7/23 Engadget

Security official suspended, turned over to authorities in apparent connection to Foxconn employee's suicide July 22, 2009 at 11:41 pm We suspect there's more than a few chapters left in the story of 25-year old Foxconn factory worker who died in an apparent suicide this month, following the disappearance of a prototype next-generation iPhone. The latest newsbit, this time care of Bloomberg, is that a security official for Hon Hai, a company with 72 percent stake in Foxconn, has been suspended and turned over to Chinese government authorities, with the suspicion / implication here that there's a direct correlation between this and the suicide. Though unconfirmed at this point, reports circulating say the worker had been harassed by company security prior to his death. Yahoo! Tech has all those details, and the official investigation is ongoing. We'd like to say there'll be conclusive answers in this case sometime in the near future, but we're not getting our hopes up. Read - Hon Hai Suspends Official After iPhone Worker Suicide Read - China suicide puts spotlight on secretive Apple culture Filed under: Cellphones Security official suspended, turned over to authorities in apparent connection to Foxconn employee's suicide originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Avatar Digital Binocular Sports camera is a little bit KIRF-y, a little bit crazy July 22, 2009 at 10:38 pm Sure, you can get a relatively compact camera with a nice built-in 10x, 15x, or even 20x optical zoom, but where's the fun in that? This new so-called Avatar Digital Binocular Sports camera, however, will never be saddled with labels like "boring" or "practical." It's big selling point, as you can see, is 21x optical zoom that gets further bolstered by a blinding 40x digital zoom, all of which apparently must be managed without such niceties as auto focus. On the business end of the equation is a 2-megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD, which just so happens to also double as a full-fledged media player with a curiously familiar-looking interface (check it out after the break). The best news? It's available to order right now for just $128, or even less if you buy 'em in bulk. Never to early to start that holiday shopping. [Via Red Ferret] Continue reading Avatar Digital Binocular Sports camera is a little bit KIRF-y, a little bit crazy Filed under: Digital Cameras, Portable Audio, Portable Video Avatar Digital Binocular Sports camera is a little bit KIRF-y, a little bit crazy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off July 22, 2009 at 9:37 pm The new HDMI 1.4 spec adds a host of new features (and, most likely, a lot of new ways to get scammed on cable purchases) but for those excitedly anticipating Audio Return Channel, HDMI Ethernet Channel and 3D over HDMI should know Silicon Image has announced its first line of chips supporting them. Destined for HDTVs, receivers, Blu-ray players and the like, the new port processor and transmitter have the extremely specific sample delivery date of "second half of 2009" so while we certainly don't expect to see any actual hardware until well into next year, keep an ear to the ground if you're considering an upgrade before then. Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment 3D, ARC and Ethernet capable HDMI 1.4 hardware announced, still a long way off originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Toshiba TG01 gets third-party motion sensor for large picture viewing, not virtual golf July 22, 2009 at 8:44 pm Looking for a way to further push the Snapdragon processor while constrained with a 4.1-inch screen, the Japanese-based Usuda Research Institute and Systems Corp has tacked on a MEMS motion sensor to Toshiba's T-01A, also known as the TG01, for motion-based navigation around what it's touting is a 2,000-inch picture. According to Nikkei, this "MotionPlus" like adapter has been shown to work alongside the camera, potentially paving the way for some AR application like we've seen with Tegra. It's hard to tell from the videos just how accurate it is, but we'd love to see this go official -- after a few cosmetic improvements, of course. Check out footage of the dongle in action after the break. [Via WMPoweruser] Continue reading Toshiba TG01 gets third-party motion sensor for large picture viewing, not virtual golf Filed under: Cellphones Toshiba TG01 gets third-party motion sensor for large picture viewing, not virtual golf originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it July 22, 2009 at 7:59 pm We haven't heard from Olive in a white hot minute, but hey, given the price of its wares, maybe it just decided to take the whole recession off. At any rate, the boutique outfit is sashaying back onto the scene with the Opus No. 4, the newest member of its long-standing Opus Hi-Fi Digital Stereo family. As with the models that have come before, this ultra high-end music server packs loads of internal storage (2TB if you're counting), giving you enough room for around 6,000 CDs stored in the lossless FLAC format. There's also a handy, full-color display on the front that probably won't get much use, and 'round back, you'll find a WiFi adapter (for wireless music streaming, you dig?), optical / coaxial digital audio outputs, a left / right analog output, a USB socket and an Ethernet port (for more of that streaming stuff). Look good? You bet. Does it look $1,799 good? That's debatable. Gallery: Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it Filed under: Home Entertainment Olive blesses Opus No. 4 music server with 2TB of space, charges $1,799 for it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments YouTube enters the cavernous, chromatic world of 3D July 22, 2009 at 7:16 pm So it seems that YouTube has been experimenting with offering 3D videos over the past few days, but we've held off on letting you know just to make sure this wasn't some sort of one-day lab test. As you can see in the video there in the read link, 3D videos that are uploaded can now be shown in a variety of formats in order to suit a variety of viewing styles. Believe it or not, this little addition just made YouTube the most pervasive and most useful outlet for bringing 3D content into the home, blazing right on past Panasonic and an entire consortium devoted to making said concept a reality. And with all these 3D cameras and camcorders making their way out onto the market, we're guessing this may up being more than just a fad. We will say, however, that watching the video (posted past the break) sans the appropriate glasses is murder on your brain. Engage at your own risk. [Via CNET, thanks William] Continue reading YouTube enters the cavernous, chromatic world of 3D Filed under: Internet YouTube enters the cavernous, chromatic world of 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Vivitek to shake up HD projector market with 1080p H1080FD at $999 July 22, 2009 at 6:47 pm Sophomore slump? Fuhgetaboutit. After announcing its very first projectors last year with little to no fanfare at all, Vivitek is looking to get everyone's attention with an all new 1080p model that should hit US retail outlets this August. If all goes well, the company's H1080FD will hit just before CEDIA kicks off, and it'll be based on Texas Instruments' S450 chip / light-engine design with Dark Chip II technology. Other specs include 1,800 lumens of brightness, a 5,000:1 contrast ratio, a pair of HDMI ports, composite / S-Video / component inputs, an RS-232c control connector and a 12v trigger -- in other words, even the so-called AV junkie should find plenty to adore. If you're curious just how big of a deal this is in the sector, just have a look at how stoked Sanyo was to introduce an entry-level 1080p beamer 11 months ago at twice this price. [Via AboutProjectors] Filed under: Digital Cameras Vivitek to shake up HD projector market with 1080p H1080FD at $999 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sony debuts 6.1-inch NV-U3DV navigation unit July 22, 2009 at 6:16 pm Well, it's not the Android-based Walkman / PND that Sony supposedly has in the works for next year, but we're guessing the company's new NV-U3DV navigation will still turn a few heads nonetheless, and not just because of its large 6.1-inch screen. Launched today in Japan, this PND packs a 480x272 resolution on that big new screen for bigger buttons and more map space, along with a number of fairly unique features like Position+ G, which makes use of an accelerometer, gyro-sensor, and pressure sensors to detect the direction of the vehicle even in touchy environments like a tunnel or high incline. Otherwise, you can expect all the usual media player features (including mobile TV in Japan), live traffic information, and a full range of points of interest and various guides courtesy of PetaMap. No word on a release 'round here just yet, unfortunately, but folks in Japan will be able to pick this one up in August for ¥65,000, or just under $700. [Via Sony Insider] Filed under: GPS Sony debuts 6.1-inch NV-U3DV navigation unit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Microsoft's Windows 7 gets released to manufacturing July 22, 2009 at 5:55 pm Aw snap, one of the final hurdles on the way to October 22nd has been passed: Windows 7 (and Windows Server 2008 R2, too) has been released to manufacturing. A post over on The Windows Blog explains that this build (7600) underwent tons of scruntiny and tweaking before being deemed sufficient for release, and considering that we know you're anxious for details on dates, hear this: "The RTM code will be delivered to our partners within the next few days who will then start preparing to deliver some amazing new products timed to hit at General Availability (GA) of Windows 7 on October 22nd. As always, current Windows Volume License customers, MSDN subscribers and TechNet subscribers will get first customer access, getting Windows 7 on August 6 (MSDN/TechNet) and August 7 (VL), and Windows Server 2008 R2 the second half of August." So, there you have it -- now, are you prepared to wait until early August to get your download on? Nah, we thought not. The full announcement is posted after the break. Continue reading Microsoft's Windows 7 gets released to manufacturing Filed under: Software Microsoft's Windows 7 gets released to manufacturing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments LG's THX-certified LH90 LCD HDTVs now shipping in US July 22, 2009 at 5:19 pm We've been following LG's 240Hz LH90 series of LED-backlit HDTVs since they were launched alongside oodles of internet-connected rivals at CES, and now -- at long last -- the 1080p trio is shipping to US soil. The sets, which are the first-ever to boast THX certification, also feature an ambient light sensor, 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 240Hz dejudder technology and a super glossy bezel. If you're jonesing to get one in your abode, you can cruise over to your nearest electronics dealer and part ways with $3,199.95 (55-inch), $2,399.95 (47-inch), or $1,899.95 (42-inch). Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment LG's THX-certified LH90 LCD HDTVs now shipping in US originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Casio EX-H10 point-and-shoot (and its superzoom pedigree) get reviewed July 22, 2009 at 4:51 pm We covered this cam's full spec last month, but to refresh your memory, the major attractions are its 720/24p video recording and 10x optical zoom. In fact, the Photography Blog crew, who have a review unit sprawled on their test bench, reckon the H10 is both the thinnest and lightest shooter to ever pack that kind of zooming prowess. They've compared it to the Panasonic DMC-TZ7, their reigning champ in the compact superzoom category, and -- well, you'll have to read the review to find out. The impressions we can share with you include excellent battery life and a useful Anti-Shake system on the upside, but also noise issues at relatively low ISO speeds and only average image quality on the downslope. Still, hit up the read link for a full rundown -- trust us, it's worth it for the cliffhanger ending. Filed under: Digital Cameras Casio EX-H10 point-and-shoot (and its superzoom pedigree) get reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Revamped Sony S-Series Walkman pops up in leaked press photos July 22, 2009 at 4:24 pm The well-connected chaps at Sony Insider have it on very good word that the above press shot is showing what'll be a new addition to Sony's Walkman lineup, likely a revision to its popular S Series. Hard to tell scale, but looks like either the screen's gotten bigger or the device smaller. In addition to the four color options -- red, blue, pink, and just peeking in on the right, black -- there's also that perforated grill on the front, which we figure is a good sign of some speaker. Excited? Hold that thought -- according to the mysterious source, this PMP isn't scheduled for arrival anytime soon. Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video Revamped Sony S-Series Walkman pops up in leaked press photos originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Reminder: don't forget to design your own Kindle and take it home! July 22, 2009 at 4:00 pm We know you've been wracking your brain for the past week trying to dream up that perfect etching for the Kindle's hindquarters, but time's running out -- Friday at 11:59PM EDT is the deadline -- so put digital pen to digital paper and get your entry submitted on the double! Need a refresher? Head on over to the announcement to learn all about our awesome Kindle design contest -- and a big thanks to Amazon and Adafruit Industries for making it possible! Filed under: Announcements, Misc. Gadgets Reminder: don't forget to design your own Kindle and take it home! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sony said to have seriously considered second analog nub for PSP Go July 22, 2009 at 3:34 pm It's no secret that a second analog nub was one of the biggest demands for what's now known as the PSP Go and, according to Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida, those requests were heard loud and clear during the Go's development. Speaking with Game Informer, Yoshida said that Sony had some "very serious discussion" about adding a second analog nub to the PSP Go, but ultimately decided against it to avoid splitting the PSP market in two. He further elaborated that the PSP Go is "designed to be perfectly compatible with the PSP-3000 and all the games that released before that," adding that "we are talking about the mid-life cycle of this platform" (referring to Sony's ten-year life cycle plan for all of its consoles). In other words, don't bet on one showing up on the inevitable PSP Go Slim 6000 either. [Via Joystiq] Filed under: Gaming Sony said to have seriously considered second analog nub for PSP Go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Navigon brings MobileNavigator to iPhone's App Store, we go hands-on July 22, 2009 at 3:06 pm While the world waits with bated breath for TomTom to make good on its promise of providing a bona fide GPS application for iPhone OS 3.0, Navigon is stepping in with every intention of stealing the aforementioned firm's thunder. Sure, AT&T has issued its own subscription app that dings you $9.95 per month, and we've also seen a few dedicated GPS apps surface from both Sygic and XRoad, but this is definitely the first on-board iPhone nav solution from what we'd call a "major" GPS company. Available starting today in the App Store, the 1.29GB MobileNavigator program contains comprehensive NAVTEQ maps of North America, and if you're interested in Europe, Navigon's app for that side of the pond was released around a month ago. Click on for a few of our thoughts. Gallery: Navigon brings MobileNavigator to iPhone's App Store, we go hands-on Continue reading Navigon brings MobileNavigator to iPhone's App Store, we go hands-on Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Software Navigon brings MobileNavigator to iPhone's App Store, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Devotec debuts Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker system July 22, 2009 at 2:41 pm Devotec Industries has mostly kept itself occupied with solar chargers and the like to date, but it looks to be branching out somewhat with its latest product, which appears to be one of the first solar-powered Bluetooth speakers to hit the market. Obviously designed primarily with portability in mind, the Solar Sound packs a pair of 2W speakers, along with a retractable 3.5mm cable to accommodate your non-Bluetooth devices, a built-in mic for some hands-free calling when paired with a phone, a nifty touch panel display, and a promised 8 hours of use from the internal battery (which recharges in 12 to 24 hours from the solar panel, or four hours via AC or USB). Sold? Then you can pick one up right now for $79. [Via TestFreaks, thanks Vincent D] Filed under: Portable Audio Devotec debuts Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Hitachi develops biometric payment system, uses it to sell junk food July 22, 2009 at 2:13 pm Looks like Hitachi has made some serious headway on the biometric payment system we first heard about way back in the halcyon days of 2007. According to the Mainichi Daily News, the company is currently testing its Finger Vein Authentication System internally, with the device serving as a method of payment for vending machines and the like. Once it's proven that employees are able to get their Koala's March and Hi-Chew without incident, the plan is to up the ante, with high precision ID systems that combine finger vein and finger print authentication systems for military use. Filed under: Science Hitachi develops biometric payment system, uses it to sell junk food originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments SPOT intros refreshed, smaller Satellite GPS Messenger July 22, 2009 at 1:49 pm Globalstar's SPOT personal GPS tracker made waves amongst outdoorsmen and argonauts the world over when it was introduced back in 2007, and now the outfit is finally gearing up to ship the second iteration. The newly revamped SPOT is some 30 percent smaller than the previous model, and it also boasts an enhanced antenna for picking up signal whilst deep in the brush, a GPS acquisition light, "Message Sending" indicator light, illuminated buttons and a dedicated pre-programmable Custom Message button. There's also a protective cover over the all-important S.O.S. button to prevent inadvertent message transmissions (wouldn't want that, now would we?), and in a move to give fashionistas a choice, this one will be available in both silver and orange. It's expected to be available in select retailers this fall, but you'll have to wait until then to get a handle on pricing. Gallery: SPOT intros refreshed, smaller Satellite GPS Messenger Filed under: GPS, Handhelds SPOT intros refreshed, smaller Satellite GPS Messenger originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Shocker! PC repairmen aren't to be trusted July 22, 2009 at 1:23 pm Sure, it seems like a no-brainer, but when Sky News in the UK dropped a brand new laptop off at several repair shops in London (equipped with a key logger and sneaky video recording software) they caught employees accessing personal data, hacking accounts for banking and social networking sites, and charging for unnecessary work. Who would've thunk it, right? For their next report, the news team is going to investigate whether or not the iPozh is actually manufactured by Apple. Update: Now with video! Filed under: Laptops Shocker! PC repairmen aren't to be trusted originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Engadget's recession antidote: win our custom-built HTPC! July 22, 2009 at 1:00 pm Our Recession Antidote series has been firing on all cylinders for awhile now, but today we're breaking things up a bit with an extra special giveaway. In case you couldn't guess, we'll be transferring ownership of our very own custom-built HTPC -- which was featured yesterday in a 'How to build an HTPC for under $1,000' guide -- and one lucky reader will be able to wrap their arms around a shiny new entertainment rig. We won't bother breaking down the specs (just check out yesterday's piece for that), but we will bother thanking the outfits who made this come together as well as point you to the fine print below for instructions on how to drop your name in the hat. Huge thanks to nMEDIAPC, Intel, ASUS, OCZ, Hitachi, LG, Gigabyte and Microsoft for providing the gear! The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive one (1) custom-built HTPC. Approximate value is $1,000. That special Engadget Touch is provided gratis. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Wednesday, July 22nd, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here. Filed under: Desktops, Home Entertainment, Media PCs Engadget's recession antidote: win our custom-built HTPC! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Native Instruments' Audio 2 DJ claims to be 'world's smallest' USB audio interface July 22, 2009 at 12:33 pm You know you're living in the digital age when even DJs start ogling capacitive touchscreens with glee and turntables can be replaced by pocket DJ systems. Aiding this trend along is the newly announced Audio 2 DJ, which packs studio-grade 24-bit / 96 KHz Cirrus Logic converters inside an impossibly svelte and stylish package. This USB-powered device can best be understood as a supercharged sound card: two 1/4-inch stereo outputs are amplified to a "pristine" +9.7 dBu, while low-latency OS drivers ensure rapid responsiveness. The best thing about the Audio 2 DJ, though, might just be the price -- at $119, it's reasonable enough to make the product appealing to non-professionals too. Should you care about souped-up sound on the move, there's not long to wait now, with availability set for September 1. [Via Macworld] Filed under: Portable Audio Native Instruments' Audio 2 DJ claims to be 'world's smallest' USB audio interface originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Olympus announces new FE and mju range 12 megapixel shooters July 22, 2009 at 12:11 pm It looks like the camera fanatics at Olympus just don't know when to stop. Just as we're trying to figure out how to cadge an EP-1 for our own greedy amusements, the company is back with a handful of budget compacts, which may lack a bit of "the sexy" but are obviously a touch more affordable. Among new additions to the FE range you can count the FE-5020 (5x super wide optical zoom), FE-4000 (4x wide optical zoom), and FE-26 (3x optical zoom). Aside from the differences in lens size, these bad boys are all pretty much the same, hitting the ground with 12 megapixel CCDs, 2.7-inch displays, advanced face tracking, intelligent auto mode, and both xD-Picture Card and microSD compatibility. If that weren't enough, the FE-5020 and FE-4000 also include "Magic Filter" functionality (which some might call "tacky filters," if the fish eye lens and sepia tone effects aren't really your bag). While we're at it, we might as well mention the company's newest additio to the mju line: The mju 7010 sports a 7x optical zoom, but otherwise looks pretty much the same (12 megapixel, 2.7-inch display, advanced face tracking and intelligent auto mode, magic filters, etc). All the aforementioned devices are due to hit the streets this August. We don't have a price yet on the FE cameras, while the mju is said to retail for £249 (that's about $400). Read - Olympus announces FE-5020, FE-4000, FE-46 and FE-26 Read - Olympus mju 7010 Filed under: Digital Cameras Olympus announces new FE and mju range 12 megapixel shooters originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Disney to offer films on microSD cards, consumers to pass on by July 22, 2009 at 11:48 am We've never seen a shred of evidence adumbrating that movies loaded onto flash cards move the proverbial meter, but evidently they're moving well enough in Japan for Walt Disney to dive into the madness. Just today, the outfit responsible for classics that filled your childhood with innocence is announcing plans to offer pre-recorded microSD cards together with DVDs in the Land of the Rising Sun. The dual-format package will supposedly give DVD viewers the ability to easily watch their favorite films on the go, but that's assuming you can even find a portable media player that accepts microSD cards. The bundles are expected to ship in November for around ¥4,935 ($52), or ¥1,000 ($11) more than the DVD alone. Eager to hear what titles will get this special treatment first? The "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "National Treasure" series -- huzzah! [Via HotHardware] Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video Disney to offer films on microSD cards, consumers to pass on by originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Mac drivers for Clearwire WiMAX coming in August, Linux DIY code to follow July 22, 2009 at 11:25 am From August 17, a free download will contain all a Mac user will need to connect to Clearwire's slowly expanding WiMAX empire. Well, there's also the matter of a $79.99 Clear 4G+ USB modem, available from the beginning of the month, but you can rationalize that purchase by noting it can also hook up to Sprint's 3G network. Once you've got those things, and you've paid your dues -- $30 per month for mobile services -- we're sure they'll finally let you in on the superfast mobile browsing party. Linux users have nothing to smile about here, unless they consider Clearwire CTO John Saw's promise to release code from which to build their own drivers a reason to cheer. Filed under: Wireless, Software Mac drivers for Clearwire WiMAX coming in August, Linux DIY code to follow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Creative Sound Blaster Wireless 'for iTunes' works with other software too July 22, 2009 at 11:03 am You've known how to wirelessly connect the music on your computer with your massive hi-fi speakers since about the dawn of the caveman, but that doesn't mean Creative won't try to make it seem revolutionary. The company has this week announced immediate availability of its Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes, which essentially functions as a wireless adapter for any pair of regular old speakeroonies. The name is a marketing-inspired misnomer as the device will work with all manner of software, including Windows Media Player, Napster, Rhapsody, LastFM and even YouTube. The relative straightforwardness of this unit is appealing, though we're skeptical about Creative's claims of zero signal drop-offs, given that transmissions are done via the already crowded 2.4GHz wireless frequency. If you just have to hear it for yourself, entry fee is $149.99. Filed under: Wireless Creative Sound Blaster Wireless 'for iTunes' works with other software too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments RealView's V-Screen for PSP pledges to add depth where there is none July 22, 2009 at 10:41 am The original PSP was never the most svelte of handhelds, and we've generally not been fans of accessories that make it even bigger -- bulky battery packs and card readers and the like. So, the V-Screen from RealView already has one strike against it, since it looks larger even than the console itself. That it promises to do something impossible is a second strike, saying it can create "a fully 3 dimensional experience from the PSP screen" -- supposedly making all of your 2D games played on a 2D screen appear 3D. To us it looks a high-end version of those magnifying glasses we used to stick on our green, postage stamp Game Boy screens back in the day, and while we expect it to be just as effective, we'll reserve full judgment until the thing releases this fall and some reviews trickle in. That said, it doesn't look to be PSPgo compatible, and that could be the third strike right there. [Via Joystiq] Filed under: Gaming RealView's V-Screen for PSP pledges to add depth where there is none originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments CellScope, the cellphone microscope, gets UV upgrade to spot tiny glowing things July 22, 2009 at 10:22 am It was over a year ago that UC Berkeley introduced the world to CellScope, the 60x microscope for cellphones made from cheap, off the shelf components (like a re-purposed belt clip). Now, even though we're disappointingly still not seeing this thing in stores, there's an upgraded version able to take pictures of even smaller nasties. Using a filter the scope can now spot microscopic critters tagged with dye that glows under fluorescent light -- things like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (that's the cause of TB if you, like us, lack a med degree). A software app is able to then count the number of cells within a given sample and tell you whether to worry about that annoying cough. There's still no word on whether this product will ever actually start scoping out such things in the wild, but we certainly hope it will -- if only so that we can keep our vast collection of cellphone accessories complete. Video after the break. [Via Crave] Continue reading CellScope, the cellphone microscope, gets UV upgrade to spot tiny glowing things Filed under: Cellphones CellScope, the cellphone microscope, gets UV upgrade to spot tiny glowing things originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Synaptics' ClearPad 3000 touchscreen does 10-finger capacitive multitouch, other forms of dark magicks July 22, 2009 at 10:01 am After doing a considerable amount of business with its ClearPad 2000 Series capacitive touchscreens, Synaptics is taking on multitouch in a very serious way with its new ClearPad 3000 Series screens. Synaptics' existing screens can be found on the G1 and other modern smartphones, but while they offer a small amount of multitouch, they can become easily confused by anything beyond a simple pinch or swipe gesture -- and are downright dangerous for typing, thanks to a proclivity to average between two simultaneously touched points. The new ClearPad 3000 screens fight that off with new advances in capacitive technology and a new processor which can handle up to 10 simultaneous finger presses -- including some info on the shape and size of each touching finger. The entire screen can actually be tracked pixel-by-pixel, and the new technology allows for up to 8-inch screens without completely destroying battery life. Naturally, these screens will only be as good as the software that uses them (and we still haven't seen anything to top Stantum's resistive touchscreen tech), but Synaptics is doing the best it can to work with phone manufacturers (and others) who are designing interfaces for these screens, to make sure they can use the tech right. The first devices using ClearPad 3000 should hit this fall, so we suppose we'll find out soon enough if it pays off in device usability. There's a video demonstration of the tech after the break. Gallery: Synaptics' ClearPad 3000 touchscreen does 10-finger capacitive multitouch Continue reading Synaptics' ClearPad 3000 touchscreen does 10-finger capacitive multitouch, other forms of dark magicks Filed under: Cellphones, Displays Synaptics' ClearPad 3000 touchscreen does 10-finger capacitive multitouch, other forms of dark magicks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Natal Xbox 360 in 2010 rumor is back on July 22, 2009 at 9:39 am Although Microsoft's marketing department likes to keep its execs on a short leash, you really should listen to its CEOs when they espouse launch schedules. They are, after all, CEOs and tend to have the big picture (like dates) related to major projects that drive revenue. Recall 2008, when Bill Gates told the world that Windows 7 would arrive in 2009 causing Microsoft marketing to scramble-out a redaction attempting to reset expectations for a 2010 launch. With Windows 7 now officially launching in October, well, guess who was right? Fast forward to last month when Steve Ballmer made a similar slip saying Project Natal would arrive in 2010 causing Microsoft to issue a statement that a launch date had not been confirmed. Now DigiTimes is reporting that Aptina has won the exclusive rights to equip Natal with a 1.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor required for Natal's camera. More importantly, the Taiwanese rumor rag says that shipments of the "new version of the Xbox 360 console" are slated for the second half of 2010 -- a date that sounds like Fall to us as previous rumored. Of course, DigiTimes was absolutely certain that Microsoft was integrating Blu-ray into future (that'd be 2008) Xbox 360 consoles too, so take this rumor for what it is: rumor. Filed under: Gaming Natal Xbox 360 in 2010 rumor is back on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Brando Tiny USB Rechargeable RC Helicopter prettifies your desk, might fly July 22, 2009 at 9:19 am Hey there, has your previously high-powered stock trading job been downsized out of existence? Are you one of the unlucky ones who've had to diversify their job portfolio? We understand, so here's a way to satisfy those latent urges to own a helicopter on the cheap -- Brando is offering to exchange $39.90 of your blood money for a machine so simple that its protracted model name describes it almost in full. To complete the picture, you get a 3-channel IR controller, integrated gyroscope for balancing and a set of blinking LED lights on the sides for, you guessed it, nighttime flying. You should be warned though, the first functionality listed for this product is "decoration," so temper your expectations accordingly. [Thanks, Louie] Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless Brando Tiny USB Rechargeable RC Helicopter prettifies your desk, might fly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Rugged Duros 8404 tablet PC: now with Atom, sunlight-viewable LCD July 22, 2009 at 8:52 am We're not saying that Intel's Atom CPUs are lightning fast or anything, but even the 1.6GHz N270 is snappier than the lethargic 1GHz Celeron M that was placed in last year's Duros tablet. In an effort to make the 8404 viable once more, Duros has introduced an equally rugged new model with an Atom processor, hot-swappable battery and an 8.4-inch SVGA sunlight-viewable touchscreen. You'll still find an IP65 sealed enclosure (perfect for those leisurely jaunts through Deadfoot), as well as Windows XP running the show. For those craving extras, the 8404 can be equipped with WiFi, WWAN connectivity, GPS and Bluetooth, not to mention 1GB of RAM, a vehicle dock, integrated Intel graphics, a 120GB hard drive and a single USB 2.0 socket. There's no mention of price, but considering that you can run this thing over with a snowmobile and continue your Gchat session where you left off, we'd expect to fork over quite the premium. [Via HotHardware] Filed under: Tablet PCs Rugged Duros 8404 tablet PC: now with Atom, sunlight-viewable LCD originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: Google Wave public beta rolling out in September July 22, 2009 at 8:30 am It's hard to tell if Wave -- Google's new collaborative, universal messaging platform -- is revolutionary or simply, well, neat. It's like a telephone, great when everyone else has one but not so useful if you're the only one. At least that's how it seems after watching the near-universally acclaimed demo presented at Google I/O back in May. Starting September 30th, Google will open up the beta to 100,000 of its closest friends. Just hit the appropriate read link below to register for an invite or click through to watch the 1 hour and 20 minute demonstration. Go ahead, work can wait, innovation can't. [Via PC Mag] Read -- Sign up for Wave Read -- September 30 beta Continue reading Video: Google Wave public beta rolling out in September Filed under: Software Video: Google Wave public beta rolling out in September originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilizer tech takes the blur out of your twist and shake July 22, 2009 at 8:11 am In the past few years image stabilization has gone from a big-money feature available only in the priciest of lenses to something of an afterthought in the most boring compacts. So, what's a high-priced lens to do if it wants to maintain its exclusivity? Why, invent a new flavor of stabilization, of course. Canon is introducing its Hybrid Image Stabilizer technology, set for inclusion in some mystery lens before the end of the year. It compensates for camera shake on two axes: rotationally and linearly, meaning you should be able to get smooth shots whether you're on the Tilt-a-Whirl or a wooden roller coaster. Canon isn't indicating just yet how much this new Hybrid IS lens will cost, or when other bits of glass will follow in its pixel-perfect footsteps, but is indicating it'll be included in "a wide range of products" -- we'd guess none will be cheap. [Via Photography BLOG] Filed under: Digital Cameras Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilizer tech takes the blur out of your twist and shake originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments OnStar debuts Remote Ignition Block to shut down stolen vehicles July 22, 2009 at 7:48 am OnStar's already rolled out a method for slowing down stolen vehicles once the cops have 'em in sight, and it looks like it's now come up with a solution for the ones that get away as well. Dubbed Remote Ignition Block, the new sevice does just what it promises and uses GPS to prevent the vehicle from starting again once the ignition has been turned off. As with most of these systems, however, the police will first have to confirm that the vehicle is in fact stolen before OnStar flips the switch, so you'll have to come up with something else for your next grand workplace prank. No word on specifics just, but OnStar says it'll be making the service available on over two million GM 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles. Filed under: Transportation OnStar debuts Remote Ignition Block to shut down stolen vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments "Flying laptop" spacecraft could "transform" in space, sort of July 22, 2009 at 6:41 am Impressive as they are, satellites and space probes aren't always the most versatile pieces of equipment once they're up in orbit. A new satellite developed by researchers from the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Space Systems looks set to shake things up in a pretty big way when it launches in 2012, however, even if it's not quite the "transforming" space probe that you might be imagining. Described as a "flying laptop," the satellite promises to pack a vast array of instruments and sensors, including cameras, multispectral imagers, star trackers, and GPS receivers, to name a few, all of which can apparently be completely reconfigured on the fly in space. That, the researchers say, could let the satellite switch from, say, an atmospheric pollution sensor to a near-Earth asteroid detector, an even open up some new commercial possibilities, with different groups able to rent out the satellite to perform various tasks. Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Science "Flying laptop" spacecraft could "transform" in space, sort of originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments PSP video downloads direct from PSN go live in Japan July 22, 2009 at 5:38 am We've known since E3 in June that Sony would open up the PlayStation Network for direct video downloads over WiFi to the PSP -- no PC or PS3 required. Now it's live, in Japan anyway. At the moment, there are about 90 PSN video titles to choose from at the moment including anime episodes at ¥200 (about $2) per or animated movies for ¥500 ($5.30) in standard definition or ¥600 ($6.40) for HD. PSP downloaded videos can be transferred to the PS3 and some content can be rented for 72-hours at a pop. No word on US or European launches but really, how much longer could it be with the PSP Go launching on October 1st. [Via Impress] Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds, Portable Video PSP video downloads direct from PSN go live in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Large Hadron Collider restart, end of the world pushed back to mid-November July 22, 2009 at 5:14 am Still undecided about what to do with those precious few months before the biggest doomsday since Y2K? Then you're in luck, 'cause the much anticipated / feared restart of the Large Hadron Collider has now been delayed yet again, almost exactly a month after the last delay. This time it looks like a couple of vacuum leaks are the culprit, and CERN says that the collider is now unlikely to restart before mid-November, which just so happens to coincide with the peak of the Leonids meteor shower. Coincidence? Yes, yes it is. Filed under: Science Large Hadron Collider restart, end of the world pushed back to mid-November originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Samsung's S9110 touchscreen watchphone syncs with Outlook, on sale this month July 22, 2009 at 4:24 am €450; that's what'll cost to take home the world's thinnest (11.98mm) touchscreen cellphone fashioned into an tempting wristwatch. Although details are few and we're relying upon machine translated text of the press release, we can tell you that Samsung's watchphone -- first seen as a prototype at CES -- brings a 1.76-inch glass, scratch-proof touchscreen and stainless steel body that plays host to features such as Bluetooth 2.1, Outlook email sync, MP3 player, speakerphone, and voice recognition when it goes on sale this month in France. Hear that LG, Samsung just beat you to market by a calendar month. Gallery: Samsung's S9110 touchscreen watchphone syncs with Outlook, on sale this month [Thanks, Young] Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables Samsung's S9110 touchscreen watchphone syncs with Outlook, on sale this month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments HTC adopting Android on 50% of its handsets in 2010? July 22, 2009 at 4:01 am Uh oh Microsoft, this can't be good news. HTC, the premier manufacturer of Windows Mobile handsets is rumored to be shifting half of its inventory to Google's Android OS in 2010. To put this in perspective, HTC lists 28 devices on its European website and of those, just 2 run Android, the rest are WinMo. DigiTimes' sources claim that HTC is on track to make 30% of its 2009 handsets Android-based which means that several of Andy Rubin's 15 to 20 Android handsets coming this year would have to be HTC branded for this to be true. DigiTimes also claims that HTC will launch a handset that's simultaneously a "high-profile 3G handset" and "entry-level model" with touchscreen and TouchFlo 3D / Sense UI. HTC is said to achieve this seemingly contradictory feat by basing the handset on Qualcomm's BREW Mobile Platform when it launches in September or October. Of course, none of this is confirmed, but will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion when HTC reports earnings on July 30th. Filed under: Cellphones HTC adopting Android on 50% of its handsets in 2010? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Intel Atom N450 "Pineview" processor delayed until next year? July 22, 2009 at 3:46 am We'd recommend taking this one with a hefty grain of salt for the time being as Intel isn't saying anything on the matter itself just yet, but DigiTimes is reporting / speculating that Intel's Atom N450 "Pineview" processor (and the Pine Trail platform that goes along with) has been delayed until next year. That processor, as you may recall, was apparently on track to debut sometime in the last quarter of this year, but DigiTimes says Intel has decided to push it back a bit so as not to shake up the netbook market too much in the second half of 2009. Filed under: Laptops Intel Atom N450 "Pineview" processor delayed until next year? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D W1 camera and Real 3D V1 picture viewer detailed, can do 3D movies as well July 22, 2009 at 2:11 am Not that it wasn't official when Time featured it early last week,but now Fujifilm's now rolled out the proverbial red carpet for its FinePix Real 3D W1 camera, with a press release providing more details about both it and the Real 3D V1 8-inch picture viewer. Some of more notable features on the W1 -- aside from being the touted "world's first 3D imagine system," of course -- is a 3x optical zoom, a 3D LCD system for on-camera viewing, Dual Capture Shooting Mode for taking two shots simultaneously with different settings, and just to be perfectly clear, the ability to shoot video in three mind-blowing dimensions. Additionally, the two lens can be used for some more creative, but decidedly old-fashioned 2D photography. As for the V1 display, it's got a 3D / 2D LCD panel with 800 x 600 resolution, supports playback of 3D pics and movies, and supports SD / SDHC. No word on what the resolution / card support is for the camera, but for now we're gonna guess it's at parity with the frame. If you're wanting physical 3D prints, Fujifilm says it'll be providing that service, doing the prints in-house and send them your way. Actual printers for purchase will come once a sustainable market exists (assuming that happens). The W1 camera and V1 frame are listed with a September 2009 launch date, as we previously heard -- price is curiously listed as TBA, but since Time already let slip a $600 estimate, take that as your ballpark estimate for the interim. Filed under: Digital Cameras Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D W1 camera and Real 3D V1 picture viewer detailed, can do 3D movies as well originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments