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[Bananaphone touch synthesizer replaces ring ring rings with chiptunes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/bananaphone-touch-synthesizer-replaces-ring-ring-rings-with-tunes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/bananaphone-touch-synthesizer-replaces-ring-ring-rings-with-tunes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/bananaphone-touch-synthesizer-replaces-ring-ring-rings-with-tunes/#comments Image

If you're tired of bananaphones that just make calls, the crew at Gadget Gangster now has a homebrew project to use them for musical escapades. A custom-coded (and appropriately named) Adafruit Propeller board turns a bunch of bananas into the Bananaphone TouchSynth, a synthesizer using the same capacitive touch principles that let a MaKey MaKey turn anything into a controller. The project as it's built won't be rocking stadium-sized crowds anytime soon -- not with those beeps and that lone speaker -- but there's nothing stopping it from scaling up to bigger sounds. Just remember that your fresh beats will turn very brown within a few days.

Continue reading Bananaphone touch synthesizer replaces ring ring rings with chiptunes (video)

Bananaphone touch synthesizer replaces ring ring rings with chiptunes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitadafruit propellerAdafruitPropellerbananabanana phoneBananaPhonecapacitivecapacitive touchCapacitiveTouchhackshome brewHomeBrewkeyboardMaKey MaKeyMakeyMakeymusicprojectpropellerSynthesizersynthesizersvideoMon, 21 May 2012 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/#comments Image

Light-based communication seems to wind throughout the MIT Media Lab -- it is a universal language, after all, since many devices output light, be it with a dedicated LED or a standard LCD, and have the capacity to view and interpret it. One such device, coined Droplet, essentially redirects light from one source to another, while also serving as a physical interface for tablet-based tasks. Rob Hemsley, a research assistant at the Media Lab, was on hand to demonstrate two of his projects. Droplet is a compact self-contained module with an integrated RGB LED, a photodiode and a CR1216 lithium coin battery -- which provides roughly one day of power in the gadget's current early prototype status. Today's demo used a computer-connected HDTV and a capacitive-touch-enabled tablet. Using the TV to pull up a custom Google Calendar module, Hemsley held the Droplet up to a defined area on the display, which then output a series of colors, transmitting data to the module. Then, that data was pushed to a tablet after placing the Droplet on the display, pulling up the same calendar appointment and providing a physical interface for adjusting the date and time, which is retained in the cloud and the module itself, which also outputs pulsing light as it counts down to the appointment time.

StackAR, the second project, functions in much the same way, but instead of outputting a countdown indicator, it displays schematics for a LilyPad Arduino when placed on the tablet, identifying connectors based on a pre-selected program. The capacitive display can recognize orientation, letting you drop the controller in any position throughout the surface, then outputting a map to match. Like the Droplet, StackAR can also recognize light input, even letting you program the Arduino directly from the tablet by outputting light, effectively simplifying the interface creation process even further. You can also add software control to the board, which will work in conjunction with the hardware, bringing universal control interfaces to the otherwise space-limited Arduino. Both projects appear to have incredible potential, but they're clearly not ready for production just yet. For now, you can get a better feel for Droplet and StackAR in our hands-on video just past the break.

Gallery: MIT Media Lab: Droplet and StackAR hands-on

Continue reading Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on)

Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arduinocalendarcapacitivecapacitive touchcapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchCapacitiveTouchscreencontrolcontrollerdisplaydisplaysdropletgoogleGoogle CalendarGoogleCalendarhands-onLEDLEDsLilypadLilypad ArduinoLilypadArduinomediamedia labMediaLabmitmit media labMitMediaLabperipheralsprogramprogrammingRob HemsleyRobHemsleyStackARtouchvideoTue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel Ivy Bridge touchscreen Ultrabook reference design hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/intel-ivy-bridge-touchscreen-ultrabook-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/intel-ivy-bridge-touchscreen-ultrabook-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/intel-ivy-bridge-touchscreen-ultrabook-hands-on/#comments Interested in replacing both your tablet and that clunky notebook with a svelte all-in-one portable? Intel might have just the gadget for you -- an Ivy Bridge Ultrabook with a built-in 13.3-inch 1600 x 900-pixel capacitive-touch LCD. We happened upon such a device in the bowels of Intel's gaming-centric CeBIT booth, and had a chance to go hands-on with the company's one and only (at this show, at least) reference design touchscreen Ultrabook. The device we saw appeared to be no larger or thicker than similar portables, but integrated a gorgeous 13.3-inch touchscreen, along with that elusive 1.5GHz Ivy Bridge processor. Unfortunately Intel was mum on detailed specs, though the prototype we saw did include a pair of USB 3.0 ports, SIM and SD card slots, and an HDMI port. And according to the system info page, the touch feature supports up to 10 individual input points. We're also told that there might be NFC functionality on-board, though the only visible confirmation of this hardware feature was a piece of medical tape with the letters "NFC" inscribed.

The touch functionality worked just as expected -- if you've used touch on a high-end tablet before, you're already familiar with the experience here. We were able to navigate the installed Zinio app with ease, flicking through magazine pages and pinch-and-zooming our way around a cover. You can of course use the touchscreen to adjust system settings, drag-and-drop files or input text with the on-screen keyboard, though we found the trackpad and hardware keyboard to be more practical here. Overall, this appears to be a no-compromise solution -- it will surely add to the manufacturing cost for next-gen Ultrabooks, but if you opt for a touch-equipped model only to find that you prefer traditional input controls, there's not much lost on the feature front. And, if you do happen to enjoy flicking your way around a notebook, you're definitely in for a treat. You'll find our hands-on video just past the break.

Gallery: Intel Ivy Bridge touchscreen Ultrabook hands-on

Continue reading Intel Ivy Bridge touchscreen Ultrabook reference design hands-on (video)

Intel Ivy Bridge touchscreen Ultrabook reference design hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitivecapacitive touchcapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchCapacitiveTouchscreencebitcebit 2012Cebit2012hands-onintelintel ivy bridgeintel reference designintel touchscreenintel ultrabookIntelIvyBridgeIntelReferenceDesignIntelTouchscreenIntelUltrabookivy bridgeIvyBridgelaptoplaptopsnotebooknotebooksprotoprototypereference designReferenceDesigntouchtouchscreentouchscreen laptoptouchscreen notebooktouchscreen ultrabookTouchscreenLaptopTouchscreenNotebookTouchscreenUltrabookultrabookvideoWed, 07 Mar 2012 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Windows 8 on 82-inch touchscreen hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-windows-8-on-82-inch-gorilla-glass-touchscreen-hands-o/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-windows-8-on-82-inch-gorilla-glass-touchscreen-hands-o/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-windows-8-on-82-inch-gorilla-glass-touchscreen-hands-o/#comments We don't have 100 fingers -- theoretically the supported limit of Windows 8 on the 82-inch capacitive touchscreen display we just had a chance to go hands-on with at the company's latest OS demo at Mobile World Congress -- but things looked pretty impressive even with just 10. The display we saw is manufactured by a company called Perceptive Pixel, and it may even look familiar -- it's the same glass screen used by television news networks like CNN. But, unlike the giant touchscreens you've seen on TV, this guy is connected to a standard off-the-shelf PC running Windows 8 Consumer Preview. The glass panel is constructed of optically-bonded Gorilla Glass, so there's very little space between the picture and your hand, making for a much more realistic user experience. Naturally, this monitor is all about the visuals, so you really need to see it in action to get an accurate impression of just how slick the experience can be. Jump past the break for our hands-on.

Gallery: Windows 8 running on an 82-inch display

Continue reading Microsoft Windows 8 on 82-inch touchscreen hands-on (video)

Microsoft Windows 8 on 82-inch touchscreen hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>82-inchcapacitiveconsumer previewConsumerPreviewgorilla glassGorillaGlasshands-onhdpostcrossimpressionsmetrometro uiMetroUimicrosoftmicrosoft windowsmicrosoft windows 8MicrosoftWindowsMicrosoftWindows8operating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemsosPerceptive PixelPerceptivePixelpreviewskydrivetouchscreenvideowindowswindows 8windows 8 consumer previewWindows8Windows8ConsumerPreviewx86xbox liveXboxLiveWed, 29 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[NVIDIA gets big names to embrace DirectTouch tech in Tegra 3 devices (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/nvidia-gets-big-names-to-embrace-directtouch-tech-in-tegra-3-dev/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/nvidia-gets-big-names-to-embrace-directtouch-tech-in-tegra-3-dev/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/25/nvidia-gets-big-names-to-embrace-directtouch-tech-in-tegra-3-dev/#comments DirectTouchSynaptics, Atmel,N-trig, Raydium, Cypress and Focaltech -- big names in the field of touch-based devices -- have all agreed get on board with NVIDIA's DirectTouch platform. The tech offloads some of the work needed to track and process finger input from the controller to the Tegra 3, improving response and battery life. We were first introduced to the architecture at CES, but wasn't clear that others would embrace it. With two of the biggest makers of touchscreen controllers, Synaptics and Atmel, throwing their weight behind the project, though, things are looking up for NVIDIA-powered tablets. N-trig is even leveraging the processing power to improve the response of capacitive styli by combining DirectTouch with DuoSense (the tech behind the HTC Flyer). For more info check out the PR and video after the break.

Continue reading NVIDIA gets big names to embrace DirectTouch tech in Tegra 3 devices (video)

NVIDIA gets big names to embrace DirectTouch tech in Tegra 3 devices (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atmelcapacitivecypressDirectTouchmultitouchn-trigNVIDIANVIDIA DirectTouchNVIDIA Tegra 3NvidiaDirecttouchNvidiaTegra3raydiumsynapticsTegra 3Tegra3touchscreenvideoSat, 25 Feb 2012 20:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Synaptics promises better touchscreens with SignalClarity and Design Studio 4]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/synaptics-promises-better-touchscreens-with-signalclarity-and-de/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/synaptics-promises-better-touchscreens-with-signalclarity-and-de/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/synaptics-promises-better-touchscreens-with-signalclarity-and-de/#comments Synaptics Look, we recognize that touchscreens have come a long way in the last few years, but there's always room for improvement. Thankfully, Synaptics agrees and is rolling out an update to its ClearPad capacitive panels. At the heart of the improved system is a technology called SignalClarity, which boosts signal-to-noise ratio for better accuracy and finger separation. The new tech will not only lead to a better touchscreen experience, but it could also help drive down costs since manufacturers would be free to use lower cost components that might normally interfere with a capacitive panel. It'll be a little bit before the next-gen ClearPad makes is debut in a consumer product and chances are you won't see Synaptic brand emblazoned across the packaging of your next smartphone. That's ok though, we know it's in there working hard to keep our fingers happy. Check out the PR after the break for more details.

Continue reading Synaptics promises better touchscreens with SignalClarity and Design Studio 4

Synaptics promises better touchscreens with SignalClarity and Design Studio 4 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreenclearpaddesign studiodesign studio 4DesignStudioDesignStudio4mobilepostcrosssignalclaritysynapticssynaptics clearpadsynaptics design studiosynaptics design studio 4synaptics signalclaritySynapticsClearpadSynapticsDesignStudioSynapticsDesignStudio4SynapticsSignalclaritytouchscreentouchscreensTue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/get-diagnosed-by-spitting-on-an-iphone-social-graces-terminal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/get-diagnosed-by-spitting-on-an-iphone-social-graces-terminal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/get-diagnosed-by-spitting-on-an-iphone-social-graces-terminal/#comments

Korean scientists reckon that the capacitive touchscreens on our phones and tablets could help diagnose diseases from what's floating around in your mouth. It works through the screen's ability to detect minute capacitive differences in disease-carrying liquids placed on its surface. Experiments by Hyun Gyu Park and Byoung Yeon Won at the Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology in Daejeon managed to detect chlamydia microbes in three different concentrations. Once again, the iPhone acted as medical chief, although the setup isn't yet able to distinguish between different bugs. There are also teething troubles with the touchscreen, as capacitive read-outs can be affected by moisture and sweat that are on the screen alongside your 'sample.' One solution to this would be to create a disposable film that attaches to the iPhone surface. There's a second reason for this, as Park diplomatically puts it: "Nobody wants direct application of bio-samples onto their phone." Let's hope Siri doesn't take it personally.

[Sneezing photo via Shutterstock]

Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreendiagnosisdiseaseiphonemedicalmedicinemobilepostminisciencesneezespitWed, 30 Nov 2011 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Gigabyte updates its netvertible range with the 11.6-inch Booktop T1132]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/gigabyte-updates-its-netvertible-range-with-the-11-6-inch-bookto/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/gigabyte-updates-its-netvertible-range-with-the-11-6-inch-bookto/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/gigabyte-updates-its-netvertible-range-with-the-11-6-inch-bookto/#comments With Gigabyte's gaming motherboards doing so well, it's nice to be reminded that the company makes whole PCs too. The latest in its Booktop line of swiveling tablet hybrids is the T1132, which trumps the T1125 with a 1.6GHz Core i5-2467M processor and a GeForce GT520M GPU with 1GB and NVIDIA Optimus switching technology. You get one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, eSATA and HDMI on the 1.76kg (3.9-pound) lappie itself, but you can add more ports and an optical drive with the optional docking station. There's no indication as to availability or whether it'll cost more or less than the T1125's original $1300 asking price, but you could always try to snag a free one via Gigabyte's wanton Facebook bribery competition detailed after the break.

Continue reading Gigabyte updates its netvertible range with the 11.6-inch Booktop T1132

Gigabyte updates its netvertible range with the 11.6-inch Booktop T1132 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BooktopBooktop T1132Booktop T1132NBooktopT1132BooktopT1132ncapacitiveCore i5-2467MCore-i5CoreI5-2467mGeforce GT520MGeforceGt520mGigabyteGigabyte BooktopGigabyte Booktop T1132Gigabyte T1132Gigabyte T1132NGigabyteBooktopGigabyteBooktopT1132GigabyteT1132GigabyteT1132nhybridhybrid slateHybridSlateIntelit-2467MlaptopnotebookNVIDIAPCslateT1132T1132Ntablettablet pcTabletPcMon, 28 Nov 2011 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[SMK-Link releases Wireless Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard for your inner sloth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/smk-link-releases-wireless-ultra-mini-touchpad-keyboard-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/smk-link-releases-wireless-ultra-mini-touchpad-keyboard-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/smk-link-releases-wireless-ultra-mini-touchpad-keyboard-for-your/#comments
Exerting energy goes against the very fiber of our 21st century ethos -- which is why SMK-Link has come out with the Wireless Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard. Available in both Mac- and PC-compatible versions, this little handheld allows users to surf the web, send texts, or control their home entertainment systems from up to 30 feet away. Featuring both a raised QWERTY keyboard and capacitive touchpad, SMK-Link's latest battery-powered creation boasts 20 function keys, seven hot keys and a dedicated Windows Media Center Start button (on the PC version, naturally). And, since it doesn't require any software drivers, all you have to do is plug in the RF receiver, sit back, and marinate your afternoon away. You can grab one now for $69 at the source link, below. Otherwise, swerve past the break for a drop of PR.

Continue reading SMK-Link releases Wireless Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard for your inner sloth

SMK-Link releases Wireless Ultra-Mini Touchpad Keyboard for your inner sloth originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabilitycapacitivehandheldhome entertainmentHomeEntertainmenthotkeykeyboardMacPCperipheralpriceqwertyrangeSMK LinkSmkLinktouchpadwindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterwirelesswireless ultra-mini touchpad keyboardWirelessUltra-miniTouchpadKeyboardFri, 18 Nov 2011 18:47:00 EST<![CDATA[SMK's touchscreen registers your gloved swipes, won't acknowledge the bad touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/smks-touchscreen-registers-your-gloved-swipes-wont-acknowledg/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/smks-touchscreen-registers-your-gloved-swipes-wont-acknowledg/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/26/smks-touchscreen-registers-your-gloved-swipes-wont-acknowledg/#comments Somewhere in an underground ice lair, Jack Frost's prepping to nip at noses and keep covered hands from touch devices. But SMK Corp's got a capacitive solution set to thwart old man winter's digitus interruptus. On display at this year's FPD International in Japan, the company's touchscreen innovation incorporates a specialized chip capable of highly-sensitive pressure detection that works in conjunction with a noise-filtering sensor to make your gloved gestures readable. It's good news for those of us subject to occasional bouts of frostbitten weather, but don't clap just yet -- these panels will initially be headed to in-car navigation systems. Still, with the displays workable on screens up to 8-inches in size, it's possible we could be seeing this tech extend to smartphones in the near future. So, there's a remedy out there folks, but while you wait for it, it's best to keep those glittens close at hand.

SMK's touchscreen registers your gloved swipes, won't acknowledge the bad touch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreenJapanpanelpanelsSMK CorpSmkCorptouch paneltouch panelstouch screenTouchPanelTouchPanelsTouchScreentouchscreensWed, 26 Oct 2011 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/microsofts-pockettouch-prototype-is-like-x-ray-vision-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/microsofts-pockettouch-prototype-is-like-x-ray-vision-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/microsofts-pockettouch-prototype-is-like-x-ray-vision-for-your/#comments
Is it more gauche to pull out your phone in the middle of a date, or to draw a bunch of crop circles on your pants? That's the question we were asking ourselves after coming across PocketTouch -- a new Microsoft Research prototype that lets you manipulate your handset without ever removing it from your pocket. Developed by researchers Scott Saponas, Chris Harrison and Hrvoje Benko, the device essentially consists of a customized, multitouch capacitive sensor hooked on to the back of a smartphone. This sensor is capable of picking up gestures through fabric, allowing users to execute a wide array of eyes-free, gesture-based functions (including simple swipes and alphanumeric text) without ever having to actually whip out their phones. To do this, the team implemented what it calls an "orientation-defining unlock gesture," which helps the prototype get its bearings, before testing the capacitive sensors across different fabrics. According to Microsoft, the outcome "exceeded expectations," though there's no word on when or if this Goliath of a device could ever hit the mainstream. Head past the break to see a video of a man playing tic-tac-toe on his pants.

Continue reading Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video)

Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphanumericcapacitivedevelopmentengineeringinputmicrosoftmicrosoft researchMicrosoftResearchMSmsftmultitouchorientationpocketpockettouchprototyperedmondresearchsciencesensorsmartphonetexttouchvideoTue, 18 Oct 2011 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin releases aera 795, 796 flight navigators, private jet not included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/garmin-releases-aera-795-796-flight-navigators-private-jet-not/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/garmin-releases-aera-795-796-flight-navigators-private-jet-not/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/garmin-releases-aera-795-796-flight-navigators-private-jet-not/#comments The GPS gurus over at Garmin have just launched the aera 796 and 795 -- a pair of new navigation devices designed specifically for pilots who don't enjoy getting lost. As the flagship member of the aera family, the 796 sports a seven-inch, 480 x 800 capacitive touchscreen (capable of displaying maps in either landscape or portrait mode) and features Garmin's 3D Vision technology, providing users with a behind-the-plane view of the terrain below, including rivers, landing strips or any other obstacles. This knee-mounted co-pilot can also serve as an electronic flight bag, allowing captains to digitally store flight routes and airport diagrams directly on their devices. Plus, if it's hooked up to a compatible GPS system, the 796 can provide real-time traffic updates, while streaming SiriusXM radio straight to the cockpit (the North America-specific 795 features identical specs, minus XM compatibility). Aviation enthusiasts can buy the 796 and 795 for the respective prices of $2,500 and $2,200, at the source link below. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Garmin releases aera 795, 796 flight navigators, private jet not included

Garmin releases aera 795, 796 flight navigators, private jet not included originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d vision3dVision7 inch7957967Inchaeraaera 795aera 796Aera795Aera796airportavailabilityaviationcapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreenflightflyinggarmingarmin aera 795garmin aera 796GarminAera795GarminAera796mapnavigationpilotplanepricesiriussirius xmSiriusXmtopographytouchscreenxmxm radioXmRadioThu, 15 Sep 2011 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/griffin-announces-stylus-pen-laser-pointer-gives-up-on-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/griffin-announces-stylus-pen-laser-pointer-gives-up-on-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/03/griffin-announces-stylus-pen-laser-pointer-gives-up-on-cr/#comments
Multitasking business executives are going to love this. Whether you're taking notes on your tablet, pointing out graphs in a presentation or just signing reports, Griffin's new "Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer'' should have you covered. As the name implies, it's a three-in-one input device containing a red laser pointer, an "omni-directional" capacitive stylus and a refillable ball point pen. It certainly seems convenient, but with a $50 price tag you may want to think twice before ditching your Bic. Full PR past the break.

Continue reading Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names

Griffin announces 'Stylus + Pen + Laser Pointer,' gives up on creative product names originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscapacitivecapacitive stylusCapacitiveStylusGriffinGriffin Stylus Pen Laser PointerGriffin TechnologyGriffinStylusPenLaserPointerGriffinTechnologylaserLaser PointerLaserPointerminipostPenpointerpresentationstylusstylus pen laser pointerStylusPenLaserPointerSat, 03 Sep 2011 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung MV800 MultiView camera hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/samsung-mv800-multiview-camera-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/samsung-mv800-multiview-camera-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/samsung-mv800-multiview-camera-hands-on-video/#comments
There's nothing all that exciting about most point-and-shoot cameras. You point, they shoot, end of story. But Samsung has been shaking things up as of late. First, the TL220 and TL225 added a second, 1.5-inch LCD to the front of the camera, making up the company's 2009 lineup of DualView cams. We've never actually seen anyone using them on the street, but Samsung reps insist that they've been an absolute hit. Well alright then. This year, CES brought the company's remote-shooting-enabled SH100, which lets you use a Samsung-branded Android smartphone to frame, zoom, and capture images over WiFi. A rather obnoxious delay doesn't make this a blockbuster feature, but still, this is pretty imaginative stuff.

Now this week at IFA, the company just introduced yet another completely original (and practical) camera design with its MV800. The camera's image quality isn't much to speak of (though we've only had a chance to use a pre-production model), but its MultiView flip-up LCD is pretty darn fantastic -- in concept, at least. The 16.1 megapixel cam's entire 3-inch capacitive touchscreen flips from flush with the rear up to a 180-degree angle (and anything in between), making it possible to not only shoot perfectly framed self-portraits, but also to have a direct view of the display when shooting both below, and above eye level. We love to see manufacturers continue to push the envelope when it comes to innovation, but how did the $279 MV800 perform overall? Jump past the break for our impressions.

Gallery: Samsung MV800

Continue reading Samsung MV800 MultiView camera hands-on (video)

Samsung MV800 MultiView camera hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracamerascapacitivedigital cameraDigital CamerasDigitalCameraDigitalCamerasdualviewifaifa 2011Ifa2011multiviewmv800point and shootpoint and shoot cameraPointAndShootPointAndShootCamerasamsungsamsung camerasamsung camerassamsung dualviewsamsung multiviewsamsung mv800SamsungCameraSamsungCamerasSamsungDualviewSamsungMultiviewSamsungMv800touchscreentouchscreen cameraTouchscreenCameraThu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackBerry Torch 9850 review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/16/blackberry-torch-9850-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/16/blackberry-torch-9850-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/16/blackberry-torch-9850-review/#comments BlackBerry Torch 9850 review Monza. It's a beautiful part of Italy, a majestic park split by one of the most historic racetracks in the world, and it was also the codename for this rather more homely looking phone. This is a handset that would go on to be known by many names (Storm 3, Touch...) before receiving its final moniker: Torch 9850. Why all the pseudonyms, and why choose to confusingly overlap this with the somewhat similar but rather different Torch 9810 that's also officially launching today?

Maybe RIM didn't know what to make of this keyboard-free phone. Maybe the company wanted to distance itself from the Storm. Or, maybe what we have here is a smartphone that's trying to find an identity by sadly ditching the feature that, for many, makes a BlackBerry a BlackBerry: the physical keyboard. How does this smoothie compare to the others, and is it worth sacrificing all the QWERTY wonder found within the 9810? Read on to find out.

Gallery: BlackBerry Torch 9850

Continue reading BlackBerry Torch 9850 review

BlackBerry Torch 9850 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2ghz9800985098509860bb7blackberryblackberry 7blackberry os 7Blackberry7BlackberryOs7capacitivehtml 5Html5monzareviewrimsmartphonetouchscreenvideowtorchTue, 16 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Touchscreen demand to grow by 90-percent, led by mobile, tablet markets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/report-touchscreen-demand-to-grow-by-90-percent-led-by-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/report-touchscreen-demand-to-grow-by-90-percent-led-by-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/report-touchscreen-demand-to-grow-by-90-percent-led-by-mobile/#comments This just in: people really like touchscreens, and their tastes aren't going to change anytime soon. That's the takeaway from a new report from market research firm DisplaySearch, which predicts that revenue from touch panel sales will hit the $13.4 billion mark by the end of this year, before soaring to nearly $24 billion by 2017. Shipments of capacitive touch displays, in particular, are expected to increase by 100-percent over last year, accounting for a full 70-percent of all tactile revenues. The mobile market still accounts for most of this industry-wide growth, but demand for touch-based tablets is accelerating considerably, with more than 72 million panels expected to ship this year, and 100 million projected in 2012. Jonesing for more numbers? Better gallop past the break to get your hands on the full PR.

Continue reading Report: Touchscreen demand to grow by 90-percent, led by mobile, tablet markets

Report: Touchscreen demand to grow by 90-percent, led by mobile, tablet markets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appbusinesscapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreencomponentcontroller ICControllerIcdemanddisplaytouchforecastgaminggrowthmarketmobilemoneypredictionresearchrevenueshipmentsuppliertablettablet pcTabletPctouchtouch panel market analysisTouchPanelMarketAnalysistouchscreenWed, 13 Jul 2011 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[ZiiLabs unveils Jaguar family of Honeycomb tablets for OEMs to devour]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/ziilabs-unveils-jaguar-family-of-honeycomb-tablets-for-oems-to-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/ziilabs-unveils-jaguar-family-of-honeycomb-tablets-for-oems-to-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/ziilabs-unveils-jaguar-family-of-honeycomb-tablets-for-oems-to-d/#comments Just a few weeks after unveiling its ZMS-20 and ZMS-40 StemCell processors, ZiiLabs has now designed a new family of slates to house them. Developed with the OEM market in mind, the company's new Jaguar Honeycomb tablets come in two breeds -- one with a seven-inch, 1024x600 LCD and another with a ten-inch 1280x800 display. Unlike their ZiiO predecessors, these 64GB siamese twins call for both capacitive and resistive touchscreen capabilities, support OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics and, as you can see in the image above, feature front- and rear-facing five-megapixel cameras. And, of course, there's a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 ZMS-20 or quad-core ZMS-40 helping them purr right along, both clocking in at 1.5 GHz. The two Jaguars will be uncaged at next week's Computex tradeshow in Taiwan, but you can find more information in the PR that awaits you after the break.

Continue reading ZiiLabs unveils Jaguar family of Honeycomb tablets for OEMs to devour

ZiiLabs unveils Jaguar family of Honeycomb tablets for OEMs to devour originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-inch1024x6001280x8002GB64-bit64GB7-inchandroidAndroid 3.0Android3.0ARMARM Cortex-A9ArmCortex-a9capacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreencomputexcomputex 2011Computex2011Cortex A9CortexA9designhoneycombhoneycomb tabletHoneycombTabletLCDmodular tabletModularTabletOEMOpenGL ES 2.0OpenglEs2.0processorreferenceresistiveresistive touchscreenResistiveTouchscreenseven-inchtabletten-inchtouchscreenziizii labsziilabsziilabs jaguarziilabs jaguar tabletZiilabsJaguarZiilabsJaguarTabletzms-20zms-40Fri, 27 May 2011 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba's in-cell integrated 7-inch capacitive LCD ditches touch layer, extra girth (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/toshibas-in-cell-integrated-7-inch-capacitive-lcd-ditches-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/toshibas-in-cell-integrated-7-inch-capacitive-lcd-ditches-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/toshibas-in-cell-integrated-7-inch-capacitive-lcd-ditches-touch/#comments Samsung's Super AMOLED may have beat Toshiba to the in-cell capacitive touch punch, but we're still happy to see other LCD panels dropping unnecessary layers. Featured in a GPS mock-up, Toshiba's 7-inch 1024 x 600 R&D display touts 10-point multi-touch over 38,400 sensors -- that's one touch sensor for every four pixels. It may not be the first LCD to abandon the standard touch layer for integrated capacitive support, but we wouldn't shy away from a tablet or embedded screen featuring this 1mm wonder. We'll have to wait though; Toshiba's in-cell tech is still in R&D, with no word when or if we might see it in commercial devices. Check out the video after the break for a quick hands-on.

Gallery: Toshiba's 7-inch integrated capacitive touchscreen concept at SID 2011

Continue reading Toshiba's in-cell integrated 7-inch capacitive LCD ditches touch layer, extra girth (video)

Toshiba's in-cell integrated 7-inch capacitive LCD ditches touch layer, extra girth (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitivedisplayhands-onin-cellIn-cell-Touchintegratedlcdmonitormulti touchmultitouchresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopmentsamsungscreenSIDSID 2011Sid2011slimtftTFT LCDTftLcdthintoshibatoshiba mobile displayToshibaMobileDisplaytouchtouchscreenvideoWed, 18 May 2011 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Flyer stylus on sale at Best Buy for $80, because matching gadgets should cost more (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/htc-flyer-stylus-on-sale-at-best-buy-for-80-because-matching-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/htc-flyer-stylus-on-sale-at-best-buy-for-80-because-matching-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/htc-flyer-stylus-on-sale-at-best-buy-for-80-because-matching-g/#commentsIf you ordered the HTC Flyer because you're keen on scribbling notes and doodling over screenshots, well, today's your lucky day -- the stylus is now on sale by itself for a cool $80. That's fairly outrageous, given that you can buy the HP Slate 500's for well under that tally, and the Fujitsu LifeBook T580's for roughly $22... that is, if you lose the one included in the box. Plus, although these battery-powered pens won't complement your Flyer's aluminum chassis, they should still work with it, as all of these tablets use N-Trig's DuoSense pen / capacitive touch technology. And particularly with a dearth in apps that can take advantage of pen input, you'd better be the next J.K. Rowling if you're looking to get your money's worth.

Update: We've gotten some incredulous comments and emails from folks who can't believe the Flyer doesn't come with a stylus. Well, just to settle that debate once and for all, we reached out to HTC's PR team who confirmed that the stylus is, indeed, sold separately. Sorry to be the bearer repeater of bad news!

Update 2: HTC adds that the Flyer will only come without a pen if you get it at Best Buy.

HTC Flyer stylus on sale at Best Buy for $80, because matching gadgets should cost more (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best BuyBestBuycapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreendual digitizerDualDigitizerDuoSenseFlyerFujitsu LifeBook T580FujitsuLifebookT580HP Slate 500HpSlate500HTC FlyerHTC Flyer stulusHTC Flyer stylusHtcFlyerHtcFlyerStylusLifeBook T580LifebookT580N-TrigN-Trig DuoSenseN-trigDuosenseon sale nowOnSaleNowpenpen inputPenInputSlate 500Slate500stylusFri, 06 May 2011 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Pen again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/switched-on-pen-again/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/switched-on-pen-again/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/switched-on-pen-again/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.


Last week's Switched On discussed how some next wave notions from a decade ago were trying to reinvent themselves. Here's one more. Surging smartphone vendor HTC is seeking to bring back an input method that many wrote off long ago with its forthcoming Flyer tablet and EVO View 4G comrade-in-arms: the stylus.

A fixture of early Palm and Psion PDAs, Pocket PCs and Windows Mobile handsets, slim, compact styli were once the most popular thing to slip down a well since Timmy. Then, users would poke the cheap, simple sticks at similarly inexpensive resistive touchscreens. After the debut of tablet PCs, though, more companies started to use active digitizer systems like the one inside the Flyer. Active pens offer more precision, which can help with tasks such as handwriting recognition, and support "hovering" above a screen, the functional equivalent of a mouseover. On the other hand, they are also thicker, more expensive, and need to be charged. (Update: as some have pointed out in comments, Wacom's tablets generate tiny electromagnetic fields that power active digitization, and don't require the pen to store electricity itself.) And, of course, just like passive styli, active pens take up space and can be misplaced.

The 2004 debut of the Nintendo DS -- the ancestor of the just-released 3DS -- marked the beginning of what has become the last mass-market consumer electronics product series to integrate stylus input. The rising popularity of capacitive touch screens and multitouch have replaced styli with fingers as the main user interface elements. Instead of using a precise point for tasks such as placing an insertion point in text, we now expand the text dynamically to accommodate our oily instruments. On-screen buttons have also grown, as have the screens themselves, all in the name of losing a contrivance.

Continue reading Switched On: Pen again

Switched On: Pen again originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASUScapacitivecolumnCourierDigital ScribeDigitalScribeDSEee PadEee TransformerEeePadEeeTransformerhandwritingHTCMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchN-trigNintendoNintendo DSNintendoDspalmpalm pilotPalmPilotPDAPsionRoss RubinRossRubinScribestyliistylusSwitched OnSwitchedOntouchscreenSun, 10 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod touch prototype with capacitive home button leaked?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/ipod-touch-prototype-with-capacitive-home-button-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/ipod-touch-prototype-with-capacitive-home-button-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/ipod-touch-prototype-with-capacitive-home-button-leaked/#comments Ah, would you look at that. Earlier this year there were rumors about Apple ditching the physical home button on upcoming iOS devices, and now we have what appears to be a new iPod touch prototype matching such description, courtesy of CrunchGear via Mr. Blurrycam. According to its About screen, this "DVT-1" (a late milestone) device packs 128GB of memory -- twice as much as the largest available capacity option right now (remember that 64GB iPhone 4 prototype in Hong Kong?) -- as well as a model number "MC550LL" which isn't far off from those of the fourth-gen iPod touches ("MC54xLL"), though this similarity doesn't help prove its authenticity nor indicate whether it'll make it to the market. Still, if Apple does go ahead with this grubby device or at least its capacitive home button, we might see new touch or gesture controls for the bezel area below the screen à la webOS, as suggested by an earlier patent. But hey, let's not take this too seriously for now -- all this could turn out to be just a much belated April Fools' prank, right?

iPod touch prototype with capacitive home button leaked? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebuttoncapacitiveDVTDVT-1homehome buttonHomeButtoniosipodipod touchIpodTouchprototyperumorTue, 05 Apr 2011 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Donya wish your touchscreen had buttons like these? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/donya-wish-your-touchscreen-had-buttons-like-these-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/donya-wish-your-touchscreen-had-buttons-like-these-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/donya-wish-your-touchscreen-had-buttons-like-these-video/#comments Touchscreen gaming's like cheese pizza -- a generally tasty treat, but significantly improved by an addition or two. Good thing Donya's got some new toppings for your touchy-feely display: a set of physical buttons and D-pads. Available in Japan for ¥999 (about twelve bucks) you get single, dual, and triple button stickers along with two D-pads to bring some much needed physicality to your handheld experience without sacrificing pocketability. We're not sure what marvel of modern science makes these tactile additions cling to your screen, but we do know they make firing off a few Hadoukens quite a bit easier. That plus a few Hurricane Kicks after the break.

Continue reading Donya wish your touchscreen had buttons like these? (video)

Donya wish your touchscreen had buttons like these? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebuttonscapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreencontrollerd padd-paddonyaDPadgame controllerGameControllergamingipadipad controllerIpadControlleriphoneipod touchIpodTouchperipheralstouchscreenvideoFri, 01 Apr 2011 06:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft researchers show off intuitive stylus, don't know how to hold a pencil (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/microsoft-researchers-show-off-intuitive-stylus-dont-know-how/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/microsoft-researchers-show-off-intuitive-stylus-dont-know-how/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/microsoft-researchers-show-off-intuitive-stylus-dont-know-how/#comments At this week's Microsoft promotional bonanza, otherwise known as TechFest 2011, a team of researchers debuted a rather shabby looking capacitive stylus that switches between functions based on your grip -- an interesting addition to a rather stagnant market, sure, but there are still a few kinks to be worked out. The multi-purpose tool enlists capacitive multi-touch and orientation sensors to respond to how you hold the thing, allowing you to perform a number of different tasks with a simple repositioning. A demo video of the stylus at work shows a disembodied hand switching between a pen, an airbrush, a compass, and even a virtual flute with ease, but while the project stresses the "naturalness" of the experience, we're pretty sure nobody sketches quite like that. Check out the video after the break to see what we mean.

Continue reading Microsoft researchers show off intuitive stylus, don't know how to hold a pencil (video)

Microsoft researchers show off intuitive stylus, don't know how to hold a pencil (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011brushcapacitivecapacitive brushcapacitive pencapacitive styluscapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveBrushCapacitivePenCapacitiveStylusCapacitiveTouchscreenintuitiveintuitive stylusIntuitiveStylusMicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchmulti-purposemultipurposepenpen gripPenGripprototyperesearchstylusteachfest 2011Teachfest2011techfesttouchscreenvideoThu, 10 Mar 2011 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/japanese-researchers-weave-capacitive-touch-into-large-area-text/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/japanese-researchers-weave-capacitive-touch-into-large-area-text/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/japanese-researchers-weave-capacitive-touch-into-large-area-text/#comments Conductive fibers, yo, they're the future. Japan's AIST is back with yet another quirky idea, this time integrating capacitive touch sensors into 1-micron thick nylon fibers. The results is a big old cloth that can sense your loving touch and inform nearby computers of what you're up to. Initial uses envisioned by the research outfit include implementation in hospitals to monitor bedridden patients, but the ultimate goal is to make this extra-sensitive array a wearable accoutrement. Wouldn't that be lovely?

Continue reading Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video)

Japanese researchers weave capacitive touch into large-area textiles, want to make them wearable (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aistcapacitiveclothfabrichealthhealthcarejapanmedicalnanotechnanotechnologyresearchsensorsensorstextiletouchtouch-sensitivetouch-sensitive materialsTouch-sensitiveMaterialsvideoFri, 04 Mar 2011 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Fogale Nanotech takes the 'touch' out of 'touchscreen smartphone' at CeBIT]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/fogale-nanotech-takes-the-touch-out-of-touchscreen-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/fogale-nanotech-takes-the-touch-out-of-touchscreen-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/fogale-nanotech-takes-the-touch-out-of-touchscreen-smartphone/#comments French sensor manufacturer Fogale Nanotech -- historically more of an industrial supplier than a consumer-facing one -- was demonstrating its non-contact capacitive sensors at CeBIT this week and how they might be used for the most consumer-facing application of them all: smartphone interfaces. Fogale had two stations set up, PCs running Windows Phone 7 emulators with the sensors attached out front (oriented like you might place a trackpad on a desk). Though they didn't have any actual phone prototypes on hand with the technology integrated, it's clear that they're trying to drum up support with a manufacturer partner or two; in the meantime, you can get a sense of what's going on by waving your hand over the phone-shaped sensors at the stations. We found that as long as you're within about half inch of the pad, the on-screen cursor flys by in perfect harmony with your finger. Of course, there are plenty of unanswered questions here: deciding on the best user experience for actuating taps is key... but perhaps more importantly, we're not certain that you need your hand waving slightly above your phone while using it anyway. Don't get us wrong, it's super cool -- but are you really that worked up over smudges? Follow the break for a quick video of Fogale's recorded demos plus some time at the live kiosk.

Gallery: Fogale Nanotech takes the 'touch' out of 'touchscreen smartphone' at CeBIT

Continue reading Fogale Nanotech takes the 'touch' out of 'touchscreen smartphone' at CeBIT

Fogale Nanotech takes the 'touch' out of 'touchscreen smartphone' at CeBIT originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitivecapacitive sensorCapacitiveSensorcebitcebit 2011Cebit2011fogalefogale nanotechFogaleNanotechhands-onnon-touchvideoThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Nomad capacitive brush turns your iPad into an art canvas for $24 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/nomad-capacitive-brush-turns-your-ipad-into-an-art-canvas-for-2/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/nomad-capacitive-brush-turns-your-ipad-into-an-art-canvas-for-2/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/nomad-capacitive-brush-turns-your-ipad-into-an-art-canvas-for-2/#comments We didn't have much luck using the oStylus as a paint brush, but even the creator confessed that it was never intended for such chores. Thankfully, the Nomad Brush was concocted specifically for those chores. What you're looking at above is a paint brush that's designed for use with capacitive screens, and it could very well spark a modern day renaissance... or something of the sort. The brush is topped with capacitive fibers that the iPhone, Galaxy Tab and iPad (among other tablets and phones) can recognize, enabling you artsy folk to express yourselves even when it's impractical to tote around a suitcase full of watercolors. Head on past the break for an (admittedly impressive) video, and pop the source link to hand over $24 in exchange for a shipping label. Just promise us you'll keep it away from any actual paint buckets, okay?

Update: Looks like there's a cheaper alternative floating around from Blackbox, if you're down for it.

Continue reading Nomad capacitive brush turns your iPad into an art canvas for $24 (video)

Nomad capacitive brush turns your iPad into an art canvas for $24 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbrushcapacitivecapacitive brushCapacitiveBrushDon LeeDonLeenomad brushNomadBrushnow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingon saleOnSalevideoTue, 22 Feb 2011 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Incredible S auto-rotating buttons explained? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/htc-incredible-s-auto-rotating-buttons-explained-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/htc-incredible-s-auto-rotating-buttons-explained-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/htc-incredible-s-auto-rotating-buttons-explained-video/#comments We were quite bedazzled by the HTC Incredible S after our hands-on at MWC, but it's the auto-rotating icons for the capacitive buttons that left us most intrigued. So we went back to the HTC booth to try to make sense of it all. From what we were able to observe, there's some optical trickery happening here: the icons appear to be glittering and shimmering depending on viewing angle as if lit through a prism, half-mirror or grate of some kind. We think that a pair of LEDs are used to project the intended icon onto the glass surface via either a combination of prisms and half-mirrors, or via horizontally and vertically polarized grates. Watch our video after the break, and let us know in the comments how you think this actually works.

Continue reading HTC Incredible S auto-rotating buttons explained? (video)

HTC Incredible S auto-rotating buttons explained? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auto-rotationButtonsCapacitiveHtcHtc IncredibleHtc Incredible SHtcIncredibleHtcIncredibleSIconsIncredibleIncredible SIncredibleSMwcMwc 2011Mwc2011OpticsVideoFri, 18 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple creating touch panel shortages for tablet competition?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/apple-creating-touch-panel-shortages-for-tablet-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/apple-creating-touch-panel-shortages-for-tablet-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/apple-creating-touch-panel-shortages-for-tablet-competition/#comments Things tend to get messy for the competition when Apple decides to direct its vast cash reserves on "very strategic" components. Especially when Cupertino starts waving around stacks of dough in the range of $3.9 billion to $7.8 billion. For reference, just look at what Apple did to NAND supplies as the flash-based iPod rose to dominance. Today DigiTimes is reporting that Apple is occupying close to 60 percent of the global touch panel production capacity from the likes of Wintek and TPK resulting in "tight supply" for the competition. The impact on consumers, according DigiTimes' sources at upstream component makers, is that tablet PC makers are unable to ship enough product to match orders due to component shortages. The issue is especially troublesome for second-tier tablet hopefuls who must compete with the likes of HP, RIM, Motorola, HTC, Samsung, LG, Dell (everyone but Sony) for the scraps. As a result, Apple should be able to more easily meet iPad demand in 2011, according to DigiTimes, while its competitors struggle to keep up.

Apple creating touch panel shortages for tablet competition? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreencomponent shortageComponentShortagedigitimeshpmotorolapanelrumorshortageshortagessupplytablettimtouch panelTouchPaneltpkwintekThu, 17 Feb 2011 01:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Synaptics ClearPad 3250 capacitive touchscreen hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/synaptics-clearpad-3250-capacitive-touchscreen-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/synaptics-clearpad-3250-capacitive-touchscreen-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/synaptics-clearpad-3250-capacitive-touchscreen-hands-on-video/#comments In the grand scheme of things, one millimeter may not seem like a lot, but in the smartphone arms race toward ever-slimmer devices, measurements like that matter. Synaptics, best known for building laptop touchpads, has ventured into the capacitive touchscreen realm with a new panel that promises to save exactly that much space: 1mm. But that's only the start. You see, the thinner display profile is the result of Synaptics melding the touch-sensing layer and the display into one, using what it calls in-cell technology, with the result being something roughly comparable to Samsung's Super AMOLED implementation. The benefit of going with Synaptics, however, is that the company's tech is compatible with all display types, meaning that everything from garden variety LCDs to high-density IPS panels can be infused with a bit of touch sensitivity. Additional benefits include extra brightness, as there is one fewer layer for light to get through, and significantly higher sensitivity than on most current generation touch panels. You can see a pretty compelling demo of that on video just past the break. The ClearPad 3250 should find its way to shipping devices over the next nine months, with its current iteration capable of being fitted to screens up to five inches in size and a subsequent model scaling all the way out to eight inches.

Gallery: Synaptics ClearPad 3250 capacitive touchscreen hands-on

Continue reading Synaptics ClearPad 3250 capacitive touchscreen hands-on (video)

Synaptics ClearPad 3250 capacitive touchscreen hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitiveclearpadclearpad 3250Clearpad3250displayhands-onintegratedintegrationmwcmwc 2011Mwc2011screenseries 3Series3synapticstouchscreenvideoMon, 14 Feb 2011 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[3M touts capacitive touchscreens with tiny bezels, 10x faster responsiveness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/3m-touts-capacitive-touchscreens-with-tiny-bezels-10x-faster-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/3m-touts-capacitive-touchscreens-with-tiny-bezels-10x-faster-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/3m-touts-capacitive-touchscreens-with-tiny-bezels-10x-faster-re/#comments Add another one to the (short) list of obscure things that slipped our net at CES. 3M, a company concerned with the materials and components that go into your delicious new gadgets, spent its time in Vegas this month discussing a new way for building capacitive touchscreen panels. By employing silver as its conducting material, 3M says it has made it possible to shrink the circuits at the edge of a touch panel by a whole order of magnitude, resulting in finger-friendly screens unhampered by bulky bezels. Additionally, due to silver's high conductivity, response times have been shown to dip down as low as 6ms, which is ten times speedier than the currently used Indium Tin Oxide stuff. It's arguable that neither advancement is revolutionary today, as bezels serve a purpose in providing a gripping surface for slate devices and touch responsiveness is currently constrained by software lag more than hardware capabilities, but 3M sure looks to have a nice building block for the future. The future being 2012, according to the company's estimates.

3M touts capacitive touchscreens with tiny bezels, 10x faster responsiveness originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3mbezelbezelscapacitivecesces 2011Ces2011silvertouchtouchscreentouchscreensMon, 24 Jan 2011 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Second-gen CherryPad rumored to feature better specs for a bigger price tag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/second-gen-cherrypad-rumored-to-feature-better-specs-for-a-bigge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/second-gen-cherrypad-rumored-to-feature-better-specs-for-a-bigge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/second-gen-cherrypad-rumored-to-feature-better-specs-for-a-bigge/#comments
 After seeing Android tablets galore at CES, it seems strangely fitting that a device bearing the CherryPad moniker could top off this month's tablet news dog pile. Specifically, Mobile Magazine is sharing "unconfirmed details" about a new 7-inch Cherry-branded tablet that's said to run Android 2.2 "at a minimum" and feature a 1024x600 capacitive multi-touch display, front and rear three megapixel cameras, a 1GHz Cortex A8 cpu, and either 8 or 16GB of flash memory. Other goodies on the sequel's spec list include an integrated HDMI output, accelerometer, microSD slot and even an unlocked GSM antenna. Unfortunately, these enhancements won't be available at the old CherryPad's $200 price point -- which was pretty much the only thing the original had going for it. Instead, the new device is rumored to cost $300 to $400. The same source also reports that an official announcement is expected in just a few weeks, so in the meantime, we'll pass the hours debating whether it makes more sense to name tablets after fruits or rocks.

Second-gen CherryPad rumored to feature better specs for a bigger price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 Ghz16gb1Ghz8gbaccelerometerandroidandroid 2.2android tabletAndroid tabletsAndroid2.2AndroidTabletAndroidTabletscapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveMultitouchCapacitiveTouchscreencherrypadCherrypadAmericacherrypalCortex A8CortexA8front facing cameraFrontFacingCameraGPSgsmHDMIhdmi outHdmiOutleakleaksmicrosdrear cameraRearCamerarumortabletsunlockedWed, 19 Jan 2011 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[ViewSonic ViewFun 3D Show photo frame hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/viewsonic-viewfun-3d-show-photo-frame-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/viewsonic-viewfun-3d-show-photo-frame-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/viewsonic-viewfun-3d-show-photo-frame-hands-on/#comments Do you love 3D? Do you love pictures? Do you love 3D pictures? The ViewFun 3D Show picture frame from ViewSonic may just be your fix you've been dreaming of. The $179 photo viewer jankily converts 2D stills to 3D (and videos, too, apparently, although we didn't get to see a demo) and eliminates the use for those funky glasses. The images remind us of holograms we used to find in cereal boxes, except bigger. The 8-inch frame sports capacitive buttons on the bezel that light up on contact. Along the left side of device, you'll find a USB 2.0 port, SD slot and power button. In order to stand this thing up, the company packed a pull-out plastic kickstand that felt pretty flimsy. Oh, and the remote control we demoed had improper button mapping, which made it virtually useless. Peek the gallery below the fold for a bunch of shots of this thing on the CES show floor.

Gallery: ViewSonic ViewFun 3D Show hands-on

ViewSonic ViewFun 3D Show photo frame hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d2dto3d3dcapacativecapacitivecesces 2011ces2011hands onhands-onHandsOnpicture framePictureFrameremoteviewfunviewfun 3d pictureframeViewFun 3D PocketViewFun 3D ShowViewfun3dPictureframeViewfun3dPocketViewfun3dPockethdViewfun3dShowViewSonicSat, 08 Jan 2011 21:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Misa Digital Kitara hands-on preview (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/misa-digital-kitara-hands-on-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/misa-digital-kitara-hands-on-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/misa-digital-kitara-hands-on-preview-video/#comments Ambidextrous, capacitive, programmable, open source, five simultaneous touch inputs. The Misa Digital Kitara has quite the laundry list of goodies to boast about, but we couldn't let it slide through CES without getting our fingers on it and exploring for ourselves. The first thing that strikes you about this guitar-shaped synthesizer is its weight distribution -- it's no heavier than a good electric guitar, but a lot more of that weight is contained within its neck -- and the second will inevitably be its lightning-quick response to touch. Misa tells us latency is less than 5 milliseconds and it felt like it.

There are two main modes of operation: a string mode, as seen above, and a ball mode allowing for even more adjustability. Both modes can then be further tweaked by choosing between the red and blue setting, with the former allowing for the performance of hammer-ons. Sliding your finger around the 8-inch touchscreen can do all sorts of wonderful things as well, such as altering pitch, tempo and volume, while those fearful of having no tactile feedback in string mode can apply a clear sheet over the screen that has tiny little ridges where the strings would usually reside. We say "usually," because you'll be able to configure the distance between the imaginary strings for yourself. The Kitara runs an open source Linux OS, which will be updatable via USB and is already compatible with Mac, PC and, naturally, Linux machines. It also has more than a hundred sound presets and we've been promised the option to customize them and create new ones by playing around with the algorithms in the future.

The black Kitara is made out of good old plastic (but it's made very well) and costs $849 whereas the silver one you see in the gallery below is constructed out of a single block of aluminum and will set buyers back $2,899. Pre-orders are going on now through Misa Digital's online store and shipping is set to start on April 3. Video follows below.

Gallery: Misa Digital Kitara hands-on

Continue reading Misa Digital Kitara hands-on preview (video)

Misa Digital Kitara hands-on preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambidextrousaudiocapacitivecesces 2011ces2011digital guitarDigitalGuitarelectronic guitarElectronicGuitarguitarhands-onimpressionsinstrumentkitaralinuxmisamisa digitalmisa digital kitaraMisaDigitalMisaDigitalKitaramusicmusicalopen sourceOpenSourcepreviewprogrammablesoundsynthesizervideoSat, 08 Jan 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Touch Revolution rolling out Tru Multitouch capacitive screens sized between 15 and 32 inches]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/touch-revolution-rolling-out-tru-multitouch-capacitive-screens-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/touch-revolution-rolling-out-tru-multitouch-capacitive-screens-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/touch-revolution-rolling-out-tru-multitouch-capacitive-screens-s/#comments Touch Revolution doesn't think capacitive screens are big enough. Not big enough at all. So what is the company doing about it? Why, it's introducing a line of projected capacitive displays alternately spanning 15-, 19-, 21.5- and 32-inch diagonals. The biggest model is set for production later in the year, but its smaller siblings are available now. The target market for Touch Revolution are businesses who may integrate these panels -- which also come in an "open frame" option where the OEM can slap on its own external stylings -- into their commercial offerings. Demos of all these models, replete with innovative uses of multitouch on a large-scale display, will be available at CES this week. We'll let you know just how innovative the whole shebang is when we get our fingers on the Tru Multitouch hardware. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Touch Revolution rolling out Tru Multitouch capacitive screens sized between 15 and 32 inches

Touch Revolution rolling out Tru Multitouch capacitive screens sized between 15 and 32 inches originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitivecesces 2011ces2011displaymultitouchprojected capacitiveProjectedCapacitivetouchtouch revolutionTouchRevolutiontouchscreentru multitouchTruMultitouchWed, 05 Jan 2011 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Hannspree's HSG1164 10.1-inch Froyo tablet drops by the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/hannsprees-hsg1164-10-1-inch-froyo-tablet-drops-by-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/hannsprees-hsg1164-10-1-inch-froyo-tablet-drops-by-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/hannsprees-hsg1164-10-1-inch-froyo-tablet-drops-by-the-fcc/#comments You know what they say about a trip to the FCC's database, right? Why, it's much like the step just prior to achieving manhood -- one more leap from here, and you'll be ripe for the pickin'. Just a few months after Hannspree teased us with a formal introduction of its (then unnamed) 10.1-inch multitouch Froyo tablet, it looks as if that very device has now found a moniker. The 1.6-pound HSG1164 will eventually bring a fairly impressive build of materials to light, offering a 1GHz Tegra 2 chip, 16GB of internal storage, 512MB of NAND Flash, a microSD slot, Android 2.2, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, mini USB / HDMI connector, an inbuilt light sensor, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and a Li-ion battery of unspecified size. There's obviously no direct mention of a ship date in the documentation here, but we're putting our money on an early 2011 release. Care to wager, too?

Hannspree's HSG1164 10.1-inch Froyo tablet drops by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p2.2a9accelerometerandroidandroid 2.2android osandroid tabletAndroid2.2AndroidOsAndroidTabletarmcapacitivecortex a9cortex-a9CortexA9dual-corefccflashflash 10.1Flash10.1froyohannspreehanspreehdmiHSG1164light sensorLightSensormultitouchnvidianvidia tegra 2NvidiaTegra2slatetablettablet pcTabletPctegrategra 2Tegra2touchscreenThu, 16 Dec 2010 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi displays a capacitive screen capable of accepting stylus input (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/hitachi-displays-a-capacitive-screen-capable-of-accepting-stylus/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/hitachi-displays-a-capacitive-screen-capable-of-accepting-stylus/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/hitachi-displays-a-capacitive-screen-capable-of-accepting-stylus/#comments Can someone ring up Lucifer and check that his heating's still working? Hitachi has achieved the unthinkable in bringing together the high precision and input flexibility of resistive touchscreens with the finger friendliness of capacitive panels. It's graced this year's FPD trade show with a new prototype that offers the capacitive functionality we're all used to by now, augmented with the ability to recognize input from a stylus or, perhaps more importantly, gloved hands. We're sure we can hear the sound of cheering coming from the chilly shores of Scandinavia right now. If all goes well, Hitachi should be able to bring them (and you, and the rest of the world) this finger-saving innovation at some point in late 2011, after production gets going in the second half of that year. Video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Hitachi displays a capacitive screen capable of accepting stylus input (video)

Hitachi displays a capacitive screen capable of accepting stylus input (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitiveconceptdisplayfpdfpd 2010fpd internationalFpd2010FpdInternationalgloveshitachihitachi displaysHitachiDisplaysinputinput methodInputMethodjapanprototyperesearchscreenstylustouchscreenvideoTue, 16 Nov 2010 05:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Tactile+Plus brings buttons, of a sort, to your capacitive touchscreen games]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/07/tactile-plus-brings-buttons-of-a-sort-to-your-capactive-touchs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/07/tactile-plus-brings-buttons-of-a-sort-to-your-capactive-touchs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/07/tactile-plus-brings-buttons-of-a-sort-to-your-capactive-touchs/#comments That fish sausage stylus might improve your cold weather accuracy, but it's not the wacky accessory of choice to reliably pull off that Ultra Combo in Street Fighter IV. For that, you need buttons, and a niche Japanese product has your back -- the Tactile+Plus, a set of translucent nubs you stick right on your capacitive touchscreen to get a tactile feel for your game. ¥630 (about $7.75) buys you two packs of the screen protector bubbles and directional pad equivalents, which Japanese publication Impress Watch says work well enough in Street Fighter that they could keep playing without looking down at the screen. They're not as useful in Sonic the Hedgehog, apparently, where the virtual D-pad is a slightly larger size, but if all you want is a perfect ego-destroying-uppercut on the go, you can't beat the price.

Tactile+Plus brings buttons, of a sort, to your capacitive touchscreen games originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesAccessorycapacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreentactile plustactile+plusTactilePlustouchscreenSun, 07 Nov 2010 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[oStylus capacitive pen goes majorly on sale, now just $37.50]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/ostylus-capacitive-pen-goes-majorly-on-sale-now-just-37-50/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/ostylus-capacitive-pen-goes-majorly-on-sale-now-just-37-50/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/ostylus-capacitive-pen-goes-majorly-on-sale-now-just-37-50/#comments We didn't exactly think that the oStylus capacitive pen was a runaway hit at $75 plus shipping, but at half that? Now we're talking. Founder Andrew Goss just pinged us to say that the company's first capacitive pen is now selling for half of the original MSRP, or $37.50 for those terrible with numbers. The only difference is the shedding of a limited run engraving; these pens are still handmade in-studio, so the build quality will match that of the one we reviewed. We still maintain that this unit is best in the hands of doodlers, and capacitive input devices as a whole still have aways to go, but this ain't a bad price if you're looking to experiment.

oStylus capacitive pen goes majorly on sale, now just $37.50 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryAndrew GossAndrewGosscapacitivecapacitive pencapacitive styluscapacitive touchscreenCapacitivePenCapacitiveStylusCapacitiveTouchscreendrawingmagic trackpadMagicTrackpadostyluspenPeripheralpriceprice dropPriceDroppricingstickstylusMon, 01 Nov 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tegatech Tega v2 review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/tegatech-tega-v2-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/tegatech-tega-v2-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/tegatech-tega-v2-review/#comments We haven't seen many -- okay, any -- Windows 7 slates from major manufactures (i.e. HP, Lenovo, ASUS) like Steve Ballmer promised back in July, but one thing is for certain, smaller companies aren't just sitting around waiting for the other shoe, er slates to drop. We've already gotten our hands on products from the likes of CTL and Netbook Navigator, but Australian-based Tegatech also wants a piece of the large touchscreen pie with its 10.1-inch Tega v2. Like the others, the $799 Tega v2 is pretty much a netbook that's lost its keyboard -- it's got an Intel Atom N455 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 32GB SSD that boots Windows 7 Home Premium -- but the 0.5-inch / 1.9-pound slate sets itself apart by being one of the thinnest and lightest out there. Oh, and did we mention that it dual boots Android? So, is the Tega v2 the Win 7 tablet you've been waiting for -- assuming you have in fact been waiting for one? Hit that read more button to find out in our full review!

Gallery: Tegatech Tega v2

Continue reading Tegatech Tega v2 review

Tegatech Tega v2 review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomatom n455AtomN455capacitiven455reviewslatestablettablet pcTabletPctabletsTablets PCTabletsPcTegaTega v2TegatechTegatech Tega v2TegatechTegaV2TegaV2videowindows 7windows 7 tabletwindows 7 tabletsWindows7Windows7TabletWindows7TabletsWed, 20 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Specs released for Advent Vega, the £249 Android Tegra tablet, 'read like a wish list']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/specs-released-for-advent-vega-the-249-android-tegra-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/specs-released-for-advent-vega-the-249-android-tegra-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/specs-released-for-advent-vega-the-249-android-tegra-tablet/#commentsSpecs released for Advent Vega, the £249 Android tablet, 'read like a wish list' It's been a long, long time since the Tegra-powered Vega tablet came to be officially, and things have changed considerably since then. The biggest modification is the size, down to 10-inches from 15, though the 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra chipset is still in there with its 1080p abilities in tow. Alas, a 1024 x 600 resolution on the capacitive touchscreen puts something of a damper on that, but HDMI output means it'll tickle the pixels nicely on your HDTV. There's a 1.3 megapixel webcam, 802.11bg WiFi, a 3G SIM slot, 512MB each of ROM and RAM, and naturally microSD expandability, with a 4GB card included. The OS is Android 2.2 (Market support unknown) and battery life is rated at a quite impressive 6.5 hours of 1080p video, enough to watch both the animated and JCV-featuring Street Fighter movies in one sitting. The best part? The thing is supposed to hit giant UK retailer Dixons next week, on October 18, for £249 -- just under $400 American. That's an unsubsidized price, and a rather attractive one at that.

Update: Video after the break, and Android Community managed a hands-on. Thanks, Kevin.

Continue reading Specs released for Advent Vega, the £249 Android Tegra tablet, 'read like a wish list'

Specs released for Advent Vega, the £249 Android Tegra tablet, 'read like a wish list' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-inchandroidandroid 2.2Android2.2capacitivecapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchscreenfroyoicdtegravegavideoWed, 13 Oct 2010 10:10:00 EST