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Sony dashes Dash development: is Bieber's favorite tablet on the way out?
The towering cultural colossus that is Justin Bieber giveth, yet he must also taketh away. Merely days after appearing as the pitchman for dancing crotch-speaker robot Tosy mRobo, the last tech-product he was tasked with selling might have been quietly put to sleep behind Sony's barn. The Dash was a pseudo-tablet powered by Chumby OS that, perhaps inexplicably, never caught on, angering the floppy-haired Canadian infant. A developer who was signed up to produce apps for the platform received the following email from Sony's HQ, which subsequently appeared on the Dash Developer's website: Beginning February 29th, 2012, the Sony Dash developer website will close and no longer support development of new applications. This closure includes the Dash developer forum and Dash developer support, which will close on March 31st. Sony Dash applications will remain available. Thank you for your contributions and we encourage you to continue your development activity on Sony's other platforms available at SonyDeveloper.com Again, thank you very much, Team DashThere's been no official word (yet) if this is the end for the device, but it doesn't augur well for future revisions. If you'll excuse us, we're going to go pour one out for the beloved little, erm tablet-thing.[Thanks, Darwin]
Archos 35 home connect hands-on
Though we didn't have the Archos 35 home connect to wake us up personally during CES, we had a chance to get hands-on with the Android-based alarm clock on the floor and it did not disappoint. The Archos 35 home connect is the company's entrance into the world of feature-filled alarm clocks, joining the already established Sony Dash and Chumby. In terms of functionality, it's a morning talk show all rolled up into one, providing weather, real time traffic, news, sports, movies, music, TuneIn radio, social networking and much more through the built-in WiFi. You'll also find a webcam on the front, supporting apps like Tango for video calling, a rechargeable battery to take the party with you, and a 3.5 headphone jack for more personal use. The overall device is solid and has a very curvy and nightstand-friendly footprint -- which is important for folks like us who sleep with other bedside gadgets. The volume controls are touch sensitive and the unit itself has a decent enough range. Archos is not only pushing this as a fully-featured Alarm Clock, but also a portable Android 2.2 media device -- supporting over 30,000-or-so apps in Archos' non-Android-Market, Appslib. While the 35 home connect's features make it compelling enough to make it a viable option, we feel there's nothing to push it past its aforementioned competition, especially with the $149 price tag. Check out all the angles and interface of the 35 home connect in the gallery below.
Sony's Dash gets a new lease on life, we stop to wonder why
Remember Sony's Dash? That little pseudo tablet powered by Chumby OS that started making the rounds at last year's CES? No, well we almost forgot about it too. But, just as it was finally fading from memory, Sony hit us with an update to the Internet Viewer. Not much has changed, save a rearrangement of the ports and buttons. It's still got the same pile of widgets and channels, but now sports a (very) basic web browser for those with a bit of a masochistic streak. The ability to register your Dash without having to first hook up to a PC is also a welcome addition. The black-only HID-B7 will ship for $130, while the HID-B70 comes in brown, blue and orange while adding a battery to the mix for $170. Both will hit shelves in October. Check out the gallery below and the full, if brief, PR after the break. %Gallery-133680%
Sony's Dash gains a battery, not yet Justin Bieber approved
Oh, Sony Dash, your journey isn't over quite yet. Somehow Sir Howard forgot to mention this one on stage at Sony's CES presser, but the price of the current 7-inch Dash isn't just being dropped to $149, but there will soon be a new Dash with an integrated battery on the market. That's certainly a very welcome addition considering we didn't exactly love having the first one chained to an outlet. Other than the removable battery the "new" Dash seems to run the same Chumby-infused software, but it appears to have a slightly different design. The new battery-powered Dash will be available in orange, brown, and blue, while a version sans battery will only be decorated in a black hue. No word on pricing, but it will be available this summer. Now all we need now is to see it featured in a Justin Bieber video...
Hulu Plus comes to the Sony Dash, Justin Bieber is so stoked
The Sony Dash gets a bit of a bum wrap. Sure, we wish it was a little more tablet, a little less alarm clock, but Justin Bieber loves his. You know what else The Biebs likes? Cutting cable! Now that Hulu Plus is on his Sony Dash he can totally kick Time Warner to the curb, which is worthy of a trending Twitter topic if we ever saw one. He's too young for HBO, anyway.
Hulu Plus hits 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs, coming to all PS3 users next week
Sad, dreary day at your place? Fret not, as the Boob Tube is just about to get even better. Hulu has just revealed a movement to get Hulu Plus stocked with more content and onto more devices, STAT. Making sure those words aren't empty, we're learning that all 2010 Sony BRAVIA HDTVs will today have access to the subscription programming service, with it bleeding over to Sony's various Blu-ray players, home theater systems, network media players and even the Dash -- yeah, that Dash -- in due time. In related news, Hulu will be soon yanking the invite requirement to get Hulu Plus on the PlayStation 3, and as of next week, any ole PlayStation Network member (as opposed to PlayStation Plus, as it stands today) will be able to grab it. 'Course, even those freeloaders will be forced to pony up $9.99 per month if they're interested in using it, but hey, it's not like Raising Hope is financed with pixie dust, right? [Thanks, Brian]
Sony Dash update brings Shoutcast, app shortcuts and the true meaning of life
Got yourself a Sony Dash, did you? If so, right about now would be a beautiful time to unplug it and plug it back in, as that'll trigger a minty fresh update to download and apply. This newfangled software build will not only add Shoutcast as an available internet radio station, but it also brings app shortcuts and a hastened add / delete app process. It ain't much, but it ain't costly, either. Let us know in comments how it all works out for you, cool? [Thanks, Dave]
Sony Dash is ready to travel the globe if you're ready to pay the import duties
International readers, your day has come: the Dash will finally work for you. Sony has lifted restrictions on the device that prevented it from being used outside the US of A, meaning you can wake up with that company's most advanced alarm clock ever regardless whether your bedding down in Belarus or shacking up in Shanghai. However, the company warns that "many providers automatically geo-filter their content so your experience with your Dash may vary depending on your location." And, this not-so-cuddly Chumby is still being sold exclusively in the States, so it's up to you to figure out how to import yours.
Ask Engadget: best media display / internet viewer for bedside?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jon, who just needs something to give him loads of glanceable information moments before he drifts off into the land of fairies, unicorns and deep-friend cotton candy. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've been trying to buy a new alarm clock lately and am completely appalled at the selection available online or elsewhere. Most are basically docks for your iPod / PMP and have a pre-turn of the century LCD digital clock display and some shoddy speakers. They also range in price from $40 to $200. After seeing things like the Sony Dash and the new Insignia Infocast, I could see those as viable alarm clock solutions (with weather, music, maybe an RSS feed). Are there other items out there that have a great display that you can dim and would be able to serve this purpose? Or or either of those the one to get?" So, sweet-dreamers, what'll it be? Do you have a Chumby-infused widget display on your own night stand? Go on, don't be shy -- help a brother out in comments below.
How would you change Sony's Dash?
The verdict is still out on whether or not Sony's Dash is a world changer, but while we patiently await the first mod to shove a battery into this thing and make it a bona fide tablet, we're going to flick through your suggestions on tweaking what we've got. Were your hopes dashed (ahem) when Sony revealed that this thing was meant to be used inside? Are you happy with the widget software loaded on? Is this thing superior to your existing Chumby device? Feel free to really let loose here -- we get the feeling that Insignia's Infocast is just waiting around the corner to take your advice before Sony can pop out a revised edition.
Insignia reveals 8-inch Infocast Internet Media Display, Sony Dash is like 'brother?'
Maybe we're just seeing things, but darn if Insignia's new Infocast Internet Media Display isn't a dead ringer for the Sony Dash. Out of seemingly nowhere, Best Buy's own in-house electronics brand has outed an 8-inch connected display meant to bring glanceable information as well as a slew of web-based widgets to your bedroom / office / den / underground cavern. Boasting inbuilt 802.11b/g WiFi, an integrated microphone, SRS audio and an 800 x 600 resolution touchpanel, the Infocast is equipped with 2GB of internal storage as well as a media card reader, and in case you couldn't guess, the software is provided by none other than Chumby Industries. Users should have no issues displaying photos, video and music, and the $169.99 asking price is a full $30 less than the Dash's MSRP. According to Best Buy's website, this here gizmo is simply "coming soon," but according to our man on the inside, it'll be ready for purchase on June 20th. So, who's down for squeezing a battery into this thing for some makeshift tablet action? [Thanks, Anonymous] %Gallery-95028%
Sony Dash software update adds USB playback by month's end
Looks like Sony will be dishing out a new software update to Dash owners shortly. The first over-the-air update for Sony's Personal Internet Viewer is expected to arrive at the end of the month carrying a number of usability and feature enhancements according to a Sony email sent to Dash owners. These include MP3 playback and picture viewing off USB, a full-screen app theme, and enhanced alarm functionality like adjustable snooze duration and one-touch alarm dismissal. Sony's also promising new themes and additional internet radio options in a June update. Too bad Sony can't deliver the device a battery and faster processor OTA but hey, free software is free. See the full contents of the Sony email after the break. [Thanks Doug S.]
Entelligence: Thirty three screens and a cloud
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. There are some devices that are universally loved or reviled -- I don't know anyone who doesn't think HTC EVO 4G is awesome, or anyone who doesn't think the WikiReader was awful. Then there are some that seem to be quite polarizing, and these are the ones that I'm usually most interested in -- just listen to Joshua Topolsky and me debate Kin on the Engadget Podcast, for example. The latest of these polarizing devices is the Sony Dash. The Dash is hard to categorize. It's a connected screen, based in part on the venerable Chumby. Nilay Patel was somewhat lukewarm about it. Ross Rubin likes it and the Wall Street Journal was somewhat ambivalent about it. Here's what I've learned from a few days living with one on my nightstand. 1. The vision is fundamentally correct. There's a lot that needs to improve about the Dash, both from a marketing and implementation perspective, but the core idea is sound. Microsoft likes to talk about "three screens and a cloud" and I agree with that vision -- my phone number is 408-3-SCREEN -- but it's really a statement about consumption, creation and communication. Count the number of PCs, TVs, phones, game devices, media players and navigation devices you have around the house and interact with -- it's more like 33 screens. The idea that there's going to be multiple connected screens that consumers interact with is real.
Sony Dash review
When we first saw the Sony Dash at CES, we thought Sony was making a play into the tablet game -- the promo video showed people using the angular device all over the house, with nary a power cord in sight. And hey, it was called the Dash -- a word which usually implies movement of some kind. So obviously we were a little put off when we found out the Dash was strictly a stationary experience -- an amped-up alarm clock running a Sony-tweaked version of the Chumby widget OS that lets you look at photos from Facebook, browse headlines on Engadget, and check Twitter from the Dash's seven-inch capacitive touchscreen. But hold up: the Dash also adds in Sony's Bravia Internet Video platform to support streaming media services like Netflix, Pandora, and Slacker. That's not bad for $200, at least on paper, but does the Dash deserve to be the most expensive alarm clock you've ever purchased? And does it really deserve Justin Bieber's attention? Read on to find out. %Gallery-92133%
Caption Contest: Justin Bieber is an eenie meenie miney mo lova... of the Sony Dash
Here's a little inside baseball on why yours truly typically works alone at night: when in control, I give writers some, erm, creative mandates. Such as watching an entire Justin Bieber / Sean Kingston music video to contribute to this caption contest... but not telling them when exactly the Sony Dash and Sony Ericsson X10 make their respective cameos. Blatant abuse of authority? Probably, but as we sow, so shall you reap. The unfortunately US-only music video (and a picture of Kingston totally geeking out on subpar smartphone technology) after the break. Nilay: "Is there a widget that alerts me when I'm not a trending topic?" Ross: "You don't need to roll the dice... there's already a widget for that." Chris: "It's small, fits in any decor, and makes a great gift for mom. The Sony Dash also appears in the video." Joanna: "The stars, err, prepubescent boys are just like us: they'd rather play with tech than party." Richard Lai: "This Sony Dash should make.believe I've reached puberty." Sean H: "Not trying to rewind... I've just got to turn down the color temperature, it's ruining my tan." Sam: "Meh, by the time I reach puberty this thing is going to be obsolete." Tim: "I'm glad you're not a real Chumby. This way I'm still the cuddliest thing in the room." Thomas: "Who the hell is Justin Bieber?" Paul: "And I was like baby, baby, baby ohhh, baby, baby... oh, were we supposed to come up with something funny here? [Thanks, Kristopher Piersiak]
Sony's Dash goes on sale, officially this time
Yeah, we spotted the Dash at Best Buy a few days ago, accidentally eating up shelf space, but we've finally hit that April 29th launch date and Sony has unleashed the non-tablet touchscreen device into the wild. The $199 unit, which is somewhat of a branded Chumby, sports a 7-inch screen, best-alarm-clock-you-ever-owned good looks, and access to streaming media from CBS, Netflix, Pandora, and more. If you can bottle your enthusiasm for just a bit longer we'll have our own impressions of the device posted soon enough, but nobody's stopping you from snapping this up from Sony's website, your local Sony Style store, or whatever other retailer you might have in mind. PR is after the break.
Sony Dash spotted on shelf at Best Buy a few days early
Now, what do you know about that? Our very own Chris Ziegler stopped into Best Buy (undoubtedly right after leaving CB2) and spotted something we didn't expect to see just yet... the Sony Dash. That's right, the Dash - which is available for pre-order but wasn't supposed to hit retail until April 29th -- is already on the shelf. Now, there was only one unit available and it was just squeezed in between some other wares, so we're not sure if it was put out by accident or what, but if you're really dying to get your hands on one a few days early, hitting up your local BB might turn up something. Let us know in the comments if you nab one! Update: Chris reported back to us to say that when he tried to purchase it, it came up with a price of $999 and a code of "DO NOT SELL." He was also told to come back next Friday if he wanted to purchase it.
Sony now accepting Dash pre-orders, shipping April 15th
Sony's Dash "personal internet viewer" may have prompted some slight confusion and eventual disappointment when it was introduced among all the tablet madness at CES, but it's since turned into a decidedly more interesting (if slightly less portable) device, and it's now finally available for pre-order directly from Sony. As expected, it runs $199, and Sony promises to start shipping them out "on or about" April 15th -- just in time for that credit charge to get lost among the small fortune you owe in taxes.
Sony Dash given ability to stream TVs and movies from Netflix, new lease on life
We were filled with excitement the moment Sony took the wraps off of its Dash personal internet viewer back at CES, but after learning that this was less of a tablet and more a sophisticated widget machine for in-home use, our joviality was understandably squashed. Today, Sony has given the doubters a reason to perk back up and pay attention, as the April-bound device will ship with the ability to stream Watch Instantly content from Netflix. As if that wasn't enough, Demand Media will also be offering Dash-tailored portals to content from eHow, Golflink and Livestrong.com, and it'll have no issues streaming "online music videos, television, or film content on-demand" to the 7-inch touchpanel. Still not convinced that this thing is worth $199? It's just an external battery mod away from greatness, you know!
