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[Aaron Sorkin talks about future Steve Jobs movie, impact of technology on his writing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/aaron-sorkin-interview-steve-jobs-movie-the-newsroom-hbo-d10/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/aaron-sorkin-interview-steve-jobs-movie-the-newsroom-hbo-d10/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/aaron-sorkin-interview-steve-jobs-movie-the-newsroom-hbo-d10/#comments Aaron Sorkin at D10

You don't have to look far to get a grasp on who Aaron Sorkin is -- he wrote A Few Good Men, The American President, The West Wing, Moneyball and The Social Network, for starters -- and he showed up at D10 to talk creative media, how the digital age impacts his writing and his impending movie about late Apple CEO Steve Jobs. While not involving hard technology news, the interview was exceedingly refreshing, and it delved deep into the world of tech as it impacts his upcoming show about a fictional newsroom (The Newsroom on HBO). The highlights included a frank quote that whoever ends up playing Jobs in his movie -- not to be confused with the one already in production with Ashton Kutcher -- will have to be "good, and intelligent." He also confessed to being fully engaged in the "three screens" movement, but wasn't too prideful to admit that he taps into the brain of his 11-year old daughter for lots of technological help. Pretty wild for a guy that many would label "genius." For more from the interview, head on past the break.

Continue reading Aaron Sorkin talks about future Steve Jobs movie, impact of technology on his writing

Aaron Sorkin talks about future Steve Jobs movie, impact of technology on his writing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron SorkinAaronSorkinall things dall things d 10all things digitalAllThingsDAllThingsD10AllThingsDigitalappleartatdatd10atdxceoconferenced10designdxfictionfilmmoviesteve jobsSteveJobswritingWed, 30 May 2012 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Opening the Book(Book) on Twelve South: between the covers of a Mac-exclusive accessory maker]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/touring-twelve-south-mac-accessory-maker-startup-story-interview/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/touring-twelve-south-mac-accessory-maker-startup-story-interview/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/touring-twelve-south-mac-accessory-maker-startup-story-interview/#comments bookbook prototype

The year is 2009. In history books, it'll widely be recognized as the year that most of America -- heck, the world -- would prefer to forget. Job after job was lost, bank after bank fell, and humanity as we knew it plunged into "the worst recession since the Great Depression." It's also the year that Palm attempted a comeback with webOS, and as it turns out, the year that yet another accessory company was born. While such an occurrence may be forgettable on a macro scale, economic researchers and lovers of technology alike have reason to take notice -- and, indeed, ask questions. So, that's exactly what I did.

Beyond growing a technology startup in a me-too field during the worst economy that I've personally been a part of, it's also not often that I find compelling consumer electronics companies far outside of New York City and San Francisco. Twelve South just so happens to be located in a nondescript nook in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina -- just a beautiful trip over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from historic Charleston. Three years after its founding, the company now fittingly counts a dozen employees on its roster, and despite entering a market flooded with iAccessory after iAccessory, it has somehow managed to grab its own slice of an increasingly large niche. As with all good success stories, this particular outfit has plenty of twists, turns and run-ins with Lady Luck to tell about; for those interested in seeing how the "stay small" mantra is keeping Twelve South firmly focused on the future ahead, take a peek beyond the break.

Continue reading Opening the Book(Book) on Twelve South: between the covers of a Mac-exclusive accessory maker

Opening the Book(Book) on Twelve South: between the covers of a Mac-exclusive accessory maker originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 south12Southaccessoriesaccessorybookarcbookbookcasecompanycompassdesignholderideviceindustryinterviewiphonemacmacbookmacbook casemacbook proMacbookCaseMacbookPromanufacturingmockuporganizationperipheralprototypeSCsleevesouth carolinaSouthCarolinastandstartuptwelve southTwelveSouthWed, 23 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/motorola-dreamgallery/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/motorola-dreamgallery/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/motorola-dreamgallery/#comments Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video)

Motorola is demonstrating how it expects TVs of the future will work with its DreamGallery concept. Powered by the company's Medios cloud-service, the display is designed to let you browse content as if it was the internet -- with bookmarks, personalized recommendations and interactive search tools. Its designed to work across your TV, computer, tablet and smartphone, aggregating Cable, Internet TV and VOD under a single interface that sits behind pull-tabs around the picture. If you're curious to see if this is easier to use than TiVo, head on past the break to catch your first glimpse.

Continue reading Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video)

Motorola reinvents the TV interface with DreamGallery concept (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boston Cable ShowBostonCableShowCableCable ShowCable Show 2012CableShowCableShow2012ConceptDesignDreamGalleryFour ScreensFourScreenshdpostcrossInterfaceInternetMotorolaMotorola DreamGalleryMotorola MediosMotorola MobilityMotorolaDreamgalleryMotorolaMediosMotorolaMobilityTiVoTVTV InterfaceTvInterfaceUser InterfaceUserInterfacevideoVODMon, 21 May 2012 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: NY Design Week, a hybrid Porsche and recycled sportswear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/ny-design-week-a-hybrid-porsche-recycled-sportswear-nike/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/ny-design-week-a-hybrid-porsche-recycled-sportswear-nike/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/ny-design-week-a-hybrid-porsche-recycled-sportswear-nike/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

ny design week

Want a sneak peek into the future of design? This week Inhabitat hit NY Design Week to uncover the best and the brightest in green interior and furniture design. At ICFF we spotted an ethereal series of 3D printed Hyphae lamps and we were wowed by the iTree -- a massive iPod sound system made out of an entire tree trunk! We also saw LED technology take on surprising new forms - like Light and Contrast's tiny flower-shaped lamps and Peteris Zilbers' quirky mood broom lamp (yes, it's shaped like a broom). We'll continue with the New York Design Week coverage throughout next week, so come back to Inhabitat in the coming days for more fresh new design finds, and read on beyond the break for more in the here and now.

Continue reading Inhabitat's Week in Green: NY Design Week, a hybrid Porsche and recycled sportswear

Inhabitat's Week in Green: NY Design Week, a hybrid Porsche and recycled sportswear originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artclean electricityCleanElectricitydesignFordglasgowgreeninhabitatInhabitatsWeekInGreenLEGONew YorkNewYorkny design weekNyDesignWeekporschetechthisweekingreenUSS enterpriseUssEnterprisewind powerWindPowerSun, 20 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: What the new Samsung Series 9 could have looked like]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/samsung-series-9-prototype/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/samsung-series-9-prototype/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/samsung-series-9-prototype/#comments Image

In case you haven't noticed, we've gotten multiple opportunities to talk shop with Samsung executives over the past couple days. After we finished grilling the R&D team on higher-res displays, we sat down with the designers behind the latest Series 9 Ultrabooks, and they surprised us by whipping out a late-stage prototype -- aka, a glimpse at what these laptops might have been, were it not for a little extra hemming and hawing and at least one executive veto. You know what they say: a picture tells a thousand words, and we've got quite a few embedded below for your viewing pleasure. If you're obsessed with minutiae like the keyboard backlighting color, however, follow past the break for more on all those rejected design ideas, and feel free to let us know in the comments which ones you would've preferred.

Gallery: 2012 Samsung Series 9 prototype hands-on

Continue reading Visualized: What the new Samsung Series 9 could have looked like

Visualized: What the new Samsung Series 9 could have looked like originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designhands-onIndustrial DesignIndustrialDesignlaptoplaptopsnotebooknotebooksprototypeprototypesSamsungSamsung Series 9Samsung Series 9 2012SamsungSeries9SamsungSeries92012Series 9Series 9 2012Series9Series92012UltrabookUltrabooksThu, 17 May 2012 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/hp-apple-laptop-design-similarity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/hp-apple-laptop-design-similarity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/hp-apple-laptop-design-similarity/#comments HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity

HP's spent the afternoon here in Shanghai to share some details about its latest products and strategy, and to our delight, there was one session dedicated to "Style Meets Function," during which Vice President of Industrial Design Stacy Wolff talked about his design philosophy and design goals for the current market. Most notably, we learned that some of HP's latest laptop designs were based on the work of its research centers from 11 different cities, and the company isn't afraid of admitting that it used consultants for an outside perspective as well.

Despite Stacy's upbeat presentation and interesting stats (apparently these days men have a boring color preference, from first to fourth favorite: black, gray, blue and white), the inevitable question popped up: One lady expressed her concern that the brand-spanking-new Envy Spectre XT reminded her of the MacBook Air a lot, so she wondered if HP's ever worried that Apple might sue.

Stacy kept his initial reply pretty brief:

"I would go back to the TC1000 [Tablet PC] from about 10 years, and that's a tablet. I think if you look at the new Spectre XT, there are similarities in a way, not due to Apple but due to the way technologies developed. Apple may like to think that they own silver, but they don't. In no way did HP try to mimic Apple. In life there are a lot of similarities."

As always, we wanted more from the horse's mouth, so we grabbed hold of Stacy right after the session and had a little chat over this topic -- you can see the full and surprisingly candid interview after the break.

Gallery: HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity

Continue reading HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity

HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledesignenvyenvy spectreEnvy Spectre XTEnvySpectreEnvySpectreXtfeaturedfeaturesGlobal Influencer SummitGlobal Influencer Summit 2012GlobalInfluencerSummitGlobalInfluencerSummit2012hpindustrial designIndustrialDesigninterviewlaptopmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirshanghaispectrespectre xtSpectreXtstacy wolffStacyWolffultrabookvice presidentVicePresidentWed, 09 May 2012 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC launches kickstand-tastic One S cases, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/htc-launches-kickstand-tastic-one-s-cases-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/htc-launches-kickstand-tastic-one-s-cases-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/htc-launches-kickstand-tastic-one-s-cases-we-go-hands-on/#comments Image

Kickstand lovers rejoice! Not content with jazzing up its One X flagship, HTC just sent us a set of cases made specifically for its lovely One S. These come in four colors -- gray, granita (red), navy blue and black -- the latter featuring a tweaked design with an integrated kickstand. Unlike most third-party products, build quality is top-notch -- the accessories use a precision-molded flexible plastic shell covered in a soft touch finish. The kickstand is made of a metal alloy and is spring-loaded, but blocks access to the micro-USB port when in use. While the cases protect the back and sides of the One S, the front remains exposed to potential damage. Availability is slated as "soon", but pricing is $24.99 for the plain model and $39.99 for the kickstand version. Enjoy the gallery below.

Gallery: HTC One S cases

HTC launches kickstand-tastic One S cases, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecolordesignexclusivehands-onHTCHTC OneHTC One SHtcOneHtcOneSkickstandmobilepostcrossOneOne SOneSThu, 03 May 2012 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Mozilla plans war on fragmentation, reveals unified UI design for Windows 8 and mobile devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/mozilla-firefox-slideshow-plans/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/mozilla-firefox-slideshow-plans/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/mozilla-firefox-slideshow-plans/#comments Image

Mozilla has shown off ideas for future versions of Firefox as it becomes less of a traditional browser and more of a "soft, friendly, human" ecosystem. Slides released on the web hint at a new desktop environ with a simplified menu, cleaner download interface, and a more functional startpage -- all the while maintaining the same curved-edge look as the mobile variant. A Windows 8 Metro tile-based version is also in the works that's similar to the Firefox tab layout on Android. There's no word when Mozilla's so-called Kilimanjaro project will come to fruition, but you can check out the slideshow after the break for an early glimpse.

Continue reading Mozilla plans war on fragmentation, reveals unified UI design for Windows 8 and mobile devices

Mozilla plans war on fragmentation, reveals unified UI design for Windows 8 and mobile devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbrowsercross platformcross-platformCrossPlatformdesigndesktopfirefoxinternetmobilemobilepostminimosaicmozillamozilla firefoxMozillaFirefoxnetscapewebweb browserWebBrowserWed, 02 May 2012 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[The Distro Interview: Microsoft Principal Researcher Bill Buxton]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/the-distro-interview-microsoft-principal-researcher-bill-buxton/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/the-distro-interview-microsoft-principal-researcher-bill-buxton/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/the-distro-interview-microsoft-principal-researcher-bill-buxton/#comments The Distro Interview: Microsoft Principal Researcher Bill Buxton

Bill Buxton has spent most of his career getting between humans and computers. While his initial focus was on music and digital instruments, that eventually led to an interest in human-computer interaction, and pioneering work with multitouch systems and other user interfaces. He worked with the famed hotbed of innovation Xerox PARC in the late 1980s and early 90s, and was later Chief Scientist for software firm Alias Wavefront before claiming the same title at SGI Inc. when that company acquired the former in 1995. After a time running his own Toronto-based design and consulting firm, he moved on to Microsoft Research in 2005, where he continues to serve as the organization's Principal Researcher.

We recently had a chance to pick his brain and get his thoughts on a range of issues, including state of design at Microsoft, the future of natural user interfaces, and whether we're really entering a "post-PC" era.

Continue reading The Distro Interview: Microsoft Principal Researcher Bill Buxton

The Distro Interview: Microsoft Principal Researcher Bill Buxton originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill buxtonBillBuxtonbuxtondesigndistro interviewDistroInterviewinterviewmicrosoftmicrosoft researchmicrosoft surfaceMicrosoftResearchMicrosoftSurfaceMSRnatural uinatural user interfaceNaturalUiNaturalUserInterfaceNUIsurfaceMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe unveils CS6 and subscription-based Creative Cloud service, up for pre-order now (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/adobe-cs6-subscription-creative-cloud-photoshop-official/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/adobe-cs6-subscription-creative-cloud-photoshop-official/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/adobe-cs6-subscription-creative-cloud-photoshop-official/#comments adobe creative cloud cs6

Adobe's biggest day of 2012? Go ahead, don't be afraid to call it what it (probably) is. For starters, the outfit is introducing Creative Suite 6 to the world in formal fashion, with 14 applications either unveiled or refreshed. Photoshop CS6 is graduating from beta -- seeing an update that'll provide "near instant results" thanks to the Mercury Graphics Engine -- while Content-Aware Patch and Content-Aware Move are sure to please artists suffering from the "Surely you can fix this in post!" clientele backlash. Adobe Muse is happily entering the scene for the first time, described as a "radical tool that'll enables designers to create and publish HTML5 web sites without writing code." (We're still waiting for Flash to comment.)

In related news, those who aren't up for paying $1,299 (and up) for one of the new suites can try something a bit different: monthly installments. That's coming courtesy of Creative Cloud, an quasi-new initiative designed to harness the power of cloud-based app distribution and streaming in a way that'll make CS6 more accessible than any of the packs that came before. You can tap into CS6's amenities over your broadband connection for $74.99 per month, while those who agree to an annual subscription can get in for $49.99 per month. To be clear, that provides unbridled access to any CS6 tool: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and AfterEffects, and the rest of the gang. If you're jonesing for Photoshop alone, that one will be available for $29.99 per month (no contract) or $19.99 per month (annual agreement). There's no set release date just yet, but we're told to expect the new goods "within 30 days," and pre-orders seem to be a go. Head on down to the source links for more details on each individual aspect, and catch a promo video for the cloud-based subscription offering just after the break.

Continue reading Adobe unveils CS6 and subscription-based Creative Cloud service, up for pre-order now (video)

Adobe unveils CS6 and subscription-based Creative Cloud service, up for pre-order now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe cloudadobe edgeadobe museAdobeCloudAdobeEdgeAdobeMuseartcloudcreative cloudcreative suitecreative suite 6CreativeCloudCreativeSuiteCreativeSuite6cs6designedgehtml5musephotoshopphotoshop cs6PhotoshopCs6pre orderpre-orderPreOrdersoftwaresubscriptionvideoMon, 23 Apr 2012 01:16:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC talks smartphone design: from inception to final product]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/htc-talks-smartphone-design-from-inception-to-final-product/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/htc-talks-smartphone-design-from-inception-to-final-product/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/htc-talks-smartphone-design-from-inception-to-final-product/#comments

At the Frequencies media summit in Seattle over the last two days, HTC walked us through the fine details on how its smartphones are developed, going from the boring rectangular ABS block to the more refined plastic mockups that are presented to carriers and focus groups -- the findings of which then shape the final product. Sadly, we weren't allowed to take photos of the One X mockups that were shown to us, but do read on to learn the general process of how an HTC phone goes from inception to the final product.

Continue reading HTC talks smartphone design: from inception to final product

HTC talks smartphone design: from inception to final product originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryBjorn KilburnBjornKilburncellphoneClaude ZellwegerClaudeZellwegercolordesigneric linEricLinfrequenciesfrequencies 2012Frequencies2012htcmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrosspeter chouPeterChouphonesmartphonevideoFri, 20 Apr 2012 23:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with HTC's colorful One X cases]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/hands-on-with-htcs-colorful-one-x-cases/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/hands-on-with-htcs-colorful-one-x-cases/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/hands-on-with-htcs-colorful-one-x-cases/#comments Image

We just got our hands on a couple of new cases that HTC's making specifically for its One X flagship. The colorful accessories -- which the company showcased at its Frequencies media event in Seattle -- are made of a flexible PTFE-like (polytetrafluoroethylene) material and are designed to both protect and enhance the appearance of the device. Different designs will be available, but we only got to see the one. Sadly, we have no info on pricing or availability at this time. Take a look at our gallery below.

Gallery: HTC One X cases

Hands-on with HTC's colorful One X cases originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newscasecolordesignFrequenciesFrequencies 2012Frequencies2012hands-onHTCHTC OneHTC One XHtcOneHtcOneXmobilepostcrossOneOne XOneXFri, 20 Apr 2012 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Handmade particle accelerator unveiled at Milan Design Week, Higgs-Boson a no-show]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/handmade-particle-accelerator-unveiled-at-milan-design-week-hig/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/handmade-particle-accelerator-unveiled-at-milan-design-week-hig/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/handmade-particle-accelerator-unveiled-at-milan-design-week-hig/#comments Handmade particle accelerator unveiled in Milan, Higgs-Boson a no-show

When it comes to particle science, it's not all about huge winding tunnels and god particles. Super/collider, a group that aims to promote science through eye-catching creative methods, teamed up with designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating to craft this relatively simple -- but working-- particle accelerator for Milan Design week. The setup involves several hand-blown bulbs, with a vacuum inside them allowing electrons to rocket from side to side, lit in a purple haze thanks to a phosphorous screen at one end. The whole thing is fashioned from the relatively commonplace gear you see above, although a how-to guide still remains unfortunately non-existent.

Handmade particle accelerator unveiled at Milan Design Week, Higgs-Boson a no-show originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designhandmadehandmade particle acceleratorHandmadeParticleAcceleratorparticle acceleratorParticleAcceleratorPatrick Stevenson-KeatingPatrickStevenson-keatingsciencesupercolliderWed, 18 Apr 2012 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Glass team member shows off mockup for glasses-wearers, says it's for 'everyone']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/google-project-glass-with-glasses/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/google-project-glass-with-glasses/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/google-project-glass-with-glasses/#comments Project Glass team member shows off mockup for glasses-wearers, says it's for 'everyone'While Google isn't ready to answer all of the questions we have about its Project Glass concept yet, a member of the team has chimed in on one of the most common questions -- could it work even the user wears prescription glasses? Industrial designer Isabelle Olsson says the team ideally wants it to work for everyone, and posted a photo of the Glass-on-glasses mockup shown above to her Google+ page. Unless you're a Google exec this doesn't bring you any closer to going retinas-on with the heads-up display / augmented reality project yourself, but hopefully it keeps the dream alive even for the near / far sighted among us.

Project Glass team member shows off mockup for glasses-wearers, says it's for 'everyone' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealityconceptdesignglassesgoogleheads-up displayHeads-upDisplayhudminipostmockupproject glassProjectGlassspectaclesThu, 12 Apr 2012 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Cogoo's Turntable Rider puts the 'mix' in BMX, 'awesome' in these videos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/cogoo-turntable-rider-dj-bike-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/cogoo-turntable-rider-dj-bike-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/cogoo-turntable-rider-dj-bike-video/#comments cogoo turntable rider bmx dj bikeWhat if a company built a mixer for your BMX bike? What if said mixer could wirelessly control the music you're grooving to while riding? What if we had two videos to prove that such luxuries do, in fact, exist? Japan's own Cogoo has gone well above the call of duty with its latest concoction, the Turntable Rider. Put simply (or as simply as possible), it's a multi-part system that enables a bike to become a DJing machine; the more complex the tricks, the 'better' the mix. Reportedly, the bike's own wheels act as jog wheels, the brakes act as a beat pad and there's even a gyroscopic sensor that doubles as a fader pad. No word on a set price or ship date, but it'll be making the rounds at events starting with the 2012 Kaikoo Popwave Festival. Enough chatter -- head on past the break and mash play a couple of times. Go ahead and prepare those around you to cease working and do the same.

Continue reading Cogoo's Turntable Rider puts the 'mix' in BMX, 'awesome' in these videos

Cogoo's Turntable Rider puts the 'mix' in BMX, 'awesome' in these videos originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artawesomebicyclebikebmxcogoodesigndjjapanmixermusicturntableTURNTABLE RIDERTurntableRidervideoTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Android Design guide updated with new tips for app developers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/android-design-guide-updated-with-new-tips-for-app-developers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/android-design-guide-updated-with-new-tips-for-app-developers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/android-design-guide-updated-with-new-tips-for-app-developers/#comments Android Design guide updated with new tips for app developersNot all design choices are blatantly obvious, which is why it's helpful to see fresh sections being added to Google's official design guide for Android devs. There's a whole new chapter on how to create a good Settings pane, including what settings to make controllable or fixed and how to describe options in plain English. There are also new tips in the Navigation section, such as how to take full advantage of Android's ability to let different apps activate each other. There's no color-matching advice, unfortunately, but if you stick to black and blue you ought to be fine. Access the tips via the Google Plus link below.

Android Design guide updated with new tips for app developers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceandroidandroid designandroid design guideAndroidDesignAndroidDesignGuidedesigngoogleguidemobilemobilepostmininavigationoperating systemOperatingSystemossettingssettings paneSettingsPanetablettipsTue, 10 Apr 2012 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Tricorder designs go open source: can detect magnetic fields, reveal Trekkies (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/tricorder-designs-go-open-source/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/tricorder-designs-go-open-source/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/tricorder-designs-go-open-source/#comments Open source tricorder design

We're still working on our own plans to grab that $10 million Tricorder X-Prize from Qualcomm and our progress has just been given a shot in the arm from Dr. Peter Jansen, who's released the designs for his tricorders. Making all the specifics open source, his Mark 2 model runs on Linux, while the hardware includes an ARM Atmel microcontroller squeezed into a clam-shell with two OLED touchscreens. Schematics, board layouts, and the firmware is all available at the source below and also includes the initial proof-of-concept device. The tricorders need six AAA to run and include sensors for temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, ambient light, distance and even magnetic fields. Dr. Jansen's hope is to make scientists out of everyone -- including your kids. That is, right after they ask you what Star Trek is.

Continue reading Tricorder designs go open source: can detect magnetic fields, reveal Trekkies (video)

Tricorder designs go open source: can detect magnetic fields, reveal Trekkies (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designlinuxoledopen sourceopen+source+triquarterOpenSourceopensourcetriquarterPeter JansenPeterJansenstar trekStarTrektricorderTricorder X PrizeTricorderXPrizevideoThu, 29 Mar 2012 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple ready to license its nano-SIM design for free, on one not-so-nano condition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/apple-ready-to-license-its-nano-sim-design-for-free/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/apple-ready-to-license-its-nano-sim-design-for-free/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/apple-ready-to-license-its-nano-sim-design-for-free/#commentsApple ready to license its nano-SIM design for freeIf you hadn't heard, there are two rival nano-SIM designs going around, but there's only room for one of them to become an industry standard. Nokia, Motorola and RIM sit together in one corner, and we've already covered why they think their design is superior. On the other side of the ring sits Apple, which has its own tactics for bringing ETSI, the European Telecoms Standards Institute, over to its way of thinking. According to a legal letter shown to FOSS Patents by a "perfectly reliable source", Apple is prepared to license its nano-SIM design royalty-free, so long as it becomes the new standard and all other nano-SIM patent holders reciprocate the gesture. Such a gambit may not appease Cupertino's rivals and it certainly doesn't address their technical concerns, but it might show that Apple isn't looking to profit out of this particular format war and is simply continuing its quest for greater clarity on FRAND licensing terms. Then again, it could all just be lawyer-speak.

Update: Nokia has responded to Apple's move, making it clear that it still prefers its own design. Mark Durrant, director of communications for the Finnish firm said, "the principal issues remain the technical superiority of our proposal and that Apple's proposal does not meet the pre-agreed ETSI requirements... Apple's proposal for royalty free licensing seems no more than an attempt to devalue the intellectual property of others." We expect this to go back and forth a few more times.

Apple ready to license its nano-SIM design for free, on one not-so-nano condition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledesignETSIEuropean Telecommunications Standards InstituteEuropeanTelecommunicationsStandardsInstitutefoss patentsFossPatentsindustry standardIndustryStandardmobilepostminimotorolanano simnano-SIMNanoSimnokiapatentpatentsrimroyaltyroyalty-freeSIMstandardstandardsMon, 26 Mar 2012 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram opens signup page for Android port, release date still unknown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/instagram-signup-page-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/instagram-signup-page-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/instagram-signup-page-android/#comments ImageIt's no secret that one of the most popular apps to ever hit the App Store will soon be coming to Android, and if you'd prefer to be one of the very first on your block to be notified... well, there's a website for that. Instagram has just opened up a signup page for Android loyalists, enabling folks to input their email address and await word on the download going live. Sadly, there's no hint on the aforesaid page that gets us any closer to a specific release date, but hey -- it's one less unspecified thing you have to remember, right? Pop that source link if your interest has been piqued.

Instagram opens signup page for Android port, release date still unknown originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappartdesigngooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidimageryinstagrammobilepostcrossphotophotographyportsignupSat, 24 Mar 2012 20:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/arduino-artbot-robot-time-clock-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/arduino-artbot-robot-time-clock-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/arduino-artbot-robot-time-clock-video/#commentsWatching the seconds go by is a frightening reminder that time pauses for no one, but somehow, a hacker going by the name of Ekaggrat has figured out how to make the process a bit less daunting. The so-called Doodle Clock is an Arduino-powered robotic arm that's been trained to jot down the time with a dry erase marker; once the minute passes, he erases the last digit and rewrites it -- a number beyond what he just erased, of course. Per usual, these things are better seen than read about, so why not hop on past the break and mash play? Smiles await.

Continue reading Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video)

Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArduinoartArtbotawesomeclockdesigndoodle clockDoodleClockrbbb ArduinoRbbbArduinorobotservotimepiecevideoFri, 16 Mar 2012 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft patent application details branded web browser frame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/microsoft-patent-application-branded-browser-bar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/microsoft-patent-application-branded-browser-bar/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/microsoft-patent-application-branded-browser-bar/#comments Originally filed in the halcyon days of 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has just published a web browser-centric patent application from the fine folks in Redmond. Microsoft's "Branded Browser Frame" app details a "computer-readable storage media" that can be specifically executed (presumably by surfing over to a website that's capable of handling said execution), and then used to present a varying interface based on what the underlying instructions are telling it to do. According to the independent claims put forth, we're told about a "control layout area... wherein one of the selected controls comprises a website-branded control that serves as a website's homepage button, and a navigation control that provides an input field."

In lay terms, that sounds a lot like a browser function that would enable many of the typical graphical elements we see atop our URL bars today to be adjusted and dynamically tweaked based on inputs from whatever address it was currently on. We aren't putting words in the applicant's mouth, but we're envisioning a top bar in Internet Explorer that turns red and features DVDs as the forward and back buttons when surfing over to Netflix.com (perhaps a stretch, but you catch the drift). IE9 does a bit of that color changing today, but it's possible that more is in store. Naturally, it'll take some time to see if this here app is actually granted, and it's possible that it'll look / function quite differently in its final form, but there's no doubt that someone at Microsoft is dreaming about a sexier (if not more sellable) browser bar.

Microsoft patent application details branded web browser frame originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbrandedbrowsercontrolcontrol layoutControlLayoutdesignguiIEinterfaceinternet explorerInternetExplorermarketingpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationsoftwarewebweb browserWebBrowserThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC details micro arc oxidation, says your One S will be strong enough to forgo the case (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/htc-details-micro-arc-oxidation-says-your-one-s-will-be-strong/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/htc-details-micro-arc-oxidation-says-your-one-s-will-be-strong/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/htc-details-micro-arc-oxidation-says-your-one-s-will-be-strong/#comments Happen to recall the gorgeous metal HTC's using on its upcoming One S to surround its Ice Cream Sandwich-loaded core? To refresh your memory, the ceramic look and feel of its metal unibody shell is created using a process known as micro arc oxidation -- and HTC's highlighting how the magic happens in its latest YouTube video. According to the company, the shell (made from aircraft-grade aluminium) gets slammed with a whopping "10,000 volts of energy," causing a reaction that quickly leads to the black color and smooth texture. Notably, HTC points out that this is actually a treatment to the metal, rather than a finish on top of it. That's not all -- the metal also ends up being nearly five-times stronger as a result. Want to see the zapping for yourself? You'll find the clip and more details in the flick just after the break.

Continue reading HTC details micro arc oxidation, says your One S will be strong enough to forgo the case (video)

HTC details micro arc oxidation, says your One S will be strong enough to forgo the case (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddesignengineeringhtchtc onehtc one shtc one xHtcOneHtcOneSHtcOneXmaoMicro Arc OxidationMicroArcOxidationmobilepostminivideoTue, 13 Mar 2012 22:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's Sir Jonathan Ive: our competitors have 'completely the wrong goals']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/apples-sir-jonathan-ive-our-competitors-have-completely-the-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/apples-sir-jonathan-ive-our-competitors-have-completely-the-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/apples-sir-jonathan-ive-our-competitors-have-completely-the-w/#comments
London's favorite only remaining evening free-sheet has snagged an interview with Apple design maven Sir Jonathan Ive. In the piece he talks about being thrilled and humbled by his recent Knighthood, the importance of his London upbringing and why Apple's competitors can't win. Pointing to a desire not to make "genuinely better" products, Cupertino's unnamed rivals instead are "interested in doing something different, or want to appear new," which he says is the wrong goal. The difference is that he and his team aren't tied to a price, a schedule or a marketing scheme -- which he believes "have scant regard for people who use the product." There's also a barbed reference to consumers being able to sense "great care in the design and when there is cynicism and greed" in products on the market. Head on down to the source link to read more, including his frustration with designers who "wag their tails in his face" -- who knew designers had tails, eh?

Apple's Sir Jonathan Ive: our competitors have 'completely the wrong goals' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleCompetitionCupertinoDesignDesignerDesignersEngineeringiMacIndustrial DesignIndustrialDesignInterviewiPadiPhoneiPodJony IveJonyIveMacBookSir Jonathan IveSirJonathanIveTue, 13 Mar 2012 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram hits 27 million user milestone, teases Android app at SXSW]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/instagram-hits-27-million-user-milestone-teases-android-app-at/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/instagram-hits-27-million-user-milestone-teases-android-app-at/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/instagram-hits-27-million-user-milestone-teases-android-app-at/#comments Instagram hits 27 million users, plans to invite Android users to join the partyRejoice, photo filter fans, Instagram is heading to Android "very soon," according to founder Kevin Systrom. Speaking at South by Southwest, Systrom raved about the app's growth, boasting of its 27 million registered users. "They're not excited about it because it makes your photos look beautiful," he says, "They're excited because it networks people across the world and it's the single fastest growing thing in mobile period." The Android version is currently being tested in a private beta, and it's reported to be superior than its iOS counterpart. "It's really, really fast," Systrom said. Don't look so surprised, he did tell us, after all, that iOS was just the beginning.

Instagram hits 27 million user milestone, teases Android app at SXSW originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artdesigninstagramiosmacmilestonemobilepostcrossphotographphotographySXSWSXSW 2012Sxsw2012Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Interview: Nokia VP of Industrial Design Stefan Pannenbecker at MWC 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/the-engadget-interview-nokia-vp-of-industrial-design-stefan-pan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/the-engadget-interview-nokia-vp-of-industrial-design-stefan-pan/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/the-engadget-interview-nokia-vp-of-industrial-design-stefan-pan/#comments
Today at Mobile World Congress we spent a few minutes talking with Stefan Pannenbecker, VP of Industrial Design at Nokia about Espoo's past, present and future handsets -- including the just announced 808 PureView, Lumia 610 and Asha 302 / 203 / 202, as well as the Lumia 900 we played with at CES. He shared his insights on Nokia's design language and philosophy and some interesting details such as the clearcoat finish used on the Lumia 800 / 900 and N9. Enjoy the video.

The Engadget Interview: Nokia VP of Industrial Design Stefan Pannenbecker at MWC 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>808808 PureView808PureviewAsha 302Asha302designIndustrial DesignIndustrialDesigninterviewLumiaLumia 610Lumia 800Lumia 900Lumia610Lumia800Lumia900mobilepostcrossmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012N9NokiaNokia 808Nokia 808 PureViewNokia N9Nokia808Nokia808PureviewNokiaN9PureViewStefan PannenbeckerStefanPannenbeckervideoVPMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Think form factors, not PCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/switched-on-think-form-factors-not-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/switched-on-think-form-factors-not-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/switched-on-think-form-factors-not-pcs/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.


The iPad, launched in 2010, kicked off the post-PC era. The combination of a multitouch display and keyboard-less design enabled mobile computing in a way not done before. On the other hand, maybe the IBM Simon, launched in 1992, kicked off the post-PC era. Widely considered to be the first smartphone, it enabled mobile computing in a way that was not done before. Then again, maybe the Osborne I, launched in 1981, marked the beginning of the post-PC era. After all, it was widely considered to be the first portable computer, enabling mobile computing in a way that was not done before.

Continue reading Switched On: Think form factors, not PCs

Switched On: Think form factors, not PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columndesignIBMinput technologiesInputTechnologiesinterfaceipadMac OSMacOsmobile OSMobileOsOSOsborne IOsborneIpost PC eraPostPcEraproductivityslatesswitched onSwitchedOntabletsToshibatouchWindows 8Windows8Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals Windows 8's new logo: 'It's a window... not a flag']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/microsoft-reveals-windows-8s-new-logo-it-s-a-window-not-a-fl/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/microsoft-reveals-windows-8s-new-logo-it-s-a-window-not-a-fl/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/microsoft-reveals-windows-8s-new-logo-it-s-a-window-not-a-fl/#comments
Microsoft is making plenty of big changes with its Windows 8 operating system, and that has now also extended to a new logo. As explained by Microsoft's Sam Moreau in a post on the official Windows blog, the logo was created with the help of the design agency Pentagram, which posed a simple question when it began on the project: "your name is Windows. Why are you a flag?" That discussion eventually led to the four-paned window you see above, which not only looks more like a window than the previous logos, but clearly echoes the company's new Metro design language. Microsoft also notes that the logo is "authentically digital," and says it will welcome you with a slight tilt and change color based on your desktop. You can see a bigger version after the break, and read the full story of its creation (along with a look back at past logos) at the source link below.

Continue reading Microsoft reveals Windows 8's new logo: 'It's a window... not a flag'

Microsoft reveals Windows 8's new logo: 'It's a window... not a flag' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designlogomicrosoftmicrosoft windowsMicrosoftWindowsospentagramwindowswindows 8Windows8Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic brings a slice of tilt-shift to your life (sample photos)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/lensbaby-edge-80-optic-tilt-shift-lens-review-gallery-sample-shots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/lensbaby-edge-80-optic-tilt-shift-lens-review-gallery-sample-shots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/lensbaby-edge-80-optic-tilt-shift-lens-review-gallery-sample-shots/#comments C'mon, admit it -- if you won one of many lotteries, you'd be purchasing a legitimate tilt-shift lens right after picking up a new Ferrari and buying a chocolate factory. Given that said scenario is highly unlikely to pan out, Lensbaby is stepping in to make the letdown a bit easier to stomach. The Edge 80 Optic is the latest in the outfit's growing Optic Swap system, which is compatible with the Composer Pro, Composer, Muse, Scout and Control Freak, and it's capable of transforming those bodies into "a tilt lens that delivers a slice of sharp focus through an image that falls off to a soft blur." There's a 12-blade adjustable aperture (f/2.8 through f/22), and when not shifted, it's fully capable of taking flat (read: standard) photographs. As the name implies, there's an 80mm focal length, but macro lovers should be aware that you'll need at least 17-inches to focus on your subject(s).

We've been toying with one on our D3S over the past few days, and it certainly does what it says; moreover, it's far easier to justify at just $300. (For those unaware, dedicated T-S lenses can easily top $1,500.) And if you're already invested in the Optic Swap system, it makes even more sense. Granted, it takes some work to compose a shot. You'll need to rely on manual mode, and you'll need to tweak your ISO to match your desired aperture and available light. Leaving the ISO too high while using f/2.8 in broad daylight will result in white captures, while not boosting the ISO enough after dark will leave your shot murdered out. Once you've got your settings right, though, the lens couldn't be easier to operate, and the shift + lock mechanism is as smooth as butter. We threw together a gallery of our favorites taken recently in Hawaii and French Polynesia, so dive in below to see if this piece of kit is deserving of your attention.

Gallery: Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic sample shots [O'ahu, Hawaii]

Gallery: Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic sample shots [Moorea, French Polynesia]

Continue reading Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic brings a slice of tilt-shift to your life (sample photos)

Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic brings a slice of tilt-shift to your life (sample photos) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apertureartcameradepth of fieldDepthOfFielddesignedge 80Edge 80 OpticEdge80Edge80Opticfocusfrench polynesiaFrenchPolynesiahands-onhawaiihonolululenslensbabymooreaoahuoptic swapOpticSwapphotographyselective focusSelectiveFocustilt shifttilt-shiftTiltShifttravelTue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook app for Windows Phone gets upgraded, redesigned]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/facebook-app-windows-phone-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/facebook-app-windows-phone-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/facebook-app-windows-phone-update/#comments
Here's some news to brighten up your day: the Facebook client for Windows Phone has just been updated to version 2.3, bringing with it a host of enhanced features. Precise details remain a bit fuzzy at the moment, though in an announcement on its Facebook page, the app maker confirmed that the refresh will bring a redesigned profile and panoramic design, along with "news feed performance improvements," including support for filters. Other "focus areas" include support for Facebook Groups, pages and banner images, which can now be changed directly from a user's handset. The update is supposed to be available today, though at the time of this writing, it has yet to appear on the Marketplace. Once it hits, you'll be able to grab it from the coverage link below.

Facebook app for Windows Phone gets upgraded, redesigned originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationbanner imageBannerImagedesignfacebookFacebook for Windows Phonefacebook groupsFacebookForWindowsPhoneFacebookGroupshandsetmobilepostminipanoramaprofilesocial mediasocial networkingSocialMediaSocialNetworkingupdateupgradewindows phonewindows phone marketplaceWindowsPhoneWindowsPhoneMarketplaceTue, 14 Feb 2012 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryoscope gadget simulates tomorrow's weather today (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/cryoscope-gadget-simulates-tomorrows-weather-today-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/cryoscope-gadget-simulates-tomorrows-weather-today-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/cryoscope-gadget-simulates-tomorrows-weather-today-video/#comments This multi-layered device can't shower you with hail or tan your outdoor-deprived complexion, regrettably. What it can do though, is deliver a direct haptic sensation of how warm or cold it'll be tomorrow, just in case you decide to venture out of your bedroom. An Arduino controller pulls in forecast data from the web and uses it to adjust a Peltier element and a cooling fan, which are housed along with a heat sink inside a neat and tactile aluminum box. The Cryoscope is the handiwork of industrial design student Robb Godshaw, and it's the reason he already knew he'd be wearing a skinny t-shirt and stripey socks in the video after the break.

Continue reading Cryoscope gadget simulates tomorrow's weather today (video)

Cryoscope gadget simulates tomorrow's weather today (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinodesignforecasthapticheat sinkHeatSinkindustrial designIndustrialDesignpeltier elementPeltierElementRobb GodshawRobbGodshawrochester institute of technologyRochesterInstituteOfTechnologysensationtemperaturetouchvideoweatherweather forecastWeatherForecastMon, 06 Feb 2012 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[ADZero bamboo smartphone prototypes hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/adzero-bamboo-smartphone-prototypes-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/adzero-bamboo-smartphone-prototypes-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/adzero-bamboo-smartphone-prototypes-hands-on/#comments

We were so beguiled by AD's bamboo-bound smartphone that we had to track down the designer to get some hands-on time with these work-in-progress prototypes. We met up with Kieron-Scott Woodhouse (pun unintended) and he offered to bring along several of the latest prototypes for us to get to grips with. While the finished product will arrive in the bamboo material but smoked to the darker finish. The darker model's button layout is also closer to what we can expect on the final device. The ADZero is still set to launch between the end of 2012 and the start of 2013. Sustainable smartphone fans can browse through our gallery below, or read up on the phone's journey -- and our impressions -- right after the break.

Gallery: ADZero bamboo smartphone prototypes hands-on

Continue reading ADZero bamboo smartphone prototypes hands-on (video)

ADZero bamboo smartphone prototypes hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ADAD ZeroAdZeroadzero+bambooadzerobambooBambooBamboo SmartphoneBamboo UnibodyBambooSmartphoneBambooUnibodyBritain is AwesomeBritainIsAwesomeChinaDesignhands-oninterviewKieron-Scott WoodhouseKieron-scottWoodhousemobilepostcrossPrototypeUKvideoFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[ADzero Bamboo cellphone's aiming for the giant Panda market (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/adzero-bamboo-cellphones-aiming-for-the-giant-panda-market-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/adzero-bamboo-cellphones-aiming-for-the-giant-panda-market-vid/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/adzero-bamboo-cellphones-aiming-for-the-giant-panda-market-vid/#comments
This is the ADzero, a smartphone with a four-year old, organically grown bamboo unibody shell. It was designed by British student Kieron-Scott Woodhouse, a final-year product design student at Middlesex University. After his concept designs were spotted online, the 23 year old was approached to help design a real device. The Android-powered phone is built with an eye on sustainability, but isn't scrimping on the technical: its packing a camera with a reportedly unique ring-flash that encircles the lens. It'll be released in China and the UK shortly, with a focus on getting it into the hands of design-focused consumers. After the break we've got a clip of Mr. Woodhouse as he looks to carry on the tradition of world-class British designers.

Continue reading ADzero Bamboo cellphone's aiming for the giant Panda market (video)

ADzero Bamboo cellphone's aiming for the giant Panda market (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AD ZeroAdZeroBambooBamboo SmartphoneBamboo UnibodyBambooSmartphoneBambooUnibodyBritain is AwesomeBritainIsAwesomeChinaDesignKieron-Scott WoodhouseKieron-scottWoodhouseMiddlesex UniversityMiddlesexUniversitymobilepostcrossProduct DesignProductDesignUKUnibodyvideoThu, 02 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Google tells Android devs to kick the menu button to the curb, seriously you guys]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/google-tells-android-devs-to-kick-the-menu-button-to-the-curb/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/google-tells-android-devs-to-kick-the-menu-button-to-the-curb/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/google-tells-android-devs-to-kick-the-menu-button-to-the-curb/#comments Android ActionsIf you've seen Ice Cream Sandwich and the Galaxy Nexus in action, then it should be clear that the menu button has no future in the Android ecosystem. In order to drive that point home, Google has posted over at the Android Developer blog urging app creators to "say goodbye to the menu button." With the until now standard key getting the boot, big G wants devs to start designing interfaces that focus on the ActionBar introduced with Honeycomb. Of course, there's only so much room on the screen, and that's where the "action overflow" button comes in handy. Those vertical elipsis hide useful, but perhaps secondary options, that don't fit in the action bar. It also pops up on the far right of the navigation bar as a replacement to the menu button... basically because it behaves the same as menu, just in a different location. If nothing else at least Google is pushing Android and its apps towards a more uniform design. Check out the source for more details.

Google tells Android devs to kick the menu button to the curb, seriously you guys originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action overflowactionbarActionOverflowandroidandroid 4.0Android4.0designgoogleholoIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichmenu buttonMenuButtonmobilepostcrossSat, 28 Jan 2012 06:28:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's DesignworksUSA, Thermaltake reveal Level 10 M gaming mouse concept]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/bmw-designworks-usa-thermaltake-reveal-level-10-m-gaming-mous/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/bmw-designworks-usa-thermaltake-reveal-level-10-m-gaming-mous/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/bmw-designworks-usa-thermaltake-reveal-level-10-m-gaming-mous/#comments Themaltake and BMW's DesignworksUSA are apparently a design-team match made in PC gaming heaven. After previously partnering up for the elegant (and functional) Level 10 modular PC case, the two are back at it again -- this time with a focus on peripherals. While details are sparse, the Level 10 M mouse concept you're looking at is the first of the bunch to be revealed, and it's said to arrive sometime during the spring. It's not exactly a shoo-in for MadCatz's Rats, but considering the wire and an aggressively breathable design, it's clearly aimed at pro gamers. Sadly, key specs like its DPI rating and details about any macro functionality are currently non-existent, however, it does appear to be of the optical variety -- here's to hoping it'll perform just as awesome as it looks to the eyes, and for now, hit up the press release past the break for a totally vague description.

Continue reading BMW's DesignworksUSA, Thermaltake reveal Level 10 M gaming mouse concept

BMW's DesignworksUSA, Thermaltake reveal Level 10 M gaming mouse concept originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwconceptdesigndesignworksdesignworksusagaminggaming mouseGamingMousehardwarelevel 10Level10m mouseMMousemouseoptical mouseOpticalMousepcpc gamingPcGamingpro gamingProGamingrenderthermal takeThermalTakeTue, 17 Jan 2012 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple files German lawsuit against Samsung, targets Galaxy S II, nine other smartphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/apple-files-another-german-lawsuit-against-samsung-targets-gala/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/apple-files-another-german-lawsuit-against-samsung-targets-gala/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/apple-files-another-german-lawsuit-against-samsung-targets-gala/#comments With patent infringement accusations going every which way in recent months, we're certainly familiar with Apple/Samsung banter in the international arena. Now Apple has thrown yet another punch at the Korean smartphone maker, targeting its Galaxy S II, Galaxy S Plus and eight other handsets, claiming -- yes, you've got it -- patent infringement. The suit was filed in Dusseldorf Regional Court -- the same venue that the company used to target the Galaxy Tab 10.1N, which was created specifically to sidestep a September injunction, also in Germany. It's becoming rather difficult to keep track of all the IP hubbub across the pond, but we'll surely be back with more as soon as the German court has a ruling to share.

Apple files German lawsuit against Samsung, targets Galaxy S II, nine other smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecourtdesignDusseldorfDusseldorf Regional CourtDusseldorfRegionalCourtgalaxygalaxy sgalaxy s iigalaxy s plusgalaxy tabgalaxy tab 10.1galaxy tab 10.1nGalaxySGalaxySIiGalaxySPlusGalaxyTabGalaxyTab10.1GalaxyTab10.1ngermanyillegalioslawsuitlegalpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentssamsungsamsung galaxysamsung galaxy s iisamsung galaxy s plusSamsungGalaxySamsungGalaxySIiSamsungGalaxySPlussuesuitTue, 17 Jan 2012 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Matias Duarte reveals design standards for Android 4.0 at CES 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/google-design-standards-android-4-ice-cream-sandwich/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/google-design-standards-android-4-ice-cream-sandwich/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/google-design-standards-android-4-ice-cream-sandwich/#comments Looking for a little more consistent UI experience with your Android devices? Google is looking to make that happen as the folks in Mountain View has revealed that the upcoming Ice Cream Sandwich OS will be the first Android software to institute design standards for developers. Android Design is a online repository for the UI guidelines and blueprints for version 4.0, which we learned would unify smartphones and tablets back at Google I/O. This set of information should make things all neat and tidy for ICS devices, keeping user interface characteristics a bit more cohesive from app to app. Here, devs will find all the basic info and elements that are native to platform in order to make the best applications possible for the OS. Mr. Duarte warns that if you choose to not follow the style guide, your software will stand out -- and not in a good way. He also quipped that these are indeed guidelines, not mandates. And that they will gain value as more folks adopt them. Yeah, we know... the competition from Cupertino has been doing this for a while now, but a bit more structure in the Android universe certainly won't draw any complaints from us.

Continue reading Google's Matias Duarte reveals design standards for Android 4.0 at CES 2012

Google's Matias Duarte reveals design standards for Android 4.0 at CES 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0Android Ice Cream SandwichAndroid4.0AndroidIceCreamSandwichappapplicationsAppStoreApprovalProcessbreaking newscesces 2012Ces2012designdesign guidelinesdesign standardsDesignGuidelinesDesignStandardsgoogleguidelinesIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichmathias duarteMathiasDuartemobilepostcrosssmartphonessoftbankstandardstabletsUIThu, 12 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Design your own Boeing 787 Dreamliner... but good luck affording one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/design-your-own-boeing-787-dreamliner-but-good-luck-affording/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/design-your-own-boeing-787-dreamliner-but-good-luck-affording/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/design-your-own-boeing-787-dreamliner-but-good-luck-affording/#comments Ever wanted to cruise the friendly skies on a 787 Dreamliner? Ever wanted to do precisely that on a Dreamliner of your own? Fantasies aren't always easy to achieve, but at least a new interactive portal is giving frequent fliers the ability to customize a virtual model of Boeing's new hotness. Of course, if you grow tired of tinkering in the source link, there's always our own hands-on experience to dive into.

P.S. - Drop us a line in comments if you find a 'Buy Now' section that takes The Centurion Card.

Design your own Boeing 787 Dreamliner... but good luck affording one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>787aircraftairlineairplaneboeingdesigndreamlinerplaneThu, 22 Dec 2011 23:43:00 EST<![CDATA[German court's preliminary ruling says Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1N isn't aping the iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/german-courts-preliminary-ruling-says-samsungs-galaxy-tab-10-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/german-courts-preliminary-ruling-says-samsungs-galaxy-tab-10-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/22/german-courts-preliminary-ruling-says-samsungs-galaxy-tab-10-1/#commentsRound a few corners, a bit of nip-tuck and a tossed-on N. Oh, and probably just being sick and tired of the whole ordeal. We're assuming that's the recipe for getting the Cupertino-sourced gorilla off of Samsung's back, as a judge at the district court in Düsseldorf, Germany just issued a preliminary ruling that effectively clears the Galaxy Tab 10.1N from claims that it too mimics the iconic iPad. If you'll recall, the court blocked German sales of the original Tab 10.1 back in September, following Apple's arguments that Sammy's tab just looked too much like the iPad. Not surprisingly, the subtly-redesigned Tab 10.1N still drew fire from Apple's lawyers, but it's looking like they'll be riding home on the losing train this go 'round. A final verdict is expected on February 9th, of which we're sure you'll be resting uneasily on the edge of your seat to hear the result of. Courtroom fever -- catch it!

German court's preliminary ruling says Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1N isn't aping the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecourtdesigngalaxy tabgalaxy tab 10.1galaxy tab 10.1nGalaxyTabGalaxyTab10.1GalaxyTab10.1ngermanyillegalioslawsuitlegalsamsungsuesuittrade dressingTradeDressingtrademarkThu, 22 Dec 2011 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple alleges more Samsung IP infringement in Oz over copycat tablet and phone cases]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/apple-alleges-more-samsung-patent-infringement-in-oz-over-copyca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/apple-alleges-more-samsung-patent-infringement-in-oz-over-copyca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/apple-alleges-more-samsung-patent-infringement-in-oz-over-copyca/#commentsIn case you hadn't heard, relations between Apple and Samsung aren't exactly peachy keen these days. Their global legal conflict has been particularly fierce in the land down under, and it seems Apple just poured a bit more gas on the fire by alleging that Sammy's infringing its designs for tablet and phone cases. According to Bloomberg, Cupertino informed the Australian court of its latest legal allegations in a hearing in which it was attempting to push back the case's March trial date. Apple's already issued a notice of this newly alleged infringement to the Korean company, and a statement of its new claims is forthcoming, so details of the infringed-upon IP aren't yet available. What we do know is that it looks like Samsung's attorneys in Oz just got a lot more work to do over the holidays.

Apple alleges more Samsung IP infringement in Oz over copycat tablet and phone cases originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessoryappleaustraliacasecasesdesigndesign patentDesignPatentinfringementintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyiplawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentssamsungTue, 20 Dec 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Google launches revamped doodle website, store, self-celebration ensues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/google-launches-revamped-doodle-website-store-self-celebration/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/google-launches-revamped-doodle-website-store-self-celebration/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/google-launches-revamped-doodle-website-store-self-celebration/#comments
Google is inviting users to take a trip down Memory Lane, with a new web archive on one of its most celebrated traditions -- the Google doodle. Last week, the search giant unveiled a revamped doodle website, replete with an interactive gallery of over 1,000 homepage designs from around the world. On the new site, users can browse, watch or play with any of Google's myriad doodles, all of which are organized by date and location. Die-hard doodle-heads, meanwhile, can commemorate their love with a customized t-shirt, coffee mug, or any other completely embarrassing stocking stuffer, available at Google's new "Doodle on Demand" store. Check it out for yourself, at the links below.

Google launches revamped doodle website, store, self-celebration ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archivedesigndoodledoodle on demandDoodleOnDemandgooglegoogle doodleGoogleDoodlegraphicshistoryhomepageinteractivemoneymountain viewMountainViewsalesearchstoret-shirtwebMon, 19 Dec 2011 04:02:00 EST