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What we bought: The Outin Portable Espresso Machine keeps me caffeinated anywhere
It's a self-contained, mobile espresso maker that makes three shots of glorious hot bean juice at a time, wherever I am. No more standing in line at the 'Bucks.
The barista-approved gear you need to recreate the coffee shop at home
Now you too can create cafe-quality coffee at home.
The best espresso machine, grinder and accessories for beginners
By Cale Guthrie Weissman This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After putting in more than 60 hours of research, we enlisted a former barista, aided by Stumptown Coffee's education crew, to test five espresso machines, four grinders, and a dozen accessories to find the best beginner's espresso setup for less than $1,000. We recommend starting with the Breville Infuser espresso machine, because it makes pulling consistently great-tasting espresso shots easier and more approachable than the other machines we tested. It also comes with all of the accessories you need to get started.
TextSpresso machine brews caffeinated goodness via text messaging (video)
The folks at Zipwhip may have unwittingly discovered a new business model. While the company is primarily focused on cloud messaging services, it's recently created an espresso maker that allows employees to whip up custom brews from the comfort of their mobile phone. Known as TextSpresso, it's based on the Jura Impressa XS90, but unlike the retail model, the machine accepts orders via SMS. As if that weren't enough, it's part of a larger system that's capable of printing employee names onto the foam (using edible ink) and then placing the drink onto a warming tray. TextSpresso is very much a custom job, but if you'd like an inside peek of the system -- complete with servo motors, an Arduino microcontroller and a retro-fitted Canon printer -- be sure to hop the break and dream of what could be.
Augen demos new family of caffeine-inspired tablets, teases dual-booting Android and Ubuntu slate
It's baaack! Yep, that up there is Augen's next version of its Gentouch 78 (you know, the Kmart tablet) -- henceforth known as the Gentouch Latte. But Augen isn't stopping there, it has a few more tablet treats coming, and we got a chance to check 'em out in Vegas. Hit the break for the lowdown on the company's four new tablets and don't forget to stop on by the gallery below to peruse the hands-on shots. %Gallery-113668%
Augen Android tablet bonanza: Espresso Doppio dual boots Ubuntu, Firma packs magical pen powers
Whoa there Augen, you may want to slow down on the artificial sweeteners. Stealing a page from Archos, the company that brought us that unforgettable $150 Kmart tablet is prepping six (yes, half a dozen!) Android 2.2 "Espresso" / "Latte" tablets to launch before the end of the year, and while some are your run-of-the-mill pads at this point, the Espresso Doppio and the Espresso Firma are all sorts of mind blowing. The $599.99 10.2-inch Doppio has a 1024x768-resolution capacitive touchscreen, an accelerometer, 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 CPU, and a 3 megapixel front facing cam, but most interestingly, it'll dual boot Android and some version of Ubuntu. But it gets even zanier -- it comes with a dock that has a backlit keyboard, multitouch trackpad, and a 160GB hard drive. And apparently both components contain separate 6000mAh batteries, which should bring the runtime up to 15 hours. Bold, indeed. The Firma, on the other hand, is priced at $349.99, but seems like a science project at this point. According to the company, it will come with a "magical wand" or ink pen that'll be able to write on regular paper, but instantly bring that handwriting to the 7-inch resistive tablet. It's evidently using RF technology with some sort of proprietary software. To say we're intrigued would be an understatement, but, of course, with the company's history we'd say we're somewhat skeptical. Obviously, Augen's got more affordable and realistic options scattered throughout the lines. There's the $199 7-inch resistive touch Latte, which in all honesty doesn't sound all that different from the original Gentouch 78, though there is an included stylus and 2GB of storage. However, the $249.99 Latte Grande steps it up with an 800MHz CPU, 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, accelerometer and an ambient light sensor. The rest of the Espresso line is a lot stronger (pun sadly intended!) -- each have 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 / A9 processors, capacitive screens and accelerometers. The entry level $349.99 7-inch Espresso will have a Cortex A9 processor, 8GB of memory, and a 3 megapixel front facing camera, while the $429.99 10.2-inch Espresso Dolce gets a larger 1024x768-resolution screen, but drops down to an A8 CPU. We understand that it's a lot to digest, but there's always the press release and renders below to help you make more sense of this highly caffeinated company.%Gallery-104532%
Xerox to sell on-demand Espresso Book Machines to retailers who sell books to people (video)
When we got our first glimpse of the Espresso Book Machine from On Demand Books we were of course thoroughly charmed by the Rube Goldberg nature of the thing, but were left feeling unconvinced of the practicality of it -- would people really pay money for custom-printed physical copies of classic books they can download for free? Is it really a viable choice for self-publishing? We may be skeptics, but Xerox is a believer, putting its reseller weight behind the machine (which uses not one but two of the company's printers internally), selling, leasing, and servicing the things through its retail connections. This means Espressos could start showing up more frequently at bookstores and perhaps even coffee shops early next year. Until then, watch the magic happen after the break.
Racespresso racing helmet / espresso machine might've been Top Gear's The Stig, after all
Turns out he survived driving off the HMS Invincible -- and didn't spill a single drop. The suped-up Jaguar? Still not so lucky.
T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide review
Like it or not, T-Mobile has now officially turned its myTouch brand into an entire franchise, thanks to the addition of a second model and an entire line of styled accessories -- but it's not just about the hardware. Far from it, in fact: with the myTouch 3G Slide, the carrier has actually built a custom skin on top of HTC's Sense for Android 2.1, and all kidding aside, this phone represents one of the deepest carrier-customized experiences we've ever seen. Seeing how this phone arguably represents the true successor to the G1 -- T-Mobile's (and the world's) first retail Android device -- it's pretty important that they get this right, particularly considering how critical it is for a carrier's bottom line to capitalize on the meaty, profitable midrange of its smartphone lineup. Does the myTouch 3G Slide live up to the G1's good name? Read on. %Gallery-93991%
T-Mobile signed up for HTC Espresso, new Garmin phone in first half of the year?
Bringing the mighty HD2 on board is already quite a win for T-Mobile USA, but the fun doesn't stop there -- clearly these guys must have some other exclusives in the works, and TmoNews is noticing a tip trend toward a couple specific devices. First up, the phone we've heard rumored as the HTC Espresso is said to be coming to Big Magenta (we just made that up, you like it?) as either the myTouch 2 or myTouch Slide. Why "Slide," you ask? Well, there'll apparently be some sort of QWERTY keyboard in tow -- which, if true, hopefully means the carrier will be getting its non-QWERTY Android love from somewhere else. Next, T-Mobile is said to be working with Garmin (or Garmin-Asus, as it were) on a handset, something that would make perfect sense considering that we just saw an AWS-compliant device from those guys in the FCC. In terms of timing, we're rumored to be looking at May for both of these -- but considering how rarely these dates stay steady this far in advance, we wouldn't even raise an eyebrow if they slipped into the second half.
HTC Sense UI dragged from HTC Espresso and dropped on Motorola Droid
The unannounced HTC Espresso's version of Sense UI has found its way its way on to the Droid -- and if you're feeling brave, you can pop over there and grab what you need to get it running. To start your trip to the land of glassy icons and new menu bar, you'll need to have your set rooted first, then -- with that out of the way -- hit the read link for everything else you'll need to do. Of course we'd recommend you read the thread before you get to it -- a bricked set is hardly worth the addition of a few new icons, after all. Please let us know how you make out.
HTC Espresso's updated Sense UI shown off on video
We'd been itching for some video of the mysterious HTC Espresso's updated Sense UI ever since we saw those intriguing screenshots last week, and here we go: a leaked version of the ROM has been hacked onto a Hero and given a run-through. Overall, things seem to be slightly cleaner all around, and that new launcher bar at the bottom looks quite handy, but we're still not totally sold on those translucent app icon surrounds. CES is right around the corner (and MWC is right after that) so we're hoping to find out more soon -- check the video after the break for now. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
HTC Espresso's revised Sense UI spotted?
Among the seemingly thousands of Android-powered HTC handsets rumored for the first half of 2010, little is known of the mysterious Espresso -- the codename was found in a 2.1 ROM and a sketchy report claims that it'll have a QWERTY keyboard for an MWC announcement, but other than that, we're in the dark. Anyhow, Italian site hdblog.it now claims to have some shots ripped off the Espresso's display, and at a glance, you can tell this isn't quite the Sense we're used to from the Hero. The bar along the bottom now features direct access to People -- a feature we'd already heard would be revised for HTC's next round of Android phones -- and app icons have apparently been graced with translucent surrounds that are... well, not exactly pretty. We've got to keep our opinions in check until we actually see a shipping ROM, of course, so hopefully those talks of an MWC unveiling in February pan out.
Espresso 1.1 arrives with 11-day giveaway
MacRabbit's Espresso has been updated to version 1.1, and along with it, the company is offering a contest where you can win a copy of the web development software for yourself and a friend. Version 1.0 was released back in March. The contest takes on a nagging subject with a sense of humor. MacRabbit is challenging contestants to come up with witty "Buy Now" messages for the demo version of Espresso. Submissions can be sent via Twitter or e-mail. Espresso 1.1 includes a revamped workspace, image preview, an improved projects organizer and other various improvements. You can find a complete list of changes here. Espresso costs 59.95€ (nearly $88 USD) on its own, 49.95€ (a little more than $73 USD) for those who already own CSSEdit 2, and 79.90€ ($117 USD) if you want to purchase it with a copy of CSSEdit2. Espresso can be used in a full-featured trial mode for 15 days and requires OS X 10.5 or higher.
HTC Passion runs Android on 3.5-inch OLED and Snapdragon in Verizon's early 2010?
Ever since the WinMo-powered HTC HD2 started to drip, drip onto our pages in the form of leaked images and details, we've been asking ourselves one question: where's the Android version? And while we've heard whispers of a supposed Snapdragon-based Dragon device running Android ever since early October, we're left to rely on Motorola's Droid / Milestone to fulfill our Android 2.0 dreams this holiday season. And if DigiTimes is correct, that picture likely won't change until early 2010. Taiwanese DigiTimes' sources have its Taiwan-based neighbor launching its Passion handset running Android 2.0 (or even 2.1 by then) on a 1GHz Snapdragon chipset with 3.5-inch multitouch OLED display sometime in early 2010 (not 2009 as previously tipped) as HTC continues to tweak the device's software. And if previous rumors are true then this CDMA variant of Dragon will be making its debut on Verizon at that time. DigiTimes' sources also claim that HTC will announce a QWERTY-toting Android device, possibly named Espresso, at the huge Mobile World Congress event in February. Of course, all this is rumor for now so hold tight as HTC's roadmap unfolds.
Huge stash of HTC Android codenames found within 2.1 ROM
You know that leaked HTC Sense ROM with Android 2.1 underneath? Well, somebody did some digging and found a wild stack of HTC Android handset codenames buried within. It starts in the realm of the familiar, with mentions of Dragon, Passion, Dream and Hero, but then it starts to get a little wild. Here's the full list: Bahamas, Bravo, DesireC, Dragon, Dream, Espresso, Halo, HeroCT, HeroC, Hero, Huangshan, Incredible, Legend, Liberty, Memphis, Paradise, PassionC, Passion, Sapphire and Supersonic. Pretty wild, right? There's no telling what exactly this list implies, other than the fact that Passion and Dragon are indeed on the books, and that HTC's naming department can really let the superlatives fly, but we're sure all will be made clear over the next year or two.
Video: Espresso Book Machine now serving 3.6 million books, thanks Google
Not sure how, but a deal with Google that gives On Demand Books access to an additional 2 million public-domain books slipped by us last week. On Demand Books, you'll recall, is the company behind the Espresso Book Machine -- an ATM, of sorts, for printing digital books. The machine prints, binds, and trims a single paperback-quality book with full-color cover in just a few minutes. So fast, in fact, that it's been captured in the 2 minute and 31 second video after the break. Mmm, candy.[Thanks, Raphael C.] Read [Warning: PDF]
Philips serves up two new Senseo brewmakers at IFA, still won't dethrone Starbucks
It's been a full year since we asked if a few off-the-wall renders were indicative of Philips' next-generation Senseo, but at long last, the next in the long line of successful coffee making machines has come to light. Seven years after the first Senseo hit the scenes, the heralded machine will finally be made available in a new "square shape," with the appropriately named Quadrante doing everything a Senseo does but with edges rather than contours. Said machine will be available in Dark Stroke Black and Bright Style White, while the limited edition version by Marcel Wanders -- which hearkens back to the classic design -- spices things up with some fancy sequins atop a translucent red or translucent grey finish. For the java lovers in attendance, feel free to give the read links below a once over, and be sure to raise a glass to us while you're at it. [Warning: PDF read links]Read - Philips Senseo QuadranteRead - Philips limited edition Senseo
mypressi TWIST gives espresso addicts an easier way to indulge
You know the story -- your daily craving for a shot of espresso hits right around 7:30AM local time, and if you don't have it in your grasp by 0800 hours, you're likely visiting the slammer for at least a day or two for barista battery. In a beautiful effort to keep addicts far away from prisons and ever closer to their productivity machines, Espressi has unveiled the mypressi TWIST, which is described as a truly portable espresso maker that delivers top-notch goods without the wait. The secret to the one-pound device is the pneumatic engine that provides constant pressure throughout the extraction cycle, and we're told that a single CO2 cartridge can provide around eight shots. It'll hit American shores this fall for $129 -- 'til then, it's on you to keep a local shop on retainer.[Via Single Serve Expresso]
Changes moves to 1.5, adds new features, gives TUAW readers a discount
Changes.app, the ultimate Mac application used to track changes in folders and text files, was recently updated to version 1.5. This new version easily integrates with Coda, Espresso, BBEdit, TextWrangler, and TextMate. When you launch Changes, you will be able to install plug-ins directly into those application right from the Changes menu item. There is a new HUD (Heads Up Display) that allows you to view changes from within the supported applications. Changes can also interface with Subversion, CVS, Perforce, Mercurial, Git, Bazaar, and Darcs for versioning control. With this new version, there is also built-in AppleScript support.Even if you're not a developer, or don't use the applications or versioning control systems that are mentioned, you can still find Changes to be useful. Anyone, not just developers, may find it useful to be able to look for differences between two support files or folders. You can download a 15-day free trial of Changes from their website. Single-user licenses are $49.95 each. Special Promo CodeIf you are planning on purchasing Changes, you can use our special promo code to get $10 (US) off the purchase of any license type. Just type in TUAWCHANGES15 at checkout. This special offer is good through April 15th, 2009.
