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[Konka W900 hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/konka-w900-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/konka-w900-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/konka-w900-hands-on/#comments Image

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, consider Konka the number one practitioner of that "craft." The company, (in)famous for its OEM-copycatting ways, has set up a booth here at CTIA 2012, letting us get some up close and personal time with its W900. The HTC-esque handset, previously released at this past Mobile World Congress, is yet another in a line of underwhelming Android offerings that subsists on design without delivering on performance. Although, the phone's official spec sheet lists it as running Ice Cream Sandwich, the build we encountered was actually that of Gingerbread 2.3.6 -- a very buggy version, at that. So, don't let your eyes deceive you, what you're seeing on the homescreen is simply a third-party launcher made to ape ICS's more streamlined UI. Beneath that 4-inch WVGA display lies quadband GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900) and WCDMA (2100) radios, VGA front-facing / rear 5-megapixel cameras, in addition to support for WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the company couldn't confirm what processor's powering this lackluster affair. But no matter, this is one uneven device you can safely ignore.

Gallery: Konka W900 hands-on

Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.

Konka W900 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidCTIACTIA 2012CTIA Wireless 2012Ctia2012CtiaWireless2012Gingerbreadhands-onKIRFknock offKnockOffKonkamobilepostcrossW900Thu, 10 May 2012 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Plum Mobile nicely KIRFs the Galaxy Note: hands-on with the Might]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/plum-mobile-might-kirfs-galaxy-note-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/plum-mobile-might-kirfs-galaxy-note-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/plum-mobile-might-kirfs-galaxy-note-hands-on/#comments Plum Mobile nicely KIRFs the Galaxy Note: hands-on with the Might

You've likely never heard of Plum Mobile before, and to be honest, neither had we before CTIA. Nonetheless, the smartphone creator is here to make a name for itself in New Orleans, even if it needs to ride on the coattails of other manufacturers. It goes without saying that of all the smartphones on display, it was the Might that immediately caught our eye. From a distance, it appeared to be a rebranded Galaxy Note. We then turned it on and discovered a clock widget that's undeniably reminiscent of HTC. The phone features Android 2.3.6 with an unusual UI that combines features of Sense, TouchWiz and stock Gingerbread, and while it's a bit of a mishmash, it's reasonably intuitive.

Plum Mobile stopped short of cloning the Galaxy Note, but the resemblance is uncanny. Sadly, there's no stylus to speak of. The Might features a 650MHz CPU, a 5-inch display and a beefy 2,800mAh battery. Unlike the previous KIRF of the Note that we'd seen, this one features only a 5-megapixel camera, which is accompanied by an LED flash and a front-facing VGA. While none of the specs stand out as amazing -- including the display, which was a bit blurry -- we're told the phone will sell for approximately $180. Most fascinating about the Might, however, is its dual-SIM capabilities. Unfortunately, when we tried to play around with this functionality in the phone's settings, it locked up the phablet and we were unable to proceed. We know you're curious to see more, so be sure to check the gallery below.

Gallery: Plum Mobile nicely KIRFs the Galaxy Note: hands-on with the Might

Sean Cooper contributed to this report.

Plum Mobile nicely KIRFs the Galaxy Note: hands-on with the Might originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctia 2012ctia wireless 2012Ctia2012ctiawireless 2012Ctiawireless2012hands-onkirfkirf noteKirfNotemobilepostcrossnoteplumplum mightplum mobileplum mobile mightPlumMightPlumMobilePlumMobileMightTue, 08 May 2012 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it almost fake Kinect console has 23 games, no shame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/keepin-it-almost-fake-kinect-console-has-23-games-no-shame/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/keepin-it-almost-fake-kinect-console-has-23-games-no-shame/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/keepin-it-almost-fake-kinect-console-has-23-games-no-shame/#comments Keepin' it almost fake Kinect console has 23 games, no shameSo, it's not quite a fake Kinect, but to say there's a little bit of crossover in the DNA would be a bit of an understatement, wouldn't you say? Dubbed the iGame Move, it claims to be a "32-bit camera video game console," with 23 games baked right into the cycloptic device. If that weren't enough, you can enjoy those body-controlled titles in full 640 x 480 "high-resolution" graphics, which based on the screen shots look surprisingly good. Best of all it can run on four AA batteries, making it truly portable. Your move Microsoft.

Keepin' it almost fake Kinect console has 23 games, no shame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fake kinectFakeKinectgamegame consoleGameConsoleigame moveIgameMoveimove igameImoveIgameKeepinItRealFakekinectKIRFmove igameMoveIgamevideo gameVideoGameThu, 12 Apr 2012 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[KIRF Notes are the Slankets of the phablet world (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kirf-notes-are-the-slankets-of-the-phablet-world-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kirf-notes-are-the-slankets-of-the-phablet-world-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kirf-notes-are-the-slankets-of-the-phablet-world-video/#comments KIRF Galaxy NoteToday we've got a special treat for you: not one, but two knockoff Galaxy Notes from across the Pacific. Both lack the raw power of Sammy's 5.3-inch device, and even knock the resolution down to a paltry 800 x 480. Our first contestant is rockin' only a 1GHz single-core processor and 512MB of RAM, but it's using those rather pedestrian components to push ICS through its little 9.7mm thick body. The second of today's players certainly wins the audacity contest -- brandishing its clearly unearned Samsung logos. It also wins the spec war here by jumping up to 768MB of RAM and a dual-core CPU, even if the later is an asymmetrical design with a 650MHz ARM7 and a 250MHz ARM9 inside. It also trades up in the camera department going with an eight-megapixel sensor, though, it does settle for Gingerbread. Now all we have to do is think up a new name for the segment, it seems wrong to bless these KIRFs with the phablet name. We were thinking slone or phlate... either way, check out the bonus hands-on vid after the break.

Continue reading KIRF Notes are the Slankets of the phablet world (video)

KIRF Notes are the Slankets of the phablet world (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchinagalaxy noteGalaxyNotegingerbreadIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichKIRFKIRFsmobilepostcrossvideoTue, 27 Mar 2012 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Fake Android store spotted in China, includes Apple shop-in-shop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/fake-android-store-china-/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/fake-android-store-china-/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/fake-android-store-china-/#comments Fake Android store spotted in China, includes Apple shop-in-shop
While we often see robot-themed booths at events like MWC, we've never come across a Google-owned stand outside the show floors -- and chances are what you see above is definitely not it. This KIRF Android shop is set up in Zhuhai, China, calling itself a "famous smartphone experience store." That said, if you're looking to pay it a visit for the special Green Army treatment, you may just throw a temper tantrum when you see Apple's own section where an array of legit iPhones and iPads are being showcased. Just be sure to get there before the black and white crew comes knocking...

Continue reading Fake Android store spotted in China, includes Apple shop-in-shop

Fake Android store spotted in China, includes Apple shop-in-shop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid storeAndroidStoreappleapple storeAppleStorechinafake android storefake Apple storeFakeAndroidStoreFakeAppleStoreKIRFKIRF storeKirfStoreshop-in-shopshop-in-shopsThu, 22 Mar 2012 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[KIRF MacBook Air is the prettiest netbook we've seen today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/kirf-macbook-air-is-the-prettiest-netbook-weve-seen-today/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/kirf-macbook-air-is-the-prettiest-netbook-weve-seen-today/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/kirf-macbook-air-is-the-prettiest-netbook-weve-seen-today/#comments
This is the Netbook Navigator NAV13X Windows 7 Ultrabook and if we're honest, we think it's a very attractive looking device. That said, we're not so sure it's going to be on sale for too long, which is a genuine shame. Despite being called an Ultrabook, it's not an Intel-sanctioned device, which won't go down well with Santa Clara's lawyers. Secondly, it's actually a netbook running a 1.86GHz dual-core Atom CPU with 2GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD, with build to-order options running to larger memory and storage. Thirdly, we're fairly sure we've seen industrial design like this before, and given the litigious nature of the company involved, we expect a metric ton of cease-and-desist notices to be delivered to Navigator's New Jersey HQ before the weekend's over. However, if it can survive the barrage of paperwork from two of the industry's biggest companies, it'll arrive very soon, setting you back a slight $500 sans OS or $600 with Windows 7 Home Premium.

KIRF MacBook Air is the prettiest netbook we've seen today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32GB SSD32gbSsdAppleIntelIntel AtomIntelAtomKIRFKIRK MacBook AirKirkMacbookAirMacBook AirMacbookAirNetbookNetbook NavigatorNetbook Navigator Nav 13XNetbookNavigatorNetbookNavigatorNav13xWindows 7Windows 7 Home PremiumWindows7Windows7HomePremiumFri, 02 Mar 2012 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Konka Falcon 3G hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/konkas-falcon-3g-brings-together-android-os-and-familiar-design/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/konkas-falcon-3g-brings-together-android-os-and-familiar-design/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/konkas-falcon-3g-brings-together-android-os-and-familiar-design/#comments It wouldn't be MWC without us spotting a phone manufacturer that's blatantly channeling the design spirit of another. You may remember Konka's appearances at trade shows past, but this year its new (but not completely finished) Falcon device was on the showfloor in Froyo and Gingerbread forms. Both white and black color options were on hand for us, packing the same GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and WCDMA (900/2100) radios and a 3.75-inch 480 x 360 display. With a three-megapixel camera on the back, paired with a VGA shooter on the front, Konka caught our attention with promotional posters using a font that's more than a little similar to Nokia's own, regardless of the fact that the name itself is just one letter change and reshuffle away from the Espoo-based phone titan. Fortunately, the phone's sharp styling betrayed those middling specs, with a sturdy build and a screen that performed pretty well on the show floor. There's no Android capacitive buttons -- you'll have to use the physical buttons beneath those staple symbols. Take a look for yourself in the gallery below, which also includes Konka's homages to both HTC and Samsung.

Gallery: Konka Falcon hands-on



Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.

Konka Falcon 3G hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almost anagramsAlmostAnagramsandroidandroid 2.2android 2.3Android2.2Android2.3googlehands-onKIRFKonkaKonka FalconKonkaFalconmobilepostcrossMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012NokiaThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:14:00 EST<![CDATA[There's literally no app for this: KIRF iPhone-branded gas stoves seized by Chinese authorities]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/iPhone-gas-stoves/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/iPhone-gas-stoves/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/iPhone-gas-stoves/#comments
Ordinarily, if you use your iPhone to fry eggs, it's time to check when your warranty expires. Not so for these KIRF iPhones, which can't make calls or download apps (let alone use Siri) but can fry your bacon rather well. 681 of these bafflingly branded gas stoves were seized by police in Wuhan, each bearing the legend "Apple China Limited." Apparently the units did not come with flame-out protection and only ran iOS 4.1, leading to the swoop. We should probably take that as solid confirmation that the iPhone 6's killer feature is going to involve making brunch on the go.

There's literally no app for this: KIRF iPhone-branded gas stoves seized by Chinese authorities originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple China LimitedAppleChinaLimitedAppsChinaGas StoveGasStoveiOSiPhone Gas StoveIphoneGasStoveKIRFKIRF iPhoneKirfIphoneKnockoffSiriWuhanFri, 24 Feb 2012 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's Learning Hub demonstrates a commitment to education, profits]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/samsung-learning-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/samsung-learning-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/samsung-learning-hub/#comments
Samsung's R&D department has been working overtime as it strives to break the idea it copies wholesale ideas from its competition. Yesterday we heard word about its planned new cloud service and today it's announced that it'll be unveiling a unique education-focused app for Galaxy Tabs 8.9 and 10.1. Learning Hub will provide free materials from 30 major educational establishments from elementary schools through to universities, although there's no word on what certificates you'll be able to earn at the end of your course. The program will expand to other devices in the Galaxy family later on, once the company's done showing off the software at MWC.

Samsung's Learning Hub demonstrates a commitment to education, profits originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppAppleEducationGalaxy Tab 10.1Galaxy Tab 8.9GalaxyTab10.1GalaxyTab8.9iTunes UItunesUKIRFLearningLearning HubLearningHubSamsungSamsung Learning HubSamsungLearningHubSoftwareWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/blu-studio-touchbook-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/blu-studio-touchbook-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/blu-studio-touchbook-hands-on/#comments BLU Studio 5.3 and TouchBook 7.0 hands-on
You know handset vendors like Samsung, LG, HTC and Motorola. You've probably even heard that manufacturers such as Pantech, Sharp and Acer produce phones as well. But have you ever heard of BLU? If you haven't, don't worry -- you'd be in the ranks of the 99 percent. Calling itself the "leader of the Latin America market with vision to expand worldwide," the outfit is nothing if not confident about its stature in developing countries. In the US, however, it's a completely different story: here, BLU is a virtual unknown: a low-profile brand, selling unlocked phones and tablets via e-tailers at bargain-basement prices.

Our friends at Negri Electronics hooked us up with the BLU Studio 5.3 ($260) and BLU Touch Book 7.0 ($230) for a short time, giving us the chance to play around with them for a little bit. Rather than doing a full review on both items, we felt it was more appropriate to first give the product lineup a formal introduction to the site. BLU, meet Engadget. Engadget, BLU. Let's dive in.

Continue reading BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on

BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blublu productsblu studio 5.3blu touch book 7BluProductsBluStudio5.3BluTouchBook7budgetgalaxy notegalaxy tabGalaxyNoteGalaxyTabhands-onkirfmobilepostcrosssamsung galaxy notesamsung galaxy tabSamsungGalaxyNoteSamsungGalaxyTabunicornunicornsvideoThu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[P.S. it's not a Vita: Yinlips' Android-based YDPG18]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/p-s-its-not-a-vita-yinlips-android-based-ydpg18/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/p-s-its-not-a-vita-yinlips-android-based-ydpg18/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/p-s-its-not-a-vita-yinlips-android-based-ydpg18/#comments Don't call it a KIRF -- it's a Yinlips "Android Smart Game Player." Which is to say, it's an Xperia Play-like experience wrapped in PS Vita clothing. So basically, yeah, it's a KIRF. This form factor doppelganger hails from China and lacks the internal quad-core pizazz of the Sony next generation handheld it purports to be. Instead of standing on the precipice of portable gaming, this 5-inch pretender will net you a hum drum FroYo / Gingerbread-based (even its own website couldn't decide) OS packed with a slew of old school gaming emulators (from NES to N64), an array of ports including HDMI, a single core 1.2GHz processor complemented by 512MB of DDR2 RAM and WiFi. It's a must have device for, well, no one. But if you're the type who likes to burn money and carry about a virtual collection of video games past, then by all means, import away.

P.S. it's not a Vita: Yinlips' Android-based YDPG18 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidChinaemulatorgamingKIRFknockoffvideo gamesVideoGamesYDPG18YinlipsMon, 12 Dec 2011 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Caption Contest: KIRF Facebook shop clicks 'like' on fashion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/caption-contest-kirf-facebook-shop-clicks-like-on-fashion/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/caption-contest-kirf-facebook-shop-clicks-like-on-fashion/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/caption-contest-kirf-facebook-shop-clicks-like-on-fashion/#comments

Apple isn't the only one to get some shop-based imitation flattery -- now it looks like Facebook's got its first retail homage. Yep, this clothing store in Nablus, Palestine is unlikely to be a Zuckerberg-sanctioned outlet. A giant Facebook sign hangs over several mannequins, although we're not exactly sure what angle they're trying to work here. Most of them appear to be channeling the Facebook founder's mute, inoffensive fashion stylings. That is, aside from the guy in the hot pink tee and, well, he's lacking a head.

[Thanks Liviu]

Mat: "Facebook likes jeans, ignores footwear."
Dan: "You don't get 500 million friends without making a few terrible fashion decisions."
Brad: "Meanwhile, Tom from MySpace is realizing that he's completely neglected the oft-overlooked mannequin demographic."
Richard Lai: "The Bebo store was way more fun."
Darren: "Third person there from the left... it's complicated."
Jose: "Yes, all my friends are 'real', why?"
James: "Once again, the reaction to the new Facebook wall was ambivalent."
Joe Pollicino: "Added to my 'Block' list."
Amar: "The Winklevii really have fallen on hard times."
Josh: "People You May Know"
Sean Cooper: "Where's that darn 'unlike' button."
Tim: "Remember when you had to be a mannequin in a college bookstore to get in? Those were the good 'ol days."
Billy: "You would think this crowd would have popped up in my news feed, sheesh."
Dante: "Surprisingly, North Face fleeces were nowhere to be found."
Zach Honig: "How many Credits to change the name to Google+?"
Brian: "Social networking for dummies."

Caption Contest: KIRF Facebook shop clicks 'like' on fashion originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caption contestCaptionContestclothesclothes storeClothesStorefacebookfacebook shopFacebookShopKIRFKIRF storeKirfStoremannequinMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergMon, 28 Nov 2011 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Not so ultimate Ultrabook: MacBook Air KIRF features mini-HDMI port, 3.5 hour battery life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/not-so-ultimate-ultrabook-macbook-air-kirf-features-mini-hdmi-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/not-so-ultimate-ultrabook-macbook-air-kirf-features-mini-hdmi-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/not-so-ultimate-ultrabook-macbook-air-kirf-features-mini-hdmi-p/#comments
Hey, who wiped the MacBook Air logo off? Nah, we're kidding -- it's a KIRF. Sure, Apple's svelte 13-incher may have a duo of USB ports and an SD card slot, but this rig adds in a 3-in-1 card reader and an odd, combo RJ45 / VGA jack (which we assume needs an adapter). For good measure, you'll also find a mini-HDMI output, although, with 3.5 hours of battery life it may prove problematic for getting through a 1080p movie marathon without nearby power. The alloy-encased lappy has a 1.86GHz Intel Atom N2800 CPU with a GMA3600 integrated GPU, 2GB of RAM, a 32GB SSD and a 13.3-inch LED display sporting a ho-hum resolution (for a 13-incher) of 1366 x 768, just like the 11-inch MacBook Air. Amazingly, this knock-off weighs merely .01 kilograms more than its real counterpart at 1.36 kgs (about three pounds), while being only 0.1 cm thicker. Giz-China expects this Ultrabook-wannabe by Shenzhen Technology Ltd to land on Chinese shelves sometime in November for about $471. Cue Apple's lawyers in 3... 2...

Not so ultimate Ultrabook: MacBook Air KIRF features mini-HDMI port, 3.5 hour battery life originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleclonecopygiz-chinaintel atomintel atom n2800IntelAtomIntelAtomN2800keepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfkirf macbook airkirf mbaKirfMacbookAirKirfMbamacbookmacbook airmacbook air 13macbook air 13.3-inchmacbook air cloneMacbookAirMacbookAir13MacbookAir13.3-inchMacbookAirCloneshenzhen Technology LtdShenzhenTechnologyLtdultrabookSat, 29 Oct 2011 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Chinese Nokia N9 makes but minor sacrifices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/keepin-it-real-fake-chinese-nokia-n9-makes-but-minor-sacrifice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/keepin-it-real-fake-chinese-nokia-n9-makes-but-minor-sacrifice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/keepin-it-real-fake-chinese-nokia-n9-makes-but-minor-sacrifice/#comments Chinese rip-off merchants have been crafting N9s since before the handset even existed and by now they're pretty good at it. This latest bogie comes in at just $64 -- way cheaper than a genuine budget smartphone -- but it still manages to pack in dual SIM slots, a mock iPhone UI and a resistive touchscreen that gives you the ergonomic pleasure of pressing everything three times. Sure, we have a few misgivings about the lack of functioning apps and the blurry 1.3MP rear camera, but then even the N-Man himself has the occasional phony moment.

Update: We switched the pic to show you the iOS version, rather than the mock Sense variant depicted earlier. Yes, it seems you do get a choice.

Keepin' it real fake: Chinese Nokia N9 makes but minor sacrifices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcheapfakekirfmobilepostcrossn9Nokianokia n9NokiaN9phonyresistiveresistive touchscreenResistiveTouchscreenrip-offFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[WikiLeaks cables shed light on Apple's battle against counterfeit wares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/wikileaks-cables-shed-light-on-apples-battle-against-counterfei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/wikileaks-cables-shed-light-on-apples-battle-against-counterfei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/wikileaks-cables-shed-light-on-apples-battle-against-counterfei/#comments Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but if you're Rolex, Gucci or Apple, you probably aren't very interested in being flattered. Due to Apple's intense popularity, an entire industry has arisen that thrives on knocking off the iconic wares Designed in Cupertino. We've seen plenty in our day, and while it may strike some as if Apple's doing absolutely nothing to curtail the aping, a new WikiLeaks release confirms otherwise. According to an electronic memo from the Beijing embassy dated September 2008, Apple began to put obvious and deliberate pressure on China to act against businesses who were copying its wares a few years back. As it turns out, knocking out the knockoffs isn't exactly high on China's list of governmental priorities, and progress on halting the KIRF extravaganza has been sluggish at best. The entire story is quite the exhausting read, but it's worth delving into if you're curious -- per usual, you can get educated in the links below.

WikiLeaks cables shed light on Apple's battle against counterfeit wares originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleasiachinacounterfeitcounterfeitingfakeiosipadiphoneJohn TheriaultJohnTheriaultKIRFknock offKnockOffleakleakspiracyrip offRipOffwikileaksThu, 01 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple cracks down on counterfeit products sold in NYC, files lawsuit against Queens vendors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/apple-cracks-down-on-counterfeit-products-sold-in-nyc-files-law/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/apple-cracks-down-on-counterfeit-products-sold-in-nyc-files-law/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/apple-cracks-down-on-counterfeit-products-sold-in-nyc-files-law/#comments There may be more than a few fake Apple Stores in China, but for the moment, Cupertino's anti-KIRF crusade seems focused squarely on New York City. According to Reuters, Apple has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against two stores in Queens, alleging that they sold unauthorized cases, headphones and other accessories for the iPhone, iPad and iPod. In the complaint, the company claims that the products in question were all emblazoned with its familiar fruit logo, along with the phrase, "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." The suit also demands that one of the stores, called Apple Story (seriously), change its name to avoid confusion with the real retail outlet and that both vendors disclose full lists of people who both supplied and purchased the goods.

It all began when company representatives visited the Chinatown-area stores on "multiple occasions over several weeks," where they bought and examined the items, described in court records as "exact duplicates" of their authentic counterparts. On July 27th, Apple executed a few ex parte seizure warrants, which allowed authorities to seize any goods bearing its logo. US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto has already granted an injunction to stop the stores from selling the alleged knockoffs, but hasn't yet decided whether Apple Story will have to change its name. The complaint also seeks undisclosed monetary damages and asks that all existing counterfeit goods be destroyed, though court documents suggest that both sides are close to reaching a deal. Neither Apple nor the defendants have commented on the accusations, but we'll let you know as soon as we learn more.

In the meantime, check out this KIRF "iPhone 5" we found in Beijing -- a Java-powered handset that's slimmer than the Galaxy S II and a bit laggy, but boasts a multitouch capacitive screen. Asking price? ¥680, or about $106.

Gallery: Keepin' it real fake: slim 'iPhone 5' shows up in Beijing

Apple cracks down on counterfeit products sold in NYC, files lawsuit against Queens vendors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesallegationsappleapple storeapple storyAppleStoreAppleStorybeijingbrooklyncasechinatowncomplaintcounterfeitcourtcupertinofakeflushinghands onhands-onHandsOnheadphoneheadphonesipadiphoneiphone 5Iphone5ipodkirfKiyo MatsumotoKiyoMatsumotoknockofflawlawsuitmultitouchmultitouch capacitiveMultitouchCapacitivenew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityqueensseizuretrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementwarrantFri, 19 Aug 2011 04:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: the iPhone 4 has a fan in China (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/keepin-it-real-fake-the-iphone-4-has-a-fan-in-china-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/keepin-it-real-fake-the-iphone-4-has-a-fan-in-china-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/keepin-it-real-fake-the-iphone-4-has-a-fan-in-china-video/#comments With competition like the Samsung Galaxy S II showing us just how thin a phone can be, the iPhone 4 isn't quite looking as svelte as it once did. How's an Apple-loving gadget fiend supposed to stay faithful in a time like this? Why, by holding their handset next to something much, much thicker. Enter the "iPhone 4," which actually isn't a phone, rather a powered fan that serves to keep you cool, not connected. As you can see after the break, the Home button won't kick you out of an app, instead kicking that ducted air-mover into high gear, and while you won't find it in your local Apple Store, stumble across one of these plastic bricks in Shenzhen and it'll only cost you $10 or so to take it home. Small price to keep your handset feeling good about itself -- until September, anyway.

Update: Jasper wrote in with a link of where you can buy one for yourself, if you're still suffering from a heat wave.

[Thanks, Chris]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: the iPhone 4 has a fan in China (video)

Keepin' it real fake: the iPhone 4 has a fan in China (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinacoolcoolerfaniphoneiphone 4Iphone4kirfshenzhenvideoTue, 26 Jul 2011 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Two more fake Apple Stores spotted by officials in China, two get the smackdown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/two-more-fake-apple-stores-spotted-by-officials-in-china-two-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/two-more-fake-apple-stores-spotted-by-officials-in-china-two-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/two-more-fake-apple-stores-spotted-by-officials-in-china-two-ge/#comments Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but that didn't go down too well with the three KIRF Apple Stores in Kunming, China. In fact, after American expat BirdAbroad made her local stores famous last week, local officials have since been combing through the city's 300-plus gadget shops on behalf of Apple China, and managed to dig up two more "Apple" stores. It's not exactly clear if these new offenders are at the same severity as the ones spotted by BirdAbroad, but the authorities have confirmed that none of the five stores are Apple Authorised Resellers, let alone having its permission to use its logo on their store front.

Additionally, two out of the five stores have since been shut down due to unlicensed retail operation. The fate of the remaining three is still unknown -- the officials have only concluded that no KIRF products have been found in the stores, though details such as the decor and staff uniform are certainly very similar to those of the real deal. Well, we're glad they agree, but this is only just the beginning -- BirdAbroad has since gathered photos of more sketchy Apple stores across the world, so go take a gander. Oh, and for those who have been out of the loop, there's a hands-on video of one of the Kunming stores after the break.

Continue reading Two more fake Apple Stores spotted by officials in China, two get the smackdown

Two more fake Apple Stores spotted by officials in China, two get the smackdown originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple storeAppleStorechinacounterfeitfakekirfKunmingstorevideoweirdMon, 25 Jul 2011 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The ultimate KIRF: fake Apple Store spotted in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/the-ultimate-kirf-fake-apple-store-spotted-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/the-ultimate-kirf-fake-apple-store-spotted-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/the-ultimate-kirf-fake-apple-store-spotted-in-china/#comments

This Apple Store looks so real we still can't quite believe it isn't. The KIRF-ers have excelled themselves this time: mimicking or at least reinventing everything from the Brave New World posters down to the dog-tags and "We live here" demeanor worn by the staff. There were a few giveaways, however, which led observant blogger BirdAbroad to whip out her camera and start gathering evidence: slight imperfections in the decor, a lack of individual names on staff badges, plus an unlikely location in the Chinese Backwaterville of Kunming. Hey Apple, we feel your pain. You'll find further unbelievable pics after the break and over at BirdAbroad's blog.

Continue reading The ultimate KIRF: fake Apple Store spotted in China

The ultimate KIRF: fake Apple Store spotted in China originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple storeAppleStorechinacounterfeitfakekirfKunmingstoreweirdWed, 20 Jul 2011 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Baidu Browser tips hat to old Steve Jobs quote, copies Chrome's special sauce]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/baidu-browser-tips-hat-to-old-steve-jobs-quote-steals-chromes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/baidu-browser-tips-hat-to-old-steve-jobs-quote-steals-chromes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/baidu-browser-tips-hat-to-old-steve-jobs-quote-steals-chromes/#comments Could this be a case of Baidu's browser in Chrome's clothing? The Wall Street Journal seems to think so and the Chinese company isn't exactly dismissing the KIRF claims. Announced back in April, the recently beta-released Baidu Browser brings a "sleek, stripped-down interface" eerily reminiscent of Google's web-surfing entry (or a likely fork of Chromium). The copycat similarities don't just end in the looks department: there's also an app store, fast-tab functionality and familiar menu icon placement. In its defense, the company claims its 30,000 plus free app offerings, in addition to China-specific entertainment features are enough to set it apart. Sure, this may seem like a case of the Asian search giant that doth protest too much, but it's the company's desire to drive traffic to its own engine that has us seeing Google.

[Thanks, Hardy]

Baidu Browser tips hat to old Steve Jobs quote, copies Chrome's special sauce originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappsAppStoreBaiduBaidu BrowserBaiduBrowserbrowserbrowsersChinachromeGoogleGoogle ChromeGoogleChromeie6internetinternet explorer 6InternetExplorer6KIRFsearch engineSearchEngineWall Street JournalWallStreetJournalTue, 19 Jul 2011 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Groupon offers KIRF iPad for $248, proves it's the best deals site in the universe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/groupon-offers-kirf-ipad-for-248-proves-its-the-best-deals-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/groupon-offers-kirf-ipad-for-248-proves-its-the-best-deals-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/groupon-offers-kirf-ipad-for-248-proves-its-the-best-deals-si/#comments Why does one thumb its nose at a $6 billion offer from Google? 'Cause you can make a mighty fine sum from hawking Android-equipped KIRF iPads, apparently.

Groupon offers KIRF iPad for $248, proves it's the best deals site in the universe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecomedyfakefunnygrouponipadkirfknockoffon saleOnSalesalevoxcomweirdFri, 15 Jul 2011 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Xiaomi M1 melds iPhone and Galaxy S II with custom MIUI ROM (update: no, not really)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/keepin-it-real-fake-xiaomi-m1-melds-iphone-and-galaxy-s-ii-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/keepin-it-real-fake-xiaomi-m1-melds-iphone-and-galaxy-s-ii-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/keepin-it-real-fake-xiaomi-m1-melds-iphone-and-galaxy-s-ii-wit/#comments
Granted, what you're looking at is nothing more than a skillful render, but if Apple and Samsung ever made beautiful babies, this is what would be bestowed upon the world -- pesky lawsuits notwithstanding, that is. The KIRF in question is the Xiaomi M1, a smartphone designed specifically for the MIUI custom Gingerbread ROM. It's sporting a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm CPU, along with a four-inch, 854 x 480 Super LCD capacitive touchscreen display, and the usual assortment of Bluetooth, GPS, and WiFi. Users will find quadband GSM among the mix, but 3G support remains a mystery -- likewise for the RAM, internal storage, and battery capacity. Pricing is an unknown quantity too, although earlier reports suggest we'll see something in the range of RMB 1,600 (approximately $250). This potential KIRF'ers paradise is expected to ship between mid-August and early September in a variety of colors, which will be eclipsed only by the sweet smell of its unboxing.

Update: As it turns out, the M1 looks nothing like the render we'd seen. Hence, our dreams of this epic KIRF have been dashed, and the purported "real" image of this curious project is now 'splayed for all to see. Didn't get a chance to see the original render? Just follow the break, where you're able to dream of what could have been.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Xiaomi M1 melds iPhone and Galaxy S II with custom MIUI ROM (update: no, not really)

Keepin' it real fake: Xiaomi M1 melds iPhone and Galaxy S II with custom MIUI ROM (update: no, not really) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3applecustom romCustomRomgalaxygalaxy sgalaxy s iiGalaxySGalaxySIigingerbreadgoogleiphonekeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffm1MIUIromromssamsungsmartphonesmartphonesxiaomixiaomi m1XiaomiM1Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese UNISROBO KIRFbot is a not-so-cheap knockoff of NEC's PaPeRo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/chinese-unisrobo-kirfbot-is-a-not-so-cheap-knockoff-of-necs-pap/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/chinese-unisrobo-kirfbot-is-a-not-so-cheap-knockoff-of-necs-pap/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/chinese-unisrobo-kirfbot-is-a-not-so-cheap-knockoff-of-necs-pap/#comments UNISROBO The KIRFs we normally see are of the cellphone and PMP variety, with the occasional laptop scattered here and there. In fact, this might be the first time we've seen a clone of a serious robot, and not just some remote-controlled toy. Above is the UNISROBO from a pair of Chinese companies, UNIS and Just Good Technology. Those of you with a strong memory may immediately notice its amazing resemblance to NEC's PaPeRo and PaPeRo-mini. Outside of the bright job, the only major aesthetic difference is the LCD embedded in UNISROBO's chest. Under the hood, however, is a different story -- this Chinese knockoff is missing the stereoscopic cameras and ultrasonic sensors that helped its Japanese inspiration navigate. There's one thing these copycats are not though -- cheap. UNIS will be selling two models at 2,980 and 3,980 Yuan (about $460 and $615). One more picture after the break.

Continue reading Chinese UNISROBO KIRFbot is a not-so-cheap knockoff of NEC's PaPeRo

Chinese UNISROBO KIRFbot is a not-so-cheap knockoff of NEC's PaPeRo originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botbotschinajust goodjust good technologyJustGoodJustGoodTechnologykeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfnecpaperorobotrobotsunisunisroboThu, 23 Jun 2011 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/#comments It's safe to say that most of our readers are accustomed to phone shops that are well lit, fairly spacious, and not peppered with KIRF products. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to take a dip in the deep end of the pool, then Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district should satisfy your strange curiosity. As we've shown you in our previous trip, our gadget paradise covers an extensive range of products, including phones, computers, cameras, all the way down to circuitry components like LEDs, chips, and resistors. Our latest discovery, however, is an entire building dedicated to mostly mobile phone products. Read on to find out what this madness is all about -- a video tour awaits after the break.

Gallery: Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei

Continue reading Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei

Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorycellphonechinacomponentcultureexportfakefeaturedfeaturesgadget marketGadgetMarketgray marketGrayMarketgrey marketGreyMarkethong kongHongKonghuaqiangbeiimportkirfmarketmobile phoneMobilePhonepartphonerepairshanzhaishenzhenshenzhen phone marketshenzhen+huaqiangbeishenzhen+mobile+marketshenzhen+mobile+phoneshenzhen+mobile+phone+marketshenzhen+phone+marketshenzhenhuaqiangbeishenzhenmobilemarketshenzhenmobilephoneshenzhenmobilephonemarketshenzhenphonemarketsmartphonesparetablettourtravelvideovisitworkshopYuanwangYuanwang Digital Mallyuanwang+mallYuanwangDigitalMallyuanwangmallWed, 15 Jun 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Xperia Arc KIRF has KIRFy dual-core processor (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/keepin-it-real-fake-xperia-arc-kirf-has-kirfy-dual-core-proces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/keepin-it-real-fake-xperia-arc-kirf-has-kirfy-dual-core-proces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/keepin-it-real-fake-xperia-arc-kirf-has-kirfy-dual-core-proces/#comments Keepin' it real Fake: Xperia Arc KIRF has KIRFy dual-core processor Is that 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255-powered Xperia Arc just too darn fast? We may have just the KIRF you're looking for. A simple phone with a simple name: the "DR." This petite pretender shaves 0.2-inches off of the Arc's 4.2-inch display, adding only 0.03mm of thickness along the way. Forget that Adreno 205 graphics processor, this baby runs on a Meditek MTK6516 ARM compatible processor, a setup often mistakenly advertised as dual-core with a whopping 416MHz core for running Android 2.2.1, and a second 208MHz core dedicated exclusively for the wireless radio. For the record, radio-dedicated partitions are usually skipped on core counts. Wrap it up with premo luxuries like a 3.5-inch headphone jack and 2 megapixel camera, and you've got an Xperia knock-off that's... well, pretty timid. But hey, it's only 1000 yuan ($154), so at least you can get dangerously close to Xperia territory without shattering the bank. If that's enough for you, check out a hands-on video (in Chinese) after the break.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Xperia Arc KIRF has KIRFy dual-core processor (video)

Keepin' it real fake: Xperia Arc KIRF has KIRFy dual-core processor (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androd 2.2.1Androd2.2.1androidandroid 2.2Android2.2armkirfMeditek MTK6516 ARMMeditekMtk6516ArmMTK6516videoxperiaxperia arcXperiaArcTue, 14 Jun 2011 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: a Nintendo DS Lite that gets it (mostly) DS right]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/keepin-it-real-fake-a-nintendo-ds-lite-that-gets-it-mostly-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/keepin-it-real-fake-a-nintendo-ds-lite-that-gets-it-mostly-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/keepin-it-real-fake-a-nintendo-ds-lite-that-gets-it-mostly-d/#comments The death of Nintendo's DS Lite getting you down? Good news: it may have long ago been eclipsed by the DSi and 3DS, but the svelte portable system is still being made -- by someone, somewhere. And you can get a pretty good price on the thing, if you don't mind a few flaws -- like the above bootleg picked up a 1UP editor who though he was getting the real deal from eBay. As soon as the thing arrived in a corrugated cardboard box with pixelated text, it was clear that he had been KIRFed -- hardcore. On top of the aforementioned packaging red flags, the portable has some minor cosmetic flaws, like discoloration, a pockmarked surface, and uneven rubber pads. What's really amazing about this DS, however, is what its manufacturers got right -- it plays DS and GBA games, including, fittingly, pirated titles. The police have reportedly called Wario in for questioning.

Keepin' it real fake: a Nintendo DS Lite that gets it (mostly) DS right originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootlegdsds liteDsLiteeBayfakegamingkirfnintendonintendo dsnintendo ds liteNintendoDsNintendoDsLiteportable gamingPortableGamingWed, 11 May 2011 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: the 1.2GHz Dell Streak that can make phone calls and run Gingerbread]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/keepin-it-real-fake-the-1-2ghz-dell-streak-that-can-make-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/keepin-it-real-fake-the-1-2ghz-dell-streak-that-can-make-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/keepin-it-real-fake-the-1-2ghz-dell-streak-that-can-make-phone/#comments You know, knockoffs are usually meant to be downgrades from the real deal. In the case of Dell's Streak 7 tablet, its KIRF version actually has a few advantages over the real deal -- it can make phone calls, has a bigger (3000mAh) battery, comes preloaded with Android 2.3, runs at 1.2GHz, and happens to be cheaper at just under $180 unsubsidized. Of course, its 7-inch WVGA screen relies on resistive technology for touch input, it only has one core, and there's no evidence of this Gingerbread installation actually running, but are you really gonna let such trifling details stand in your way? Hit the source link to get an eyefull of this Welldone tabletphone mashup -- it might not be real, but it's definitely red!

Keepin' it real fake: the 1.2GHz Dell Streak that can make phone calls and run Gingerbread originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2ghz7-inchandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3copydelldell streakdell streak 7DellStreakDellStreak7gingerbreadkeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffphonebletredsmartphonestreakstreak 7Streak7tablettabletphoneFri, 06 May 2011 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/#comments Look away now, Kaz, because it looks like this KIRF NGP is on track to beat the real deal to market. Known as the iReadyGo RG on Chinese forum CNGBA, this shameless rip-off is set to be a near-carbon copy of Sony's upcoming console with the same 5-inch touchscreen, though it isn't clear whether this will also be of OLED nature or of identical resolution. Other differences include the missing touchpad on the back, as well as the buttons' color scheme that's no doubt "inspired" by the Xbox 360 controller. The rest of the rumored specs include a 1GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, 720p camera, HDMI-out, and video playback compatibility for MP4, WMV, AVI, and many more. But what's most interesting is that apparently we'll be seeing some Android love here, and indeed, iReadyGo is currently recruiting six senior Android developers. No word on pricing or availability yet, but we'll probably wait for Sony's quad-core offering, thank you very much. Head past the break for a shot of the RG's glossy back.

[Thanks, rrw]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China

Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pA8AndroidChinaCortex-A8fakegaminghandheldhandheld consolehandheld gamingHandheldConsoleHandheldGamingHDMIiReadyGokeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakeKIRFNGPPSPsanzhaishanzhaiSonySony NGPSonyNgpThu, 05 May 2011 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Windows Phone 7 debuts in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/#comments If smartphone platforms are legitimized by a KIRF manufacturer's tenacity to rip them off, then Windows Phone has truly arrived. Today we're looking at a larger than life "HTC"-branded knock-off of the Omnia 7, replete with an 800 x 480 4.8-inch (!) capacitive touchscreen and 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Given the massive size of this phone, there's plenty of room for features, which include Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS connectivity, along with a five megapixel camera, dual-SIMs and two microSD slots (for up to 32GB storage). Whew. Impressive specs aside, the device comes saddled with Windows Mobile 6.5 -- which has been heavily modified to resemble WP7's tile interface. There's no word yet on pricing -- just ask someone selling phones on a blanket the next time you're in Shenzhen, okay?

Keepin' it real fake: Windows Phone 7 debuts in China originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesefakehtckeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffOmniaomnia 7Omnia7samsungsamsung omnia 7SamsungOmnia7Shenzhenwindows mobile 6.5Windows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsMobile6.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Nckia's N-Gage knockoff harkens back to a simpler, side-talkin' era]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/keepin-it-real-fake-nckias-n-gage-knockoff-harkens-back-to-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/keepin-it-real-fake-nckias-n-gage-knockoff-harkens-back-to-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/keepin-it-real-fake-nckias-n-gage-knockoff-harkens-back-to-a/#comments Imagine a world where Nokia's N-Gage is the mobile platform of choice -- there's no iOS, no Android, and Nintendo's 3D ventures ended mercifully with the Virtual Boy. It's a world where the Nckia NG belongs. In our universe, a knockoff of the stillborn Nokia 7700 doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense, even with a MicroSD slot and added buttons for dialing. And then there's the fact that the handset runs a JAVA OS that doesn't exactly offer a bounty of mobile gaming choices -- which was sort of the whole point of the N-Gage. As for other familiar features, we can't be sure that this will be the rebirth of side-talkin', but with what could be a speaker slot on the side, we've got our fingers crossed. No word on pricing, but if you're truly nostalgic for a time that never was, you can pick one up from Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen. Get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Nckia's N-Gage knockoff harkens back to a simpler, side-talkin' era

Keepin' it real fake: Nckia's N-Gage knockoff harkens back to a simpler, side-talkin' era originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafakegaminggaming phoneGamingPhonejavakeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffmobilen-gagenckianckia ngNckiaNgngNokiaportable gamingPortableGamingshanzhaiside talkinSideTalkinMon, 25 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone nano may not exist, but this KIRF does]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/kirf-iphone-nano-has-iphone-4-styling-beats-the-real-thing-to-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/kirf-iphone-nano-has-iphone-4-styling-beats-the-real-thing-to-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/kirf-iphone-nano-has-iphone-4-styling-beats-the-real-thing-to-t/#comments While the folks "familiar with the matter" continue to debate over whether or not we'll actually see a real life iPhone nano at some point in our lifetime, the crafty KIRFers in China have taken matters into their own -- apparently undersized -- hands. Yes people, what you see above is a Shanzhai-crafted shrunken iPhone 4 running an iOS rip-off based on Java, garnished with a 1.3 megapixel camera. All it takes is a measly ¥380 (approximately $58) to be the coolest kid on the block with the "next iPhone" -- and maybe a quick trip to China.

iPhone nano may not exist, but this KIRF does originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecellphonecellphoneschinafakeiphoneiphone 4iphone nanoIphone4IphoneNanokirfnanorimsanzhaishanzhaiWed, 20 Apr 2011 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[USB iHub is the perfect knockoff accessory for your Apple-centric existence]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/usb-ihub-is-the-perfect-knockoff-accessory-for-your-apple-centri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/usb-ihub-is-the-perfect-knockoff-accessory-for-your-apple-centri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/usb-ihub-is-the-perfect-knockoff-accessory-for-your-apple-centri/#commentsiHub So, you waited in line for an iPad 2, snatched up an iPhone 4, and even bought one of those unofficial white conversion kits. You work all day on a MacBook Air with a Steve Jobs figurine sitting next to it on your desk -- you're exactly the person that the $9.99 iHub was created for. It's not an official Apple product but, as far as knockoffs go, this is one of the more accurate facsimiles we've ever seen. This four-port USB hub looks quite a bit like an Apple TV, has a glowing logo up top, and comes in your choice of white or black. Even the packaging is convincingly Apple thanks to the clear plastic lid that lets you peek the wares within. Glimpse the glamor shots and the video below -- we promise they're 100-percent authentic, even if the iHub is not.

Gallery: The iHub 2

Continue reading USB iHub is the perfect knockoff accessory for your Apple-centric existence

USB iHub is the perfect knockoff accessory for your Apple-centric existence originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Accessoryapplehubihubihub 2Ihub2keepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffPeripheralperipheralsusbusb hubUsbHubvideoTue, 19 Apr 2011 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: the iPad Smart Cover done wrong (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/keepin-it-real-fake-the-ipad-smart-cover-done-wrong-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/keepin-it-real-fake-the-ipad-smart-cover-done-wrong-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/keepin-it-real-fake-the-ipad-smart-cover-done-wrong-video/#comments Let's be honest, the only time you're likely to consider Apple's prices for own-brand peripherals reasonable is when someone else is paying for them. It's not unusual, therefore, for folks to look to complement their walled Apple garden with a few well selected accessories from the grey market. Such as this here Smart Cover knockoff, which saves you a whopping six bucks off the Apple price at only $33, comes with detachable (no user assistance required) hinge elements, and has a special pet-repelling odor as an added extra. Yes, it's pretty terrible and self-destructs the moment you look at it. And, naturally, it's available to watch on video right after the break.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: the iPad Smart Cover done wrong (video)

Keepin' it real fake: the iPad Smart Cover done wrong (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryapplecasechinachinesecoverhingeipadipad 2Ipad2keepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffmagneticmagnetsperipheralsmart coverSmartCovervideoFri, 08 Apr 2011 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[China's dead affected by iPad 2 shortages of a different sort]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/chinas-dead-affected-by-ipad-2-shortages-sort-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/chinas-dead-affected-by-ipad-2-shortages-sort-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/chinas-dead-affected-by-ipad-2-shortages-sort-of/#comments In life as in death, it seems, getting your hands on an iPad 2 is no easy feat. Reuters is reporting today that paper replicas of the tablet are selling out in parts of Asia, as revelers prepare to set the things ablaze during China's Qingming festival Tuesday. As is tradition, paper versions of money, clothing, and, yes, consumer electronics are burned as offerings to the dead, and this year Apple's latest slate is apparently all the rage for expired techies -- one shopkeeper in Malaysia said his stock of 300 paper iPad 2s sold out quickly, leaving him unable to meet demand. Sounds strangely familiar, doesn't it?

China's dead affected by iPad 2 shortages of a different sort originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ancestors dayAncestorsDayAppleApril 5thApril5thAsiaChinaChinesedeadfakefestivalholidayiPadiPad 2Ipad2KIRFknock-ffMacQing MingQing Ming FestivalQingMingQingMingFestivalreplicashortageslabslatetablettomb sweeping dayTombSweepingDayMon, 04 Apr 2011 21:51:00 EST<![CDATA[HiPhone 5 is just a few curves away from KIRF (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/hiphone-5-is-just-a-few-curves-away-from-kirf-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/hiphone-5-is-just-a-few-curves-away-from-kirf-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/16/hiphone-5-is-just-a-few-curves-away-from-kirf-video/#commentsHiPhone 5 is just a few curves away from KIRF (video) The iPhone 5 lives only in your dreams at the moment, and probably in some bunker deep beneath Cupertino, but the $99 HiPhone 5 is definitely out there in the wild, and has been for at least a few weeks. Yes, the same moniker that was applied to this Storm knockoff and, naturally, a series of iPhone knockoffs. This time the design is a little more distinctive, the interface definitely aping iOS but the exterior putting some curves, wrapping around a 3.5-inch, HVGA screen. There's a 3.1 megapixel camera around the back (though the case says "3.2"), room for dual SIM cards inside, and it's "100% fully unlocked." As if there were any other way.

Continue reading HiPhone 5 is just a few curves away from KIRF (video)

HiPhone 5 is just a few curves away from KIRF (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinahiphonehiphone 5Hiphone5iphoneiphone 5Iphone5kirfmobileWed, 16 Mar 2011 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover vs. InCase Convertible Magazine Jacket... Fight!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/apple-ipad-2-smart-cover-vs-incase-convertible-magazine-jacket/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/apple-ipad-2-smart-cover-vs-incase-convertible-magazine-jacket/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/apple-ipad-2-smart-cover-vs-incase-convertible-magazine-jacket/#comments By now you've seen Apple's Smart Cover, right? The mind blowing cover (don't call it a case) pretty much stole the show during yesterday's iPad 2 press event, causing children to weep at the sight of our exploded bodies. Thing is, we've seen the design before. Oh sure, Apple improved upon it significantly, but there's no mistaking its InCase Convertible Magazine Jacket heritage. See the two slug it out on video after the break in some kind of weird reverse KIRF cage match. We guess 2011 really is the year of the copycats.

Continue reading Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover vs. InCase Convertible Magazine Jacket... Fight!

Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover vs. InCase Convertible Magazine Jacket... Fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecaseconvertible magazine jacketConvertibleMagazineJacketcoverfightincaseipadipad 2Ipad2jacketkirfmagazine jacketMagazineJacketsmart coverSmartCovervideoThu, 03 Mar 2011 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[EFO's diminutive Google TV keyboard makes us laugh, cry, exclaim]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/efos-diminutive-google-tv-keyboard-makes-us-laugh-cry-exclaim/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/efos-diminutive-google-tv-keyboard-makes-us-laugh-cry-exclaim/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/efos-diminutive-google-tv-keyboard-makes-us-laugh-cry-exclaim/#commentsGoogle's remained fairly mum on its TV experiment ever since a number of major networks blocked Google TV devices from accessing their online content, but you can bet that Logitech and Sony are still doing everything they can to unload inventory. If -- for whatever reason -- you've found yourself in the precarious position of needing a backup keyboard, EFO's got a couple of comical solutions. The outfit's new Google TV keyboard is named simply enough, and it's also one of the smallest KB remotes in the history of KB remotes. That's great for those who tend to shove their controlling devices into pockets and whatnot, and there's even a touchpad that works vertically and horizontally -- depending on preference, of course. Bluetooth ($75) and RF ($65) versions are available, with initial shipments to go out starting on the 15th. Head on past the break for a demo video, also known as the cutest thing you'll see all day.

Continue reading EFO's diminutive Google TV keyboard makes us laugh, cry, exclaim

EFO's diminutive Google TV keyboard makes us laugh, cry, exclaim originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothefoGoogle TVGoogle TV keyboardGoogleTvGoogleTvKeyboardhtpc keyboardHtpcKeyboardkeyboardkirfknockoffrfripoffvideoTue, 08 Feb 2011 22:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: KIRFer's paradise]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/visualized-kirfers-paradise/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/visualized-kirfers-paradise/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/visualized-kirfers-paradise/#commentsVisualized: KIRFers paradise LA lovers of things that Keep it Real Fake, finding your next knockoff might be a little harder than anticipated. The Los Angeles police just busted a warehouse full of knock-offs, things like GiPhones, iPhoncs, PNPs, and Poops. Among all this junk, some $10 million worth, two dudes were found and arrested -- two dudes who had records showing more than $7 million in profits. It seems KIRFing does pay, for a little while at least.

Visualized: KIRFer's paradise originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecaliforniacrimeipadiphoneipodkirflalos angelesLosAngelespspvisualizedTue, 08 Feb 2011 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/#comments Unless you've been away from the Internet over the last few days, you would've no doubt heard about Woz's special appearance at the Engadget Show on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, a few websites ran with some quotes that they pulled from our interview -- specifically, the highlight was Woz "confirming" that the white iPhone 4 was indeed delayed due to camera issues. Well, I don't think this is the case at all. In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of other good reasons for why Apple's been delaying the much anticipated flavor of its flagship smartphone, but the camera just isn't one of them. Head right past the break and all will be explained.

Update: Our man Woz has just responded in the comments:
I said plenty to make it clear that I know nothing of Apple's reasons for rejecting anything ever. I told how when I got my white iPhone 4 assembled I tested the flash photos and they did indeed have problems. I spoke of testing flash photos versus non-flash ones and comparing flash photos between my white and black iPhones. I don't recall saying that it was a 'reason' Apple rejected the parts although I had read that.
For the last part, we were referring to 0:55 in the interview video after the break, but now that Woz has spoken, it could've been a joke at the time that got misinterpreted by some websites. They tend to do that with Woz. Read on!

Continue reading Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds)

Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecameracomparisondebunkdiyexclusivefakefeaturedfeaturesfoxconniphoneiphone 4iphone+4+whiteIphone4iphone4whitekirfmanufacturemodpartphotophoto qualityPhotoQualitysample shotsSampleShotsshenzhensin takSinTaksteve wozniakSteveWozniaktransmittancewhitewhite iphone 4white+iphonewhite+iphone4whiteiphoneWhiteIphone4wozWed, 02 Feb 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[One out of every five cellphones sold is a KIRF, says Nokia]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/one-out-of-every-five-cellphones-sold-is-a-kirf-according-to-no/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/one-out-of-every-five-cellphones-sold-is-a-kirf-according-to-no/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/one-out-of-every-five-cellphones-sold-is-a-kirf-according-to-no/#comments When your core business is as wrapped up in emerging markets as Nokia's is, then you'd better know a little something about KIRFs -- those cheap handset clones that our Chinese friends can often stamp out faster than the time it takes for Nokia to ship a handset after its announcement. Nokia executive board member, Esko Aho, says that one out of every five cellphones now sold around the world (primarily in Asia, Latin America, and some parts of Europe) is an illegal or unlicensed clone. We've certainly seen more than our share when browsing the Shenzhen markets of China. Gartner claims the number to be even higher than 20 percent. While we poke fun at KIRFs around here for their shoddy software, comically similar branding (Nokla!), and cheapo materials, they've clearly become a very serious issue for top-tier cellphone manufacturers. How serious we'll see on January 27th when Nokia announces its fourth quarter results.

One out of every five cellphones sold is a KIRF, says Nokia originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clonecopycatesko ahoEskoAhokirfnokiaFri, 21 Jan 2011 07:57:00 EST