Engadget

Nintendo puts 3DS in the Louvre, France remains generally indifferent

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST

Sharing a birthplace with Arséne Wenger, Jean-Paul Satre and Jules Verne, the Louvre is France's most prized national treasure. In partnership with Nintendo, the museum finally replaced those cumbersome handheld guides with 3DS units a fortnight after the anticipated March launch. The consoles will provide a variety of tours, offering detailed lectures around the entire museum, or the Cliff's Notes edition for the lazy connoisseur. Shigeru Miyamoto popped up to demonstrate that you can examine HD snaps and 3D images of the sculptures on show, just in case looking up and seeing it in the ~~flesh~~ stone would be too traumatic.

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Nintendo puts 3DS in the Louvre, France remains generally indifferent originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shigeru Miyamoto admits he's a fan of Angry Birds, just like the rest of us

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:19:00 EST

Mario and Zelda (amongst others) creator Shigeru Miyamoto was in Paris to promote the launch of the Nintendo 3DS as a guide in the Louvre. While company executives have previously dismissed and decried smartphone gaming, Miyamoto was asked about his favorite non-Nintendo game and for the first time, admitted that Angry Birds is his favorite. He said that he can tell Rovio is "having fun developing the game" and that it has a "very creative side," that was "inspiring us to try even harder, and create even more unexpected new things." Except for those moments when he steps into the hallway for a spot of pig-smashing, as you do.

Shigeru Miyamoto admits he's a fan of Angry Birds, just like the rest of us originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo brings Mobiclip on board to help with Wii U development

Amar Toor — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:44:00 EST

Nintendo beefed up its proprietary arsenal yesterday, with the acquisition of Mobiclip -- a Paris-based video codec provider. As Gamasutra reports, the deal was actually finalized back in October, but only became public this week, when Mobiclip confirmed its new ownership on its website. The company already has a history with Nintendo, having lent a hand with video rendering and playback on the DS and Game Boy Advance. Now that it's officially under its wing, Mobiclip will reportedly collaborate with Nintendo on its forthcoming Wii U, as suggested by a recently posted job listing for a "console software engineer."

Nintendo brings Mobiclip on board to help with Wii U development originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS tour guides might make the Mona Lisa less underwhelming

Amar Toor — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST

Other than wine, cheese and overwhelming apathy, the Louvre stands alone as France's most prized national treasure. It's enormous, it's teeming with art, and it's really old. Starting in March, though, the museum will get an infusion of comparatively new technology, thanks to the Nintendo 3DS. As the AFP reports, Nintendo has agreed to provide the Louvre with some 5,000 pocket consoles, to be offered as digital tour guides for museum patrons. With these devices tucked securely inside their fanny packs, wandering tourists will be able to pinpoint their location within the museum, select themed itineraries, and listen to audio commentary available in seven different languages. The consoles will eventually replace the museum's more traditional audio guides, as part of a wider campaign to bring 21st century technology to the Louvre's 12th century confines. "We are the first museum in the world to do this," Agnes Alfandari, the Louvre's head of multimedia, told the AFP, adding that a slate of dedicated smartphone and tablet apps is also in the works.

[Image courtesy of TrendHunter]

Nintendo 3DS tour guides might make the Mona Lisa less underwhelming originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung looks to block iPhone 4S sales in France, Italy

Amar Toor — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:41:00 EST

Not exactly a shocking development here, but Samsung has just announced that it's looking to block sales of the iPhone 4S throughout France and Italy, opening up yet another frontier in its ongoing patent war with Apple. In a statement, the company confirmed that it will file two preliminary injunction requests in Paris and Milan today, on the grounds that Cupertino's new handset infringes upon two patents related to WCDMA standards for 3G-enabled devices. And it looks like this could only the beginning, with the manufacturer stating that it plans to pursue similar actions in other countries, as well. "Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free ride on our technology," reads Samsung's statement. "We believe it is now necessary to take legal action to protect our innovation." Apple has yet to comment on the filings, but we'll be following the drama very closely.

Samsung looks to block iPhone 4S sales in France, Italy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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French court reverses DS flash cart ruling, Nintendo smiles

Amar Toor — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:13:00 EST

Nearly two years ago, a French court dismissed a lawsuit that Nintendo filed against a group of vendors accused of illegally selling DS flash carts. At the time, the game-maker argued that sales of the cartridges should be halted on the grounds that they could be used to illegally pirate software, but the presiding judge thought differently, countering that the R4-like devices could be used to develop homebrews or other DIY projects. Last week, however, the Paris Court of Appeals overturned the ruling, in a decision that Nintendo has met with understandable delight. In a statement released today, the company confirmed that Divineo SARL and five other flash cart retailers must pay a total of €460,000 in criminal fines, along with €4.8 million in damages to Nintendo, as ordered by the appeals court. Details behind the ruling remain vague, though Nintendo hailed it as a "strong message to French companies... that such activities are illegal and will not be tolerated," and that convicted vendors will "risk prison terms, face substantial fines and obligations to pay damages." Sail past the break to read Nintendo's statement, in full.

Continue reading French court reverses DS flash cart ruling, Nintendo smiles

French court reverses DS flash cart ruling, Nintendo smiles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Waste Landscape installation reminds us why CDs weren't that great (video)

Amar Toor — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:11:00 EST

For most people, the term "waste landscape" may evoke images of desolate industrial zones, toxic sewage leaks, or Phish concerts. But architect Clémence Eliard and artist Elise Morin took a slightly more digital approach to the concept, constructing their undulating Waste Landscape installation from 65,000 unsold (and unwanted) CDs. To do this, the pair sewed the discs together by hand, before blanketing them over dune-like wire constructions inside the Centquatre -- a Parisian art space that, appropriately enough, was once a funeral home. The result is an array of sloping, shimmering hills that emerge from the floor like disco ball pimples, creating a space that the artists not-so subtly compare to an oil spill. It's a pretty sobering reminder of the environmental fingerprint archaic technologies can leave behind, but Eliard and Morin's story has a happy ending. When the exhibit comes to a close, every single CD will be recycled into polycarbonate. Spin past the break to see a video that'll make you wanna give your iPod a hug.

Continue reading Waste Landscape installation reminds us why CDs weren't that great (video)

Waste Landscape installation reminds us why CDs weren't that great (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gresso flaunts $30,000 white iPhone 4, holds more ice than a skating rink

Billy Steele — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:45:00 EST

Sure, you probably waited longer than you should have to get the elusive white iPhone 4. But, you know what's better than a boring regular model? One with diamonds, crystals and pearls... of course! Known for its ridiculous custom mobile devices, Gresso may force you to refinance your house and hock a kidney to afford its latest creation, the Lady Blanche. A solid diamond-coated mineral glass backing, three independent Swiss clocks and pearl dials replace the usual body on this iced-out iPhone. If the $30k diamond model is a bit out of your price range, the much more affordable Swarovski crystal version will only set you back 7,000 bones. Release details are unclear at this point, but when they drop you better act fast -- only 150 of these gems will be available. Heck, if you have that kind of cash lying around, just get the salesman to throw in one of these for your iPad, too.

Gresso flaunts $30,000 white iPhone 4, holds more ice than a skating rink originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google to face €295 million French lawsuit over alleged anti-competitive practices

Amar Toor — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:33:00 EST

Google's legal woes are piling up in a hurry. French search engine 1PlusV is suing El Goog over alleged anti-competitive practices, less than a week after the Federal Trade Commission opened a formal inquiry into similar accusations levied stateside. The suit, set to be filed in a Paris court this week, claims that Google uses its market dominance to bury rival search results while unfairly promoting those for its own services. According to 1PlusV, Google "black-listed" 30 of its vertical search engines between 2007 and 2010, making it difficult for the firm to compete. The company is also complaining about having to adopt Mountain View's technology in order to use AdSense and, in total, is seeking €295 million (about $418 million) in damages -- the largest damage claim Google has ever faced in Europe. 1PlusV operates the legal search group EJustice.fr and, along with Microsoft, helped spur an EU antitrust probe against Google last year. The company says its forthcoming lawsuit represents the "logical" next step in its ongoing antitrust crusade, while Google issued a brief statement, saying it "look[s] forward to explaining this."

Google to face €295 million French lawsuit over alleged anti-competitive practices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D-Dalus aircraft lacks fixed-wing or rotor, looks like flying steamroller

Zach Honig — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:02:00 EST

Every other year, aviation fanatics gather in the city of baguettes and burlesque to order airplanes, gawk at concept vehicles, and dream about a better future. The D-Dalus, one of the more bizarre concepts at this year's Paris Air Show, from Austrian research company IAT21, stays aloft using quad contra-rotating cylindrical turbines -- and perhaps a touch of magic. Theoretically creating a completely new category of aircraft, the carbon fiber D-Dalus maneuvers by altering the angle of its blades, giving it virtually limitless abilities to launch, hover, and turn in any direction. An aircraft with this level of flexibility is more suited for military use than consumer applications (you won't be flying home from Paris in a freakish black tube), but could become a key asset for everything from freight transport to search and rescue operations -- on land, at sea, or even in a burning building. We haven't come across any proof that the Dalus can actually fly, but hit up the source link to see the craft suspended from the show floor ceiling in Paris.

D-Dalus aircraft lacks fixed-wing or rotor, looks like flying steamroller originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe's first solar powered train tunnel goes live on Belgian high-speed line (video)

Amar Toor — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:41:00 EST

The train ride from Paris to Amsterdam may not be the most scenic of European railway routes, but it's the only one capable of harnessing the awesome power of the Sun -- for two miles, at least. Yesterday, engineers in Belgium officially switched on Europe's first solar-powered train tunnel, spanning a 2.1-mile stretch of the rail line connecting the City of Lights to Mokum. The installation's 16,000 solar panels will be used to provide 50 percent of the energy needed to power nearby Antwerp Central Station and to provide extra juice for both high-speed and traditional trains. Originally developed to help protect travelers from falling trees in an ancient forest, the project is expected to produce up to ~~3.3MWh~~ 3,300 megawatts hours per year, while decreasing annual CO2 emissions by about 2,400 tons. Speed past the break for some aerial footage of the artery, along with a brief PR from Enfinity -- the Belgian renewable energy company that helped bring it to life.

Update: According to the AFP, the tunnel will produce 3,300 megawatts hours per year.

Continue reading Europe's first solar powered train tunnel goes live on Belgian high-speed line (video)

Europe's first solar powered train tunnel goes live on Belgian high-speed line (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos puttin' on the Ritz for its Generation 9 Honeycomb tablets, coming June 23

Amar Toor — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:37:00 EST

We were expecting some news out Archos this month and sure enough, here it is. The company has just announced that it will unveil its new Generation 9 Honeycomb tablets at a Paris event, on June 23rd. The company's third Android slate, as you may recall, was originally expected to launch at September's IFA trade show, but that date was later pushed up -- meaning we'll be able to catch a glimpse of its shiny 1.6GHz ARM A9 dual-core chip and so-called "revolutionary" 3G modem in just a few weeks. Archos certainly seems to have high expectations for the device, as well, having scheduled its debut at no less a prestigious venue than the Ritz Hotel. We'll be there (in our finest threads) to cover the event as it unfolds.

[Thanks, Marien]

Archos puttin' on the Ritz for its Generation 9 Honeycomb tablets, coming June 23 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxury game controller is hand assembled in Paris, overkill everywhere else

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:54:00 EST

Feeling ostentatious, are we? This luxury game controller (yes, you read that right) is hand assembled in a Parisian workshop and features a lacquered oak wood joystick, ostrich leather covering, and electronics courtesy of Sanwa. We have no idea how much this will cost (and we're quite frankly afraid to ask) although we should know when this becomes available on the 18th of this month. Compatible with the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, it's being brought to the world by a French company called Hoon. Hit the source link to start wasting money.

Luxury game controller is hand assembled in Paris, overkill everywhere else originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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City of Lights becomes City of Openness as ParisData goes live

Tim Stevens — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:06:00 EST

Paris is a city of many things, things like great wine, sweet romance, and towers that looked much bigger in pictures. Now it's also a city of open data. ParisData has launched, home to the "open data policy of the City of Paris." Here you'll find reams and reams of bits and bytes from the city's various municipal organizations, all released in the "spirit of transparency and open innovation." All is licensed ODbL, which is free to share and adapt so long as it stays open and stays attributed. What sort of data is there? Not an awful lot at this point, if we're honest, a few random lists of names and some other files, all quite naturally in French. But, we did find an interesting map listing locations of public parks and sidewalks, which René-Luc D'Hont used to create the mash-up above. We don't really understand all of it, but we're thinking the dark green dots are cafes and the lighter green bits no-smoking areas.

City of Lights becomes City of Openness as ParisData goes live originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brits launch paper plane into space, show depth of their national debt

Vlad Savov — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:54:00 EST

It used to be that British engineering enthusiasts would send entire cars up into space, but not in today's age of austerity. No sir, all you're getting this time is a paper plane. A trio of amateur space junkies has successfully lifted and released a paper glider from a height of 90,000 feet, earning itself the glory of being the first to ever conceive of and execute the feat. It took them a year to perfect the vessel, named the Vulture 1, and they used a helium balloon to get it to the requisite height before achieving a relatively bump-free landing 23 miles from the launch site. The whole thing has produced some pretty nice imagery, which you may check out at the source link below, and some inevitable gloating from the Reg crew, who were behind the whole thing and can also be found in the More Coverage section.

Brits launch paper plane into space, show depth of their national debt originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wasted heat from Metro stations to heat apartment building in Paris

Laura June — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:22:00 EST

Close to the Centre Georges Pompidou on the Rue Beauborg, Paris Habitats renovating a residential building in an environmentally friendly manner, and it's including some pretty out of the ordinary heating methods in it. The old building has a staircase which connects to the Metro station beneath it, thus making it cost effective to build the system, which will produce heat from the bodies of the people and trains moving below, and will be used in conjunction with a traditional heating system. It is thought that it will be able to cut carbon dioxide emissions by one third when the building is completed. The project is set to get underway next year.

Wasted heat from Metro stations to heat apartment building in Paris originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UC San Diego researchers repurpose 3D HDTV for heads-up VR system

Donald Melanson — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:28:00 EST

Off the shelf 3D HDTVs may still be a bit expensive from a consumer's point of view, but they're a downright bargain compared to the usual high-end virtual reality gear. This gave some researchers at UC San Diego a bright idea: they've paired a $2,300 Samsung 3D TV with a half-silvered mirror and a touch-feedback controller for a haptic-enabled heads-up virtual reality system (or HUVR) that costs just $7,000 (without head tracking). What's more, they say their system actually outperforms the PARIS HUVR system developed twelve years ago (and still in use), which cost a full $100,000. Head on past the break for a quick video of the rig in action.

[Thanks, Chase]

Continue reading UC San Diego researchers repurpose 3D HDTV for heads-up VR system

UC San Diego researchers repurpose 3D HDTV for heads-up VR system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First full-face transplant completed in France: tear ducts, eyelids, and all

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:52:00 EST

While the idea of transplanting an entire face from a corpse -- including the eyelids, tear ducts, and mouth -- might seem, well, gross, you probably don't suffer from a face deforming genetic disorder. For the 35-year-old patient "Jerome," it's a technical miracle. The successful operation, carried out by Laurent Lantieri, is a claimed world's first and was completed just a few weeks ago at the Creteil Henri-Mondor hospital outside of Paris. According to local newspaper reports, the patient, who had been waiting two years for the surgery, gave an enthusiastic "thumbs up" when he first saw his new face in the mirror. Naturally, the operation also reconnects nerves and blood vessels using a microscope -- in fact, the patient's beard has even started to grow in. God complex, deserved, Dr. Lantieri.

P.S. That image above is not from the surgery. We said it was performed France, not Brazil.

First full-face transplant completed in France: tear ducts, eyelids, and all originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Engadget Show: Inside chiptunes and 8-bit visuals

Chad Mumm — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:34:00 EST

Greetings humans! If you've seen The Engadget Show, then you've been privy to some pretty incredible performances by a group of musicians and artists who eschew familiar instruments in exchange for hacked and modded handheld gaming devices. We grabbed our cameras and got a brief look at the history of the chiptunes movement, the difference between Game Boy music and music from Game Boys, and most importantly, how these artists and visualists make it all happen. Kick back and take a look at the segment (featuring the likes of Glomag, Paris, and Outpt) -- you'll be glad you did!

Special guests: Glomag, Paris, and Outpt
Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm
Executive Producer: Joshua Fruhlinger
Edited by: Michael Slavens
Opening titles by: Julien Nantiec

Download the Show: The Engadget Show Segment - 005 (HD) / The Engadget Show Segment - 005 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted)

Subscribe to the Show:

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The Engadget Show: Inside chiptunes and 8-bit visuals originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's Windows Cafe opens its doors in Paris

Donald Melanson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:16:00 EST

Japan may be home to the Windows 7 Whopper, and the US has the less edible contents of the very first Microsoft Store, but it looks like Paris may be the real place to be for out and about Windows fans, as it can now claim the only Windows Cafe in the world as its own alongside all those other little tourist attractions you might be interested in. Better still, it looks like the cafe serves up at least as many types of drinks as Windows editions, and there's some WiFi available for those looking for a place to loiter around. Hit up the link below for a peek inside courtesy of Le Journal du Geek.

[Thanks, Anh]

Filed under: Desktops, Misc. Gadgets, Laptops, Software

Microsoft's Windows Cafe opens its doors in Paris originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft opening café in Paris to build excitement for Windows 7

Laura June — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:36:00 EST

You know what the French love? Cafés. They love them so much, apparently, that Microsoft has decided to open one in the heart of Paris to drum up excitement about Windows 7. The Windows café will serve coffee and pastries (it is a café, after all), and will also have Microsoft products -- such as the Xbox -- on hand for customers to play with, but it won't actually sell any Microsoft wares. The shop, which is currently being built at 47 Boulevard Sebastopol, will be open from October 22nd onward, so if you're in the area you should check it out before it's gone for good -- we hear it'll only be there for a few short weeks. Finally, a reason to go to Paris!

Filed under: Software

Microsoft opening café in Paris to build excitement for Windows 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android-based Archos 5-inch Internet Tablet coming September 15 with (you guessed it) an AppsLib store

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:47:00 EST

See that? It's an Android-green invitation to the unveil of the 5-inch Archos Internet Media Tablet. The September 15th date isn't new (it was announced back in June) but it's still good to see things moving ahead as planned. To whet the appetites of would-be developers, Archos has also announced its AppsLib application store for "advanced Android devices." The development guidelines, however, describe just a single, 5-inch 800x480 pixel device with accelerometer, OpenGL 3D graphics support, and HDMI output pushing an oddball 1160x652 pixel resolution to your TV. Right, specs already rumored for the Archos tablet. While not mentioned, we still expect all the other details -- 500GB storage, 10-mm thickness, 7-hours of battery when playing video, voice and HSUPA data radio, and OMAP3440 processor -- unexpectedly announced (by TI!) for the tablet way back in February to be in place when this thing gets live in Paris next month.

[Via Pocketables]

Filed under: Handhelds, Tablet PCs

Android-based Archos 5-inch Internet Tablet coming September 15 with (you guessed it) an AppsLib store originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adamo redux: Dell teases new thin-and-light laptops in Paris with no specs

Nilay Patel — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:19:00 EST

See that? That's Dell's Phil Bryant and Michael Tatelman briefly displaying what they described as an "entirely new model line" of thin-and-light laptops without any further comment at an event in Paris this morning. If that sounds like a replay of the poorly-received Adamo teaser at CES with old dudes instead of models, well, you're right -- Tatelman even referenced the negative Adamo reaction but said "we're going to try this again." Good plan. At least this time we don't have to wildly guess at what we're seeing: we're almost positive that's a pair of those Intel CULV-based ultraportables rumored to be released in August, and unless Dell's foolishly keeping with the Adamo theme, we'd assume specs and prices will match up with Acer's Timeline series. Keep a sharp eye, we'll let you know.

Filed under: Laptops

Adamo redux: Dell teases new thin-and-light laptops in Paris with no specs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's P10 (Paris) gets another hands-on, full-blown review

Darren Murph — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:23:00 EST

We know it's the season for giving and all, but you're probably ready to stop being handed all these postmortem looks at Sony Ericsson's P10 (Paris). The UIQ-based handset, which was inexplicably canned earlier this year, was recently acquired and handled by the SE lovers over at SEMC Blog. As with most everyone else that has been fortunate enough to play with this here slider, these critics also couldn't figure out why the firm didn't forge ahead with production. Of course, it could just be the sentimental factor making the phone feel a bit more awesome than it actually is, but even with a bit of bias taken into account, it still seems like a winner. Too bad the powers that be deemed it a loser. Check the read link if you're okay with one last shower of tears.

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA

Sony Ericsson's P10 (Paris) gets another hands-on, full-blown review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's Paris gets another postmortem tease

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:11:00 EST

Love UIQ? Well, bless your heart; we're sorry for your recent loss. We're also sorry that you have to see this, the best picture gallery we've seen yet of Sony Ericsson's doomed Paris -- a phone that would've undoubtedly been the ultimate execution of UIQ and the very top model in the company's line (X1 possibly excepted, depending on your point of view) had it not been unceremoniously cut down before its prime. We take some comfort in knowing that enough prototypes made it out into the wild for high-quality pictures to show up, but for most of us, this is as close as we're ever going to get.

[Via Slashphone]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Sony Ericsson's Paris gets another postmortem tease originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's axed Paris gets video review: here's to what could've been

Darren Murph — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:26:00 EST

Sony Ericsson sure knows how to toy with the heartstrings -- 'course, one could argue that it's our own fault for delving beneath the surface and learning far too much about a handset that was never assured of a public release, but whatever. The Paris, or P5, or the one that got away has been reviewed in a two-part video series over at UIQ Blog, and while the handset used was indeed a prototype, it's pretty much the most finalized version anyone ever saw. We wouldn't dare spoil anything in case you just can't take anymore positive press about a phone you'll never be able to own, but those with hardened hearts can hit the read link and mash play (twice).

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA

Sony Ericsson's axed Paris gets video review: here's to what could've been originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New photos emerge of Sony Ericsson Paris, Twilight Zone theme heard in the distance

Darren Murph — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:19:00 EST

Last we heard, Sony Ericsson was planning to hold a memorial service for the untimely death of the so-called Paris smartphone. Now, however, we're being treated to a new smorgasbord of photos and a woefully small amount of details, leaving us to wonder if these are shots of an exhumed handset or images foreshadowing a revival. Comically enough, we've seen both scenarios from SE before; the former with the still-dead W707 Alicia and the latter with the now-kicking W595s. We'll remain cautiously pessimistic for the time being, but we won't completely discount the power of good fortune.

[Thanks, Daniel]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA

New photos emerge of Sony Ericsson Paris, Twilight Zone theme heard in the distance originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson deep-sixes Paris and G702?

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:29:00 EST

Yeah, the just-announced C905 plugs a gaping hole in the high end, but Sony Ericsson's in desperate need of as many smartphones as it can get its hands on right now -- and a smartphone is one thing the C905 is not. The flagship P1i isn't getting any younger, neither the G700 nor G900 are inspiring a lot of emotion, and the M610i (which wasn't particularly fascinating to begin with) was canceled before it ever hit the market. Could the Paris -- or P5, or P10, or whatever it's called -- and the G702 BeiBei have met the same fate? That's what the Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog is claiming, suggesting that intense criticism from sites that got early peeks at the devices let to their untimely demise while leaving the window open for a possible limited release in Asia (not unlike the Motorola MPx, if our memories serve us correctly). The way we see it, Sony Ericsson's just a little too oblivious to be that responsive to the user community (case in point: M2 cards), so we're more keen to chalk it up to technical glitches or a homegrown realization that the devices just weren't what the market needed. By the same token, it seems like they can't afford to throw these efforts out the door altogether; it'd put them hopelessly far behind the competition in the smartphone arena, so hopefully they're just retooling and learning some lessons as they go.

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Sony Ericsson deep-sixes Paris and G702? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's Paris phone gets demoed in video

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:41:00 EST

If you just can't get enough news about Sony Ericsson's forthcoming Symbian UIQ touchscreen phone -- currently known as Paris -- perhaps this promo video of the thing in action can help. Sure, these appears to be pre-renders, but it does whet the appetite for things to come with the device, and who can complain about that pop-up weather app and confirmation that this will have a flash for its camera? Also, the dude in the clip sports a totally stylish cardigan. Watch the whole thing after the break and see for yourself.

[Via PHONE Magazine]

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's Paris phone gets demoed in video

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian

Sony Ericsson's Paris phone gets demoed in video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 May 2008 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's Paris phone gets demoed in video

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:41:00 EST

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's Paris phone gets demoed in video

Filed under: Cellphones

Sony Ericsson's Paris phone gets demoed in video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 May 2008 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early look at Sony Ericsson Paris: it's basically a G900

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:53:00 EST

Those looking for a smartphone revolution on the wings of Sony Ericsson's forthcoming Paris (or whatever the heck it's called) need look no further than another model already in the company's stable: the touchscreen-equipped G900. At least that's the intel we're getting from mobile-review, a site renowned for its uncanny ability to get access to pretty much any device it chooses well ahead of release -- and often before announcement. Software builds and hardware specs in current prototypes of the Paris floating around are apparently dead ringers for the aforementioned G900, save for the obvious form factor change, rocker style QWERTY keypad, and integrated GPS. Those changes that will allegedly see the Paris get a €50 premium over its little brother for a grand total of €400 (about $628) when it launches in September; in the meantime, there's some screen shot entertainment in mobile-review's quick take, and given the overwhelming leakiness of this thing so far, we imagine there's plenty more where that came from before it ships.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Early look at Sony Ericsson Paris: it's basically a G900 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 May 2008 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not the P5, it's not the Paris, it's the Sony Ericsson P200

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 25 May 2008 09:59:00 EST

The so-called Paris halo phone from Sony Ericsson has been rumored as a successor to the P1 seemingly since before the P1 even existed, promising a sliding QWERTY rocker keypad, HSDPA, serious shooting power, and a fashion sense that should let it fit in both in social and corporate settings with equal aplomb. It's a minor detail, granted, but now it looks like we know what to call it: P200. That's the official model number being floated by a leaked profile document on Sony Ericsson's site, though the mention of mere QVGA resolution to fill the rumored 2.6-inch display is a pretty big downer. With high-res displays finally becoming a big deal in smartphones this year, we can imagine a decent number of shoppers passing over this one thanks to that little indiscretion alone. Last chance to send this one back to the drawing board and swap out the display, guys!

[Via Cellpassion]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian

It's not the P5, it's not the Paris, it's the Sony Ericsson P200 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 May 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's P5 Paris gets specs, strikes another pose

Sean Cooper — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:42:00 EST

It seems the masses have abandoned the need to take blurry prototype shots, as the pics we're seeing of the Paris are all crystal clear. The device is touted -- by a forum user, so take it with a healthy dose of salt -- as having A-GPS,a 5 megapixel camera, 2.6-inch display, Google Maps, rocker QWERTY keypad, and a very vanilla design aesthetic. The forum user who took the pics, gliatiotis, also chimes in that he was pretty humdrum about the handset, with the major complaint being that the hardware isn't advancing in this line. The drums seem to be beating louder each day on this phone, so we're hoping release to the masses might be just around the corner. Follow the link to get at a pile more pics.

[Via SlashPhone]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Sony Ericsson's P5 Paris gets specs, strikes another pose originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 May 2008 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live shots of Sony Ericsson's Paris surface, Mr. Blur mysteriously absent

Darren Murph — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:00 EST

Enough of these overly pixelated, totally fuzzed-out captures of something supposed to Sony Ericsson's Paris -- we're looking at the real deal now. This definitely sexy slider has somehow fell in front of someone without hands a-shakin', and a smattering of distinct images are waiting just below in the read link. If you just like to be teased, the snapshots show a 5.0-megapixel camera and confirm that the keypad touts a two-character-per-button layout similar to the P1 -- but really, there's nothing like seeing it for yourself.

[Thanks, Kevin]

Filed under: Cellphones

Live shots of Sony Ericsson's Paris surface, Mr. Blur mysteriously absent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live shots of Sony Ericsson's Paris surface, Mr. Blur mysteriously absent

Darren Murph — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson

Live shots of Sony Ericsson's Paris surface, Mr. Blur mysteriously absent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 May 2008 23:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yet another convincing Sony Ericsson Paris pic -- open, this time

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:03:00 EST

Man, if this phone turns out to be real, we can only imagine the cringes on the faces of Sony Ericsson execs knowing that its precious new UIQ superphone is in the process of being scooped in the most excruciatingly long, drawn-out process imaginable. The "Paris" is making yet another appearance over on se-nse, this time slid open to reveal a sliver of its QWERTY keyboard. It uses the same operating principle as the P1 and the M600, with two letters assigned to each side of each button; on the Paris, the buttons appear to be half black and half white. Could be hot, could be shockingly ugly, but we really won't know until Sony Ericsson's willing to either debunk this whole charade or give us some actual press shots.

Update: Yep, they're all black; light is reflecting off one side of the concave buttons. How boring!

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Yet another convincing Sony Ericsson Paris pic -- open, this time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another shot of Sony Ericsson's Paris?

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:59:00 EST

Okay, seriously, Sony Ericsson, it seems pretty clear-cut that your closely held secrets have leaked out into the public domain here -- either that, or there's a pretty extensive conspiracy in the user community to fleece everyone with similar-looking fake shots -- and either way, it's about time you step forward and clear the air. This here is the latest shot of the so-called Paris that's floating around the interwebs, and while the screen looks more fake than ever, the phone itself matches up nicely with what we've seen before. With UIQ 3.3 in the cards, this could be the phone that finally takes the "other" Symbian platform from niche to glamor and glory, but only if the mothership can get it released in a timely fashion. That's you, Sony Ericsson, so get to it.

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian

Another shot of Sony Ericsson's Paris? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Specs revealed of the real (or fake) Sony Ericsson "Paris"

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:41:00 EST

se-nse is spilling some more beans on its supposed leak of the P5 "Paris" smartphone, and put simply, UIQ fans are (or should be) salivating uncontrollably right now. And when we say "salivating uncontrollably," we mean like to the point that they're unable to present themselves in social situations because there's just this really disgusting stream of spittle constantly flowing out of their mouths. Got that visual? Okay, now check it: the blog is reporting that the Paris will sport a touchscreen display (capacitive, it seems), a semi-QWERTY keypad in the same vein as the M600 and P1, WiFi, 3G (maybe in a global flavor for once?), GPS, and preinstalled Google Maps, all sitting atop UIQ 3.3. If this is real, it gives the XPERIA X1 a nice little run for its money atop the Sony Ericsson food chain, does it not?

[Via Slashphone]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Specs revealed of the real (or fake) Sony Ericsson "Paris" originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this Sony Ericsson's P5 or "Paris"?

Sean Cooper — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:49:00 EST

Ahhh, Sony Ericsson rumors begin to swirl just as CTIA is getting set to close up shop for another year, and if you believe 'em, the P5 or "Paris" is just around the corner. We have to admit, while pretty, the pic of this little slider does look a bit sketchy -- specially the screen -- but we've heard rumblings about similar sets for long enough we can at least take a moment to hope. Apparently featuring UIQ 3.3, the P5 is rumored to be set for official launch in May with release date set for fall. Of course, Sony Ericsson is well known for slipping the dates in a big way, so we'll just lay back and wait to see what's what.

[Thanks, Kevin and Kaloyan]

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson

Is this Sony Ericsson's P5 or "Paris"? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's "BeiBei" to be unveiled Wednesday?

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:55:00 EST

The Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog is reporting that Sony Ericsson's rather stellar showing at Mobile World Congress isn't quite over yet. As you might recall, the joint venture owns UIQ, so it would make some good sense that it'd save a couple surprises for UIQ's MWC press conference, which doesn't go down until the tail end of the show on Wednesday. One of those surprises might just be this, a UIQ-powered candybar going by the codename "BeiBei" that features a dizzying (and frankly, nonsensical) array of navigation buttons and a fairly buttoned-up appearance that should appeal to businessfolk. Another possible UIQ debut is said to be "Paris," a higher end device. If this all pans out, it was rather brilliant of Sony Ericsson to let the X1 fervor calm down before launching another volley, wasn't it?

Filed under: Handsets, Sony Ericsson, Symbian

Sony Ericsson's "BeiBei" to be unveiled Wednesday? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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