Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NVIDIA officially brands Tegra 3's five-core quad-core architecture as 4-PLUS-1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/nvidia-officially-brands-tegra-3s-five-core-quad-core-architect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/nvidia-officially-brands-tegra-3s-five-core-quad-core-architect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/nvidia-officially-brands-tegra-3s-five-core-quad-core-architect/#comments NVIDIA officially brands Tegra 3's five-core quad-core architecture as 4-PLUS-1NVIDIA's cooked up a few ways to describe the Tegra 3's quad-core-with-a-spare architecture, usually by giving the extra Cortex A9 a cute nickname like "ninja," or "companion." Until now, the proper description was "Variable Symmetrical Multiprocessing," or, vSMP for short. Despite how much fun (and technically accurate) some of these descriptions may have been, however, they just aren't marketable. "Our customers wanted a name for it that's unique and descriptive," writes mobile business unit general manager Michael Rayfield, "A name they could put on a box or a store sign that immediately represents its value." That official name is the 4-PLUS-1 quad-core architecture, he says, and you'll probably see it pop up a few times in Barcelona next week if LG's latest offering is any indication. It lacks something in pizzaz, to be sure, but we'll admit that it is at least descriptive of the Tegra 3's technical chops. In related news, NVIDIA promises the Tegra will be less fickle about its new moniker than the symbol formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince.

NVIDIA officially brands Tegra 3's five-core quad-core architecture as 4-PLUS-1 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNVIDIA  | Email this | Comments]]>4-PLUS-1ARM Cortex-A9 MPCorecompanion coreCompanionCorekal elkal-elKalElMichael RayfieldMichaelRayfieldmike rayfieldMikeRayfieldnvidiaNvidia CorpNvidia Tegranvidia tegra 3NvidiaTegra3quad corequad-coreQuadCoreSci/Techtegrategra 3Tegra3Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:54:00 EDT<![CDATA[ZTE to unleash eight new phones at MWC, hopes multi-core chipsets and LTE push them into third place]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/zte-to-unleash-eight-new-phones-at-mwc-hopes-multi-core-chipset/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/zte-to-unleash-eight-new-phones-at-mwc-hopes-multi-core-chipset/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/zte-to-unleash-eight-new-phones-at-mwc-hopes-multi-core-chipset/#comments If the trio of slabs ZTE announced earlier this week weren't enough for you, sit tight, the outfit just announced it's bringing a total of eight new phones to Barcelona next week. The new handsets will reportedly flaunt multi-core processors, LTE radios and the latest versions of the Android and Windows Phone platforms. This announcement both echos and one-ups the recently announced Mimosa X, which gets its dual-core chops from an NVIDIA Tegra 2, but boasts only HSPA+, rather than the promised LTE. ZTE says it hopes the new devices will help it become one of the world's top three handset providers by the year 2015. Seem far off? Don't worry, at least the phones will be here by Monday. Read on for ZTE's official press statement.

Continue reading ZTE to unleash eight new phones at MWC, hopes multi-core chipsets and LTE push them into third place

ZTE to unleash eight new phones at MWC, hopes multi-core chipsets and LTE push them into third place originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0Android4.0dlnaGooglehspa+ice creamIceCreamIceraIcera 450Icera450ICSltelte fddLteFddmhlMicrosoftMimosaMimosa XMimosaXMobile High-Definition Linkmobile world congressmobile world congress 2012MobileHigh-definitionLinkmobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2012NVIDIANVIDIA Tegra 2NvidiaTegra2TegraTegra 2Tegra2Windows PhoneWindowsPhoneZTEZTE MimosaZTE Mimosa XZteMimosaZteMimosaXThu, 23 Feb 2012 00:05:00 EDT<![CDATA[OnLive Desktop launches 'Plus' subscriptions, puts IE in your iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/onlive-desktop-launches-plus-subscriptions-puts-ie-in-your-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/onlive-desktop-launches-plus-subscriptions-puts-ie-in-your-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/onlive-desktop-launches-plus-subscriptions-puts-ie-in-your-ip/#comments OnLive has already given Microsoft loving iPad owners a hefty, gratis helping of Windows 7, but that doesn't mean they haven't been building a paywall. What's behind the freshly dried brick and mortar? OnLive Desktop Plus, an optional, subscription based upgrade that touts new features for users who are willing to pay a fee. Five dollars a month buys you a cloud-accelerated web browser (that would be Internet Explorer 9, complete with fully functioning Adobe Flash and Acrobat plug-ins) and priority access to the OnLive Desktop service -- freeloading "standard" subscribers can only access the service on an as-available basis. OnLive says that the cloud powered browser's full Windows experience finally gives the iPad full Flash compatibility, giving you the chance to feed your nostalgic need to watch cartoons check their email. We got an early look at the app, read on for a quick hands-on and OnLive's official press release.

Continue reading OnLive Desktop launches 'Plus' subscriptions, puts IE in your iPad

OnLive Desktop launches 'Plus' subscriptions, puts IE in your iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>cloudCloud computingCloudComputinghands-onIEIE 9Ie9Internet ExplorerInternet Explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9Microsoft OfficeMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoftOfficeMicrosoftWindowsMS OFficeMsOfficeOfficeOnLiveOnLive CloudOnLive EnterpriseOnLive OfficeOnlive Office FreeOnLive Office ProOnlive ProOnliveCloudOnliveEnterpriseOnliveOfficeOnliveOfficeFreeOnliveOfficeProOnliveProWed, 22 Feb 2012 18:42:00 EDT<![CDATA[Apple patent shows designs for more accurate water damage sensors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/apple-patent-shows-designs-for-more-accurate-water-damage-sensor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/apple-patent-shows-designs-for-more-accurate-water-damage-sensor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/apple-patent-shows-designs-for-more-accurate-water-damage-sensor/#comments Without a doubt, the purveyance of personal electronics has changed our lives -- not only have they put oodles of information at our fingertips, but they've also made pushing fully-clothed friends into the pool a warranty-voiding social faux pas. If you do get dunked, however, Apple wants to make sure you aren't going to blame your phone's apparent water damage on one of the (potentially faulty) detection stickers in use today, rather than your own perilous plunge. A new patent application uncovered by AppleInsider imagines an iDevice that detects water damage using a sensor covered in water soluble conductive glue that, when dissolved, allows the sensor to detect its absence and log damage. The patent outlines several different setups using one or more sensors, and hopes to provide a more reliable indicator of water damage than today's methods. Of course, you wouldn't have to worry about that if you were insured, would you?

Apple patent shows designs for more accurate water damage sensors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink AppleInsider  |  sourceFree Patents Online  | Email this | Comments]]>applemobilepatent applicationPatentApplicationpatentsvoidwarrantywaterwater damagewater damage technologywater detection stickerwater solubleWaterDamageWaterDamageTechnologyWaterDetectionStickerWaterSolubleMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:41:00 EDT<![CDATA[CNET shows us Samsung's history, talent for building tanks (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/cnet-shows-us-samsungs-history-talent-for-building-tanks-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/cnet-shows-us-samsungs-history-talent-for-building-tanks-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/cnet-shows-us-samsungs-history-talent-for-building-tanks-vide/#comments Sure, you know Samsung for its smartphones, TVs and automatic vacuum cleaners, but did you know it got its start in exporting produce, groceries and dried fish? You might not think it looking at your Galaxy Nexus, but the outfit's had its hands in quite a few industries over the years, including trade exports, sugar refinement, amusement parks and even wargadgets -- big ones. If you're itching to learn more (or just want to see a Samsung Galaxy S II clumsily sculpted from snow) read on, CNET's about to drop some Samsung knowledge into your inquisitive brain.

Continue reading CNET shows us Samsung's history, talent for building tanks (video)

CNET shows us Samsung's history, talent for building tanks (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceCNET  | Email this | Comments]]>cnetCNET Networkshistorysamsungsamsung historySamsungHistorySci/TechsmartphonesvideoMon, 20 Feb 2012 06:15:00 EDT<![CDATA[Samsung spinning off LCD business]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/samsung-spinning-off-lcd-business/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/samsung-spinning-off-lcd-business/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/20/samsung-spinning-off-lcd-business/#comments

When the Korea Exchange asked Sammy about rumors of an impending spin-off of its LCD business, the firm said it was a move it was considering. Well, consider it done -- today Samsung announced it would be launching Samsung Display on April 1st, 2012 with $6.6 billion in its coffers. The move is still waiting for shareholder approval, but Donggun Park, executive vice president of Samsung's LCD business, seems optimistic. "The spin-off will allow us to make quicker business decisions and respond to our clients' needs more swiftly." This decision comes just months after Sammy agreed to take Sony's stake in S-LCD, turning the former display partnership into a fully owned subsidiary. Hit the break for the official (machine translated) press release.

Continue reading Samsung spinning off LCD business

Samsung spinning off LCD business originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>break offbreaking newsBreakOffdisplayshdpostcrosshdtvlcdlcd displayslcd monitorslcd tvsLcdDisplaysLcdMonitorsLcdTvssamsungsamsung lcdsamsung tvSamsungLcdSamsungTvspin offspin-offSpinOfftvMon, 20 Feb 2012 01:53:00 EDT<![CDATA[DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/#comments In a fevered mash up of blockbuster films directed by James Cameron, DARPA is looking to put soldier controlled bi-pedal robots on the battlefield. Think Terminator meets Avatar. The agency has set aside $7 million of it's $2.8 billion 2012 budget to develop an "Avatar program" that will "develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier's surrogate." DARPA isn't talking about simple remote control rigs, either -- these 'bots are being designed to clear rooms, and facilitate sentry control and combat casualty recovery. The new budget also sets aside $4.1 million to design laser countermeasures to protect military weapons, well, lasers -- ensuring that the future's robot soldiers will be nigh indestructible when they rebel against their human hosts.

DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink IEEE  |  sourceWired  | Email this | Comments]]>armautonomousavatardarpahandhandsmachinesmilitaryrobotrobot apocalypserobot avatarRobotApocalypseRobotAvatarrobotssurrogatesurrogate soldiersSurrogateSoldiersterminatorwargadgetSun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EDT<![CDATA[WinZip comes to iOS, doesn't nag you to register]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/winzip-comes-to-ios-doesnt-nag-you-to-register/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/winzip-comes-to-ios-doesnt-nag-you-to-register/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/winzip-comes-to-ios-doesnt-nag-you-to-register/#comments The days of ignoring WinZip's incessant nagging that you actually pay its registration fee may be long gone, but that isn't to say the file compressing firm hasn't learned from your failure to pony up. WinZip, the Windows user's go-to compression software since the early nineties, is now available on iOS -- free of charge. The mobile utility will let users open Zip attachments from email, browse compressed files and extract encrypted archives. Actual compression of an iOS device's files, however, will still need to be done on a desktop computer.

WinZip comes to iOS, doesn't nag you to register originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TUAW  |  sourceiTunes  | Email this | Comments]]>applefile compressionFileCompressioniosios winzipIosWinzipipadiphoneipodmobilepostminiwin zipWindowswinzipwinzip iosWinzipIoszipzip filesZipFilesFri, 17 Feb 2012 03:30:00 EDT<![CDATA[Hong Kong court allegedly sides with Apple in iPad name dispute]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/#comments If you've been following the latest bub around the hub, you may remember Apple's recent scuff with Shenzhen-based Proview Technology -- the Chinese outfit that holds the local trademark on the name "iPad." Not only did Apple lose a trademark lawsuit for the iPad name, but some time later mainland government had the slabs removed from retailers in the city of Shjiazhuang. Now, Apple's claiming that a Hong Kong court has sided with it in a similar battle, saying in a statement to China Daily that they purchased "Proview's worldwide rights to the iPad trademark in 10 different countries several years ago," referring, perhaps, to the deal they made Taiwanese arm of the company, "Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple." Xie Xianghui, Proview's lawyer, shot back with his own statement, explaining that the court merely ruled that the trademark couldn't be sold to a third party before hearing ends, claiming that this move does not count as a ruling in Apple's favor. Xie went on to suggest the issue stemmed from Apple underestimating the legal complications of doing business in China.

Hong Kong court allegedly sides with Apple in iPad name dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink 9to5Mac  |  sourceChina Daily  | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyipadlawsuitproviewproview technologyProviewTechnologyShenzhentrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EDT<![CDATA[Sony finalizes divorce with Ericsson, renames itself Sony Mobile Communications]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sony-finalizes-divorce-with-ericsson-renames-itself-sony-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sony-finalizes-divorce-with-ericsson-renames-itself-sony-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/sony-finalizes-divorce-with-ericsson-renames-itself-sony-mobile/#comments More than half of America's married couples will tell you, breaking up is hard. Hard and expensive. After living in denial, dodging rumors and eventually coming to terms with the inevitable, Sony has finally taken over Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson's 50-percent stake in the pair's former joint venture, a move that was earlier reported to have cost €1.05 billion ($1.37 billion) to complete. The now fully Sony owned Sony Ericsson will be renamed Sony Mobile Communications, though a few of the outfit's already announced children are keeping their papa's name. Hit the break for Sony's small press release.

Continue reading Sony finalizes divorce with Ericsson, renames itself Sony Mobile Communications

Sony finalizes divorce with Ericsson, renames itself Sony Mobile Communications originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSony  | Email this | Comments]]>businessbuyoutcash considerationCashConsiderationericssonhandsetjoint ventureJointVenturemanufacturingmobilepostcrossmoneysmartphonesonysony ericssonSonyEricssonWed, 15 Feb 2012 22:19:00 EDT<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/#comments Look familiar? It should: that's the PlayStation Vita, Sony's up-and-coming challenger to the mobile gaming throne. It's made the rounds a few times before, from E3, to Tokyo Game Show, to San Francisco's Vita Hill Social Club, and it even took an early pass through Engadget's review gauntlet -- courtesy of the Land of the Rising Sun, of course. After a strong start in its homeland (followed by a quick holiday slump), the budding portable hit the books, brushed up on its English and barreled its way back into Engadget's game room, demanding another review. And why not? We're happy to oblige.

And here it is, an extremely familiar looking slab of plastic, glass and electronics that calls itself the North American 3G / WiFi PlayStation Vita. Sony's new region-free tradition ensures that it won't be too different than Japan's native model, but we're diving in for a more detailed look anyway. Read on for a peek at its content management system, backward compatibility, the particulars of its fancy new thumbsticks, the latest firmware update's contribution to the platform and much more.

Gallery: PlayStation Vita review

Continue reading PlayStation Vita review

PlayStation Vita review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>NGPplaystationPlayStation VitaPlaystation Vita ReviewPlaystationVitaPlaystationVitaReviewportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPS Vita reviewPSPPsVitaPsVitaReviewreviewsonyvideoVitaMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EDT<![CDATA[Microsoft Store hacked in India, passwords stored in plain text]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/microsoft-store-hacked-in-india-leaked-passwords-stored-in-plai/#comments Frequenters of India's online Microsoft Store were briefly greeted with the suspicious visage of a Guy Fawkes mask this morning, following a hack that compromised the site's user database. According to WPSauce, Microsoft Store India's landing page was briefly taken over by a hacker group called Evil Shadow Team, who, in addition to putting a new face on Windows products, revealed that user passwords were saved in plain text. The group's motivations are unknown, though the hacked page warned that an "unsafe system will be baptized." The store is now offline, suggesting that Microsoft may have regained control. Read on for a look at the compromised password database.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Microsoft Store hacked in India, passwords stored in plain text

Microsoft Store hacked in India, passwords stored in plain text originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWPSauce, HackTeach  | Email this | Comments]]>guy fawkesGuyFawkeshackedhackershackingindiamicrosoft storemicrosoft store hackedmicrosoft store indiaMicrosoftStoreMicrosoftStoreHackedMicrosoftStoreIndiapasswordssecuritysecurity breachSecurityBreachstolenstolen passwordsStolenPasswordsSun, 12 Feb 2012 14:19:00 EDT<![CDATA[Mad Catz Cyborg M.M.O. 7 gaming mouse hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/mad-catz-cyborg-m-m-o-7-gaming-mouse-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/mad-catz-cyborg-m-m-o-7-gaming-mouse-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/mad-catz-cyborg-m-m-o-7-gaming-mouse-hands-on/#comments Mad Catz M.M.O. 7 Mad Catz' Cyborg RAT series of adjustable computer mice has seen its fair share of minor revisions, and while wireless upgrades and whitewashed DPI tweaks have given consumers a hair of choice in transforming desktop pests, the differences between these devices has been modest, at best. Until now, at least. Enter the Cyborg M.M.O. 7, the outfit's latest addition to its aggressively styled line of gaming mice, minus the RAT moniker. Despite shedding the name of its predecessors, Mad Catz' latest point-and-clicker is as much of a RAT as the mice that came before it, but distinguishes itself with more buttons, more features and more color. Read on to see what's new, what's different and what should have stayed the same.

Gallery: Mad Catz Cyborg M.M.O. 7 gaming mouse hands-on

Continue reading Mad Catz Cyborg M.M.O. 7 gaming mouse hands-on

Mad Catz Cyborg M.M.O. 7 gaming mouse hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>cyborgcyborg mmocyborg mmo7cyborg ratcyborg rat mouseCyborgMmoCyborgMmo7CyborgRatCyborgRatMousegamesgaming mouseGamingMousehands-onmad catzmad catz cyborgmad catz cyborg mmo7mad catz mmo7MadCatzMadCatzCyborgMadCatzCyborgMmo7MadCatzMmo7massively multiplayerMassivelyMultiplayermicemmo7mmo7 ratMmo7Ratmousepc gamingPcGamingperipheralrat mouseRatMousevideo gamesVideoGamesMon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT<![CDATA[Crytek's Gface hits beta, wants you to stream your games, life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/cryteks-gface-hits-beta-wants-you-to-stream-your-games-life/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/cryteks-gface-hits-beta-wants-you-to-stream-your-games-life/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/cryteks-gface-hits-beta-wants-you-to-stream-your-games-life/#comments Facebook games just not doing it for you anymore? Than put on your gameface -- or log into it, rather. Gface is an upcoming social network, powered by Crytek, that seems to be gunning for OnLive (or maybe Gaikai)'s cloud gaming foothold. Yes, streaming's the name of the game here -- Gface is powered by Crytek's new Seed Engine, a cloud technology platform that lets users share context aware game sessions, video seeds and personal media. Details are hazy at the moment, but if the network's new beta subscription page is anything to go by, Gface will allow friends to socialize, share live video feeds and stream casual and high-performance games in both single player and cross-platform multiplayer modes. This real-time sharing setup is designed to be a hardware independent, cross-platform network that runs in your browser, powered by the GFace experience plug-in; imagery on the teaser page suggests you'll be able to seamlessly pick up a game of "Warface" on your PC, smartphone or tablet. There are plenty of questions left to ponder about the budding social network, but one picks our brain: will it run Crytek's Crysis? Hit the source link below to sign up for the beta, and if you get in -- let us know.

Crytek's Gface hits beta, wants you to stream your games, life originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Joystiq  |  sourceGface  | Email this | Comments]]>betacloud gamingcloud streamingCloudGamingCloudStreamingcrysiscrytekgaikaigaminggfaceonlivesocial networkSocialNetworkvideo gamesVideoGamesMon, 06 Feb 2012 06:25:00 EDT<![CDATA[New LED flash controller promises to give floodlight brightness at cell phone size]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/new-led-flash-controller-promises-to-give-floodlight-brightness/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/new-led-flash-controller-promises-to-give-floodlight-brightness/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/new-led-flash-controller-promises-to-give-floodlight-brightness/#comments Still looking forward to a world where cell phone cameras don't suck? So is STMicroelectronics, and it hopes to hurry along a photogenic future with the help of a new supercapacitor-powered integrated camera flash. STCF04, the outfit's new integrated camera flash and torch controller, gives its LED flash module over 40 Watts of power, reportedly allowing it to give off the same level of brightness as an outdoor security floodlight -- handily blinding your friends and family with each merry burst of the bulb. STMicroelectronics says this luminescent overkill helps high-megapixel camera sensors absorb more light, cutting down on the need for longer exposure time and hopefully resulting in less image blur when shooting indoors. The sensor packs in eight user-selectable flash levels, and features up to 12 levels of brightness for torch (you know, flashlight) use. Phone or camera manufactures who want in on the action will be able to order the chip for $2 a pop later this year -- if they're willing to risk giving Mr. Blurrycam a break, that is. Hit the break for a flash of the chip's official press release.

Continue reading New LED flash controller promises to give floodlight brightness at cell phone size

New LED flash controller promises to give floodlight brightness at cell phone size originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Gizmodo, Computerworld  |  sourceSTMicroelectronics  | Email this | Comments]]>cameracamera phone flashcameraphoneCameraPhoneFlashcell phone cameraCellPhoneCameraflashflash and torch sensorflash sensorFlashAndTorchSensorFlashSensorLEDLED flashLedFlashphone flashPhoneFlashSTCF04STMicroelectronicssupercapacitorThu, 02 Feb 2012 23:18:00 EDT<![CDATA[Verizon shared data plans show up in employee training materials, still on track?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/verizon-shared-data-plans-show-up-in-employee-training-materials/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/verizon-shared-data-plans-show-up-in-employee-training-materials/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/verizon-shared-data-plans-show-up-in-employee-training-materials/#comments Verizon shared data plans show up in employee training materialsVerizon said it was working on a shared data solution for 2012, and according to an anonymous tipster, the new packages could be rolling out soon. We've been told that training material for an update to the outfit's internal account management application includes screenshots (one of which you can see above) that show a new section labeled "account level data plans." The new section apparently shows an account level charge for data allowance and a 9.99 charge per line. There's no word on exactly when these backend tweaks might translate into a new family data plan, but if it pans out the way we hope, AT&T's Ralph de la Vega may have to reconsider his oath of silence on Ma Bell's own data sharing plans.

[Thanks, Anon]

Verizon shared data plans show up in employee training materials, still on track? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>data plandata plansDataPlanDataPlansLowell McAdamLowellMcadammobilepostcrossshared datashared data planSharedDataSharedDataPlanverizonMon, 30 Jan 2012 04:15:00 EDT<![CDATA[Motorola announces RAZR Developer Edition with unlocked bootloader for Europe, US variant on the way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/motorola-announces-razr-developer-edition-with-unlocked-bootload/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/motorola-announces-razr-developer-edition-with-unlocked-bootload/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/motorola-announces-razr-developer-edition-with-unlocked-bootload/#comments Promises. You can either let technicalities get in your way of fulfilling them, or you can just find a way to keep them. Motorola, it seems, wants to do the latter. Sorta. In a new blog post, the outfit announced the Motorola RAZR Developer Edition, a fully unlockable version of the handset destined for European shores. The announcement didn't come with a release date, but pointed towards a (currently non-functional) pre-order page for the CM7 hungry. Don't fret, America -- Motorola's thinking of you as well, mentioning that a similar developer device will be available in the United States through MOTODEV, the firm's developer network. Ready to furiously refresh the pre-order page until it goes live? Check out the links below.

[Thanks, Michael]

Motorola announces RAZR Developer Edition with unlocked bootloader for Europe, US variant on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Droid-Life  |  sourceMotorola Blog, Motorola Shop  | Email this | Comments]]>bootloaderbootloader unlockbootloadersBootloaderUnlockcarrierCarriersDroidDroid RAZRDroidRazrmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiMotorolaMotorola Droid RAZRMotorola RAZRMotorola Razr Developer EditionMotorolaDroidRazrMotorolaRazrMotorolaRazrDeveloperEditionRAZRUunlocked bootloaderunlocked bootloadersUnlockedBootloaderUnlockedBootloadersSun, 29 Jan 2012 22:15:00 EDT<![CDATA[Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit controller review (PS3)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/mad-catz-mlg-pro-circuit-controller-review-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/mad-catz-mlg-pro-circuit-controller-review-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/mad-catz-mlg-pro-circuit-controller-review-ps3/#comments While most of us play games purely for their entertainment value, an elite few get their game on while calling themselves "professionals." These superstars of simulated battle make the rounds in various tournaments, including, most notably, Major League Gaming Pro Circuit championships. Now those digital athletes, as well as the masses of seasoned "amateurs," can compete with professional (or at least officially licensed) equipment -- we're talking about gear like Mad Catz' Major League Gaming Pro Circuit Controller for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This Major League gamepad promises to give competitive gamers a professional, customizable edge over their opponents with swappable "ProModule" thumbsticks and d-pads -- invoking the customizable spirit of Mad Catz' transforming RAT mouse. We gave the PlayStation 3 edition a chance to make its rodent cousin proud. Read on to see if it lives up to its professional branding.

Gallery: MLG Pro Circuit controller review


Continue reading Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit controller review (PS3)

Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit controller review (PS3) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>mad catzMadCatzmajor league gamingMajorLeagueGamingMLGmlg promlg pro-circuitMlgProMlgPro-circuitperipheralperipheralsplaystation 3Playstation3pro gamerpro-circuitprofessional game controllerprofessional gamingProfessionalGameControllerProfessionalGamingProGamerreviewSun, 29 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EDT<![CDATA[NY Public Library turns stereographs into animated GIFs, reminds your 3D TV of its roots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/ny-public-library-turns-stereographs-into-animated-gifs-reminds/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/ny-public-library-turns-stereographs-into-animated-gifs-reminds/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/ny-public-library-turns-stereographs-into-animated-gifs-reminds/#comments Digging your 3D TVs, video game consoles and laptops? Thank the past -- the New York Public Library is here to remind you that streographic entertainment has been blowing minds for over 100 years, and has the animated gifs to prove it. The Library recently introduced Stereogranimator, a web app that taps into the institution's large collection of historical stereographs and allows user to convert them into wiggling GIF animations and 3D anaglyphs. The program was inspired by "Reaching for the Out of Reach," a manual labor of animated stereographs started by San Francisco artist Joshua Heineman. The library currently has over 40,000 pairs of stenographic images just begging to be converted to depth-suggesting wigglepic. Interested? The link is below, friends -- go ahead and create your own psudeo-3D view of history. Too lazy to make your own? Fine, read on for a shaky and colorful look at an orange tree.

Continue reading NY Public Library turns stereographs into animated GIFs, reminds your 3D TV of its roots

NY Public Library turns stereographs into animated GIFs, reminds your 3D TV of its roots originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge, New York Times  |  sourceNYPL Labs  | Email this | Comments]]>3d anaglyph3dAnaglyphanaglyphsanimated gifAnimatedGifEntertainmentgifhistoryNew York Public LibraryNewYorkPublicLibraryphotographySci/TechStereogranimatorSun, 29 Jan 2012 00:34:00 EDT<![CDATA[Wii U controller to pack NFC, says Iwata, create new gameplay options]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/#comments Wii U controller to get NFC, says Satoru IwataAching for more details on Nintendo's elusive Wii U console? Let Satoru Iwata scratch your itch -- quarterly reports aren't just for reporting losses and announcing new networks, after all. Boss hog Iwata told investors that Nintendo is spicing up their next console's tablet-esque controller with a little NFC magic. Nintendo's President briefly entertains the possibilities of a console controller rocking near field communication, suggesting that Skylander-like figurines or NFC enabled cards could be created to present a "new play format in the video game world." He even says the technology might be used to implement micropayments. Sounds neat -- but will you be able to buy DLC with your Google Wallet?

Wii U controller to pack NFC, says Iwata, create new gameplay options originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceNintendo  | Email this | Comments]]>gamingmicropaymentsNear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationNFCNintendopaymentsSatoru IwataSatoruIwataskylandersvideo game consolesvideo gamesVideoGameConsolesVideoGamesWiiWii uWiiUFri, 27 Jan 2012 00:18:00 EDT<![CDATA[Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii U]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/#comments Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii UNintendo's third quarter financial briefing just spilled the beans on the recently spied Nintendo Network, causing Nintendo fans everywhere to collectively sigh, "It's about time." Company head honcho Satoru Iwata says the network will offer "competitions and communication among users, as well as the sales of digital content," and in the case of the Wii U, will introduce personal user accounts. Iwata stopped just short of confirming that the Nintendo Network will end the company's policy of tying downloaded titles to Nintendo hardware, rather than individual users, but mentioned that it packed an infrastructure that supports not only add-on content, but fully downloadable retail games as well.

"This concept was built into the design of the Nintendo 3DS, and we already have the necessary infrastructure," Iwata said, "We will prepare the same infrastructure for the Wii U. However, we have not decided the concrete timing of when we will start it." Iwata pointed to Mario Kart 7's community building features and DLC offerings in the upcoming Theatrythm Final Fantasy as an early look at how the Nintendo Network is trying differentiate itself from the outfit's existing Nintendo Wi-Fi connection services. Hit the source link to read Iwata's briefing for yourself.

Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii U originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Joystiq  |  sourceNintendo  | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdlcdownloadable contentDownloadableContentearnings callearnings reportEarningsCallEarningsReportnintendonintendo 3dsnintendo accountsnintendo networknintendo wii uNintendo3dsNintendoAccountsNintendoNetworkNintendoWiiUsatoru iwataSatoruIwatauser accountsUserAccountsuserswii uWiiUThu, 26 Jan 2012 23:31:00 EDT