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[Intel posts x86-friendly Android 4.0 image, lets you feel the need for speed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/intel-posts-x86-friendly-android-4-0-image/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/intel-posts-x86-friendly-android-4-0-image/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/intel-posts-x86-friendly-android-4-0-image/#comments Image

Android developers are all too familiar with not-so-hot emulator performance, so it's a relief that there's now an system image in a native x86 for testing. While you'll still likely want to test on ARM, the x86 image will both help ferret out bugs specific to Intel's architecture as well as provide a much faster experience debugging apps now that the ARM-to-Intel translation isn't needed on top of running a whole second operating system. It's not perfectly up to date, running on Android 4.0.3, but it's close enough that the environment will mimic much of what users see -- and a big help if you're jumping into writing specifically for Intel devices. If speed is of the essence, or you're not keen on importing a Lava Xolo X900, you just need to update the SDK Manager to start testing with an Intel-flavored green robot.

Intel posts x86-friendly Android 4.0 image, lets you feel the need for speed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid sdkAndroidSdkarmatomcellphonecellphonesemulatorimageintellavalava xolo x900LavaXoloX900medfieldmobilepostcrosssdksoftware developer kitSoftwareDeveloperKitsystem imageSystemImagetablettablet pctablet pcsTabletPcTabletPcstabletsx86x900xoloxolo x900XoloX900Thu, 24 May 2012 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Meta Watch announces new dev kit with added iOS support, Bluetooth 4.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/meta-watch-ios-bluetooth-4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/meta-watch-ios-bluetooth-4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/meta-watch-ios-bluetooth-4/#comments Image

Can't wait for the Pebble E-Paper Watch to ship this fall? The Meta Watch developer system that we first saw last year just got a major upgrade, and could serve as an acceptable stand-in for now, with the arrival of both iOS support and Bluetooth 4.0 to the $199 connected wearable. The device includes a 96 x 96-pixel sunlight-viewable LCD, six programmable buttons, an accelerometer, vibrating motor, ambient light sensor and a black or white strap. The developer platform Meta Watch is available through Texas Instruments now for $199. Hit up the source link after the break to make it your own.

Meta Watch announces new dev kit with added iOS support, Bluetooth 4.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 4.0bluetooth watchBluetooth4.0BluetoothWatchdevdeveloperdevelopersmeta watchMetaWatchminipostsdksmartphonessmatphonetabletsTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentsTIwatchwatchesTue, 22 May 2012 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Windows SDK reaches v1.5, now works when you're sitting down]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/kinect-for-windows-v1-5/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/kinect-for-windows-v1-5/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/kinect-for-windows-v1-5/#comments Image

Microsoft is busting out version 1.5 of its Kinect for Windows runtime and SDK that includes a raft of new features for the Xbox-lacking hoi polli. The update includes 10-joint skeletal tracking that'll work even when seated, face following capabilities and joint orientation -- the latter enabling it to predict how your body will move for greater accuracy. It's also gaining four extra languages for speech recognition: French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese, not to mention Kinect Studio, which will help developers record and play back your movements to fine-tune their applications. In addition, Redmond is offering language packs to ensure the sensor will play harmoniously with your local dialect, cobber.

Kinect for Windows SDK reaches v1.5, now works when you're sitting down originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CameraCraig EislerCraigEislerDevelopersKinectKinect for WindowsKinect for Windows 1.5Kinect for Windows runtimeKinect SDKKinect StudioKinectForWindowsKinectForWindows1.5KinectForWindowsRuntimeKinectSdkKinectStudioMicrosoftRedmondSDKSkeletal TrackingSkeletalTrackingSoftwareWindowsMon, 21 May 2012 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/leap-motion-3d-motion-and-gesture-control/#comments Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game

In many respects, Microsoft has led the charge towards a future of gesture-based controls with its Kinect, and other tech giants like Samsung and Apple are getting in on the action, too. The move to motion controls isn't limited to the big boys, however. Leap Motion has created a new device, called the Leap, it claims is 200 times more accurate than existing technology and will take gesture controls to the next level.

It's about the size of a pack of gum, and once connected to your computer via USB, it creates a eight-cubic-foot virtual workspace. Within that area, it tracks all ten of your fingers simultaneously to within 1/100 of a millimeter -- that level of accuracy allows for rudimentary gestures like pinch-to-zoom and more complex actions like manipulating 3D-rendered objects. Naturally, the company isn't telling much about the black magic making it happen, but Leap Motion claims that its software can be embedded in almost anything with an onboard computer, from phones to refrigerators. Users can customize it to suit their needs with custom gestures and sensitivity settings, in addition to chaining multiple Leap devices together to create a larger workspace. Plus, Leap Motion has created an SDK for devs to create Leap-compatible applications and an app discovery platform to distribute them to others. That means the Leap can work in a variety of use cases, from simply navigating your desktop to gaming and computer-aided design. The best part? Leap brings you this next-gen UX for a mere $69.99, and a select few can pre-order them now, with the full roll-out coming this winter. Full details follow in the PR below, and you can see the Leap in action in the videos after the break.

Continue reading Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game

Leap Motion reveals super-accurate motion control tech, $70 device to change the UI game originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d gesture control3dGestureControlgesture controlgesture controlsGestureControlGestureControlsgesturesleapleap motionLeapMotionmotion controlmotion controlsmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControlsMotionSensorsdkuxvideoMon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft sets sandbox boundaries for Metro developers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/microsoft-windows-8-apps-developer-sandbox/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/microsoft-windows-8-apps-developer-sandbox/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/microsoft-windows-8-apps-developer-sandbox/#comments microsoft-windows-8-apps-developer-sandbox

With so many apps running around the Windows playground, Microsoft wants the grown-ups to be in charge of Metro. Programs for the new interface will be available only through the Windows Store, which will allow one-click installs, user feedback and crash monitoring. Developers shouldn't worry too much, as the heavy lifting for those features will all be handled by the OS. Redmond's demanding some tit-for-tat, however, asking programmers to resist the temptation to invoke APIs not included in the development kit. All the software will be vetted, App-Store style, while access to devices like GPS and cameras must be granted by users before the apps can grab them. We've already seen that the old BSOD is gone, so hopefully this new course plotted by Metro will keep those frowny faces away.

Microsoft sets sandbox boundaries for Metro developers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiapp installAppInstalldevelopersfilepickermetrometro app developersmetro appsmetro developersmetro uiMetroAppDevelopersMetroAppsMetroDevelopersMetroUimicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemOSsdksoftwarewindowswindows 8windows 8 metrowindows 8 uiwindows app certification kitwindows storeWindows8Windows8MetroWindows8UiWindowsAppCertificationKitWindowsStoreFri, 18 May 2012 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/hillcrest-labs-open-sources-kylo-web-browser-for-tvs-hopes-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/hillcrest-labs-open-sources-kylo-web-browser-for-tvs-hopes-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/hillcrest-labs-open-sources-kylo-web-browser-for-tvs-hopes-the/#comments Image

We didn't hear much from Hillcrest Labs' Kylo web browser for TVs after it launched in 2010, but now the company is apparently turning its fate over to the community. A Mozilla-based browser, Kylo will work with any mouse but is designed specifically for its Freespace pointer controls. It's available under the Mozilla Public License which means others can use it for commercial products, but so far web connected products have been slow to take off and even Google TV has had trouble pushing a typical browser experience on HDTVs. Interested devs can snag the code at Kylo.tv or GitHub, we'll see if anyone builds anything with more market impact.

Continue reading Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one

Hillcrest Labs open sources Kylo web browser for TVs, hopes the people want one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freespacehdpostminihdtvhillcrest labsHillcrestLabskylokylo tvKyloTvmozillaopen sourceOpenSourcepointersdktv web browserTvWebBrowserThu, 17 May 2012 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Smartwatch SDK update adds open source music player and puzzle game extensions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/sony-smartwatch-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/sony-smartwatch-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/sony-smartwatch-sdk/#comments

Still wishing for some more functionality on Sony's touch-friendly watch? Well there's good news if you're into slider puzzles and music playing apps, as both of these have arrived open source in the SmartWatch's latest SDK. The music extension will allow devs to start work on their own music player, already including support for Android's generic music player. The 8 Game extension doesn't elaborate on what you'll be able to extend from the original image shifting puzzler, but we'll leave that up to developers' imaginations. You can get the full rub and all downloads at the source, just dial down that enthusiasm a little -- the wait for a few more features continues.

Sony Smartwatch SDK update adds open source music player and puzzle game extensions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdevelopermobilepostcrossSDKsmart watchsmartwatchsonysony ericssonsony smartwatchSonyEricssonSonySmartwatchwatchMon, 07 May 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shows devs the secrets to creating fluid animations in Windows 8 Metro apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/windows-8-metro-animations/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/windows-8-metro-animations/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/windows-8-metro-animations/#comments Microsoft shows devs the secrets to creating fluid animations in Windows 8 Metro apps

As Microsoft brings its Metro style from the mobile world back to the desktop in Windows 8, it's also focusing on keeping the smooth animated transitions users have gotten used to on certain mobile platforms intact. A new post on the Windows 8 app developer blog breaks down exactly what devs can do to achieve a consistent and fluid style in their apps even when they're using the new look. Unless you're planning on getting your hands dirty with code there's not much to see other than the (incredibly brief) animation sample embedded after the break. Still, Microsoft says following its animation guidelines should be enough to keep GPU-powered animations flowing smoothly whether they're custom built or based on its own presets. Reactions to the new face of Windows have been decidedly mixed since the Consumer Preview launched, we'll see if this work pays off in third party apps that make the transition worthwhile.

Continue reading Microsoft shows devs the secrets to creating fluid animations in Windows 8 Metro apps

Microsoft shows devs the secrets to creating fluid animations in Windows 8 Metro apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationsapphardware accelerationHardwareAccelerationmetrometro uiMetroUimicrosoftminipostsdkvideowindowswindows 8Windows8Wed, 02 May 2012 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Tizen 1.0 Larkspur arrives, fuels your open-source phone dreams]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/tizen-1-0-larkspur-sdk-and-source-arrive/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/tizen-1-0-larkspur-sdk-and-source-arrive/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/tizen-1-0-larkspur-sdk-and-source-arrive/#comments Tizen screen captures

The unveiling of Tizen left many mobile open-source aficionados wondering when the OS would reach its all-important 1.0 status. The answer is now: the coalition between Intel, Panasonic, Samsung and a raft of carriers has posted the first non-beta release in both source code and software development kit forms. The finished versions of either carry new features to reward developers for the wait: SDK users get a new browser-based simulator and a faster emulator, while those scouring the source code will find new point-of-interest and route searching features in location-aware apps as well as WiFi Direct and more HTML5 support. About the only wait left is for an actual Tizen phone to ship.

[Image credit: Realnorth]

Tizen 1.0 Larkspur arrives, fuels your open-source phone dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HTML5IntellimoLinuxLinux FoundationLinuxFoundationmobilepostcrossntt docomoNttDocomoopen sourceopen-sourceOpenSourcepanasonicsamsungsdksk telecomSkTelecomSoftware development kitSoftwareDevelopmentKitsourcesource codeSourceCodeTizenTizenOsWi-Fi Directwifi directWifiDirectTue, 01 May 2012 20:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyanogenmod 9 struts its stuff on HTC's One X]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/cyanogenmod-9-struts-its-stuff-on-htcs-one-x/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/cyanogenmod-9-struts-its-stuff-on-htcs-one-x/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/30/cyanogenmod-9-struts-its-stuff-on-htcs-one-x/#comments Cyanogenmod 9 struts its stuff on HTC's One X

So you've procured yourself HTC's new super slim, 4.7-inch halo phone: the One X. By now, you probably have the device set up just the way you like it: applications configured, widgets in place and Adele ringtone set. But there's just something else left to do, isn't there? If (like some of us) you're a smartphone user who just can't leave well enough alone, you'll be excited to learn that a build of Cyanogenmod 9 for the Uno Equis has been made available via the MoDaCo forums. The ROM will deliver that stock Android experience, and all those CM9 accoutrements, to those that don't fancy the panache of Sense 4.0. The forum post does caution that the One's camera, and hotspot functionality, aren't currently working, so interested parties best proceed with caution. If all that doesn't phase you, grab a cup of coffee, get the Android SDK all warmed up and take this ROM for a spin!

Cyanogenmod 9 struts its stuff on HTC's One X originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidCM9compiled romsCompiledRomsCyanogenCyanogenmodCyanogenmod 9Cyanogenmod9fastbootflashhacked romsHackedRomsHTC One XHtcOneXmobilepostminiOneOne XOneXROMROMsSDKSenseSense 4.0Sense4.0XMon, 30 Apr 2012 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Fusion-io SDK gives developers native memory access, keys to the NAND realm]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/fusion-io-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/fusion-io-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/fusion-io-sdk/#comments Fusion-io SDK gives developers native memory access, keys to the NAND realm

Thought your SATA SSD chugged along real nice? Think again. Fusion-io has just released an SDK that will allow developers to bypass all the speed draining bottlenecks that rob NAND memory of its true potential (i.e. the kernel block I/O layer,) and tap directly into the memory itself. In fact, Fusion-io is so confident of its products abilities, it prefers to call them ioMemory Application Accelerators, rather than SSDs. The SDK allows developers native access to the ioMemory, meaning applications can benefit from the kind of hardware integration you might get from a proprietary platform. The principle has already been demonstrated earlier this year, when Fusion-io delivered one billion IOPS using this native access. The libraries and APIs are available now to registered members of its developer program, hit the more coverage link to sign up.

Continue reading Fusion-io SDK gives developers native memory access, keys to the NAND realm

Fusion-io SDK gives developers native memory access, keys to the NAND realm originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerdeveloper programDeveloperProgramflashflash memoryFlashMemoryfusion-iointerfaceIOioMemoryIOPSNANDnativenative applicationsNativeApplicationssdksolid state driveSolidStateDriveSSDstorageFri, 20 Apr 2012 02:07:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Suite's 'open beta' SDK available to download now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/playstation-suites-open-beta-sdk-available-to-download-now/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/playstation-suites-open-beta-sdk-available-to-download-now/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/playstation-suites-open-beta-sdk-available-to-download-now/#comments PlayStation Suite's 'open beta' SDK available to download now

As promised last month, Sony has launched its PlayStation Suite SDK on open beta. Machinations have continued since November behind closed beta doors, but the free SDK is now available for anyone to download. Developers will be able to make content accessible for all PlayStation-certified devices, from the PS Vita to Sony's batch of Android phones and tablets. The official version is still pegged for launch later in 2012 and will demand an annual subscription for access. During the open beta, users can create games that use both physical buttons and touchscreen input with a PC-based simulator, test and debug those creations on willing Sony devices and debate away in the dedicated developer forum. Those with lofty game-making dreams for the PlayStation Suite can download the open beta at the source link below, but expect to sign a new contract when the full SDK goes official.

Continue reading PlayStation Suite's 'open beta' SDK available to download now

PlayStation Suite's 'open beta' SDK available to download now originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devdeveloperdevelopmentmobilepostcrossopen betaopen sourceOpenBetaOpenSourceplaystation suiteplaystation vitaPlaystationSuitePlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasdkSoftware Development KitSoftwareDevelopmentKitSonysony playstationsony playstation suiteSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationSuitevitaThu, 19 Apr 2012 03:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Android emulator gets updated with GPU support, better CPU performance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/googles-android-emulator-gets-updated-with-gpu-support-better/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/googles-android-emulator-gets-updated-with-gpu-support-better/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/googles-android-emulator-gets-updated-with-gpu-support-better/#comments ImageGoogle brought some improvements to its Android emulator when it updated the SDK last month, but it's now back with an even bigger update that's sure to please developers. The latest version finally adds built-in GPU support, which Google says will help the emulator better keep pace with current smartphones that rely so heavily on GPUs themselves. Along with that, Google is also promising better performance across the board (including improved CPU performance), as well as emulation of more hardware features, including the ability to tap into the sensors and multitouch input of a tethered Android device (Bluetooth and NFC support are apparently next in line). Head on past the break for a quick video showing off some of the improvements, and hit the source link below for the full rundown on all the updates.

Continue reading Google's Android emulator gets updated with GPU support, better CPU performance

Google's Android emulator gets updated with GPU support, better CPU performance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0android sdkAndroid4.0AndroidSdkcpudeveloperdevelopersemulatorgooglegpuice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichmobilepostcrossperformancesdkvideoMon, 09 Apr 2012 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Windows version 1.5 to be released in May]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kinect-for-windows-version-1-5-to-be-released-in-may/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kinect-for-windows-version-1-5-to-be-released-in-may/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/kinect-for-windows-version-1-5-to-be-released-in-may/#comments ImageSeems like it was only yesterday that Microsoft took the wraps off version 1.0 of Kinect for Windows, putting the power of voice and gesture controls in the hands of the hoi polloi. Now, the gang in Redmond has said that version 1.5 will be coming in May, and will bring 10-joint skeletal tracking to let the sensor bar work while users are seated. The update also includes Kinect Studio, an app that allows devs to record, play and debug clips of users to fine tune their applications. Additionally, it brings language support for French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese, plus there's added support for regional dialects in those languages and English as well. Lastly, Microsoft is promising a whole slew of new countries around the globe will be getting Kinect for Windows in May and June, so to see if your homeland made the cut, check out the source below.

Kinect for Windows version 1.5 to be released in May originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coming soonComingSoonkinectkinect for windowskinect for windows 1.5kinect sdkKinectForWindowsKinectForWindows1.5KinectSdksdksoftwarewindowsTue, 27 Mar 2012 14:21:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Suite open to all developers from April, full SDK coming 'later']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/playstation-suite-open-to-all-developers-from-april-full-sdk-co/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/playstation-suite-open-to-all-developers-from-april-full-sdk-co/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/playstation-suite-open-to-all-developers-from-april-full-sdk-co/#comments PlayStation Suite open to all developers from AprilIt's been many months since we first heard about this PlayStation SDK, which entered closed beta for a chosen few back in November. Now we're told the open beta will arrive in April, allowing any interested developer to create content for the PS Suite, which will ultimately be accessible to all PlayStation-certified Android smartphones and tablets as well as the PS Vita. This beta of the SDK will be free of charge, while the official version will come "later this year" and require a $99 annual subscription in return for allowing devs to make their wares commercially available on Sony's platform. This should herald good times for users too: People still have to go to crazy lengths just to access homebrew on their Sony handheld.

Continue reading PlayStation Suite open to all developers from April, full SDK coming 'later'

PlayStation Suite open to all developers from April, full SDK coming 'later' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devdeveloperdevelopmentmobilepostcrossopen sourceOpenSourceplaystation suitePlaystationSuitesdkSoftware Development KitSoftwareDevelopmentKitsonysony playstationsony playstation suiteSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationSuiteWed, 07 Mar 2012 04:39:00 EST<![CDATA[SwiftKey launches SDK, phones and tablets get more predictable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/swiftkey-launches-sdk-phones-and-tablets-get-more-predictable/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/swiftkey-launches-sdk-phones-and-tablets-get-more-predictable/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/swiftkey-launches-sdk-phones-and-tablets-get-more-predictable/#comments
SwiftKey is responsible for as many saved typing hours, as it is crushing affirmations of just how predictable we really are. A fact that can now be drilled home by infinitely more devices, thanks to a new SDK for OEMs. Developers for a variety of platforms and programming languages (including C++, iOS and JVM) can access SwiftKey's core language-engine technology for their own UI or on screen keyboard, and with support for over 40 languages, we can expect many more tablets, phones and even white goods to worryingly know what we were going to say.

Continue reading SwiftKey launches SDK, phones and tablets get more predictable

SwiftKey launches SDK, phones and tablets get more predictable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsC++cross-platformdeveloperinputiosjvmkeyboardmobilepostminiOEMon-screen keyboardOn-screenKeyboardpredictive textPredictiveTextsdkswiftkeytouchtypeuser interfaceUserInterfaceWed, 29 Feb 2012 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung updates S Pen SDK to 2.0, SCanvasView brings Note animation and narration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-note-s-pen-sdk-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-note-s-pen-sdk-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-note-s-pen-sdk-2-0/#comments Following Samsung's launch of the it's-definitely-a-tablet 10.1 Note, it's become even more clear that the company's stylus S Pen is here to stay, in a very big way. Now, it's time for third-party developers to get sketchy with version 2.0 of the S Pen SDK. The biggest feature boost is the ability to animate drawings to pair with recorded voice, while other additions include SAMM Library access, improved rendering and the ability to revert after accidentally clearing all. Ready to start jotting? Hit up our source link below and get your download on.

Samsung updates S Pen SDK to 2.0, SCanvasView brings Note animation and narration originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsartdevdevelopdeveloperdrawinggalaxyGalaxy NoteGalaxyNotegingerbreadIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichinputminipostmobilepostcrossnotenote sdkNoteSdks pens pen sdks-pensamsungsamsung galaxy notesamsung notesamsung sdkSamsungGalaxyNoteSamsungNoteSamsungSdkSDKsoftwareSPenSPenSdkstylusTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lowers hardware requirements, opens Marketplace to 23 more countries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/microsoft-lowers-hardware-requirements-opens-marketplace-to-23/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/microsoft-lowers-hardware-requirements-opens-marketplace-to-23/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/microsoft-lowers-hardware-requirements-opens-marketplace-to-23/#comments
If there was a theme for today's Nokia keynote, and, by extension, Microsoft's plans for Windows Phone, it's that the OS is being targeted toward lower-spec phones worldwide. The SDK update that'll soon roll out to developers will include an emulator for developers to ensure their apps work on devices like the Lumia 610 that only has 256MB RAM. The company's promising that nearly all apps will work on the cheaper hardware, promising that fragmentation will be kept to a minimum. Any app that runs poorly on the slimmer hardware will be flagged as unsuitable in the Marketplace. Speaking of which, Microsoft has announced it'll be rolling it out to a further 23 countries shortly including China, the UAE and much of Eastern Europe -- increasing the total market reach by up to 60 percent.

Microsoft lowers hardware requirements, opens Marketplace to 23 more countries originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>256 MB Emulator256MB Emulator256MB RAM256MbEmulator256mbRamDev KitDevelopersDevice FragmentationDeviceFragmentationDevKitDevsEmerging MarketsEmergingMarketsEmulatorFragmentationJoe BelfioreJoeBelfioreLow-SpecLumia 610Lumia610NokiaNokia Lumia 610NokiaLumia610OS FragmentationOsFragmentationQualcomm 7x27Qualcomm7x27SDKTerry MyersonTerryMyersonWindows PhoneWindows Phone 256MB EmulatorWindows Phone 7Windows Phone 7.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone256mbEmulatorWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7.5ZTE OrbitZteOrbitMon, 27 Feb 2012 05:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Drive SDK, Gmail integration hinted at in Google Docs source code]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/google-drive-sdk-gmail-integration-hinted-at-in-google-docs-sou/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/google-drive-sdk-gmail-integration-hinted-at-in-google-docs-sou/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/google-drive-sdk-gmail-integration-hinted-at-in-google-docs-sou/#comments Still wondering if Mountain View's Google Drive service will launch as a Google Docs rebranding? The folks at the Google Operating System blog have some code you might want to peek at, then. Apparently the Docs' source code mentions an SDK connected to the upcoming Google Drive, opening the door for third party app support. The code hints at deeper Gmail integration too, "Say goodbye to email attachments and hello to real time collaboration," it says, "Drag anything shared with you to My Drive for easy access." If Drive turns out to be more than a hefty Docs update, at the very least it seems clear that the new service will play nice with El Goog's other web apps -- after all, isn't that what that consolidated privacy policy is supposed to be about?

Google Drive SDK, Gmail integration hinted at in Google Docs source code originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appschrome osChromeOschromiumcloud storageCloudStoragedocsdrivefile syncFileSyncgdiskgdriveGmailgoogleGoogle DocsGoogle DriveGoogleDocsGoogleDriverumorrumorsSDKsyncsyncingFri, 24 Feb 2012 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/kinect-for-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/kinect-for-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/kinect-for-media-center/#comments Kinect hacks previously brought gesture and voice control to Boxee and XBMC, and now that the Kinect for Windows hardware has been released we've got a solution for Windows Media Center. The aptly named Kinect for Media Center brings all the normal playback controls (for WMC and add-ins like Netflix) to your fingertips and lips, at the cost of $6.99. While its control scheme seems to be fully featured there are unfortunately some limitations -- it doesn't work with the Xbox 360 Kinect due to Microsoft's restrictions, and it also doesn't work with WMC extenders. What is included are filters to keep your content from accidentally triggering the voice controls (something some of us have had problems with on the Xbox 360), and configurable settings for right or left hand dominance or sensitivity. You can check out a video demo of the beta version (compare to a demo we saw last year from the makers of the Amulet voice control remotes) embedded after the break, or head directly to the site to try it out yourself if you're sure that finding the remote has simply become to much of a hassle.

Continue reading Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC?

Kinect for Media Center released, why not wave and shout at your HTPC? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesture controlGestureControlhdpostcrosshtpckinectkinect for windowsKinectForWindowsmc7media centermedia pcMediaCenterMediaPcmicrosoftsdkvideovoice controlVoiceControlwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterwmcWed, 15 Feb 2012 01:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Spark Linux tablet specs updated, going up for pre-order next week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/spark-linux-tablet-specs-updated-going-up-for-pre-order-next-we/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/spark-linux-tablet-specs-updated-going-up-for-pre-order-next-we/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/spark-linux-tablet-specs-updated-going-up-for-pre-order-next-we/#comments We already got a brief introduction to the Spark Linux-based tablet, but details were a little sparse. Since then, a few more key bits of info have been added to its Q&A page, which might help sway your purchasing decision. That KDE Plasma Active UI we knew it'd be sporting will stare out at you via a modest 800 x 480 screen, and there's a 1.3 megapixel snapper tucked in alongside for video calling. The 1GHz / 512 MB internals we initially reported remain unchanged and the two USB ports and 3.5mm audio jack we saw in the pre-release picture above also get the official seal. There's talk of GPS making it into the next iteration, but for now you'll have to find your own way. The main news, however, is that pre-orders are pegged for next week, and shipping set for May. The initial focus is on Europe, but plans for it to arrive in US retailers are apparently underway. If that's suitably tickled your fancy, head on over the break and tap the source for more info.

Spark Linux tablet specs updated, going up for pre-order next week originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMlogickdelinuxlinux tabletLinuxTabletopen sourceopen source tabletOpenSourceOpenSourceTabletplasmaplasma activePlasmaActiveqtsdkslatesparkspark tabletSparkTablettabletusbSun, 05 Feb 2012 05:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect for Windows version 1.0 available today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/microsoft-kinect-for-windows-version-1-0-available-today/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/microsoft-kinect-for-windows-version-1-0-available-today/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/microsoft-kinect-for-windows-version-1-0-available-today/#comments KinectToday is the day fine folks -- Kinect for Windows is here. The official, and commercial, version 1.0 of the SDK just hit the interwebs along with the accompanying hardware for a price of $250, or $150 for qualified educational customers. The tool has picked up a number of new features since the last beta, including support for up to four Kinects being used simultaneously and near mode for monitoring motion from just 40cm away. The sensor itself seems mostly the same, but may not be compatible with its console cousin -- the device's product page states that it will only operate with software developed for Kinect for Windows. For more info and a complete list of improvements hit up the source link.

Microsoft Kinect for Windows version 1.0 available today originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availablekinectkinect for windowskinect for windows sdkkinect sdkKinect SDK for WindowsKinectForWindowsKinectForWindowsSdkKinectSdkKinectSdkForWindowsmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectmicrosoft windowsMicrosoftKinectMicrosoftWindowsminipostnow AvailableNowAvailableon saleOnSalesdkSoftware Development KitSoftwareDevelopmentKitwindowsWed, 01 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect and Windows Phone combine to create holographic game engine (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/kinect-and-windows-phone-combine-to-create-holographic-game-engi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/kinect-and-windows-phone-combine-to-create-holographic-game-engi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/kinect-and-windows-phone-combine-to-create-holographic-game-engi/#comments
If your life is anything like ours, it's in sore need of more pseudo-holographic helicopters. Fortunately, YouTube user programming4fun has come up with a solution, using Microsoft's Kinect beta SDK and a Windows Phone handset. The system, pictured above, basically consists of a Kinect and a 3D engine; the former tracks the position of a viewer and automatically adjusts the image projected by the latter, creating the illusion of a 3D landscape. In this case, that landscape happened to feature a holographic helicopter, which could be controlled using a phone's accelerometer and a Windows Phone 7 app (apparently called HoloController). Watch it in action, after the break.

Continue reading Kinect and Windows Phone combine to create holographic game engine (video)

Kinect and Windows Phone combine to create holographic game engine (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dappapplicationdevelopergame engineGameEngineholographkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmobilepostcrossmsftsdkvideowindowswindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Card.io reaches out to devs, offers up credit card payment accounts to Joe normal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/card-io-reaches-out-to-devs-offers-up-credit-card-payment-accou/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/card-io-reaches-out-to-devs-offers-up-credit-card-payment-accou/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/card-io-reaches-out-to-devs-offers-up-credit-card-payment-accou/#comments

Who needs extra hardware to add mobile payments to iOS and Android? Not Card.io, who's unveiled a new SDK for it's visual card processing system alongside a payment app allowing anyone to accept payments from other users. Having already launched its scanner software development kit last year, the new SDK will open up the company's payment process to third-party developers. The new payment app works across Android and iPhone platforms, with no need to register as a merchant to access the feature. Although there are no registration charges, payments made through either PayPal or your bank account will have an additional 3.5 percent plus 30 cents nudged on top of each transaction. Going dutch has never been more (begrudgingly) easy.

Continue reading Card.io reaches out to devs, offers up credit card payment accounts to Joe normal

Card.io reaches out to devs, offers up credit card payment accounts to Joe normal originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid OSAndroidOsappscard.iocard.io SDKCard.ioSdkcredit cardcredit card paymentcredit card paymentscredit cardsCreditCardCreditCardPaymentCreditCardPaymentsCreditCardsmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsmobilepostminiSDKThu, 19 Jan 2012 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Recon Instruments touts SDK for GPS-enabled ski goggles, polar heart rate monitor compatibility in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/recon-instruments-sdk-gps-ski-goggles-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/recon-instruments-sdk-gps-ski-goggles-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/recon-instruments-sdk-gps-ski-goggles-android/#comments Like clockwork, Recon Instruments is choosing CES once again to launch its next functionality improvement for those futuristic GPS-enabled ski goggles that we first saw in 2010. This year's revelation is the impending launch (May 2012, to be precise) of a software development kit for the Android-based MOD Live -- a little diddy we sat down with a few months back. Moreover, there's soon to be support with the Polar WearLink+ transmitter with Bluetooth. The MOD Live near-eye device enables skiers and riders to see a hodgepodge of instant (and useful) information, and with an SDK on the way, the amount of available data is sure to increase. We're told that the outfit's working with "strategic partners" to bring specific apps to the table, where users will see things like 2D graphics at up to 30fps, location / speed / altitude registers, time / jump analytics and free fall detection. Head on past the break for the full PR, and go ahead and book yourself a trip to the arctic in May; something tells us Whitefish, Montana's going to be mostly green by then.

Continue reading Recon Instruments touts SDK for GPS-enabled ski goggles, polar heart rate monitor compatibility in tow

Recon Instruments touts SDK for GPS-enabled ski goggles, polar heart rate monitor compatibility in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryandroidcesces 2012Ces2012equipmentgeargogglesgpsheart rate monitorHeartRateMonitorminipostpolar heart rate monitorPolarHeartRateMonitorrecon instrumentsReconInstrumentssdkskiski goggleSkiGogglesoftwarewinterTue, 10 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's Smart TV SDK reaches 3.0 with support for USB controllers, payment and ads]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/samsungs-smart-tv-sdk-30-usb-advertisements/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/samsungs-smart-tv-sdk-30-usb-advertisements/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/samsungs-smart-tv-sdk-30-usb-advertisements/#comments Even though all signs indicate Samsung will be joining the Google TV party shortly, it's not going to give up on its own existing Smart TV platform just yet. We don't know if it will run the two side by side as it has operated with Yahoo! Widgets, but the Korean manufacturer has announced it plans to release version 3.0 of its SDK January 5th. The new Samsung Apps toolkit supports mobile devices and TV sets, and lets developers build in support for remote controls, as well as USB mice, keyboards or gamepads. Of course, not all devs will work for free, so they're also adding a way for them to get paid through the built-in payment system or advertisements. Currently, Samsung claims 25,000 developers from 140 countries in its forums, but we'll have to wait until CES 2012 to find out if its products live up to the hype and attract more innovative software to the segment.

Continue reading Samsung's Smart TV SDK reaches 3.0 with support for USB controllers, payment and ads

Samsung's Smart TV SDK reaches 3.0 with support for USB controllers, payment and ads originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0adsadvertisementadvertisementsappscesces 2012Ces2012connected tvConnectedTvdevelopergamepadhdpostminiin-app purchasesIn-appPurchaseskeyboardmonetizemousepaymentsamsungsamsung appsSamsungAppssdksdk 3.0Sdk3.0smart tvSmartTvusbTue, 03 Jan 2012 02:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 4.0.3 announced, bringing 'variety of optimizations and bug fixes' to phones and tablets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/android-4-0-3-announced-brings-variety-of-optimizations-and-bu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/android-4-0-3-announced-brings-variety-of-optimizations-and-bu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/android-4-0-3-announced-brings-variety-of-optimizations-and-bu/#comments Merely a day after Verizon's version of the Galaxy Nexus was gifted with v4.0.2, Google itself is announcing Android 4.0.3, a so-called " incremental release of the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform." We're told that the new release includes a variety of optimizations and bug fixes for phones and tablets, as well as a small number of new APIs for developers. For those curious, the new API level is 15, and some of those new ones include social stream API in Contacts provider, Calendar provider enhancements, newfangled camera capabilities (apps can now check and manage video stabilization and use QVGA resolution profiles where needed) and accessibility refinements (improved content access for screen readers and new status and error reporting for text-to-speech engines). Moreover, we're promised minute improvements in "graphics, database, spell-checking, Bluetooth, and more." Finally, the company makes clear that going forward, it'll be "focusing its partners on Android 4.0.3 as the base version of Ice Cream Sandwich," with rollouts expected for both phones and tablets in "the weeks ahead."

Android 4.0.3 announced, bringing 'variety of optimizations and bug fixes' to phones and tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0android 4.0.3Android4.0Android4.0.3apibreaking newsdevelopergooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichmobilepostcrosssdksmartphonesoftwaretabletFri, 16 Dec 2011 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Schmidt: 'Android will be bigger than iOS']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/eric-schmidt-android-will-be-bigger-than-ios/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/eric-schmidt-android-will-be-bigger-than-ios/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/eric-schmidt-android-will-be-bigger-than-ios/#comments Eric Schmidt was addressing the crowd at Le Web in Paris and recounted a tale when an Android user asked why apps were often written for iOS first, and then ported over to Google's OS. His response? "My prediction is that six months from now, you'll say the opposite." After the uncomfortable silence had died down, he added that Android's "open" model meant the company had volume on its side -- and volume is what he feels will attract developers. He added that Ice Cream Sandwich would redress Android's device fragmentation and the sheer number of hardware makers would ensure that 2012 would be Google's year. At which point, everyone in the audience probably went back to their iPads to read Twitter.

Eric Schmidt: 'Android will be bigger than iOS' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0Android MarketAndroid MarketplaceAndroid4.0AndroidMarketAndroidMarketplaceAppApp StoreAppleAppsAppStoreCe Oh NoCeOhNoDevelopersDevelopmentEric SchmidtEricSchmidtIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichICSiOSiOS 5Ios5iPadiPhoneiPod TouchIpodTouchLe WebLeWebmobilepostcrossSDKWed, 07 Dec 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of November 28, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/03/mobile-miscellany-week-of-november-28-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/03/mobile-miscellany-week-of-november-28-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/03/mobile-miscellany-week-of-november-28-2011/#comments This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of November 28, 2011:
  • Last week, the FCC announced that it had approved AT&T's request to purchase 700MHz spectrum from Qualcomm -- previously used to support MediaFLO service -- but it hasn't finalized the process yet. So, the company recently met with the FCC to ask if the deal can be sped up. [Phone Scoop]
  • The Nokia Lumia 800 is rumored to finally be available at O2 beginning December 9th. [Unwired View]
  • Nokia also announced the X2-02, a Series 40 dual-SIM handset geared towards music. It comes with an audio processing feature that brings clear sound, dedicated music keys and a feature that lets you play recordings directly from the FM radio. It also offers a 2.2-inch QVGA display, dedicated Facebook and Twitter clients, 2MP camera and 9.7 hour talk time. Sadly, the phone doesn't come with 3G included, and no markets or launch dates were announced, but it'll be priced around €60 before subsidy. [Unwired View]
  • Cincinnati Bell added the HTC Radar 4G to its lineup this week and is available for free to new customers with a two-year commitment and after a $100 mail-in rebate; existing customers eligible for an upgrade can get it for $100 on contract and after $50 mail-in rebate. [BusinessWire]
  • Samsung just released SDK 1.0 for the S Pen, also known as the stylus for the Galaxy Note. As to be expected, the kit will aid developers in writing apps that will take advantage of the pen. [Android Police]

Mobile Miscellany: week of November 28, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cincinnati bellCincinnatiBellfccgalaxy noteGalaxyNotehtc radar 4gHtcRadar4glumia 800Lumia800mangomicrosoftmiscmiscellaneousmmmobile miscmobile miscellanyMobileMiscMobileMiscellanymobilepostminimusicnokianokia lumiaNokiaLumiaqualcomms pens40samsungsamsung galaxy notesamsung s penSamsungGalaxyNoteSamsungSPensdkseries 40Series40SPenstyluswindows phoneWindowsPhonewp7Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung draws in developers with S Pen SDK for Galaxy Note]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/samsung-draws-in-developers-with-s-pen-sdk-for-galaxy-note/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/samsung-draws-in-developers-with-s-pen-sdk-for-galaxy-note/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/samsung-draws-in-developers-with-s-pen-sdk-for-galaxy-note/#comments Ever since the mighty Galaxy Note first popped up at IFA we've been curious about that S Pen and how it'll make its way into our real-life workflow. Samsung promised there'd be an SDK back at its October London launch and it's finally here, letting developers get busy adding some S Pen magic to their apps. Version 1.0 lets you add a basic canvas, a pop-up for pen settings (opacity, line color and so on) as well as erase and un/redo. Sure, ICS might natively support stylus input, but as Samsung is keen to point out -- with its capacitive tip and configurable button -- a simple stylus this is not. And remember: until the Note gets an ICS update, you'll be scribbling all over that snappy Gingerbread install anyway. Tap that source link if you want to get your hands on the goods, and let the tic-tac-toe commence.

Samsung draws in developers with S Pen SDK for Galaxy Note originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsartdeveloperdrawinggalaxyGalaxy NoteGalaxyNotegingerbreadIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichinputnotes pens-pensamsungSDKSPenstylusTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[ARM launches Android development kit with focus on power efficiency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/arm-launches-android-development-kit-with-focus-on-power-efficie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/arm-launches-android-development-kit-with-focus-on-power-efficie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/arm-launches-android-development-kit-with-focus-on-power-efficie/#commentsARM Development Studio 5 Community EditionEveryone and their mother has an Android development kit nowadays. So, it's only natural, being that it's chips power the vast majority of Android devices, that ARM wants in on the action too. With the release of Development Studio 5 Community Edition, the company has expanded its dev kit's repertoire to include not just Linux, but Google's Linux-based mobile OS. (Really showing its versatility there.) What makes DS-5 special is it's focus on optimizing apps, not just for performance, but for energy efficiency -- provided you're running on ARM chips, of course. It also claims to produce code that is up to four times faster than Java, but we'll have to take the company's word on that one for now. DS-5 even integrates with the standard Android SDK as well as Eclipse IDE. Check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading ARM launches Android development kit with focus on power efficiency

ARM launches Android development kit with focus on power efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid developmentAndroidDevelopmentARMARM Development studioARM Development studio 5ARM Development studio 5 community editionArmDevelopmentStudioArmDevelopmentStudio5ArmDevelopmentStudio5CommunityEditiondevelopment kitDevelopment StudioDevelopment studio 5Development studio 5 community editionDevelopmentKitDevelopmentStudioDevelopmentStudio5DevelopmentStudio5CommunityEditioneclipsejavamobilepostcrossSDKMon, 28 Nov 2011 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces Windows-specific Kinect for 2012 release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/microsoft-announces-windows-specific-kinect-for-2012-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/microsoft-announces-windows-specific-kinect-for-2012-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/microsoft-announces-windows-specific-kinect-for-2012-release/#comments
While hackers have been having their way with the Kinect on the PC for a long, long time, Microsoft itself has only recently embraced this sort of behavior. First it was with an official SDK and then, soon after, a follow-up letting things go commercial. We've been eagerly awaiting Office integration -- imagine lazily waving away every boring PPT that lands in your inbox -- but also struggling to figure out just how such a device would fit on our cluttered desks. Microsoft is now promising a PC-specific version to release sometime in 2012, able to focus on objects as close as 50cm from the lens -- quite an improvement given our current Kinect seems unhappy if we're standing anywhere within five feet. The hardware is also said to be "optimized" for desktop use and the USB cable shortened, but we're still in the dark about how exactly it will look. Might we suggest Keepon integration?

Microsoft announces Windows-specific Kinect for 2012 release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012kinectmicrosoftmotion detectionMotionDetectionsdkwindowsTue, 22 Nov 2011 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire gets rooted with 'one click,' paves the way for Amazonian adventures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-gets-rooted-with-one-click-paves-the-way-for-amaz/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-gets-rooted-with-one-click-paves-the-way-for-amaz/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/kindle-fire-gets-rooted-with-one-click-paves-the-way-for-amaz/#comments Yesterday, we saw the Kindle Fire get ripped apart. Today, it's been rooted. The solution comes courtesy of a user lovingly known as "death2all11o," who posted the "1-click' recipe to Android Forums earlier today. The procedure seems relatively straightforward, requiring only a copy of SuperOneClick 2.2, an Android SDK, and a bit of hacktastic know-how. For a more detailed guide, hit up the source links below.

[Thanks, Blake]

Kindle Fire gets rooted with 'one click,' paves the way for Amazonian adventures originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleFireAndroidcustomizationhackkindlekindle firekindle fire rootKindleFireKindleFireRootmodrootrootedSDKsoftwaresource codeSourceCodesuperoneclicktabletxdaWed, 16 Nov 2011 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony opens registration for PlayStation Suite SDK beta, lets devs build apps for Android and Vita]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/sony-opens-registration-for-playstation-suite-sdk-beta-lets-dev/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/sony-opens-registration-for-playstation-suite-sdk-beta-lets-dev/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/sony-opens-registration-for-playstation-suite-sdk-beta-lets-dev/#comments We first got wind of Sony's PlayStation Suite SDK back at the Tokyo Game Show in September, but the company just opened up the application process for a closed beta test, letting Windows XP and Windows 7 users in the US, UK and Japan submit their credentials for early access. Those getting the nod from Sony will be able to develops apps for use on the PS Vita, which is set to hit in February, along with the PS Suite -- that "hardware-neutral" framework that'll allow access from non-PlayStation branded products, including the Xperia Play, Tablet S and Tablet P, with the potential for third-party devices to come as well. The SDK uses the C# programming language, and doesn't require devs to have access to actual Sony hardware -- so don't expect a Vita to show up at your door anytime this year. Think you have what it takes to be a Sony dev? Hit up the source link to send 'em the word.

Sony opens registration for PlayStation Suite SDK beta, lets devs build apps for Android and Vita originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilepostcrosspcPlayStationPlayStation CertifiedPlayStation SuitePlayStation VitaPlaystationCertifiedPlaystationSuitePlaystationVitaPS VitaPsVitaSDKSonyTablet PTabletPTegraTegra 2Tegra2VitaXperia PlayXperiaPlayThu, 10 Nov 2011 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Evoluce Kinect SDK hits the web, gives you an alternative to Microsoft's wares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/evoluce-kinect-sdk-hits-the-web-gives-you-an-alternative-to-mic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/evoluce-kinect-sdk-hits-the-web-gives-you-an-alternative-to-mic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/evoluce-kinect-sdk-hits-the-web-gives-you-an-alternative-to-mic/#comments Evoluce Kinect If you think Microsoft should have all the SDK fun, just cause the company created the Kinect? Well, Evoluce clearly disagrees. The company behind Win & I and the Evoluce ONE 47-inch multitouch PC is offering devs its own tools for creating apps and interfaces that take advantage of the Kinect on Windows 7. The SDK is a free download, but it plans to release a commercial version sometime in the future -- taking the battle straight to the boys in Redmond. Check out the video and PR after the break.

Continue reading Evoluce Kinect SDK hits the web, gives you an alternative to Microsoft's wares

Evoluce Kinect SDK hits the web, gives you an alternative to Microsoft's wares originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoluceevoluce sdk for kinectEvoluceSdkForKinectkinectkinect sdkKinectSdkmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectminipostsdkWed, 09 Nov 2011 23:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Windows SDK beta 2 out now, celebratory celebrations cleared to commence]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/kinect-for-windows-sdk-beta-2-out-now-celebratory-celebrations/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/kinect-for-windows-sdk-beta-2-out-now-celebratory-celebrations/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/kinect-for-windows-sdk-beta-2-out-now-celebratory-celebrations/#commentsIt's only been a few months, but already the Kinect for Windows SDK beta is moving from stage uno to stage dos. (That's one and two, vaqueros.) Microsoft's outing it in commemoration of the Kinect's one-year anniversary, and it's also launching a Kinect for Windows site and blog, too. We're told that the Kinect for Windows commercial program is still on track for an early 2012 launch, and to date, some 200 companies have agreed to take part in the pilot program. Ask for the beta 2 piece, the refreshed build includes "faster skeletal tracking, a better accuracy rate when it comes to skeletal tracking and joint recognition, and the ability to plug and unplug your Kinect without losing work / productivity." Hit the source links to get your download on, but be warned -- we've seen it off and on throughout the day.

Update: Just in case you need even more info on the movement, the official KinectforWindows.org website is now live too.

Kinect for Windows SDK beta 2 out now, celebratory celebrations cleared to commence originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadeveloperdevelopmentkinectkinect for windowsKinectForWindowsmicrosoftmotion gamingMotionGamingsdkwindowsxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of October 24, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/refresh-roundup-week-of-october-24-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/refresh-roundup-week-of-october-24-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/refresh-roundup-week-of-october-24-2011/#comments Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout attips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates
  • Guess which phone's finally getting Gingerbread: the HTC Thunderbolt. Yes, we're being serious. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in, and thanks Eddie for the image!]
  • Gingerbread is now rolling out to the Motorola Droid Pro and Droid 2 Global. [PhoneScoop]
  • The HTC EVO Design 4G wasn't out for very long before it was ready for a maintenance release. It's called version 1.19.651.0, and no change log was found right away.
  • More HTC stuff: the EVO 3D also offers a small bug fix in the form of a security update under the name of version 2.08.651.3. [AndroidCentral]
  • The LG Revolution on Verizon's also officially gaining Android 2.3. [Pocketnow]
  • In the UK, HTC Desire S owners are now finding themselves beneficiaries of the Android 2.3.5 firmware update as well as Sense 3.0. [AndroidCentral]
  • How about a couple for the little guys? CSpire, formerly known as Cellular South, is pushing Gingerbread to its Samsung Galaxy S and Motorola Milestone X. [AndroidCentral(1) and (2)]
  • Sony Ericsson announced this week that Android 2.3.4 is rolling out to the 2011 Xperia lineup around the world. Additional enhancements include 16x video zoom, WiFi DLNA, screen capture capability, ability to attach USB peripherals to Sony Ericsson LiveDock and more.
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
  • The Samsung Stratosphere on Verizon has been successfully rooted. [AndroidCommunity]
  • HTC devices receiving the official Gingerbread kernel source from HTCDev this week: The Evo Shift 4G, the Thunderbolt and Droid Incredible. [AndroidCentral]
  • When it rains, it pours -- the Thunderbolt, on top of receiving Gingerbread and its accompanying kernel source, has also found itself on the receiving end of an Ice Cream Sandwich SDK port. As can be expected, it's still in prealpha stages and has a few bugs to work out. [AndroidCommunity]
  • If you're a CM7 user, there's now a file available that will turn your lock screen into one that resembles Ice Cream Sandwich's style. [Droid-Life]
Other platforms
  • Microsoft's pushing a firmware upgrade to the LG Optimus 7 Windows Phone which seems to grace the device with WiFi tethering and the ability to locate hidden WiFi networks. [WMPowerUser]
  • It's not a BlackBerry firmware update, but many people still have a soft spot for BBM and will be interested to know that RIM is putting out version 6.0.1 with a few enhancements. Head to the source to check it out. [MobileTechReview]
Refreshes we covered this week

Refresh Roundup: week of October 24, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gandroidandroid 2.3android 40Android2.3Android40bbmblackberrycm7cyanogen modCyanogenModcyanogenmod 7Cyanogenmod7droid 2 globaldroid proDroid2GlobalDroidProfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdategingerbreadgingerbread updateGingerbreadUpdatehidden wifiHiddenWifihtchtcdevice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicskernelkernel sourceKernelSourcelglg revolutionLgRevolutionltemangomicrosoftmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola droid 2 globalmotorola droid proMotorolaDroid2GlobalMotorolaDroidProrefreshrefresh roundupRefreshRounduprimrounduprrsamsungsamsung stratosphereSamsungStratospheresdksdk portSdkPortsoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesony ericssonsony ericsson xperiaSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiathunderboltupdatewifiwifi tetheringWifiTetheringwindows phone mangoWindowsPhoneMangowp7wp7.5xperiaSun, 30 Oct 2011 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[White Galaxy Note appears, developers wanted to pen third-party apps for its stylus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/white-galaxy-note-appears-developers-wanted-to-pen-third-party/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/white-galaxy-note-appears-developers-wanted-to-pen-third-party/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/white-galaxy-note-appears-developers-wanted-to-pen-third-party/#comments We've already inspected every inch of Samsung's big bad phone-tablet hybrid, but a soupçon of extra news has trickled out from the Galaxy Note's bombastic launch event in London yesterday. Those looking for brighter color scheme to match the striking glow of its HD Super AMOLED display are in luck, as the Galaxy Note looks set to arrive in white; the ethereal ying to its companion's midnight blue yang. Sammy added that the Galaxy Note's S-Pen SDK will be available to third-party developers starting December, hopefully bringing more uses for that slide-out stick. And that's despite the latest Android OS offering native stylus support -- the Galaxy Note remains a Gingerbread affair. The current smartphone king was unable to confirm if the UK would be getting the white model on the November 3rd launch day, or ever. Similarly, we're still waiting on Samsung to put S-Pen to paper on pricing and any possible US launch details.

White Galaxy Note appears, developers wanted to pen third-party apps for its stylus originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid2.3AndroidPhoneGalaxy NoteGalaxyNoteGingerbreadGoogleHD Super AMOLEDHdSuperAmoledIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichmobilepostcrosspenS MemoS PenS PlannerSamsungSamsung Galaxy NoteSamsungGalaxyNoteSDKsmartphonesmartphonesSPenSPlannerstyluswhitewhite phoneWhitePhoneFri, 28 Oct 2011 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Note review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/samsung-galaxy-note-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/samsung-galaxy-note-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/samsung-galaxy-note-review/#comments Remember the display on your first mobile phone? If you've been chatting on the go for as long as we have, it was probably barely big enough to fit a complete telephone number -- let alone a contact name or text message. And your first smartphone? Even displaying scaled-down, WAP versions of web pages was asking a lot. Now, those mobile devices we couldn't live without have screens that are much, much larger. Sometimes, though, we secretly wish they were even bigger still.

Samsung's new GT-N7000 Galaxy Note is the handset those dreams are made of -- if you happen to share that dream about obnoxiously large smartphones, that is. It's as thin as a Galaxy S II, lightning fast and its 5.3-inch HD Super AMOLED display is as gorgeous as it is enormous; the 1280 x 800 pixels you once could only get with a full-size laptop (or in the Galaxy Tab 10.1) can now slide comfortably into your front pocket. Its jumbo display makes it the perfect candidate for a notepad replacement and, with the included S Pen stylus, you'll have no problem jotting notes on the fly, marking up screenshots or signing documents electronically. But, is that massive display too much of a good thing? You'll need to jump past the break to find out.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Note review

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Note vs. Galaxy S II

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Note review

Samsung Galaxy Note review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.3 inch5.3-inch5.3InchAndroidAndroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid phoneAndroid phonesAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadAndroidPhoneAndroidPhonesbreaking newsBreakingNewsGalaxyGalaxy NoteGalaxyNoteGingerbreadGoogleGT-i9220HD Super AMOLEDHdSuperAmoledi9220Ifa2011mobilepostcrosspenreviewS MemoS PenS PlannerSamsungSamsung GalaxySamsung Galaxy NoteSamsungGalaxySamsungGalaxyNoteSDKsmartphonesmartphonesSMemoSPenSPlannerstylusSuper AMOLEDSuperAmoledsuperphonesuperphonestouchwizunicornunicornsvideoFri, 28 Oct 2011 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM releases BBM SDK for WebWorks, injects some chatting flavor into your apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/rim-releases-bbm-sdk-for-webworks-injects-some-chatting-flavor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/rim-releases-bbm-sdk-for-webworks-injects-some-chatting-flavor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/rim-releases-bbm-sdk-for-webworks-injects-some-chatting-flavor/#comments
This year's BlackBerry DevCon might have come and gone with nary a mention of BBM's flagrant promiscuity, but RIM did give us some other BBM news. The Canuck company's BBM Social Platform SDK is now up for general availability after recently hitting version 1.0. The release extends its venerable messaging protocol to WebWorks developers, allowing their wares to initiate chats and incorporate BBM statuses, avatars and personal messages from the service. Also on the docket is "application-to-application background communication," which we presume enables a smorgasbord of behind the scenes cross-application chattiness. Finally, Crackberry developers will be able to start file transfers over the protocol, including virally sharing apps between users. Sounds like the 'Berry of the future is gonna be much more reliant upon Waterloo's messaging platform, so let's just hope there aren't any more outages.

RIM releases BBM SDK for WebWorks, injects some chatting flavor into your apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbbmBBM SDKbbm socialbbm social platformBbmSdkBbmSocialBbmSocialPlatformBBXBlackberryblackberry BBXblackberry developersblackberry messengerblackberry QNXBlackberryBbxBlackberryDevelopersBlackberryMessengerBlackberryQnxdevelopersmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiQNXRIMRIM SDKRIM WebWorksRIM WebWorks SDKRimSdkRimWebworksRimWebworksSdkSDKWebWorksWed, 26 Oct 2011 21:38:00 EST