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[Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 leaked, says it'll arrive later this month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/samsung-galaxy-mini-2-leak/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/samsung-galaxy-mini-2-leak/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/samsung-galaxy-mini-2-leak/#comments Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 leaked, says it'll arrive later this month

Whoa there, another phone leak? It could only be the run-up to Mobile World Congress. This time, it's Samsung that's let slip, and the not-particularly high-end Galaxy Mini 2. Mini in size, minor in specifications, it will purportedly arrive with a 3.3-inch display at 480 x 320 resolution, running Gingerbread on an 800MHz processor. Unfortunately, at that speed, don't expect to get any Adobe Flash action on this presumably entry-level phone. It'll be capable of HSDPA data speeds up to 7.2Mbps; add in a three-megapixel camera, 3GB of built-in storage and it's all starting to sound a bit 2008. GSM Arena's mole pegs it for a February release, so that could mean it sprints out ahead of MWC, but it'll find it hard to avoid the bright lights of Barcelona.

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 leaked, says it'll arrive later this month originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceGSM Arena  | Email this | Comments]]>Androidgalaxy mini 2galaxy mini IIGalaxyMini2GalaxyMiniIiGingerbreadGoogleleakmobilepostcrosssamsungsamsung galaxy minisamsung galaxy mini 2samsung galaxy mini IISamsungGalaxyMiniSamsungGalaxyMini2SamsungGalaxyMiniIismartphoneSun, 12 Feb 2012 01:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: Tablets for Students?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/ask-engadget-tablets-for-students/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/ask-engadget-tablets-for-students/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/ask-engadget-tablets-for-students/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from a pair of guys called Joe on opposite sides of the planet that both need a tablet-based solution for their higher education woes. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

Joe from New Zealand writes:

I'm a second-year university student with a health issue that means I can't carry round heavy textbooks. I've been looking at tablets that I can use as a replacement for textbooks and paper notes. I think I need a tablet, pen and software combo that'll let me read, edit and annotate ebooks, PDFs and PowerPoints, have a day-long battery life, display A4 sheets and a camera that can take pictures of textbook pages -- but I've only got a budget of $600. Thanks!

Joe from America writes:

I'm enrolled in a class where my professor won't post his power points and talks too fast to handwrite notes. I'd type on a laptop, but I don't wanna be that guy. Is there a physical keyboard that's silent, or an on-screen keyboard that'll work as well as a real one?

Our thoughts skipped to the solid if underwhelming ThinkPad Tablet, which has a stylus input, decent camera and eight hour battery life. If you could get it to play nicely with Thanko's Silent EX keyboard, then both Joes would be happy -- but what do we know? They asked us so we could ask you guys, share your wisdom in the comments below.

Ask Engadget: Tablets for Students? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>AEAskAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetEducationKeyboardSilent KeyboardSilentKeyboardStudentTabletTablet PCsTabletPcsThanko Silent KeyboardThankoSilentKeyboardThinkPad TabletThinkpadTabletSat, 11 Feb 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Mobile Podcast 125 - 02.11.2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/engadget-mobile-podcast-125-02-11-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/engadget-mobile-podcast-125-02-11-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/engadget-mobile-podcast-125-02-11-2012/#comments
This week, we're judging all the books by their covers: flashy coatings, sporty colors, spring-like demeanor, even if it is a couple months early. Come, get superficial with us, and delve slightly more than skin-deep, as we chat about fashion, ROMs, and releases on the Engadget Mobile Podcast.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guests: Sean Cooper
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

00:01:07 - White Nokia N9 hands-on: behold the last unicorn (video)
00:09:00 - Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the works
00:17:35 - Nokia accidentally reveals white Lumia 900
00:18:00 - Samsung confirms Galaxy Nexus White arriving in UK mid-February, misses the snow
00:32:40 - Motorola Droid 4 review
00:41:25 - AT&T and Verizon lobby for less FCC spectrum control, Sprint and other carriers respond
00:49:20 - LG teases Optimus Vu Android smartphone with 5-inch screen, 4:3 aspect ratio (video)
00:53:30 - Could LG's Fantasy be an outright Miracle?
01:08:30 - Telus flipping switch on LTE, network goes live February 10th
01:13:58 - AT&T doubling its upgrade fee to $36 on February 12th (update: confirmed)
01:21:40 - Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video)
01:26:25 - HTC's first ICS update rolls out in late March, Sensation and Sensation XE call first dibs
01:28:20 - Unknown HTC phone running ICS pops up, looks Incredible
01:30:00 - Android 4.0.4 ROM leaks for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus
01:33:30 - Belle update arrives for compatible Nokia Symbian phones (video)
01:34:30 - Nokia Astound owners face a Belle-less future, no update coming
01:38:15 - Nokia 801 adds one part Belle, one part polycarbonate body for 100 percent possibility
01:40:52 - Engadget Giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, courtesy of MHL!


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Engadget Mobile Podcast 125 - 02.11.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>Ghostly InternationalITunesmobilepostminipodcastpodcastsSci/TechTwitterSat, 11 Feb 2012 21:48:00 ESTEngadget Mobile Podcast 125Myriam Joire, Brad Molen01:45:52podcasts<![CDATA[Provisioning for prepaid Google Wallet cards on hold while PIN-related security hole gets fixed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/prepaid-google-wallet-cards-put-on-hold-while-pin-related-securi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/prepaid-google-wallet-cards-put-on-hold-while-pin-related-securi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/prepaid-google-wallet-cards-put-on-hold-while-pin-related-securi/#comments
Remember that Google Wallet exploit from a few days ago? The one that would allow 'brute-force' PIN attacks, but only on rooted Android devices? Well, another PIN-related security hole was discovered soon after, putting even non-rooted Androids at risk. As Android Central points out, should your phone make its way into the wrong hands, your Google Wallet PIN number could be reassigned, allowing access to the prepaid account attached to the phone itself -- yikes. As such, the folks at Mountain View have taken action, shuttering provisions to prepaid cards until it finds a permanent fix for the problem. Despite the troubles, Google is sticking by its original tune, stating that Google Wallet offers multiples levels of protection (when used on official builds of Android) that go beyond traditional plastic cards, including your phone's lock screen. There's no estimate on when things will be back to normal, but you'll find Google's assessments and assurances about this situation at the source link below.

Provisioning for prepaid Google Wallet cards on hold while PIN-related security hole gets fixed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Central  |  sourceGoogle  | Email this | Comments]]>accountAndroidbankecommerceelectronic paymentsElectronicPaymentsexposedgalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgooglehackidentity theftIdentityTheftmobilepostcrossnfcpinSci/TechwalletSat, 11 Feb 2012 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific announces MEEP! Android tablet for Kids, Wile E's ears prick up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/oregon-scientific-announces-meep-android-tablet-for-kids-wile/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/oregon-scientific-announces-meep-android-tablet-for-kids-wile/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/oregon-scientific-announces-meep-android-tablet-for-kids-wile/#comments While this might not be the first kid-centric tablet we've seen, it's certainly got the coolest name. All we know about the MEEP! kiddie-slate right now is that it's made by Oregon Scientific, has a 7-inch touchscreen display, WiFi, an SD card slot, a "G-sensor" for improving viewing angle -- and runs on an as yet unspecified version of Android. The makers claim it's suitable for ages six and up, and parents can monitor and limit web access via an online control panel. We're told that accessories will soon be on their way, including every parent's favorite: musical instruments. The full unveiling will be at the TIA toy fair this weekend. Road-run over the break for the full press release. MEEP! MEEP!

Continue reading Oregon Scientific announces MEEP! Android tablet for Kids, Wile E's ears prick up

Oregon Scientific announces MEEP! Android tablet for Kids, Wile E's ears prick up originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>androidchild friendlyChildFriendlyG-sensormeepmukltimediaoregon scientificoregon scientific meepOregonScientificOregonScientificMeepsdsd cardSdCardtabtablettouchscreentoywifiSat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/mobile-miscellany-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/mobile-miscellany-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/mobile-miscellany-week-of-february-6th-2012/#comments Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we've learned that T-Mobile is offering some of its best phones free after rebate (today only), and we've also spotted a new power management feature that seems destined for BlackBerry 7.1 OS. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 6th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry 7blackberry 7.1blackberry os 7blackberry os 7.1Blackberry7Blackberry7.1BlackberryOs7BlackberryOs7.1bold 9790Bold9790dealdealsfreehackhacksjaxbotleakleakedleaksmmmobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostminimodmodsnuanceorientation lockOrientationLockpromopromotionresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsalesalessmartphonesmartphonest-mobiletmobileus cellularusage controlsUsageControlsUsCellularverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovoicemailwindows phoneWindowsPhoneSat, 11 Feb 2012 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[ComScore report finds drastic shift from web-based to mobile email among younger users in past year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/comscore-report-finds-drastic-shift-from-web-based-to-mobile-ema/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/comscore-report-finds-drastic-shift-from-web-based-to-mobile-ema/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/comscore-report-finds-drastic-shift-from-web-based-to-mobile-ema/#comments
ComScore released its annual US Digital Future in Focus report this week, offering a year-end wrap of many of the trends its tracked throughout the past year and a look towards the next. One of the more telling stats concerns email use among those in their teens and twenties. According to the report, web-based email use among 12-17 year olds dropped 31 percent in the past year, while use among those 18 to 24 saw an even bigger drop of 34 percent. Some of that can no doubt be attributed to Facebook and other email alternatives, but a big factor is the growth of email use on mobile devices; both of those age groups saw double-digit growth in that respect, with mobile email use jumping 32 percent among 18 to 24 year olds.

In terms of sheer growth in the past couple of years, though, there's not much that matches the trajectory of tablets (obviously aided by one in particular). ComScore notes that that US tablet sales over the past two years have topped 40 million, a figure that it took smartphones as a category a full seven years to reach. Another area that saw some considerable growth in 2011 is digital downloads and subscriptions (including e-books), which jumped 26 percent compared to the previous year, leading all other areas of e-commerce. The full report and some videos of the highlights can be found at the source link below.

Continue reading ComScore report finds drastic shift from web-based to mobile email among younger users in past year

ComScore report finds drastic shift from web-based to mobile email among younger users in past year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink @NiemanLab (Twitter)  |  sourceComScore  | Email this | Comments]]>comscoreemailemail useEmailUseinternetinternet useInternetUsereportsmartphonesstatstatstablettabletstrendtrendsSat, 11 Feb 2012 13:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Game changers: Egyptians and their gadgets in 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/egyptians-and-their-gadgets-in-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/egyptians-and-their-gadgets-in-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/egyptians-and-their-gadgets-in-2012/#comments Is there such a thing as revolutionary technology? Many Egyptians believe there is. A year ago, they used mobile phones, social networking and banned TV channels to spread word of the protests in Tahrir Square. Hearing the news, thousands of young people risked their lives to join in and overthrow the dictator Hosni Mubarak. To mark the revolution's anniversary, Engadget caught up with five Caireans of different ages and backgrounds to find out about the gadgets they use to keep in touch with their world. For the love of freedom, democracy and at least one bar of mobile reception, please read on.

Continue reading Game changers: Egyptians and their gadgets in 2012

Game changers: Egyptians and their gadgets in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>Al JazeeraAlJazeeracairocairo protestsCairoProtestscensorshipdemocracydeveloping worldDevelopingWorldEgyptegypt governmentegypt protestsEgyptGovernmentegyptian revolutionEgyptianRevolutionEgyptProtestspoliticsrevolutiontahrir squareTahrirSquareSat, 11 Feb 2012 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Arris brings Moxi HD DVR sales to an end, plans to cut off guide data after 2013... maybe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/arris-brings-moxi-hd-dvr-sales-to-an-end-plans-to-cut-off-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/arris-brings-moxi-hd-dvr-sales-to-an-end-plans-to-cut-off-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/arris-brings-moxi-hd-dvr-sales-to-an-end-plans-to-cut-off-guide/#comments While Moxi may live on in spirit as a white label multiroom HD DVR for cable companies, parent company Arris announced on its website this week the retail boxes and extenders are no longer being sold. Initially, a note on the company's home page indicated tech support and guide data would come to an end at the end of 2013 as noted by Zatz Not Funny, but references to that have since been removed. Potentially abandoned users on AVS Forum have already started looking for alternative ways to keep the guide data flowing and possibly get help from Arris in prying open the code to do so. We've contacted Arris for more information but haven't received a response yet -- we'll update you when / if we do. In the meantime Digeo's baby is still operational, so owners can enjoy however much time they have left, we'd recommend studying up on the stages of grief so you'll understand how to handle them over the next several months.

[Thanks, Alfred]

Arris brings Moxi HD DVR sales to an end, plans to cut off guide data after 2013... maybe originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceMoxi  | Email this | Comments]]>arrisdigeodvrepgguideguide dataGuideDatahdpostminimoxiMoxi HD DVRMoxi MateMoxiHdDvrMoxiMatemultiroomshutdownSat, 11 Feb 2012 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spray-on antenna revealed: best thing to come in a can since Easy Cheese (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/spray-on-antenna-revealed-best-thing-to-come-in-a-can-since-eas/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/spray-on-antenna-revealed-best-thing-to-come-in-a-can-since-eas/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/spray-on-antenna-revealed-best-thing-to-come-in-a-can-since-eas/#comments Ever found yourself without a signal and wished you could just spray one on like magic? Well, maybe soon, you'll be able to do just that. Chamtech Enterprises has developed a spray-on antenna it says is more lightweight and energy-efficient than current technology. Revealed at Google's inaugural Solve for X shindig, the antenna can be "painted" onto almost anything, including trees, walls and fabrics. Chamtech's already talking with government-based customers, and as such can't spill too much detail on how it works, but said it uses organic elements to tinker with magnetic and radio-frequency fields. The start-up's CTO, Rhett Spencer, claims the antenna could increase mobile energy efficiency by 10 percent. It was also found to work particularly well under water, and being organic, we presume, would make it ideal for sub-aquatic telecom infrastructure, and of course, rainy days.

Continue reading Spray-on antenna revealed: best thing to come in a can since Easy Cheese (video)

Spray-on antenna revealed: best thing to come in a can since Easy Cheese (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Wall Street Journal  |  sourceChamtech  | Email this | Comments]]>antennachamtechorganic antennaOrganicAntennasciencesignalsignal boostSignalBoostSolve for XSolveForXsprayspray-onspray-on antennaSpray-onAntennaSat, 11 Feb 2012 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Foursquare adds NFC support for Android 4.0, wants to touch base]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/foursquare-adds-nfc-support-for-android-4-0-wants-to-touch-base/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/foursquare-adds-nfc-support-for-android-4-0-wants-to-touch-base/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/foursquare-adds-nfc-support-for-android-4-0-wants-to-touch-base/#comments We knew the folk at Foursquare had been trying NFC out for a while, and Symbian's had it since November, but now tap check-ins are available for Android 4.0. Okay, so that means it's pretty much limited to Galaxy Nexus owners at the minute, but the chosen few can now share their Venue, Lists, Me pages, initiate friend requests and, of course, check-in at the touch of a phone. Foursquare claims it'll save vital seconds when checking in, but we're just glad there's another way to use Andoid Beam.The update's available now, so if you're snacking on an Ice Cream Sandwich, head on down to the source link and get your download on.

Foursquare adds NFC support for Android 4.0, wants to touch base originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TechCrunch  |  sourceAndroid Market  | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0android beamAndroid4.0AndroidBeamappappscheck incheck-inCheckInfoursquareice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmobilepostcrossnfcSat, 11 Feb 2012 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid 4 advertises 16GB internal storage, only reports 8GB -- here's why]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-advertises-16gb-internal-storage-only-reports/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-advertises-16gb-internal-storage-only-reports/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-advertises-16gb-internal-storage-only-reports/#comments After the numerous leaks that preceded the Droid 4's launch, you'd think we'd have a handle on every detail (read the review here) but some day one buyers have one more question. While the spec sheets indicate 16GB of internal storage, a few readers noticed their units only report 8GB. So why the variance in what's being reported and what the phones actually show? While Android vets may be used to this, not all are aware of how some phones are partitioned, and Motorola has opted to go with an 8GB for the user / 3GB for apps / 5GB for OS and updates split (just like the Razr). So the phones do have the 16GB you were promised, it's just how it's being used that may not be immediately evident -- and now you know.

[Thanks, Chaz]

Motorola Droid 4 advertises 16GB internal storage, only reports 8GB -- here's why originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceVerizon Wireless  | Email this | Comments]]>16gb8gbadvertisingandroiddroiddroid 4Droid4mobilepostcrossmobilepostminimotorolaqwertystorageVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessFri, 10 Feb 2012 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[HP Veer 4G, Pre 3 and TouchPad celebrate a melancholy birthday]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hp-veer-4g-pre-3-and-touchpad-celebrate-a-melancholy-birthday/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hp-veer-4g-pre-3-and-touchpad-celebrate-a-melancholy-birthday/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hp-veer-4g-pre-3-and-touchpad-celebrate-a-melancholy-birthday/#comments Just one year ago, HP officially introduced the TouchPad, Pre 3 and Veer to its lineup. Much has happened in the 365 days since that time, which marked the end of the Palm brand, the discontinuation of the company's webOS hardware development and the decision to open source the crown jewel, webOS. Today, we hope you'll join us after the break as we bow our heads, sing some praises and remember the final three members -- for now, anyway -- of HP's webOS lineup. We'll have fireworks at the end.

Continue reading HP Veer 4G, Pre 3 and TouchPad celebrate a melancholy birthday

HP Veer 4G, Pre 3 and TouchPad celebrate a melancholy birthday originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink webOS Nation  |   | Email this | Comments]]>hphp pre 3hp touchpadhp veerhp veer 4gHpPre3HpTouchpadHpVeerHpVeer4gmobilepostcrosspalmpalmprepre 3Pre3smartphonesmartphonestablettabletstouchpadtouchpad goTouchpadGoveerveer 4gVeer4gvideowebosFri, 10 Feb 2012 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid 4 review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-review/#comments Oh, how the mighty have fallen. For a phone that single-handedly resuscitated the business prospects of its parent company, gave a much-needed boost to Google's fledgling Android and finally added a compelling product to Verizon's lineup, the Droid can't get no respect. Initially billed as the anti-iPhone, the OG flagship embodied an aggressively tech for tech's sake design ethos, with its masculine, hard-edged build, geeky OS and Lucasfilm licensed moniker.

That was all once upon a time. Now, two years later and sucked of its disruptive significance, the only legacy remaining for the red-eyed Droid franchise is its brand equity and QWERTY slider appeal. Aside from BlackBerry addicts, most consumers appear none too chuffed to see those slide-out keypads become the stuff of mobile lore, and instead prefer those increasingly ubiquitous slabs (namely, of the 4.3-inch-and-up persuasion). So, where did it all go wrong? Why is the Droid 4, now imbued with LTE, getting the B-list treatment? Does a $200 price tag and a host of minor spec bumps (a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1.3 megapixel front-facer and beefier 1,785mAh battery) merit another spin around the two-year contract pole? Head on past the break to see whether this former trailblazer can still do what it's namesake robot supposedly does.

Gallery: Motorola Droid 4 review

Continue reading Motorola Droid 4 review

Motorola Droid 4 review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3Android phoneAndroid phonesAndroid2.3AndroidPhoneAndroidPhonesDroidDroid 4Droid4GingerbreadGooglemobilepostcrossMotoMotorolaMotorola Droid 4MotorolaDroid4reviewVerizonVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessvideovzwFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon prepares Kindle Touch for April launch in Japan?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amazon-prepares-kindle-touch-for-april-launch-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amazon-prepares-kindle-touch-for-april-launch-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amazon-prepares-kindle-touch-for-april-launch-in-japan/#comments Amazon readies Kindle offensive for Japan, teams up with NTT DoCoMo

According to one of Japan's big dailies, The Nikkei, Amazon will attempt to brave the tricky e-reader waters of Japan, aiming to launch its Kindle Touch as the flagship device in April. The newspaper reports that the device will land for less than 20,000 yen ($260), teaming up with Japanese mobile carrier NTT DoCoMo for 3G access to the Kindle's online store, gratis. Amazon hopes that the device's very competitive pricing, at least in comparison to existing 3G-friendly e-readers, will make in-roads to the notoriously frosty Japanese e-reader market. It will also bring Amazon's e-readers to the home turf of one of its biggest rivals; Rakuten.

Amazon prepares Kindle Touch for April launch in Japan? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Reuters  |  sourceNikkei (requires subscription)  | Email this | Comments]]>amazon japanAmazon KindleAmazonJapanAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersJapanKindleKindle StoreKindle TouchKindleStoreKindleTouchNTT DoCoMoNttDocomoFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC Fridays: February 10, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/fcc-fridays/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/fcc-fridays/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/fcc-fridays/#comments
We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!

Continue reading FCC Fridays: February 10, 2012

FCC Fridays: February 10, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>acro hdAcroHdblublu charlestonblu productsBluCharlestonBluProductscellonfccfcc fridaysFccFridaysfffridaysgalaxy popgalaxy smart playerGalaxyPopGalaxySmartPlayerhtchtc radarHtcRadarkddilglteminipostnokianokia rm 833NokiaRm833novatelnovatel wirelessNovatelWirelessntt docomoNttDocomopcdregulationrm833samsungsharpsonysony ericssonsony xperiaSonyEricssonSonyXperiaverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwxperiaxperia acro hdXperiaAcroHdzteFri, 10 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Podcast 280 - 02.10.2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/engadget-podcast-280-02-10-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/engadget-podcast-280-02-10-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/engadget-podcast-280-02-10-2012/#comments You can pretend you care about cameras, tablets, and browsers all you want. But we'll still know you're here for the Lazer Tag news.

Host: Brian Heater, Dana Wollman, Terrence O'brien
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Orbital - Never

00:02:35 - Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (global edition)
00:14:09 - Kodak to shutter digital camera production this year
00:23:40 - Nikon confirms 36.3-megapixel D800, we go hands-on
00:29:03 - Sony Alpha NEX-7 mirrorless camera review
00:34:21 - Apple announcing iPad 3 first week of March? Anonymous sources think so
00:41:00 - Microsoft celebrating leap year right by launching Windows 8 Consumer Preview at MWC
00:49:45 - Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video)
00:55:30 - Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies
01:03:14 - HTC admits its bulky, quick-dying LTE phones kinda suck




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Engadget Podcast 280 - 02.10.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>podcastpodcastsFri, 10 Feb 2012 18:39:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 280Brian Heater, Dana Wollman01:27:49podcasts<![CDATA[Mattel Apptivity hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/mattel-apptivity-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/mattel-apptivity-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/mattel-apptivity-hands-on-video/#comments ApptivityMattel thinks it has the secret to succeeding where so many others have failed in bridging that divide between the virtual and the physical -- and it might be right. While plenty of other toy companies have tried pairing hunks of plastic with apps in the past, Mattel has gone the extra mile, incorporating its recognizable brands and partnering with top tier developers. Later this year the company will launch Apptivity, a line of toys made from conductive plastic that interact with iPad games -- some which you're already quite familiar with, like Cut the Rope, Fruit Ninja and, of course, Angry Birds. The games will get an update when the toys hit the market with new features and play modes specifically designed to utilize the physical pieces. Other brands, including WWE, Batman and Hot Wheels will also be part of the first batch of toys designed to be played with on your iPad screen.

None of the apps or the toys themselves were quite ready for prime time yet, but Hot Wheels, WWE, Fruit Ninja and Cut the Rope were all at least playable. The Apptivity mode in Cut the Rope and Fruit Ninja are pretty intuitive, but it took a bit of practice to get the hang of Hot Wheels. We had trouble finding the sweet spot on the screen that kept our car speeding along while leaving room to see upcoming obstacles. The line of toys will launch exclusively in Apple Stores in May with Hot Wheels (which will cost $20), followed by the rest in July. Check out the gallery below and the video after the break for a few more impressions.

Gallery: Mattel Apptivity hands-on


Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading Mattel Apptivity hands-on (video)

Mattel Apptivity hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsAngryBirdsapptivitycut the ropeCutTheRopehands-onhot wheelsHotWheelsmatteltoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012videoworld wrestling entertainmentWorldWrestlingEntertainmentwweFri, 10 Feb 2012 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T doubling its upgrade fee to $36 on February 12th (update: confirmed)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/atandt-doubles-its-upgrade-fee-to-36-come-february-12th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/atandt-doubles-its-upgrade-fee-to-36-come-february-12th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/atandt-doubles-its-upgrade-fee-to-36-come-february-12th/#comments AT&T doubles its upgrade fee to $36 come February 12thWhat do you do after reporting "blow-out" earnings and instituting larger, pricier, data plans? If you're AT&T, why not go for the jugular by doubling upgrade fees? Per the above leaked memo, that's exactly what Ma Bell plans to do come February 12th, upping the existing $18 fee to a new high of $36. That might sound familiar, as it's much in the same vein as cross-town rival Sprint, who went through the same kerfuffle back in September. We've pinged AT&T about the price hike and will update when we hear back.

Update: AT&T sent us the following statement confirming the increase:

Wireless devices today are more sophisticated than ever before. And because of that, the costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased and is reflected in our new upgrade fee. This fee isn't unique to AT&T and this is the first time we're changing it in nearly 10 years.



[Thanks, Anonymous]

AT&T doubling its upgrade fee to $36 on February 12th (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>attcontract renewalContractRenewalma bellMaBellmobilepostcrossrate hikeRateHikeupgradeupgrade feeUpgradeFeeFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Barbie gets a camera implant to snap photos in style, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/barbie-gets-a-camera-implant-to-snap-photos-in-style-we-go-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/barbie-gets-a-camera-implant-to-snap-photos-in-style-we-go-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/barbie-gets-a-camera-implant-to-snap-photos-in-style-we-go-hand/#comments
Speechless? We can't blame you and, although this fashionable shooter might not be up your alley, we're willing to bet your kids -- or any other young member of the fam -- would snatch her up in a heartbeat. Dubbed Barbie Photo Fashion, she might not be too computer savvy or a filmmaker, but this stylish doll's got traits of her own to flaunt. Photo Barbie's carrying a 5-megapixel camera between her shoulder blades and a thumb-size LCD in her synthetic guts. She's got 15 built-in effects to give your pics a little sweet spice too. Speaking of, the $50 Barbie holds up to 100 shots and is powered by a rechargeable battery that should give you enough juice to get through a few sessions. When it's time to charge up or unload your images, just jack into her tramp stamp mini USB port. Barbie was kind enough to join our photoshoot, so hit up the gallery below to check out the rest of the shots.

Gallery: Barbie gets a camera implant to snap photos in style, we go hands-on


Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.

Barbie gets a camera implant to snap photos in style, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>barbiebarbie dollbarbie photo fashionbarbie photos fashionBarbieDollBarbiePhotoFashionBarbiePhotosFashioncameradigital cameraDigitalCamerahands-onmatteltoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hertz-charges-into-ev-plugless-power-pilot-program-cant-say-it/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hertz-charges-into-ev-plugless-power-pilot-program-cant-say-it/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/hertz-charges-into-ev-plugless-power-pilot-program-cant-say-it/#comments Hertz has been offering up electric vehicles amongst its fleet of rental cars, and now it's getting ready to pull the plug. The company is teaming with Evatran to test out the those cool little Plugless Power discs, installing some at its corporate headquarters this month. Hertz, along with a number of other companies will be logging "feedback on daily usage routines, user interfaces, and any additional functionality needed." No word on when such technology might see wider distribution.

Continue reading Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast

Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>carcar rentalCarRentalchargerchargingelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevevatranhertzminipostplugless powerPluglessPowerwireless chargerWirelessChargerFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/engadget-mobile-podcast-live/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/engadget-mobile-podcast-live/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/engadget-mobile-podcast-live/#comments
Another week has come and gone, and another Engadget Mobile Podcast is ready to begin. Myriam Joire, Sean Cooper and Brad Molen are ready for the latest round of weekly mobile news and will get you caught up to speed... LTE speed. Join us at 5PM ET!

February 10, 2012 5:00 PM EST

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>engadget mobile podcastEngadgetMobilePodcastmobcastmobilepostminiFri, 10 Feb 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurocom Panther 4.0 is the mirror universe's version of an Ultrabook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/eurocom-panther-4.0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/eurocom-panther-4.0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/eurocom-panther-4.0/#comments Eurocom Panther 4.0 is the mirror universe's version of an Ultrabook
Eurocom, like its chassis-brethren Maingear and Clevo, just lives to jam over-sized Sandy Bridge E hardware into mumpsy laptops. Find yourself in front of the Panther 4.0 and you'll be staring into a 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 display (you can choose between matte, glossy and 3D) as you work or game away on a choice of GeForce GTX 580M, Quadro 5010M or Radeon HD 6990M graphics kit. There's space for four terabytes of SATA 3.0 storage and 32GB of RAM. It's weighing in at 12.1lbs, so a quick warning to anyone whose muscles have atrophied with excessive Ultrabook usage: it's wise to do some reps down at the gym. When it arrives in March, it'll cost you $2649 for the base model -- from there, you can upgrade as far as your wallet / procurement budget will allow.

Gallery: Eurocom Panther 4.0 Press Images

Eurocom Panther 4.0 Press Images

Continue reading Eurocom Panther 4.0 is the mirror universe's version of an Ultrabook

Eurocom Panther 4.0 is the mirror universe's version of an Ultrabook originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>EurocomEurocom Panther 4.0EurocomPanther4.0GeForce GTX 580MGeforceGtx580mLaptopLaptopsNot an UltrabookNotAnUltrabookPanther 4.0Panther4.0Quadro 5010MQuadro5010mRadeon HD 6990MRadeonHd6990mRAIDSATASATA 3.0SATA Rev. 3.0Sata3.0SataRev.3.0UltrabookFri, 10 Feb 2012 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Moves Mickey hands-on: challenges Bieber and TOSY to dance-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/master-moves-mickey-hands-on-challenges-bieber-and-tosy-to-danc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/master-moves-mickey-hands-on-challenges-bieber-and-tosy-to-danc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/master-moves-mickey-hands-on-challenges-bieber-and-tosy-to-danc/#comments Master Moves MickeyBeethoven's Fifth or Michelangelo's Pietà it's not but, while Master Moves Mickey can't stand as a cornerstone of civilization, it can certainly throw down on the dance floor. The b-boy bot has a speaker hidden under its garb that kicks out the jams while this mechanical mouse break dances its little Disney trademarked heart out. He's got 15 different signature moves, carefully choreographed to eight different built-in tunes and loads of personality thanks to a collection of self-depreciating one-liners ready in case he loses his balance. And all this legendary performer needs to keep earning his urban cred is a six AA batteries, oh, and your money -- $70 of it to be specific. Master Moves Mickey should be hitting shelves in August. Check out the video after the break.

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading Master Moves Mickey hands-on: challenges Bieber and TOSY to dance-off (video)

Master Moves Mickey hands-on: challenges Bieber and TOSY to dance-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>dancing robotDancingRobotdisneyfisher priceFisherPricehands-onmaster moves mickeyMasterMovesMickeymattelmickey mouseMickeyMouserobottoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012videoFri, 10 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/acer-cloudmobile-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/acer-cloudmobile-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/acer-cloudmobile-revealed/#comments Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag

Sometimes, you're just so darn full of pride you can get lost in the moment. We assume that's what Acer's done, having revealed possibly its trump handset weeks before the global mobile event, MWC, even starts. Its CloudMobile has won the iF design award for 2012, and the company just wanted everyone to know. So what can we expect to see later this month? Well, the phone will pack a 4.3-inch high-definition touchscreen, with a Dolby-branded speaker plate on the back, all wrapped in a sub-10mm "Sleeve DNA" contoured shell. Expect the device to be tightly integrated with Acer's cloud technology -- we grabbed a hands-on with this just last month -- using peer-to-peer connectivity to sync pictures, music and other files, while also offering up printer functionality. Pocket-Lint believes we'll see the device running Android 4.0 on arrival -- it's currently posited for a Q3 release. We'll be scouring the show floor for it when Mobile World Congress kicks off in earnest.

Continue reading Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag

Acer CloudMobile phone wins design award, lets cat out of the bag originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CNET  |  sourcePocket-Lint, Hexus  | Email this | Comments]]>4.3-inchaceracer cloudmobileacercloudAcerCloudmobilecloudmobiledolbyif design awardIfDesignAwardmobilepostcrossmwc 2012Mwc2012Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD outs cheap Athlon II X4 Llano-based processors, minus integrated graphics]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amd-outs-cheap-athlon-ii-x4-llano-based-processors/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amd-outs-cheap-athlon-ii-x4-llano-based-processors/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/amd-outs-cheap-athlon-ii-x4-llano-based-processors/#commentsGiven that superior integrated graphics was one of the key selling points of AMD's low-power Llano desktop chips, it might seem like a strange move to offer two new Athlon-branded variants that have been stripped of their GPUs. However, while one hand slaps your face, the other hand gives you more cash to spend on a proper graphics card for your ultra-cheap rig -- because both the Athlon II X4 641 and it's lower-power buddy, the 638, are priced at just $81. Go out and buy yourself something nice.

AMD outs cheap Athlon II X4 Llano-based processors, minus integrated graphics originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink AnandTech, CPU World  |   | Email this | Comments]]>amdamd fusionamd llanoAmdFusionAmdLlanoathlon II X4athlon II X4 638athlon II X4 641AthlonIiX4AthlonIiX4638AthlonIiX4641fusionllanoFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's NP700 gaming laptop goes up for pre-order with Ivy Bridge pride]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/samsungs-np700-gaming-laptop-goes-up-for-pre-order-with-ivy-bri/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/samsungs-np700-gaming-laptop-goes-up-for-pre-order-with-ivy-bri/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/samsungs-np700-gaming-laptop-goes-up-for-pre-order-with-ivy-bri/#comments
Jonesing for some more of Samsung's 17-inchers? Jones no more, because the Korean manufacturer has just put its NP700G7C gaming laptop up for pre-order. Packing 16GB of memory, this new Series 7 lappy made a brief appearance on Best Buy's website last month, but was quickly pulled. This time, though, it looks like it's for real, with Samsung touting its new "Gaming PC" on its very own website, alongside a $1,700 price tag. For that money, you'll get a 17.3-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and, most compelling, a taste of Ivy Bridge, courtesy of the laptop's third-generation Intel Core i7-3610QM quad-core processor, which clocks in at 2.3GHz. It's available now, at the source link below.

Samsung's NP700 gaming laptop goes up for pre-order with Ivy Bridge pride originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  sourceSamsung  | Email this | Comments]]>17 inch17Inchavailabilitycpugaming laptopgaming pcGamingLaptopGamingPcIntel Core i7-3610QMIntelCoreI7-3610qmivy bridgeIvyBridgeminipostNP700G7Cpre-orderpreorderpricequad-coresamsungSamsung NP700G7Csamsung series 7SamsungNp700g7cSamsungSeries7series 7Series7Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid 4 available on Verizon today for $200]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-available-on-verizon-today-for-200/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-available-on-verizon-today-for-200/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/motorola-droid-4-available-on-verizon-today-for-200/#comments
It can be tough to keep track of which Droid is launching when these days, but those waiting patiently for the Motorola Droid 4 will be glad to know that the QWERTY slider is available on Verizon today for $200 on-contract. That of course buys you a pass onto Verizon's LTE network, along with a 4-inch qHD display, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, a 8-megapixel camera (paired with a lower-res front-facing cam), 16GB of storage and Android 2.3.5 for an OS. An Ice Cream Sandwich update is promised, but there's unfortunately no date for its release just yet. We'll have a full review of the phone shortly, but in the meantime you can check out our hands-on with the device from last month.

Motorola Droid 4 available on Verizon today for $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink MobileBurn  |  sourceVerizon  | Email this | Comments]]>droiddroid 4Droid4ltemobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola droid 4MotorolaDroid4verizonFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Android app adds onscreen volume slider, Facebook integration (where available)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/netflix-android-app-adds-onscreen-volume-slider-facebook-integr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/netflix-android-app-adds-onscreen-volume-slider-facebook-integr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/netflix-android-app-adds-onscreen-volume-slider-facebook-integr/#comments Now that Netflix is available on most Android devices and even sporting a fresh tablet interface, what's there left to tweak? Plenty actually, and the company just pushed a new 1.7 version of the app that adds Facebook sharing and discovery in the countries where those features are enabled (read: not the US). Also new is a software volume slider for tablet users as shown above by Android Community, as well as tweaks for AV sync and resolution of some other tablet incompatibilities. HD streaming support for tablets will have to wait for another day, but for now users can grab the latest version from the Android Market at the link below.

Netflix Android app adds onscreen volume slider, Facebook integration (where available) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Android Community  |  sourceAndroid Market  | Email this | Comments]]>androidappfacebookhdpostcrossminipostmobilepostcrossnetflixsharingsocialstreaming videoStreamingVideovolume sliderVolumeSliderwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Unknown HTC phone running ICS pops up, looks Incredible]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/unknown-htc-phone-running-ics-pops-up-looks-incredible/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/unknown-htc-phone-running-ics-pops-up-looks-incredible/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/unknown-htc-phone-running-ics-pops-up-looks-incredible/#comments What's this we have here? Well, clearly it's an HTC phone, but it looks different to what we've seen before. If the pictures are to be believed, we're looking at an Android 4.0 device with HTC's Sense 4.0 on top. There's LTE on board, and what looks like Verizon's splash-screen, meaning there's every reason to believe this is destined for the US. The rest of the specs suggest it's packing a dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor, backed up by 1GB of RAM, Beats Audio and an 8-megapixel shooter. Given that the Rezound already purrs along on a 1.5GHz chip and that embossed backing looks oh-so familiar, it doesn't seem out of line to wager this is the next-gen Incredible with a bump in clock speed. What also catches our eye is the inclusion of hardware buttons, leaving open the possibility that this might just be a prototype after all. We're too not hopeful we'll learn much more before MWC, but we'll keep our eyes on the trail all the same.

Unknown HTC phone running ICS pops up, looks Incredible originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePhoneArena  | Email this | Comments]]>android 4.0Android4.0beatsbeats audioBeatsAudiodroiddroid incredibleDroidIncrediblehandsethtchtc prototypehtc senseHtcPrototypeHtcSenseICSincredibleLTEmobilepostcrossprototypesnapdragonverizonFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nec-casio-medias-lte-n-04d-launches-in-japan-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nec-casio-medias-lte-n-04d-launches-in-japan-next-week/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nec-casio-medias-lte-n-04d-launches-in-japan-next-week/#comments NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next weekIt was mere weeks since we saw NEC's last smartphone that will probably never take the plane ride away from Japan, but contrary to its recent financials, the company doesn't appear to be letting up. The NEC Medias LTE N-04D, arriving on NTT DoCoMo, is a little chunkier than its predecessor, but that 11.6mm shell manages to squeeze in 4G connectivity and a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor Along LTE credentials, the specification reads like the majority of Medias phones we've already seen recently. This includes a waterproof shell, 4.3-inch 720p LCD screen, mobile wallet and TV tuner. It'll also join the handful of smartphones compatible with Casio's Bluetooth-connected G-Shock, adding mail and call notifications to your wrist. The phone will arrive February 15th in the tangy orange and black guise seen above. Japanese residents can now preorder theirs (while the rest of us gaze on wistfully) at the source below.

NEC Casio Medias LTE N-04D launches in Japan next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Akihabara News  |  sourceNTT DoCoMo  | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid gingerbreadAndroidGingerbreadDoCoMoGingerbreadGoogleJapanLTE N-04DLteN-04dMediasmobilepostminin-04dNECNEC Casio Medias LTE N-04DNecCasioMediasLteN-04dNTTNTT DoCoMoNttDocomothinthinnestThinnest PhoneThinnestPhonewaterproofFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[DarwinBot is a surrogate play partner for man's best friend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/darwinbot-is-a-surrogate-play-partner-for-mans-best-friend/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/darwinbot-is-a-surrogate-play-partner-for-mans-best-friend/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/darwinbot-is-a-surrogate-play-partner-for-mans-best-friend/#comments Darwin and DarwinBotThe problem facing Microsoft developer Jordan Correa and his wife was hardly an uncommon one. They both have full time jobs (that's not the problem), but they also have an adorable dog Darwin that is left alone for about eight hours each day. Correa decided to keep his pup active and virtually bridged their physical divide by building his own telepresence robot using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio, a Kinect and a pile of other parts. Jordan can connect to his pup by dialing into the bot via Skype, allowing him to bark commands, pilot it around the house with an Xbox 360 controller and even play catch using the integrated ball launcher. The Parallax-powered platform can even dispense treats and autonomously retrieve the ball with a retractable arm. To see DarwinBot in action check out the video after the break.

Continue reading DarwinBot is a surrogate play partner for man's best friend

DarwinBot is a surrogate play partner for man's best friend originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoft robotics developer studiomicrosoft robotics studioMicrosoftRoboticsDeveloperStudioMicrosoftRoboticsStudioFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Phones 4u 'JUMP' plan lets you swap phones every six months, for a price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/phones-4u-jump-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/phones-4u-jump-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/phones-4u-jump-plan/#comments http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/phones4us-jump-plan-lets-you-swap-phones-every-six-months-fo/Britons! Dedicated followers of fashion! If your clothes are loud (but never square) and you've just gotta keep up with the latest trends, then Phones 4u should be your next stop. The independent phone retailer is offering customers JUMP (short for "Just Upgrade my Phone"): a 24-month deal that'll let you upgrade your handset every six months. Rather than signing a vanilla deal with your carrier, you plump for a cheaper plan and then rent-to-buy the handset from the store. It's a little more complicated -- and costly -- than your average contract, so keep a calculator handy as you try to follow the math (sorry, 'maths') after the break.

Continue reading Phones 4u 'JUMP' plan lets you swap phones every six months, for a price

Phones 4u 'JUMP' plan lets you swap phones every six months, for a price originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>BritainCarrier PlanCarrierPlanContractFashionJUMPJust Upgrade My PhoneJustUpgradeMyPhoneMobile DealMobile PlanMobileDealMobilePlanmobilepostminiPhones 4UPhones4uThe KinksTheKinksUKFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Distro goes 'Beyond the Revolution' to explore tech in post-Mubarak Egypt]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/distro-explores-tech-in-post-muba/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/distro-explores-tech-in-post-muba/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/distro-explores-tech-in-post-muba/#comments Distro goes 'Beyond the Revolution' to explore tech in post-Mubarak EgyptNearly one year ago, dictator Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down after 18 consecutive days of protest by Egyptian citizens. Those demonstrations were organized largely through the use of social networking, cell phones and banned TV channels, a greater trend that permeated the revolutionary period now known as the Arab Spring. To mark the anniversary of Mubarak's ousting, Sharif Sakr traveled to Egypt to speak with five Egyptians about the role that technology plays in their lives today. This issue of Distro also features reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, Motorola's Droid RAZR Maxx, Sony's Alpha NEX-7 and a Q&A with the founder of the Ubuntu Project, Mark Shuttleworth. If you've been looking for a good reason to download an issue of Distro, look no further.

Distro Issue 27 PDF
Distro on the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Android Market
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

Distro goes 'Beyond the Revolution' to explore tech in post-Mubarak Egypt originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceiTunes, Android Market  | Email this | Comments]]>27anniversaryarab springArabSpringdistroegyptengadgetengadget distroEngadgetDistrohdpostcrossIRLIssue 27Issue27magazinemark shuttleworthMarkShuttleworthmobilepostcrossmubarakrevolutiontablet magazineTabletMagazineweeklyweekly magazineWeeklyMagazineFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show wrap-up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/cp-2012-wrap-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/cp-2012-wrap-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/cp-2012-wrap-up/#comments It's never easy to leave Japan -- the friendly people, incredible food, cutting-edge tech, clean streets and efficient public transit network mean we never hesitate when given an opportunity to visit this incredible country. But sadly, our latest adventure has come to an end. This year's CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show brought thousands of photography fans to Yokohama, a metropolis just a short train ride away from Tokyo. And while CP+ is still primarily a Japanese trade show, it served as the global launching ground for dozens of top camera models, including the Nikon D800, Olympus E-M5 and Pentax K-01, just to name a few. Bag and tripod manufacturers could be found spattered amongst the Japanese camera giants, but overall this show was more about the latest cameras than gimmicky accessories. There was still plenty of entertainment to be found on the show floor, so scroll through our gallery below for an inside look at life at CP+, or jump past the break for a roundup of our hands-ons and related news stories. Sayonara!

Gallery: CP+ 2012 wrap-up

Continue reading CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show wrap-up

CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show wrap-up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>cameracamerascp pluscp plus 2012cp+cp+ 2012Cp+2012cp-plusCpPlusCpPlus2012digital cameradigital camerasDigitalCameraDigitalCamerasjapanphotographytokyotrade showtrade showsTradeShowTradeShowswrap-upyokohamaFri, 10 Feb 2012 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM lens hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/sony-500mm-f-4-g-ssm-lens-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/sony-500mm-f-4-g-ssm-lens-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/sony-500mm-f-4-g-ssm-lens-hands-on-video/#comments You don't see many lenses pop up 'round these parts, but Sony's new 500mm f/4 G SSM optic is impressive enough to warrant some hands-on attention. We spotted the new A-mount telephoto mounted on an Alpha A77 at Sony's booth at CP+ 2012, and queued up for a chance to take some shots. The lens focused surprisingly quickly, especially given its massive 500mm fixed focal length. Moving from subject to subject at varying distances, we were typically able to achieve focus in a fraction of a second. Long lenses have traditionally been tricky on the focus front, but this guy handled it like a champ, with speeds that appeared to rival far shorter primes. The SAL500F40G, as it's to be known, will be hand built to order beginning in March, with a yet-to-be-confirmed (likely sky-high) price tag. Click on past the break to see just how quickly we can zero in on some wild CP+ show floor action.

Gallery: Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM lens hands-on

Continue reading Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM lens hands-on (video)

Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM lens hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>A-mountA77alphaAlpha A77AlphaA77cameracamerascp pluscp plus 2012cp+cp+ 2012Cp+2012cp-plusCpPlusCpPlus2012digital cameradigital camerasDigitalCameraDigitalCamerashands-onjapanlenslensesphotographysonysony alphasony alpha a77sony lenssony lensessony SAL500F40GSonyAlphaSonyAlphaA77SonyLensSonyLensesSonySal500f40gtokyotrade showtrade showsTradeShowTradeShowsvideoyokohamaFri, 10 Feb 2012 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian gets PlayStation Vita early thanks to faith, good works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/canadian-gets-playstation-vita-early-thanks-to-faith-good-works/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/canadian-gets-playstation-vita-early-thanks-to-faith-good-works/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/canadian-gets-playstation-vita-early-thanks-to-faith-good-works/#comments Today's lucky beggar award goes to Graham Innes in Canada, who wrote in to tell us that he found a PlayStation Vita sitting on his doorstep. It wasn't a total surprise, since he'd ordered one from Amazon, but what's weird is just how soon it arrived -- the early-bird First Edition doesn't launch until February 15th and the general release is a whole week after that. We're not sure what Graham did to deserve this, but we do know from our Joystiq buddies that he's not the only one -- Amazon.ca has apparently sent out a few of these premature parcels. If the injustice burns, console yourself with the thought that Graham and his blessed compatriots probably can't access the store to download any games.

Update: Graham emailed again. He has store access. He has games. Joyousness.

Canadian gets PlayStation Vita early thanks to faith, good works originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.cacanadaearlyearly-birdgames consoleGamesConsolegraham innesGrahamInneshandheldNGPplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaPSPPsVitasonysony playstation vitasony ps vitaSonyPlaystationVitaSonyPsVitavitaFri, 10 Feb 2012 07:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nokia-n9-spotted-running-ice-cream-sandwich-dual-boot-in-the-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nokia-n9-spotted-running-ice-cream-sandwich-dual-boot-in-the-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/nokia-n9-spotted-running-ice-cream-sandwich-dual-boot-in-the-wo/#comments Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the worksThis above is the first glimpse of Android 4.0 running on the Nokia N9. Yes, it looks like Ice Cream Sandwich is in being ported to the company's iconic handset by no other than Alexey Roslyakov and team NITDroid -- the folks who previously put Android on the Nokia N900. The project, which is still in its early stages, made significant progress after recently overcoming a framebuffer driver/HAL hurdle, allowing ICS to be displayed on the phone. In addition, a dual-boot solution is in the works letting Meego and Android 4.0 coexist on the device. We certainly can't wait to experience using Ice Cream Sandwich on some of the hottest white hardware around. Can you?

Nokia N9 spotted running Ice Cream Sandwich, dual-boot in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Steve Troughton-Smith (Twitter), Netbooknews  |  sourceAlexey Roslyakov (Twitter), talk.maemo.org  | Email this | Comments]]>Alexey RoslyakovAlexeyRoslyakovAndroidAndroid 4.0Android4.0dual-bootGoogleIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichICSMeegomobilepostminiN9NITDroidNokiaNokia N9NokiaN9portingFri, 10 Feb 2012 06:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel settles antitrust lawsuit with New York attorney general, pays hardly anything]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/intel-new-york-lawsuit-antitrust-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/intel-new-york-lawsuit-antitrust-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/intel-new-york-lawsuit-antitrust-settlement/#comments Intel's three-year tussle with the state of New York finally came to an end yesterday, with a settlement of relatively harmless proportion. Under the arrangement, Intel will have to shell out a mere $6.5 million to resolve a 2009 antitrust lawsuit filed by then-attorney general Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, who has since ascended to the seat of governor, had accused the chipmaker of intimidating PC manufacturers and handing out billion-dollar kickbacks, as part of what he called a "systematic worldwide campaign" to assert its market dominance. The case has since been helmed by Cuomo's successor, current attorney general Eric Schneiderman, but its sails lost a lot of wind when U.S. District Judge Leonard Stark barred the state from seeking triple damages, limiting its claims to a three-year period, rather than the four-to-six that the state had been pursuing. As a result, Intel suffered only the slightest of financial blows.

According to Reuters, the $6.5 million sum represents just five hours worth of profit for the company, which reported a net income of nearly $13 billion last year. Intel was pleased with the news, pointing out that the agreement doesn't require it to admit any wrongdoing. Schneiderman, on the other hand, seemed notably less enthusiastic, with office spokeswoman Jennifer Givner telling reporters that the state's lawyers still think they have a case against Intel, but "in light of the court's decision believe that no purpose is served by pursuing the matter further."

Intel settles antitrust lawsuit with New York attorney general, pays hardly anything originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments]]>Andrew CuomoAndrewCuomoantitrustantitrust lawsuitAntitrustLawsuitbusinesschipchipmakercompetitioncpuindustryintellawlawsuitmoneynew yorknew york stateNewYorkNewYorkStatePCsettlementthreatFri, 10 Feb 2012 04:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku adds BBC iPlayer channel as it starts shipping in the UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/roku-adds-bbc-iplayer-channel-as-it-starts-shipping-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/roku-adds-bbc-iplayer-channel-as-it-starts-shipping-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/roku-adds-bbc-iplayer-channel-as-it-starts-shipping-in-the-uk/#comments Just as Netflix is nearly ubiquitous on media streaming platforms in the US, BBC's iPlayer is pretty much a default app in the UK so it's no surprise to see it show up on Roku's boxes just as they start shipping across the Atlantic. As detailed in the press release after the break, those shiny new Roku LT and Roku 2 XS hockey pucks are well on their way to punters who've shelled out £50 / £100, respectively, with over 40 available channels. Unfortunately, that announcement doesn't extend to global iPlayer support outside the UK and Republic of Ireland, so we'll have to catch up on Inside Men some other way.

Continue reading Roku adds BBC iPlayer channel as it starts shipping in the UK

Roku adds BBC iPlayer channel as it starts shipping in the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc iplayerBbcIplayerhdpostminiiplayerirelandmedia streamerMediaStreamerrokuroku 2roku 2 xsroku ltRoku2Roku2XsRokuLtset-top boxSet-topBoxshippingstreamingukFri, 10 Feb 2012 03:41:00 EST