Recon teases new sports heads-up display for sunglasses, promises more info this summer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/recon/

Anyone who's ever had a nice brisk bike ride through a snowstorm is likely to cringe a bit at the above image. Though the gentlemen pictured is looking forward to the summer season for other reasons -- that's when the Recon heads-up display he's testing is set to get a bigger reveal. In the meantime, we're stuck staring at the above image of HUD-equipped sunglasses and wondering precisely what it all means -- aside, of course, for the company's move off the ski slopes.

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HTC says One's dual-membrane microphones block bad vibes

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/htc-dual-membrane-microphone-claims/

Nobody expects studio quality recording from a smartphone, but the technology in HTC's recently launched One at least allows distortion free audio to be nabbed in the quietest or loudest environments, according to the company's blog. Describing BoomSound tech, HTC says the system brings two dual-membrane MEMS microphones to the handset, one of which is focused on sensitivity and the other on high decibel sources. The two signals are then combined electronically, resulting in whisper-level tones that are free of hiss along with concert level blasting that won't clip or distort. By HTC's reckoning, that means the audio that goes along with those UltraPixels will be clear whether you're capturing a physics lecture or death metal concert.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC

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Via: Android Central

Source: HTC Blog

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RetroN 4 plays NES, SNES, Genesis and GBA carts, hides its looks (for now)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/retron-4-plays-nes-snes-genesis-and-gba-carts-hides-its-looks/

Hyperkin's fourth RetroN console wants to be the perfect way to enjoy gaming's past glories. Alongside the ability to play NES, SNES, Gameboy and Sega Genesis titles, it's compatible with PAL and NTSC formats, with ports for your NES, SNES and Genesis controllers -- you still have those, right? If not, Hyperkin's own Bluetooth-connected controllers can fill in, while the console's UI will allow you to reassign buttons as needed. There's also HDMI output, so those 16-bit graphics will get the full glory of your HD plasma screen. Alas, following another notable games console, the company isn't showing off the device just yet. You're looking at its predecessor above, which should at least give your mind's eye something to work with until it's finally unfurled at Wisconsin's Midwest Gaming Classic on March 23rd.

Filed under: Gaming

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Source: Joystiq

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Visualized: MyMultitouch's 84-inch, 4K touchscreen (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/visualized-my-multitouch/

Museum owners, public officials and design studio heads are just the sort who would have an excuse to splash out on one of MyMultitouch's displays. The 84-inch PixelSense-esque table is designed to be used by up to 32 fingers at once, letting groups paw around interactive exhibits on a large scale. This one, in particular, comes with a 3,840 x 2,160 UHD display, infrared-based multitouch and a steel stand that lets you mount it at a wide variety of angles. Since it's driven by any PC with a 4K-outputting graphics card, you could even use it as your own desktop display, although you'd need to drop €33,000 ($43,100), plus whatever an 84-inch desk would set you back.

Gallery: MyMultitouch 84-inch multitouch display hands-on

Filed under: Displays

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Google+ updates profile pages with larger photos, 'card' layout and Local review tab

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/google-plus-updated-profile-pages/

The social masses have spoken and Google's listened. Starting today, the search giant's beefing up Google+ profile pages with additional features based on overwhelming feedback to give users more editing control, a flashier presentation and a clearer social outpost. Now, individual profile "cover photos" will display at up to 2120px by 1192px and rollout into full widescreen (16:9) view when selected. The 'About' section is also seeing a minor revamp, getting a Now-like makeover that breaks down categorical user info into cards for easier modification. And to service the critic deep within us all, Google's adding in a 'Local review' tab alongside those for photos, videos and +1's so your network of friends can make trusted dinner reservations. These changes are set to take effect "gradually," so don't waste your time mashing that refresh button. Or do, if you're the impatient type.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Sara McKinley (Goo! gle+)

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A Graphene Antenna Could Give Us Wireless Terabit Uploads in One Second

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5988728/a-graphene-antenna-could-give-us-wireless-terabit-uploads-in-one-second

Wireless uploads of big files take for-ev-er. But researchers at Georgia Tech University have plans for an antenna made of crazy thin graphene that would let you transfer a whole terabit of data in just one second.

Within a couple of feet, researchers could move a terabit per second, but in theory, from a closer range, you could move as much as 100 terabits a second. That's about 100 high-def movies in less time than it takes you make a cup of coffee. Graphene, you crazy.

MIT Technology Review explains how the antenna would be made:

Graphene could be shaped into narrow strips of between 10 and 100 nanometers wide and one micrometer long, allowing it to transmit and receive at the terahertz frequency, which roughly corresponds to those size scales. Electromagnetic waves in the terahertz frequency would then interact with plasmonic waves-oscillations of electrons at the surface of the graphene strip-to send and receive information.

Of course, this is just the preliminary groundwork on a piece of tech that doesn't exactly exist yet. Next the Georgia Tech group will have to figure out manufacturing, and how to make the necessary components—signal generators, amplifiers, and so forth—so the antennas will actually work. But the thought of lightning-fast wireless downloads is enough to be a little excited for the future. [MIT Technology Review]

Image by CORE-materials under Creative Commons license

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Ferrari outs 949HP LaFerrari hybrid, gives FF drivers iPad minis and Siri (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/05/ferrari-shows-949hp-laferrari-hybrid-gives-ff-drivers-ipad-mini/

Everyone knew Ferrari was cooking up its first hybrid, and that it would be very quick when it was pegged as an Enzo successor. Still, we didn't quite expect the sledgehammer that is the LaFerrari. Never mind the very redundant naming scheme: there's a 789HP V12 mated with 160HP of electric power, the 949HP combination of which takes the supercar to 62MPH in less than 3 seconds and makes it the overall fastest Ferrari to date. There's a nod to eco-friendliness with relatively low emissions, but the hybrid component mostly powers a KERS system that fills out the few weak points in the torque band. You won't have the chance to buy the LaFerrari -- all 499 units of the €1 million ($1.3 million) flagship are spoken for -- but there's already talk of future hybrids that will run solely on electric power some or all of the time.

Don't be too forlorn if you have money to burn on a tech-centric Ferrari, though. The Maranello crew is also showing the very first results of its Apple collaboration through an upgraded FF. The four-seater GT now has Siri voice integration and ships with a pair of iPad minis to keep backseaters entertained when the 652HP V12 somehow isn't exciting enough. Ferrari hasn't! said ho w much the upgraded FF costs, although we imagine that the iOS-linked costs are drops in the bucket next to the vehicle itself. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo hints that it's just the start of the Apple relationship, too, as Ferrari will be "more precise" about the union in the months ahead.

Filed under: Transportation, Apple

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Via: Autoblog, Bloomberg

Source: Ferrari

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Apple's education-only 21.5-inch iMac gets bump in specs, now sells for $1,099

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/05/apple-education-only-new-imac/

We've already seen Cupertino's 21.5-inch iMac up for sale on the company's refurb store, and now it looks like the smaller model of the new all-in-ones is ready to be taken at a cost tailored for educational institutions. Unlike with previous education-only deals, however, Apple's pricing its newly redesigned iMac starting at $1,099 instead of $999 -- and that includes Intel's 3.3GHz, dual-core i3 CPU alongside HD Graphics 4000, a 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM. While the aforementioned specs are different than the ones found in the pricier entry-level variant for every-day consumers, it's worth mentioning Apple does offer the ability to upgrade some of the iMac's internals, such as memory and built-in storage. Those with the proper credentials can start ordering now from Apple, with, as MacRumors points out, orders being expected to ship within 5-7 business days.

Filed under: Desktops, Apple

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Via: MacRumors

Source: Apple

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Google said to be testing same-day delivery service from local retailers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/05/google-same-day-delivery/

As if Google didn't have enough on its plate, it seems the Mountain View company is adding yet another feather to its cap by entering the delivery business. As originally reported on TechCrunch and then confirmed by Reuters, the search giant is apparently working on a same-day delivery service that could pit it against the likes of Amazon Prime, eBay Now and local dispatchers like Postmates' GetItNow. Known to both outlets as Google Shopping Express, it would bring purchased goods from local retailers directly to your door via third-party couriers. According to TechCrunch, Google plans to charge around $64 or $69 a year for the service, while a Reuters source said a small fee per purchase might also be a possibility. Reuters even said Google has already started testing the service in the Bay Area in "recent weeks."

When asked to comment on the story, a Google spokesperson said to us in an email:

We are always working to build a delightful shopping experience for users, in close partnership with retailers, and to empower businesses of all sizes to compete effectively. We will continue to work toward providing technology, tools and traffic to help power the retail ecosystem but have nothing to announce at this time.

Though they're clearly keeping mum on the subject, it does seem a delivery service would be in line with Google's recent moves in th! e commer ce space, such as the acquisition of locker startup Bufferbox and e-commerce firm Channel Intelligence. That said, we can't be sure exactly when or how Shopping Express will be implemented; too bad the company's Transparency Report doesn't actually reveal the inside workings of Sergey Brin's mind.

Filed under: Google

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Source: TechCrunch, Reuters

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Amplify Tablet is an Android machine custom-built for education

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/amplify-tablet-is-an-android-machine-custom-built-for-education/

News Corp rebranded its educational unit as Amplify in July. Since then the Joel Klein-headed company has been working with AT&T to develop a tablet expressly designed for the K-12 educational market. After months of testing the Amplify Tablet, an unspecified 10-inch Android slate loaded with custom software, is ready for its official debut. Lots of things have changed since we first caught a glimpse of the project many months ago. For one, the UI has been completely redesigned to be clean, modern and simple. The new look is much more inline with Google's Holo, with extensive use of action overflow buttons, the sharing menu and solid blocks of color-coded material. The default home page offers a grid of app icons, but it also displays student information and lists "notebooks" on the right hands side. Those notebooks deliver quick access to different subjects for students, but they also give teachers direct links to materials for their classes, categorized not just by subject, but also by period. Klein and company don't stop at simple organizational tools and reference materials, however.

Gallery: Amplify Tablet

Filed under: Tablets, Software, AT&T

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The world's smallest and lightest phone now does email, is still ridiculous

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/05/the-worlds-smallest-and-lightest-phone-does-email/

Ultrapixels, styli and Retina displays -- enough. Willcom's Phone Strap 2 has arrived and it weighs 32 grams. Does it look familiar? It should, as it's the spitting image of its predecessor, the WX03A. With the same 32mm x 70mm footprint (though it's 1mm thicker), it's a pretty absurd proposition but then perhaps that's the point. The upgraded model can now handle email (oh yes!) on its one-inch display and ten-key keyboard, as well as calls and text messages. However, a tiny phone means a tiny battery and the Phone Strap 2 has just enough power to last around two hours of voice calls. If you're looking for a music player, Bluetooth and other phone staples, we're afraid you're going to have to shop around for a bigger model. The phone launches in Japan on March 21st, but you'll have to sign up for a standalone contract to (slightly oafishly) pick one up.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: New Launches

Source: Willcom (Japanese)

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Sharp may be close to receiving a $110 million boost from Samsung (update: deal final)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/sharp-may-be-close-to-receiving-a-110-million-boost-from-samsun/

Japan's Sharp has been struggling very publicly for some time now, and many reports indicate it's been looking outward for interested investors. While it already secured just such an arrangement with Qualcomm in December, rumors indicate attempts to reach a deal with Foxconn are in trouble and now Samsung is tabbed as a potential investor. Reuters and Japan's Nikkei cite sources indicating an official announcement could come sometime today regarding a 10 billion yen ($110 million) investment that would net the Korean electronics giant a three percent piece of Sharp. This deal would be mutually beneficial as Sharp gains a place to sell more of the LCDs it's capable of manufacturing, and Samsung cheaply expands its supply of panels, with a possibility of expanding their arrangement beyond LCDs in the future. We'll wait and see exactly what happens, but those IGZO screens Sharp is working on could be popping up in some unexpected places by the time it's all said and done.

Update: Sharp has just confirmed that Samsung is now indeed a 3.08 percent owner thanks to an investment of 10.4 billion yen ($112 million). It said the deal would "further strengthen the alliance (with Samsung Electronics) and continuously provide a long-term, stable and timely output of LCD panels for large-size TVs and small- and medium-size LCD panels for mobile devices such as! noteboo k computers." For more info, see the PR after the break.

Filed under: Displays, Samsung

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Source: Nikkei, Reuters, Wall Street Journal

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HP Pavilion 20 Linux AIO launches in the UK, ships with Ubuntu for £349

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/06/hp-pavilion-20-ubuntu/

Ready to take the plunge on a new all-in-one, but not super pumped about tackling Windows 8? You're probably not alone, and it looks like HP's got a solution. The company's entry-level Pavilion 20-b101ea AIO desktop now ships with Ubuntu pre-installed, so if you've been considering a jump to Linux but wanted to avoid dealing with a system refresh, this might be just the opportunity you're after. The alternative rig is shipping to UK customers for £349 including VAT, which roughly works out to $530, for blokes across the pond. Interestingly, the Ubuntu machine has yet to appear in HP's US store, where you're only able to snag the Windows 8 configuration, with pricing starting at $450. Those of you with a mailing address in the United Kingdom are in luck, however -- hit up our source link to snag your very own Ubuntu-equipped all-in-one.

Filed under: Desktops, HP

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Via: Ubuntu (Google+)

Source: HP Store (UK)

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Roku Completely Revamps Its Smart TV Software And Launches A Brand New Set-Top Box

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/roku-3-announced-2013-3

Roku announced today its third-generation set-top box, the Roku 3. 

Not much has changed with the Roku on the outside, but it does have a faster processor and more memory on the inside, so users will notice snappier performance when switching between apps and games. It still looks very similar to the Apple TV, a squarish black box that's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Roku also updated its remote control to include motion gestures for gaming and other tasks, sort of like the motion control on the Nintendo Wii controller. There's also a headphone jack on the remote so you can listen to a show without disturbing others in the room. That feature automatically switches on when you plug in a pair of standard headphones.

But most importantly, Roku completely redesigned its interface to make it easier to find the content you want to watch. 

We got to test out the new Roku interface at a demo with a few members of the development team last week, and it's a huge improvement over the last version. Everything flows naturally to the right using the directional buttons on the remote, so it's easy to jump in and out of apps or games. 

The search feature is also very impressive, letting you search by show or movie title, actor, director, etc. for the stuff you want to watch. Roku's search pulls in data from all sources -- Netflix, HBO, Vudu, Hulu Plus, etc. -- and lets you choose what service you want to use to watch a show or movie.

Roku has been around for several years, and it makes a strong alternative to the Apple TV.

Unlike the Apple TV, Roku lets developers write apps for the set-top box, so you'll find several hundred streaming services and games. That includes the most popular services like Pandora, Netflix, Hulu Plus, and HBO GO. There are more than 750 apps to choose from, much more than the handful you'll find on Apple TV.

On the flipside, Roku doesn't work as well with mobile devices as the Apple TV does. You can't wirelessly beam content from your smartphone or tablet to your Roku like you can with Apple TV.

The new Roku 3 will cost $99.99 and begins shipping in April. If you own a second-generation Roku, you'll get the new interface in a software update in the coming weeks.

We'll have a review of the Roku 3 in a few days, so stay tuned.

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LG Optimus G Pro review: a phone that lives up to Note-sized expectations

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/05/lg-optimus-g-pro-review/

The large-phone craze is rocking the world like a hurricane, and LG is no stranger to this trend: within the last year, the Korean manufacturer has launched two big-screened smartphones as Optimus Vus (three if you count the LG Intuition on Verizon) to mediocre fanfare worldwide. Given the growing competition in the category -- most notably from its rival Samsung with the Galaxy Note series -- it was inevitable that a stronger campaign, as well as a leader to drive it, was necessary.

This is where the LG Optimus G Pro comes in, taking advantage of a 5.5-inch, 1080p True HD-IPS + LCD panel while pulling in several design and feature cues from its smaller (yet elder) siblings, the Optimus G and Nexus 4. As if the display wasn't enough, LG tops it off with one of the world's first Snapdragon 600 quad-core processors, 2GB RAM and a 13MP rear camera with all the trimmings. It may not be LG's current flagship, per se, but the laundry list of features indicates to us that it's sure acting the part, at the very least. Should its reputation be as large as its screen, or is the Optimus G Pro using that extra size to compensate for something? Follow along as we explore the inner and outer beauty of LG's large-on-life smartphone.

Gallery: LG Optimus G Pro review

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, LG

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