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[Orb Live finally lands for Android: streams video, delivers Hulu without the Plus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/12/orb-live-finally-lands-for-android-streams-video-delivers-hulu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/12/orb-live-finally-lands-for-android-streams-video-delivers-hulu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/12/orb-live-finally-lands-for-android-streams-video-delivers-hulu/#comments Orb Live for Android Orb may have taken its sweet time, but an Android port of its Orb Live streaming app is finally available. By now you probably know the deal: install the Orb Caster app on your PC then fire up Live on your handset and you can start watching Netflix, Hulu (without a Plus account), YouTube, live TV (with the aid of a tuner) and video from other streaming sources like ESPN3 right on your phone over 3G, 4G or WiFi. In fact, Orb will stream just about any media from your PC to your phone, provided you can swallow the $10 price of the app. Orb Live for Android isn't showing up in the market just yet for us, but we suspect it won't be much longer now.

[Image credit: GigaOM]

Orb Live finally lands for Android: streams video, delivers Hulu without the Plus originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidhulumobilepostcrossorborb liveorb live for androidOrbLiveOrbLiveForAndroidstreaming mediastreaming videoStreamingMediaStreamingVideoyoutubeMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb Audio modular stereo speaker systems review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/orb-audio-modular-stereo-speaker-systems-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/orb-audio-modular-stereo-speaker-systems-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/orb-audio-modular-stereo-speaker-systems-review/#comments Hey, do you like things that sound good? That's funny, we do too. In a world jam-packed with mass-produced, perfectly adequate home-theater-in-a-box solutions, it can be really hard to differentiate between speaker solutions for your computer, TV, or stereo system. It takes a lot for small-scale, high-quality systems to stand out and justify their costs, especially when entire surround kits can be had for under a hundred bucks. But like that song said that one time, you can't put a price tag on love. Orb Audio's eponymously constructed speakers are little works of art that you can rearrange to suit your taste, budget, and decor -- but are they a good solution for you? It's a good question! Read on to find out just how the Orb family might or might not be the best decision you've ever made.

Gallery: Orb Audio modular speaker systems

Continue reading Orb Audio modular stereo speaker systems review

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Orb Audio modular stereo speaker systems review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiohifihome theaterHomeTheatermod1mod2orborb audioOrbAudioreviewspeakerspeakersstereosurroundTue, 17 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb BR software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/orb-br-software-comes-to-ps3-and-other-blu-ray-players-1080p-st/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/orb-br-software-comes-to-ps3-and-other-blu-ray-players-1080p-st/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/orb-br-software-comes-to-ps3-and-other-blu-ray-players-1080p-st/#commentsOrb software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20 The tiny, coaster-like design of the Orb TV is hard not to like, but the lack of HD output is mighty tough to stomach these days. Plus, who wants another doo-dad cluttering up their entertainment center? Thankfully, the next product from Orb is much smaller: a disc. You pop the software into your internet-connected PS3 or Blu-ray player and magically it turns into a top-shelf media streamer. You'll have connectivity with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Comedy Central, Amazon VoD, and naturally YouTube. The discs are set to ship in February for $19.99, which puts even the $99 Orb TV to shame, but we're curious to see how the performance is. You can be sure we'll be finding out for you soon.

Continue reading Orb BR software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20

Orb BR software comes to PS3 and other Blu-ray players, 1080p streaming for $20 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayorborb blu-rayorb brOrbBlu-rayOrbBrplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyFri, 07 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb TV is the $99 video streamer that will do Netflix and Hulu, but not HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/orb-tv-is-the-99-video-streamer-that-will-do-netflix-and-hulu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/orb-tv-is-the-99-video-streamer-that-will-do-netflix-and-hulu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/orb-tv-is-the-99-video-streamer-that-will-do-netflix-and-hulu/#commentsOrb TV is the $99 video streamer that will do Netflix and Hulu, but not HD Your Apple TVs and your Google TVs hold a lot of potential, but their limited access to content freely available to any 'ol PC and Mac is what you'd call a bit of a problem. The latest product from Orb fixes that by being a simple media streamer, relying on a computer elsewhere on the network to pull that content locally before turning around and pumping it back out to the company's new Orb TV coaster, which in turn displays it on your actual TV. Since the content is hitting the computer first (the "Orb Caster") Hulu is available on-tap, but somewhere along the way support for HD video quality goes out the window: this thing maxes out at VGA. Sure, you can already do this with your TVersity's and the like, but the Orb TV is a lot smaller than your average media extender hardware, has a very handy remote control app for iPhones and Androids, and kindly will support multiple Orb devices on the same network. Best of all? It's shipping right now, so make with the clicking and get your Gleek on.

Update: We're being told the Android app is available now as well.

Orb TV is the $99 video streamer that will do Netflix and Hulu, but not HD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapple iphoneAppleIphonehuluiphonemedia streamerMediaStreamernetflixorborb casterorb tvOrbCasterOrbTvstreamerThu, 18 Nov 2010 07:06:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC develops thin, flexible and 'practical' Organic Radical Battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/nec-develops-thin-flexible-and-practical-organic-radical-batt/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/nec-develops-thin-flexible-and-practical-organic-radical-batt/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/nec-develops-thin-flexible-and-practical-organic-radical-batt/#commentsNEC first announced its super-thin Organic Radical Battery (or ORB) technology a full five years ago, but it's now finally back with what it describes as the first "practical" prototypes of the batteries. While these new batteries are about twice as thick as NEC's first such units, they're still only 0.7 mm thin, and are apparently much more reliable while also delivering 1.4 times more output (specifically, a capacity of 5mAh). The key to that boost, it seems, are some newly developed, highly conductive cathodes, which consists of some solid organic radical material that were turned into a gel and then uniformly compounded with carbon materials. What does that mean for actual consumers? Well, if NEC has its way, the batteries could be a thin, flexible power source for things like smart cards, wearable devices, and flexible e-paper displays. Full press release is after the break.

Continue reading NEC develops thin, flexible and 'practical' Organic Radical Battery

NEC develops thin, flexible and 'practical' Organic Radical Battery originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatteryflexiblenecorborganic radical batteryOrganicRadicalBatterythinWed, 10 Nov 2010 01:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb MP-1 music player pulls Sonos-like tricks for way less than a Benjamin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/orb-mp-1-music-player-pulls-sonos-like-tricks-for-way-less-than/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/orb-mp-1-music-player-pulls-sonos-like-tricks-for-way-less-than/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/orb-mp-1-music-player-pulls-sonos-like-tricks-for-way-less-than/#comments Streaming music from a computer to all manner of home audio devices is an area Sonos, Logitech, and Apple have been competing in for years. The recently-released MP-1 music player from Orb, though, is a surprise contender that can perform a host of streaming duties for less than $70. Like the competition, it works by connecting to a powered audio device via an in-line jack, and can play music stored locally, on a network, or from services like Pandora when streamed over 802.11b/g/n WiFi through its companion Orb Caster media server software. To sweeten the package, the company is also throwing in their Orb Controller app for iOS devices -- which normally costs $10 -- for a low price of free, and apparently has plans to release an Android version of the remote sometime in the near future. Sure, it's a little strange for us to see a company known for their free media streaming software jump in the hardware game so abruptly, but the MP-1's mixture of functionality for the price is a pretty enticing first step. Plus, if the move ignites a price war to the bottom with the aforementioned competition, who are we to complain?

[Thanks, Tom]

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Orb MP-1 music player pulls Sonos-like tricks for way less than a Benjamin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11bgnandroid appsandroid remote appsAndroidAppsAndroidRemoteAppsAppleApple iPhoneAppleIphoneAppleTvDLNADlnaCompatiblehome audioHomeAudioiOSiphoneiPhone ApplicationsiPhone Appsiphone remoteiphone remote appIphoneApplicationsIphoneAppsIphoneRemoteIphoneRemoteApplogitechlogitech squeezebox radiologitech squeezebox touchLogitechSqueezeboxRadioLogitechSqueezeboxTouchmedia servermedia streamermedia streamersMediaServerMediaStreamerMediaStreamersMP-1Orborb casterorb caster mediaorb controllerorb controller appOrb MP-1OrbCasterOrbCasterMediaOrbControllerOrbControllerAppOrbMp-1pandoraSONYstreamingstreaming softwareStreamingSoftwarewifiwirelesswireless audioWirelessAudioThu, 23 Sep 2010 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Netgear's ReadyNAS Ultra 4 and Ultra 6 stream to TiVo, mobile, and DLNA-certified devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/netgears-readynas-ultra-4-and-ultra-6-stream-to-tivo-mobile-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/netgears-readynas-ultra-4-and-ultra-6-stream-to-tivo-mobile-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/08/netgears-readynas-ultra-4-and-ultra-6-stream-to-tivo-mobile-a/#comments The "Death of Local Media Storage," eh Netgear? The company is certainly proud of its latest unveiling, the ReadyNAS Ultra series, as the aforementioned press release headline exemplifies. In addition to the usual network storage capabilities, the gang can stream media to any TiVo device, DLNA-certified machine (via Skifta), and mobile devices using Orb technologies. All machines feature 1.66GHz Intel Atom CPUs, 1GB RAM, and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6 data protection. Need a hefty do-it-all box for storage? The Ultra 4 (2 x 2TB, single-core processor) and Ultra 6 (3 x 2TB, dual-core) will start shipping in mid-July, with pre-orders available in the very near future, for a penny under $900 and $1350, respectively. And if you want the capabilities in a lighter form factor, keep an eye out for an Ultra 2 in October.

Gallery: Netgear Ultra 4 and Ultra 6

Netgear's ReadyNAS Ultra 4 and Ultra 6 stream to TiVo, mobile, and DLNA-certified devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlnanasnet gearnetgearnetgear ultraNetgearUltraorbready nasReadyNasskiftaultraultra 4ultra 6Ultra4Ultra6Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb for Mac finally arrives, streams media from OS X to any internet-connected device]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/#comments Wow, where've you been, Orb? It's been a full year since we heard anything from the once-adored media streaming outfit, and while it's been streaming out content to iPhones for quite some time, those relying on Macs to do it have been left in the damp night air. Until now, that is. Orb for Macintosh has finally hit the streets, bringing with it OS X 10.5 and 10.6 compatibility that enables any and all media from iTunes to be sent out over the internet and consumed on any outside device with access to the web. We're talking laptops, UMPCs, smartphones and even that ancient PC your grandmother still uses with Windows ME. There's no mention of any DRM restrictions, and it'll even allow you to stream live TV if you can manage to connect a tuner card to your Apple. Oh, and did we mention that Orb is completely free? Hit the download link below to get your weekend started off right.

Read - Download Orb
Read - Press release

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Orb for Mac finally arrives, streams media from OS X to any internet-connected device originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.6appleavailablehditunesleopardmacmediamedia streamingMediaStreamingmultimediaorbOrb for MacintoshOrbForMacintoshorbliveos xos x 10.6OsXOsX10.6snow leopardSnowLeopardsoftwarestreamstreamingFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb for Mac finally arrives, streams media from OS X to any internet-connected device]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/orb-for-mac-finally-arrives-streams-media-from-os-x-to-any-inte/#comments Wow, where've you been, Orb? It's been a full year since we heard anything from the once-adored media streaming outfit, and while it's been streaming out content to iPhones for quite some time, those relying on Macs to do it have been left in the damp night air. Until now, that is. Orb for Macintosh has finally hit the streets, bringing with it OS X 10.5 and 10.6 compatibility that enables any and all media from iTunes to be sent out over the internet and consumed on any outside device with access to the web. We're talking laptops, UMPCs, smartphones and even that ancient PC your grandmother still uses with Windows ME. There's no mention of any DRM restrictions, and it'll even allow you to stream live TV if you can manage to connect a tuner card to your Apple. Oh, and did we mention that Orb is completely free? Hit the download link below to get your weekend started off right.

Read - Download Orb
Read - Press release

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Orb for Mac finally arrives, streams media from OS X to any internet-connected device originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.6appleavailableitunesleopardmacmediamedia streamingMediaStreamingmultimediaorbOrb for MacintoshOrbForMacintoshorbliveos xos x 10.6OsXOsX10.6snow leopardSnowLeopardsoftwarestreamstreamingFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/orb-2-0-streams-live-tv-to-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/orb-2-0-streams-live-tv-to-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/orb-2-0-streams-live-tv-to-your-iphone/#comments
We knew Orb was working on an iPhone port of its media-streaming app, and it looks like Orb 2.0 just stealthily went live in the App Store. The $10 app lets TV junkies watch live TV from a tuner connected to a Windows PC, as well as stream music, videos, and photos from their libraries. Even cooler, Orb allows you to monitor a webcam, so you can finally nail those Diet Coke thieves from the comfort of your cube (or keep an eye on your infant, whatever.) Sadly there's no date for the Mac and Linux versions, but Orb says they're on the way. Alright Sling, looks like the ball's in your court.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

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Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphonemedia streamingMediaStreamingmobilemultimediaorborb liveOrbLiveplace shiftingPlaceShiftingstreamingThu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/orb-2-0-streams-live-tv-to-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/orb-2-0-streams-live-tv-to-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/orb-2-0-streams-live-tv-to-your-iphone/#comments
We knew Orb was working on an iPhone port of its media-streaming app, and it looks like Orb 2.0 just stealthily went live in the App Store. The $10 app lets TV junkies watch live TV from a tuner connected to a Windows PC, as well as stream music, videos, and photos from their libraries. Even cooler, Orb allows you to monitor a webcam, so you can finally nail those Diet Coke thieves from the comfort of your cube (or keep an eye on your infant, whatever.) Sadly there's no date for the Mac and Linux versions, but Orb says they're on the way. Alright Sling, looks like the ball's in your court.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

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Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphonemedia streamingMediaStreamingorborb liveOrbLiveplace shiftingPlaceShiftingstreamingThu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Orb Swarm gets a brain, going autonomous at Burning Man]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/06/video-orb-swarm-gets-a-brain-going-autonomous-at-burning-man/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/06/video-orb-swarm-gets-a-brain-going-autonomous-at-burning-man/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/06/video-orb-swarm-gets-a-brain-going-autonomous-at-burning-man/#comments
Remember Orb Swarm, that merry band of rolling semi-autonomous spheres? Well, they've seen the open-source wizard and came back with a brain. In other words, they've gone autonomous, or mostly so as they are now capable of navigating within a pre-defined GPS course. Besides navigation, these orbs feature an embedded processor, accelerometer and ZigBee wireless communication all of which allow the rolling spheres to "flock , flirt, dance and interact," say their creators. They're set for release en masse onto the Burning Man playa at the end of this month where they're sure to punish chemically-influenced revelers with a sense of panic suitable to the uprising. Check the video after the break for a taste if participating in pagan festivals celebrating experimental living is a bit beyond your sense of sheltered sensibility.

[Via Hack A Day and BotJunkie]

Continue reading Video: Orb Swarm gets a brain, going autonomous at Burning Man

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Video: Orb Swarm gets a brain, going autonomous at Burning Man originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousburning manBurningManorborb swarmOrbSwarmrobotswarmWed, 06 Aug 2008 05:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm project lets semiautonomous orbs loose]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/14/swarm-project-lets-semiautonomous-orbs-loose/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/14/swarm-project-lets-semiautonomous-orbs-loose/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/14/swarm-project-lets-semiautonomous-orbs-loose/#comments
Ah, it doesn't get much better than a smattering of spheres rolling about with absolutely no human intervention, now does it? Said scenario is exactly what members of the Swarm project are attempting to create, and while it managed to make an early appearance at Yuri's Night, the big show won't be unveiled until Burning Man commences. When all's said and done, a number of orbs will "flock, flirt, dance and interact" based solely on instructions beamed out by the directing orb, or mother node. Just be sure not to put yourself in the path of an oncoming ball of fury should you show up for the fireworks -- after all, it's not like a fellow human is directing the act.

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Swarm project lets semiautonomous orbs loose originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousdesignorbSwarmMon, 14 Apr 2008 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb plays nice with DirecTV HR21 on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/orb-plays-nice-with-directv-hr21-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/orb-plays-nice-with-directv-hr21-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/orb-plays-nice-with-directv-hr21-on-video/#commentsOh sure, DirecTV's Media Share has allowed Viiv-certified machines to network in for a good while now, but what if you just so happen to prefer Orb? The same streaming software that functions with the Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 has been caught playing nice (read: transmitting media from a WiFi-enabled laptop) with an HR21 HD DVR. Judging by the looks of things, the setup procedure isn't all that different from syncing up a traditional Viiv machine, but feel free to peek a step-by-step video posted after the jump if you're looking to give it a go yourself.

Continue reading Orb plays nice with DirecTV HR21 on video

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Orb plays nice with DirecTV HR21 on video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>directvhdHR21media shareMediaShareorbsatellitevideoFri, 11 Apr 2008 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb reportedly set to announce support for iPhone, iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/orb-reportedly-set-to-announce-support-for-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/orb-reportedly-set-to-announce-support-for-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/orb-reportedly-set-to-announce-support-for-iphone-ipod-touch/#comments
Not that it comes as a huge surprise given the wide array of devices it already supports, but according to The Register, Orb is apparently set to finally get official with its support of both the iPhone and the iPod touch "in the next few days." As with other devices, that'll let you get in a little place-shifting with the aid of the iPhone's browser, including letting access your music collection via the Orb-powered version of Winamp. On the iPhone, you'll also have the added benefit of being able to send links to songs in an SMS chat session. Of course, just 'cause it's not official doesn't mean you make use of Orb in its current state which, for all we know, could be exactly what's in store when Orb does make things official.

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Orb reportedly set to announce support for iPhone, iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmobilemultimediaorbplace shiftingPlaceShiftingWed, 12 Dec 2007 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb reportedly set to announce support for iPhone, iPod touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/orb-reportedly-set-to-announce-support-for-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/orb-reportedly-set-to-announce-support-for-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/12/orb-reportedly-set-to-announce-support-for-iphone-ipod-touch/#comments
Not that it comes as a huge surprise given the wide array of devices it already supports, but according to The Register, Orb is apparently set to finally get official with its support of both the iPhone and the iPod touch "in the next few days." As with other devices, that'll let you get in a little place-shifting with the aid of the iPhone's browser, including letting access your music collection via the Orb-powered version of Winamp. On the iPhone, you'll also have the added benefit of being able to send links to songs in an SMS chat session. Of course, just 'cause it's not official doesn't mean you make use of Orb in its current state which, for all we know, could be exactly what's in store when Orb does make things official.

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Orb reportedly set to announce support for iPhone, iPod touch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipod touchIpodTouchorbplace shiftingPlaceShiftingportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoWed, 12 Dec 2007 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[USB Moody Ball apes Ambient Orb, soothes your soul]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/05/usb-moody-ball-apes-ambient-orb-soothes-your-soul/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/05/usb-moody-ball-apes-ambient-orb-soothes-your-soul/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/05/usb-moody-ball-apes-ambient-orb-soothes-your-soul/#comments
Connectland's USB Moody Ball may look awfully soothing, yet awfully familiar at first glance. If so, you're probably conjuring up memories of the Ambient Orb, which this device no doubt takes more than a few design cues from. Nevertheless, this USB-powered soul soother automatically changes hues to ease your mind, is constructed from "bump-resistant" materials and weighs in at 179-grams. Best of all, this one's just $20, but convincing your boss to leave the office lights dim just so your Moody Ball can have a greater effect will be the real challenge.

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USB Moody Ball apes Ambient Orb, soothes your soul originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandoconnectlandknockofflightlightingmoodorbripoffusb moody ballUsbMoodyBallWed, 05 Dec 2007 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ambient Orb power-usage hack reduces energy consumption by 40%]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/ambient-orb-power-usage-hack-reduces-energy-consumption-by-40/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/ambient-orb-power-usage-hack-reduces-energy-consumption-by-40/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/ambient-orb-power-usage-hack-reduces-energy-consumption-by-40/#comments
We've seen some interesting uses for Ambient Devices' various "thin data" products, but Mark Martinez, a Southern California Edison power station manager, has probably hit upon the most interesting application we've seen: by reprogramming the device to reflect energy usage and costs, customers in his 120-person test program managed to reduce their energy consumption by 40 percent. Martinez chalks the results up to the "sentinel effect," saying that ""It's nonintrusive. It has a relatively benign effect. But when you suddenly see your ball flashing red, you notice." Ambient Devices actually sells a similar product called the EnergyJoule, and we've seen some other monitoring attempts before, but we think we like Martinez's hack better -- it brings a little mod flair to living green. Hopefully he'll let us know how he did it soon.

[Via Inhabitat]

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Ambient Orb power-usage hack reduces energy consumption by 40% originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambient devicesAmbientDevicesenvironmentgreenmark martinezMarkMartinezorbpower monitoringPowerMonitoringsouthern california edisonSouthernCaliforniaEdisonMon, 27 Aug 2007 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb works with Wii, PS3, and now 360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/orb-works-with-wii-ps3-and-now-360/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/orb-works-with-wii-ps3-and-now-360/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/orb-works-with-wii-ps3-and-now-360/#commentsOrb on Xbox 360Not to have the thunder completely stolen by the Apple TV, Orb Networks has announced compatibility for streaming media service with Wii, PS3, and now Xbox 360 console owners. The newly-added 360 support can use the built-in media capabilities of its Windows Media Center Extender, with just the Orb software on the PC end. PS3 and Wii setups stream from a Flash-embedded MyCast site. The Orb streamer only plays well with Vista and XP, and needs a 2.4GHz Pentium 4, AMD 3200+, or higher CPU, as well as Windows Media, Real, or Quicktime Players for the streaming. Content also ends up as Flash video, so that probably nixes any support for high definition, but if you're itching to do some streaming to your console across the house -- or across the globe -- and don't want to wait for or use Apple's solution, then Orb could be the best thing for you.

[Thanks, gibber9583]

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Orb works with Wii, PS3, and now 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360hdinternetmediaorbplaystation 3Playstation3ps3streamingwiixboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb works with Wii, PS3, and now 360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/orb-works-with-wii-ps3-and-now-360/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/orb-works-with-wii-ps3-and-now-360/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/orb-works-with-wii-ps3-and-now-360/#commentsOrb on Xbox 360Not to have the thunder completely stolen by the Apple TV, Orb Networks has announced compatibility for streaming media service with Wii, PS3, and now Xbox 360 console owners. The newly-added 360 support can use the built-in media capabilities of its Windows Media Center Extender, with just the Orb software on the PC end. PS3 and Wii setups stream from a Flash-embedded MyCast site. The Orb streamer only plays well with Vista and XP, and needs a 2.4GHz Pentium 4, AMD 3200+, or higher CPU, as well as Windows Media, Real, or Quicktime Players for the streaming. Content also ends up as Flash video, so that probably nixes any support for high definition, but if you're itching to do some streaming to your console across the house -- or across the globe -- and don't want to wait for or use Apple's solution, then Orb could be the best thing for you.

[Thanks, gibber9583]

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Orb works with Wii, PS3, and now 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360mediaorbplaystation 3Playstation3ps3streamingwiixboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb Networks brings YouTube / Google Video to your smartphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/17/orb-networks-brings-youtube-google-video-to-your-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/17/orb-networks-brings-youtube-google-video-to-your-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/17/orb-networks-brings-youtube-google-video-to-your-smartphone/#commentsIf you've been waiting ever so patiently for YouTube to make an official debut on the mobile side, and can't get TinyTube to work out just right, help is on the way. While Verizon is hoping to land an exclusive deal regarding YouTube content and its V CAST services, Orb Networks is releasing software which lets cellphone users "view, search, and create media channels from the internet" and direct it onto handhelds / laptops" from sites like YouTube or Google Video." While Orb's PC-accessing software has been available for some time now, this newly-unveiled program will put the zany clips of YouTube (and other online video resources) into the palm of you hand way before any of the other guys. While a list of compatible mobiles wasn't disclosed, it was stated that the software would "only operate on sophisticated smartphones" such as Nokia's N80 and Motorola's Q -- so, do your duty and hit the read link for your free download, cool?

[Via Yahoo News]

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Orb Networks brings YouTube / Google Video to your smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle videoGoogleVideomobilemycastingorbsmartphoneyoutubeFri, 17 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia to offer integrated Orb MyCasting service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/13/nokia-to-offer-integrated-orb-mycasting-service/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/13/nokia-to-offer-integrated-orb-mycasting-service/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/13/nokia-to-offer-integrated-orb-mycasting-service/#commentsNokia looks set to be the first to offer integrated Orb MyCasting service on its phones, announcing that its N80 "Internet Edition" handset will ship with the media sharing service pre-loaded this November. Orb itself has, of course, been available for some time now, letting you remotely access media stored on your home PC from your cellphone or other mobile device, as well as control DVR functions on your computer and playback stored content. Orb's also only the latest bit of software to be announced for inclusion on the "Internet Edition" variation of the Nokia's N80 handset, with tools for Flickr and Amazon, as well as Yahoo Go For Mobile, an enhanced Nokia web browser, and SIP-compliant VoIP already filling up the internal memory. Like some of those other services, you'll most definitely want an unlimited data plan if you intend on doing any more than a test drive with Orb, 'cause those kilobytes are gonna add up fast once they start flying.

[Thanks, Mo C]

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Nokia to offer integrated Orb MyCasting service originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilemultimedian80n80 internet editionN80InternetEditionnokiaorborb mycastingOrbMycastingFri, 13 Oct 2006 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Vodafone Germany takes the guesswork out of Orb setup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/vodafone-germany-takes-the-guesswork-out-of-orb-setup/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/vodafone-germany-takes-the-guesswork-out-of-orb-setup/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/vodafone-germany-takes-the-guesswork-out-of-orb-setup/#comments If you've been curious about Orb but you're sweating the installation process or you're worried that your carrier might frown upon your indulgent use of data, life just got a little easier -- if you're on Vodafone Germany's UMTS network, that is. Their new "Vodafone-Mein PC" service, which is in public trial through September, includes a PC installer that reportedly does just about everything for you -- just add content and you're ready to roll. The service communicates with Vodafone's Live! portal, which you then access via your compatible, UMTS-capable handset. If the service flops, Vodafone is reserving the right to drop it following the trial period, but if it takes off, they're reserving the right to charge a few euros, too. If Vodafone's bandwidth wasn't already saturated with streaming Knight Rider and Baywatch reruns, this might just do the trick.

[Via the::unwired]

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Vodafone Germany takes the guesswork out of Orb setup originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilemultimediaorbumtsvodafonevodafone germanyvodafone-mein pcVodafone-meinPcVodafoneGermanyvodaphoneWed, 14 Jun 2006 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SageTV Placeshifter offers mobile content streaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/25/sagetv-placeshifter-offers-mobile-content-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/25/sagetv-placeshifter-offers-mobile-content-streaming/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/25/sagetv-placeshifter-offers-mobile-content-streaming/#commentsThose of you who do the home theater thing from your PC and are for some reason unhappy with the free streaming service offered by Orb now have a new way of "slinging" your content to a remote computer with SageTV's Placeshifter add-on. The $30 software, which requires the $80 SageTV media center package, offers remote access to videos, music, photos, and if you have a TV tuner card or USB device, both live and recorded programming. Cnet got a "first look" at Placeshifter in action, and reports spotty but acceptable performance, with the delays and artifact-infested video we've come to expect accept from these remote streaming services. While we're pretty happy with our free Windows Media Center and Orb setup, if you already own SageTV, the one-time fee might be worth it to free your content with the knowledge that someone's there to troubleshoot the inevitable problems.

[Via PVR Wire]

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SageTV Placeshifter offers mobile content streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>media pcmedia pcsMediaPcmediapcsorbplaceshifterremote accessRemoteAccesssagetvslingboxstreamingtv tunerTvTunerwindows media center editionWindowsMediaCenterEditionTue, 25 Apr 2006 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Orb works TiVo with DVR Everywhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/13/orb-works-tivo-with-dvr-everywhere/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/13/orb-works-tivo-with-dvr-everywhere/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/13/orb-works-tivo-with-dvr-everywhere/#commentsOrb (finally) just officially took a page out of the Book of SlingBox today with the release of DVR Everywhere, their TiVo-streaming and controlling Orb add-on (not to be easily confused with TiVoAnywhere, that other Orb / TiVo add-on which is now apparently DVR Everywhere). Basically you'll get the same easy-to-use no firewall adjustments necessary Orb experience steamed to your laptop or portable in Real, Windows Media, or 3GP, but with recordings culled from your Series2 TiVo (which is also controllable by said software -- something also available for a while). Not quite as versatile as your SlingBox, which can pull video from just about any DVR device you can throw at it, but hey, it's a start -- especially if you've been considering that new dual tuner TiVo that we've been dangling from a string.

[Via PR Newswire]

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Orb works TiVo with DVR Everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvrdvr everywhereDvrEverywherehome entertainmentHomeEntertainmentorbplace shiftingPlaceShiftingseries 2Series2sling boxSlingBoxtime shiftingTimeShiftingtivotivoanywhereThu, 13 Apr 2006 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[CES: Jensen almost wireless ATSC tuner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/05/ces-jensen-almost-wireless-atsc-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/05/ces-jensen-almost-wireless-atsc-tuner/http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/05/ces-jensen-almost-wireless-atsc-tuner/#commentsAnd here I was getting all excited. I thought that we were going to get a USB ATSC tuner here in the States like they have over in Asia thanks to Jensen. But no, not yet. Jensen has a USB drive that does preforms a similar task. It allows you to stream a signal from a tuner inside of a desktop to a laptop.

The press release indicates that the USB dongle will transmit a digital signal from an ATSC tuner, but it does not say if that signal is HD. I am not saying that 480p is a bad thing on a 15-inch screen, but it kind is a let down, isn't?

In fact, not to rain on Jensens parade, but Orb lets you do the same thing from any WIFI hotspot, including the one you probably have in you house. Plus, you do not have to buy anything besides the mentioned tuner.

CES: Jensen almost wireless ATSC tuner originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2006 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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