Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Thursday, August 08, 2013

Acer to expand its Android and Chromebook lineup, offer fewer Windows devices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/acer-android-chromebooks/

Historically, most of Acer's device lineup has been focused on Windows products -- it's the fourth-largest PC maker, after all -- but a less-than-pleasant second quarter seems to have given the company reason to switch its strategy up a bit. According to the Wall Street Journal, Acer is looking into expanding its Google-centric efforts; although it will continue a strong partnership with Microsoft, the Taiwanese manufacturer aims to offer more Chromebooks and Android products, while pushing fewer laptops or tablets sporting Win8. Chairman J.T. Wang told the Journal that smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks are expected to make up 10-12 percent of the company's revenue by the end of this year, while that number should bump up to 30 percent in 2014.

Filed under: Cellphones, Laptops, Tablets, Mobile, Microsoft, Google, Acer

Source: Wall Street Journal

Dell unveils Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks with Haswell inside

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/08/dell-unveils-latitude-7000-ultrabooks/

Dell's Haswell-based Latitude laptops have been a tad on the chunky side so far, but the company is making amends by quietly launching its new Latitude 7000 series Ultrabooks. Both the 12.5-inch E7240 and 14-inch E7440 fit Intel's new low-voltage, 1.7GHz Core i3 CPU into an aluminum shell that's about 0.8 inch thick, yet meets military standards for resistance to dust, water and shock. They also support Dell's WiGig Wireless Dock and WiDi. Neither will come close to the Precision M3800 in features, however. The two Latitudes both start with 4GB of RAM and a 1,366 x 768 display, and there's no way to upgrade the performance or screen quality. They're also expensive -- the E7240 is launching at a $1,169 sale price with a 128GB SSD inside, while the E7440 with a 320GB hard drive isn't much cheaper at $1,049. Still, we wouldn't complain (much) if an IT manager plunked either of these Ultrabooks on our desks.

Filed under: Laptops, Dell

Via: Liliputing

Source: Dell (E7240), (E7440)

This Simple Chart Is a Brilliantly Minimal Perpetual Calendar

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-simple-chart-is-a-brilliantly-minimal-perpetual-ca-1057709528

This Simple Chart Is a Brilliantly Minimal Perpetual Calendar

Designer Ilya Birman has come up with what has to be one of the most elegant, minimal perpetual calendars we've ever laid eyes on—at least compared to other creations which tend to look like hideous sudoku puzzles.

MixBit: A New Vine-Like Video Sharing App by YouTube's Co-Founders

Source: http://gizmodo.com/mixbit-a-new-vine-like-video-sharing-app-by-youtubes-1064157000

MixBit: A New Vine-Like Video Sharing App by YouTube's Co-Founders

You might think Vine and Instagram have captured the market with social video, but now the pros are getting involved: Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, the co-founders of YouTube, have just launched a new video app called MixBit, and you can get it now.

Infuse 1.3 for iOS adds AirPlay video streaming, web-based WiFi transfers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/infuse-1-3-for-ios/

FireCore's Infuse app is already handy for iOS users who want to play less common video formats; with the 1.3 release, it might prove vital. The new version brings AirPlay, letting viewers push any of 14 video codecs to their Apple TV. Transfers should also be simple now that users can use a web browser or FTP client to copy videos over WiFi. There's even a social aspect to 1.3 -- Infuse now sends play counts and ratings to trakt.tv, and users can advertise what they're watching through Facebook and Twitter. If VLC for iOS isn't quite your cup of tea, you can spend $5 at the App Store to try FireCore's take on mobile movie playback.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, Mobile

Via: FireCore Blog

Source: App Store

Netflix SuperHD, 3D streaming options pop up on Comcast, Verizon (update: gone)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/netflix-superhd-3d-comcast/

Ever since Netflix introduced its SuperHD streaming with higher quality 1080p video and 3D support at CES in January, it's been restricted to only ISPs participating in its OpenConnect CDN program. Tonight, either there's some kind of glitch or that participation has been expanded, because users with previously unsupported ISPs are seeing SuperHD buttons on Netflix as well. We've been able to confirm it and even stream SuperHD and 3D video on previously unsupported ISPs like Comcast and Verizon. There are several reports on Twitter of people suddenly seeing the option as well, and we've contacted Netflix to see what's going on. So far the company has not responded, but if you've been waiting for some higher quality streaming options, hit the test page to see if you have the green light then try it out on a SuperHD-ready device (PS3, Roku, Apple TV, Wii U, Windows 8 and some others).

Update: And just like that, they were gone. We're getting reports from readers and seeing ourselves that the green light ha gone back to red and SuperHD streaming is no more on our Comcast connection. We have yet to hear from the company but right now a glitch or accident of some kind is the most likely explanation -- luckily it lasted just long enough for us to get through a 3D highlight reel from Art of Flight.

[Thanks, Tim]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Source: Netflix

14 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Your iPad (AAPL)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/14-things-you-can-do-with-your-ipad-2013-8

phil schiller ipad mini The iPad has some tricks up its sleeve that you might not know about.

While many complain about the software being "stale" (well, until iOS 7 comes sometime this fall), there are many features on the iPad that you can take advantage of if you know the right settings, gestures, or apps.

These are our favorite of the less well-known features and capabilities (whether native or app-assisted) in our iPads.

Access your home computer and use it from anywhere in the world

We've been using and loving iTeleport ($19.99) as a means to access our computer at home while we're out with our iPad. Start and stop large downloads, email yourself files you need while you're mobile, or scare your family by playing music from an empty room.

You'll come up with plenty of your own creative ways to use this app.

Remotely wake up your home computer

If you want to use the previously mentioned VNC software and your computer is set to go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity, you need to wake it up before remotely accessing it.

A number of apps support a protocol called "Wake On LAN." All this means is that they can push a signal from your router to your computer to wake it up. Then you can fire up your VNC app to take care of whatever you like.

We recommend iNet WOL ($1.99).

Switch between apps with a special gesture

Instead of activating the multitasking bar and searching for a recently used app, you can make a four-finger swipe to the left or right to switch between your apps.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Facebook unveils Trending Topics, makes Graph Search available everywhere in US English

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/facebook-launches-trending-topics-expands-graph-search/

Facebook must be a little envious of Twitter's ability to seize on trends -- it just started experimenting with Trending Topics, a Timeline card that shows the hottest subjects on the social network. Users can tap a trend to see both public comments and posts, whether or not the contributors are friends. The service is only being tested with a small number of those using Facebook's mobile website right now. If you're too impatient for that, the company has a consolation prize: Graph Search is now available to everyone visiting the site in US English, regardless of where they live. The expansion comes with the end to a handy privacy tool that lets members see who can search their Timeline, but Facebook claims that few have been using this feature -- we shouldn't miss it too much.

Filed under: Internet, Facebook

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Facebook Newsroom, AllThingsD

Texas federal judge declares Bitcoin a currency, says Bitcoin investments fall under US securities law

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/texas-federal-judge--bitcoin-currency-falls-under-us-law/

Bitcoin's been in the news a fair bit lately due to the uncertainties surrounding the Mt. Gox exchange, where one can trade in the digital money for the official currencies of countries around the world. However, for many, Bitcoin remains an ephemeral idea, neither received nor recognized as a valid way to, you know, pay for stuff. Today, however, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas has officially recognized Bitcoin as a currency and declared that Bitcoin investment funds and transactions fall under the jurisdiction of US securities law, and therefore, the federal justice system as well. The ruling was handed down in a case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission against a man who created a Bitcoin hedge fund and is alleged to have defrauded the investors in that fund. So, while most of us don't have to worry about Bitcoin fraud, it's good to know that the federal government is looking out for us should we decide to invest in the digital currency.

Filed under: Misc

Via: ArsTechnica

Source: US District Court Eastern District of Texas [PDF]

Android Open Source Project maintainer leaves role in wake of Nexus 7 open source issues

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/07/aosp-maintenance-head-leaves-role-in-wake-of-open-source-issues/

If you're upset that Google hasn't posted factory images for the new Nexus 7, you're not alone. Android Open Source Project maintainer Jean-Baptiste Quéru has just confirmed that he's leaving his role in the wake of legal issues that prevent him from publishing a Nexus 7 image with working graphics. While he isn't specific about the nature of the conflict, Android Police and others believe that Qualcomm isn't ready to offer its video drivers for use in AOSP builds. We've reached out to both Google and Qualcomm, and we'll let you know if they have any further insight. In the meantime, don't expect a Nexus 7 image anytime soon -- Google will likely need a new AOSP overseer, and Quéru doesn't see any progress on the horizon.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Google

Via: Liliputing

Source: Jean-Baptiste Queru (Google+), Google Groups

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

Via: Liliputing

Source: Goo.im

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

Source: Kickstarter

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

Source: Casio Japan (translated)

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

Source: B&H

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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