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[Introducing the original iPAD, Proview's late '90s iMac-like desktop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/introducing-the-original-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/introducing-the-original-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/introducing-the-original-ipad/#comments iPADSo, have you been following the iPad dispute in China? Wondering exactly who or what this Proview company is and what they're doing with a trademark on the iPad name? Well, wonder no more friends. The company actually stylized the name as iPAD, and it stood for Internet Personal Access Device. They hit the market way back in 1998 and weren't tablets, but all-in-one PCs that looked an awful lot like another machine that debuted that year -- the iMac. Over the course of a decade Proview produced between 10,000 and 20,000 of he 15-inch CRT desktops, before collapsing in 2010 and abandoning its Shenzhen plant, thanks in part to the economic crisis engulfing the globe. Most of its assets, including the iPAD trademark are now the property of eight different banks and its debts exceed $1 billion, which probably explains why the company is demanding so much money from Apple. For more details about the original iPAD and a photo tour of the deserted factory hit up the source links.

Introducing the original iPAD, Proview's late '90s iMac-like desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaimacipadproviewproview ipadProview TechnologyProview Technology ipadProviewIpadProviewTechnologyProviewTechnologyIpadShenzhenTrademarkSat, 18 Feb 2012 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Hong Kong court allegedly sides with Apple in iPad name dispute]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/#comments If you've been following the latest bub around the hub, you may remember Apple's recent scuff with Shenzhen-based Proview Technology -- the Chinese outfit that holds the local trademark on the name "iPad." Not only did Apple lose a trademark lawsuit for the iPad name, but some time later mainland government had the slabs removed from retailers in the city of Shjiazhuang. Now, Apple's claiming that a Hong Kong court has sided with it in a similar battle, saying in a statement to China Daily that they purchased "Proview's worldwide rights to the iPad trademark in 10 different countries several years ago," referring, perhaps, to the deal they made Taiwanese arm of the company, "Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple." Xie Xianghui, Proview's lawyer, shot back with his own statement, explaining that the court merely ruled that the trademark couldn't be sold to a third party before hearing ends, claiming that this move does not count as a ruling in Apple's favor. Xie went on to suggest the issue stemmed from Apple underestimating the legal complications of doing business in China.

Hong Kong court allegedly sides with Apple in iPad name dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyipadlawsuitproviewproview technologyProviewTechnologyShenzhentrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu MX launches today, lines dotted all over China as usual (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/meizu-mx-launches-today-lines-dotted-all-over-china-as-usual/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/meizu-mx-launches-today-lines-dotted-all-over-china-as-usual/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/meizu-mx-launches-today-lines-dotted-all-over-china-as-usual/#comments This time last year we witnessed the Meizu M9 madness in Shenzhen, so we decided to pay our favorite gadget city another visit for the MX launch today (still the 1.4GHz dual-core model, of course). Surprisingly, the lines in Huaqiangbei this time were significantly shorter, but we were told that this was due to tighter security measures as requested by the local authorities -- if you've seen last year's photos you'll know why. Instead, this year the customers are told to line up only when they get a phone call; but a few keen beans still arrived last night, and the first guy in Shenzhen even turned down hotel accommodation offered by Meizu. Yep, that's how you do a "first" properly, folks. Other big cities in China also saw a similar phenomenon, including Beijing, Guangzhou and even Hong Kong -- it's hard to miss the long line formed along the south end of Sai Yeung Choi Street outside the new Mongkok store.

Meizu also informed us that the MX's final hardware benefits from an improved camera (tweaked white balance and the lens now benefits from an oleophobic coating), while the software's been giving many enhancements since our review -- these are mostly the weird default settings we mentioned previously, such as the max clock speed out of the box (now at 1.4GHz instead of 1GHz) and the default video recording resolution (now 1080p instead of the weird 1,080 x 720 setting). Oh, and if you're still rocking the older M9, Meizu has confirmed that it'll also get the Ice Cream Sandwich update later this year, so stay tuned. More in the press release after the break.

Update: A Meizu engineer confirmed on the company's forum that from now on, all Meizu Android devices -- including the M9 -- will receive both a vanilla OS build and a Meizu-customised build. That said, the phones won't support simultaneous dual-system, so you must pick your destiny. Thanks, Andi!

Gallery: Meizu MX launch in Hong Kong


Gallery: Meizu MX launch in Shenzhen

Continue reading Meizu MX launches today, lines dotted all over China as usual (updated)

Meizu MX launches today, lines dotted all over China as usual (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcellphonechinadual coreDualCoreflymeflyme osFlymeOshong kongHongKonghuaqiangbeilaunchlinemeizumeizu mxMeizuMxmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostminimong kokMongKokmxphonequeuesai yeung choi streetSaiYeungChoiStreetshenzhenshopsmartphonestoreSun, 01 Jan 2012 02:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's two new 1GHz dual-core chipsets make S1-to-S4 migration easier for manufacturers (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/qualcomms-two-new-1ghz-dual-core-chipsets-make-s1-to-s4-migrati/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/qualcomms-two-new-1ghz-dual-core-chipsets-make-s1-to-s4-migrati/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/qualcomms-two-new-1ghz-dual-core-chipsets-make-s1-to-s4-migrati/#comments If the most recent batch of S4 chips from Qualcomm wasn't enough to completely satiate your thirst for new SoC's, the folks from San Diego are adding two more options to the already heapin' pile. At the 2011 Uplinq China Conference in Shenzhen, Qualcomm announced the MSM8625 and MSM8225 S4-class dual-core chipsets, both of which can clock up to 1GHz and pack an Adreno 203 GPU plus a 3G modem. While these numbers aren't relatively exciting at this day and age, the real selling point here is that these chips are actually software and hardware-compatible with the entry-level MSM7x27A and MSM7x25A S1 chips, meaning some of the existing S1-based designs can be quickly and easily adapted to these new S4 chips. Interested manufacturers can nab some of this new silicon from the third-generation Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD) program -- which was also announced today as Qualcomm enters the smartphone reference design business -- or standalone in the first half of 2012, but let's just hope we won't end up seeing too many familiar-looking phones. Press release attached after the break.

Zach Lutz contributed to this report.

Update: We just did a hands-on with one of Qualcomm's new reference designs -- the one we played with had Dianxin OS installed, but we also came across one powered by Aliyun OS. Neither were running smoothly but we've been told they were slightly rushed so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Anyhow, enjoy the photos.

Gallery: Qualcomm Reference Design "QRD 1.5"


Gallery: Qualcomm Reference Design ecosystem presentation

Continue reading Qualcomm's two new 1GHz dual-core chipsets make S1-to-S4 migration easier for manufacturers (updated)

Qualcomm's two new 1GHz dual-core chipsets make S1-to-S4 migration easier for manufacturers (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5chipsetcortex a5CortexA5hands-onmobilepostcrossMSM8225MSM8625processorqrdqualcommqualcomm reference designQualcommReferenceDesigns4shenzhensnapdragonsnapdragon s4SnapdragonS4SoCuplinquplinq 2011uplinq china conferenceUplinq2011UplinqChinaConferenceThu, 08 Dec 2011 22:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese court rejects Apple's claim to the iPad name, faces potential sale ban]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/chinese-court-rejects-apples-claim-to-the-ipad-name-faces-pote/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/chinese-court-rejects-apples-claim-to-the-ipad-name-faces-pote/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/chinese-court-rejects-apples-claim-to-the-ipad-name-faces-pote/#comments iPad 2 Before starting to sell the iPad in China last year Apple attempted to trademark the name in the country, but that request was rejected since it was already owned by Shenzhen-based Proview Technology. Apple reached an agreement with the Taiwanese arm of the company for global rights to the moniker, but the Chinese unit, which owns the trademark in that particular country, wasn't so willing to hand over the deed. Apple sued, but the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court rejected Cupertino's claim to ownership earlier this week and now the iPad manufacturer finds itself on the wrong side of a battle over intellectual property rights. Proview Technology has targeted resellers in Shenzhen and Huizhou, demanding an immediate halt to the selling of the iOS tablet. If successful the company plans to expand its quest for an iPad ban to the rest of China. Obviously, Apple can (and likely will) appeal the decision, but we're interested to see how this one shapes up.

Chinese court rejects Apple's claim to the iPad name, faces potential sale ban originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyipadlawsuitproviewproview technologyProviewTechnologyShenzhentrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementWed, 07 Dec 2011 10:13:00 EST<![CDATA[BYD's e6 goes on sale in China, still mulling trek across Pacific]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/byds-e6-goes-on-sale-in-china-still-mulling-trek-across-atlant/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/byds-e6-goes-on-sale-in-china-still-mulling-trek-across-atlant/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/byds-e6-goes-on-sale-in-china-still-mulling-trek-across-atlant/#comments While it has yet to show up stateside as promised, that hasn't stopped BYD from beginning consumer sales of its EV back home in China. Shenzhen citizens are finally getting a crack at owning an e6 after seeing it on the city's streets in taxi and governmental garb for over a year. On sale for 369,800 RMB (or about $57,000), buyers will only have to part with 249,800 RMB (or about $38,000) come check writing time, thanks to extensive rebates from the government. In exchange for all that cash, you'll get an auto equipped with BYD's "i" system, which lets you access vehicle functions and info (like keyless entry and the car's location) from your smartphone. BYD-i comes onboard a five-seat crossover with a range of up to 190 miles (!) that supports rapid charging -- apparently there's plenty of the speedy power stations in Shenzhen. Those keen to charge at home will also get some installation "assistance" from the automaker, which we'll assume means a subsidy. Given that BYD's electric buses will hit our shores soon, China's first "domestic, long-range, all-electric" crossover can't be that far behind, right? PR awaits you, after the break.

Continue reading BYD's e6 goes on sale in China, still mulling trek across Pacific

BYD's e6 goes on sale in China, still mulling trek across Pacific originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americaautoautomotivebydbyd autobyd e6byd ibyd-iBydAutoBydE6BydIchinachinesecross overCrossOvere6electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevon saleOnSalerapid chargerrapid chargingRapidChargerRapidChargingShenzhenshippingunited statesUnitedStatesFri, 28 Oct 2011 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 5 cases and realistic unibody dummy show off incredible slimness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/iphone-5-cases-and-realistic-unibody-dummy-show-off-incredible-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/iphone-5-cases-and-realistic-unibody-dummy-show-off-incredible-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/iphone-5-cases-and-realistic-unibody-dummy-show-off-incredible-s/#comments While we're only five days away from finding out the true appearance of the next-generation iPhone, our good friends over at BENM.AT went ahead and crafted their very own unibody dummy using CAD drawings, CNC tools and a block of aluminum -- seriously, that's how they roll! Granted, this work's only based on various data and rumor gathered across the web, but it's still a pretty convincing presentation -- the ultra slim teardrop design and elongated home button from previous reports are taken into account, and the mute switch has been relocated from the top left to the top right. BENM.AT told us that this dummy fits nicely into the supposed iPhone 5 cases that they obtained. Speaking of which, we also found some of these cases too -- read on to find out what they're like.

Gallery: "iPhone 5" cases hands-on

Continue reading iPhone 5 cases and realistic unibody dummy show off incredible slimness

iPhone 5 cases and realistic unibody dummy show off incredible slimness originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecasecellphonedummyfeaturedfeatureshands-onhuaqiangbeiiphoneiphone 5Iphone5leakmobile phoneMobilePhonephoneshenzhensmartphoneteardropunibodyvideoThu, 29 Sep 2011 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: the iPhone 4 has a fan in China (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/keepin-it-real-fake-the-iphone-4-has-a-fan-in-china-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/keepin-it-real-fake-the-iphone-4-has-a-fan-in-china-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/keepin-it-real-fake-the-iphone-4-has-a-fan-in-china-video/#comments With competition like the Samsung Galaxy S II showing us just how thin a phone can be, the iPhone 4 isn't quite looking as svelte as it once did. How's an Apple-loving gadget fiend supposed to stay faithful in a time like this? Why, by holding their handset next to something much, much thicker. Enter the "iPhone 4," which actually isn't a phone, rather a powered fan that serves to keep you cool, not connected. As you can see after the break, the Home button won't kick you out of an app, instead kicking that ducted air-mover into high gear, and while you won't find it in your local Apple Store, stumble across one of these plastic bricks in Shenzhen and it'll only cost you $10 or so to take it home. Small price to keep your handset feeling good about itself -- until September, anyway.

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

[Thanks, Chris]

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinacoolcoolerfaniphoneiphone 4Iphone4kirfshenzhenvideoTue, 26 Jul 2011 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/#comments It's safe to say that most of our readers are accustomed to phone shops that are well lit, fairly spacious, and not peppered with KIRF products. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to take a dip in the deep end of the pool, then Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district should satisfy your strange curiosity. As we've shown you in our previous trip, our gadget paradise covers an extensive range of products, including phones, computers, cameras, all the way down to circuitry components like LEDs, chips, and resistors. Our latest discovery, however, is an entire building dedicated to mostly mobile phone products. Read on to find out what this madness is all about -- a video tour awaits after the break.

Gallery: Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei

Continue reading Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorycellphonechinacomponentcultureexportfakefeaturedfeaturesgadget marketGadgetMarketgray marketGrayMarketgrey marketGreyMarkethong kongHongKonghuaqiangbeiimportkirfmarketmobile phoneMobilePhonepartphonerepairshanzhaishenzhenshenzhen phone marketshenzhen+huaqiangbeishenzhen+mobile+marketshenzhen+mobile+phoneshenzhen+mobile+phone+marketshenzhen+phone+marketshenzhenhuaqiangbeishenzhenmobilemarketshenzhenmobilephoneshenzhenmobilephonemarketshenzhenphonemarketsmartphonesparetablettourtravelvideovisitworkshopYuanwangYuanwang Digital Mallyuanwang+mallYuanwangDigitalMallyuanwangmallWed, 15 Jun 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Netcom shows off microSD card with integrated NFC goodness (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/netcom-shows-off-microsd-card-with-integrated-nfc-goodness-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/netcom-shows-off-microsd-card-with-integrated-nfc-goodness-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/netcom-shows-off-microsd-card-with-integrated-nfc-goodness-vide/#comments Here's an interesting idea from a Chinese company called Netcom (not to be confused with the Norwegian operator): adding NFC capability to existing phones via microSD. That's right, rather than relying on external add-ons that occupy ports, Netcom decided to fit NFC chips plus their antennas onto ordinary microSD cards, yet still managing to cram in up to 8GB of NAND memory at the same time. This sure sounds convenient, but there are some caveats: the first rule is that neither the back cover nor the microSD card holder should be made out of metal; then secondly, we noticed that due to the tiny antenna coil, scanning could become tricky if the reader has a small sensing area -- you'd need to position your phone at just the right spot; and lastly, the phone needs a special background app to communicate with the NFC circuitry.

The demo we saw used a Java app running on a Chinese dumbphone, and we were told that Android will be next in line to receive similar support. Alas, consumers won't be able to pick up one of these cards from the shops, though Netcom's already working with a "top ten" phone manufacturer on a compatible device due in three to six months, so stay tuned. Hands-on video after the break.

Update: As pointed out by some readers, it turns out that DeviceFidelity beat Netcom to the market last year.

Gallery: Netcom shows off microSD card with integrated NFC goodness

Continue reading Netcom shows off microSD card with integrated NFC goodness (video)

Netcom shows off microSD card with integrated NFC goodness (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ComputexComputex 2011Computex2011contactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymentfeaturedfeatureshands-onHong KongHongKongmicroSDnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationNetcomNFCShenzhenvideoWed, 01 Jun 2011 17:42:00 EST<![CDATA[AUO's 71-inch ultra-wide 3D LCD panel eyes-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/auos-71-inch-ultra-wide-3d-lcd-panel-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/auos-71-inch-ultra-wide-3d-lcd-panel-eyes-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/auos-71-inch-ultra-wide-3d-lcd-panel-eyes-on/#comments While strolling around Shenzhen earlier today, we decided to stop by at the China Optoelectronics Display Expo to feast our eyes on AUO's "world's largest" 71-inch 21:9 3D LCD panel. Phew, what a mouthful, but this 240Hz ultrawidescreen is indeed larger than the sub-60-inch offerings from Vizio, JVC, and Philips. But is it any good? We put on our passive 3D glasses and found the experience to be surprisingly comfortable and effective (even at about 40 degrees from the center before we hit the wall), though the glossy screen's reflection of the neighboring booth was slightly off-putting. This would probably be less of a problem at your humble abode, anyhow.

In terms of availability, AUO told us that China-based TCL will be the first to pick up this beast of a panel, and the final product should be out in August. Apart from that, we couldn't squeeze out further info about other brands, so you best be writing to your nearest dealership to import this exotic cinema TV. More eyes-on pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: AUO's 71-inch Cinema Scope 3D LCD panel eyes-on

AUO's 71-inch ultra-wide 3D LCD panel eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 May 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>21:921:9 cinema hdtv21:9CinemaHdtv240Hz240Hz LCD TV240hzLcdTv2560 x 10802560X10803D3D TV3dTv71-inchAU OptronicsAUOAuOptronicsChinaChina Optoelectronics Display ExpoChinaOptoelectronicsDisplayExpocinema scopeCinemaScopeCODECODE 2011Code2011CSHDD-LEDhands-onpassivepassive 3dPassive3dShenzhenT706DB01TCLTVultrawidescreenSun, 08 May 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Windows Phone 7 debuts in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/#comments If smartphone platforms are legitimized by a KIRF manufacturer's tenacity to rip them off, then Windows Phone has truly arrived. Today we're looking at a larger than life "HTC"-branded knock-off of the Omnia 7, replete with an 800 x 480 4.8-inch (!) capacitive touchscreen and 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Given the massive size of this phone, there's plenty of room for features, which include Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS connectivity, along with a five megapixel camera, dual-SIMs and two microSD slots (for up to 32GB storage). Whew. Impressive specs aside, the device comes saddled with Windows Mobile 6.5 -- which has been heavily modified to resemble WP7's tile interface. There's no word yet on pricing -- just ask someone selling phones on a blanket the next time you're in Shenzhen, okay?

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesefakehtckeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffOmniaomnia 7Omnia7samsungsamsung omnia 7SamsungOmnia7Shenzhenwindows mobile 6.5Windows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsMobile6.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: a Foxconn worker walks into an Apple store...]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/23/visualized-a-foxconn-worker-walks-into-an-apple-store/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/23/visualized-a-foxconn-worker-walks-into-an-apple-store/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/23/visualized-a-foxconn-worker-walks-into-an-apple-store/#comments ... and thinks, "I should ask for another raise."

Visualized: a Foxconn worker walks into an Apple store... originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinafoxconnimaciphoneipodMacshenzhenvisualizedSat, 23 Apr 2011 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[64GB iPhone 4 prototype spotted in China? (Updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/64gb-iphone-4-prototype-spotted-in-china-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/64gb-iphone-4-prototype-spotted-in-china-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/09/64gb-iphone-4-prototype-spotted-in-china-video/#comments If 32GB just isn't enough to carry your entire collection of Police bootlegs and Greatest Hits compilations, prepare to look enviously upon this bastion of storage salvation. It's a 64GB iPhone 4, a supposed prototype leaked by a Foxconn employee. M.I.C. Gadget scored a quick video of the phone, even prying off the back cover revealing internals that certainly look official. The back is curiously designated "XXGB," which thankfully does not indicate a turn to Roman Numerals, while the model number and FCC ID are similarly X'd out. Other details, like a missing silver ring around the camera lens, indeed make this look like a prototype, but of course the question now is whether this plucky little handset will ever follow its dreams of becoming a production model before getting relegated to obsolescence.

Update: We went over to the Sin Tak shopping mall in Hong Kong to get up close and personal with this mysterious device. Shockingly, the folks wanted a hefty HK$13,500 (US$1,734) for their phone, but this alone doesn't really prove whether it's a legit Foxconn prototype. We also got some folks to run the numbers through Apple's system, and while the serial number is invalid, the model number indicates that this device was manufactured in early 2010, which probably means at one point Apple intended to release a 64GB version of the iPhone 4, but then changed its mind. Ah well, let's see what this summer will bring us.

Continue reading 64GB iPhone 4 prototype spotted in China? (Updated)

64GB iPhone 4 prototype spotted in China? (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>64gbapplefoxconnhong kongHongKongiphoneiphone 4Iphone4leakmong kokMongKokprototyperumorshenzhensin takSinTakvideoWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad 2 (or something) shows up in the wilds of China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-or-something-shows-up-in-the-wilds-of-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-or-something-shows-up-in-the-wilds-of-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-or-something-shows-up-in-the-wilds-of-china/#comments Look, not even the source of these images is absolutely certain that the device in his possession is a legitimate iPad 2, but we can't very well leave you spending your entire day anticipating Apple's new tablet launch without a potential candidate for what it might eventually look like. The above mockup has been procured over in China (where else?) and seems to tally closely with speculation we've been hearing about this hardware refresh -- namely, a slimmer profile, an almost entirely flat back, bigger speaker, and of course, rear- and front-facing cameras. We've looked into the digits on the back of the device and the model number is one for the original Apple TV while the FCC ID is for a WiFi-only iPad, but those could be mere placeholders on what is, once again, a mockup and not a real working tablet. The SIM card slot looks to have been repositioned to a slot that was once expected to house an SD card reader. Other tidbits of interest here include the 3G antenna, whose white cover is expected to be black on final units, and the sloped power button and headphone jack, bringing those witty "jumbo iPod touch" jokes to mind. Boy, those never get old. Jump past the break for a few more pics.

Continue reading iPad 2 (or something) shows up in the wilds of China

iPad 2 (or something) shows up in the wilds of China originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applein the wildInTheWildipad 2Ipad2leakmockuprumorshenzhenslatespeculationtabletWed, 02 Mar 2011 02:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/#comments Unless you've been away from the Internet over the last few days, you would've no doubt heard about Woz's special appearance at the Engadget Show on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, a few websites ran with some quotes that they pulled from our interview -- specifically, the highlight was Woz "confirming" that the white iPhone 4 was indeed delayed due to camera issues. Well, I don't think this is the case at all. In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of other good reasons for why Apple's been delaying the much anticipated flavor of its flagship smartphone, but the camera just isn't one of them. Head right past the break and all will be explained.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecameracomparisondebunkdiyexclusivefakefeaturedfeaturesfoxconniphoneiphone 4iphone+4+whiteIphone4iphone4whitekirfmanufacturemodpartphotophoto qualityPhotoQualitysample shotsSampleShotsshenzhensin takSinTaksteve wozniakSteveWozniaktransmittancewhitewhite iphone 4white+iphonewhite+iphone4whiteiphoneWhiteIphone4wozWed, 02 Feb 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: 'iPad phone' is the answer to a question no one asked (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/keepin-it-real-fake-ipad-phone-is-the-answer-to-a-question-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/keepin-it-real-fake-ipad-phone-is-the-answer-to-a-question-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/keepin-it-real-fake-ipad-phone-is-the-answer-to-a-question-n/#comments
The D-Pad and E-Pad are two pint-sized cellphones that are reminiscent of the iPad, except they are telephones, they are much smaller, and they are totally different. Featuring a 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen, 2.5mm headphone jack, 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera and 2 megapixel rear camera with LED flash, you don't even have to get to the dual SIMs, telescoping antenna, or the CMMB mobile TV tuner before you realize this is all Shenzhen, and very little Cupertino. Available now in either pink or white for 550 Chinese yuan (about $70). Get a closer look -- and some video to boot -- after the break.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: 'iPad phone' is the answer to a question no one asked (video)

Keepin' it real fake: 'iPad phone' is the answer to a question no one asked (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinad-pade-padiosipadipad 2Ipad2iphonekirfshanzhaishenzhenvideoTue, 04 Jan 2011 19:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu's M9 launch amasses thousands of Jack Wong fans across China (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/meizus-m9-launch-amasses-thousands-of-jack-wong-fans-across-chi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/meizus-m9-launch-amasses-thousands-of-jack-wong-fans-across-chi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/meizus-m9-launch-amasses-thousands-of-jack-wong-fans-across-chi/#comments Pretty impressive, isn't it? Meizu sure has made a wise decision to launch its M9 Android Froyo phone on the first day of 2011 which, like most other countries, happens to be a public holiday in China. According to some Meizu fans (aka "Mei-yo" or literally "friends of Meizu") outside one of the two Shenzhen stores, there were already about 60 people lined up outside at around 6am. A few of them even braved the cold weather since 8pm last night, despite CEO Jack Wong actively discouraging such hustle on the forum for the sake of people's health, promising "all the flagship stores will have sufficient stock" for all pre-orderers. Meizu wasn't keen on giving us an official number, but the two Shenzhen stores alone could've easily served several thousand customers this morning. With no limit on how many units each person could pre-order (¥2,499 / $379 for 8GB, and ¥2,699 / $409 for 16GB), you can imagine Meizu's assembly lines working long hours to supply its stores from 28 other provinces in China. Meanwhile, somewhere out there, Mr. Wong is happily checking his bank account. Video after the break.

Gallery: Meizu's M9 launch amasses thousands of Jack Wong fans across China

Continue reading Meizu's M9 launch amasses thousands of Jack Wong fans across China (video)

Meizu's M9 launch amasses thousands of Jack Wong fans across China (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cellphonechinafeaturedfeaturesfroyoHua Qiang Beihua qiang luhuaqiangbeiHuaQiangLulaunchm9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9mobile phoneMobilePhonephoneproduct launchProductLaunchshenzhensmartphonevideoSat, 01 Jan 2011 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu M9 christens site launch with full specs list]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/meizu-m9-christens-site-launch-with-full-specs-list/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/meizu-m9-christens-site-launch-with-full-specs-list/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/meizu-m9-christens-site-launch-with-full-specs-list/#comments Meizu CEO Jack Wong has been teasing the M9 handset for some time now, and if we're not mistaken, the official site just went live with a full list of specs to boot. As promised, there's a 3.5-inch 960 x 640 resolution screen (reportedly the Sharp ASV display), and we're also apparently looking at a 1GHz S5PC110 processor (just like the Samsung Galaxy S), Android 2.2, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, A-GPS, 802.11b/g/n, microSDHC, a removable 1370mAH lithium-polymer battery, and support for (drumroll, please) GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA,and HSUPA. Too good to be true? Word on the street is this very phone will be available December 25th in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and will expand to the rest of China days later. We'll believe it when we see it.

Meizu M9 christens site launch with full specs list originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asvBeijingchinaGuangzhoum9meizuS5PC110Shanghaisharpsharp asvSharpAsvShenzhenWed, 15 Dec 2010 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Shenzhen netvertible flips its lid, apes Dell Inspiron Duo with days to spare]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/05/shenzhen-netvertible-flips-its-lid-apes-dell-inspiron-duo-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/05/shenzhen-netvertible-flips-its-lid-apes-dell-inspiron-duo-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/05/shenzhen-netvertible-flips-its-lid-apes-dell-inspiron-duo-with/#comments If you thought the Inspiron Duo would be the only netvertible to have a slick spinning screen, think again -- with less than three months since Dell's design debuted and ten days till it ships, that trap-door design's been copied by the gadget giants of Shenzhen. This time around, it's not an obvious KIRF, but it's also not a terribly powerful little PC -- where Dell at least attempted to push the envelope with a dual-core Atom N550 processor, 2GB of RAM and a Broadcom Crystal HD chip, here we're looking at a bargain-basement netbook with all the usual suspects (Atom N450, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, Intel GMA 3150) and what looks like a tiny optical trackpad. At least it's got a capacitive screen! No word on when or how much you can expect to pay if flipping bezels are your thing.

Shenzhen netvertible flips its lid, apes Dell Inspiron Duo with days to spare originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomatom n450AtomN450Convertibleconvertible laptopconvertible netbookconvertible tabletConvertibleLaptopConvertibleNetbookConvertibleTablethybridInspiron DuoInspironDuolaptopnetbooknetvertiblenetvertiblesshenzhenSun, 05 Dec 2010 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: PSP Phone features NES emulator, cognitive dissonance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/keepin-it-real-fake-psp-phone-features-nes-emulator-cognitive/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/keepin-it-real-fake-psp-phone-features-nes-emulator-cognitive/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/keepin-it-real-fake-psp-phone-features-nes-emulator-cognitive/#comments
This is not the first KIRF PSP Phone we've seen, but recent news of the actual, long-awaited device (you heard it here first, folks!) makes the Unmei Q5's appearance in the stalls of Shenzhen all the more timely. What will your hard earned yuan will get you? How about a 3.5-inch touchscreen, front and rear cameras, dual SIM card slots, an NES emulator, 3.5mm audio jack, and a mini-USB port -- all crammed into the shell of a PSP Go? Available in black or white, this bad boy has been spotted for 399 CNY, or about $60. We just hope the real handset looks this good!

[Thanks, Chris]

Keepin' it real fake: PSP Phone features NES emulator, cognitive dissonance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kirfknockoffnes emulatorNesEmulatorpsppsp phonePspPhoneshanzaishenzhenFri, 05 Nov 2010 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Coolpad to debut N930 Android phone in China, lures your yuans with titanium and ceramic parts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/coolpad-to-debut-n930-android-phone-in-china-lures-your-yuans-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/coolpad-to-debut-n930-android-phone-in-china-lures-your-yuans-w/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/coolpad-to-debut-n930-android-phone-in-china-lures-your-yuans-w/#comments You know, the Chinese gadget market isn't just about tacky shanzhai or KIRF products -- look closer and ye shall find the odd pearl on the seabed. For instance, this Coolpad N930 Android phone doesn't look too shabby with its tough titanium body, ceramic buttons, and a 3.5-inch 480 x 800 ASV LCD capacitive touchscreen, not to mention the 1GHz CPU under the hood as well. The hold-back? You might need to take a leap of faith for this young cellphone brand's first take on Google's green bot, and this is Android 2.1 we're talking about here, although a 2.2 update will be available later. This is all the info available for now -- the rest will be unveiled at the P&T / Expo Comm China in Beijing next month, if you absolutely must get hold of this handset.

[Thanks, Michael YL]

Coolpad to debut N930 Android phone in China, lures your yuans with titanium and ceramic parts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.1Android2.1asvcellphonechinacoolpadexpo comm chinaExpoCommChinalaunchmobilemobile phoneMobilePhonen930phoneptshenzhensmartphoneTue, 28 Sep 2010 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: the Haina X5-01 KIRFs the Kin One]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/27/keepin-it-real-fake-the-haina-x5-01-kirfs-the-kin-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/27/keepin-it-real-fake-the-haina-x5-01-kirfs-the-kin-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/27/keepin-it-real-fake-the-haina-x5-01-kirfs-the-kin-one/#commentsKeepin' it real fake: the Haina X5-01 KIRFs the Kin One Microsoft's Kin moved so quickly from curiosity to cadaver that we've almost managed to forget about the thing already, but one group will always remember: the KIRFers. This model is called the Haina X5-01 and it's something of an ode to Microsoft's less than dearly departed Kin One handset, a direct copy of the hardware we actually found to be somewhat derivative itself. This model, however, merrily leaps right over the line between imitation and clone, even stealing one of Microsoft's sample images of the UI. Thanks to that we don't actually have any real screenshots of what OS the thing is running, but something tells us that whatever ROM it's rocking it won't be nearly as adept at keeping up with our chaotic lives.

Keepin' it real fake: the Haina X5-01 KIRFs the Kin One originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinahainakeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekinkin oneKinOnekirfmicrosoftshenzhenx5-01Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Keeping it real fake: ePhone won't shatter when you drop it, might melt in the sun]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/keeping-it-real-fake-ephone-wont-shatter-when-you-drop-it-mig/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/keeping-it-real-fake-ephone-wont-shatter-when-you-drop-it-mig/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/keeping-it-real-fake-ephone-wont-shatter-when-you-drop-it-mig/#comments
We're guessing that there won't be many tech sites lineblogging outside the Shenzhen KIRF stalls when the ePhone 4GS finally gets a release date. And it's a shame, really: for knock-off fanatics like ourselves, this thing could be in the big leagues, right up there with the iorgane (that's pronounced "i-orange," by the way). Don't let the industrial design fool you -- unlike the real deal, this thing is all plastic, right up to that silver band wrapping 'round the edges. The rear of the unit boasts the Apple logo and 16GB, and while the first designation is definitely inaccurate, we harbor serious doubts about the latter. But what do you expect for $85? Get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Keeping it real fake: ePhone won't shatter when you drop it, might melt in the sun

Keeping it real fake: ePhone won't shatter when you drop it, might melt in the sun originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaephoneephone 4gsEphone4gsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4kirfshenzhenThu, 24 Jun 2010 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Dual SIM watchphone gives us two reasons to be non-plussed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/dual-sim-watchphone-gives-us-two-reasons-to-be-non-plussed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/dual-sim-watchphone-gives-us-two-reasons-to-be-non-plussed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/23/dual-sim-watchphone-gives-us-two-reasons-to-be-non-plussed/#comments
Oh, the humble watchphone... we've seen a few iterations, but very few that we'd wear for anything but a laugh. The gang at eSales China are offering a slight twist on the typical fare by throwing in dual SIM cards behind the 1.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, 2 mp camera, microSD card, and GSM850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 support. Sold? We weren't either (not for $128 at least). Feel like a good laugh? Get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Dual SIM watchphone gives us two reasons to be non-plussed

Dual SIM watchphone gives us two reasons to be non-plussed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacrapgadgetdual simDualSimgsmshenzhenwatchphoneWed, 23 Jun 2010 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Nokia X5 goes shanzhai in record time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/keepin-it-real-fake-nokia-x5-goes-shanzhai-in-record-time/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/keepin-it-real-fake-nokia-x5-goes-shanzhai-in-record-time/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/keepin-it-real-fake-nokia-x5-goes-shanzhai-in-record-time/#comments
Is this a new record? Not twelve hours after the Nokia X5 slider got official in Singapore, our friend Albert spotted this curious square-shaped, Nokia-branded KIRF in a flea market in Manaus, Brazil. Of course, this raises the horrible possibility that this odd-ball form factor just might be catching on somewhere -- but we're going to try and put it out of our minds it for the time being.

Keepin' it real fake: Nokia X5 goes shanzhai in record time originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brazilkirfknock-offManausnokiashanzhaishenzhenx5Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese government to make Foxconn suicide findings public]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/chinese-government-to-make-foxconn-suicide-findings-public/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/chinese-government-to-make-foxconn-suicide-findings-public/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/15/chinese-government-to-make-foxconn-suicide-findings-public/#comments
We've been struggling to wrap our heads 'round this whole Foxconn imbroglio since the beginning, and while we're pretty skeptical about any official reports we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that the Human Resources and Social Security Ministry in China was looking into the thing, and that they'll be releasing the findings somewhat soonish. According to Vice Minister Zhang Xiaojian, recent strikes at various factories including Brother and Honda (strikes seemingly sparked by the Foxconn incidents) do not constitute "a 'wave' of unrest." Well, that's good -- for business owners, at least. And while the families of the Foxconn suicides maintain that long hours, low pay, and harsh management are to be blamed, Zhang added that "the psychological problems of the workers" can be added to the list. Psychological problems caused by low pay, long hours, and harsh management, perhaps?

[Thanks, Xinh]

Chinese government to make Foxconn suicide findings public originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacostfactoryfoxconnhon haihon hai precisionHonHaiHonHaiPrecisionHuman Resources and Social Security MinistryHumanResourcesAndSocialSecurityMinistrymanufacturingsalaryshenzhensuicidesuicidestaiwanterry gouTerryGouwagewelfareworking conditionsWorkingConditionsZhang XiaojianZhangXiaojianTue, 15 Jun 2010 02:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Foxconn axes suicide compensation, relocating some production to Vietnam or Taiwan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/foxconn-axes-suicide-compensation-relocating-some-production-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/foxconn-axes-suicide-compensation-relocating-some-production-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/foxconn-axes-suicide-compensation-relocating-some-production-to/#comments At yesterday's annual shareholder meeting, Foxconn revealed that it'll no longer be compensating families of dead employees as a move to discourage further suicides. CEO Terry Gou reasoned by exhibiting evidence that showed the money -- an amount almost equivalent to ten years' worth of salary -- was a major motivation for the suicides. One such exhibit was a man's suicide letter that contained the following message for his parents:
"...now I'm going to jump off Foxconn, really leaving now, but you don't have to be sad, because Foxconn will pay a bit of money, this is all your son can repay you now."
Gou also blamed a possible "Werther Effect" created by the news coverage, which might have led to six of the twelve suicides all taking place in May. Consequently, the company will be handing over its welfare management work to the local Chinese government, as it's unable to deal with too many social responsibilities.

In the same meeting, the company made an unsurprising announcement that it's looking to relocate some manufacturing work, amid a worsened earnings forecast due to increased wages -- basic salary has gone up from ¥900 ($132) to ¥1,200 ($176), rising to as much as ¥2,000 ($293) for those who meet new performance criteria. This will involve setting up a fully automated facility in either Taiwan or Vietnam, while the existing Vietnamese plant will be receiving more orders. Chairman Samuel Chen also said that Foxconn will be working with its clients to share the load -- no further details on this, but we suspect Apple's rumored direct subsidies are part of the plan.

Foxconn axes suicide compensation, relocating some production to Vietnam or Taiwan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacopycat suicideCopycatSuicidecostfactoryfoxconnhon haihon hai precisionHonHaiHonHaiPrecisionmanufacturingpaypay risePayRiserelocationrestructuringsalaryshenzhensuicidesuicidestaiwanterry gouTerryGouvietnamwagewelfareWerther EffectWertherEffectworking conditionsWorkingConditionsWed, 09 Jun 2010 04:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Chinese official calls for improved worker conditions in response to Foxconn deaths]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/top-chinese-official-calls-for-improved-worker-conditions-in-res/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/top-chinese-official-calls-for-improved-worker-conditions-in-res/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/30/top-chinese-official-calls-for-improved-worker-conditions-in-res/#comments
 The highest ranking official in the Guangdong province of China has called for improved conditions for workers in light of the recent slew of suicides at Hon Hai Precision Manufacturing, also known as Foxconn. Wang Yang, the provincial party secretary in the province where the suicides have taken place, said that the government must work together with the company to "take effective measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening again," While it's still not clear what is causing the deaths, Wang called for measures such as increasing sports and leisure activities for the workers, and improving communication between worker and employer. "Labor unions in private firms should be improved to facilitate better working conditions and more harmonious relations between workers and employers," he said, speaking at a conference in Shenzhen on Saturday, just about one day after Foxconn announced it would increase wages of workers up to 20 percent.

Top Chinese official calls for improved worker conditions in response to Foxconn deaths originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 May 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafoxconnhon haihon hai precisionHonHaiHonHaiPrecisionshenzhensuicidesuicideswangSun, 30 May 2010 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple, Dell, and HP comment on suicides as Foxconn CEO shows off the pool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/apple-and-dell-comment-as-foxconn-ceo-shows-off-the-pool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/apple-and-dell-comment-as-foxconn-ceo-shows-off-the-pool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/26/apple-and-dell-comment-as-foxconn-ceo-shows-off-the-pool/#comments On an 84-degree day (29 C) at a Chinese factory housing some 400,000 workers, at least 2 of them were enjoying the Foxconn swimming pool. We know this because the notoriously secretive Foxconn CEO, Terry Gou, was showing off some of the workers' facilities to the press to assure the world that he was not operating a sweatshop. Foxconn has received a great deal of attention lately after a rash of suicide attempts this year left 2 workers seriously injured and 9 people dead. While these numbers are relatively low compared to World Health Organization data showing a suicide rate of about 14 deaths per 100,000 Chinese, Foxconn contends that there were only one or two suicides a year previously at its Shenzhen factories. Today Gou announced that Foxconn has 70 psychiatrists and 100 voluntary workers trained to help prevent suicide. Great, problem solved.

As you probably know, Foxconn is behind the assembly of many major consumer electronics brands including HP, Nokia, Dell, and Apple -- the latter two have come out with statements expressing their respective concern. Apple had this to say:
"We are saddened and upset by the recent suicides at Foxconn. We're in direct contact with Foxconn senior management and we believe they are taking this matter very seriously. A team from Apple is independently evaluating the steps they are taking to address these tragic events and we will continue our ongoing inspections of the facilities where our products are made."
And Dell this:
"We expect our suppliers to employ the same high standards we do in our own facilities. We enforce these standards through a variety of tools, including the Electronics Industry code of conduct, business reviews with suppliers, self-assessments and audits."
During today's press event, Tang Wenying, a young Foxconn line supervisor said, "This is a good place to work because they treat us better than many (other) Chinese factories." And that may be the most worrisome aspect of this: Foxconn, by all accounts, provides some of the best conditions for the Chinese workers it employs. What does that say about the anonymous (and thus, invisible) chain of small suppliers and secondary assembly facilities nobody reads about?

Update: HP says that it is also investigating "the Foxconn practices that may be associated with these tragic events."

Apple, Dell, and HP comment on suicides as Foxconn CEO shows off the pool originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 May 2010 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleassemblychinadeathdellfoxconnhon haihon hai precisionHonHaiHonHaiPrecisionhpnokiapoolShenzhensuicideswimming poolSwimmingPoolterry gouTerryGouWed, 26 May 2010 06:43:00 EST<![CDATA[The fate of a generation of workers: Foxconn undercover fully translated (update: videos added)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/the-fate-of-a-generation-of-workers-foxconn-undercover-fully-tr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/the-fate-of-a-generation-of-workers-foxconn-undercover-fully-tr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/the-fate-of-a-generation-of-workers-foxconn-undercover-fully-tr/#commentsMachine translations are still years or even decades away from perfection, so rather than sending you to an auto-translated page, we now present -- with exclusive permission from Southern Weekend -- a human translation of this damning article on Foxconn by undercover reporter Liu Zhiyi.

(Photo: Southern Weekend)

I know of two groups of young people.

One group consists of university students like myself, who live in ivory towers and kept company by libraries and lake views. The other group works alongside steel machineries and large containers, all inside a factory of high-precision manufacturing environment. These guys always address their seniors as "laoban" (boss), and call their own colleagues -- regardless of familiarity -- the rude "diaomao" (pubic hair) in loud.

After going undercover in Foxconn for 28 days, I came back out. I've been trying to tie the two pictures together. But it's very difficult. Even with people living in these two places sharing the same age, the same youth dream.

My undercover was part of Southern Weekend's investigation on the then six Foxconn suicides. We soon found out that most of Southern Weekend's reporters were rejected due to age -- Foxconn only recruits people around the age of 20. In comparison, being just under 23 years old, I was quickly brought into Foxconn.

The 28-day undercover work made a strong impact on me. It wasn't about finding out what they died for, but rather to learn how they lived.

Continue reading The fate of a generation of workers: Foxconn undercover fully translated (update: videos added)

The fate of a generation of workers: Foxconn undercover fully translated (update: videos added) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacovertdeathexclusivefoxconnhon haiHonHaiinvestigationshenzhensouthern weekendSouthernWeekendsuicidesuicidesundercovervideowelfareWed, 19 May 2010 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Undercover Chinese reporter exposes Foxconn working conditions (update: full English translation)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/undercover-chinese-reporter-exposes-foxconn-working-conditions/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/undercover-chinese-reporter-exposes-foxconn-working-conditions/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/undercover-chinese-reporter-exposes-foxconn-working-conditions/#comments
Some time in April, Chinese news site Southern Weekend sent its intern, Liu Zhiyi, on a 28-day undercover mission at Foxconn's Shenzhen factory, as part of an investigation on what could've led to this year's numerous suicides in one of China's largest factories. While the report doesn't comment on the company's management and support networks (or the lack of) for front-line workers, it appears that the real problem lies in Chinese workers' definition of a "good factory" -- one that pays more by means of offering overtime hours. It's clear what's causing this perception -- there's the sub-standard minimum wage in Shenzhen, and then there are the companies abusing this fact to lure workers with overtime hours above the legal limit.

Update: Thanks to Southern Weekend's exclusive permission, we've now published the full human translation of the Chinese report.

Continue reading Undercover Chinese reporter exposes Foxconn working conditions (update: full English translation)

Undercover Chinese reporter exposes Foxconn working conditions (update: full English translation) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacovertdeathfoxconnhon haiHonHaiinvestigationshenzhensouthern weekendSouthernWeekendsuicidesuicidesundercoverwelfareWed, 19 May 2010 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: phoney Armani handset borrows some of that Samsung glamor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/keepin-it-real-fake-phoney-armani-handset-borrows-some-of-that/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/keepin-it-real-fake-phoney-armani-handset-borrows-some-of-that/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/13/keepin-it-real-fake-phoney-armani-handset-borrows-some-of-that/#comments
When we reviewed the Samsung Omnia II, we forgot to mention one major drawback: the lack of Giorgio Armani branding. Luckily the KIRFmeisters of Shenzhen have picked up where the original manufacturer dropped the ball. And they threw in a QWERTY keyboard to boot! No word on price or availability of the KIRF Samsung Omnia Pro Giorgio, but that's probably for the best. And yes, it has dual SIM cards.

[Thanks, Hiroshi]

Update: Egads! We totally forgot about the actual Samsung Omnia Pro Giorgio! But let's be honest here -- it is highly forgettable.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: phoney Armani handset borrows some of that Samsung glamor

Keepin' it real fake: phoney Armani handset borrows some of that Samsung glamor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armanicottagegiorgio armaniGiorgioArmanikirfomniaomnia 2omnia iiOmnia2OmniaIisamsungSamsung Omnia Pro GiorgioSamsungOmniaProGiorgioshanzhaishenzhenuglyThu, 13 May 2010 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: GiPhone F98 is the KIRFiest next gen iPhone KIRF to ever KIRF]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-giphone-f98-is-the-kirfiest-fourth-gen-iph/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-giphone-f98-is-the-kirfiest-fourth-gen-iph/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-giphone-f98-is-the-kirfiest-fourth-gen-iph/#comments
It's been nearly a month since a China Grabber employee drunkenly left his experimental prototype next gen GiPhone at a Sushi Bar in Shenzhen, where it was found and sold to Shanzai.com for several thousand Yuan -- and the gadget world hasn't been the same since. The GiPhone F98 features, as all of these KIRFs do, dual SIM cards, an FM Radio, an "iPhone style" UI, WiFi, Bluetooth, and compatibility with 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz GSM. And it's one of the thickest phones we've seen in a long time! (See for yourself after the break.) Available now for $150, if you dare.

[Thanks, Jessica]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: GiPhone F98 is the KIRFiest next gen iPhone KIRF to ever KIRF

Keepin' it real fake: GiPhone F98 is the KIRFiest next gen iPhone KIRF to ever KIRF originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleawesomefakeGiPhoneGiPhone F98GiphoneF98HiPhoneiphonekirfshanzhaiShenzhenWed, 05 May 2010 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Show: Inside the gadget markets of China, part two - Shenzhen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/the-engadget-show-inside-the-gadget-markets-of-china-part-two/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/the-engadget-show-inside-the-gadget-markets-of-china-part-two/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/the-engadget-show-inside-the-gadget-markets-of-china-part-two/#comments You may have already seen the large range of gadgets -- both old and new -- in Hong Kong, but the small presence of KIRFs there does make things a tad less exciting. Want more? Turns out all you need to do is grab a Chinese visa (or a border pass if you're a Hong Kong or Macau resident), take a train ride up north and you'll reach Shenzhen for all the KIRFs you've ever wanted. In this second part of our China tour series, we'll be showing you around the Luohu Commercial City and the Huaqiangbei gadget heaven -- don't worry, there are still many genuine products there for you little angels. Oh, and we also popped into a Meizu store for some hands-on time with the notorious M8. Enjoy.

Host: Richard Lai
Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm, Richard Lai
Executive Producer: Joshua Fruhlinger
Filmed by: Alfred Yu, Richard Lai
Edited by: Richard Lai
Music by: Pieces of Eight, Sabrepulse
Opening titles by: Julien Nantiec

Download the Show: The Engadget Show - Segment 008 (HD) / The Engadget Show - Segment 008 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted)

Subscribe to the Show:

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Click through for the stream...

Continue reading The Engadget Show: Inside the gadget markets of China, part two - Shenzhen

The Engadget Show: Inside the gadget markets of China, part two - Shenzhen originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaelectronics marketElectronicsMarketengadget showEngadgetShowengadgetshowcastfeaturedfeaturesgadget marketGadgetMarkethua qiang luhuaqiangbeiHuaQiangLukeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfluohuluohu commercial cityLuohuCommercialCitym8meizumeizu m8MeizuM8shenzhenthe engadget showTheEngadgetShowvideoWed, 28 Apr 2010 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Enso's zenPad finds the funds to become reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/ensos-zenpad-finds-the-funds-to-become-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/ensos-zenpad-finds-the-funds-to-become-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/ensos-zenpad-finds-the-funds-to-become-reality/#comments With only 500 units ordered and 30 scheduled to ship on May 8th, it's clear the Enso zenPad won't blow up the world, but it's nice to see a startup make good on its promises. We've yet to receive one of the cheap Android tablets ourselves, but we do finally have proof they're on the way: Enso CEO Alberto Armandi just sent us an official, signed receipt for the purchase of 500 MID-560A tablet computers from OEM SMiT, along with a bank document proving they have been bought and (mostly) paid for. What happens now is threefold: The 250 buyers who held out receive a rebranded SMiT tablet, the 250 who didn't get their money back (anecdotal reports indicate refunds are underway), and the whole mess hopefully fades into obscurity, letting the three young entrepreneurs who brought us this niche Chinese device get on with their lives. See the slightly redacted proof Enso actually purchased these things, right after the break.

Continue reading Enso's zenPad finds the funds to become reality

Enso's zenPad finds the funds to become reality originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid tabletAndroidTabletEnsoEnso zenpadEnsoZenpadexclusiveMIDMID-560AproofShenzhenShenzhen State Micro TechnologyShenzhenStateMicroTechnologySMiTSMIT MID-560ASmitMid-560atablettablet PCTabletPcvaporwarezenpadTue, 27 Apr 2010 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[National Labor Committee report on Chinese CE factories uncovers deplorable conditions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/national-labor-committee-report-on-chinese-ce-factories-uncovers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/national-labor-committee-report-on-chinese-ce-factories-uncovers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/national-labor-committee-report-on-chinese-ce-factories-uncovers/#comments Yesterday, the National Labor Committee produced a report on the working conditions at the KYE Factory in Dongguan City, Guangdong, China. KYE operates (like many factories in China) a live-work facility and generated sales of $400 million in 2008. KYE manufactures outsourced products for HP, Best Buy, Samsung, Foxconn, Acer, Logitech, and ASUS. Their largest customer, however, is reportedly Microsoft. The report details some of what we've come to expect in stories of labor abuses -- near children, most of them women, working for 16 or 17 hours a day, living in nearly deplorable conditions, for less than a dollar an hour -- all so that the world's ever-growing need for / addiction to consumer electronics can be fed. Now, the gadget industry isn't the only offender by a stretch -- but it's quickly becoming one of the largest (in addition to producing a truly horrific amount of toxic garbage). After the break are some choice facts from the report that our readers might be interested in ingesting, so read on.

Continue reading National Labor Committee report on Chinese CE factories uncovers deplorable conditions

National Labor Committee report on Chinese CE factories uncovers deplorable conditions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuychinaconditionsconsumer electronicsconsumer electronics factoriesConsumerElectronicsConsumerElectronicsFactoriesCosumerElectronicse wastee-wasteEWastefactoriesfactoryfactory conditionsFactoryConditionshphuman rightsHumanRightskyelabor conditionslabor lawsLaborConditionsLaborLawsmicrosoftnational labor committeeNationalLaborCommitteeoemreportShenzhensuppliersuppliersworkersworkers rightsWorkersRightsworking conditionsWorkingConditionsWed, 14 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Enso's zenPad is vaporware, get refunds while they last (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/ensos-zenpad-is-vaporware-get-refunds-while-they-last/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/ensos-zenpad-is-vaporware-get-refunds-while-they-last/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/ensos-zenpad-is-vaporware-get-refunds-while-they-last/#comments Did you order a Enso zenPad? If so, you'll be happy to hear that the company has decided on a concrete release date; its website is now ticking down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until May 8th, when Enso claims they'll finally ship the rebranded Smit MID. Problem is, if you ordered your zenPad on March 22nd -- the day we wrote about it -- you will have waited 47 days by the time the device ships, exactly two days too many to get a PayPal refund. But more importantly, manufacturer Smit has now disavowed any knowledge of a deal, and Enso itself has admitted that the zenPad as such does not currently exist. We've done quite a bit of digging and even spoke with an Enso founder to get the whole story. Enough promises have now been broken and lies told that if we were you, we'd request refunds ASAP, but if you still want to hang on for a chance at a $155 Android tablet, you can hear the whole tale right after the break.

Update: We just spoke to Enso CEO Alberto Armandi, who says that the company has now secured the necessary funding to make good on orders, and promises that he will ship us a zenPad for review within two weeks. We'll revisit this story then. Meanwhile, read how we got to this juncture after the break.

Continue reading Enso's zenPad is vaporware, get refunds while they last (update)

Enso's zenPad is vaporware, get refunds while they last (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alberto ArmandiAlbertoArmandiandroidandroid tabletAndroidTabletbuyer bewareBuyerBewareeBayEnsoMaurizio ColarossiMaurizioColarossiOlivier LalondeOlivierLalonderefundrefundsrip-offrip-offsripoffripoffsscamscamsscams and fraudsscams and rip-offsScamsAndFraudsScamsAndRip-offsShenzen State Micro TechnologyShenzenStateMicroTechnologyShenzhenSmittablet pcTabletPczenPadFri, 09 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creation Tech's $65 UMPC is cheap and unlovable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/creation-techs-65-umpc-is-cheap-and-unlovable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/creation-techs-65-umpc-is-cheap-and-unlovable/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/creation-techs-65-umpc-is-cheap-and-unlovable/#comments
If you're in the market for another Vivienne Tam-designed masterpiece, keep looking! Coming straight outta Shenzhen, Creation Tech's CTEB7G is a 7-inch UMPC featuring damn near everything you could reasonably expect from a $65 UMPC, including a 533MHz VIA VT 8505 CPU, 128MB RAM, 2GB flash storage, 7-inch (800 x 600) display, WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Ethernet, keyboard with built-in touchpad, three USB 2.0 ports, SD card slot, built-in speaker, microphone, and Windows CE 6.0. This thing is underpowered and underpriced, and it looks it -- but we're sure that Ruslan Kogan can find an excuse to rebadge it nonetheless. Please direct all order inquiries to the source link below.

Creation Tech's $65 UMPC is cheap and unlovable originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheapchinacreation CTEB7Gcreation techCreationCteb7gCreationTechCTEB7GShenzhenuglyumpcVIA VT 8505ViaVt8505Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: 'new' iPad is the jumbo iPod you always wanted, coming April 3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/keepin-it-real-fake-new-ipad-is-the-jumbo-ipod-you-always-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/keepin-it-real-fake-new-ipad-is-the-jumbo-ipod-you-always-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/keepin-it-real-fake-new-ipad-is-the-jumbo-ipod-you-always-wa/#comments Tired of all those "jumbo iPhone" jibes you keep hearing about the iPad? So are we, but there's simply no other way to describe this priceless Shenzhen knockoff than as a supersized iPod. Featuring the unmistakable click wheel and what looks like some sort of riff on Apple's Mac OS, the "new" iPad will be on sale immediately alongside Apple's offering, this April 3, for 2,000 Yuan ($290). Of course, we doubt Shenzhen Huayi's distribution network will stretch quite all the way to the USA, but given the population of 1.3 billion people in China, someone's bound to be happy to help you out. What say you -- does this 4GB pen-friendly beastie do anything for you?

[Thanks, Taimur]

Keepin' it real fake: 'new' iPad is the jumbo iPod you always wanted, coming April 3 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadchinaclick wheelClickWheelclonefakehandheldipadipad cloneipad kirfIpadCloneIpadKirfipodkeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfShenzhenshenzhen huayiShenzhenHuayitablettablet pcTabletPcSat, 27 Mar 2010 19:50:00 EST