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Virgin Mobile USA and Boost take WiMAX live, ship HTC EVO V 4G and EVO Design 4G on May 31

Jon Fingas — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:29:00 EST

In sync with Sprint's plans to get its sub-brands on 4G using its legacy WiMAX network, both Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile have trotted out their initial 4G lineups. The early Virgin mix includes retreads of two Sprint data-only devices -- a Broadband2Go-badged version of the Sierra Wireless Overdrive Pro 3G/4G hotspot and a matching version of the Franklin U600 previously seen at Clear. Virgin's real star, however, is the HTC EVO V 4G: though it's ultimately the EVO 3D with a slightly more 2D name, it's shipping with Android 4.0 from the start and has HTC's Frankenstein-like Sense 3.6 rather than the 4.0 of the One series. The network upgrade and all three new devices swing into action on May 31, and while your $35 minimum monthly plan will stay in effect even with unlimited on-device 4G, you'll need to spend $300 (contract-free) to take home an EVO V 4G, $150 on the Overdrive Pro or $100 on the U600 stick.

Boost Mobile is also going the Sprint rebadge route through the HTC EVO Design 4G. As with its bigger brother over at Virgin, the single-core EVO Design 4G is identical in hardware to its Sprint equivalent but slaps Android 4.0 and Sense 3.6 on top to keep the software fresh. The update does mark the first time a Boost phone gets Visual Voicemail, so you can feel slightly less guilty when you miss a call. HTC's phone will oddly cost the same $300 off-contract as the more advanced EVO V 4G, although Boost is likely counting on customers sticking around long enough for an all-inclusive unlimited plan to drop to $40 per month and make it worthwhile.

Gallery: Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile 4G devices

Continue reading Virgin Mobile USA and Boost take WiMAX live, ship HTC EVO V 4G and EVO Design 4G on May 31

Virgin Mobile USA and Boost take WiMAX live, ship HTC EVO V 4G and EVO Design 4G on May 31 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penguin halts over-the-air Kindle borrowing again, this time it's serious

Sharif Sakr — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:21:00 EST

Penguin already signaled it'd stop providing newer titles to OverDrive's lending service, but apart from a temporary interruption last year, Kindle borrowing of older books has escaped largely unscathed. That's no longer the case: as of this month, Penguin says that "eBooks loaned for reading on Kindle devices will need to be downloaded to a computer then transferred to the device over USB." Why add the extra hassle, compared to direct wireless transfer via Amazon's servers? According to Infodocket, Penguin has simply indicated that this form of distribution breached the terms of its agreement with OverDrive. However, the American Library Association (ALA) has a more developed explanation of what's going on in this nascent industry. It says that publishers are worried about the lack of "friction" involved in eBook lending, compared to the effort required to visit a physical library. This, the ALA thinks, is leading to fears that readers will borrow more and buy less. So, perhaps the wireless delivery of borrowed titles to Kindles was just too easy for Penguin's liking?

Penguin halts over-the-air Kindle borrowing again, this time it's serious originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penguin catalog marches back into Kindle Library Lending Service, new releases still out in the cold

Sean Buckley — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:09:00 EST

Following a temporary suspension from Amazon's Kindle Library Lending Service, it appears that Penguin books are now migrating back to digital consumption. If you'll recall, earlier this week Penguin had to address some security issues (details are still in the dark, though) and consequently pulled its newer releases from OverDrive's catalog, as well as blocking Kindle devices from accessing the catalog's remaining Penguin titles. While Kindle access has since been restored, the newer titles "remain unavailable," though Penguin says it hopes to find a solution by the end of the year.

Penguin catalog marches back into Kindle Library Lending Service, new releases still out in the cold originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penguin pulls new e-books from library distributor, citing concerns over security

Amar Toor — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:24:00 EST

OverDrive's e-book universe got a little colder this week, thanks to Penguin. Citing "new concerns about the security of our digital editions," Penguin USA temporarily pulled its new titles from the distributor's stable of library e-books yesterday, pending further discussions with its business partners. The publisher didn't offer a concrete reason for its pullout, but issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to its business partners, and reassuring readers that physical copies of its new books will remain available across "libraries everywhere." OverDrive, which powers Amazon's Kindle Library Lending Service, soon issued its own statement, providing more insight into the conflict:

Last week Penguin sent notice to OverDrive that it is reviewing terms for library lending of their eBooks. In the interim, OverDrive was instructed to suspend availability of new Penguin eBook titles from our library catalog and disable "Get for Kindle" functionality for all Penguin eBooks. We apologize for this abrupt change in terms from this supplier. We are actively working with Penguin on this issue and are hopeful Penguin will agree to restore access to their new titles and Kindle availability as soon as possible.

This kerfuffle hasn't gone over too well with some libraries. In an e-mail sent to the Digital Shift, Cynthia Laino of the C/W Mars Library Consortium lamented the turn of events -- and the fact that her organization was left in the dark. "Neither Penguin nor OverDrive made any sort of announcement to library staff regarding this issue," wrote Laino, whose consortium represents more than 150 libraries across the US. "We have bought many additional copies of our most popular titles simply to meet the increased demand for them once Kindle users were added to our borrowers. We would not have spent the additional funds (thousands of dollars) had we known this issue would arise." Laino went on to express her hope for a quick resolution, suggesting that the involved parties should at least provide some compensation for the sudden withdrawal. We'll be following this story as it develops, and will be sure to bring you the very latest.

Penguin pulls new e-books from library distributor, citing concerns over security originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon's Kindle Library Lending service rolls in to Seattle, in full beta regalia

Amar Toor — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:03:00 EST

Saddle up, kids, because it looks like Amazon's Kindle Library Lending service is inching its way toward launch. According to the Digital Reader, the retailer's OverDrive-powered feature has begun rolling out to two Seattle-area libraries, where some users have already succeeded in downloading e-books from their local repositories. Early testers are also reporting that they've been able to access a wide collection of digitized works using the beta service, with equipped libraries reportedly boasting "thousands" of e-books. Neither Amazon nor Overdrive have formally announced a rollout, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.

[Thanks, Nathan]

Amazon's Kindle Library Lending service rolls in to Seattle, in full beta regalia originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kindle Library Lending will let you take books out on your e-reader or Kindle app, launching in US this year

Vlad Savov — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:29:00 EST

We love books. We just don't love carrying more than one of them around. It's great to hear, then, that Amazon has figured out a new Kindle Library Lending feature, which will allow US customers to check the ethereal form of books into their Kindle (all generations are supported) or Kindle app-equipped smartphone or computer. Annotations will be retained, in case you decide to take the book out a second time or purchase it through Amazon, in which case they'll come flooding back in like fond memories of a good read. The service matches Sony's similar ebook library checkout offering, which is no coincidence as it's powered by the same company, OverDrive. It's set to launch later this year and you can read more about it in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Kindle Library Lending will let you take books out on your e-reader or Kindle app, launching in US this year

Kindle Library Lending will let you take books out on your e-reader or Kindle app, launching in US this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint announces Overdrive Pro 3G / 4G mobile hotspot router, available on March 20th

Richard Lai — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:03:00 EST

Road warriors riding the Sprint WiMAX truck will be pleased to know that there's a new mobile hotspot device in the house. Dubbed the Overdrive Pro 3G / 4G, users can now simultaneously connect up to eight devices -- as opposed to just five previously -- to the mobile web via this little 802.11n router from Sierra Wireless. Better yet, Sprint has halved the price for this new model to $49.99 after a $50 rebate with a two year $50 service agreement, yet you still get the usual goodies like microSD expansion and built-in GPS support to boot. You can pick one up at Sprint stores starting on March 20th, but of course, the previous Overdrive is probably sufficient for most humble uses, anyway.

[Thanks, r0fl]

Continue reading Sprint announces Overdrive Pro 3G / 4G mobile hotspot router, available on March 20th

Sprint announces Overdrive Pro 3G / 4G mobile hotspot router, available on March 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OverDrive Media Console app for iOS now features free e-book downloads

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:11:00 EST

OverDrive, a digital media company that specializes in digital content distribution, has recently announced an update to its Media Console for iOS. As well as giving you access to audiobooks from something like 13,000 libraries and educational institutions the world o'er, the new app offers -- wait for it -- free e-book downloads! Free app, free e-books (as long as you have a library card, of course), and access to the world's great literature: it doesn't get much better than that, does it? Hit the source link to try it for yourself. We suggest that you start with Under The Volcano -- we always thought you ~~looked~~ drank like a young Malcolm Lowry.

OverDrive Media Console app for iOS now features free e-book downloads originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy offering free mobile hotspots with iPad purchase

Sean Hollister — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:02:00 EST

Planning to pay Verizon an extra $130 for an iPad + MiFi 2200 bundle? Hold on a sec, because Best Buy's planning to give away hotspots free of charge when you purchase Apple's tablet. This advertisement, obtained by 9to5 Mac, does mention that you'll need to shackle yourself to a carrier for two years to qualify -- unlike Verizon's original arrangement -- but in exchange you get a free Verizon FiveSpot, AT&T MiFi, or perhaps most excitingly, a WiMax-capable Sprint Overdrive. Fine print in the lower-right hand corner suggests that the promo will begin immediately and run through January 2nd. What better way to spend your leftover Hanukkah gelt than on gigabytes of wireless data?

Best Buy offering free mobile hotspots with iPad purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint CEO thanks iPad for uptick in Overdrive demand

Darren Murph — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:21:00 EST

Well, wouldn't you know it? Seems that tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign may actually be working. Way back in April of this year, Sprint decided it would begin offering its own iPad case, despite the fact that even today the iPad isn't sold in Sprint stores. The reason? It's the perfect opportunity to push the Overdrive, a 4G mobile hotspot that's able to take the iPad (and any other WiFi-enabled device) to 4G speeds where available. In a recent interview with GigaOM, the carrier's CEO (Dan Hesse) confirmed that most iPads being sold are of the WiFi variety, and due to that, "the company has seen an uptick in demand for its Overdrive (3G/4G) wireless-hotspot device, as people use it to connect their iPads to the Internet when on the go." He failed to exaggerate on actual numbers, but it's obvious he's in favor of Apple's darling tablet selling like hotcakes -- after all, how else are you going to get an iDevice into 4G territory?

Sprint CEO thanks iPad for uptick in Overdrive demand originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TWC rebadges Sprint Overdrive, offers it as IntelliGo mobile 3G / 4G hotspot

Darren Murph — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:14:00 EST

And then, there were three. Three ways to snag an Overdrive, that is. Months after Sprint issued the original 3G / 4G mobile hotspot, Clear came along and introduced a rebadged version of the same thing. Now, Time Warner Cable (who is also in cahoots with Sprint and Clear) is following suit by tossing its logo on the all-too-familiar device and christening it the IntelliGo. Functionally, it's the same as ever -- there's a built-in battery that'll provide 3G / 4G mobile internet to a smattering (read: five) of nearby devices via WiFi, a microSD slot and USB connectivity. The difference here, though, is that it'll run you $49.99 on a two-year contract, and the fee will "vary by region." Speaking of regions, it'll be available wherever Road Runner Mobile is offered, which means Texas, North Carolina, Hawaii and Kansas City for now.

Continue reading TWC rebadges Sprint Overdrive, offers it as IntelliGo mobile 3G / 4G hotspot

TWC rebadges Sprint Overdrive, offers it as IntelliGo mobile 3G / 4G hotspot originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clearwire intros new WiMAX mobile hotspots, Mac-friendly 3G / 4G USB WWAN modem

Darren Murph — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST

Lookin' for yet another avenue to hop on the 4G superhighway? Fret not, as Clearwire has just doled out a trio of new products intended to help you do just that. Prior to today, you had only a smattering of options to actually tap into Clear's WiMAX network, but the Clear Spot 4G (WiMAX only), Clear Spot 4G+ (dual-mode with 3G / 4G support) and Clear 4G+ Mobile USB stick have all arrived to give choosy moms more choices. The prior two are simply mobile broadband hotspots (think MiFi, but for 4G), with the 4G+ offering support for Sprint's 3G network if you happen to leave one of those few WiMAX zones already lit. The USB stick is particularly interesting, as it's the first dual-mode device hawked by Clear that's fully compatible with Apple OS X. The Clear Spot 4G will be made by InfoMark and available to purchase for $99.99 next month; those who hate committing can also lease one for $4.99 per month. The Sierra Wireless-built Spot 4G+ (a rebadged Overdrive; shown left) demands a hefty premium for that 3G support, with an MSRP of $224.99 (or least for $5.99 per month) and a similar July ship date. The 4G+ Mobile USB stick (shown right) will support OS X 10.5.x and 10.6.x (along with Windows, of course), and can be snapped up today for $114.99 or leased monthly for $5.99. Head on past the break if you're thirsty for more.

Gallery: Clearwire new WiMAX products

Continue reading Clearwire intros new WiMAX mobile hotspots, Mac-friendly 3G / 4G USB WWAN modem

Clearwire intros new WiMAX mobile hotspots, Mac-friendly 3G / 4G USB WWAN modem originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint's iPad '4G case' features an Overdrive pocket, oodles of irony

Ross Miller — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:19:00 EST

Listen Sprint, we get it, you want the whole US drooling over an iDevice hitting the internet at 4G speeds. First you extolled the virtues of WiMAX in an ad featuring the iPhone, and now you're going so far as to give away a special "4G" iPad case for free with the purchase of an Overdrive from Best Buy -- and yes, to be sure, the tote features a special pouch for your new mobile hotspot. No word yet on if placing a 3G iPad in the case creates some singularity from which no nearby object can escape (or get reception, for that matter).

Update: Don't take the playful tone personally, we actually love the concept. More so, we just think Sprint is being funny here. We'll have some detailed test results of our time with Overdrive / iPad soon!

[Thanks, John]

Sprint's iPad '4G case' features an Overdrive pocket, oodles of irony originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Sprint ad shows iPhone using WiMAX... via Overdrive

Darren Murph — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 03:43:00 EST

Your existing iPhone (yeah, even the original) can surf the information superhighway at 4G speeds. Today. Who knew, right? Sprint's Overdrive -- which creates a WiFi hotspot that enables nearby devices to cruise on Clear's 4G (or 3G, if you're not in a 4G locale) network -- can theoretically enable any WiFi-capable phone to surf on WiMAX, but Sprint's taking a pretty bold approach by actually touting the feature in a new spot. Befuddled? Hop on past the break and mash play. Too bad this is about as close the iPhone will ever get to Sprint's shelves...

Continue reading New Sprint ad shows iPhone using WiMAX... via Overdrive

New Sprint ad shows iPhone using WiMAX... via Overdrive originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 03:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: I, hotspot

Ross Rubin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:35:00 EST

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

One of the conundrums facing device makers today is how to add wireless connectivity to their products. E-readers such as the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook use internet access primarily for selling you more content, so it can be completely subsidized. Laptops, on the other hand, can consume large amounts of data, and so plans can run $60 per month and have capped bandwidth, even at that price. Apple and AT&T's iPad pricing scheme attempts a compromise: a $15 prepaid for a minimal 250 MB per month that could serve the needs of many users (especially with a Flash-less browser and sideloaded video delivery), along with the option of a $30 unlimited plan.

For many users, though, there is another option: bring your own broadband. Last year, Novatel Wireless's MiFi, launched in the U.S. by Sprint and Verizon Wireless, opened up the possibility for virtually any WiFi device to access the internet over 3G connections. Laptops without 3G cards could access the web from a car and the iPod touch became a functional iPhone -- and in some parts of AT&T's alleged network coverage, more functional than an iPhone.

Continue reading Switched On: I, hotspot

Switched On: I, hotspot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 030: Friday @ CES 2010 - 01.08.2010

Trent Wolbe — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST

Chris Ziegler. Sean Cooper. Together, again, at last - and this time, even in the same goshdarn room! Get the raw, uncensored take on new mobile communications technology developments from companies like Palm, LG, Samsung, and Sony! Almost live and direct from the showroom floor: It's the Engadget Mobile Podcast, CES Edition 2010, Volume 1.0. Live it, breathe it. Get inside that new-phone smell. Become your mobile dream.

Hosts: Chris Ziegler, Sean Cooper
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Solvent - Devices and Strategies (Ghostly International)

01:55 - HTC Smart hands-on
10:43 - Motorola Backflip hands-on
17:17 - Live from Palm's CES 2010 press event
18:30 - Palm Pixi Plus: WiFi-equipped and heading to Verizon
19:17 - Palm introduces Palm Pre Plus: 16GB, coming to Verizon on January 25th
25:24 - Palm gets serious about 3D gaming on webOS
27:57 - Palm swings open doors to App Catalog's innards
30:37 - Rogers and HTC give up: Magic will see Android 2.1, but Dream gets a pass
32:25 - Sony Ericsson's 'Robyn' pops into the limelight -- an X10 mini?
37:50 - Samsung Bada S8200 and Galaxy2 may match Nexus One's specs
40:10 - Parrot AR.Drone hands-on: a quadricopter for the rest of us
41:30 - LG Rumor Touch launches for Sprint
41:40 - LG Lotus Elite hops from a Las Vegas billboard right to Sprint retail
44:00 - Sprint Overdrive 4G mobile hotspot unboxing and hands-on

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Filed under: Handsets, HTC, LG, Motorola, Palm, Announcements, Podcasts

Engadget Mobile Podcast 030: Friday @ CES 2010 - 01.08.2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint Overdrive 4G mobile hotspot unboxing and hands-on

Nilay Patel — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:08:00 EST

We just grabbed a Sprint Overdrive 3G / 4G mobile hotspot and put it through some quick tests. If you're used a MiFi, you know the drill here -- you boot it up, it connects to either WiMAX or EVDO, and broadcasts a WiFi signal for up to five devices. Two things make it far more awesome than a MiFi, however: first, the LCD, which displays the numeric wireless password and data throughput; and second, the bandwidth, which peaked at around 4mbps down over WiMAX here in Vegas. (Uploads were slower at around .8mbps, though.) Yes, we're in love -- we've been testing Clear WiMAX here in Vegas and finding it pretty spotty, so the ability to seamlessly drop down to EVDO on the fly is much appreciated. We're going to throw the Overdrive right into the fire and use it as a part of our mobile CES workflow tomorrow, we'll let you know how it goes.

Gallery: Sprint Overdrive 3G / 4G mobile hotspot unboxing and hands-on

Sprint Overdrive 4G mobile hotspot unboxing and hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint Overdrive hands-on

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

If you were worried that packing WiMAX into a MiFi-like device would end up bloating it by a thousand percent, we're very happy to report that you'd be wrong. The Overdrive's only marginally bigger than a MiFi and takes on a diamond-cut square shape (as opposed to the MiFi's rectangle) while adding a monochrome LCD up front that can be triggered on by touching (but not pressing) the power button. Other than that, you've got a micro-USB port, a microSD slot... and, well, that's about it. For something designed to slide into your pocket, we'd have it no other way.

Gallery: Sprint Overdrive hands-on

Sprint Overdrive hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint Overdrive 3G / 4G router officially announced

Nilay Patel — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:37:00 EST

We saw the Sprint Overdrive 3G / 4G mobile hotspot leak out last week, and now it's official -- Sprint just announced it here at CES. It's pretty much what you'd expect: the Sierra Wireless-built box connects to Sprint's WiMAX network and shares that connection with up to five devices over WiFi -- and if the 4G connection drops, it'll seamlessly switch to EVDO. You're looking at $99 after a $50 rebate with a two year $59/mo service agreement when it goes on sale January 10 at Best Buy and Sprint stores. Looks like the MiFi just got shown up, eh?

Sprint Overdrive 3G / 4G router officially announced originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint Overdrive dual-mode WiMAX / EV-DO mobile hotspot leaks into the wild (update: $50 U301 on contract?)

Nilay Patel — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:32:00 EST

Move over, MiFi -- this Sprint Overdrive dual-mode WiMAX / EV-DO mobile hotspot that just hit our inbox has taken over as our new object of broadband desire. Our tipster says internal training on the Sierra-built device has already begun, and that the unit itself features a microSD slot, support for location services, and has a 100-foot Wi-Fi range -- but sadly we don't have pricing or availability deets to share yet. We're hoping we find out more at CES -- and we'd bet that new dual-mode U301 WiMAX modem that leaked a couple weeks ago makes an appearance as well. Fingers crossed.

Update: The same tipster that sent us the information to start with is back with a few tidbits on the U301. According to the anonymous individual, that USB modem will be launching in February for $49.99 on contract. Also on the horizon? A WiMAX home desktop modem with a special price plan of its own.

Sprint Overdrive dual-mode WiMAX / EV-DO mobile hotspot leaks into the wild (update: $50 U301 on contract?) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATI Radeon HD 5970: world's fastest graphics card confirmed

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:49:00 EST

ATI just announced its latest greatest polygon cruncher on the planet: the previously leaked Radeon HD 5970. The new card card is also one of the first to support Microsoft DirectX 11 and Eyefinity multi-display (driving up to three displays at once for a 7680x1600 maximum resolution) with ripe potential for overclocking thanks to the card's Overdrive technology. Instead of relying upon a single GPU like the already scorching Radeon HD 5870, the 5970 brings a pair of Cypress GPUs linked on a single board by a PCI Express bridge for nearly 5 TeraFLOPS of computer power, or a mind boggling 10 TeraFLOPS when setup in CrossFireX. Naturally, the card's already been put to the test by all the usual benchmarking nerds who praise the card as the undisputed performance leader regardless of game or application. It even manages to keep power consumption in check until you start rolling on the voltage to ramp those clock speeds. As you'd expect then, ATI isn't going to offer any breaks on pricing so you can expect to pay the full $599 suggested retail price when these cards hit shelves today for retail or as part of your new gaming rig bundle.

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming

ATI Radeon HD 5970: world's fastest graphics card confirmed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts

Nilay Patel — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST

It flew under the radar until a quiet leak this morning, but Sony's just announced the Reader Daily Edition, as well as updated Mac-compatible eBook Library 3.0 software and a new library content service. The Reader Daily Edition has a seven-inch touchscreen with 16 levels of gray as well as a AT&T 3G modem, enabling it to pull content wirelessly -- it'll launch in December for $400, and the 3G access will be free, but limited to accessing the Sony eBook store. Yeah, sorry -- no web browser here. We're a little more geeked about the library finder service, which enables you to check out ebooks and other digital content from your local public library on any of the Readers -- for free. The New York Public Library is the flashy public launch partner, but there are "thousands more" looped in through a partnership with Overdrive.com -- check out the huge selection of top-tier content you can get through the Chicago Public Library, for example. Interestingly, the library buys a fixed number of "copies" of each title and "checks out" the licenses, so you're on a time limit -- licenses will revert after 14-29 days depending on your local branch's rules. Yeah, it's a little DRM-y and there's a lot of interesting new media and copyright implications there, but it's still a pretty amazing idea, and it's definitely a major advantage over the Kindle. We're gunning for more info now, we'll let you know as soon as we find out more -- until then, check two more images after the break.

Update: We're told that partnerships with university libraries were "only a matter of time," but sadly there's no timetable for a European launch at the moment.

Read - Sony Reader Daily Edition PR
Read - Overdrive.com partnership PR

Continue reading Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts

Filed under: Handhelds

Sony announces Reader Daily Edition, free library ebook checkouts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electro-Harmonix Overdrive pedal just became a Rock Band 2 necessity

Darren Murph — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:49:00 EST

The avoirdupois of the world rests on your shoulders as you await the mind-numbing riffs of Painkiller. You wonder how you'll prevent yourself from engaging in overdrive prematurely as your locks bang to and fro. Then you look down and see EHX's Overdrive pedal a stone's throw from your left foot. Exhale.

[Via Boing Boing]

Continue reading Electro-Harmonix Overdrive pedal just became a Rock Band 2 necessity

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Electro-Harmonix Overdrive pedal just became a Rock Band 2 necessity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LCD "overdrive" gets explained, lamented

Donald Melanson — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST

There's plenty of well known problems that plague LCD monitors, but the folks at bit-tech.net have set out to bring some attention to one of the decidedly lesser known issues, somewhat deceptively dubbed "overdrive." That is a technique some LCD manufactures use to artificially boost response times by increasing the voltage used to make liquid crystals change state, which does in fact increase the response time, but also has the nasty side effect of input lag and what's known as "inverse ghosting." While both likely go unnoticed by the majority of users, they are each able to be easily demonstrated and, as they say, once you see it, you likely won't be able to unsee it. The good news is that each issue can be easily tested, and Bit-tech commends LG in particular for switching to a new technique known as "Through Mode," that actually increases response time while also eliminating lag. Be sure to hit up the link below for the complete rundown, complete with plenty of helpful pics and videos.

Filed under: Displays, LCD

LCD "overdrive" gets explained, lamented originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LCD "overdrive" gets explained, lamented

Donald Melanson — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Displays

LCD "overdrive" gets explained, lamented originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMD launches "unlocked" Phenom 9600 Black Edition CPU

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:41:00 EST

The fury has really been unleashed over at AMD, as the cats in 2nd place take aim at the pocketbooks lowdown, dirty overclockers. Feeling like getting into it? Then you'll probably want to get your hands on the extra-special Phenom 9600 "Black Edition" quad-core processor, which allows brave souls to tweak (i.e., overclock) to their hearts content by utilizing the company's OverDrive utility. It's not all rainbows and unicorns, however, as these chips apparently contain a bug which under extreme conditions can cause the CPUs to perform in a less than stellar manner. AMD says that it hasn't witnessed any of its production installations exhibit the errata, and that only its internal stress-tests have pushed the processor into the danger zone (cue Loggins). If you're really concerned, a BIOS patch will circumvent the issue, but may suck away 20-percent of your delicious speed. The choice is yours.

[Via TG Daily]

Filed under: Desktops

AMD launches "unlocked" Phenom 9600 Black Edition CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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