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[Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/developer-runs-webkit-on-chumby/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/developer-runs-webkit-on-chumby/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/developer-runs-webkit-on-chumby/#comments Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash

Things haven't been looking so good for Chumby recently -- in April, the company stopped hardware sales, and that was pretty much its bread and butter. Though the device may be well past its prime, at least it has some worth to the hackers among us. Take Huan Troung, who decided to use the Chumby as the starting point for making a temperature logger. To be fair, he ended up using the Insignia Infocast, a rebranded Chumby, and while the device was a good fit for his project, he wanted more freedom than the Flash framework allowed him. So Huan decided to run WebKit on the gadget. The result is a more app-friendly interface with support for a wide range of coding languages. Check out the video below for a look at the device running the temperature app.

Continue reading Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash

Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby hackChumbyHackflashhackhacksprogrammingvideowebkitWebkit hackWebkitHackThu, 31 May 2012 07:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby halts hardware sales, long-term support looking mighty unlikely]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/chumby-halts-hardware-sales-out-of-business/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/chumby-halts-hardware-sales-out-of-business/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/chumby-halts-hardware-sales-out-of-business/#comments dead chumby

"The site is closed temporarily." Never a good sign, indeed, and particularly not when it's plastered across Chumby's own webstore. For over two days now, that's the message given to anyone attempting to buy hardware from the company, and it looks as if the Chumby we knew may be counting down its final days. A scrappy upstart attempting to bring its Chumby OS to the masses via injections into larger OEMs, the outfit saw little to no uptake across a wide variety of products; Sony nixed the Dash earlier this year, and Insignia turned its back quite some time ago. To be fair, Chumby had stopped manufacturing its own branded hardware in 2011, with the outfit's Duane Maxwell confirming the outright death of Chumby's store in a forum posting today. According to him, there was "no point in keeping the store around once inventory was exhausted," though hardcore loyalists can still snag a NeTV from adafruit.

Other forum members have noted that all support emails now seem to be headed into the Great Beyond, and while the actual network that Chumby OS relies on remains alive at the moment, there's no guarantee it'll last. Interestingly, at least two individuals instrumental in the building of Chumby are now working at Media Navi -- both Alison Fay and Michael Coleman have moved Chumby-related job listings to "Past" in their LinkedIn profiles. We'll be reporting more as we get it, but in the meanwhile, we'd recommend giving your favorite Chum a warm hug. His / her heart may not be beating for too much longer.

[Thanks, Jonathan]

Chumby halts hardware sales, long-term support looking mighty unlikely originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbyChumby OSChumbyOsdeadkillkilledliquidationout of businessOutOfBusinessriprobotThu, 19 Apr 2012 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Bunnie Huang builds open-source geiger counter to help Japanese civilians]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/bunnie-huang-geiger-counter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/bunnie-huang-geiger-counter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/bunnie-huang-geiger-counter/#comments
Chumby co-creator Andrew "Bunnie" Huang was so moved by the Japanese Earthquake and Fukushima meltdown that he felt compelled to help out. Teaming up with nonprofit organization Safecast, he started work on a radiation monitor that was suitable for everyday civilian use, rather than it remain the sole province of officials. As well as its readings being able to stand up to scientific scrutiny, Huang's counter had to remain functional after a natural disaster, last for ages and be small enough for people to carry around. When he had finished building the reference design, he open-sourced the design so companies like Medcom and individuals could build their own. If you'd like to dabble in the arts of radiation monitoring, head on down to the source link for a fascinating insight into how it's done.

Bunnie Huang builds open-source geiger counter to help Japanese civilians originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andrew Bunnie HuangAndrew HuangAndrewBunnieHuangAndrewHuangBunnie HuangBunnieHuangChumbyDevsEarthquakeFukushimaFukushima DaiichiFukushimaDaiichiJapanJapanese EarthquakeJapaneseEarthquakeOpen-SourceRadiationSafecastFri, 16 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST<![CDATA[IRL: Chumby 8, LaCie Rugged Triple USB 3.0 and a duo of Nikkor lenses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/irl-chumby-8-lacie-rugged-nikkor-lenses/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/irl-chumby-8-lacie-rugged-nikkor-lenses/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/irl-chumby-8-lacie-rugged-nikkor-lenses/#commentsWelcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

You know what we're sick of talking about? (Okay, sick is a strong word, but you catch our drift.) Phones. Also, the iPad. Fortunately, this week's IRL touches on neither of the above. Instead, our audio guy Joe takes a different tack and explains his choice of Nikkor lenses, while Andy and Billy get hands-on with a rugged hard drive and Chumby 8, respectively. Head on past the break to see how we rate this stuff after spending more than a little time with all of it.

Continue reading IRL: Chumby 8, LaCie Rugged Triple USB 3.0 and a duo of Nikkor lenses

IRL: Chumby 8, LaCie Rugged Triple USB 3.0 and a duo of Nikkor lenses originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy bowenAndyBowenbilly steeleBillySteelechumbyengadgetirlirlJoe PollicinoJoePollicinolacielacie ruggedlacie rugged triple usb 3.0LacieRuggedLacieRuggedTripleUsb3.0nikkorNikonprime lensPrimeLensThu, 08 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony dashes Dash development: is Bieber's favorite tablet on the way out?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/sony-dashes-dash-development-is-biebers-favorite-tablet-on-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/sony-dashes-dash-development-is-biebers-favorite-tablet-on-the/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/sony-dashes-dash-development-is-biebers-favorite-tablet-on-the/#comments
The towering cultural colossus that is Justin Bieber giveth, yet he must also taketh away. Merely days after appearing as the pitchman for dancing crotch-speaker robot Tosy mRobo, the last tech-product he was tasked with selling might have been quietly put to sleep behind Sony's barn. The Dash was a pseudo-tablet powered by Chumby OS that, perhaps inexplicably, never caught on, angering the floppy-haired Canadian infant. A developer who was signed up to produce apps for the platform received the following email from Sony's HQ, which subsequently appeared on the Dash Developer's website:

Beginning February 29th, 2012, the Sony Dash developer website will close and no longer support development of new applications. This closure includes the Dash developer forum and Dash developer support, which will close on March 31st. Sony Dash applications will remain available. Thank you for your contributions and we encourage you to continue your development activity on Sony's other platforms available at SonyDeveloper.com

Again, thank you very much,

Team Dash

There's been no official word (yet) if this is the end for the device, but it doesn't augur well for future revisions. If you'll excuse us, we're going to go pour one out for the beloved little, erm tablet-thing.

[Thanks, Darwin]

Sony dashes Dash development: is Bieber's favorite tablet on the way out? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChumbyJustin BieberJustinBieberSonySony DashSonyDashWed, 18 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos 35 home connect hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/archos-35-home-connect-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/archos-35-home-connect-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/archos-35-home-connect-hands-on/#comments Though we didn't have the Archos 35 home connect to wake us up personally during CES, we had a chance to get hands-on with the Android-based alarm clock on the floor and it did not disappoint. The Archos 35 home connect is the company's entrance into the world of feature-filled alarm clocks, joining the already established Sony Dash and Chumby. In terms of functionality, it's a morning talk show all rolled up into one, providing weather, real time traffic, news, sports, movies, music, TuneIn radio, social networking and much more through the built-in WiFi. You'll also find a webcam on the front, supporting apps like Tango for video calling, a rechargeable battery to take the party with you, and a 3.5 headphone jack for more personal use.

The overall device is solid and has a very curvy and nightstand-friendly footprint -- which is important for folks like us who sleep with other bedside gadgets. The volume controls are touch sensitive and the unit itself has a decent enough range. Archos is not only pushing this as a fully-featured Alarm Clock, but also a portable Android 2.2 media device -- supporting over 30,000-or-so apps in Archos' non-Android-Market, Appslib. While the 35 home connect's features make it compelling enough to make it a viable option, we feel there's nothing to push it past its aforementioned competition, especially with the $149 price tag. Check out all the angles and interface of the 35 home connect in the gallery below.

Gallery: Archos 35 home connect hands-on

Archos 35 home connect hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>35 home connect35HomeConnectalarmalarm clockAlarmClockandroidandroid alarm clockAndroidAlarmClockArchosArchos 35 home connectArchos35HomeConnectCESCES 2012ces2012chumbyclockfeatured clockFeaturedClockhands-onhome connectHomeConnectradioSony DashSonyDashTuneINTuneIn RadioTuneinRadiowake-upThu, 12 Jan 2012 23:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby brings app network to LG Smart TV platform, more living rooms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/chumby-brings-app-network-to-lg-smart-tv-platform-more-living-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/chumby-brings-app-network-to-lg-smart-tv-platform-more-living-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/chumby-brings-app-network-to-lg-smart-tv-platform-more-living-r/#comments
Chumby's app ecosystem expanded to yet another platform last week, thanks to a new partnership with LG. Under the deal, owners of LG's Smart TV-enabled devices will now be able to access more than 1,000 applications available on the Chumby app network, including a variety of news-, entertainment- and music-based tools. The Smart TV crowd can access the ecosystem right now; everyone else, meanwhile, will have to wait a bit longer.

Continue reading Chumby brings app network to LG Smart TV platform, more living rooms

Chumby brings app network to LG Smart TV platform, more living rooms originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationchumbychumby app networkChumbyAppNetworkdisplayentertainmenthdpostminiLGLG Smart TVLgSmartTvliving roomLivingRoomsoftwarestreamingTVMon, 05 Dec 2011 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Still awake? There's a Chumby FunBox app for that]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/still-awake-theres-a-chumby-funbox-app-for-that/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/still-awake-theres-a-chumby-funbox-app-for-that/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/still-awake-theres-a-chumby-funbox-app-for-that/#comments The FunBox is a bedside alarm clock but it's also a widget-running Chumby, which means it'll let you check your twitter feeds, load up a track on Pandora or do other inappropriately stimulating activities right before catching some Zs. The device has just passed through the FCC and its paperwork reveals a 3.5-inch (possibly resistive) touch screen, a 454MHz processor, 1GB DDR memory, SD card slot and a USB port for an external drive. We couldn't tell you price or availability at this stage, but with top smartphones increasingly coming with night dock accessories the FunBox is hardly likely to find a guaranteed perch beside our pillow.

Still awake? There's a Chumby FunBox app for that originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5-inchalarmalarm clockAlarmClockbedsideChumbyChumby FunboxChumbyFunboxFCCFunboxnightsleepsleepingSat, 01 Oct 2011 00:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Dash gets a new lease on life, we stop to wonder why]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sonys-dash-gets-a-new-lease-on-life-begs-the-question-why/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sonys-dash-gets-a-new-lease-on-life-begs-the-question-why/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/14/sonys-dash-gets-a-new-lease-on-life-begs-the-question-why/#comments Sony Dash Remember Sony's Dash? That little pseudo tablet powered by Chumby OS that started making the rounds at last year's CES? No, well we almost forgot about it too. But, just as it was finally fading from memory, Sony hit us with an update to the Internet Viewer. Not much has changed, save a rearrangement of the ports and buttons. It's still got the same pile of widgets and channels, but now sports a (very) basic web browser for those with a bit of a masochistic streak. The ability to register your Dash without having to first hook up to a PC is also a welcome addition. The black-only HID-B7 will ship for $130, while the HID-B70 comes in brown, blue and orange while adding a battery to the mix for $170. Both will hit shelves in October. Check out the gallery below and the full, if brief, PR after the break.

Gallery: Sony Dash 2011

Continue reading Sony's Dash gets a new lease on life, we stop to wonder why

Sony's Dash gets a new lease on life, we stop to wonder why originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby osChumbyOsdashdash hid-b7dash hid-b70dash internet viewerDashHid-b7DashHid-b70DashInternetViewerhid-b7hid-b70sonysony dashsony dash hid-b7sony dash hid-b70sony dash internet viewerSonyDashSonyDashHid-b7SonyDashHid-b70SonyDashInternetViewertablettabletsWed, 14 Sep 2011 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby NeTV unfurls its web-connected tentacles for the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/12/chumby-netv-unfurls-its-web-connected-tentacles-for-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/12/chumby-netv-unfurls-its-web-connected-tentacles-for-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/12/chumby-netv-unfurls-its-web-connected-tentacles-for-the-fcc/#comments FCC appearances are usually a good indication of a product's imminent arrival. And with Chumby's NeTV already headed to developers' hands later this month, this Commission filing isn't exactly catching us off guard. Now, a firm retail date is all that's missing to complete the once huggable platform's official outing. Those unfamiliar with the Flash-based, WiFi-enabled device can look forward to a webified HDTV experience that'll stream online content, as well as texts and photos from your Android phone, to a flat panel display. Sure, there are plenty of other options to bring the net to your livingroom, but how many of them can claim an octopus as their mascot? Check out the source link below if emissions testing and user manuals tickle your fancy.

Chumby NeTV unfurls its web-connected tentacles for the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid PhotoAndroid Photo SharingAndroidPhotoAndroidPhotoSharingChumbyChumby NeTVChumbyNetvEmailFCCFlash LiteFlashLitehdpostcrossHDTVInterfacemobilepostcrossPhoto SharingPhotoSharingSecond DisplaySecondDisplaySmart TVSmartTvSMSTvTV BrowserTvBrowservideoWeb TVWebKitWebTvMon, 12 Sep 2011 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby NeTV turns any HDTV into a Chumby that's hard to hug (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/chumby-netv-turns-any-hdtv-into-a-chumby-thats-hard-to-hug-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/chumby-netv-turns-any-hdtv-into-a-chumby-thats-hard-to-hug-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/chumby-netv-turns-any-hdtv-into-a-chumby-thats-hard-to-hug-vid/#comments
Existing HDTV owners cursing because they don't have a Smart TV will soon catch a break from Chumby. It's developing the NeTV, turning any TV (geddit?) into a giant, unhuggable Chumby that connects in-line between source and TV, overlaying the interface on top of your picture. It ships with a seven button remote, but most people should consider using their Android phones to get the most out of the on-board WebKit browser, seamless photo sharing and notifications that put your SMS messages and emails onto the big screen. Developers are gonna get their mitts on the device later this month, but you can catch a sneak peek after the break

[Thanks, Torin]

Continue reading Chumby NeTV turns any HDTV into a Chumby that's hard to hug (video)

Chumby NeTV turns any HDTV into a Chumby that's hard to hug (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid PhotoAndroid Photo SharingAndroidPhotoAndroidPhotoSharingChumbyChumby NeTVChumbyNetvEmailFlash LiteFlashLitehdpostcrossHDTVInterfacePhoto SharingPhotoSharingSecond DisplaySecondDisplaySmart TVSmartTvSMSTvTV BrowserTvBrowservideoWeb TVWebKitWebTvThu, 08 Sep 2011 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony support site leaks S1 and S2 tablet screens, may run Honeycomb 3.2 (update: pulled!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/sony-support-site-leaks-s1-and-s2-tablet-screens-may-run-honeyc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/sony-support-site-leaks-s1-and-s2-tablet-screens-may-run-honeyc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/sony-support-site-leaks-s1-and-s2-tablet-screens-may-run-honeyc/#comments Ready to shed a little light on those baffling tablet teasers? Well, it looks like someone over at the company's eSupport site uploaded a troubleshooting doc for the yet-to-be released S1 and S2 tablets, and we have the leaked screens to prove it. Listed under the very helpful heading of "How to find the Android Honeycomb operating system version installed on this tablet," conflicting pics of the "About tablet" screen point to both a 3.1 and 3.2 software destiny. Also on board for this illicit peek, is a shot of the slates' space-tastic homescreen, in addition to its app drawer where we can clearly see bundled Sony apps like Chumby, Crash Bandicoot and Crackle. While we're inclined to believe Honeycomb's latest and greatest will ship on the pair of black beauties, the site offered no other confirmation of the OS goods. Head on past the break for an extended look, and place your bets in comments below.

Update: The page has been removed from Sony's site.

Continue reading Sony support site leaks S1 and S2 tablet screens, may run Honeycomb 3.2 (update: pulled!)

Sony support site leaks S1 and S2 tablet screens, may run Honeycomb 3.2 (update: pulled!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAndroid 3.1Android 3.2Android3.1Android3.2ChumbyCrackleCrash BandicootCrashBandicoothoneycombhoneycomb 3.1honeycomb 3.2honeycomb tabletHoneycomb3.1Honeycomb3.2HoneycombTabletS1S2slateSonySony tabletsSonyTabletstablettabletsThu, 04 Aug 2011 00:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy launches Insignia connected TVs with DVR-less TiVo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/best-buy-launches-insignia-connected-tvs-with-dvr-less-tivo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/best-buy-launches-insignia-connected-tvs-with-dvr-less-tivo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/best-buy-launches-insignia-connected-tvs-with-dvr-less-tivo/#comments Right on schedule, Best Buy's announced it's good and ready to ship two Insignia-branded connected televisions with TiVo's UI -- minus the whole DVR thing, that is. The two 1080p sets, available in 32- and 42-inch flavors, are landing months after the retailer said it was buddying up with TiVo to borrow its user interface -- and only that, there's no indication these will play nicely with Premiere DVRs and their multiroom streaming at launch -- for searching content and also just getting up and running easily. As you'd expect, folks perusing these sets can watch movies from Netflix, CinemaNow, and YouTube, as well as stream from Pandora and Napster. Rounding out the list of apps are Facebook, Twitter, Photobucket, and Chumby, with more to come, Best Buy tells us. In addition to the easy access to content, the story here is that the UI plays nice with existing cable boxes, making the installation easy even if the person holding the remote doesn't happen to have a lengthy serial number on hand. Look for the 32-inch number for $499, with the 42-incher fetching $699. Find the full PR and some b-roll video after the break, along with a smattering of hands-on shots of what should be an all-too-familiar interface.

Gallery: Insignia TVs with TiVo's UI

Continue reading Best Buy launches Insignia connected TVs with DVR-less TiVo

Best Buy launches Insignia connected TVs with DVR-less TiVo originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best BuyBestBuyChumbyCinemaNowHDTVHDTVsInsigniaNapsterNetflixPandoraPhotobucketTelevisiontelevisionsTiVoTVUIuser interfaceUserInterfacevideoYouTubeMon, 01 Aug 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Box pics, price and features leak out for the Best Buy Insignia cTV with TiVo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/box-pics-price-and-features-leak-out-for-the-best-buy-insignia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/box-pics-price-and-features-leak-out-for-the-best-buy-insignia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/box-pics-price-and-features-leak-out-for-the-best-buy-insignia/#comments As we close in on the purported release date for Best Buy's Insignia cTV, more details have come to light about the TiVo menu system (but not DVR) powered HDTV. Zatz Not Funny reports the 32- and 42-inch models available initially will cost $599 and $999, respectively, with a pretty standard list of features including built-in 802.11n WiFi, 4 HDMI ports, etc. More interesting however are these box shots that reveal unannounced apps on the way including Chumby widgets -- destined to replace the late FrameChannel? -- as well as Twitter and Facebook, which were integrated via the iPad app but not the box, yet. So far we still don't know for sure if these TVs will be able to serve as multiroom extenders and stream video from a TiVo Premiere (whenever TiVo brings the feature back) but until there's some official word you can get more pictures and details at the source below.

Box pics, price and features leak out for the Best Buy Insignia cTV with TiVo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p31-inch42-inchappsbest buyBestBuychumbychumby widgetsChumbyWidgetsctvfacebookhdtvinsignialcdmultiroomtivotivo premiereTivoPremieretwitterwidgetsWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby 8 gets reviewed, dubbed 'best and biggest Chumby yet']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/chumby-8-gets-reviewed-dubbed-best-and-biggest-chumby-yet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/chumby-8-gets-reviewed-dubbed-best-and-biggest-chumby-yet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/chumby-8-gets-reviewed-dubbed-best-and-biggest-chumby-yet/#commentsThe Chumby has never exactly been a device for everyone, and that's not likely to change with the new Chumby 8 that's recently started shipping. Those that do want a Chumby, however, aren't likely to be disappointed by the new 8-inch model. According to CNET's review of the device, the Chumby 8 is simply the "best and biggest Chumby yet," with the larger display and additional USB ports making it better suited for use as a photo frame or media player, while the plethora of apps available make it as versatile as ever. Of course, it is still a Chumby, which CNET notes makes for an increasingly difficult sell in a world filled with tablets, smartphones, and widget-filled TVs. Hit up the source link below for the full review.

Chumby 8 gets reviewed, dubbed 'best and biggest Chumby yet' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby 8chumby industriesChumby8ChumbyIndustriesglanceablewidgetwidgetsTue, 12 Apr 2011 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby 8 set to ship on April 5th for $199; pre-orders open today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/chumby-8-set-to-ship-on-april-5th-for-199-pre-orders-open-toda/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/chumby-8-set-to-ship-on-april-5th-for-199-pre-orders-open-toda/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/chumby-8-set-to-ship-on-april-5th-for-199-pre-orders-open-toda/#commentsRemember that newfangled widget display we peeked back at CES? Looks as if Chumby Industries is good and ready to get official with a ship date and price, which means that your disposable income account is fixing to shrink by two Benjamins. The outfit has just revealed an April 5th ship date and a $199 retail price for its latest and greatest display, with that sum netting you an 8-inch (800 x 600) touchscreen, access to over 1,500 free apps and a multifaceted personality that handles digital photos and music, too. Have a peek at our earlier hands-on with the device if you're still curious, and if you're eager to get in line, the source link's the place to be if you need to secure a pre-order.

Continue reading Chumby 8 set to ship on April 5th for $199; pre-orders open today

Chumby 8 set to ship on April 5th for $199; pre-orders open today originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby 8chumby8pricepricedpricingship dateShipDateshippingWed, 23 Mar 2011 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby 8 announced: like a Chumby, but more normal (hands-on with video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/chumby-8-announced-like-a-chumby-but-more-normal-hands-on-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/chumby-8-announced-like-a-chumby-but-more-normal-hands-on-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/chumby-8-announced-like-a-chumby-but-more-normal-hands-on-wit/#comments The original Chumby will always hold a special place in our hearts, but let's be real: the average human doesn't know what to do with a plush, huggable touchscreen that runs Flash Lite. The new Chumby 8 -- leaked not long ago -- is now official, featuring a revamped user interface that allows you to access music from the home screen, manage apps without using the web-based portal, and use internet radio stations as alarm sounds. Where does the "8" in the name come from, exactly? That'd be the 8-inch 800 x 600 resistive touchscreen, a heck of a lot bigger than the 3.5 inches on that Chumby One you've got kicking around.

The core of the Chumby 8, of course, remains the Flash Lite-based apps, and those remain unchanged and totally compatible so that you've got access to the existing lineup of 1,500-plus options. You've got a pair of USB ports, a stereo headset jack, and both CF and SD slots for powering your little desk-dwelling sidekick with media of your choosing. No word on pricing or availability, but it looks like Chumby will be offering these to third parties looking to customize and deploy or resell them -- so our dream of an Engadget-branded photo frame might yet become a reality. Follow the break for our video hands-on!

Gallery: Chumby 8 announced: like a Chumby, but more normal

Continue reading Chumby 8 announced: like a Chumby, but more normal (hands-on with video!)

Chumby 8 announced: like a Chumby, but more normal (hands-on with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011chumbychumby 8Chumby8hands-onvideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby grows up, gains competitors' Dashing good looks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/chumby-grows-up-gains-competitors-dashing-good-looks/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/chumby-grows-up-gains-competitors-dashing-good-looks/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/24/chumby-grows-up-gains-competitors-dashing-good-looks/#comments There's not much to go on here -- just a picture of a small-screened device we've never seen before -- but if that six-fingered squid is the real deal, there's a brand-new Chumby on the way. Gizmodo says the T-shaped unit's working codename is "Chumby Opus," and we wonder if that might actually refer to song; If that grille on the left's also duplicated on the right, perhaps we'll get some stereo speakers this time around. Wouldn't that be nice? Either way, it looks like black, slightly leaning flat-panel displays are still in style.

Chumby grows up, gains competitors' Dashing good looks? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby 2chumby opuschumby twoChumby2ChumbyOpusChumbyTwodigital photo frameDigitalPhotoFrameinternet media displayInternetMediaDisplayopusFri, 24 Dec 2010 07:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby releases Android app, not quite as plush as the original]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/chumby-releases-android-app-not-quite-as-plush-as-the-original/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/chumby-releases-android-app-not-quite-as-plush-as-the-original/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/chumby-releases-android-app-not-quite-as-plush-as-the-original/#comments Chumby isn't just taking its platform to dedicated devices from other manufacturers, it's also moving to software -- a strategy that right out of Amazon's playbook now that Kindle is available on just about every computer and handheld under the sun. The company's new Android app simply connects to your Chumby account and lets you view and use the same Flash-based apps that you would on any other Chumby device, a testament to the fact that pretty much every Android handset hitting the market these days comes Flash-capable out of the box. Chumby says that the app works best for tablets and docked devices -- which makes sense when you think of how you'd use a Sony Dash or Chumby One -- and conveniently, you can set it to automatically show up as a screen saver whenever your phone is docked. Look for it in the Market right now for $4.99; follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Chumby releases Android app, not quite as plush as the original

Chumby releases Android app, not quite as plush as the original originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchumbychumby for androidchumby todayChumbyForAndroidChumbyTodaygoogleThu, 16 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby sprouts legs, walks, fails at feline amusement (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/chumby-sprouts-legs-walks-fails-at-feline-amusement-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/chumby-sprouts-legs-walks-fails-at-feline-amusement-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/chumby-sprouts-legs-walks-fails-at-feline-amusement-video/#commentsChumby sprouts legs, walks, fails at feline amusement By default Chumbys are cuddly but not exactly mobile. Then along came the Chumby One, not even cuddly and exactly zero percent more mobile. EMGRobotics is here to solve that issue with a Chumbified port of RobotSee, a robotics-specific language developed by Eric Gregori. The One here is paired with a Freescale accelerometer and manages to walk all by its lonesome without falling over. Mind you, it doesn't walk very quickly, but if it were any faster it'd run the risk of scaring away the cat, and we wouldn't want that. Oh, and make sure you skip ahead to the 1:45 mark in the video if you want to skip the PowerPoint and get straight to the staggering action.

Continue reading Chumby sprouts legs, walks, fails at feline amusement (video)

Chumby sprouts legs, walks, fails at feline amusement (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerchumbychumby oneChumbyOneemgroboticseric gregoriEricGregorifreescalelinuxrobot seeRobotSeevideoWed, 13 Oct 2010 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Insignia's Infocast gains a web browser, a little dignity in the process]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/insignias-infocast-gains-a-web-browser-a-little-dignity-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/insignias-infocast-gains-a-web-browser-a-little-dignity-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/insignias-infocast-gains-a-web-browser-a-little-dignity-in-the/#comments
Nah, it's not an officially supported browser, but it's a browser nonetheless. Chumby founder Andrew Huang has recently posted up instructions (along with a prebuilt file for those stretched thin) on how to port a WebKit-based browser onto Best Buy's self-proclaimed Internet Media Device. Currently, the browser requires a USB keyboard for text input, though the touch panel still functions just fine when it comes to window management / navigation. Hit the links below if you're looking for good reason to dust your Infocast off and put it to better use. Or don't, and just become more bitter at the world around you for no good reason at all. Your choice.

Insignia's Infocast gains a web browser, a little dignity in the process originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserchumbydiyhackinfocastInsigniaInsignia infocastInsigniaInfocastinternetinternet media displayInternetMediaDisplaymodqtSilvermoonsoftwareweb browserWebBrowserwebkitwidgetwidgetsMon, 20 Sep 2010 23:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Dash update brings Shoutcast, app shortcuts and the true meaning of life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/sony-dash-update-brings-shoutcast-app-shortcuts-and-the-true-me/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/sony-dash-update-brings-shoutcast-app-shortcuts-and-the-true-me/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/sony-dash-update-brings-shoutcast-app-shortcuts-and-the-true-me/#comments Got yourself a Sony Dash, did you? If so, right about now would be a beautiful time to unplug it and plug it back in, as that'll trigger a minty fresh update to download and apply. This newfangled software build will not only add Shoutcast as an available internet radio station, but it also brings app shortcuts and a hastened add / delete app process. It ain't much, but it ain't costly, either. Let us know in comments how it all works out for you, cool?

[Thanks, Dave]

Sony Dash update brings Shoutcast, app shortcuts and the true meaning of life originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 03:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarm clockAlarmClockchumbyclockdashfirmwareInternet RadioInternetRadioshoutcastsoftwaresonySony DashSonyDashupdatewidgetwidgetsFri, 13 Aug 2010 03:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Open Source Hardware community finally gets its Constitution]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/open-source-hardware-community-finally-gets-its-constitution/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/open-source-hardware-community-finally-gets-its-constitution/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/open-source-hardware-community-finally-gets-its-constitution/#commentsOpen Source Hardware movement finally gets its Constitution They, the people of the open source hardware movement, in order to form a more peaceful community for sharing, establish bigger and cuddlier Chumbies, ensure continued Arduino creativity, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of hackery to ourselves and our posterity, have established the Open Source Hardware Draft. It's a sort of 11 commandments for those who would share or use an open source hardware design, indicating what documentation is required, how derived works must be allowed and, perhaps most importantly, that each use must include attribution to those founding engineers who came before. Its current version, 0.3, was ratified yesterday by a group of dignitaries including folks behind the Arduino, Adafruit, and Chumby, along with plenty of other underground industry big-wigs. Now that this bit of official business is out of the way, hopefully they can all get back to crafting homemade coilguns.

Open Source Hardware community finally gets its Constitution originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitadafruit industriesAdafruitIndustriesarduinoattributionchumbylicenseopen source hardwareopen source hardware draftOpenSourceHardwareOpenSourceHardwareDraftWed, 14 Jul 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Dash is ready to travel the globe if you're ready to pay the import duties]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/sony-dash-is-ready-to-travel-the-globe-if-youre-ready-to-pay-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/sony-dash-is-ready-to-travel-the-globe-if-youre-ready-to-pay-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/sony-dash-is-ready-to-travel-the-globe-if-youre-ready-to-pay-th/#comments International readers, your day has come: the Dash will finally work for you. Sony has lifted restrictions on the device that prevented it from being used outside the US of A, meaning you can wake up with that company's most advanced alarm clock ever regardless whether your bedding down in Belarus or shacking up in Shanghai. However, the company warns that "many providers automatically geo-filter their content so your experience with your Dash may vary depending on your location." And, this not-so-cuddly Chumby is still being sold exclusively in the States, so it's up to you to figure out how to import yours.

Sony Dash is ready to travel the globe if you're ready to pay the import duties originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbydashinternationalinternet viewerInternetViewersonysony dashSonyDashThu, 01 Jul 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: best media display / internet viewer for bedside?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/ask-engadget-best-media-display-internet-viewer-for-bedside/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/ask-engadget-best-media-display-internet-viewer-for-bedside/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/ask-engadget-best-media-display-internet-viewer-for-bedside/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jon, who just needs something to give him loads of glanceable information moments before he drifts off into the land of fairies, unicorns and deep-friend cotton candy. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
"I've been trying to buy a new alarm clock lately and am completely appalled at the selection available online or elsewhere. Most are basically docks for your iPod / PMP and have a pre-turn of the century LCD digital clock display and some shoddy speakers. They also range in price from $40 to $200. After seeing things like the Sony Dash and the new Insignia Infocast, I could see those as viable alarm clock solutions (with weather, music, maybe an RSS feed). Are there other items out there that have a great display that you can dim and would be able to serve this purpose? Or or either of those the one to get?"
So, sweet-dreamers, what'll it be? Do you have a Chumby-infused widget display on your own night stand? Go on, don't be shy -- help a brother out in comments below.

Ask Engadget: best media display / internet viewer for bedside? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetchumbydashinfocastinsigniainternet viewerInternetViewersony dashSonyDashwidgetsThu, 24 Jun 2010 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Insignia's Infocast Internet Media Display, the Dash-aping Chumby frame, now available]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/insignias-infocast-internet-media-display-the-dash-aping-chumb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/insignias-infocast-internet-media-display-the-dash-aping-chumb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/insignias-infocast-internet-media-display-the-dash-aping-chumb/#commentsInsignia's Infocast Internet Media Display, the Dash-aping Chumby frame, now available A week back we got word that Best Buy house brand Insignia was moving in on Dash territory with the eight-inch, 800 x 600 Infocast Internet Media Display, and that it'd be releasing on June 20. Sure enough it's now available online, and is also sitting on a shelf at every local store we checked, meaning this is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to get your cuddle-free Chumby on. At $169 it's $30 less than the Dash, meaning it makes a little more sense than Sony's option, but whether or not it's actually good value depends on just how smart you need your alarm clock to be.

[Thanks, Josh L.]

Insignia's Infocast Internet Media Display, the Dash-aping Chumby frame, now available originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuychumbydigital photo frameDigitalPhotoFrameinfocastinfocast internet media displayInfocastInternetMediaDisplayinternet media displayInternetMediaDisplaynow availablenow shippingNowAvailableNowShippingphoto framePhotoFrameMon, 21 Jun 2010 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Sony's Dash?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/how-would-you-change-sonys-dash/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/how-would-you-change-sonys-dash/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/19/how-would-you-change-sonys-dash/#comments The verdict is still out on whether or not Sony's Dash is a world changer, but while we patiently await the first mod to shove a battery into this thing and make it a bona fide tablet, we're going to flick through your suggestions on tweaking what we've got. Were your hopes dashed (ahem) when Sony revealed that this thing was meant to be used inside? Are you happy with the widget software loaded on? Is this thing superior to your existing Chumby device? Feel free to really let loose here -- we get the feeling that Insignia's Infocast is just waiting around the corner to take your advice before Sony can pop out a revised edition.

How would you change Sony's Dash? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chumbydashhow would you changeHowWouldYouChangeHWYCinternet viewerInternetViewersonysony dashSonyDashwidgetSat, 19 Jun 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Insignia reveals 8-inch Infocast Internet Media Display, Sony Dash is like 'brother?']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/12/insignia-reveals-8-inch-infocast-internet-media-display-sony-da/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/12/insignia-reveals-8-inch-infocast-internet-media-display-sony-da/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/12/insignia-reveals-8-inch-infocast-internet-media-display-sony-da/#comments Maybe we're just seeing things, but darn if Insignia's new Infocast Internet Media Display isn't a dead ringer for the Sony Dash. Out of seemingly nowhere, Best Buy's own in-house electronics brand has outed an 8-inch connected display meant to bring glanceable information as well as a slew of web-based widgets to your bedroom / office / den / underground cavern. Boasting inbuilt 802.11b/g WiFi, an integrated microphone, SRS audio and an 800 x 600 resolution touchpanel, the Infocast is equipped with 2GB of internal storage as well as a media card reader, and in case you couldn't guess, the software is provided by none other than Chumby Industries. Users should have no issues displaying photos, video and music, and the $169.99 asking price is a full $30 less than the Dash's MSRP. According to Best Buy's website, this here gizmo is simply "coming soon," but according to our man on the inside, it'll be ready for purchase on June 20th. So, who's down for squeezing a battery into this thing for some makeshift tablet action?

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: Insignia Infocast Internet Media Display

Insignia reveals 8-inch Infocast Internet Media Display, Sony Dash is like 'brother?' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuychumbydashInfocastInsigniaInsignia InfocastInsigniaInfocastinternet media displayInternetMediaDisplayNS-DP8CHsonysony dashSonyDashSat, 12 Jun 2010 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Dash software update adds USB playback by month's end]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/sony-dash-software-update-adds-usb-playback-by-months-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/sony-dash-software-update-adds-usb-playback-by-months-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/sony-dash-software-update-adds-usb-playback-by-months-end/#comments Looks like Sony will be dishing out a new software update to Dash owners shortly. The first over-the-air update for Sony's Personal Internet Viewer is expected to arrive at the end of the month carrying a number of usability and feature enhancements according to a Sony email sent to Dash owners. These include MP3 playback and picture viewing off USB, a full-screen app theme, and enhanced alarm functionality like adjustable snooze duration and one-touch alarm dismissal. Sony's also promising new themes and additional internet radio options in a June update. Too bad Sony can't deliver the device a battery and faster processor OTA but hey, free software is free. See the full contents of the Sony email after the break.

[Thanks Doug S.]

Continue reading Sony Dash software update adds USB playback by month's end

Sony Dash software update adds USB playback by month's end originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby osChumbyOsdashdash hid-c10DashHid-c10firmwarehid-c10softwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesonysony dashSonyDashupdateThu, 27 May 2010 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Dash review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/01/sony-dash-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/01/sony-dash-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/01/sony-dash-review/#comments When we first saw the Sony Dash at CES, we thought Sony was making a play into the tablet game -- the promo video showed people using the angular device all over the house, with nary a power cord in sight. And hey, it was called the Dash -- a word which usually implies movement of some kind. So obviously we were a little put off when we found out the Dash was strictly a stationary experience -- an amped-up alarm clock running a Sony-tweaked version of the Chumby widget OS that lets you look at photos from Facebook, browse headlines on Engadget, and check Twitter from the Dash's seven-inch capacitive touchscreen. But hold up: the Dash also adds in Sony's Bravia Internet Video platform to support streaming media services like Netflix, Pandora, and Slacker. That's not bad for $200, at least on paper, but does the Dash deserve to be the most expensive alarm clock you've ever purchased? And does it really deserve Justin Bieber's attention? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Sony Dash unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Sony Dash review

Sony Dash review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby osChumbyOsdashdash hid-c10DashHid-c10hid-c10reviewsony dashSonyDashvideoSat, 01 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Secrets of the Chumby One: it can be turned into a 3G router]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/secrets-of-the-chumby-one-it-can-be-turned-into-a-3g-router/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/secrets-of-the-chumby-one-it-can-be-turned-into-a-3g-router/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/secrets-of-the-chumby-one-it-can-be-turned-into-a-3g-router/#comments
Need another reason to plop down a hundred bucks for a Chumby One? How about the fact that it can be turned into a 3G router without so much as a few minor tweaks? Of course, you'll also need a 3G USB modem, but the only other modifications required are a few changes to the Network Config settings, and a quick command in the drop-down console to configure the Chumby One as an access point. Add in a rechargeable battery and you've got a genuine MiFi alternative -- albeit perhaps the bulkiest one ever, which may or may not last for more than an hour. Hit up the link below for the complete details.

Secrets of the Chumby One: it can be turned into a 3G router originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3g router3g usb modem3gRouter3gUsbModemchumbychumby oneChumbyOnehackmifimodFri, 30 Apr 2010 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Caption Contest: Justin Bieber is an eenie meenie miney mo lova... of the Sony Dash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/caption-contest-justin-bieber-is-an-eenie-meenie-miney-mo-lova/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/caption-contest-justin-bieber-is-an-eenie-meenie-miney-mo-lova/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/caption-contest-justin-bieber-is-an-eenie-meenie-miney-mo-lova/#comments Here's a little inside baseball on why yours truly typically works alone at night: when in control, I give writers some, erm, creative mandates. Such as watching an entire Justin Bieber / Sean Kingston music video to contribute to this caption contest... but not telling them when exactly the Sony Dash and Sony Ericsson X10 make their respective cameos. Blatant abuse of authority? Probably, but as we sow, so shall you reap. The unfortunately US-only music video (and a picture of Kingston totally geeking out on subpar smartphone technology) after the break.

Nilay: "Is there a widget that alerts me when I'm not a trending topic?"
Ross: "You don't need to roll the dice... there's already a widget for that."
Chris: "It's small, fits in any decor, and makes a great gift for mom. The Sony Dash also appears in the video."
Joanna: "The stars, err, prepubescent boys are just like us: they'd rather play with tech than party."
Richard Lai: "This Sony Dash should make.believe I've reached puberty."
Sean H: "Not trying to rewind... I've just got to turn down the color temperature, it's ruining my tan."
Sam: "Meh, by the time I reach puberty this thing is going to be obsolete."
Tim: "I'm glad you're not a real Chumby. This way I'm still the cuddliest thing in the room."
Thomas: "Who the hell is Justin Bieber?"
Paul: "And I was like baby, baby, baby ohhh, baby, baby... oh, were we supposed to come up with something funny here?

[Thanks, Kristopher Piersiak]

Continue reading Caption Contest: Justin Bieber is an eenie meenie miney mo lova... of the Sony Dash

Caption Contest: Justin Bieber is an eenie meenie miney mo lova... of the Sony Dash originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biebercaption contestCaptionContestchumbydashjustin bieberJustinBieberkingstonsean kingstonSeanKingstonsonysony dashsony ericssonsony ericsson x10sony x10SonyDashSonyEricssonSonyEricssonX10SonyX10videox10Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Dash goes on sale, officially this time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/sonys-dash-goes-on-sale-officially-this-time/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/sonys-dash-goes-on-sale-officially-this-time/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/sonys-dash-goes-on-sale-officially-this-time/#comments Yeah, we spotted the Dash at Best Buy a few days ago, accidentally eating up shelf space, but we've finally hit that April 29th launch date and Sony has unleashed the non-tablet touchscreen device into the wild. The $199 unit, which is somewhat of a branded Chumby, sports a 7-inch screen, best-alarm-clock-you-ever-owned good looks, and access to streaming media from CBS, Netflix, Pandora, and more. If you can bottle your enthusiasm for just a bit longer we'll have our own impressions of the device posted soon enough, but nobody's stopping you from snapping this up from Sony's website, your local Sony Style store, or whatever other retailer you might have in mind. PR is after the break.

Continue reading Sony's Dash goes on sale, officially this time

Sony's Dash goes on sale, officially this time originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbydashnetflixnow shippingNowShippingon saleOnSalesonysony dashSonyDashThu, 29 Apr 2010 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The surprisingly seedy side of microSD production]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/24/the-surprisingly-seedy-side-of-microsd-production/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/24/the-surprisingly-seedy-side-of-microsd-production/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/24/the-surprisingly-seedy-side-of-microsd-production/#commentsThe surprisingly seedy side of microSD production That little memory chip serving tunes to your smartphone, the one that's just a sneeze or twitch away from going where the socks go whenever you take it out, has a far more interesting history than you think. Andrew "Bunnie" Huang, co-creator of the Chumby, explored the surprisingly interesting underside of microSD production in China after being given a batch of questionable memory cards direct from Kingston itself. Huang's conclusion is that the chips were created during a "ghost shift," when a rogue employee runs the manufacturing lines after hours to produce authentic looking but decidedly sub-par memory chips using materials of inadequate quality. Huang bought numerous questionable examples on the gray market and watched as vendors took bogus cards and threw them into authentic retail packaging, complete with serial numbers and holograms. If you're as fascinated by the world of KIRF as we are, it's a very interesting read.

The surprisingly seedy side of microSD production originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew huangAndrewHuangbunnie huangBunnieHuangchumbykingstonmicrosdWed, 24 Feb 2010 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Sony's forward Dash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/switched-on-sonys-forward-dash/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/switched-on-sonys-forward-dash/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/switched-on-sonys-forward-dash/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
In its introductory press release, here's what Sony has to say about the Dash, a "personal Internet viewer" that it announced at CES: "Featuring a vivid 7-inch color touch screen... Dash utilizes an existing home wireless connection to continuously deliver Internet content to its viewers." And according to its SonyStyle.com site, here's what that Dash has to say about itself: "I use over 1,500 free apps and your Wi-Fi connection to deliver the information and entertainment you crave... right to your bedroom, kitchen or office." But Dash also has something to say about Sony, and for the most part, it's an encouraging message.

Dash was one of the more distinct category-blurring products to emerge from Las Vegas in January. Its hardware is a hybrid between an alarm clock and digital picture frame and its content is a content mashup between Chumby widgets and Sony's Bravia Internet Video Link offering. Dash was introduced just a few months after HP introduced its DreamScreen, another product that provides "glanceable" information from the cloud.

Continue reading Switched On: Sony's forward Dash

Switched On: Sony's forward Dash originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces 2010Ces2010chumbychumby osChumbyOscolumncolumnsdashdigital picture frameDigitalPictureFrameInternet viewerInternetViewerpicture framePictureFramesonyswitched onSwitchedOnTue, 23 Feb 2010 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chumby prototype with Marvell innards spotted at MWC 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/18/chumby-prototype-with-marvell-innards-spotted-at-mwc-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/18/chumby-prototype-with-marvell-innards-spotted-at-mwc-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/18/chumby-prototype-with-marvell-innards-spotted-at-mwc-2010/#comments Even though they don't make retail devices, the booths of component makers like Qualcomm, Broadcom, TI, and Marvell at trade shows are often great venues for actually seeing retail devices -- these guys have to help showgoers make the connection between a boring chunk of silicon and an end product if they're hoping to score orders, after all. Indeed, Marvell's tent at MWC this year is a veritable cornucopia of Good Things, and we couldn't help but notice that they're showing what appears to be one of Chumby's not-for-sale reference designs sporting an 800 x 600 display with an 800MHz Marvell Armada core (hence the appearance here in the booth). For the record, we're told this is a successor to last year's reference platform known as "Silvermoon" that had been running on a 1GHz PXA168 and that there's a chance it'll be available in retail form later this year. The UI's attractive, but not really as multi-functional as Sony's Dash -- you can think of this as more of a giant Chumby One, really, with some extra screen elements designed to take advantage of the significantly higher resolution. There's no guarantee this'll ever be produced -- or if so, when -- so for the time being, our video UI tour after the break is about as close as you're going to get.

Continue reading Chumby prototype with Marvell innards spotted at MWC 2010

Chumby prototype with Marvell innards spotted at MWC 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbyhands-onmarvellmwcmwc 2010Mwc2010prototypereference designReferenceDesignsilvermoonThu, 18 Feb 2010 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Dash given ability to stream TVs and movies from Netflix, new lease on life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/sony-dash-given-ability-to-stream-tvs-and-movies-from-netflix-n/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/sony-dash-given-ability-to-stream-tvs-and-movies-from-netflix-n/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/sony-dash-given-ability-to-stream-tvs-and-movies-from-netflix-n/#comments We were filled with excitement the moment Sony took the wraps off of its Dash personal internet viewer back at CES, but after learning that this was less of a tablet and more a sophisticated widget machine for in-home use, our joviality was understandably squashed. Today, Sony has given the doubters a reason to perk back up and pay attention, as the April-bound device will ship with the ability to stream Watch Instantly content from Netflix. As if that wasn't enough, Demand Media will also be offering Dash-tailored portals to content from eHow, Golflink and Livestrong.com, and it'll have no issues streaming "online music videos, television, or film content on-demand" to the 7-inch touchpanel. Still not convinced that this thing is worth $199? It's just an external battery mod away from greatness, you know!

Sony Dash given ability to stream TVs and movies from Netflix, new lease on life originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbychumby osChumbyOscontentdashdemand mediaDemandMediaeHowgolflinklivestrongmoviesnetflixpersonal internet viewerPersonalInternetViewerprogrammingsonysony dashSonyDashstreamstreamedstreamingtvwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 16 Feb 2010 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony catches tablet fever, wants to be an 'active player']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/sony-catches-tablet-fever-wants-to-be-an-active-player/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/sony-catches-tablet-fever-wants-to-be-an-active-player/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/sony-catches-tablet-fever-wants-to-be-an-active-player/#comments Sony has long said it would cautiously approach the tablet market while it built up its Reader e-book line, but it looks like things are picking up a little steam: CFO Nobuyuki Oneda said the company is "very interested" in the tablet market during his post-earnings report news conference. Oneda said that Sony's "confident we have the skills to create a product," and that "Time-wise we are a little behind the iPad but it's a space we would like to be an active player in." We could certainly see a Sony device about the size of the Reader Daily Edition making a splash, especially if it's tied in with Sony's new push at a unified online experience -- and dare we hope for tablet remix of the Dash Internet Viewer (pictured above) based on the Chumby OS? Time will tell.

Sony catches tablet fever, wants to be an 'active player' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumbydashdash Internet viewerDashInternetViewerNobuyuki OnedaNobuyukiOnedasonytablettabletsThu, 04 Feb 2010 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Dash gets down with Chumby and Bravia Internet video (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/sony-dash-gets-down-with-chumby-and-bravia-internet-video-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/sony-dash-gets-down-with-chumby-and-bravia-internet-video-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/sony-dash-gets-down-with-chumby-and-bravia-internet-video-hands/#comments Don't call it a Chumby, this is Sony's Dash WiFi Internet Viewer. We took a brief moment to muss that 7-inch capacitive touchscreen served with 1,000s of Chumby applications and Sony's own integrated Bravia Internet video platform giving you access to YouTube, Pandora radio, and more. The device is powered by a Marvell processor (though Sony won't confirm that on camera) and felt pretty snappy on the prototype we handled. Seems practical as a bedroom internet appliance / alarm clock until you consider the $199 you'll pay when it launches in April. Check it in action after the break.

Continue reading Sony Dash gets down with Chumby and Bravia Internet video (hands-on)

Sony Dash gets down with Chumby and Bravia Internet video (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bravia internetbravia internet videoBraviaInternetBraviaInternetVideoCESces 2010CES 2010 videoCes2010Ces2010Videochumbydashhands-oninternet applianceInternetAppliancesonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 21:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony introduces Dash Internet Viewer touchscreen tablet (Update: it runs Chumby OS!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/sony-introduces-dash-internet-viewer-touchscreen-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/sony-introduces-dash-internet-viewer-touchscreen-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/sony-introduces-dash-internet-viewer-touchscreen-tablet/#comments We've got another one, folks: Sony's doing a tablet. The Dash Internet Viewer is a touchscreen WiFi device which can be propped up like a digital photo frame or toted around the home like... a tablet. Still, a Chumby comparison might be more appropriate: the 7-inch device can run Chumby apps (there are over 1,000 free ones out there already), to which Sony will be adding its own Sony Music and Sony Pictures properties for movie trailers, music videos and so forth. The $199 unit can be stood on end or tilted quasi-flat for a variety of hands-free viewing angles, and works as an alarm clock, waking users up to the sweet sounds and visuals of internet videos. The Dash ships in April.

Update: We just confirmed that this device runs Chumby OS and is not portable (as in, there's no built-in battery). Rest assured, this is no slate / tablet rival -- in fact, it's more like a sophisticated alarm clock.

Gallery: Sony Dash press shots

Sony introduces Dash Internet Viewer touchscreen tablet (Update: it runs Chumby OS!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2010Ces2010chumbychumby osChumbyOsdashdash internet viewerDashInternetViewerinternet radiointernet tabletinternet viewerInternetRadioInternetTabletInternetViewersonytabletWed, 06 Jan 2010 19:49:00 EST