phone like this: reading's a very specific application, after all, usually best done on a slightly-larger-than-phone-size screen. Second, Yota hardly has a track record in device manufacturing, so if it's selling a phone based on a dual-screen gimmick, it's not necessarily clear that the rest of device will be up to scratch.

But! Only time—and a play with the thing—will tell as far as that final point's concerned. Yota is aiming for a launch in the third quarter of 2013. [Engadget]

This Dual LCD and E-Ink Phone Will Be Available in 2013

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Posted by Augustine at 9:24 AM

Verizon and Redbox's Streaming Service Is Really Real and Only $6

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5967801/verizon-and-redboxs-streaming-service-is-really-real-and-only-6

Verizon and Redbox's Streaming Service Is Really Real and Only $6Verizon and Redbox are officially kicking off a streaming movie service. Sort of. Redbox Instant by Verizon goes into beta this month, and you have to have an invitation to get behind the velvet rope for now.

Later in 2013, however, will be the wider launch. For now, the details are that the Redbox Instant will give you streaming video and some mail-order DVDs, as well as the ability to buy online. It sounds like a pretty decent deal—$8/month gets you streaming plus four DVDs from Redbox kiosks and access to the online store. The same option with Blu-ray is $9/month. And if you don't give a hoot about DVDs, you'll pay just $6/month for streaming only. And now you have even more reason to never leave your apartment, ever. [Redbox Instant via AllThingsD]

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Posted by Augustine at 9:23 AM

Fuhu announces the $250 Nabi XD for tweens: 10.1-inch display, Jelly Bean on offer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/fuhu-announces-nabi-xd/

Fuhu announces the 101inch Nabi XD for tweens $250, Tegra internals, Jelly Bean, optional keyboard

Fuhu's latest attempt at a tablet for youngsters is the Nabi XD, this time promising to help keep your tween's hands off your shiny new slate and also eschew sibling rivalry. It's packing specs that match its grown-up approach -- a 10.1-inch, 1,366 x 768 IPS display, quad-core Tegra 3 innards, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, dual snappers, and NFC. The customizable wrapper atop the OS boasts a "gadget-based", rule-governed interface that changes depending on time and location. Concerned parents can take solace in its kid-friendly browsing, and fool themselves by springing for the optional silicone keyboard cover -- an accessory that should, in theory, assist with homework, but one that might just be relegated to the side in favor of the device's more enticing gaming capabilities. The tablet will set you back $249 for 16GB and $349 for the 32GB iterations when it lands late December, but ask yourselves first -- is this really what your kid wants?

Continue reading Fuhu announces the $250 Nabi XD for tweens: 10.1-inch display, Jelly Bean on offer

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Posted by Augustine at 9:22 AM

Insert Coin: PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/insert-coin-pipa-touch-fingerprint-reader/

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Insert Coin PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything

Mobile security beyond PIN codes and passwords is usually a tentative affair. There's fingerprint readers, but they're often specific to the device or the platform, and sometimes limited to just a handful of tasks. Team PIPA wants to raise funds for a more universal solution. Its PIPA Touch scanner can add biometric authentication to phones' lock screens, websites and other tasks through a developer kit, and a modular design lets it slip into cases for the Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices that should receive support. Security goes beyond most fingerprint readers, as well: while a basic swipe-and-done scan is an option, the truly cautious can require a multi-scan sequence that fends off just about any intruder.

Continue reading Insert Coin: PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything

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Source: PIPA Touch (Indiegogo)

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Posted by Augustine at 9:22 AM

FreedomPop brings free wireless internet to the home with Hub Burst modem and router

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/freedompop-hub-burst-free-wireless-internet/

FreedomPop brings free wireless internet to the home with Hub Burst modem and router

If you happen to live in an area that's served by Clearwire's WiMAX network, then you may be interested to learn of a new home internet service that's very aggressive on the pricing front. FreedomPop has announced a free broadband service that'll offer 1GB of data consumption per month. Not to stop there, heavier users can sign up for a $9.99 monthly subscription that provides 10GB of data usage, or take advantage of a pay-as-you-go option that costs $0.005 per megabyte ($5/GB). Also of note, free users will be able to earn additional data by engaging friends and participating in promotions.

FreedomPop's service will launch in conjunction with the Hub Burst, a 4G modem and router that costs $89, which is available for pre-order now and is set to ship next month. The Hub Burst offers two Ethernet jacks -- useful for your desktop or home entertainment setup -- along with support for 802.11b/g/n (WiFi). While WiMAX is a bit pokey by modern standards, if you're looking to lighten your monthly bills, this alternative to Clear and NetZero may be the ticket, indeed.

Continue reading FreedomPop brings free wireless internet to the home with Hub Burst modem and router

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Source: FreedomPop

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Posted by Augustine at 9:21 AM

Flickr for iOS gets a major overhaul, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/flickr-for-ios-hands-on/

Flickr for iOS gets a major overhaul, we go handson video

Just like Marissa Mayer promised, Yahoo has revamped its Flickr app for iOS to bring it back in line with the oh-so-social modern era. Whereas the Android app was updated back in August, the iPhone version has had only minor improvements over the last few years and was starting to look seriously dusty compared to the competition. In terms of individual features, the new app doesn't do much that various other third-party apps can't do already, but it does bunch them all into one polished package that is happy to work across multiple networks. In addition to Flickr, for instance, you can readily share your snaps with Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. You might also dig the camera app, which separates exposure and focus points to give you more creative control over your images -- and yes, there are the obligatory filters too. The app is live on the App Store right now, but check out our brief hands-on after the break for a preview of its strong points.

Continue reading Flickr for iOS gets a major overhaul, we go hands-on (video)

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Posted by Augustine at 9:21 AM

Oppo launches Find 5, touts 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core and 13MP camera

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/oppo-find-5-launch/

Oppo finally launches Find 5, touts 5inch 1080p display and quadcore chip handson

At last, the wait is over for Oppo's latest flagship device. Launched in Beijing earlier, the Find 5 comes with pretty much all the top ingredients in the current market -- many of which had been teased by the company multiple times already: 5-inch 1080p display, Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 chip with 2GB RAM, a 2,500mAh battery and Android 4.1.2. There's also NFC, and on top of that, the Find 5 comes with a special version of Sina Weibo that uses the phone's NFC to let users instantly follow each other. The 13-megapixel, 5fps camera on the back isn't just about numbers, as it also packs fast hardware-enabled HDR for both photos and video! Oppo claims it's the first in the mobile industry to carry this awesome feature. Additionally, the main camera can capture slow motion of up to 120fps, though it isn't clear whether the resolution is reduced to achieve this. On the other side of the device there's also a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera, which beats most phones these days. Audio-wise the Find 5 features Dirac HD, a technology that's embraced by the likes of BMW, Bentley, Rolls Royce and Datasat; making Oppo the first mobile phone brand to join the party. The included earphones are fine-tuned for Dirac, naturally.

Alas, much like the Droid DNA, this Chinese superphone also suffers from the lack of microSD expansion, so users may struggle to fully appreciate the 441ppi screen with just 16GB of built-in storage. As for pricing, we already know that the US will offer the Find 5 for $499, and luckily, it'll just ¥2,998 or about $480 in China, but it'll be about a month before the phone reaches its various markets, including the US. Stay tuned for our hands-on, and there's also a press release after the break for the time being.

Update: Our hands-on is up!

Continue reading Oppo launches Find 5, touts 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core and 13MP camera

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Source: Oppo

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Posted by Augustine at 7:50 AM

Oppo Find 5 hands-on (updated with video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/oppo-find-5-hands-on/

Oppo Find 5 handson

Being our first time at an Oppo launch event, we were truly blown away by the efforts put into the quality show. And luckily, we can say the same for the phone itself. The Find 5 uses the same gorgeous five-inch 1080p screen as HTC's Droid DNA and Butterfly, but what really blew us away was the new phone's solid build quality -- a huge improvement from the older Finder we brought along, though the latter did achieve a 6.65mm thickness, whereas the new one comes in at 8.8mm thick. The Find 5's shape and feel also reminded us of Sony's Xperia S. It'll be about a month before Oppo pushes its new phone into various markets, so it'll be awhile before we get a review unit to test the various features. For now, enjoy our hands-on photos below.

Update: Check out our hands-on video after the break!

Continue reading Oppo Find 5 hands-on (updated with video)

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Posted by Augustine at 7:49 AM

Acer outs C710-2605 Chromebook, 500GB HDD, 4GB RAM, 100GB Google Drive for two years

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/acer-c710-2605-chromebook-/

Acer C7102605 Chromebook pops out from nowhere, 500GB HDD, 4GB RAM

When we tried out Acer's C7 Chromebook, we liked the price, but some aspects of the build let it down. Now, the firm's updated the line with a new model -- the C710-2605. This time the price goes up to $299, but for your money you get twice the RAM (4GB) a bigger hard drive (500GB) as well as an improved battery (now 5,000 mAh). The form factor remains the same -- at 11.6 inches -- along with the same 1,366 x 768 display and 1.10GHz Celeron chip as before. Other features include WiFi in a/b/g and n flavours, a built in webcam, three USB ports, HDMI, VGA and Ethernet LAN. Of course, Chrome OS was designed for the cloud, so you'll get 100GB of Google Drive storage for two years thrown into the deal as well. Surprised by the stealth release? So were we, but the good news is, it looks like you can pick one up right away for the afore mentioned asking price, just head on over to the source.

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Via: SlashGear

Source: Acer

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Posted by Augustine at 7:49 AM

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Intel's Penwell mobile processor given a close inspection, stuffs a lot into a little space

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/intel-penwell-mobile-chip-given-a-close-inspection/

Intel's Penwell mobile chip given a close inspection, stuffs a lot into a little space

If you're one of those who took the leap into a first wave of Intel-based smartphones like the RAZR i, you're likely the sort to wonder exactly what makes them tick. SemiAccurate certainly does: it just posted some previously inaccessible diagrams that help reveal how Medfield's system-on-a-chip heart, Penwell, is mapped out. As a die shot shows, the Atom core is seemingly the least important part of the design -- the PowerVR SGX 540 graphics, camera processing and input-output interfaces dominate the crowded silicon. Between this dense, all-in-one design and stacking up to 2GB of RAM directly on top, Penwell occupies about 17 percent less space than its Moorestown ancestor and helps explain why we're looking at Atom-powered phones instead of another round of MIDs. We wouldn't get too comfortable with the current generation, though, as Intel is gradually warming up 22-nanometer chips that could make Penwell seem old hat.

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Source: SemiAccurate

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Posted by Augustine at 8:58 PM

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