Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Archos 116 Platinum tablet joins CES lineup with 11.6-inch IPS screen for $349

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/archos-116-platinum-tablet/

How do you build a powerful, attractive 11.6-inch tablet that retails for $349? Well, you cut some corners when it comes to build quality, as we discovered when handling Archos' 8 and 9.7-inch Platinum models last month at CES. The company's latest slab features an identical quad-core 1.2GHz processor, eight-core GPU, 2 gigs of RAM, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), front and rear cameras, along with microSD and HDMI connectivity. The 116 Platinum, however, packs a larger 11.6-inch, 1920x1080-pixel widescreen IPS display, boosting the price tag to $349, compared to $299 for the 9.7-inch model and $199 for the 8 incher. Archos has promised some hands-on time at CeBIT next month in Germany, but you can get a fairly solid idea of how it'll look and feel by checking out the smaller Platinums in our CES vid after the break.

Filed under: Tablets

Source: Archos (PDF)

How-to: Setting up a Plex Environment

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/setting-up-a-plex-environment/

Since the storage sizes on smartphones haven't quite caught up with that Drobo NAS in your home office, packing all of your media onto a 32GB iPhone is an impossible task. Worry not; we're going to show you how to set up a streaming environment so you can have all your jams at your fingertips on the go. The good news is there are tons of solutions out there to choose from: XBMC, MythTV and Windows Media Center just to name a few. We decided on Plex Media Server due to the broad range of devices and services it supports. On top of that, Plex allows you to share your server with friends and access your media from anywhere via the myPLEX platform. Catch us after the break to learn how to get started.

Filed under: Misc, Software

Android 4.2.2 spreads to Nexus 4 with new battery sounds (update: no LTE)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/android-4-2-2-spreads-to-nexus-4-with-new-battery-sounds/

No, Nexus 4 users, Google hasn't forgotten about you. About a day after Google started pushing Android 4.2.2 to most Nexus devices, the company's latest and greatest smartphone is also getting the patch over the air. When it shows, there will be a pair of small additional rewards for running the latest hardware -- the Nexus 4 now plays a unique sound when wireless charging kicks in, as well as an updated low-battery sound. We wouldn't upgrade just to get the new tones, but they cap what's proving to be a more significant update than the version number would suggest.

Update: As Brian Klug over at AnandTech notes, Google both giveth and taketh away -- that very, very unofficial LTE access disappears with the update. When 4G only worked in limited areas, and was never going to get official support, we won't cry too much.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, LG

Source: Android Central, Google Git

LG's 55-inch OLED HDTV ships in Korea next week, has 100 pre-orders so far

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/lg-55em9700-oled-hdtv-100-preorders/

We saw all the 2013 HDTVs debut last month at CES and the first few new models are starting to reach shelves. One of the more interesting sets arriving is LG's 55-inch OLED HDTV, the first of its kind at this large size. Shipments are starting Monday for the 11 million won ($10k~) television, and according to a press release, LG has notched about 100 pre-orders so far in its home country. For comparison, LG announced it sold 300 of its 84-inch, $20k Ultra HDTV in Korea as of last month. LG also mentioned it plans to sell as many as 15 percent more HDTVs in 2013 than it did in 2012, as it continues to push its Smart and 3D features. We're still waiting for Samsung to release its own OLED HDTVs, while this one is still slated to ship in the US in March for $11,999.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD

Source: Reuters, LG Korea, Yonhap News

Pebble watch pulls all notifications from the iPhone, but only if you jailbreak

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/14/pebble-watch-jailbreak-hack/

The Pebble already does a good job of pulling notifications from stock iOS apps to your wrist, including SMS, email previews and calendar appointments. But if you want a broader range of alerts from third-party apps -- say, Google+ -- then you're basically stuck. Unless, it seems, you're prepared to jailbreak your iPhone. Developer Conrad Kramer recently tweeted to say that his "BTNotificationEnabler" tool is available on Cydia, and that it allows every single arrival in your Notification Center to be sent to a Pebble or other compatible Bluetooth device. It's unlikely to induce many smartwatch owners to liberate their phones, even with the relatively easy and untethered evasi0n hack now available, but at least we have one more bullet point the next time someone asks "why jailbreak?".

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Apple

Via: PhoneArena, CultofMac

Source: Conrad Kramer (Twitter)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Under Armour launches Armour39 performance tracking system, we go hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/armour39-hands-on/

Under Armour has always touted the scientific underpinnings of its sports apparel. From moisture wicking to heat trapping and everything in between, the company is quick to assert that it isn't just another athletic clothing company. But, performance enhancing shirts and pants have their limitations and, arguably, performance monitoring is a far more interesting and burgeoning field. In 2011 it dabbled with E39, a compression shirt with a space to insert a "bug" that included and accelerometer and heart rate monitor. Today, at an event in beautiful, chilly New York City, it officially unveiled the next evolution of that toe-dipping, Armour39. While there may be a shirt in the future, for now the system consists of a traditional chest strap, an iPhone app and an optional watch for those that don't like to carry their expensive smartphone with them on runs.

Gallery: Armour39 hands-on

Filed under: Wearables, Software

LG reveals 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro design with curved glass

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/lg-reveals-5-5-inch-optimus-g-pro-design-with-curved-glass/

Clearly, a lot of us wanted LG to reveal the design of the 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro as quickly as possible: just a day after a teaser, we're looking at the complete picture. And it's quite a looker, by all counts. While it has the familiar digital cube pattern on the back, it's also using curved glass in black or white, which LG says produces a "2.5D" effect. Those other details that LG is willing to divulge are largely what we expected based on the Japanese edition, including a full HD (1080p) display and a quad-core processor that's likely the Snapdragon S4 Pro. LG expects the larger G Pro to launch in late February, although it didn't say whether or not this is limited to South Korea; based on the timing, though, we might get a peek at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Gallery: LG Optimus G Pro 5.5-inch

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

Source: LG Electronics (Facebook), Korea Newswire (translated)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 with LTE gets gussied up in Garnet Red

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/samsungs-galaxy-note-10-1-lte-garnet-red/

Samsung's just pulled back the curtains on yet another device clad in a shade of Garnet Red: the Galaxy Note 10.1 with LTE. According to the electronics giant, it's positioning the dark cardinal-colored tablet as perfect material for Valentine's Day, and thinks the device will particularly strike the fancy of the fairer sex. Come February 14th, the freshly minted tablets will be available for three carriers in South Korea, while a rolling release is penciled in for other markets across the globe.

Filed under: Samsung

Source: Samsung (Translated), Samsung (Flickr)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Intel confirms new internet-based television streaming product, 'working with entire industry' to launch this year

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/intel-confirms-new-internet-based-television-streaming-product/

Welp, the rumors are true. Erik Huggers, Corporate VP & GM for Intel Media, just sat down here at D:Dive Into Media 2013 in order to confirm that Intel's getting into the set-top / TV provider business, and everything will be delivered to your home using your existing broadband internet connection. Straight from the man's mouth:

"We have been working for around a year now to setup Intel Media -- it's a new division that includes a lot of people from outside of the company. We've hired people from Apple, Netflix, Google, BBC, etc. We're aiming to develop an internet television platform. My opinion is that not many of those rivals have cracked it -- have truly delivered.

For the first time, we'll deliver a few things to consumers. We'll deliver a new consumer electronics product under a new brand. It's associated with Intel, but you'll have to wait to hear what exactly that is. It'll be an Intel-powered device with beautiful industrial design. Where it really gets interesting is here -- we're working with the entire industry. It's an over-the-top service, delivering network channels, pay-TV channels, catch-up television, on-demand, and a host of applications."

He also affirmed that the box (and service) would launch "this year," and while the box won't provide Intel's "entire vision" at launch, a fair amount will be. That should include live television, on-demand, ! and catc h-up. We're guessing it's the app ecosystem that'll take some time to truly develop.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Intel

Vuzix's Wrap 1200AR glasses do 3D augmented reality for $1,499

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/vuzix-wrap-1200ar-augmented-reality-glasses/

We saw Vuzix shift to a more Google Glass-esque set of smart glasses at CES in January, but it looks like it's not about to abandon the more traditional wrap-around headsets it's been churning out year after year. The company's latest is the Wrap 1200AR, which is a lot like its Wrap 1200VR headset, but with a focus on augmented reality instead of virtual reality. That means you'll get two (VGA) cameras mounted on the front to capture stereoscopic video of your surroundings, along with a pair of displays (852 x 480 each) to view that video -- augmented or otherwise -- in 3D. As with the Wrap 1200VR, the glasses also come equipped with head-tracking technology, but they don't come cheap. These will set you back a hefty $1,499, and are available to order now.

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Via: Electronista

Source: Vuzix

Fitbit updates Android app with wireless syncing over Bluetooth 4.0

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/fitbit-updates-android-app-wireless-syncing-bluetooth4.0/

Fitbit promised wireless syncing and, as of today, it's finally delivered. An Android-only app update, currently live in Google Play, will now allow Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II users to transfer data wirelessly from their Zip or One Activity Trackers to the Fitbit application. The new feature, which works over Bluetooth 4.0, was previously announced at this past CES alongside news of the Flex band, and initially targeted for an end-of-January release. But that's not all this update heralds -- it also packs the ability to manage silent alarms, adds push notifications, a distance tile and additional tap-to-pair NFC functionality for use with the Flex. Unfortunately, you'll still have to wait a bit for that lifestyle band to launch, as Fitbit's only committed to a vague spring launch. For now, though, a small segment of existing users can enjoy this enhanced feature set.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Wireless, Software, Mobile

Via: The Verge

Source: Google Play

Toshiba's REGZA AT501 comes with Android 4.1, vague sense of unfulfillment

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/toshiba-regza-at501/

Dear Uncle Toshiba. Thank you so much for announcing this REGZA Tablet AT501, the followup to the AT500. We noticed that you'd thrown in a 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 IPS display alongside a 1.3GHz Tegra 3 system and 1GB of RAM, which is very nice. We also like the feature that lets it act as a companion to compatible REGZA TVs. It was a bit sad, however, to see that it only came with a 3-megapixel rear facing camera. On the upside, you did manage to install Android 4.1, Splashtop and a battery that's rated for 10 hours -- which is probably why it weighs 625 grams. Unfortunately, you priced it at 40,000 yen ($425), more than a Nexus 10 -- so if you don't mind, can we keep the receipt?

Filed under: Tablets

Via: Engadget Japanese (Translated)

Source: Toshiba (Translated)!

Broadcom outs smaller, more efficient LTE-Advanced modem for high-spec mobiles

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/broadcom-lte-advanced-modem/

Broadcom out shrunken down LTEAdvanced modem for highspec mobiles

Welcome to the BCM21892. It may sound like every other piece of Broadcom silicon we've covered, but it actually represents an important move from a company that is eager to start pecking at Qualcomm's lunch. First and foremost, this a 4G modem for flagship phones rather than any budget fare, with support for LTE-Advanced and data speeds of up to 150Mb/s. To deliver that kind of performance, carriers either need 20MHz of contiguous bandwidth -- a rarity these days -- or they need carrier aggregation technology, which allows a modem to exploit separate chunks of bandwidth simultaneously. The BCM21892 boasts that spec too, not to mention compatibility with most of the popular network standards in use around the world, from the TD and FD types of LTE right down to HSPA+, TD-SCDMA and EDGE/GSM. Finally, through a combination of small transistors (28nm) and clever algorithms, the chip is claimed to reduce power consumption by 25 percent compared to rival devices, and also to take up less space -- potentially leaving more room for other goodies (Broadcom suggests NFC). The chip is still only at the the sampling stage, however, so the folks at Qualcomm shouldn't have too much to worry about until at least 2014.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Wireless, Mobile

Dell intros color-accurate U2413, U2713H and U3014 displays

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/dell-intros-color-accurate-u2413-u2713h-and-u3014-displays/

Dell's UltraSharp displays still have a certain cachet among sticklers for quality, most of all at the high end -- so today's release of three advanced models might as well be a bonanza. The 24-inch U2413, 27-inch U2713H and 30-inch U3014 (above) once more center on PremierColor and the visual accuracy to match. Even the two smaller displays have a 12-bit processor that helps their LCDs reach 99 percent of the Adobe RGB color space and all of the sRGB space, or enough of the spectrum to eliminate most rude surprises with photo work. What else is new? Dell hasn't divulged full details of the screens themselves, but there's now a single-display arm and a dual-display stand to get just the right placement. Like what you see -- or rather, what you will see? The U2413 and U2713H should be available now for $599 and $999 alongside the $149 arm and $169 stand, while the range-topping U3014 is due "soon" for $1,499.

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals, Dell

Source: Dell

Sonos Playbar: a home theater soundbar that wirelessly streams music for $699, we go hands- (and ears) on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/12/sonos-playbar-home-theater-soundbar/

We've long been enamored of Sonos' musical streaming technology and its wireless speakers, whether it's the S5 Play:5, the Play:3 or the Sub. But, what if you're looking for some Sonos gear that can stream your favorite MOG or Spotify playlist and deliver surround sound on movie night? Well, you're in luck, because the Playbar has arrived, packing all of Sonos' streaming capabilities you know and love in a soundbar form factor.

It's got nine speakers: six 8-centimeter (3.15-inch) aluminum cone mids powered by neodymium magnets and three 2.5-centimeter (1-inch) titanium dome tweeters. It connects to TVs, game consoles and cable boxes via Toslink cable and wires into home networks via Gigabit Ethernet or wireless connectivity can be had for those who own a Sonos Bridge. Naturally, it can be controlled by the Sonos app, but volume can also be toggled by your TV remote, thanks to the IR receivers on board and the remote codes stored on Sonos' servers.

Naturally, Playbar can deliver simulated surround sound on its own, but it can also be paired with Sonos' other speakers to deliver true 5.1 channel sound should yo! ur walle t be willing and able. Speaking of, the Playbar goes on sale worldwide on March 5th for $699, €699 or £599 depending which part of the globe you call home. We got to see (and hear) the Playbar for ourselves at Sonos HQ in Santa Barbara, California and chat with the folks who built it, so join us after the break to learn more about the company's first foray into home theater.

Gallery: Sonos Playbar hands-on

Gallery: Sonos Playbar press shots

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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