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[Creative's ZEN X-Fi2 touchscreen PMP now on sale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/08/creatives-zen-x-fi2-touchscreen-pmp-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/08/creatives-zen-x-fi2-touchscreen-pmp-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/08/creatives-zen-x-fi2-touchscreen-pmp-now-on-sale/#commentsCandidly speaking, we can't honestly envision too many of you fine folks running out and purchasing one of Creative's new ZEN X-Fi2 portable media players given the availability of such robust alternatives. That said, we'd be remiss of our duties if we didn't point out that the PMP which shocked us at IFA is now on sale directly from Creative. $129.99 buys you an 8GB model, while $179.99 nets you 16GB and $229.99 provides 32GB. We know -- that 3-inch LCD and integrated FM tuner look good from afar, but remember kids, it's all about the UI.

[Thanks, Tyler]

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Creative's ZEN X-Fi2 touchscreen PMP now on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availablecreativecreative ZEN X-Fi2CreativeZenX-fi2media playerMediaPlayernow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingon saleOnSalepmpshipshippingshipsx-fix-fi 2X-fi2zenZEN X-Fi2ZenX-fi2Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD v4.3 firmware out now: fixes playcount bug, adds lots of great things (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/07/zune-hd-v4-3-firmware-out-now-fixes-playcount-bug-adds-lots-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/07/zune-hd-v4-3-firmware-out-now-fixes-playcount-bug-adds-lots-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/07/zune-hd-v4-3-firmware-out-now-fixes-playcount-bug-adds-lots-of/#comments Who says Microsoft ain't lookin' out for those who selected its Zune HD over something Designed In Cupertino? Just days after countless owners went berserk over a playcount syncing issue, Microsoft has released a new firmware update that not only solves that very quandary but also adds a gaggle of fantastic new and / or improved features. The v4.3 update is available now by selecting "Player Update" from within the device itself, and with it will come "support for upcoming 3d games and applications, as well as an auto-suggest feature for better text input, and other minor improvements." We're hearing that those "minor improvements" include a snappier browser, so it's pretty safe to say you're only harming yourself if you don't get this download going right now. (Psst... there's a vid of the new software running after the break.)

[Via MobileTechWorld, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Zune HD v4.3 firmware out now: fixes playcount bug, adds lots of great things (video)

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Zune HD v4.3 firmware out now: fixes playcount bug, adds lots of great things (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatefixmicrosoftupdatevideozunezune hdZuneHdSat, 07 Nov 2009 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[MOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld you didn't even know existed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/#commentsMOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld of your dreams Remember those BASF commercials, the: "We make a lot of the products you buy better" ones? That's kind of the story at MOTO Development Group. We've seen the company working on e-ink internals, also having a hand in the creation of the Zune 2.0 and the Livescribe Pulse. MOTO's going it alone for its latest product, though, a MID reference design called the Android Media Platform (AMP) that runs Android 2.0 and is available now to developers. Yes, the DROID isn't the only 2.0 player releasing today. AMP will ultimately be available in three sizes: 10-, 5-, and 3.5-inches; the mid-sized model is the one shipping now. That touchscreen can be OLED or LCD, oomph is provided by a Texas Instruments OMAP3430 CPU, accelerometers and GPS are integrated as is 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional 3G wireless, all powered by a 3,000mAh battery. There's no word on price, but we're guessing that's somewhat negotiable depending on your intended application and, naturally, the volume, volume, volume of your order.

[Via OLED-Info.com]

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MOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld you didn't even know existed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampandroidandroid 2.0android media platformAndroid2.0AndroidMediaPlatformgooglegoogle androidgoogle android 2.0GoogleAndroidGoogleAndroid2.0motomoto development groupmoto development group ampMotoDevelopmentGroupMotoDevelopmentGroupAmpFri, 06 Nov 2009 06:18:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY sewable iPod remote takes just ten minutes, will absolutely warm your heart]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/diy-sewable-ipod-remote-takes-just-ten-minutes-will-absolutely/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/diy-sewable-ipod-remote-takes-just-ten-minutes-will-absolutely/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/diy-sewable-ipod-remote-takes-just-ten-minutes-will-absolutely/#comments
 Okay, so we fully anticipate that creating the downright adorable object you see above will take far longer than ten minutes if you a) don't have a stash of circuits and fabrics laying around and / or b) you've never done anything like this before, but for seasoned DIYers, this is about as easy as it gets. The "10-minute sewable iPod remote" can actually be any character or design you feel like making, as the crux of this project relies on the circuit chip that is actually fitted inside the dock connector. From there, you just connect a few strands of conductive fabric, attach your kitty cat (or dragon, as the case may be) and begin to enjoy your homegrown iPod remote. Hit the read link for the full how-to, but only if you're immune to cuteoverloaditus.

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DIY sewable iPod remote takes just ten minutes, will absolutely warm your heart originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecircuitscontrollerdiyfabrichackipodipod accessoryipod remoteIpodAccessoryIpodRemotemodsewable iPod remoteSewableIpodRemotesmart textilesSmartTextilestextiletextilesFri, 06 Nov 2009 01:52:00 EST<![CDATA[ST-Ericsson's U8500 platform gives your next smartphone wicked 3D powers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/st-ericssons-u8500-platform-gives-your-next-smartphone-wicked-3/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/st-ericssons-u8500-platform-gives-your-next-smartphone-wicked-3/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/st-ericssons-u8500-platform-gives-your-next-smartphone-wicked-3/#comments It's one thing for ARM to develop a potent GPU meant to add impressive 3D capabilities to devices that were previously forced to run the likes of "Snake," but it's another thing entirely to see a platform and semiconductor company come forward and take it one step closer to the mainstream. ST-Ericsson has done just that with its U8500 platform, which is the first to integrate ARM's Mali-400 graphics processing unit into a solution that can be easily fitted into future phones. Think your iPhone 3GS GPU is mighty enough? Hop on past the break and mash play -- it'll make those fancy water reflections you're currently drooling over look downright ugly.

[Via B4Tech, thanks Chris]

Continue reading ST-Ericsson's U8500 platform gives your next smartphone wicked 3D powers

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ST-Ericsson's U8500 platform gives your next smartphone wicked 3D powers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dARMARM MaliARM Mali-400ArmMaliArmMali-400gpugraphicsMaliMali-400platformsmartphonest ericssonST-EricssonST-Ericsson U8500St-ericssonU8500StEricssonU8500Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Cowon iAudio 9 and iAudio E2 media players make the scene stateside]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/cowon-iaudio-9-and-iaudio-e2-media-players-make-the-scene-states/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/cowon-iaudio-9-and-iaudio-e2-media-players-make-the-scene-states/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/cowon-iaudio-9-and-iaudio-e2-media-players-make-the-scene-states/#comments
Cowon-heads of the world, you are in for a treat today. It looks like not one but two of the company's snack-sized media players are finally hitting the big time. First off, the iAudio 9 PMP is due to hit the states within a week. Available in 8GB and 16GB denominations, for some reason the domestic version will be available only in black. Aside from supporting the usual compliment of media files (MP3, FLAC, Ogg, WAV, APE, WME, XviD, and WMV videos) this guy sports composite video out. Get your hands on the 8GB version for $129, or go wild with 16GB for $169. If video isn't your bag, the enigmatic iAudio E2 (all 2.5-inches of it) is also available. Sporting a bevy of EQ presets, 4GB of storage and a not entirely terrible 11.5 hours of battery life, this is the keychain you've always wanted -- but never wanted to pay $65 for. Additional glamor shots after the break.

[Via Electronista]

Read - Cowon prices iAudio 9 for US
Read - iAudio E2 now available, still confusing

Continue reading Cowon iAudio 9 and iAudio E2 media players make the scene stateside

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Cowon iAudio 9 and iAudio E2 media players make the scene stateside originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cowoniaudio 9iaudio e2Iaudio9IaudioE2media playerMediaPlayermp3 playerMp3Playerpmpportable audioportable videoPortableAudioPortableVideoWed, 04 Nov 2009 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[RAmos gives its T10 PMP the RK treatment, supports video formats galore]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/ramos-gives-its-t10-pmp-the-rk-treatment-supports-video-formats/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/ramos-gives-its-t10-pmp-the-rk-treatment-supports-video-formats/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/ramos-gives-its-t10-pmp-the-rk-treatment-supports-video-formats/#commentsRAmos gives its T10 PMP the RK treatment, supports video formats galore Good 'ol RAmos, producers of a series of lovely PMPs and MIDs that captivates the eye and, like a chaste romance, will never submit to your touch -- unless you live in Asia or happen to know a guy. The latest is the T10RK, a slight upgrade to the earlier T10, sharing the same simple form and seemingly lovely 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 screen as the earlier model, but now sporting the RK2806 chipset found in the T11RK, allowing for decoding of more video codecs than you'll know what to do with. No mention of price or availability yet, but such questions matter not in love.

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RAmos gives its T10 PMP the RK treatment, supports video formats galore originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ramosramos t10ramos t10rkRamosT10RamosT10rkrk2806t10t10rkWed, 04 Nov 2009 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[South Korean taxi drivers win right to watch TV in cabs, for now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/south-korean-taxi-drivers-win-right-to-watch-tv-in-cabs-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/south-korean-taxi-drivers-win-right-to-watch-tv-in-cabs-for-now/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/south-korean-taxi-drivers-win-right-to-watch-tv-in-cabs-for-now/#commentsYou know, we've made plenty of jokes about the DMB mobile TV functionality found in seemingly every GPS unit released in South Korea, but it looks like taxi drivers in the country take their distractions seriously -- serious enough to go to court. That issue apparently came to a head recently when one cab driver challenged a $500 fine he received for watching TV while on the job, which had apparently become a relatively common means to beat boredom during traffic jams but was banned last year by a local regulation in the city of Seoul. While the court obviously didn't go so far as to condone the practice (watching TV while driving was apparently a factor in upwards of 200 accidents in the country last year), it did rule that the regulation in Seoul was illegal because it was based on a 1961 law that's been superseded. Cabbies shouldn't get too comfortable with their in-car rigs just yet, however, as we have a sneaking suspicion this won't be the final word on the matter.

[Thanks, Badison]

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South Korean taxi drivers win right to watch TV in cabs, for now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cab driverscabbiesCabDriversin-car tvIn-carTvkoreaseoulsouth koreaSouthKoreataxitaxisTue, 03 Nov 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T CruiseCast satellite service halts activations, will refund customers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atandt-cruisecast-satellite-service-halts-activations-will-refund/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atandt-cruisecast-satellite-service-halts-activations-will-refund/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atandt-cruisecast-satellite-service-halts-activations-will-refund/#comments
It wasn't too hard to see this one coming after reports of "financial difficulties" and a potential early demise starting cropping up last month, but it looks like AT&T's CruiseCast in-car satellite service is now officially done for. According to RaySat COO Mike Grannan (AT&T's partner in the service), all new activations have now ceased, and existing customers will soon apparently be able to get a refund for the cost of installation, de-installation, equipment and service. For those keeping track, the service just launched in June of this year and, while no installed base numbers seem to be available, it doesn't appear to have caused much more than a blip on the radar, with it hindered in part by a hefty $1,300 up-front cost.

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AT&T CruiseCast satellite service halts activations, will refund customers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>att cruisecastAttCruisecastcruisecastin-car entertainmentin-car satelliteIn-carEntertainmentIn-carSatelliteraysatsatellitesatellite serviceSatelliteServiceshutdownTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PSPgo sells 28,000 units on first day in Japan, physical media points and laughs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/sonys-pspgo-sells-28-000-units-on-first-day-in-japan-physical/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/sonys-pspgo-sells-28-000-units-on-first-day-in-japan-physical/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/sonys-pspgo-sells-28-000-units-on-first-day-in-japan-physical/#commentsSony's PSPgo sells 28,000 units on first day in Japan, physical media points and laughs Remember the "platform sales boost" that Sony was tauting after the PSPgo's release in the US? The question on everyone's minds was of course how much of that boost was buoyed by the new kid on the block, and while Sony still hasn't given us any domestic figures (nor will it ever, probably), we now know that the thing sold 28,000 units on its first day of availability on its home turf in Japan. That's certainly better than the measly 1,000 units moved in Australia over the same period, but hardly encouraging when you look at its predecessors. According to Media Create the original PSP sold 171,963 units in a day in Japan. The PSP-2000? 130,000. UMD may be hated by everyone, but it seems to still have legs.

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Sony's PSPgo sells 28,000 units on first day in Japan, physical media points and laughs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launchpsppsp-1000psp-2000psp-3000pspgosalessales figuresSalesFiguressonysony pspgoSonyPspgoTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Creative Zii EGG Android build demoed on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/creative-zii-egg-android-build-demoed-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/creative-zii-egg-android-build-demoed-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/creative-zii-egg-android-build-demoed-on-video/#comments We're still not entirely sure what Creative has planned for the Zii, but things appear to be going according to plan: as promised, an Android 1.6 installer for the Zii EGG developer unit was released today. Things are still pretty rough, however -- the camera doesn't work, and leftover bits of phone code like the signal strength icon are still present. We're guessing that means we're still ages away from seeing anything resembling a consumer device come out of all this, but let's hope this is the first step towards a whole slew of kickin' Android-powered KIRF devices. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Yuki]

Continue reading Creative Zii EGG Android build demoed on video

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Creative Zii EGG Android build demoed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android ziiAndroid1.6AndroidZiicreativedevelopervideoziizii androidzii eggZiiAndroidZiiEggMon, 02 Nov 2009 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple pitching $30 a month TV service for iTunes to the networks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/apple-pitching-30-a-month-tv-service-for-itunes-to-the-networks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/apple-pitching-30-a-month-tv-service-for-itunes-to-the-networks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/apple-pitching-30-a-month-tv-service-for-itunes-to-the-networks/#commentsAccording to Peter Kafka over at AllThingsD, he's had "multiple sources" tell him that Apple is shopping around a subscription service to TV networks that would give iTunes users a catch-all subscription for $30 a month. As far as he's heard, nobody's jumped on board just yet, and of course networks have to work out their typical fears of such a service cutting into ratings and biting into cable revenue. However, at least one unnamed executive briefed on the plan says "I think they might get it right this time," and with Disney's cozy relationship with Apple there's reason believe they'd be the first to sign up. Unfortunately, for people scrounging for a new evidence of an Apple tablet or something useful for their oft-dormant Apple TV to do, there's no word on what role devices have to play in this deal, but we have to believe that Apple would be working to push the content to the rest of its iTunes-based ecosystem, whatever that might encompass if and when the service launches early next year as Apple has proposed.

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Apple pitching $30 a month TV service for iTunes to the networks? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple tvAppleTvitunesitunes subscriptionitunes tvItunesSubscriptionItunesTvtelevisiontvMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Creative working on Zii-based MediaBook with color touchscreen, e-book slant]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/creative-working-on-zii-based-mediabook-with-color-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/creative-working-on-zii-based-mediabook-with-color-touchscreen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/01/creative-working-on-zii-based-mediabook-with-color-touchscreen/#comments What's an e-book without the e-ink? So very much, according to Creative, who just dropped word of an upcoming "MediaBook" device (which will undoubtedly look nothing like this mockup above). It sounds a bit more like a PMP to us, with "video, pictures, text and services," and a "media-rich experience" on the table, but Creative is also apparently working with publishers for content, with an obvious emphasis in Singapore sources, where Creative already does e-learning work. There's no word of what it'll look like, but it'll be a large touchscreen of some sort, so it sounds like we've got another slate on our hand. Any differentiation might come from having Zii under the hood and Creative's own particular approach to content for this device, but there's not really enough to get excited about at this point.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Creative working on Zii-based MediaBook with color touchscreen, e-book slant originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creativee-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-readerebookebook readerEbookReaderziiSun, 01 Nov 2009 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iluv-ships-weather-watching-imm183-dual-dock-ipod-iphone-alarm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iluv-ships-weather-watching-imm183-dual-dock-ipod-iphone-alarm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/iluv-ships-weather-watching-imm183-dual-dock-ipod-iphone-alarm/#comments It belts out severe weather alerts as storms are barreling towards your domicile. It acts as a decent bedroom stereo. And it wakes you and the SO up to your own favorite jams -- all while charging your iPod or iPhone throughout the night. If those amenities sound like must-haves in your own life, you might be interested in knowing that iLuv's iMM183 dual dock alarm clock is now shipping, nearly a full year after being originally announced at CES. The pain? $149.99 -- but hey, that's a small price to pay to keep your dear media player / handset out of a tornado's eye, right?

Gallery: iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock

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iLuv ships weather-watching iMM183 dual dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarm clockAlarmClockclockclock radioClockRadiodocking stationDockingStationiLuviLuv iMM183IluvImm183iMM183iphoneiphone accessoryIphoneAccessoryiPod accessoryipod alarm clockipod boomboxipod clockipod radioipod sound systemIpodAccessoryIpodAlarmClockIpodBoomboxIpodClockIpodRadioIpodSoundSystemweatherSat, 31 Oct 2009 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/mtube-android-mid-streams-media-to-the-tv-and-back-via-touchscre/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/mtube-android-mid-streams-media-to-the-tv-and-back-via-touchscre/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/mtube-android-mid-streams-media-to-the-tv-and-back-via-touchscre/#comments
MTube, known most famously in these parts for its diminutive, WiMAX-sportin' media player, seems to be putting some time and effort into Android as of late. While the MTube II hybrid Android / XP / tablet / netbook has certainly inspired its share of techno-lust, the Android MID hits us where it counts: in front of the television. The unholy union of a handheld and a multimedia controller, this guy lets you drag and drop video from the device to your TV, stream media to the TV or vice versa, and transfer files between multiple MTubes -- all this in addition to the core functionality of the OS. Details are still scant: although we know it's rocking an ARM Processor, a 7.6-inch 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen OLED, and Android 1.6, there's no word on storage or memory, or even how the video is streamed (we think that WiFi might be a good guess). As it stands, the thing is most certainly not ready for prime time (as becomes painfully obvious when the system crashes at 1 minute 45 seconds), but as a taste of things to come we're definitely intrigued. Peep the video after the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video)

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MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid midAndroidMidbroadband show 2009BroadbandShow2009home entertainmentHomeEntertainmentmidmtubemtube android midMtubeAndroidMidWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD stops syncing playcounts with nary a firmware fix in sight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/zune-hd-stops-syncing-playcounts-with-nary-a-firmware-fix-in-sit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/zune-hd-stops-syncing-playcounts-with-nary-a-firmware-fix-in-sit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/zune-hd-stops-syncing-playcounts-with-nary-a-firmware-fix-in-sit/#comments
This isn't exactly the same magnitude as last year's Z2K scare, but it's still an all-around bummer for all you Zune nuts. According to a spate of complaints posted to the Zune.net forums as of late, certain Zune HD units are not syncing their playcounts properly with the user's PC and Zune Social accounts. To be a little more specific, it seems that if you let a song play through on the device it will not be counted as played -- but if you skip to another tune before it has a chance to complete (but after 20 seconds or so), the play will be counted. A real pain, right? Of course, this is not only bad news for obsessive list keepers, but for Zune Social fans as well: if your listening habits aren't being properly tabulated, how are you supposed to make new friends and discover new music? Certainly not by going to noisy rock clubs and talking to people! Apparently a Microsoft Zune support team member has acknowledged the issue, but the company has made no statement relating to the bug -- or possible firmware fix -- as of yet. We'll keep you posted.

[Thanks, Jon]

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Zune HD stops syncing playcounts with nary a firmware fix in sight originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugerrormicrosoftplaycountsynczunezune hdzune socialZuneHdZuneSocialTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fully-functional iPhone 3GS costume is expensive, bulky, and better than your Halloween idea]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/fully-functional-iphone-3gs-costume-is-expensive-bulky-and-bet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/fully-functional-iphone-3gs-costume-is-expensive-bulky-and-bet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/fully-functional-iphone-3gs-costume-is-expensive-bulky-and-bet/#comments What could possibly convince you that strapping a 42-inch LCD TV to your body is a great idea? We don't know, but somewhere between concept and the $2,000 total expenditures -- with "no regrets," mind you -- Reko Rivera and John Savio, with the help of John Matthews, outfitted themselves with the displays used to project images from their iPhone 3GS. Unfortunately, the large screens themselves aren't touch screens, but we probably can't be that picky. Their reward? First prizes at costume parties and minor internet celebrity, which we're happy to oblige. Video after the break.

[Via TUAW]

Continue reading Fully-functional iPhone 3GS costume is expensive, bulky, and better than your Halloween idea

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Fully-functional iPhone 3GS costume is expensive, bulky, and better than your Halloween idea originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneiphone 3gsIphone3gslcd tvLcdTvtvMon, 26 Oct 2009 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear ships out to virtual big-screen lovers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/vuzix-wrap-310-video-eyewear-ships-out-to-virtual-big-screen-lov/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/vuzix-wrap-310-video-eyewear-ships-out-to-virtual-big-screen-lov/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/vuzix-wrap-310-video-eyewear-ships-out-to-virtual-big-screen-lov/#comments Vuzix's $249.95 Wrap 310 is probably the least hideous / heinous of the video eyewear options on the market today, and while it's still take a few bottles of Jack to get us to rock these with a smile, those who are just high on life can now make a set their own. In case you're forgotten, these things provide a virtual 55-inch screen in front of your eyes, and there's support for iPod / iPhone connections as well as basic sources such as DVD players and the like. And hey, there's also the possibility that these could be used in augmented reality applications in the future, so feel free to considering this some sort of futuristic investment. Just like those Y2K preparedness tapes you bought in '99.

Continue reading Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear ships out to virtual big-screen lovers

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Vuzix Wrap 310 video eyewear ships out to virtual big-screen lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eyewearhead-mounted displayHead-mountedDisplayHMDiwearnow shippingNowShippingon saleOnSaleshipshippingshipsuglyvideo eyewearVideoEyewearVuzixVuzix Wrap 310VuzixWrap310wrap 310Wrap310Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SmartQ V5 MID strives to be relevant, may succeed on some level]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/smartq-v5-mid-strives-to-be-relevant/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/smartq-v5-mid-strives-to-be-relevant/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/smartq-v5-mid-strives-to-be-relevant/#comments Not to be confused with the SmartQ 5 (how could you ever, right?), the SmartQ V5 MID is essentially a V7 with a less spacious screen. Within, you'll find a 600MHz ARM11 processor, 256MB of DDR2 memory, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 2GB of internal storage and an SD expansion slot. There's also USB 2.0 connectivity, an HDMI output good for shooting out material at up to 1080p, a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack and a 4.3-inch touchscreen (800 x 480). You'll also find a format support list longer than your latest cellphone bill, though both a price and release date have remained elusive thus far. Here's hoping it's cheap enough to matter.

[Via PMP Today]

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SmartQ V5 MID strives to be relevant, may succeed on some level originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesemidmobile internet devicepmpsmartqsmartq v5v5Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Keychest to make buy-once view-anywhere movies a reality with Apple's help?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/disney-keychest-to-make-buy-once-view-anywhere-movies-a-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/disney-keychest-to-make-buy-once-view-anywhere-movies-a-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/disney-keychest-to-make-buy-once-view-anywhere-movies-a-reality/#comments You know who's missing from the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (or DECE) consortium? A group bent on redefining the way we buy, access, and play digital content with a membership roster that includes Best Buy, Cisco, Comcast, Fox, HP, Intel, Lions Gate, Microsoft, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Philips, Sony, Toshiba, VeriSign, and Warner Bros? Right, Apple and Disney, the latter landing a lengthy piece in the Wall Street Journal describing Disney's own distributed content ownership scheme that goes by the code-name, "Keychest;" a DRM solution that instantly provides access to content on any participating service (digital download store, mobile-phone provider, or on-demand cable for example) when a purchase is made. Keychest does this though a system of unique keys that are issued when a movie is purchased. The keys are then stored in a central repository (aka, chest) that participants would query. In this scenario, the movies would reside with each delivery company on their respective systems -- movies would not be downloaded. On the bright side, if a content provider went out of business you would still have access to your films elsewhere. The proposed solution would work with Blu-ray disc purchases too, since BD players are internet-enabled by design -- DVD keys would have to be manually typed in by the user. So in effect, you'd now be paying once for ownership rights to the film, not to the physical media. If it sounds similar to DECE it is, but Disney claims that its approach is more streamlined and you know, better.

Disney has been quietly courting other movie studios with Keychest and intends to go public with its technology next month. Of course, with Steve Jobs listed as Disney's largest stockholder and the rumored Apple tablet being a media-redefining device that will single-handedly save newspapers while ridding the world of hunger and ignorance, well, you can see where the speculation is headed.

[Thanks, Demopublican]

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Disney Keychest to make buy-once view-anywhere movies a reality with Apple's help? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledeceDigital Entertainment Content EcosystemDigitalEntertainmentContentEcosystemdisneydrmkeychestThu, 22 Oct 2009 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Solid Alliance's new earbuds are 'crazy,' ugly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/solid-alliances-new-earbuds-are-crazy-ugly/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/solid-alliances-new-earbuds-are-crazy-ugly/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/solid-alliances-new-earbuds-are-crazy-ugly/#comments
So, you broke the bank (and several credit cards) picking up that uber-stylish Acronym GT-J14 earbud-friendly jacket only to find that no one even noticed? Or perhaps your Lady GaGa-approved beats couldn't endure the Paris Is Burning-style bad craziness you put 'em through? Well, it looks like it's time to sell a pint of plasma and use the cash for some psychedelic (and highly unfortunate) Crazy Earphones from Solid Alliance. Featuring a banana, a kitty paw print, sushi, or a Frankenstein's monster-esque bolt affectation, we promise you that a pair of these will get you noticed. But not in the good way. Pre-order now for $22, shipping in December.

Gallery: Solid Alliance's new earbuds are 'crazy,' ugly



[Via Akihabara]

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Solid Alliance's new earbuds are 'crazy,' ugly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crapgadgetcrazy earphonecrazy earphonesCrazyEarphoneCrazyEarphonesearbudsearphonesheadphonesportable audioPortableAudiosolid allianceSolidAllianceuglywackyWed, 21 Oct 2009 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[ARM shows off its Mali mobile processors with impressive 3D demos, also bowling (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/arm-shows-off-its-mali-mobile-processors-with-impressive-3d-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/arm-shows-off-its-mali-mobile-processors-with-impressive-3d-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/arm-shows-off-its-mali-mobile-processors-with-impressive-3d-demo/#commentsARM shows off its Mali mobile processors with impressive 3D demos, also bowling (video)
It's been a long time since ARM last bragged about its Mali line of high-end mobile processors, telling us back in March how the 200 and 400 models were going to bring high-def 3D performance to tiny gadgets. Finally we have some videos to go with the hype, two demonstrations showing the phone's admittedly impressive polygon-shuffling tech. The demos feature the lower-end Mali-200 rendering everything at 720p, playing some simple videos and also handling a rather complex 3D contact navigation system that looks both flashy and painful to use. ARM says "play a game of bowling like never before and you'll get hooked by the magic of Mali." Click on through already, and prepare to be hooked.

Continue reading ARM shows off its Mali mobile processors with impressive 3D demos, also bowling (video)

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ARM shows off its Mali mobile processors with impressive 3D demos, also bowling (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armarm maliarm mali-200arm mali-400ArmMaliArmMali-200ArmMali-400malimali-200mali-400mobile processorMobileProcessorWed, 21 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[HiPhone F320: 'a rotary phone and an iPod nano walk into a bar...']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/hiphone-f320-a-rotary-phone-and-an-ipod-nano-walk-into-a-bar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/hiphone-f320-a-rotary-phone-and-an-ipod-nano-walk-into-a-bar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/hiphone-f320-a-rotary-phone-and-an-ipod-nano-walk-into-a-bar/#comments
With a name like HiPhone, it has to be good, right? Totally. The outfit famous for knocking off RIM's BlackBerry Storm in impressive fashion is back, this time with a psychedelic mishmash that could make even the most hardened soul chuckle once or twice. The F320 is -- as you can so clearly see above -- a terribly funny combination of iPod nano and rotary phone, and while we wouldn't trust the specifications for a minute, we're told that it's a dual-band GSM handset with a built-in multimedia player, FM tuner, camera, 2.6-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth. There's no mention of a price (unless you're willing to commit to buying a few hundred), but trust us, it's better that way.

[Via PMP Today]

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HiPhone F320: 'a rotary phone and an iPod nano walk into a bar...' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesef320HiPhoneHiPhone f320HiphoneF320iphone cloneIphoneClonekirfknockoffphoneripoffTue, 20 Oct 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Newsmy A11HD portable media player tries hard to be special]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/newsmy-a11hd-portable-media-player-tries-hard-to-be-special/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/newsmy-a11hd-portable-media-player-tries-hard-to-be-special/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/newsmy-a11hd-portable-media-player-tries-hard-to-be-special/#commentsNewsmy (or Newman, as it were) may not be a household name here in the States, but it's good for pumping out new portable media players at a decent clip over in the Far East. Thankfully, there's this amazing invention called the "internet," which essentially enables folks all over the world to trade currency for product. For those interested in the ho hum player shown above -- which features a 4.3-inch display (480 x 272), 720p TV output, an absurd list of supported file formats and 16GB of internal storage -- it can be shipped your way for the intriguing price of $129.86. Oh, and did we mention that this thing can play "64 games?" Look out, iPod touch!

[Via PMP Today]

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Newsmy A11HD portable media player tries hard to be special originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A11HDchinachinesenewmanNewsmypmpTue, 20 Oct 2009 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[MobileMe media sync detailed in Apple patent application]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/mobileme-media-sync-detailed-in-apple-patent-application/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/mobileme-media-sync-detailed-in-apple-patent-application/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/mobileme-media-sync-detailed-in-apple-patent-application/#comments
What do you know? It looks like Apple's filed yet another patent application. The company's newest is named (in the short, pithy way that patents are named) Synchronization of Media State Across Multiple Devices. Combining the ubiquity of MobileMe with the media syncing that goes down when you dock your iPod or iPhone, the application suggests that soon you might find all your Engadget Show episodes automagically picking up where you left 'em when you switch devices -- without any lag time or any pesky cables. As Macworld points out, also included in the paperwork is distance tracking functionality -- just the thing for automating sync operations when two devices come within range (it's unclear whether this will be done via Bluetooth or WiFi). Perhaps this news isn't exciting to the couch potatoes among us (you know, because they never leave the couch) but all you TV addicts "on the go" must be psyched.

[Via Macworld]

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MobileMe media sync detailed in Apple patent application originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplappleapple tvAppleTviphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchitunesmedia syncMediaSyncmobilemesyncsynchronizationSynchronization of Media State Across Multiple DevicesSynchronizationOfMediaStateAcrossMultipleDevicesMon, 19 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/#commentsMmm, nothing like a pinch of predictability to wake us in the morning. Just days after the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) finally announced that a North American mobile DTV standard was struck, Samsung has jumped in with what it's calling the planet's first single chip solution designed to handle those very transmissions. All we're told is that the solution combines RF and "digital chip components" into one 65 nanometer chip, making it ideal for smaller devices such as smartphones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players. Of course, Sammy doesn't even bother to mention a mass production date, so we're guessing we all just rise awkwardly and start a roaring slow clap to celebrate the accomplishment.

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Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmatscbroadcastchipdigital TVDigitalTvDTVdvbmobile dtvmobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvmphnorth americaNorthAmericasamsungususaMon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Gemei's 4.3-inch HD8800 PMP does 1080p out, other cool things for $122]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/gemeis-4-3-inch-hd8800-pmp-does-1080p-out-other-cool-things-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/gemeis-4-3-inch-hd8800-pmp-does-1080p-out-other-cool-things-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/gemeis-4-3-inch-hd8800-pmp-does-1080p-out-other-cool-things-fo/#commentsIt's been a hot minute since we've seen a compelling new media player from the labs of Gemei, but the HD8800 ain't half bad. Offering up a 4.3-inch display with an 800 x 480 resolution, this touchscreen-based PMP packs 8GB of internal memory, a battery good for five hours of movie playback (or ten hours with audio), USB 2.0 connectivity, 3.5 millimeter headphone jack and support for more formats than you'll ever use. Oh, and then there's that handy video out feature, which can supposedly shoot out content at up to 1080p via HDMI. It's yours right now for a buck-twenty-two, but only heaven knows if that "JESSICA" wallpaper is changeable.

[Via PMP Today]

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Gemei's 4.3-inch HD8800 PMP does 1080p out, other cool things for $122 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GemeiGemei HD8800GemeiHd8800HD8800media playerMediaPlayerpmpSun, 18 Oct 2009 03:57:00 EST<![CDATA[US Mobile DTV standard finally approved]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/us-mobile-dtv-standard-finally-approved/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/us-mobile-dtv-standard-finally-approved/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/us-mobile-dtv-standard-finally-approved/#commentsWell freaking finally. The Advanced Television System Committee just approved the Mobile DTV standard, meaning we're finally about to see for-real mobile television in the US. LG and Samsung have already made gear for the new standard, and the tech will be demoed later today before a rollout... sometime. Still, it's heartening news to hear that it's finally ready -- over 800 stations are signed up to broadcast the new signal, which makes use of existing 6MHz airwaves to do everything from straight TV to video-on-demand and targeted advertising. Cool, so now we're what, just a billion years behind DVB adoption?

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US Mobile DTV standard finally approved originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscDTVdvbmobile dtvMobileDtvmphFri, 16 Oct 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Movie Gadget Friday: Code 46]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/movie-gadget-friday-code-46/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/movie-gadget-friday-code-46/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/movie-gadget-friday-code-46/#commentsAriel Waldman contributes Movie Gadget Friday, where she highlights the lovable and lame gadgets from the world of cinema.

On our last visit, we examined the computer hacking fantasies of 1980's adolescents in Weird Science. Skipping on from software-engineered babes to a bio-engineered society, this week we investigate the gadgets in the human-clone-saturated cities of Code 46. Though most of the futuristic technology in this 2003 film is in the form of mind-altering viruses, the everyday devices used by Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton slightly stretch today's technical specs in true sci-fi form.


Memory Videobook

Preventing scrapbooks from being left behind as primitive forms of experience archiving, this gadget combines the cheap plastic form of photo-books with a relatively thin interactive screen. The device captures first-person memories from a user in the form of lossy video (alas, the specs behind memory capturing have yet to be released, much to our irritation). Playback and fast-forward/rewind are enabled through basic scrolling gestures on either the corner of the video or the opposing soft-acrylic, touch-sensitive finger pad. Similar to Americhip's video-in-print technology, the memory videobook appears to use a TFT LCD, but with a far more outstanding resolution. While this memory scrapbook device is far from chic, we kind of respect that it stays true to its historical laminated, cutesy form despite the high tech modifications. More after the break.

Continue reading Movie Gadget Friday: Code 46

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Movie Gadget Friday: Code 46 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>code 46Code46digital photobookDigitalPhotobookembeddedfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfilmfilmsmoviemovie gadget fridayMovieGadgetFridaymoviesphotobooktft lcdTftLcdtouchscreenvideo phoneVideoPhoneFri, 16 Oct 2009 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[TI's OMAP-DM5x coprocessors promise 20MP cameraphones, 720p recording and freedom from heartache]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/tis-omap-dm5x-coprocessors-promise-20mp-cameraphones-720p-reco/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/tis-omap-dm5x-coprocessors-promise-20mp-cameraphones-720p-reco/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/tis-omap-dm5x-coprocessors-promise-20mp-cameraphones-720p-reco/#comments
Another season, another Texas Instruments coprocessor for us to wonder about. For what feels like ages now, TI has been pumping out silicon that promises to bring high-def recording capabilities to cellphones, but by and large, most everything has been stuck at VGA or below. Oh sure, we've seen our first batch of 12 megapixel cameraphones, but it's not like those things are replacing DSLRs en masse. Bitterness aside, the OMAP-DM525 coprocessor is supposedly capable of bringing 20 megapixel imaging to handsets along with 720p video recording, while the OMAP-DM515 hits the ceiling at 12 megapixels. Of course, the DM525 won't actually be ready for volume production until sometime next year, but here's hoping a sample or two slips out at CES.

[Via LetsGoDigital]

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TI's OMAP-DM5x coprocessors promise 20MP cameraphones, 720p recording and freedom from heartache originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20mpcameracameraphonecellphonecoprocessordigital imagingDigitalImaginghdhd cellphoneHdCellphonehigh-defimagingOMAP-DM515OMAP-DM525OMAP-DM5xprocessorsensorFri, 16 Oct 2009 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos 5 firmware 1.1.01 rights all wrongs?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/archos-5-firmware-1-1-01-rights-all-wrongs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/archos-5-firmware-1-1-01-rights-all-wrongs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/archos-5-firmware-1-1-01-rights-all-wrongs/#comments Charbax of ArchosFans.com reports that the majority of issues encountered by early adopters of the Android-equipped Archos 5 Internet Tablet (not to be confused with the older Internet Media Tablet, ugh) have been remedied by the caped crusader that is firmware revision 1.1.01. Forum members do seem to corroborate that the previously habitual lockups are no more, but the complex update procedure has already (probably temporarily) bricked one user's device, while another still has random disconnects when transferring files from his PC under the new firmware. Still, if you've been among the unfortunate victims of the sloppy original software, this is a ray of light for you, and the read link -- featuring input from a source within Archos -- should be considered required reading.

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Archos 5 firmware 1.1.01 rights all wrongs? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidArchosArchos 5Archos5handheldinternet tabletInternetTabletmidpmpportable audioportable videoPortableAudioPortableVideotablettouchscreenFri, 16 Oct 2009 04:51:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP to HDMI, all with one giant converter box]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/psp-to-hdmi-all-with-one-giant-converter-box/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/psp-to-hdmi-all-with-one-giant-converter-box/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/psp-to-hdmi-all-with-one-giant-converter-box/#comments Props to Lenkeng for dressing up their otherwise anonymous VGA-to-HDMI converter box with a PSP-related angle -- the LKV8000 comes with the necessary cables to take your PSP-2000 or above's 480p video output and push out a 720p HDMI signal complete with stereo audio. Not a bad idea -- except that we can't think of an HDTV that lacks either component or VGA jacks and that doesn't have a built-in scaler to do the same job. Maybe you're just out of ports? In any event, this guy needs a Stateside distributor before we can tell you pricing or availability, so you're stuck swapping cables for a while, Sparky.

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

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PSP to HDMI, all with one giant converter box originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>480p720pcomponentcomponent videoComponentVideohdmilenkengLKV8000psppsp gopsp-200psp-3000PspGovgavga adaptervga convertervga to hdmivga-to-hdmiVgaAdapterVgaConverterVgaToHdmivideo outvideo-outVideoOutThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New Archos 5 with Android unboxed, meets its chubby predecessor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/new-archos-5-with-android-unboxed-meets-its-chubby-predecessor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/new-archos-5-with-android-unboxed-meets-its-chubby-predecessor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/new-archos-5-with-android-unboxed-meets-its-chubby-predecessor/#comments The folks at Pocketables have an Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet with Android in house, and after the requisite unboxing they've put it up against the older, wiser Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet original. It's not quite a fair fight, since the Android model shown here has 32GB of flash storage compared to the old IMT's 250GB HDD (there's also a HDD option for the new Android tablet, a whopping 500GB), but there are some other notable differences like materials and curves. Thankfully for Archos fans those differences don't break compatibility with the optional Archos 5 mini dock, and overall the Android model seems to have just a slight bit of "premium" vibe to it.

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New Archos 5 with Android unboxed, meets its chubby predecessor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarchosarchos 5archos 5 internet media tabletArchos5Archos5InternetMediaTabletin the wildinternet media tabletinternet media tablet with androidInternetMediaTabletInternetMediaTabletWithAndroidInTheWildunboxingThu, 15 Oct 2009 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Zoom's high-fidelity Q3 pocket camcorder ships to America]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/zooms-high-fidelity-q3-pocket-camcorder-ships-to-america/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/zooms-high-fidelity-q3-pocket-camcorder-ships-to-america/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/zooms-high-fidelity-q3-pocket-camcorder-ships-to-america/#comments Hailed as the first and only handheld video recorder to record HD audio, Zoom's Q3 Handy Video recorder is definitely a unique offering amongst the legions of me-toos. After being announced in July and tickling our senses right around a month ago, the Q3 has finally begun to ship en masse to eager consumers. Just in case you've forgotten, this bugger records 24-bit/48 kHz audio via a pair of condenser microphones, gets powered by two AA cells and captures video at 640 x 480 (30fps). There's also a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 LCD and an SDHC card slot, though you'll have to shell out $249 in order to get this kind of technology into your own pocket. Order up, kids!

Gallery: Zoom's high-fidelity Q3 pocket camcorder ships to America

Continue reading Zoom's high-fidelity Q3 pocket camcorder ships to America

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Zoom's high-fidelity Q3 pocket camcorder ships to America originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioaudio recorderAudioRecorderdigital recorderDigitalRecorderhandy videoHandyVideonow shippingNowShippingon saleOnSalepocket camcorderPocketCamcorderq3Q3 Handy Video recorderQ3HandyVideoRecordersamsonshipshippingshipsZoomZoom q3ZoomQ3Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Microsoft's touchy subjects]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/switched-on-microsofts-touchy-subjects/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/switched-on-microsofts-touchy-subjects/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/switched-on-microsofts-touchy-subjects/#commentsRoss Rubin (@rossrubin) contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
As CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates would often talk about his dream of "information at your fingertips." The company he co-founded, though, is now taking literal steps toward that goal. By the end of the month, Microsoft will have released three new devices or platforms that embrace or extend touchscreen support -- but the impact touch will have on each varies significantly by their legacy, usage, and manufacturers.

Windows has long had touchscreen support. Such support, in fact, was the basis of the Tablet Edition of Windows XP, and Tablet PCs were proclaimed to be the future of notebooks. Early iterations were larger and thicker keyboard-lacking slates much like the new Archos 9pctablet. But this was before rampant Web browsing, streaming video, casual games and electronic books -- all of which now provide relevance for a new generation of touchscreen PCs as content-consumption devices.

Continue reading Switched On: Microsoft's touchy subjects

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Switched On: Microsoft's touchy subjects originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columncolumnsfeaturedfeaturesmicrosoftswitched onSwitchedOntablet pcTabletPctouchtouchscreenwindows 7windows mobilewindows mobile 6.5windows phoneWindows7WindowsMobileWindowsMobile6.5WindowsPhonezunezune hdZuneHdWed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MyRacer's Q10 is the PMP with a funky little dial]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/myracers-q10-is-the-pmp-with-a-little-dial/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/myracers-q10-is-the-pmp-with-a-little-dial/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/13/myracers-q10-is-the-pmp-with-a-little-dial/#commentsMyRacer's Liesse Q10 Touch is the PMP with a little dial
Functionally, MyRacer has yet to really knock our socks off. But, its lineup of PMPs has always featured some lovely design cues, and the Q10 is perhaps the nicest yet. It has some subtly '70s styling and that cheeky volume knob with an illuminated red surround that would probably result in you getting an earful whenever sliding it into a back pocket. As you'd expect it has all the major audio and video formats covered (including DivX, Xvid, MP3, AAC, and WMA) and also includes an FM tuner, transmitter, and a voice recorder. There's 8GB of storage behind the 3-inch, 400 x 240 touchscreen and a microSD slot for expansion. No word on price, but we're unlikely to see this one Stateside anyway, so enjoy these fine pictures and see if you can spot the snail.

Gallery: MyRacer's Liesse Q10



[Via PMP Today]

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MyRacer's Q10 is the PMP with a funky little dial originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-inchdivxmyracermyracer Q10MyracerQ10pmpq10touchscreenxvidTue, 13 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA['Spider pill' bowel scanner will be ready within a year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/spider-pill-bowel-scanner-will-be-ready-within-a-year/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/spider-pill-bowel-scanner-will-be-ready-within-a-year/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/spider-pill-bowel-scanner-will-be-ready-within-a-year/#comments Endoscopy, or the examination of a person's bowels via a tube-mounted camera, is not exactly the most pleasant medical procedure one could undergo. In 2004, we noted the early stages of a project to alleviate the (literal) pain of the procedure with a spider pill, which -- once swallowed by the hopefully willing patient -- can be remotely controlled and positioned inside the human body. Yes, it's a tiny, wirelessly communicating robot with a camera for a head crawling inside you. Hit the read link for the full BBC report, it really is worth seeing, and start your Innerspace jokes ... now!

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'Spider pill' bowel scanner will be ready within a year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowelbowel scannerbowelsBowelScannercameraendoscopyhealthinnerspacemedicalmedicinepillremote control cameraRemoteControlCamerarobot pillRobotPillscannerspider pillSpiderPillwirelessMon, 12 Oct 2009 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[CTIA jumps on the micro-USB bandwagon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/ctia-jumps-on-the-micro-usb-bandwagon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/ctia-jumps-on-the-micro-usb-bandwagon/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/ctia-jumps-on-the-micro-usb-bandwagon/#commentsCTIA jumps on the micro-USB bandwagonThink the CTIA is only good for swank trade shows? Think again! It's actually a trade group created to fight for your interests -- or at least those interests of your duly elected wireless providers -- and apparently top among those lists of interests is plug standardization. Yes, we're not the only ones sick of still having a sprawling mess of a gadget charging station, so CTIA is saying that micro-USB will be the power standard for all handsets and mobile devices. Likewise, the 3.5mm audio plug will be the standard for audio output on those same gadgets. It's shocking, we know, if only because we thought the entire gadget universe was already on board, with everyone and their mommas signing up for micro-USB and even HTC finally making room for a 3.5mm hole in the bottom of their handsets. These standards are set to go into effect in January of 2012, meaning we should get a good 11 months or so of dongle-free gadget harmony before the apocalypse.

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CTIA jumps on the micro-USB bandwagon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123.5mmcellphone chargerCellphoneChargerchargerctiamicro-usbstandardstandard chargerStandardChargerstandardized chargerStandardizedChargerMon, 12 Oct 2009 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos 5 has 99 problems and a glitch is one, 160GB version pulled by Amazon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/archos-5-has-99-problems-and-a-glitch-is-one-160gb-version-pull/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/archos-5-has-99-problems-and-a-glitch-is-one-160gb-version-pull/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/archos-5-has-99-problems-and-a-glitch-is-one-160gb-version-pull/#comments It was only just allowed out to play, but Archos' five-inch, Android-sporting internet tablet has been called back in by its fastidious mother, a role played by Amazon in this case. Only the hard drive-based 160GB model is affected at present, with the 32GB version selling as normal and the half terabyte option out of stock already. Charbax of ArchosFans.com, a man in the know on this subject, has suggested this might have been caused by a firmware update wiping out some pre-installed Android apps, which is now being addressed. His site's forums and Amazon customer reviews, however, paint a different picture: there are consistent complaints about bugs and lock ups -- software issues that could well affect the other models in the line -- with some going so far as to suggest Archos has used its customers as Beta testers. There doesn't appear to be anything structurally wrong with the device, meaning a robust firmware update could remedy all ills, so now it's just a matter of waiting for Archos to do what it should have done before release.

[Via Pocketables]

Read - Amazon product page
Read - Archos Fans forums

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Archos 5 has 99 problems and a glitch is one, 160GB version pulled by Amazon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAndroidArchosArchos 5Archos5handheldinternet media tabletinternet tabletInternetMediaTabletInternetTabletmidpmpportable audioportable videoPortableAudioPortableVideotablettouchscreenMon, 12 Oct 2009 04:05:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Microsoft's Zune HD?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/how-would-you-change-microsofts-zune-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/how-would-you-change-microsofts-zune-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/how-would-you-change-microsofts-zune-hd/#comments
For the anti-iPod crowd out there (you know who you are), Microsoft's Zune HD has been a long time comin'. As of September 17th, your excuses for not owning one vanished completely, and for those diehards willing to splurge on Redmond's swankest PMP yet, we know you've been toying with it ever since. Still, the Zune HD hasn't thrived without its fair share of hangups, and we get the impression that at least a smattering of users are still frustrated by this or that. If we just rang your bell, you're in the right place. We're curious to hear what actual, honest-to-goodness Zune HD users have to say about their new toy, and better still, how you would've done things differently if you had any power whatsoever over Sir Ballmer. Drop your rant off in comments below, would you?

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How would you change Microsoft's Zune HD? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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