Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[ICD Ultra Android tablet hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/icd-ultra-android-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/icd-ultra-android-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/icd-ultra-android-tablet-hands-on/#comments As you may have noticed, we had a chance to get our hands on a fairly interesting little tablet made by ICD dubbed the Ultra. The 7-inch, touchscreen tablet (resistive in the version we saw, but with capacitive versions to come) sports quite an impressive set of specs, including a 1GHz Tegra T20 CPU, 512MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM, 4GB of hardwired storage, 2G / 3G radios, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, HDMI out, USB 2.0, and a microSD slot. The device also has an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and 3.5mm headphone jack. The version we had a chance to play with -- a prototype running Android 2.0 -- was blazingly fast when it came to 1080p playback and web browsing (as you can see in the video), but was pretty incomplete as far as the rest of the software was concerned (though the company says they're working on optimizing the experience all around). In terms of pricing, ICD reps didn't have a solid number, though they said they expect the Ultra to sell for somewhere in the $249 price range, with potential for free, subsidized versions depending on what kind of deals they work out with partners. We expect to see a whole slew of devices like this at CES in just a few weeks, but this is nice a taste of things to come. Check out our exclusive hands-on pics in the gallery below!

Gallery: ICD Ultra tablet hands-on

ICD Ultra Android tablet hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android tabletAndroid2.0AndroidTabletconverged devicesConvergedDevicesfeatureshands-onicdicd ultraicd ultra tabletIcdUltraIcdUltraTablettabletultraultra tabletUltraTabletSun, 20 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Barnes & Noble Nook to get an update this week? Sure sounds like it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/barnes-and-noble-nook-to-get-an-update-this-week-sure-sounds-like/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/barnes-and-noble-nook-to-get-an-update-this-week-sure-sounds-like/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/barnes-and-noble-nook-to-get-an-update-this-week-sure-sounds-like/#comments
A tipster who has proven to be reliable in the past says that Barnes and Noble's Nook will get a software update this week -- most likely around Tuesday. The update itself looks to be fairly large, improving some of the major issues we've had with the e-reader -- like page refresh rate and a lot of other little performance issues. Our tipster also says they've played with an updated unit and that it's much, much better, so we're interested to see for ourselves when the update goes down. Until then, check out the (partial) list of bugs and fixes we're hearing the update will include after the break.

Continue reading Barnes & Noble Nook to get an update this week? Sure sounds like it

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Barnes & Noble Nook to get an update this week? Sure sounds like it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>barnesandnoblebookse inke readere-readerEInkEReadernookreadingrumorsoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateSun, 20 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Show tapes today... snow be damned!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/the-engadget-show-tapes-today-snow-be-damned/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/the-engadget-show-tapes-today-snow-be-damned/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/the-engadget-show-tapes-today-snow-be-damned/#comments Can't wait for another Engadget Show to roll around? Well you're in luck, friend. It's happening today.

The last show of the decade will be dedicated to just that: the decade. We're going to be talking about the most important gadgets of the past 10 years -- both good and bad -- and we'll be joined by the perfect guest. Peter Rojas, the founder of both Gizmodo and Engadget (and now gdgt!) will take the stage with Josh, Paul, and Nilay to discuss what has been arguably the most important 10 years in gadgetry.

We'll also have a few surprises, as well as some giveaways including an Xbox 360, so don't miss it -- you'll be sorry if you do!

The show takes place at the Tishman Auditorium at Parsons The New School for Design. As you may already know, we film live in front of an audience once a month -- but if you can't make it, don't worry. We're bringing the video back home to Engadget (and as a free download here, in the iTunes Store, or the Zune Marketplace) for your viewing pleasure.

The beautiful venue (which you can see in a photo after the break) is located at 66 W. 12th Street between 5th and 6th Aves. Seating is limited and tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis -- which means if you want to join us in the audience for the show, you'll have to arrive early and be prepared for a little wait.

Update: As you guys may have noticed, New York and the surrounding areas got hit with a little bit of snow last night. Never fear, because we're still doing the show, but we're going to make it easier for everyone to come out and enjoy it. If you want to see the taping today, don't worry about showing up at 2PM or standing in line -- if you come anytime before 4:30PM you will definitely get a seat! We don't want anyone standing around in the snow, and it's likely that not everyone who was going to come will be able to make it, so we should be able to accommodate everyone that does show up.

Here are the facts you need to know about the show:
  • The show is graciously sponsored by Sprint, and hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
  • The total show length will be around an hour
  • Music will be provided by Bubblyfish, and visuals by Chris Jordan!
Here is what you need to know if you want to be part of the audience:
  • There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
  • The event is all ages
  • The venue seats just over 450 people
  • Parsons students are welcomed, and we encourage them to come!
  • Tickets will be available for pickup at the Tishman Auditorium at 2PM on the 20th, and we're strongly encouraging people to get their tickets and not stand in line -- if you have a ticket, you'll have a seat!
  • You'll need to hold onto your ticket stub to be eligible for the giveaways
  • You cannot pick up tickets for other people -- if you want your friend to get a ticket, bring your friend!
  • The show begins at 5PM, and doors will open at 4:30PM
If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget.com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget.com.

Continue reading The Engadget Show tapes today... snow be damned!

The Engadget Show tapes today... snow be damned! originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>engadget showEngadgetShowthe engadget showTheEngadgetShowSun, 20 Dec 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Barnes & Noble giving $100 for Nook pre-orders that miss Christmas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/barnes-and-noble-giving-100-for-nook-pre-orders-that-miss-christm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/barnes-and-noble-giving-100-for-nook-pre-orders-that-miss-christm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/barnes-and-noble-giving-100-for-nook-pre-orders-that-miss-christm/#comments Haven't got your Nook yet? You may actually be in luck. For people who pre-ordered early enough to expect a pre-Christmas delivery, Barnes & Noble is promising a $100 B&N.com gift card if it misses December 24th -- which is apparently distinctly possible. Of course, if you're one of the lucky / unlucky ones to have this on offer, you've probably already seen the email, and if you're a different sort of hapless pre-orderer that won't be seeing a Nook until next year, this is just another reason to curse your lot in life. To think: not only are you not ushering in 2010 from an economy suite in a space hotel, but you're going to wrap up this year reading paper books, without $100 to show for it! Can't we do better as a civilization?

Barnes & Noble giving $100 for Nook pre-orders that miss Christmas originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceConsumerist  | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and noblebarnes nobleBarnesAndNobleBarnesNoblebndelaye-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readernookpre-orderSun, 20 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Klipsch introduces iPhone-friendly Image X10i and black / white S4i earbuds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/exclusive-klipsch-introduces-iphone-friendly-image-x10i-and-bla/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/exclusive-klipsch-introduces-iphone-friendly-image-x10i-and-bla/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/exclusive-klipsch-introduces-iphone-friendly-image-x10i-and-bla/#comments We recently had the opportunity to tour Klipsch's headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, and while we're currently working up a walk-through showing off gobs of behind the scenes footage from the design lab and quality assurance facilities, we gathered two particularly juicy tidbits that simply couldn't wait. The outfit informed us that since the Image S4i earbuds have been such a success, it will soon be adding its three-button iPhone microphone / remote to the top-of-the-line Image X10, and as you may expect, the resulting product will go by the name Image X10i. They'll officially debut in the same gold and black motif at CES, and they should ship to consumers in early 2010 for $349 (while the original X10 falls to $299). The other discovery was that the hot-selling S4i earbuds (which we tested out a few months ago) will soon be shipping in a fresh color scheme (black and white, as seen above) and with the same metal tin that the S4 currently ships with. This is actually the first third-party headphone set with an integrated Made for iPhone remote / microphone that Cupertino has agreed to sell in white, and we can safely say that this two-tone look will probably have the Apple zealots drooling. Everything else about the $99 set remains the same as the standard S4i (including the cable material, electronics and price), and while we couldn't confirm, we'd say that chances are high for future color options to sneak out in the S4 / S4i range. Check out the new wares in the gallery below.

Gallery: Exclusive: Klipsch introduces iPhone-friendly Image X10i and black / white S4i earbuds

Exclusive: Klipsch introduces iPhone-friendly Image X10i and black / white S4i earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>audiocesces 2010Ces2010earbudearbudshands-onheadphoneheadphonesimage s4image s4iimage x10image x10iImageS4ImageS4iImageX10ImageX10iklipschs4s4iSun, 20 Dec 2009 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 reviewed: as good as 'a loaf of plain white bread']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fp8-reviewed-as-good-as-a-loaf-of-plain-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fp8-reviewed-as-good-as-a-loaf-of-plain-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fp8-reviewed-as-good-as-a-loaf-of-plain-wh/#comments It's hard to imagine complaining about a stylish compact camera that packs a stabilized 28-128mm zoom range and does 720p video capture at 30fps, but Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FP8 didn't garner any raves from the crew at PhotographyBLOG either. Image quality was found to be decent in well-lit conditions and no more than ISO 800 -- typical limitations on cameras with such tiny lens and body. Little is said about the video quality but we were adequately pleased with the sample videos linked from YouTube. The only major flaw indicated was the "permanently exposed" lens, but we can't imagine it being a deal breaker for most of you nice folks out there, right?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 reviewed: as good as 'a loaf of plain white bread' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePhotographyBLOG  | Email this | Comments]]>cameracompact cameraCompactCameraDMC-FP8lumixlumix DMC-FP8LumixDmc-fp8panasonicpanasonic DMC-FP8Panasonic Lumixpanasonic lumix DMC-FP8PanasonicDmc-fp8PanasonicLumixPanasonicLumixDmc-fp8reviewSun, 20 Dec 2009 04:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Re transforms your iPhone into a universal remote (which seems like a step backwards, to be honest)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/re-transforms-your-iphone-into-a-universal-remote-which-seems-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/re-transforms-your-iphone-into-a-universal-remote-which-seems-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/re-transforms-your-iphone-into-a-universal-remote-which-seems-l/#commentsOK, so we know a thing or two about the "convenience" of using your iPhone as a remote control. For instance, using it to control Boxee was alright -- until we needed to make a call. Or we received a call. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the idea of re-purposing your phone to act as a universal remote seems a little silly. But what do we know? Maybe you hold all calls while Jersey Shore is on anyways. In that case, Re could be your next favorite gadget. This bad boy lets your handset communicate with all your AV equipment via infrared, contains an extensive database of devices, and can learn from any IR remote. If that weren't enough, New Kinetix promises regular updates to the app -- and your typical remote can't do that! Compatible with the iPod Touch as well, there's no word yet on a price or release date, but we're expecting that we'll be getting plenty more details come CES time.

Re transforms your iPhone into a universal remote (which seems like a step backwards, to be honest) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Chip Chick  |  sourceNew Kinetix  | Email this | Comments]]>infraredirNew KinetixNewKinetixReremoteuniversal remoteUniversalRemoteSun, 20 Dec 2009 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Poor iPhone reception graduates to SNL 'Weekend Update' joke status]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/poor-iphone-reception-graduates-to-snl-weekend-update-joke-sta/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/poor-iphone-reception-graduates-to-snl-weekend-update-joke-sta/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/poor-iphone-reception-graduates-to-snl-weekend-update-joke-sta/#comments "It was reported this week that Google would soon launch its own cellphone as a challenge to the iPhone. Also a challenge to the iPhone? Making phone calls."

Cue uproarious applause.

Update: Video after the break! Thanks Michael!

Continue reading Poor iPhone reception graduates to SNL 'Weekend Update' joke status

Poor iPhone reception graduates to SNL 'Weekend Update' joke status originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>appleattbad receptionBadReceptioniphonenbcreceptionsaturday night liveSaturdayNightLivesnlweekend updateWeekendUpdateSun, 20 Dec 2009 01:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Artopz Minitopz Ion-based nettop lamp rains down confusion, wonder]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/artopz-minitopz-ion-based-nettop-lamp-rains-down-confusion-wond/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/artopz-minitopz-ion-based-nettop-lamp-rains-down-confusion-wond/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/artopz-minitopz-ion-based-nettop-lamp-rains-down-confusion-wond/#comments We don't get it. At all. That said, we're totally enamored with this Artopz Minitopz, which manages to both be an impressively-specced Atom and Ion-based nettop, and simultaneously a completly confounding piece of "art." Apparently it's supposed to be perceived as a lamp, but we'd say that stretches the limits of imagination. But it stretches them in a good way, that's all we're saying. Oh, and the Minitopz costs $2,250, just in case you thought you'd penetrated this fog of luxurious gadget oddity to the point of pulling out a wallet. Maybe the video after the break will help clear some things up? Nope, not really.

Continue reading Artopz Minitopz Ion-based nettop lamp rains down confusion, wonder

Artopz Minitopz Ion-based nettop lamp rains down confusion, wonder originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PCLaunches  |  sourceArtopz  | Email this | Comments]]>artartopzartopz minitopzArtopzMinitopzatomhome theater pcHomeTheaterPcionlampminitopznettopSat, 19 Dec 2009 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[B.O.S.S. Wiimote shell fills giant people with sense of SNES nostalgia]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/b-o-s-s-wiimote-shell-fills-giant-people-with-sense-of-snes-nos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/b-o-s-s-wiimote-shell-fills-giant-people-with-sense-of-snes-nos/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/b-o-s-s-wiimote-shell-fills-giant-people-with-sense-of-snes-nos/#comments It might be hard to tell from the picture, but that B.O.S.S. controller, built by Performance Designed Products, is no controller at all. Instead it's a SNES controller-shaped, super-sized shell that slides over a regular Wiimote and turns it into a monstrosity of memories and oversized buttons. Kudos for ingenuity, but unfortunately the playability suffers and the bulk is just too much to handle, according to Ars Technica. For $10 you can't fault it too much (and it least it isn't reliant on its own batteries, a sore subject for the manufacturer), but we think we might save that cash for some international postage to write Nintendo about its unconscionable neglect of the Wii Classic Controller with New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

B.O.S.S. Wiimote shell fills giant people with sense of SNES nostalgia originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceArs Technica  | Email this | Comments]]>add-onbosscontroller shellControllerShellperformance designed productsPerformanceDesignedProductsretroshellwiiwiimoteSat, 19 Dec 2009 21:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Possible PSN premium services detailed in leaked survey?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/possible-psn-premium-services-detailed-in-leaked-survey/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/possible-psn-premium-services-detailed-in-leaked-survey/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/possible-psn-premium-services-detailed-in-leaked-survey/#comments It's hard to put too much credence in a survey. Not only is it easy to fake (although this one sounds fairly legit and has popped up elsewhere), but the questions posed could be purely theoretical. That caveat aside, there's a bunch of very interesting stuff in this list of features we just got from someone who claims to have done a survey for Sony about its plans to charge for "premium" PlayStation Network content. The actual subscription costs flung around ranged from $20 to $60 a year, or alternatively $6 to $9 a month, and while some features might sound familiar to Xbox Live members, there's plenty of innovative stuff here that we wouldn't mind seeing pop up on either platform, including:
  • Customer Service Priority Access
  • Exclusive Experiences with Sony Brands
  • Extended Console Warranty 3 Years
  • Access to Beta Games
  • Early Access to All Store Content
  • Member Demo Sharing of Full Game
  • Cross-game Voice Chat Access
  • Full Title Trial - 1st Hour Is Free
  • Token Wagering
  • User-to-user Challenges
  • Free Access to PSOne Classics, PSP Minis, and PS3/PSP Themes
  • Discounts on Store Content
  • Member Only In-game Content
  • Trophy Alerts
  • Cloud Storage Space for Games
  • Online Music Service
  • Online Music Video Service
  • Automatic Downloads and Updates
  • Loyalty Program Rewards
  • Facebook Connectivity
  • Catch-up TV
  • Netflix Access Without Disc
What a mouthful! There are definitions of all these after the break, and while the survey seems to imply that not all of these would be available in whatever paid service Sony launches, we could imagine quite a few PS3 users (ourselves, for instance) shelling out cash for some of the perks listed -- as long as they can swallow their Xbox Live Gold-deriding pride.

[Thanks, Christopher]

Continue reading Possible PSN premium services detailed in leaked survey?

Possible PSN premium services detailed in leaked survey? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>leakplaystationplaystation networkplaystation network premiumPlaystationNetworkPlaystationNetworkPremiumpremiumpsnrumorsurveySat, 19 Dec 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Psystar still in business, or not in business, or... something]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/psystar-still-in-business-or-not-in-business-or-something/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/psystar-still-in-business-or-not-in-business-or-something/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/psystar-still-in-business-or-not-in-business-or-something/#comments Psystar's attorneys have had some truly bumbling moments in the past year or so, and the hits keep coming: now they're disagreeing over whether or not the would-be Mac cloner is out of business. Lead law firm Camara & Sibley is now denying yesterday's Dow Jones report, which quoted Psystar's California counsel Eugene Action as saying the company would be shutting down "immediately," and insists that the company is still is business selling Rebel EFI. That would be the end of the story for now... except it's not true. Although Psystar's site still offers the software for download, it's listed as "out of stock," and you can't buy a license. What's more, Psystar was just ordered by the California court to stop helping anyone install OS X and warned that it continued to sell Rebel EFI "at its peril," so it'd be pretty ballsy to offer it for sale once again. Camara & Sibley also says it's going to appeal the California decision while it presses forward with the second lawsuit in Florida, but we've seriously got to wonder who's going to pay all these bills -- Psystar is already on the hook for $2.67 million in fines to Apple, and appeals and a second round of litigation don't come cheap. We'll see what happens next, but we can't say we're too surprised that the end of Psystar's story is as shady as its start.

P.S.- Eugene Action might be the single best thing to come out of this whole mess -- his website, located at (seriously) myharvardlawyer.us, is a treasure trove of embarrassing hilarity. Choice unedited quote:

I Graduated from Harvard Law School in Cambridge Massachusetts. If you have not heard of Harvard Law school, welcome to planet earth and enjoy your visit.

Well, we're certainly impressed -- too bad that fancy degree didn't help Psystar win its case, though.

Psystar still in business, or not in business, or... something originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePC World, Eugene Action  | Email this | Comments]]>appleeugene actionEugeneActionlawsuitlegalpsystarSat, 19 Dec 2009 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's XT701, MT710, and XT800 do Android for China's big three carriers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/motorolas-xt701-mt710-and-xt800-do-android-for-chinas-big-th/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/motorolas-xt701-mt710-and-xt800-do-android-for-chinas-big-th/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/motorolas-xt701-mt710-and-xt800-do-android-for-chinas-big-th/#comments Even through the lean years, Moto's been making waves in China where it enjoys comparably high popularity -- it was one of the first major manufacturers to throw its support behind the nation's homegrown TD-SCDMA 3G tech, after all, and it's had a tendency to get the company's sexier WinMo smartphones like the SURF. On that note, it doesn't come as much of a surprise to see that they've now announced not one, not two, but three fairly attractive, high-end Android handsets specifically for duty in the Far East, one for each of China's big three carriers (each of which employs a different 3G technology, per the gub'mint's orders). Starting on the left, the XT701 is the phone that we'd believed to be the Sholes Tablet -- and considering that it uses HSPA for China Unicom's airwaves, we still have no reason to believe it couldn't make the leap across the Pacific. The MT710 (pictured center) is an OPhone for China Mobile and stands the least chance of making an unfettered jump to another continent since it uses a completely customized UI along with a positively China-only TD-SCDMA radio. Finally, the XT800 on the right looks like a Dell Mini 3i done right to us, rocking dual-mode GSM and EV-DO for China Telecom's rather heterogeneous network. We've got to hand it to Moto here: by all appearances, these 3.7-inch WVGA, 5 megapixel beasts could get Android fans drooling pretty much anywhere in the world, so let's get 'em over to Europe and America on the double, eh?

[Thanks, Vitala]

Motorola's XT701, MT710, and XT800 do Android for China's big three carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink mobile-review  |  sourceMotorola (MT710), (XT800), (XT701)  | Email this | Comments]]>androidbreaking newsBreakingNewschinachina mobilechina telecomchina unicomChinaMobileChinaTelecomChinaUnicommotomotorolamt710ophonext701xt800Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Stable Android 2.1 hacked onto Droid, speeds through those extra home screens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/stable-android-2-1-hacked-onto-droid-speeds-through-those-extra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/stable-android-2-1-hacked-onto-droid-speeds-through-those-extra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/stable-android-2-1-hacked-onto-droid-speeds-through-those-extra/#comments Staying warm out there? Got a cup of hot cocoa in hand? Good, because Mr. Greek35T over at AllDroid has a stable version of the (previously rough-around-the-edges) Android 2.1 ROM ready for all you Droid users to play around with. It's officially "super fast," and probably the best thing to happen this weekend outside of that wicked jump you built on the neighborhood sledding hill before you went and watched Avatar with all your old high school friends. Hit up the source link for the full install instructions, and there's a video of 2.1 in action after the break.

[Thanks, Brandon]

Continue reading Stable Android 2.1 hacked onto Droid, speeds through those extra home screens

Stable Android 2.1 hacked onto Droid, speeds through those extra home screens originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAllDroid  | Email this | Comments]]>2.1android 2.1android romAndroid2.1AndroidRomdroidgreek35thackmotorola droidMotorolaDroidromrootedSat, 19 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/engadgets-holiday-gift-guide-2009/#comments Have you checked into Engadget's massive 2009 Holiday Gift Guide? If not, you're making the biggest mistake of the season. Seriously. Don't let this year mark the end of happiness. Help us help you... just study the guides below (and stay tuned for even more)!


Accessories
Cellphones
e-book readers

GPS
Netbooks
PMPs

Smartphones
Television / Displays
Toys

Laptops
Desktops
Docks & Clocks

Video Cameras
Digital Cameras

Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>engadget holiday gift guideEngadgetHolidayGiftGuidehgg 2009holiday gift guideholiday gift guide 2009HolidayGiftGuideHolidayGiftGuide2009Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Kodak wins preliminary ruling in patent squabble with Samsung]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/kodak-wins-preliminary-ruling-in-patent-squabble-with-samsung/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/kodak-wins-preliminary-ruling-in-patent-squabble-with-samsung/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/kodak-wins-preliminary-ruling-in-patent-squabble-with-samsung/#commentsGood old December, the busiest time of the year for elves, reindeer, jolly old fat guys... and lawyers, apparently. Joining the rush to make momentous decisions before Santa arrives, the International Trade Commission has made a preliminary ruling in favor of Kodak in its dispute over digital camera patents with Samsung. Though the original lawsuit included LG, an out of court settlement has left only Sammy in the firing line, and this early decision has affirmed that two of Kodak's patents were infringed in the production of its cameraphones. It's still necessary for the full commission to look at and approve the judgment, but considering Samsung's vast range of camera-equipped phones, we'd throw legal caution to the wind and start bombarding the ITC with "holiday cheer" pronto.

Kodak wins preliminary ruling in patent squabble with Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceYahoo! News  | Email this | Comments]]>cameracameraphonecameraphonescamerasdigital camerasDigitalCamerasdisputeEastman KodakEastmanKodakintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyinternational trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionipitcitskodaklawlawsuitlegalpatentpatent disputepatent infringementPatentDisputePatentInfringementsamsungSat, 19 Dec 2009 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 spotted in the wild, courtesy of shouting speech bubbles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/fujitsu-lifebook-uh900-spotted-in-the-wild-courtesy-of-shouting/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/fujitsu-lifebook-uh900-spotted-in-the-wild-courtesy-of-shouting/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/fujitsu-lifebook-uh900-spotted-in-the-wild-courtesy-of-shouting/#comments
There could only be two reasons for why we got a bit excited upon the discovery of this Asia Pacific-only, $1,415 Fujitsu UH900 in Hong Kong: one was the sugar rush from two custard tarts earlier in the day, and two was the speech bubble overload on this smartbook laptop thing. We quickly sobered up when we heard about the two-hour battery life -- more pessimistic than Fujitsu's own press release, which promises three hours in ECO mode. While there was no hands-on opportunity to try out the multitouch screen -- a self-proclaimed world's first on this form factor -- we weren't impressed by the overall glossiness and the dull side bezel, but kudos to the guy who managed to keep a straight face while revealing the petite battery life.

Gallery: Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 spotted in the wild

Fujitsu LifeBook UH900 spotted in the wild, courtesy of shouting speech bubbles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>atomatom z530AtomZ530fujitsufujitsu lifebookfujitsu uh900FujitsuLifebookFujitsuUh900hong kongHongKongintel atomintel atom z530IntelAtomIntelAtomZ530laptoplifebook uh900LifebookUh900multitouchmultitouch laptopMultitouchLaptopnotebooksmartbooktouchscreentouchscreen laptopTouchscreenLaptopuh900z530Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[NorhTec Gecko Surfboard is neither gecko nor surfboard (it's a keyboard PC)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/norhtec-gecko-surfboard-is-neither-gecko-nor-surfboard/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/norhtec-gecko-surfboard-is-neither-gecko-nor-surfboard/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/norhtec-gecko-surfboard-is-neither-gecko-nor-surfboard/#comments
It's still a bit early to call it a full-on trend, but it looks like there will be at least a few keyboard PCs on hand at CES next month, including this newly announced Gecko Surfboard form NorhTec. While it doesn't pack a built-in screen like ASUS' Eee Keyboard, it does have a considerably lower $99 price tag, which certainly makes it quite a bit more attractive as a second (or third) PC. Of course, that price also means quite a few more trade-offs, but the 1GHz Xcore86 processor and 512MB of RAM will at least let you get the basics done, and NorhTec boasts that the PC consumes just 5W of power. No word on storage just yet, but the Surfboard will boot from either an SD card or a 2.5-inch hard drive, and it even includes a composite video out to let you hook it up to your TV for a proper 1982 experience (don't worry, it has a VGA port too). You'll also be able to get it loaded with Windows XP, but that will cost you an extra $50 over the $99 Linux version. Head on past the break for a video.

Continue reading NorhTec Gecko Surfboard is neither gecko nor surfboard (it's a keyboard PC)

NorhTec Gecko Surfboard is neither gecko nor surfboard (it's a keyboard PC) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink I4U News  |  sourceNetbooked  | Email this | Comments]]>gecko surfboardGeckoSurfboardnorhtecnorhtec gecko surfboardNorhtecGeckoSurfboardsurfboardSat, 19 Dec 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell adds cheaper Latitude On Flash module to some laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/dell-adds-cheaper-latitude-on-flash-module-to-some-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/dell-adds-cheaper-latitude-on-flash-module-to-some-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/dell-adds-cheaper-latitude-on-flash-module-to-some-laptops/#commentsDell's Latitude On quick-boot OS has been available on some of the company's laptops for a little while now, but it looks like Dell has now found a new way to make those laptops boot fast but be more affordable. That comes in the form of Latitude On Flash, which an actual flash module that snaps into a mini-card slot in the laptop and makes use of the laptop's own x86 processor to speed up the boot process instead of a separate ARM chip like current Latitude On systems. While that switch will still give you a boot time of eight to ten seconds, it apparently comes at some expense to battery life -- although we're guessing the lower cost (a $50 upgrade, as opposed to a $199 one) will make that trade-off more than acceptable to most users. Look for the upgrade right now on Dell's Latitude E4200, E4300 and Z laptops -- which, incidentally, also come with an updated Gen 2 interface for the Latitude On OS.

Dell adds cheaper Latitude On Flash module to some laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PC World  |  sourceDell  | Email this | Comments]]>dellDell LatitudeDellLatitudeinstant oninstant-oninstant-on osInstant-onOsInstantOnlatitude onlatitude on flashLatitudeOnLatitudeOnFlashquick bootquick-bootQuickBootSat, 19 Dec 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Jimmy and 'the nerdy guy' yuk it up Late Night style (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/josh-and-jimmy-yuk-it-up-late-night-style-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/josh-and-jimmy-yuk-it-up-late-night-style-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/josh-and-jimmy-yuk-it-up-late-night-style-video/#comments
 It happened, did you feel it? A shockwave of nerdery so sublime that only a slot on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon could contain it. Josh and Jimmy mixed up a mean stew of gadget gusto last night which you can now watch after the break. It's a two-parter 'cause even the boys in NBC post production couldn't limit our man Toplotsky to a single cut.

Continue reading Jimmy and 'the nerdy guy' yuk it up Late Night style (video)

Jimmy and 'the nerdy guy' yuk it up Late Night style (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>adamo xpsAdamoXpsbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNobledellicdjimmy fallonJimmyFallonjosh topolskyJoshTopolskylate nightlate night with jimmy fallonLateNightLateNightWithJimmyFallonnooknvidia ionNvidiaIontegra 600Tegra600xpsSat, 19 Dec 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint puts out fact sheet for dual-mode U301 WiMAX modem, release imminent?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/sprint-puts-out-fact-sheet-for-dual-mode-u301-wimax-modem-relea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/sprint-puts-out-fact-sheet-for-dual-mode-u301-wimax-modem-relea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/sprint-puts-out-fact-sheet-for-dual-mode-u301-wimax-modem-relea/#commentsSo Sprint just published an official fact sheet for a U301 USB modem with support for both WiMAX and EV-DO -- it's not accompanied by any press release or product page on Sprint's online store, but we can only assume this means that a release is around the corner. Of course, the dual-mode capability alone doesn't set it apart -- the carrier's existing U300 model already handles those duties with aplomb -- but what seemingly sets the U301 apart is its support for Mac OS. We'd just as soon they'd release drivers for the U300, but failing that, alright, fine, we'll take a new modem. If we're sustaining over 3Mbps down, we'll take a lot of carrier and manufacturer abuse, actually.

Sprint puts out fact sheet for dual-mode U301 WiMAX modem, release imminent? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSprint  | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gdatadata modemDataModemdual modedual-modeDualModemodemsprintu301usbusb modemUsbModemwimaxSat, 19 Dec 2009 04:24:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Motorola's Droid?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/19/how-would-you-change-motorolas-droid/#comments The anti-iPhone. The phone that "does." The first Motorola device that we've seen in years that's downright awe-inspiring. Naturally, we're referring to the Droid. VZW spent all kinds of money to hype up this Android 2.0 handset as the phone to get if AT&T's 3G coverage was just too weak for your liking, and it seems to have been at least decently effective. We know the phone had its fair share of quirks right off the bat, but we're happy to say that most of those nuisances were taken care of via firmware update. Still, we know geeks, and those suckers are never happy. If you were in charge of redesigning this thing, what aspects would you tweak? Is the slide-out QWERTY up to snuff? Is the display crisp enough? Are the transitions snappy enough? Do you wish it was impossible to turn off the "Droid" sound emission each time you received an email? Dish out your hot fury below.

How would you change Motorola's Droid? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>androidcdmadroidfeaturefeaturesgoogleHow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycmotomotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidsmartphoneverizonSat, 19 Dec 2009 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[WebOS 1.3.5 coming to CES: better performance and more app storage, says Palm CEO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/webos-1-3-5-coming-to-ces-better-performance-and-more-app-stora/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/webos-1-3-5-coming-to-ces-better-performance-and-more-app-stora/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/webos-1-3-5-coming-to-ces-better-performance-and-more-app-stora/#commentsHere's something to glean from Palm's recent quarterly call, besides the still less-than-profitable fiscal number, of course. CEO Jon Rubinstein divulged that yes, we will indeed be seeing webOS 1.3.5 during CES early next month. Even better, we got some insight into what we'll be expecting from the update: more application storage (hooray!), better WiFi / app performance, improved battery life, and "increase Pixi speed and responsiveness" -- interesting that Pixi is called out solo for that last one, but we're not about to read too much into that just yet. Good news all around, but let's hope there's still a surprise or two left in store come January 7th.

WebOS 1.3.5 coming to CES: better performance and more app storage, says Palm CEO originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePreCentral  | Email this | Comments]]>1.3.5app storageapp storage limitAppStorageAppStorageLimitcesces 10ces 2010Ces10Ces2010jon rubinsteinJonRubinsteinpalmpixiprerubinsteinweb osWebOswebos 1.3.5Webos1.3.5Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Psystar to shut down 'immediately,' world shrugs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/psystar-to-shut-down-immediately-world-shrugs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/psystar-to-shut-down-immediately-world-shrugs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/psystar-to-shut-down-immediately-world-shrugs/#comments
Has the saga finally come to an end? Dow Jones is reporting that Psystar will be firing its eight employees and then "shutting things down immediately," in the words of the company's attorney with the bad-ass name, Eugene Action. Besides, after the latest round of losses at the hands of Apple, this should come as a shock to nobody. Now that we've put all that behind us, can we concentrate on something of importance -- like Tweeting swears from the Zune HD Twitter app?

Psystar to shut down 'immediately,' world shrugs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceDow Jones  | Email this | Comments]]>applecopyrightcopyright infringementCopyrightInfringementdmcaeugene actionEugeneActionlawsuitlegalleopardmac os xMacOsXout of businessOutOfBusinesspsystarrebel efiRebelEfisnow leopardSnowLeopardFri, 18 Dec 2009 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Baby simulator surfaces in Japan, Devo wants its mascot back (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/baby-simulator-surfaces-in-japan-devo-wants-its-mascot-back-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/baby-simulator-surfaces-in-japan-devo-wants-its-mascot-back-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/baby-simulator-surfaces-in-japan-devo-wants-its-mascot-back-vi/#comments
When we first saw Yotaro baby simulator we thought: "we've seen this ugly robot before." And no, weren't thinking about Keiko, the robot patient currently seeing action in teaching hospitals in Japan. It just so happens that robot in question has more than a passing resemblance to Booji Boy, a character beloved to Devo fans world-wide. The robot, developed at the University of Tsukuba, is designed to teach people about childcare and parenting by portraying various facial expressions, movements, and physiological traits associated with babies, relying on a Rube Goldberg-esque array of water tanks, projectors, sensors, and sophisticated emotion control software to respond to your actions appropriately. If you think it looks strange above, wait until you see it in action! Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Baby simulator surfaces in Japan, Devo wants its mascot back (video)

Baby simulator surfaces in Japan, Devo wants its mascot back (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Technabob  |  sourceUchiyamalab  | Email this | Comments]]>babybaby simulatorBabySimulatorjapansimulatorUniversity of TsukubaUniversityOfTsukubayotaroFri, 18 Dec 2009 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Josh is on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/josh-is-on-late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-tonight/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/josh-is-on-late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-tonight/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/josh-is-on-late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-tonight/#comments
Josh on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Get ready, America. Josh is once again accosting our nation's airwaves from the set of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and he's got a pretty huge assortment of new gear to show off. Tune in on your local NBC station at the times listed below, let us know how he's doing in comments, and make sure to include #joshtops in your tweets!

P.S. - If you missed Josh and Jimmy getting silly with the TwitterPeek and the Droid last month, we've got the video for you after the break.

P.P.S. - Need another reason to check out the show tonight? Here's a teaser.

Showtimes:
12:35AM Eastern
11:35PM Central
11:35PM Mountain
12:35AM Pacific

Continue reading Josh is on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight!

Josh is on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>jimmy fallonJimmyFallonjosh topolskyJoshTopolskyjoshua topolskyJoshuaTopolskylate nightlate night with jimmy fallonLateNightLateNightWithJimmyFallonFri, 18 Dec 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile bringing HTC HD2 to the States? All .nbh files point to 'yes']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/t-mobile-bringing-htc-hd2-to-the-states-all-nbh-files-point-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/t-mobile-bringing-htc-hd2-to-the-states-all-nbh-files-point-to/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/t-mobile-bringing-htc-hd2-to-the-states-all-nbh-files-point-to/#comments You know those times when you're sifting through an undercooked ROM, dumping .nbh files right and left, asking yourself: "is this even worth it?" Well, the folks at WMExperts can answer with a resounding fist pump after digging up references to T-Mobile US in an HTC HD2 prerelease ROM that was recently leaked their way. At this point we're looking at a new 2.01 version of the HD2 software in the T-Mobile version, a big jump from the 1.61 seen in previous leaks, which maybe will smooth over some of those performance woes we experienced with the device. WMExperts also claims a March 2010 release date, which seems a while to wait, but somebody told us once about "good things" coming to "waiters" or something like that, so we're cautiously optimistic.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

T-Mobile bringing HTC HD2 to the States? All .nbh files point to 'yes' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWMExperts  | Email this | Comments]]>hd2htchtc hd2HtcHd2leakrumort-mobilet-mobile ust-mobile usaT-mobileUsT-mobileUsaFri, 18 Dec 2009 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 catches FCC on a good day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-catches-fcc-on-a-good-day/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-catches-fcc-on-a-good-day/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-catches-fcc-on-a-good-day/#comments Oh, to live the life of an FCC certification lab employee: setting up test benches, writing reports, playing with devices that won't be released for months or years. Instead, we're stuck enjoying their fun vicariously at an arm's length through a little portal we know as the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology, where gems like the X10 occasionally pop up complete with pretty in-the-wild pictures, teardowns, and user manuals. What we're looking at here are test results for EDGE 850 / 1900 plus WCDMA Band IV (that'd be T-Mobile's and WIND's spectrum, by the bye), WiFi, and Bluetooth, so even if T-Mobile ultimately chooses not to offer it on contract, you should be able to score it one way or another N900-style. The user's manual is basically just 40 pages of good stuff plus a bunch of conformity statement mumbo jumbo, but it's still a good read -- so if you think this might be your phone of choice come 2010, have a look.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 catches FCC on a good day originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceFCC  | Email this | Comments]]>androidericssonfccrachaelsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonx10xperiaxperia x10XperiaX10Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget HD goes inside a FiOS TV Super Headend and Video Hub Office]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/engadget-hd-goes-inside-a-fios-tv-super-headend-and-video-hub-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/engadget-hd-goes-inside-a-fios-tv-super-headend-and-video-hub-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/engadget-hd-goes-inside-a-fios-tv-super-headend-and-video-hub-of/#commentsFiOS TV Video Hub Control center
If your idea of fun is going behind the scenes and finding out how your cable company's gears turn, then don't waste any time clicking on this link. On this tour the crew learns all about collecting 600 channels and distributing them around the country via fiber, complete with locally inserted ads and complying with ridiculous blackout rules. But most interestingly, we learn exactly what makes Verizon FiOS TV special while at the same time what it has in common with other cable companies.

Engadget HD goes inside a FiOS TV Super Headend and Video Hub Office originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceEngadget HD  | Email this | Comments]]>FiOS TVFiosTvSuper HeadendSuperHeadendVerizonVerizon FiOSVerizonFiosFri, 18 Dec 2009 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Show returns Sunday, December 20th!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/the-engadget-show-returns-sunday-december-20th/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/the-engadget-show-returns-sunday-december-20th/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/the-engadget-show-returns-sunday-december-20th/#comments Can't wait for another Engadget Show to roll around? Well you're in luck, friend. We're going to be hitting the stage again come December 20th, and this one is set to be a killer.

The last show of the decade will be dedicated to just that: the decade. We're going to be talking about the most important gadgets of the past 10 years -- both good and bad -- and we'll be joined by the perfect guest. Peter Rojas, the founder of both Gizmodo and Engadget (and now gdgt!) will take the stage with Josh, Paul, and Nilay to discuss what has been arguably the most important 10 years in gadgetry.

We'll also have a few surprises, as well as some giveaways including an Xbox 360, so don't miss it -- you'll be sorry if you do!

The show takes place at the Tishman Auditorium at Parsons The New School for Design. As you may already know, we film live in front of an audience once a month -- but if you can't make it, don't worry. We're bringing the video back home to Engadget (and as a free download here, in the iTunes Store, or the Zune Marketplace) for your viewing pleasure.

The beautiful venue (which you can see in a photo after the break) is located at 66 W. 12th Street between 5th and 6th Aves. Seating is limited and tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis -- which means if you want to join us in the audience for the show, you'll have to arrive early and be prepared for a little wait.

Here are the facts you need to know about the show:
  • The show is graciously sponsored by Sprint, and hosted by Parsons The New School for Design
  • The total show length will be around an hour
Here is what you need to know if you want to be part of the audience:
  • There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free
  • The event is all ages
  • The venue seats just over 450 people
  • Parsons students are welcomed, and we encourage them to come!
  • Tickets will be available for pickup at the Tishman Auditorium at 2PM on the 20th, and we're strongly encouraging people to get their tickets and not stand in line -- if you have a ticket, you'll have a seat!
  • You'll need to hold onto your ticket stub to be eligible for the giveaways
  • You cannot pick up tickets for other people -- if you want your friend to get a ticket, bring your friend!
  • The show begins at 5PM, and doors will open at 4:30PM
If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget.com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget.com.

Continue reading The Engadget Show returns Sunday, December 20th!

The Engadget Show returns Sunday, December 20th! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>engadget showEngadgetShowthe engadget showTheEngadgetShowFri, 18 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Eee PC 1201N review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/asus-eee-pc-1201n-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/asus-eee-pc-1201n-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/asus-eee-pc-1201n-review/#comments
Six months ago netbooks all had 10-inch displays, fairly cramped keyboards, and couldn't manage to play a 1080p video even if they trained with the best of marathoners. The world's a lot different now: the King of Pop has passed away, the unemployment rate has dropped, and netbook manufacturers have realized 11- and 12-inch displays provide a more comfortable experience -- especially when paired with more powerful hardware that adds multimedia prowess.

We'll stop there with the Netbook 101, but looking at the past is necessary in realizing what a game-changer the ASUS Eee PC 1201N really is. The 1201N's dual-core Intel Atom processor, NVIDIA Ion graphics, Windows 7 Home Premium, and 2GB of RAM make it the most powerful netbook to ever grace the purchase pages of Amazon. But does the $500 machine fix all the issues and frustrations we've ever had with netbooks when put to the test? Can it make us forget about cramped keyboards, strained eyes and sluggish video performance? Find out in our full review.

Gallery: ASUS Eee PC 1201N Review

Continue reading ASUS Eee PC 1201N review

ASUS Eee PC 1201N review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>1201nasusasus eeeasus eee pcasus eee pc 1201nAsusEeeAsusEeePcAsusEeePc1201nasustekintel atomIntelAtomionlaptopsnetbookNetBooksnvidianvidia ionNvidiaIonreviewFri, 18 Dec 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon to FCC: hey, you said ETFs were okay!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/verizon-to-fcc-hey-you-said-etfs-were-okay/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/verizon-to-fcc-hey-you-said-etfs-were-okay/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/verizon-to-fcc-hey-you-said-etfs-were-okay/#comments Even though the FCC just gave Verizon until Monday to respond to its inquiries regarding the company's new $350 "advanced device" early termination fee, they've shown some hustle here and delivered their 77 (yes, seventy-seven) page response today. Here are the two big takeaways consumers are going to care about:
  • The company justifies the advanced device ETF a couple ways; it starts out by referring to some 2003 statements by the FCC in which the Commission says that it doesn't support the concept of customers breaking contracts and that carriers have a right to recoup those fees. Of course, that really doesn't drive to the point here, which is that Verizon's now charging two completely different ETFs based on a rather arbitrary line in the sand drawn by Verizon; to that end, the carrier says that the additional cost it incurs to procure the devices on its advanced list is greater than the difference between the two ETFs ($175) on average. It also says that it needs that extra guaranteed revenue to keep its broadband network up to snuff, since advanced devices are more likely to strain it.
  • Regarding the weirdness at the end of the contract -- where a customer still owes $120 23 months into a two-year deal -- Verizon says that it's still losing money (read: we should be thankful they're prorating at all). As an example, it says that its average loss for a customer canceling 12 months into a contract is about double the $230 prorated ETF on an advanced device, and that statistically speaking, customers are far more likely to cancel early on than late. While we don't doubt that, we think they're trying to divert the conversation here just a bit.
It's hard to say whether these responses are going to sate the FCC on the matter, but seeing how Verizon's showing no signs that it's interesting in changing its policies, this could still turn into a battle royale. Stay tuned -- something tells us this isn't the last we'll hear on the matter.

[Thanks, Daniel P.]

Verizon to FCC: hey, you said ETFs were okay! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceFCC  | Email this | Comments]]>early termination feeEarlyTerminationFeeetffccverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 18 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Peregrine gaming glove modeled, calibrated, and demoed on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/peregrine-gaming-glove-modeled-calibrated-and-demoed-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/peregrine-gaming-glove-modeled-calibrated-and-demoed-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/peregrine-gaming-glove-modeled-calibrated-and-demoed-on-video/#comments Now that the Peregrine gaming glove is finalized and taking pre-orders, we had a chance to sit down with creator and company CEO Brent Baier, who guided us through the use of the military-spec'd mitt and gave us our first glimpse at the calibration / key-mapping software (PC only for now, Mac coming later). We're still fiddling with our review unit, and while the gaming aspect is intriguing, we're actually pretty interested in how it could be applied to production and design software. The one issue with that is a conscience decision to limit each finger press to activating only one key at a time -- macros are theoretically possible, but according to Baier that would disqualify the glove from being used in professional gaming competitions. Maybe down the line, perhaps? Video after the break.

Gallery: Peregrine gaming glove press photos

Continue reading Peregrine gaming glove modeled, calibrated, and demoed on video

Peregrine gaming glove modeled, calibrated, and demoed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>brent baierBrentBaiergloveperegrineperegrine glovePeregrineGlovevideoFri, 18 Dec 2009 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Crapgadget master class: USB portable media speaker with webcam]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/crapgadget-master-class-usb-portable-media-speaker-with-webcam/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/crapgadget-master-class-usb-portable-media-speaker-with-webcam/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/crapgadget-master-class-usb-portable-media-speaker-with-webcam/#comments
As every seasoned holiday shopper can attest, the week leading up to Christmas is critical. We've all been there: lack of sleep and proper nutrients leads to errors in judgment, collateral damage, and most heinous of all: crapgadgets. How can you be sure that the media dock that you purchased for a loved one is the real deal? Well, you could peruse our Holiday Gift Guide selection of docks and alarm clocks, for starters. But if you're in a crunch, ask yourself the following questions: Is the speaker set manufactured by the Kaiser Transmission Parts Company of Taipei? Does it feature a mind-numbing array of features? (The above example includes SD card support, a 5 megapixel webcam, and support for external storage via USB.) Does the black and orange color combination make you dizzy? And, the most telling: Does the product literature boast support for the Meizu M8? If so, then yes, you probably have a crapgadget. If you're undaunted -- and you have $53.99 to burn -- hit the source link. Or get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Crapgadget master class: USB portable media speaker with webcam

Crapgadget master class: USB portable media speaker with webcam originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGizFever  | Email this | Comments]]>crapgadgetdockmedia dockMediaDockspeakersUSB media speakerUSB portable media speaker with webcamUSB speakerUsbMediaSpeakerUsbPortableMediaSpeakerWithWebcamUsbSpeakerwebcamFri, 18 Dec 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to give Sync some App Store flavor, opening API to devs in 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/ford-to-give-sync-some-app-store-flavor-opening-api-to-devs-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/ford-to-give-sync-some-app-store-flavor-opening-api-to-devs-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/ford-to-give-sync-some-app-store-flavor-opening-api-to-devs-in/#comments Ford has already shown it can tie the controls of Sync-enabled vehicles to the music and contacts databases of drivers phones and PMPs and though it may take time before our emotions can be detected, the next step is extending that connectivity to downloadable apps on those devices. Since Sync first debuted, the explosion of the App Store concept has meant nearly every smartphone owner is packing plenty of ways to access and use information from the internet, but without an easy way to interact with it while driving. Extending access to vehicle controls could lead to programs like Pandora or Google's turn by turn navigation letting users change stations with their existing stereo knobs, or listen to directions via the in-car system by simply updating their existing software. The first ones to get a crack at it? A few university students, check after the break to see what they came up with given just a few weeks to test system out.

Gallery: Ford Sync API Demo

Follow Me demoSYNCCast demowith iPhone and Sync headunitSync API connects these devices apps over Bluetooth

Continue reading Ford to give Sync some App Store flavor, opening API to devs in 2010

Ford to give Sync some App Store flavor, opening API to devs in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceFord  | Email this | Comments]]>2010APIAppledevelopmentfordiphonesyncFri, 18 Dec 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM's optical trackpads: they weren't joking about the 'optical' part]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/rims-optical-trackpads-they-werent-joking-about-the-optical/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/rims-optical-trackpads-they-werent-joking-about-the-optical/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/rims-optical-trackpads-they-werent-joking-about-the-optical/#comments Thinking about how your phone's touchscreen operates, you might assume that the so-called optical pads that have been making appearances on recent BlackBerrys (among other devices) operate in a similar fashion -- but you'd be wrong. RIM's official BlackBerry blog is chiming in today to drop some knowledge on us dullards, and it turns out that "optical" isn't just a cute nickname -- the pads do actually operate in much the same way as modern desktop mice, using a low-res infrared camera to capture movement across the surface and translate it into movement. In practical terms, what this means is that you don't need a conductive surface to operate the pad -- you can use pretty much anything that the sensor can see, so a gloved hand (for instance) is theoretically good to go. That being said, don't expect to be snapping photos with your "camera" any time soon -- we're literally talking about a handful of grayscale pixels here, which should make it only marginally better than the Droid's cam.

RIM's optical trackpads: they weren't joking about the 'optical' part originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceInside BlackBerry  | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryopticaloptical trackpadOpticalTrackpadrimtrackpadFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Chromium OS lands on the Archos 9, doesn't do much]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/chromium-os-lands-on-the-archos-9-doesnt-do-much/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/chromium-os-lands-on-the-archos-9-doesnt-do-much/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/chromium-os-lands-on-the-archos-9-doesnt-do-much/#comments Trying to satisfy that browser-only touchscreen tablet urge? Well, you're sort of in luck. Those Atom-powered Archos 9 tablets are out and about, and the fine folks at UMPCPortal have slung a copy of Google's Chromium OS onto one. Unfortunately, since there's no touchscreen keyboard in the OS (yet), and the touchscreen input isn't even recognized, this is more of a "proof of concept" than a killer app. Still, we like where this is headed.

Chromium OS lands on the Archos 9, doesn't do much originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceUMPCPortal flickr  | Email this | Comments]]>archos 9Archos9chrome osChromeOschromium osChromiumOsgoogletabletFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone nabs 46 percent of Japanese smartphone market, the tiny Japanese smartphone market]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/iphone-nabs-46-pecent-of-japanese-smartphone-market-the-tiny-ja/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/iphone-nabs-46-pecent-of-japanese-smartphone-market-the-tiny-ja/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/iphone-nabs-46-pecent-of-japanese-smartphone-market-the-tiny-ja/#comments
So you read a headline like "iPhone grabs 46 percent of the Japanese smartphone market" and the first thing you're likely to think is, "wow, Apple is really doing well for itself." Well, it is and it isn't. While it has made some considerable gains in the smartphone market at the expense of phones like Sharp's W-ZERO3 and the Willcom 03, it still hasn't gained nearly the same total mindshare or market share that it has over here. That's because "smartphones" as we know them are still a relatively small market in Japan, where carriers' lineups consist of a whole range of offerings including everything from mobile TV-equipped phones to true camera phones to perfume holders. For a bit more context, check out the pie chart after the break courtesy of IDC Japan, which shows cellphone vendors' market share in Japan as of October of this year. The leaders by a wide margin are Sharp, Panasonic, Fujitsu and NEC with a combined 72.8% of the market, while Apple is lumped in with "Others," which add up to 22.6%. It's making inroads, to be sure, but just that at the moment.

Continue reading iPhone nabs 46 percent of Japanese smartphone market, the tiny Japanese smartphone market

iPhone nabs 46 percent of Japanese smartphone market, the tiny Japanese smartphone market originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  sourceImpress R&D, IDC Japan  | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphonecellphone salesCellphoneSalesiphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsIphone3gIphone3gsjapanmarket shareMarketShareFri, 18 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulu to stream reality show internationally, incessantly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/hulu-to-stream-reality-show-internationally-incessantly/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/hulu-to-stream-reality-show-internationally-incessantly/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/hulu-to-stream-reality-show-internationally-incessantly/#comments
See this forlorn-looking male model? He's got a lot on his mind. Really, he's just like the rest of us -- a starry-eyed dreamer who's headed to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune. To this end, he's shacked up with four fellow photogenic wannabes in a Hollywood crash pad where they'll be webcast 24-7 for Simon Fuller's new Internet-only talent show, If I Can Dream. In addition to weekly episodes broadcast on Hulu, voyeurs viewers will be able to watch the action in the house live, as it goes down. You see, Hulu (who's not had much luck getting a foothold outside of the states) will be streaming the thing to select international markets in an attempt to spread their brand and influence worldwide. Will it work? Who knows? Besides, Jersey Shore is more our speed. PR, video after the break.

Continue reading Hulu to stream reality show internationally, incessantly

Hulu to stream reality show internationally, incessantly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink All Things Digital  |   | Email this | Comments]]>huluif i can dreamIfICanDreamnbc universalNbcUniversalreality tvRealityTvsimon fullerSimonFullerstreamingStreaming TVstreaming videoStreamingTvStreamingVideotalent showTalentShowwebcastFri, 18 Dec 2009 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD Twitter app updated, dirty words no longer censored]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/zune-hd-twitter-app-updated-dirty-words-no-longer-censored/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/zune-hd-twitter-app-updated-dirty-words-no-longer-censored/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/18/zune-hd-twitter-app-updated-dirty-words-no-longer-censored/#comments Microsoft promised us it would remove the silly content censorship from the Zune HD Twitter app ASAP, and here we are a day later with version 1.1, which lets you see all the schoolyard swears you could ever want. High five, assholes. Unfortunately, we're not seeing a huge performance improvement: it's a tiny bit snappier, but we're still seeing unresponsive buttons, laggy scrolling, and random WiFi disconnects. On to version 1.2!

P.S.- Screenshot of the new non-censoring app in action after the break. Be careful, it could damage more delicate constitutions.

Continue reading Zune HD Twitter app updated, dirty words no longer censored

Zune HD Twitter app updated, dirty words no longer censored originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>censorshipmicrosofttwittertwitter appTwitterAppupdatezunezune appzune hdzune hd appZuneAppZuneHdZuneHdAppFri, 18 Dec 2009 11:43:00 EST