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[4K TV already being trialed by one UK broadcaster]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/4k-tv-being-trialed-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/4k-tv-being-trialed-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/4k-tv-being-trialed-in-the-uk/#comments 4K TV already being trialed by one UK broadcaster

4K in the UK? It could happen sooner rather than later, if viewers give a thumbs up to feedback tests currently being conducted by a British broadcaster. According to a senior figure at a company that is directly involved in the experiments, people are being asked if they can spot the difference between 4K and regular 1920 x 1080, which will help to decide whether the format is worthy of immediate investment. Our source refused to reveal which broadcaster is running the show, beyond saying that it has complete control over its pipeline right down to the set-top box, which hints at Sky or perhaps Virgin being likely candidates. When asked how 4K TV might be transmitted as a mainstream service, given that it contains four times the resolution of Full HD, he simply replied that the broadcaster would "compress the hell out of it," which surely only cements his credibility. Next stop, 8K.

4K TV already being trialed by one UK broadcaster originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4k4k tv4kTvbritainbroadcastbroadcasterexclusivehdpostminitelevisiontransmissiontvukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 29 May 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer reaching Windows Phone within 'weeks,' will catch up with Sherlock on your Lumia (update: perhaps not)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/bbc-iplayer-reaching-windows-phone-within-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/bbc-iplayer-reaching-windows-phone-within-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/28/bbc-iplayer-reaching-windows-phone-within-weeks/#comments Image

We've see BBC iPlayer reach many devices over time, but it's been conspicuously absent on Windows Phone. Nokia has stepped into give us some relief, and it's now promising that a port of the TV catch-up service will be ready for your Lumia 800 "in weeks." Good news no doubt, although Nokia's encyclopedic knowledge of British TV streaming is also dashing hopes of using the Sky Go mobile app on Windows Phone anytime soon: the same Nokia rep doesn't see Sky being ready for a "good few months" at the earliest. As such, you'll have no problems keeping up with Doctor Who and Sherlock when they're airing, but we wouldn't count on watching live football matches for awhile.

Update: Pocket-lint is reporting that it quizzed the BBC over this issue and got a firm denial about a Windows Phone version, which suggests that The Inquirer's report, or its Nokia source, may have made an illogical deduction.

BBC iPlayer reaching Windows Phone within 'weeks,' will catch up with Sherlock on your Lumia (update: perhaps not) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 May 2012 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincellphonecellphonesinternetinternet videoInternetVideolive videoLiveVideolumialumia 800Lumia800microsoftmicrosoft windows phoneMicrosoftWindowsPhonemobilepostcrossnokianokia lumianokia lumia 800NokiaLumiaNokiaLumia800skysky goSkyGosmartphonesmartphonesstreamingstreaming televisionstreaming tvstreaming videoStreamingTelevisionStreamingTvStreamingVideoukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvideowindows phoneWindowsPhoneMon, 28 May 2012 01:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S III tops UK pre-order records, shows that British love their quad-core]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-tops-uk-pre-order-records/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-tops-uk-pre-order-records/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-tops-uk-pre-order-records/#comments Galaxy S III hands-on

The British clearly didn't waste any time once pre-orders opened up for the Galaxy S III, which just broke through pre-order records for at least one carrier and one retailer in the country. Carphone Warehouse's chief commercial officer Graham Stapleton says that the quad-core, 4.8-inch flagship is the quickest-moving pre-order of the year "so far," while Vodafone UK adds that the new Galaxy is its most pre-ordered Android device to date. Without hard numbers, though, it's difficult not to couch the successes in relative terms: both are using conditional language that makes clear neither record is absolute and that they might be eclipsed by companies with a knack for building early demand. Even so, that pride in early results suggests the third time is indeed the charm and that Samsung won't have much trouble filling its own pop-up stores with customers at the end of the month.

Samsung Galaxy S III tops UK pre-order records, shows that British love their quad-core originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0android 4.0 ice cream sandwichAndroid4.0Android4.0IceCreamSandwichbritaincarphone warehouseCarphoneWarehousecarriercellphonecellphonesgalaxygalaxy s 3galaxy s iiiGalaxyS3GalaxySIiigreat britainGreatBritainIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichmobile pinMobilePinmobilepostminipop-up storepop-up storesPop-upStorePop-upStoresquad corequad-coreQuadCoreretailretailersamsungsamsung galaxy s 3samsung galaxy s iiisamsung mobile pinSamsungGalaxyS3SamsungGalaxySIiiSamsungMobilePinsmartphonesmartphonesukvodafonevodafone ukVodafoneUkWed, 23 May 2012 21:21:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Optimus True HD LTE's European assault begins in Portugal, Germany and Sweden]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/lg-optimus-true-hd-lte-portugal-germany-sweden/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/lg-optimus-true-hd-lte-portugal-germany-sweden/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/lg-optimus-true-hd-lte-portugal-germany-sweden/#comments Image

While the latest LTE and HD equipped addition to LG's Optimus line has already landed across Asia (Korea, Japan) and North America (US - AT&T, US - Verizon, Canada) under a few different names, the newly rebranded Optimus True HD LTE is finally prepared for a European debut. As seen by the flags flying above, this week LG will begin rolling out to Portugal, Germany and Sweden, with Britain and France on deck for the second half of the year when LTE service is available. The other flags present represent further Asian rollouts in Hong Kong and Singapore. The plan, described in the Korean press release linked below (Update: English PR after the break), is apparently to make LG synonymous with LTE, although we can't see how renaming its current dual-core standard bearer every other week is helping.

Continue reading LG Optimus True HD LTE's European assault begins in Portugal, Germany and Sweden

LG Optimus True HD LTE's European assault begins in Portugal, Germany and Sweden originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbritaindual coreDualCoreeuropefrancegermanyhong kongHongKonglgltemobilepostminioptimusoptimus lteoptimus true hd lteOptimusLteOptimusTrueHdLteportugalsingaporeswedenukFri, 27 Apr 2012 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: giant 'metal moles' ready to chew through London's underground]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/visualized-giant-metal-moles-ready-to-chew-through-londons-u/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/visualized-giant-metal-moles-ready-to-chew-through-londons-u/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/visualized-giant-metal-moles-ready-to-chew-through-londons-u/#comments diggersThe city of London will soon have a new underground train to climb aboard, dubbed the Crossrail. But, before anyone can ride the line, tunnels will have to be dug. That means its time to break out the TBM beasts. Over 490 feet long and topping 1,000 metric tons, these giant metal moles will slowly carve new tunnels under the city at about 330 feet per week. At that rate the Crossrail won't open until 2018 but, until then, we can all sleep soundly knowing that machines -- more than thrice as tall as a man -- are slowly eating away at the largest city in the British Isles from underneath. For more images of London's mayor, Boris Johnson, standing next to the German-made monstrosities, dressed in his daddy's suit hit up the source link.

Visualized: giant 'metal moles' ready to chew through London's underground originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincrossrailenglandlondonsubwayTBMtraintunneltunnel boring machinesTunnelBoringMachinesvisualizedFri, 16 Mar 2012 06:49:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC's Director-General confirms instant video on-demand store is coming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/bbc-director-general-confirms-video-on-demand-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/bbc-director-general-confirms-video-on-demand-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/bbc-director-general-confirms-video-on-demand-store/#comments BBC's Director-General confirms iTunes competitor is on the way
Just last week, rumors regarding the BBC's purported iTunes competitor were making the rounds. Now, thanks to Director-General Mark Thompson, we can confirm that it is indeed in the works. Currently known around the British offices as "Project Barcelona," the service is expected to be an à la carte media offering, allowing you to "purchase a digital copy of a program to own and keep for a relatively modest charge." Speaking of which, movies, TV shows and specials are expected to start at £1.89 and may be available minutes after they're broadcast on TV, though we've yet to hear an official word on pricing. The Broadcasting Corporation chief went on to say this isn't "a second license-fee by stealth or any reduction in the current public service offering from the BBC, it's the exact analogy of going into a high-street shop to buy a DVD." He didn't, however, give any deets on when we can expect the service to launch.

BBC's Director-General confirms instant video on-demand store is coming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc itunes competitorBbcItunesCompetitorbritainBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritishBroadcastingCorporationcontent distributionContentDistributionenglandhdpostminiiplayeritunesitunes competitorItunesCompetitorMark ThompsonMarkThompsonmediamedia storeMediaStoreproject barcelonaProjectBarcelonatv showsTvShowsUKvideo on demandvideo on-demandVideoOn-demandVideoOnDemandvodWed, 14 Mar 2012 23:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BBC the next contestant in the quest to take on iTunes?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/is-the-bbc-the-next-contestant-in-the-quest-to-take-on-itunes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/is-the-bbc-the-next-contestant-in-the-quest-to-take-on-itunes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/is-the-bbc-the-next-contestant-in-the-quest-to-take-on-itunes/#comments BBCPaidContent is claiming the BBC has some pretty advanced plans to launch a video market, one meant to compete directly with the iTunes of the world. According to its source, the British Broadcasting Corporation plans to offer its vast back catalog of movies, TV shows and specials as £1.89 downloads. Though much of its newer material is already licensed through BBC Worldwide, older content is not. The idea is to make all of that material available digitally and through its own branded service. The public broadcaster even plans to offer producers a larger chunk of the profits (roughly £0.40 per episode) in an effort to get a leg up on its potential competitors. Of course, these plans could still collapse if negotiations with independent producers fall through. Or, the plans could be less grand and far more preliminary than we've been led to believe. Still, don't be shocked it the iPlayer starts telling you to buy old episodes for a couple of quid in the next few months.

Is the BBC the next contestant in the quest to take on iTunes? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCbritainBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritishBroadcastingCorporationcontent distributionContentDistributiondownloadable mediaDownloadableMediaenglanditunesmedia storeMediaStorepublic broadcastingPublicBroadcastingFri, 09 Mar 2012 04:04:00 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[ASUS offers refunds and extended warranties to piqued Prime customers in the UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/asus-offers-refunds-and-extended-warranties/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/asus-offers-refunds-and-extended-warranties/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/asus-offers-refunds-and-extended-warranties/#comments Transformer PrimeIf the Ice Cream Sandwich update, bug fixes and piles of apologies from the folks at ASUS just aren't cutting it and you happen to live in the UK, then we've got some good news for you. You are free to take your Transformer Prime back to the shop for a full refund. Don't expect turn around and pick up that updated TF700T with your haul, though, it won't be hitting shelves in merry ol' England till at least June. If you choose to keep your dockable tablet, ASUS will offer an extended warranty of 18 months, just to soothe your panicked mind that wakes you with night terrors about GPS issues and unknown serial numbers.

ASUS offers refunds and extended warranties to piqued Prime customers in the UK originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASUSASUS Eee Pad Transformer Primeasus transformer primeAsusEeePadTransformerPrimeAsusTransformerPrimebritainEee Pad Transformer PrimeEeePadTransformerPrimeenglandrefundTransformer PrimeTransformerPrimeukwarrawarrantyWed, 18 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Brits, your government needs you to solve this puzzle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/brits-your-government-needs-you-to-solve-this-puzzle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/brits-your-government-needs-you-to-solve-this-puzzle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/02/brits-your-government-needs-you-to-solve-this-puzzle/#comments Spare a thought for the British intelligence services. Every time they come up with a clever recruitment drive, their efforts are hampered by yet another off-putting death scene in a certain long-running spy drama. But relax, this particular ciphered job advert is entirely safe. It's been put out by the UK's monitoring service, GCHQ, which is altogether more 9 to 5 than MI5. You simply need to figure out the keyword buried in that daunting grid of characters, submit it via the 'canyoucrackit' link below, and a happy career in headphones and Herman Miller could be yours. On the other hand, people who claim to have beaten the puzzle seem underwhelmed by the response: all it got them, they say, was a shot at a £25k per year position that was already being openly advertised on the web. But, who knows, maybe those guys only think they cracked it?

Brits, your government needs you to solve this puzzle originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainciphercodecodebreakerGCHQgovernmentintelligenceintelligence servicesIntelligenceServicesjob adjob advertJobAdJobAdvertMI5monitoringmonitoring serviceMonitoringServicerecruitmentspookspooksspyspyingUKFri, 02 Dec 2011 07:22:00 EST<![CDATA[New sensor can read your heart from afar, but knows not your feelings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/new-sensor-can-read-your-heart-from-afar-but-knows-not-your-fee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/new-sensor-can-read-your-heart-from-afar-but-knows-not-your-fee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/new-sensor-can-read-your-heart-from-afar-but-knows-not-your-fee/#comments
Are you fed up with your current ECG sensor? Tired of all the mess of electroconductive gels, sticky electrodes and tangled wires? How about this: Britain's Plessey Semiconductors offers an ECG sensor that promises heart-monitoring without the hassle. We've seen similar technology before, but according to the company, the Electric Potential Integrated Circuit -- or EPIC, as it's humbly called -- can read heartbeats even through a sweater; future versions might be embedded in hospital gurneys for constant, unobtrusive monitoring. Like an extremely sensitive voltmeter, it detects tiny changes in electric fields, which means it could also be used for Kinect-style motion interfaces. The company even imagines a future system where firefighters can use the EPIC to find humans in a smoke-filled room. If you're thinking, "My, that sounds just like my Deus Ex dreams" -- hey, we're right there with you.

New sensor can read your heart from afar, but knows not your feelings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricbiosensorBritainecgElectrocardiogramepicepic sensorEpicSensorhealthhearthospitalmedicalmonitormonitoringPlessey SemiconductorsPlesseySemiconductorssensorsensorsThu, 03 Nov 2011 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[UK court orders ISP to block Newzbin 2 filesharing site within two weeks, Hollywood smiles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/uk-court-orders-isp-to-block-newzbin-2-filesharing-site-within-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/uk-court-orders-isp-to-block-newzbin-2-filesharing-site-within-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/uk-court-orders-isp-to-block-newzbin-2-filesharing-site-within-t/#comments Pirates just can't catch a break these days. Way back in July, a British judge ordered telecom company BT to block its subscribers from visiting a site called Newzbin 2, on the grounds that the ISP had "actual knowledge" of customers using the platform access copyright infringing content. An appeal was soon filed, but yesterday, it was shot down by a high court. Under the order, BT will have 14 days to seal off access to Newzbin 2, and will have to do so on its own dime -- something the provider was aiming to avoid. The decision marks the first time that an ISP has been forced to block access to a filesharing site, something the Motion Picture Association heralded as "a win for the creative sector." BT, meanwhile, didn't have much to say about the ruling, stating only that "it is helpful to have the order now and the clarity that it brings." Less certain, however, is the impact this order will have on future copyright lawsuits and web censorship, in general. Find the ruling in its entirety at the coverage link, below.

UK court orders ISP to block Newzbin 2 filesharing site within two weeks, Hollywood smiles originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbritainbritishBTcensorshipcopyrightcopyright infringementCopyrightInfringementcourtenglandfile sharingFileSharinghigh courtHighCourthollywoodinternet service providerInternetServiceProviderISPjudgelawlegalmotion picture associationMotionPictureAssociationmoviesnewzbin 2Newzbin2piracypirateukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomURLwebThu, 27 Oct 2011 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[UK 4G network auction delayed, spectrum sell-off pushed back to the end of 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/uk-4g-network-auction-delayed-spectrum-sell-off-pushed-back-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/uk-4g-network-auction-delayed-spectrum-sell-off-pushed-back-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/uk-4g-network-auction-delayed-spectrum-sell-off-pushed-back-to/#comments

The dizzying world of 4G speeds remains a distant prospect for Britons, with telecoms regulator Ofcom deciding to delay the auction for the next generation of mobile spectrum. It was looking to sell off two potent bands of wireless network by the end of this year, but those plans have been put on hold by some legal jostling and desk-banging from UK carriers, with the British equivalent of the FCC saying it received several "substantial and strongly argued responses." The sell-off delay might not affect any launch dates for 4G (already being tested in rural parts of the UK), as the bands up for grabs still won't be available until 2013. But eventually all of this to-ing and fro-ing will test even the Brits' stoic patience.

UK 4G network auction delayed, spectrum sell-off pushed back to the end of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201220134g4g spectrum4gSpectrum800mhzauctionbritainbroadbandcommunicationsmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandofcompreparationsregulatorspectrumspectrum auctionSpectrumAuctiontelecommunicationsukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[BT Openreach launching 300Mbps broadband in the UK - high in fibre, low in fat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/bt-openreach-launching-300mbps-broadband-in-the-uk-high-in-fib/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/bt-openreach-launching-300mbps-broadband-in-the-uk-high-in-fib/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/bt-openreach-launching-300mbps-broadband-in-the-uk-high-in-fib/#comments
You've got broadband, right? Are you sure you do? Well, it turns out that the US might well be slipping further down the international 'what speed can you get' tables as UK telecom giant BT Openreach has just fessed up that it will be rolling out a 300Mbps wholesale network as soon as spring 2012. As the network is FTTP, there shouldn't be any more of the old 'up to' claims that have plagued the UK market until now. Also, since it's wholesale, we've got our fingers crossed there won't be any nasty price hiking either, so no need for other providers to start bumping their gums about how unfair it is. So it might not be a gigabit network, but with the UK joining the broad-band-super-speed-party, the US needs to up it's gross point average of 5.3Mbps soon, or risk being left at the children's table. If you're prepared to pine mournfully for what your UK friends have in store, hit the PR past the break.

Continue reading BT Openreach launching 300Mbps broadband in the UK - high in fibre, low in fat

BT Openreach launching 300Mbps broadband in the UK - high in fibre, low in fat originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 mbps300MbpsbritainbritishbroadbandBTbt openreachBtOpenreachfibrefttpGigabitinternettelcoukwholesaleWed, 05 Oct 2011 19:19:00 EST<![CDATA[UK book seller Waterstone's to enter the e-reader race]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/uk-book-seller-waterstones-to-enter-the-e-reader-race/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/uk-book-seller-waterstones-to-enter-the-e-reader-race/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/10/uk-book-seller-waterstones-to-enter-the-e-reader-race/#comments Waterstone's Waterstone's isn't exactly the biggest name in book sales (at least not stateside), but it knows that to survive in this market it's gonna have to get on the e-book train. The British company's managing director, James Daunt, told Radio 4 that it planned to enter the market with both an electronic book store and an actual reader by spring of 2012. Mr. Daunt claimed he was inspired by the success of the Nook, and the challenge it posed to Amazon's Kindle, to finally take a stab at ushering the UK chain into the 21st century. Of course, while we hate to harsh his buzz, Waterstone's has already been offering e-books and e-readers since 2008 through a partnership with Sony with only minimal market impact. And we've already seen one major book seller (one twice the size of Waterstone's) fall flat on its face as it tried to enter the digital age. But still, we wish Daunt and his company the best of luck.

[Image credit: Chrisloader]

UK book seller Waterstone's to enter the e-reader race originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaine booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebooksereadersJames DauntJamesDauntukwaterstonesSat, 10 Sep 2011 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Google TV coming to the UK within six months]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/google-tv-coming-to-the-uk-within-six-months/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/google-tv-coming-to-the-uk-within-six-months/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/google-tv-coming-to-the-uk-within-six-months/#comments Google TV Hey! Britain! Guess what? You're getting Google TV! Try to temper your excitement, we know this is a big day for you, but there's still a bit of a wait ahead. According to the Telegraph and the Daily Mail, Google is aiming to deliver its set-top software to the UK sometime in the next six months. Eric Schmidt is expected to announce the plans at the Edinburgh Television Festival (which starts today), likely including integration of BBC's iPlayer and ITV's Player. Sadly we don't have any more details yet regarding a specific launch date or hardware, but we wouldn't be shocked if it's timed to coincide with the release of the Honeycomb version of Google TV.

Google TV coming to the UK within six months originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbbcbbc iplayerBbcIplayerbritainedinburgh television festivalEdinburghTelevisionFestivaleric schmidtEricSchmidtGooglegoogle tvGoogleTvhdpostcrossitvitv playerItvPlayerukFri, 26 Aug 2011 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[3G coverage survey gives British smartphone users little to smile about]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/25/3g-coverage-survey-gives-british-smartphone-users-little-to-smil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/25/3g-coverage-survey-gives-british-smartphone-users-little-to-smil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/25/3g-coverage-survey-gives-british-smartphone-users-little-to-smil/#comments The UK has plenty of endearing olde worlde attributes, but its lack of fast mobile data access isn't one of them. The country has yet to enter the LTE era and, according to a crowdsourced survey by the BBC, it's still plagued by "not spots" where you can't get 3G reception either. More than 40,000 Brits downloaded a tailor-made Android app that recorded their local street level access and their results proved that many city centers and rural areas are effectively no-go swamplands for smartphone users -- although coverage was good over 70- to 80-percent of Her Majesty's territory. It's about time we did a similar survey in the US. Oh, and check out the source link to watch a Galaxy II-owning village vicar vent his frustrations in the politest possible way.

3G coverage survey gives British smartphone users little to smile about originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3G coverage3G data3gCoverage3gDataBBCBBC NewsBbcNewsBritaincrowdsourcecrowdsourcedcrowdsourcingdata accessDataAccessmobile dataMobileDatamobilepostcrossQueen VictoriaQueenVictoriasurveyUKThu, 25 Aug 2011 01:28:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive crosses the pond, lands in the UK September 22nd]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/onlive-crosses-the-pond-lands-in-the-uk-september-22nd/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/onlive-crosses-the-pond-lands-in-the-uk-september-22nd/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/onlive-crosses-the-pond-lands-in-the-uk-september-22nd/#comments OnLive's done pretty well here in the States, and we knew it would eventually venture across the ocean to merry old England. But, we didn't know exactly when it would bring its streaming services, MicroConsole and catalog of over 100 titles to the UK. Well, turns out it'll make the transatlantic trip on September 22nd, just in time for the 2011 Eurogamer Expo in London -- so there's just over a month to ready yourself for gaming-anywhere awesomeness. If you're among those interested in being the first of the Queen's subjects using the service that day, hit the source link below to sign up.

Continue reading OnLive crosses the pond, lands in the UK September 22nd

OnLive crosses the pond, lands in the UK September 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaingamesgames on demandGamesOnDemandgaminginstant streamingInstantStreamingmicroconsoleonliveonlive game systemonlive microconsoleOnliveGameSystemOnliveMicroconsolesteve perlmanStevePerlmanukThu, 11 Aug 2011 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 shows up for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, ships August 11th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-shows-up-for-pre-order-at-amazon-co-uk-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-shows-up-for-pre-order-at-amazon-co-uk-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/samsung-galaxy-tab-8-9-shows-up-for-pre-order-at-amazon-co-uk-s/#comments Back when we got word of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 making its British debut on August 4th, Samsung told us that our UK brethren could expect its elusive younger sibling, the 8.9, "later in the year." Well, if its recently minted Amazon page is correct, the Galaxy Tab 8.9 will land across the pond just one week after its big brother, on August 11th. The 3G-sporting Android tablet carries a £605 price tag. Considering its stop off at the FCC in June, and the recent appearance of the Retail Mode app, we hope to see the 8.9 stateside sometime soon. Otherwise, it'll be off to the UK for you die-hard Galaxy fans.

[Thanks, Jules]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 shows up for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, ships August 11th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8.9AmazonAmazon.co.ukAndroidAndroid tabletAndroidTabletavailabilityBritainEnglandgalaxy tabGalaxy Tab 8.9GalaxyTabGalaxyTab8.9hlaunchpre orderpre-orderPreOrderpriceSamsungSamsung Galaxy TabSamsung Galaxy Tab 8.9SamsungGalaxyTabSamsungGalaxyTab8.9slabslatetablettabletstouchwizUKWed, 03 Aug 2011 23:41:00 EST<![CDATA[UK set to legalize CD and DVD copying for personal use]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/uk-set-to-legalize-cd-and-dvd-copying-for-personal-use/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/uk-set-to-legalize-cd-and-dvd-copying-for-personal-use/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/uk-set-to-legalize-cd-and-dvd-copying-for-personal-use/#commentsThe fact that it hasn't technically been legal may not have stopped many folks in the UK from ripping their CDs all these years, but it looks like there may soon be a tad less anarchy involved in that process. Reuters is reporting that the British government will announce tomorrow that it plans to legalize the copying of CDs and DVDs onto computers or portable media players for personal use -- a move that will bring it up to speed with most other European countries (and the US and Canada). Of course, the key words there are "personal use." You still won't be legally allowed to share that music over the internet after you copy it without permission, and it's not yet clear how the new rules will apply to DVDs (or Blu-rays) with copy protection measures -- although the British Video Association unsurprisingly doesn't seem too pleased with the changes regardless, calling them "extremely damaging."

UK set to legalize CD and DVD copying for personal use originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincdcd copyingcd rippingCdCopyingCdRippingcdscopyingdvddvdslegalizemediamusicrippingukTue, 02 Aug 2011 22:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker! British civil servants spend a lot on new PCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/shocker-british-civil-servants-spend-a-lot-on-new-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/shocker-british-civil-servants-spend-a-lot-on-new-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/shocker-british-civil-servants-spend-a-lot-on-new-pcs/#comments The British government just got put on Supernanny's naughty step for paying too high a price for new PCs. A parliamentary scrutiny committee accused civil servants of being naively ripped off by a "cartel" of big IT firms, who steal charge as much as £3,500 ($5,700) per file-donkey -- that's around ten times the open market rate for a basic machine. However, at risk of pooping on the UK's moral outrage party, an equally moral sense of fairness compels us to play devil's advocate here. After all, the figure of £3,500 covers "infrastructure" and "applications" as well as the plain old computer, and those categories might include a whole array of expensive add-ons, like tailored software, servers, high-speed internet, and even technical support. Of course, we could be wrong about this, in which case Jo Frost can punish us however she sees fit.

Shocker! British civil servants spend a lot on new PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainBritishBritish governmentBritishGovernmentcivil servantsCivilServantsgovernmentgovernment spendingGovernmentSpendingparliamentparliamentaryparliamentary committeeParliamentaryCommitteescrutinyscrutiny committeeScrutinyCommitteeShockerspendingThu, 28 Jul 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC releases 'global' iPlayer app for European iPads, €7 per month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/bbc-releases-global-iplayer-app-for-european-ipads-7-per-mon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/bbc-releases-global-iplayer-app-for-european-ipads-7-per-mon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/bbc-releases-global-iplayer-app-for-european-ipads-7-per-mon/#comments The wonders of iPlayer are no longer the reserve of the Brits. As of today, iPad users in 11 other countries across Europe can subscribe to the service for €7 per month or €50 per year. That equates to $10 -- just about living up to the Beeb's promised maximum price. The subscription grants access to a wealth of TV classics, like Fawlty Towers and Only Fools & Horses, as well as unwitting comedies like EastEnders. Some sort of motoring series by the name of Top Gear is also available, for those who like cars and middle-aged men in pointy shoes. The app will allow for downloading as well as streaming, and marks a "pilot phase" for the service, which should hopefully reach the former colonial outpost of America before too long. Full details in the PR after the break.

Continue reading BBC releases 'global' iPlayer app for European iPads, €7 per month

BBC releases 'global' iPlayer app for European iPads, €7 per month originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appAppleBBCBritainBritishiPadiPad appIpadAppiPlayeriPlayer appIplayerAppmoviesstreamingTVThu, 28 Jul 2011 05:12:00 EST<![CDATA[British Library and Google Books partner up to digitize 250,000 out-of-copyright works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/british-library-and-google-books-partner-up-to-digitize-250-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/british-library-and-google-books-partner-up-to-digitize-250-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/british-library-and-google-books-partner-up-to-digitize-250-000/#comments Oh paper, ye olde guardian of human wisdom, culture, and history, why must you be so fragile and voluminous? Not a question we ask ourselves every day, admittedly, but when you're talking about the British Library's extensive collection of tomes from the 18th and 19th century, those books, pamphlets and periodicals do stack up pretty quickly. Thankfully, Google's book digitization project has come to the rescue of bewildered researchers, with a new partnership with the British Library that will result in the availability of digital copies of works from that period -- spanning the time of the French and Industrial Revolutions, the Crimean War, the invention of the telegraph, and the end of slavery. In total, some 250,000 such items, all of them long out of copyright, will find a home on Google Books and the British Library's website, and Google has even been nice enough to bear the full cost of transforming them into web-accessible gems of knowledge. Jump past the break for the similarly digital press release.

Continue reading British Library and Google Books partner up to digitize 250,000 out-of-copyright works

British Library and Google Books partner up to digitize 250,000 out-of-copyright works originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicannouncedbritainbritishbritish libraryBritishLibrarycollectioncopyrightdigitaldigital booksDigitalBooksdigitizationdigitization of booksDigitizationOfBookse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookseducationgooglegoogle booksGoogleBookshistorichistoryindexindexinglibraryofficialout of copyrightOutOfCopyrightpartnershipscholarscholarshipukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 20 Jun 2011 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes Match not coming to the UK until 2012?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/itunes-match-not-coming-to-the-uk-until-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/itunes-match-not-coming-to-the-uk-until-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/itunes-match-not-coming-to-the-uk-until-2012/#comments Music collectors in the US will be able to subscribe to Apple's iTunes Match service this fall, but it looks like our friends across the pond will have to wait a little longer before lofting their libraries up to the cloud. According to sources within the British recording industry, licensing negotiations between Apple and the country's major labels have only just begun and likely won't be concluded until 2012. A spokesman for the Performing Right Society, an organization that protects the rights of musicians and songwriters, likened the situation to the launch of iTunes, which only spread to international markets some 14 months after launching in the US. Speaking to the Telegraph, Forrester Research vice president Mark Mulligan echoed these predictions, while offering some insight into the industry's approach:

"Apple's cloud music service will not launch in the UK until at least quarter one of 2012. These types of negotiations take a long time... For one thing the UK arms of all the major record labels are biding their time and waiting to see how the service affects download sales in the US before they sign up to anything."

Neither Apple nor any of the major labels have commented on the negotiations, but if things drag on we'd be willing to share our cloudy iTunes in exchange for a crack at Spotify.

iTunes Match not coming to the UK until 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012agreementapplebritainbusinesscloudiclouditunesitunes in the clouditunes matchItunesInTheCloudItunesMatchlabellicensingmusicnegotiationsPerforming Right SocietyPerformingRightSocietyPRSrecordrecord labelsrecording industryRecordingIndustryRecordLabelsukFri, 10 Jun 2011 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's free Explore 3D VOD service lands for British Smart TV owners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/samsungs-free-explore-3d-vod-service-lands-for-british-smart-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/samsungs-free-explore-3d-vod-service-lands-for-british-smart-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/samsungs-free-explore-3d-vod-service-lands-for-british-smart-tv/#comments Samsung Explore 3D Americans eager to get their eyes on Samsung's 3D video on demand service are just going to have keep waiting, but our friends across the pond can break out their active shutter glasses and Santana Champ because Explore 3D has arrived in the UK. While the rest of us are stuck shelling out for Blu-rays and premium cable subscriptions for the luxury of watching videos in all their three-dimensional glory, Samsung Smart TV owners in Britain can now fire up movies, music videos, trailers and other clips for free. The company promised the service would be coming to the US and Europe shortly after its Korean launch in March and plans to expand its library of free titles to over 70 by the end of 2011. So, if you're still excluded from Sammy's free 3D party, relax -- your patience will be rewarded. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung's free Explore 3D VOD service lands for British Smart TV owners

Samsung's free Explore 3D VOD service lands for British Smart TV owners originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d content3dContent3dtvbritainExplore 3dExplore3dgreat britainGreatBritainon demandOnDemandsamsungsamsung smart TVsSamsungSmartTvssmart hubSmartHubukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodMon, 16 May 2011 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Biodiesel can be harvested from leftover food, kids no longer have to clear their plates]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/biodiesel-can-be-harvested-from-leftover-food-kids-no-longer-ha/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/biodiesel-can-be-harvested-from-leftover-food-kids-no-longer-ha/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/biodiesel-can-be-harvested-from-leftover-food-kids-no-longer-ha/#comments The best dishes always contain 30 per cent fat minimum. This doesn't merely ensure a level of hearty satisfaction (Windows 7 Whopper anybody?), it also means the leftovers contain plenty of the greasy good stuff, which can be cleverly harvested and metamorphosed into biodiesel. The technology behind this process has been around for a while, but now British firm Greenergy claims it is ramping up commercial production. The firm's CEO reckons each of his new £50million ($80million) biodiesel plants will digest a sufficient volume of waste pies, fries and taramasalata to "fill out a cruise ship every year". Mmmm, pie.

Biodiesel can be harvested from leftover food, kids no longer have to clear their plates originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyalternative fuelAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelbiodieselbritainburgerenvironmentalenvironmentally friendlyEnvironmentallyFriendlyfatgreasegreen energygreen fuelGreenEnergygreenergyGreenFuelindustrialoilprocesssustainabilitysustainabletaramasalatawastewaste managementWasteManagementFri, 13 May 2011 09:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar will actually build million-dollar C-X75 hybrid supercar in 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/jaguar-will-actually-build-million-dollar-c-x75-hybrid-supercar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/jaguar-will-actually-build-million-dollar-c-x75-hybrid-supercar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/jaguar-will-actually-build-million-dollar-c-x75-hybrid-supercar/#comments You know how we said that 780bhp electric pipe dream Jaguar had last year wasn't going to be anything more than a concept? Well, we were wrong. Sort of. You see, the British automaker has just announced its intention to produce a limited run of 250 C-X75 supercars in partnership with Formula 1 team Williams, however the retail model will eschew the craziest aspect of the original design -- the twin turbine engines at the back. Those will be replaced with a four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, which will aid the four electric motors (one attached to each wheel). Don't worry, though, this tweak has actually made the C-X75 accelerate even faster, as it's now rated to go from 0 to 60mph in under three seconds. 2013 is when the earliest production of this road-faring beast is expected to commence, with prices starting at £700,000 ($1.15 million), and there's even a glimmer of hope that a version with the gas turbines will also be built at some point down the line. Crazy, just crazy. Check the C-X75 out on video after the break, where Jay Leno gives you a tour around its dramatic design.

Continue reading Jaguar will actually build million-dollar C-X75 hybrid supercar in 2013

Jaguar will actually build million-dollar C-X75 hybrid supercar in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishc-x75carconceptconcept carConceptCarelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfuturegas turbineGasTurbinehybridjaguarjaguar c-x75JaguarC-x75jay lenoJayLenojetjet enginejet-poweredJetEngineplansproductionprototyperoadmapschedulesupercarturbineukvehiclevideowilliamswilliams f1WilliamsF1Fri, 06 May 2011 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II nets two additional carriers on South Korea's official launch day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-nets-two-additional-carriers-on-south-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-nets-two-additional-carriers-on-south-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/28/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-nets-two-additional-carriers-on-south-korea/#comments Today marks South Korea's official launch of the Galaxy S II, with Samsung ensuring its home country gets plenty of superphone love before turning its attention abroad. Rival carriers SK Telecom and LG Uplus have added this Super AMOLED Plus beauty to their repertoire, joining KT, who's already begun taking pre-orders for the device which retails for approximately $790 (before subsidies, of course). Though we're left wishing this amazing slab of engineering was available everywhere and all at once, we must remind ourselves that patience is a virtue, and -- oh, forget it -- who's flying to South Korea with us?

[Thanks, Amjath]

Samsung Galaxy S II nets two additional carriers on South Korea's official launch day originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavailabilitybritaincarrierdual coredual-coreDualCoregalaxy s 2galaxy s iiGalaxyS2GalaxySIiglobalgs IIGsIiKoreaktlaunchmobilepre-orderpre-ordersrollouts 2s iiS2samsungsamsung galaxy sSamsung galaxy s IISamsungGalaxySSamsungGalaxySIiSIismartphonesouth koreaSouthKoreaThu, 28 Apr 2011 21:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II on pre-order in South Korea, introduces Olleh Touch for NFC payments]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-on-pre-order-in-south-korea-introduces-olle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-on-pre-order-in-south-korea-introduces-olle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-on-pre-order-in-south-korea-introduces-olle/#comments When Samsung teased us with those clever Galaxy S II commercials, we could feel the growing anticipation for its early UK arrival. Coincidentally, today marks an end to Britain's exclusivity, with South Korea's KT now offering the dual-core stunner for pre-order. We've learned this Korean Galaxy S II includes NFC, coinciding with the carrier's roll-out of Olleh Touch, a payment system being implemented at local grocer Lotte Mart. Sure, NFC inclusion increases the phone's thickness to 8.9mm, but if parlor tricks are your thing, we'd imagine it'll still easily pass under doorways.

[Thanks, Aditya]

Samsung Galaxy S II on pre-order in South Korea, introduces Olleh Touch for NFC payments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2ghzandroidavailabilitybritaindual coredual-coreDualCoreexclusivitygalaxy s iiGalaxySIiKoreaktlaunchlotte martLotteMartmobilemobile paymentsMobilePaymentsNFCNfcPaymentsolleholleh touchOllehTouchpre-orderpre-orderssamsungsamsung galaxy sSamsung galaxy s IISamsungGalaxySSamsungGalaxySIismartphoneukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 26 Apr 2011 06:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S II to arrive in UK on April 27th, but only through Phones 4u]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-to-arrive-in-uk-on-april-27th-but-only-thro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-to-arrive-in-uk-on-april-27th-but-only-thro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/21/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-to-arrive-in-uk-on-april-27th-but-only-thro/#comments UK phone retailer Phones 4u has scooped itself a short-term but enviable exclusive -- it'll be the only place in the UK where you'll be able to buy Samsung's Galaxy S II in April. The 1.2GHz dual-core Android superphone has already been announced for wide availability in the Queen's Kingdom on May 1st, but Phones 4u will get you one as early as April 27th, plus it'll throw in a free 8GB microSD card if you pre-order one now. The Galaxy S II will be available for free on two-year contracts costing £35 per month and above and there'll be a choice of carriers. Only Orange's tariffs are listed at the moment, but we imagine the others will be showing up soon as well. Jump past the break for the press release.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S II to arrive in UK on April 27th, but only through Phones 4u

Samsung Galaxy S II to arrive in UK on April 27th, but only through Phones 4u originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2ghzandroidavailabilitybritaindual coredual-coreDualCoreexclusivitygalaxy s iiGalaxySIilaunchphones 4uPhones4upre-orderpre-orderssamsungsamsung galaxy ssamsung galaxy s iiSamsungGalaxySSamsungGalaxySIismartphoneukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomThu, 21 Apr 2011 04:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Media to test 1.5Gbps broadband on London's Silicon Roundabout]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/virgin-media-to-test-1-5gbps-broadband-on-londons-silicon-round/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/virgin-media-to-test-1-5gbps-broadband-on-londons-silicon-round/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/virgin-media-to-test-1-5gbps-broadband-on-londons-silicon-round/#comments
Just last week we reported on Fujitsu's plans to get in on the gigabit broadband game, and now Virgin Media is taking things a step further by announcing its intention to test internet speeds up to 1.5Gbps in east London. The trial, which plans to deliver upload speeds of 150Mbps, uses a similar fiber optic setup as the one employed by Fujitsu, and targets multimedia companies near the junction of the city's Old Street and City Road, also referred to as the Silicon Roundabout. These tests have been made possible by a £13 billion investment from Virgin Media. If this thing pans out, it looks like Google might have some catching up to do. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Virgin Media to test 1.5Gbps broadband on London's Silicon Roundabout

Virgin Media to test 1.5Gbps broadband on London's Silicon Roundabout originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.5Gb broadband.5gbBroadband1.5GbpsBritainbroadbandEnglandfiber opticfiber opticsFiberOpticFiberOpticsGigabitinternetLondononlineSilicon RoundaboutSiliconRoundabouttestingtestsUKVirginVirgin MediaVirginMediaWed, 20 Apr 2011 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Atrix to launch exclusively with Orange UK in early May]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/motorola-atrix-to-be-an-orange-exclusive-in-uk-coming-early-may/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/motorola-atrix-to-be-an-orange-exclusive-in-uk-coming-early-may/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/motorola-atrix-to-be-an-orange-exclusive-in-uk-coming-early-may/#comments Just in time to duel with the Samsung Galaxy S II, Motorola's Atrix is crossing the Atlantic for an early May release in Orange livery. UK carrier Orange has proudly announced it'll be the "exclusive launch partner" for the Atrix in the UK, offering the dual-core handset for free on two-year contracts costing £35 per month or more. A Work and Play Kit that includes the phone's Multimedia Dock will be made available at a reduced £50 price to new customers buying the phone, or for free to existing Orange subscribers upgrading to the Atrix during May. Business customers on some of the more overpriced fully featured tariffs will also get the chance to snap up the Lapdock for free. Jump past the break for Orange's fulll press release or hit the source link to register your interest now.

Continue reading Motorola Atrix to launch exclusively with Orange UK in early May

Motorola Atrix to launch exclusively with Orange UK in early May originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidatrixavailabilitybreaking newsbritaindatedual coredual-coreDualCoreexclusivitylaunchmotorolamotorola atrixMotorolaAtrixorangeorange ukOrangeUkpricingqhdreleasesmartphonetegra 2Tegra2ukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvideoMon, 18 Apr 2011 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu to build 1Gbps fiber optic broadband network in the UK, but needs BT to play fair first]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/fujitsu-to-build-1gbps-fiber-optic-broadband-network-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/fujitsu-to-build-1gbps-fiber-optic-broadband-network-in-the-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/fujitsu-to-build-1gbps-fiber-optic-broadband-network-in-the-uk/#commentsGood news for anyone feeling left behind by the broadband revolution just because of their post code: Fujitsu has just announced a joint venture to deliver fiber optic connectivity to neglected rural homes in the UK. Built on hardware provided by Cisco and supported by Virgin Media and TalkTalk, this network will focus on channeling fiber directly to the home, which is said to provide symmetrical 1Gbps bandwidth with up to 10Gbps speeds considered possible down the line. Best news of all, perhaps, is that the cabling will be available on a wholesale basis to all ISPs, not just the ones involved in the project, so the UK may finally get a decent taste of what competition in the internet service space feels like. Alas, there's a key line in the press release that notes the new venture is dependent on BT providing "access to its underground ducts and telegraph poles on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms," which it apparently isn't doing at the moment. Ah well, we're sure they'll sort things out like the mature professionals that they are. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Fujitsu to build 1Gbps fiber optic broadband network in the UK, but needs BT to play fair first

Fujitsu to build 1Gbps fiber optic broadband network in the UK, but needs BT to play fair first originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1gbpsaccessbritainbroadbandbtciscofiberfiber opticfiber opticsfiber to the homeFiberOpticFiberOpticsFiberToTheHomeftthfujitsugigabitinfrastructureinternetonlineplansroadmaprolloutscheduletalktalkukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvirginvirgin mediaVirginMediawholesaleWed, 13 Apr 2011 05:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Energy-efficient military uniforms to make solar-powered necktie so last season]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/energy-efficient-military-uniforms-to-make-solar-powered-necktie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/energy-efficient-military-uniforms-to-make-solar-powered-necktie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/energy-efficient-military-uniforms-to-make-solar-powered-necktie/#comments This definitely isn't the first time we've heard of wearable solar cells, but a new development underway in the UK could certainly have a greater impact than, say, an iPod-charging denim jacket. By combining photovoltaic cells with thermoelectric devices, a team of researchers is working to create new, more efficient uniforms for British troops. The solar-powered outfits could cut the weight of traditional battery packs in half, allow for significantly longer military missions, and actually absorb energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, decreasing the possibility of detection by infrared technology. To ensure 24-hour power, the solar cells will collect energy in daylight, with thermoelectric devices taking on the task at night. A prototype is set for 2013, but we wonder how long it will take to hit the catwalk.

Energy-efficient military uniforms to make solar-powered necktie so last season originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery packBatteryPackbritainBritishcellsclothingenergymilitaryphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellPhotovoltaicCellphotovoltaicssolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar poweredsolar-poweredSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPoweredthermoelectricthermoelectricityUKuniformuniformsunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwarThu, 24 Mar 2011 03:03:00 EST<![CDATA[UK 4G spectrum set to be auctioned off next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/uk-4g-spectrum-set-to-be-auctioned-off-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/uk-4g-spectrum-set-to-be-auctioned-off-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/uk-4g-spectrum-set-to-be-auctioned-off-next-year/#comments Ofcom, the UK version of the FCC, is currently sitting on two fat bands of prime 4G spectrum, at 800MHz and 2.6GHz, but it won't be doing so for long. This morning has seen an announcement from the independent regulator that it's looking to sell off those airwaves to the highest bidder, as early as 2012, pending the conclusion of a consultation on how to ensure the auction helps promote, rather than stifle, competition. The 800MHz band comes directly from spectrum freed up by the country's transition to digital television, and together with the 2.6GHz is equivalent to three quarters of all the mobile spectrum the UK uses today. The usual suspects of O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere will be vying for prime position in the next wave of superspeedy internet ... we just wonder how 3G-centric network Three will react to the news.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading UK 4G spectrum set to be auctioned off next year

UK 4G spectrum set to be auctioned off next year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.6ghz20124g4g spectrum4gSpectrum800mhzauctionbritainbroadbandcommunicationsmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandofcompreparationsregulatorspectrumspectrum auctionSpectrumAuctiontelecommunicationsukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwirelessTue, 22 Mar 2011 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[British property search engine Rightmove will soon list broadband speeds alongside standard home info]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/british-property-search-engine-rightmove-will-soon-list-broadban/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/british-property-search-engine-rightmove-will-soon-list-broadban/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/british-property-search-engine-rightmove-will-soon-list-broadban/#comments The internet, it's kind of a big deal. So much of a big deal, in fact, that UK property search site Rightmove is said to be planning to list broadband speeds as part of its standard information package for homes up for rent or sale. This would be done in partnership with BT, reports the Daily Telegraph, though neither company is yet ready to make the deal official. BT would have little trouble providing the data in question since most of the UK is connected to its ADSL lines -- every ISP in the country outside of Virgin Media just resells BT's copper wire -- or newfangled Infinity fiber optic services. Part of this new agreement will involve Rightmove displaying whether or not homes are capable of connecting to the newer, faster Infinity network -- which mirrors Virgin's efforts at informing people whether they're covered by its cable internet through deals with independent estate agents. Soon there should be no excuses for Brits getting stuck in a picturesque home with a grotesquely slow web connection.

British property search engine Rightmove will soon list broadband speeds alongside standard home info originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritish telecomBritishTelecombroadbandbroadband speedBroadbandSpeedbtdatainformationinternetlistlistingpropertyproperty searchPropertySearchreal estateRealEstaterightmovesearchspeedukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwebwebsiteMon, 07 Mar 2011 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Product placement gets a logo of its own, turns the world inside out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/product-placement-gets-a-logo-of-its-own-turns-the-world-inside/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/product-placement-gets-a-logo-of-its-own-turns-the-world-inside/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/product-placement-gets-a-logo-of-its-own-turns-the-world-inside/#comments So the UK is finally catching up with the fine money-grubbing nations of this world and allowing product placement in British-made TV programming, starting from next Monday, February 28th. Advertising embedded in internationally sourced films and shows has long been tolerated as a necessary evil within the Queen's realm, but now that the telecoms regulator Ofcom is opening up locally farmed TV content to the blight of commercialization, it's come up with a suitably austere logo to warn us of its dangers. Basically, any future episodes of Hollyoaks that may contain a "stray" Diet Coke or Nokia N8 within the frame will be preceded by the above P placed within a P, which will prep you for the pernicious potentiality that the programming you are perusing may provoke you into purchasing new property. Capiche?

Product placement gets a logo of its own, turns the world inside out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingadvertsbrandbritaincommercialcommercialsgovernmentidentitylogoofcomproduct placementProductPlacementprogrammingregulationregulatorstatetelevisiontvukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 21 Feb 2011 03:09:00 EST<![CDATA[McDonald's to start accepting contactless Visa payments in all UK restaurants by this summer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/mcdonalds-to-start-accepting-contactless-visa-payments-in-all-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/mcdonalds-to-start-accepting-contactless-visa-payments-in-all-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/mcdonalds-to-start-accepting-contactless-visa-payments-in-all-u/#comments The UK already has a big old investment in contactless technology with London's rather successful Oystercard travel scheme, but now the whole Kingdom can get a taste for airborne payments thanks to a new initiative from McDonald's and Visa. The two giants of commerce are uniting to bring NFC tech to all of the former's 1,200 fast food restaurants within the UK, allowing hungry Brits to pay for meals costing up to £15 by simply waving their credit card in front of the till Obi-wan-style. Of course, the real excitement of such large-scale NFC proliferation is in the potential to use those automated tills with your Nexus S (which has an NFC chip built right in) and other devices coming up this year that look set to feature the technology. So yeah, Visa had better be working hard on putting together some mobile apps.

[Thanks, Steve]

McDonald's to start accepting contactless Visa payments in all UK restaurants by this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchaincontactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymentcredit cardsCreditCardsmcdonaldsnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationnfcpaymentpaymentsrestaurantukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvisaMon, 24 Jan 2011 05:57:00 EST<![CDATA[British man convicted for riding Segway on the sidewalk, can't ride on the street either]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/british-man-convicted-for-riding-segway-on-the-sidewalk-cant-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/british-man-convicted-for-riding-segway-on-the-sidewalk-cant-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/british-man-convicted-for-riding-segway-on-the-sidewalk-cant-r/#comments The United Kingdom's Department for Transport passed regulations making Segways subject to road traffic laws four and a half years ago, which effectively banned their use on Britain's sidewalks. And now, after years of apparent non-enforcement, UK's Highway Act of 1835 has finally claimed its first Segway-riding victim. An unemployed factory worker was convicted of riding a motor vehicle on a "pavement", which apparently is another word for sidewalk in the Queen's English, and was ordered to pay a total of £340 ($540) when the court found that Segways qualify as motor vehicles under the 176 year-old law. Given that Segways don't meet the safety standards required to be legally used on UK roads, it looks like Brits who own Woz's preferred mode of transport are exclusively limited to tooling around on private property lest they risk similar governmental retribution.

British man convicted for riding Segway on the sidewalk, can't ride on the street either originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainenglandlawslawsuitlegalsegwayukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomWed, 19 Jan 2011 06:17:00 EST<![CDATA[UK aims to improve access to technology, internet with £98 Linux PCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/uk-aims-to-improve-access-to-technology-internet-with-98-linux/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/uk-aims-to-improve-access-to-technology-internet-with-98-linux/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/uk-aims-to-improve-access-to-technology-internet-with-98-linux/#commentsRemember when the UK started distributing free laptops to poor schoolchildren in order to encourage them to get online? Well, a new, more frugal government is now in charge, and while the original scheme has been scrapped, today we're hearing of alternative plans to help economically disadvantaged people leap onto the worldwide surfer's web. The coalition government intends to offer £98 ($156) computers -- which include an LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, warranty, and a dedicated helpline -- paired with subsidized £9 ($14) per month internet connections in its effort to show that the web doesn't have to seem (or be) unaffordable. The cheapest machines will be refurbished units running open-source Linux distros, meaning that if this Race Online 2012 trial turns out well, we could see a whole new group of Linux loyalists rising up. The more the merrier!

UK aims to improve access to technology, internet with £98 Linux PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accesaccessibilityaffordable artAffordableArtbritainbroadbandcheap travelCheapTravelcomputersGovernmentLoansinternetlinuxonlineopen sourceOpenSourcepcpovertyrace onlinerace online 2012RaceOnlineRaceOnline2012statesubsidiessubsidizedsubsidytechnologytrialukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwebMon, 17 Jan 2011 09:53:00 EST