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Nook 1.1 doesn't affect hacks, root still possible
The NookDevs team hasn't wasted any time poring over the recently-released Nook 1.1 update, and there's good news: 1.1 can still be rooted, and rooted 1.0 devices will stay that way after the update. In other news, nookdevs team member robbiet480 just sat down with Nookaholic for an interview, and he dished a few tidbits: the Nook's Android build is called "Bravo," the internal WiFi had to be tweaked to stop turning itself off every three hours, and Bravo itself is basically Android 1.5. Nothing major, but we're definitely getting the feeling the Nook is going to be leading a double life as both a mom-friendly ebook reader and a happy-hacker hardware playground from here on out, you know? [Thanks, Cameron]
Nook 1.1 update hitting now
Right on schedule, the Barnes and Noble Nook is kicking out a software update (we rebooted to get the download to start). We've heard this will fix some of the issues we had with the unit in our review -- but we'll update you once we've had a little time to play around with it. Some things we've noticed so far: Page updating on the E Ink display does seem to be a tiny bit faster. Nothing mindblowing, but a little bit better. B&N has fixed the page numbering issues. There is now a clear number and progress bar along the bottom of the screen. Overall the navigation and color screen loading times seem improved. The experience is definitely faster -- even scrolling through book covers seems a bit improved. There is still pausing and lag in the UI. This isn't a sea change, but it's clear they've cleaned some elements up. [Thanks, anonymous tipster] Update: You can take a look at all the changes right here.
Google Phone / Nexus One makes first Twitter appearance? (update: new pics!)
Look familiar? For a story that broke on Twitter it's only fitting that the first reported picture of the mythical, magical "Google Phone" (AKA, Nexus One) would appear there as well. The tweeted image above appears courtesy of one Cory O'Brien, an account manager at a San Francisco Bay Area marketing agency that does not list Google as a client. That note of caution aside, the image above is an exact match to that leaked HTC Passion / Bravo image from October, only this time lacking the HTC logo on the top-side bezel. Besides the pic, O'Brien tweets that the "Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android." Granted, none of this is confirmed yet, but with Google releasing so many of the devices as part of its "mobile lab" concept, well, we expect to see plenty more sightings in the run up to the rumored January launch. Update: A quick search for "nexus one" on Google's Picasa photo service reveals several pictures taken with a camera pegged as the HTC Nexus One in the EXIF data. The very first of these geotagged 2592×1944 pixel (that's a 5 megapixel sensor folks, hardly "weirdly large" as described by TechCrunch) images were taken by user Bradley (who just happens to be a Picasa friend to Sergey... hint) in the SF Bay Area on November 27th. A few are clearly lit by an onboard flash as well. In fact, many of the pics appear to be taken from within Google's offices and at Google sponsored events. The quality is not exactly spectacular and that won't likely change in the final product because even Google's bound by the laws of physics when it comes to tiny cellphone sensors. Update 2: The device seems to have been around earlier with an EXIF identifier of "Phone88." Fortunately, Google's own employees have uploaded pics of the device, by the device, for us to marvel at -- so meta. Check the gallery for the images or a quickie close-up posted after the break. %Gallery-80187% [Thanks, Alberto and Aaron C.]
Google employees given HTC-made Google Phones, January launch imminent?
TechCrunch was certain that rumors of a pending honest-to-goodness Google Phone were the real deal, and now according to the site, Google employees are already tweeting with the devices in hand. If you believe what you see on Twitter, Google drones were given the HTC-designed handsets at an all-hands staff event, and the phone is quite a looker. One tweet reads "ZOMG we had fireworks and we all got the new Google phone. It's beautiful." while another says the phone is "Like an iPhone on beautifying steroids." One other, non-Google user on Twitter who's seen the device says that the device is a bit thinner than the iPhone, has a trackball (a la Hero), and has no physical keyboard... which sounds like the Bravo / Passion we've seen a lot of lately (and we hear is coming to the US soon). Apparently the device is running Android 2.1, is unlocked and AT&T-ready (no word on 3G status, but this could line up with our speculation about this being the carrier's first Android phone), and will be due sometime in January. We're guessing if that last bit is true, it will coincide with a CES announcement, but anything could happen at this point. If the device is out in the wild in such a big way, an end of the year press release wouldn't shock us either; of course, it's entirely possible that this is going to end up becoming the Android Dev Phone 1's true successor or an elaborate prank on Google's part in response to the rumors that have been building steam over the past couple weeks (they're crafty and they have a sense of humor -- it could happen). Anyhow, check out one of the tweet-tears after the break, and stay tuned for more info! Update: Google all but confirms that devices are floating around on campus in a post on its blog: We recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile features and capabilities, and we shared this device with Google employees across the globe. This means they get to test out a new technology and help improve it. Not only that, but TechCrunch has more details on the device, claiming it will be a Google controlled, HTC-built model actually dubbed the "Google Phone," and will feature a "super high resolution OLED display," a Snapdragon CPU, a mic on the back of the phone that helps to eliminate background noise, is "really, really fast," and most importantly, will be sold unlocked. Essentially, TC claims that the phone will function on any GSM network you throw at it -- we assume that means an extremely rare pairing of both T-Mobile and AT&T 3G bands in the radio. Of course right now this is all speculation and hearsay -- until we get some solid facts (and maybe a device or two on camera), don't pull out the credit card just yet. Update 2: Jon Gruber over at Daring Fireball says that the Google Phone is identifying itself as "Nexus One" (a Blade Runner reference) in its user agent string, though apparently Sony is calling its Android UI "Nexus" as well. Furthermore, a tweet from the man claims that he's heard the phone sports 3G for T-Mobile only, thus seriously dashing hopes that this would play nice all over the US of A. Again, grain of salt everyone.
HTC Bravo pictured more lucidly (Update: coming to US in January as HTC Passion)
We realize we might have overfed you a little with that plentiful leak of HTC's 2010 plans, so here's a chance to better ogle and digest HTC's "Performance" flagship to be: the Bravo. Pairing Android with Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon and presenting a 3.7-inch AMOLED facade, this certainly ticks the headline boxes, and the addition of a five megapixel AF cam capable of 720p video capture gives it an extra sheen of 2010 newness. The picture above is accompanied by less solid info indicating a 1,400mAh battery, which will be joined by the mandatory WiFi, Bluetooth and MicroUSB connectivity, plus MicroSD expansion, FM radio tuner, digital compass, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Then again, the source is the same bunch of heroes responsible for our extra early -- and accurate -- info on the HD2, so those specs may be considered pretty reliable. Oh, if you're wondering about the touchscreen, it's capacitive, like it should be. Update: If you were wondering about the difference between the Bravo and the recently leaked Passion, there is none other than the branding apparently. We're also hearing that the above handset will be available in the US in January, a cool three months ahead of the expected European release.
HTC's 2010 roadmap goes on display?
Those among us with minds like steel traps might recall that HTC's 2009 was leaked with shocking accuracy way back in January of this year, which lends some credibility to this already-believable series of slides we have seemingly showing off most of the good stuff we can expect out of the company in the coming months. The stuff we're privy to here was allegedly presented at a meeting in Vienna back in October, with both Windows Mobile and Android designs broken up into four target demo categories: Design / Lifestyle, Social, Performance (we like the sound of that), and Productivity -- but don't take our word for it. Follow the break for everything you need to know about this very real-sounding downpour of specs and renders. %Gallery-79710%
Huge stash of HTC Android codenames found within 2.1 ROM
You know that leaked HTC Sense ROM with Android 2.1 underneath? Well, somebody did some digging and found a wild stack of HTC Android handset codenames buried within. It starts in the realm of the familiar, with mentions of Dragon, Passion, Dream and Hero, but then it starts to get a little wild. Here's the full list: Bahamas, Bravo, DesireC, Dragon, Dream, Espresso, Halo, HeroCT, HeroC, Hero, Huangshan, Incredible, Legend, Liberty, Memphis, Paradise, PassionC, Passion, Sapphire and Supersonic. Pretty wild, right? There's no telling what exactly this list implies, other than the fact that Passion and Dragon are indeed on the books, and that HTC's naming department can really let the superlatives fly, but we're sure all will be made clear over the next year or two.
'Game Face' launches on Bravo, aimed at casual gamers
Nothing says 'casual' like sitting down and watching a program dedicated to your hobby. Which is exactly why ex-MTV Europe boss Peter Einstein is working on bringing "Game Face" to Bravo, a show not about watching silly things like game reviews, previews, and interviews, but about watching the games themselves -- unfiltered, if you will."From what we've seen in the past a lot of the focus has been more outside of the games, with presenter reviews, stats, interviews with creators and only a bit about the games themselves – as one assumed that you only 'play' games you can't 'watch' them," Einstein told MCV UK. "We feel this concept provides a fun, entertaining TV event which is appealing mostly to the casual gamer." And us? We're not so sure that casual gamers are going to be on board for simply watching gameplay of games rather than, you know, playing them.
Watch cougars and spoiled brats for free on the PlayStation Store
For a limited time, you'll be able to download free episodes of two Bravo reality shows from the PlayStation Store. The first episodes of The Real Housewives of New Jersey and NYC Prep are available to download for free. These reality shows will lift your spirits, making you thankful for not being these people. Watch comedy ensue as cameras follow a series of desperate New Jersey housewives banter about their hair, and a group of spoiled rich kids complain about how rich they are.Ain't television grand?
AVerMedia comes clean with new line of TV tuners
AVerMedia's starting off the year on a good foot, and it's introducing a number of new TV tuners for a variety of applications. Kicking things off is the AVerTV Hybrid PocketExpress ($89.99), which brings ATSC / NTSC / Clear QAM / FM Radio tuning to one's 34mm or 54mm ExpressCard slot. Next up is the AVerTV Bravo ($49.99), which slides into your PCI Express x1 slot in order to handle digital TV tuning and all the PVR functions (record, pause, rewind, etc.) you'd expect. The AVerTVHD Volar Max ($69.99) holds it down on the USB 2.0 front, while the AVerTVHD Duet can tune two digital signals at once for $79.99. Have a look at the read link for all the intimate details on each.
MSI EX623 laptop "rocks" our (proverbial) "world"
Another day, another awesome laptop announcement. This one, the EX623, a 16-incher from the hallowed depths of MSI's genius labs packs an Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo CPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a max 320GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS graphics, with a 16:9 widescreen display. The "Bravo," as it's also known, is apparently being marketed as an entertainment laptop (we know this because we watched the super sweet video MSI has up on their site which shows a band totally rocking out), and as such houses things like a Blu-ray drive, an eSATA port, stereo speakers and a subwoofer, though there's no HDMI output and of course the 1366 x 768 resolution won't display 1080p HD. Still, we're pretty sure that "Breakpoint" will have never sounded so good. No word on the price or availability. [Via SlashGear]
Continental Seating injects Proscenium into Bravo! / Grand Tier collections
There's nothing quite like sitting on a small mountain of cash, but we've heard from fortunate friends that doing so for two solid hours can be really back for your back. Thankfully, Continental Seating has devised a way of converting packs of Benjamins into amazingly fine seating instruments, the latest of which is the Proscenium. Said model has just been inserted into the Bravo! and Grand Tier collections where it's available in 21- / 24-inch flavors with your choice of Faux Leather, Ritz Suede, and Brazilian Leather coverings from the Bravo! collection and the choice of six grades of leather from the Grand Tier family. Only problem(s)? The four to six week lead time and the $1,420 to $2,840 price tag.
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Bravo debuts first original series in HD tonight
Ending the long, arduous wait, Bravo HD delivers its first original series shot in high definition tonight with Shear Genius. Focused on the "competitive and creative" world of high end hairstyling, tonight's debut episode starts with 12 contestants hitting L.A. with the challenge of cutting hair blindfolded, and interpreting the hairstyles of cartoon characters. Sponsored by Nexxus (coincidentally also the official salon hair care of choice of the Engadget squad) the race for $100,000 and an apprenticeship starts tonight at 10 p.m.[Via TV Squad]
Bravo UK gets Uncharted TV special
Get ready to turn on SpikeTV G4 Bravo to get the latest on Naughty Dog's upcoming PS3 exclusive. A special edition of "Gamer TV" will be dedicated to the game, and will feature interviews with the team. According to the press release, "it will also reveal never-before-seen levels, vehicles, characters, weapons and achievements.""We were really pleased to be given exclusive access to witness the development of what is obviously going to be a very key title for PS3," commented Gamer TV producer Jason Kilshaw.The program will be available in the UK at the following times: Saturday 3rd November 10.00 am Bravo 2Sunday 4th November 11.30 am BravoMonday 5th November 4.30 pm Bravo
Oscar nominated shorts and more Bravo shows available on iTunes
This is probably not what his Steveness will be announcing later today (but they might get a mention), however, it is worthy of your attention. It seems that Inside the Actors Studio, Top Chef, and the Oscar nominated live action shorts (all iTunes links) have just shown up in the iTunes Music Store.By the time you read this the placeholder pages may have been replaced with actual content, but at the time of writing no actual episodes could be downloaded.Thanks, Ryan Jones.
Inside the Actor's Studio in iTunes next week
In our post about Project Runway strutting into the iTunes Music Store (sorry, I couldn't resist), reader tivogirl let us know that she recently received a press release from Bravo stating that Inside the Actor's Studio would be added to Bravo's iTMS line up on February 28th. A quick search of Bravo's website revealed the aforementioned press release. Just imagine James Lipton's famous list of questions on your iPod. For some reason that makes me happy.Thanks for the great tip, tivogirl!
Project Runway in iTunes...sort of
We received a tip from Radical Bender at Tunevision that Bravo's Project Runway (season 2) had been spotted in iTunes, but with no available episodes listed. We checked, and sure enough (as of 2:30PM EST, at least) it's there [link], but with no episodes available for purchase. Perhaps work on the page is just wrapping up now, or maybe it was released prematurely? Either way, we'll keep you updated.Thanks, Tunevision! Update: Two episodes have been made availabe for download as of 4:00 PM EST - a 45 minute "reunion" episode and a free, 3 minute trailer.
