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Siri's UK voice answers questions about his journey to the iPhone 4S

Brian Heater — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:21:00 EST

The first rule of being Siri is do not talk about being Siri -- but Jon Briggs, the voice of the iPhone helper's British version, has, fittingly, has bucked that trend. Apple's preference for mystery surrounding the matter hasn't silenced the one-time tech journalist turned voice over actor who discovered that he was the voice of the 4S's assistant upon hearing his "flat and even" readings played back on a commercial for the handset. Briggs told The Telegraph that he recorded the basis for the British Siri five or six years ago, speaking some 5,000 sentences over the course of three weeks for "a decent sum."

Siri's UK voice answers questions about his journey to the iPhone 4S originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario Bros. gets modern sound effects, nostalgia ensues (video)

Sam Sheffer — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:53:00 EST

We can only wonder what'll happen when you reach a certain score -- you know, somewhere above 8000...

Super Mario Bros. gets modern sound effects, nostalgia ensues (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad mute switch magicked into a 'screen rotation lock' overnight, a flurry of other tidbits emerge

Paul Miller — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:34:00 EST

Apple's pushing out a few more scraps of info about the iPad in conjunction with the launch of pre-orders. One of the quirkier details is that what was previously known as the mute switch on the iPad -- similar to the one on the iPhone -- is now known as the "screen rotation lock" on Apple's website. We suppose it makes more sense for this sort of device, both due to the "hold it any way you feel like" marketing push, and since it's less likely to start ringing in the middle of a Remember Me screening than your iPhone is. In other news, it's been confirmed that iBooks will be able to sync free (non-DRM'd) ePub titles in from iTunes, which is good news for people who want to use an existing ePub stash of theirs with Apple's fancy page-flipping interface. Also on the books front, it was clarified today that the iPad can indeed use VoiceOver screen-reading for reading pages of books out loud -- we knew the screen reading tech was on the iPad, but now it sounds as if it will be more directly integrated into iBooks. Apple also clarified today that folks who sign up for the 250MB iPad data plan will receive pop-up alerts when they're running short on data, similar to battery warnings, at the 20 percent, 10 percent and zero marks. There's an account management pane that lets you sign up for or cancel service, add another 250MB, or swap to an unlimited plan. But wait, there's more! Apple's also confirming a few more iPhone OS 3.2 features, like the addition of Google's "Terrain" view in maps and a slightly revamped iPod app UI. 3.2 also brings some nice video tweaks like support for additional formats (AVI and MJPEG) and native uploads to Facebook -- further boosting the iPad's external camera friendliness.

iPad mute switch magicked into a 'screen rotation lock' overnight, a flurry of other tidbits emerge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones

Darren Murph — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST

Itching to command your iPhone 3GS via voice control, yet aren't willing to wrap one more cable around your precious dome? Your wildest dreams could possibly come true next month, when BudsGoBlue launches an iPhone-friendly set of Bluetooth earbuds that should act as headphones and a BT headset. We're hearing that the loops on each earpiece are "completely flexible," and judging by the teaser video hosted up just after the break, they look fairly seductive, too. Hop on down and have a peek for yourself, won't you?

[Via mobilitysite, thanks Toni]

Continue reading Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones

Filed under: Peripherals, Apple

Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones

Darren Murph — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST

Continue reading Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Video: BudsGoBlue teaser hints at iPhone 3GS-controlling BT headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Darren Murph — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:04:00 EST

Earlier this year, we had the chance to take a listen at Klipsch's Image S4 in-ear headphones. Even earlier this year, we heard that the same company was looking to push out a set of VoiceOver-compatible 'buds that were significantly easier to listen to than Apple's stock alternative. That very device is the Klipsch Image S4i, which is nothing more than an Image S4 with an in-line microphone and 3-button remote. As of now, there still aren't a smorgasbord of options for those on the hunt for a VoiceOver-friendly set of headphones that actually sound decent, so head on past the break for a mostly predictable take on the little guys shown above (and below, for that matter).

Gallery: Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Continue reading Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Klipsch Image S4i hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple adds video camera, larger screen to new 5G iPod nano

Darren Murph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:00 EST

Apple sure took long enough to get to this, but just as rumored, the iPod nano is seeing a hotly-anticipated refresh today. The big addition? A camera that just so happens to shoot live video (but not stills, apparently). On the lower left of the new fifth-generation nano, you'll find the camera as well as a speaker and microphone, but unfortunately you'll have to sync it with your computer before you upload clips to YouTube. The camera-laden nanos will be available starting today in a rainbow's worth of hues (nine, if we're being precise), with the 8GB model pegged at $149 and the 16GB edition at $179 -- though, we should mention that yellow and red are Apple Store exclusives. Oh, and oddly / tragically enough, the iPod nano is officially the only dedicated iPod with a camera, leaving the iPod touch -- and every human on the planet -- scratching their head in befuddlement. Meanwhile, iPhone 3G users are equally bewildered by the fact that a mid-range iPod can shoot video while a fully-capable smartphone cannot.

As for other specs, you'll find a built-in FM tuner with Live Pause (!) and iTunes Tagging, a pedometer (you know, for that fancy Nike+ integration), VoiceOver, support for voice memos and a larger 2.2-inch display (up from 2.0-inches) with a 376 x 240 resolution. As for the camera, we're told that the video capture mode snags footage in VGA quality (640 x 480) H.264, with up to 30fps and AAC audio. If you're feeling fancy, there's also 15 real-time special effects including Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido and Motion Blur (among others). As for dimensions, the 5G nano remains identical to the 4G nano at 3.6- x 1.5- x 0.24-inches, though it somehow shaves a whopping 0.02 ounces as it climbs down from 1.3 to 1.28 ounces. Curious about battery life? Apple claims that the new nano can last up to 24 hours when playing back audio (same as 4G nano), while video playback should zap the rechargeable battery in just five hours (which is up an hour over its predecessor).

Update: Check out our first hands-on live from the event!

Gallery: 5G Apple iPod nano with video camera press shots

Gallery: iPod nano gets a video camera, larger display, FM tuner, more

Apple adds video camera, larger screen to new 5G iPod nano originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Dylan to mumble GPS directions?

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:24:00 EST

When it comes to enunciation, Bob Dylan falls somewhere between Scooby Doo and Miss Teen USA South Carolina. But people love their celebrities (and irony) so even Dylan could have a bright future in GPS navigation voiceover work. Mr. Zimmerman admitted to "talking to a couple of car companies about the possibility of being the voice of their GPS system," during his late-night BBC radio show. Naturally, it will happen with all the press he's received. And when it does you'll be on you own with no direction home, dig?

Filed under: GPS, Transportation

Bob Dylan to mumble GPS directions? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iLuv's iEA15 adapter lets any headphones work with VoiceOver, iPhone

Darren Murph — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:21:00 EST

The suits in Cupertino already confirmed the existence of a proprietary chip in the new iPod shuffle headphones, but if you're squarely in the tin foil hat crowd, we've got one more shred of evidence to win you over. iLuv's newest adapter, the iEA15, outrightly asserts that it is "equipped with a remote control chip provided by Apple, Inc.," but it's the functionality of said adapter that has our interest piqued. Rather than settling for a set of VoiceOver-capable earbuds that you aren't really fond of, this here go-between enables any headphones with a 3.5 millimeter jack to connect with (and control) Apple's newest shuffle. Moreover, it'll play nice with the iPhone family as well, and the built in microphone enables you to handle a call without ever removing your 'buds. The frightening part is that no price and release date have been set, which probably means iLuv's lobbying to get that Made for iPod tax down in order to not charge $50 for this thing.

[Via CNET]

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

iLuv's iEA15 adapter lets any headphones work with VoiceOver, iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scosche tapSTICK adds hard buttons, purpose to new iPod shuffle

Darren Murph — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST

We appreciate Apple's efforts to make the iPod shuffle into something that no one's ever done before, but seriously, the no-buttons approach is sort of, um, annoying. Thankfully, the good guys and gals over at Scosche are totally in agreement, and thus, they've taken the time to develop the remarkable tapSTICK. Put simply, this 3rd-gen iPod shuffle case protects one's player from the elements while adding hard buttons that simulate the commands on Apple's own VoiceOver-friendly earbuds. The result? An MP3 player that's not partial to lackluster white 'buds, not to mention one that you can actually control with relative ease. Too bad it'll cost you $29.99, but we suppose that's the going rate these days to extinguish frustration. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading Scosche tapSTICK adds hard buttons, purpose to new iPod shuffle

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Scosche tapSTICK adds hard buttons, purpose to new iPod shuffle originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple releases iPod Shuffle VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1 upgrade

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:03:00 EST

You know what really gets on our nerves? When we're listening to Van der Graaf Generator (look it up!) on our newfangled iPod Shuffle and it pronounces the band's name wrong. Seriously, this is an important function. Without it working flawlessly, how are we going to know the names of the tracks we purchased on the iTunes store and placed on the device ourselves? Thankfully, someone at Apple has heard our prayers, and as of today the VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1 is available via Mac OS X software update (we're assuming that it'll pop up on the company's website at some point). The 17MB download corrects pronunciations for several artist names, as well as correcting a few "minor bugs." What bugs? Apple hasn't said. They also haven't said which names will now be pronounced correctly in that cold, robotic voice, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that Klaatu is among them. Remember Klaatu? They were pretty sweet.

Apple releases iPod Shuffle VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1 upgrade originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPod shuffle first hands-on (with video!)

Paul Miller — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:48:00 EST

We just nabbed one of Apple's new button-free iPod shuffles, and in case you were wondering: yes, it's really small. We're gonna play around a bit with the VoiceOver navigation and get you our full impressions in a few, but at first glance we think this is totally usable, especially for the shuffle's sweaty target demographic. Also: it's really small.

Update: In-depth impressions are after the break, along with video!

Gallery: New iPod shuffle first hands-on

Gallery: New iPod shuffle unboxing and close-ups

Continue reading New iPod shuffle first hands-on (with video!)

Filed under: Portable Audio

New iPod shuffle first hands-on (with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So it begins: Klipsch, Scosche unveil VoiceOver-compatible iPod shuffle earbuds

Darren Murph — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:52:00 EST

We knew we'd be hearing more about all those third party VoiceOver-compatible headphones today, and sure enough, the flood has begun. In an admittedly cute attempt to be first out of the gate, Klipsch has pushed out a woefully underwhelming release that simply assures consumers that it is currently working up a set of earbuds for Apple's latest iPod shuffle, and that said 'buds will be available to purchase sometime this summer for $99.99. In other, more tangible news, Scosche has announced (full release is after the break) actual products that'll play nice with the aforementioned DAP: the IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M noise isolating earphones. All three of these also include a built-in microphone for recording voice memos, and if all goes well, they'll be shipping this Spring for $49.99 to $99.99.

Continue reading So it begins: Klipsch, Scosche unveil VoiceOver-compatible iPod shuffle earbuds

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

So it begins: Klipsch, Scosche unveil VoiceOver-compatible iPod shuffle earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's redesigned iPod shuffle hits 4GB, talks to you (updated with video!)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:34:00 EST

Bam, another Ap ple rumor vindicated. Apple just doubled the capacity of its iPod shuffle to 4GB while ditching the control wheel entirely. The new design keeps the clip and adds VoiceOver -- a new feature that gets around the lack of display by telling you which song is playing and who performs it at the touch of a button on the earbud cable. It'll also call out your playlists and let you navigate to others. Available in black or silver for $80 and your claim to what Apple calls the "world's smallest music player." Check the video tutorial after the break.

Update: VoiceOver in English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.

Gallery: Apple iPod shuffle

Continue reading Apple's redesigned iPod shuffle hits 4GB, talks to you (updated with video!)

Filed under: Portable Audio

Apple's redesigned iPod shuffle hits 4GB, talks to you (updated with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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