Unofficial Android update brings Bluetooth support to the HP TouchPad

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/hp-touchpad-bluetooth-support/

HP might have abandoned ship long ago, but some developers are still trying to make the TouchPad happen. While successfully running Android on the discontinued tablet (which shipped with the ill-fated webOS) is old hat at this point, there are still a few obstacles standing in the way of achieving full functionality. For TouchPad owners yearning for Bluetooth support, hope has arrived in the form of developer James Sullins' unofficial Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 build. If you've already modified your tablet to work with Android, installing Sullins' Bluetooth addition seems to be a pretty straightforward process. Those of you who've stuck with your TouchPad this long (we commend your device loyalty) can download the update at the source link below.

Filed under: Tablets, Software, HP

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Via: Liliputing

Source: Goo.im

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Piksi brings half-inch GPS accuracy to Kickstarter for $900 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/piksi-brings-half-inch-gps-accuracy-to-kickstarter-for-900/

Though a shade under a grand might seem quite a sum for a little chip, so-called RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS systems normally run ten times that. To bring such tech down to earth, Piksi has launched its own RTK GPS receiver on a chip, giving UAV and rocketry hobbyists, researchers, surveyers, scientists and teachers a crack at centimeter position accuracy. RTK works by overcoming the normal limitations of GPS technology, namely the 300 meter bit-length and ionospheric delay, by using two receivers to mitigate those sources of error. That lets it position itself down to a single centimeter (less than half an inch), a vast improvement over GPS's normal accuracy of 10 feet or more. On top of that precision, the receiver brings rapid 50Hz positional updates, an open source design, low (500mW) power consumption, and a small two square inch form factor. The company has sold out of its already-assembled pre-production kits (and doubled its $14k funding goal), but you can grab a production model for $900, with an estimated delivery date of December. That ought to help your UAV or autonomous vehicle project arrive on a dime -- literally. Check the source or video after the break for more.

Filed under: GPS

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Source: Kickstarter

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Casio launches EX-ZR800 compact in Japan with 5-axis image stabilization

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/casio-launches-ex-zr800-compact-5-axis-stabilization/

With the smartphone hordes banging at their gates, compact camera manufacturers are being forced to up their game. As such, Casio's just launched a 16-megapixel, 18X zoom EX-ZR800 Exilim engine-equipped model with features like continuous shooting, "night shot" ISO 25,600 sensitivity, HDR and five axis stabilization. Unlike with the Olympus SH-50, however, the latter feature works on stills only and not video to correct translational and rotational camera shake. You'll also get 1080p / 30fps H.264 video, a 25-450mm zoom range, f/3.5-7.0 aperture, time-lapse, 5fps burst speed, selective blur and "triple shot" exposure, which saves an image before you even press the shutter. The EX-ZR800 will arrive in Japan in red, white or black on August 23rd for 40,000 yen (about $410). There's no indication of a western arrival, but if we had to guess we'd expect it to trickle over to Europe and the US shortly afterwards. In the meantime, check the (translated) source for more.

Filed under: Cameras

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Source: Casio Japan (translated)

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Samsung's 3,200 x 1,800 ATIV Book 9 Plus listed for $1,400, shipping August 20th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/samsung-ativ-book-9-1400-august-9/

Samsung generated some buzz last month with its ATIV Book 9 Plus sporting a res-tacular 13.3-inch, 275 ppi touchscreen, but left people asking "when" and "how much?" Retailer B&H Photo-Video seems to have answered those questions, listing a $1,399 price and expected availability of August 20th (at the source). That sum will get you a 1.6GHz Haswell Core i5-4200U dual-core CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD, Intel HD 4400 graphics, Windows 8, and of course, that 3,200 x 1,800 touchscreen. As we noted before, you'll be able grab more RAM, a bigger SSD and a Core i7 processor for the light-ish 1.39kg (3.06 pound) device if you're willing to pay more. Though those options aren't listed yet, they'd likely price you into MacBook Pro Retina territory -- but at least you'd get way more pixels.

[Thanks, Jason]

Filed under: Laptops, Samsung

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Source: B&H

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LG G2 vs. the competition: flagship Android smartphones square off

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/lg-g2-vs-the-competition/

Now that the LG G2 is official, the battle between mid-2013 Android flagships is fully underway. But which wins the war? We've pitted the new smartphone against its biggest competitors in the US -- Samsung's Galaxy S 4, the HTC One and the Motorola Moto X -- to understand which device most deserves a place in your pocket.

Based purely on the spec sheet, the G2 is the frontrunner. Its larger 5.2-inch screen, quicker 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 and image-stabilized 13-megapixel rear camera will please those who want a media powerhouse. Its extra-large battery and 24-bit / 192KHz audio are also unique in a category where longevity and sound quality tend to play second fiddle. If all you want is the most technically capable device, look no further.

Yet each of the G2's competitors has an advantage that's harder to quantify. The GS4 has a full set of hardware nav keys (for those who prefer them), air gestures and a slightly tougher plastic build. The One claims superior low-light photography and dual speakers. And the Moto X partly makes up for its lackluster speed through design customization and helpful tricks like Touchless Control. To us, that puts LG in an awkward middle. While the G2's performance is almost beyond compare, many of its software features aren't all that unique -- those who aren't sold on its performance could easily be lured away.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, Google, LG

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