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[iPads replaced with clay, sold to unsuspecting Canadians]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/ipads-replaced-with-clay-sold-by-retailer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/ipads-replaced-with-clay-sold-by-retailer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/ipads-replaced-with-clay-sold-by-retailer/#comments That fuzzy sensation we get when unboxing a new toy gadget is the fuel that keeps us going at Engadget. A feeling a few unlucky Canadian's were deprived of, after buying what they believed to be an iPad 2 actually turned out to be a slab of clay. In a calculated scam, crooks purchased real iPads, replaced them with terra-cotta tablets, then returned them to the store in re-sealed boxes. The fakes then found their way back on to the shelves, and into customer's baskets. It was Mark Sandhu who first reported the incident after gifting his wife something a little too slate-like on Christmas Eve. Initially Future Shop wouldn't refund Sandhu, possibly believing him to be the scammer; it was only after taking the story to CTV, and up to ten other cases coming to light -- including some from Best Buy -- that the retailer took the claim seriously. Future Shop has since issued a refund, and given Mark a real iPad 2 for his troubles. Next time, he might want to try an official retailer -- or not.

iPads replaced with clay, sold to unsuspecting Canadians originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebest buyBestBuycanadaclayclay ipadclay ipad 2ClayIpadClayIpad2fakefake ipadFakeIpadfuture shopFutureShopipad 2Ipad2scamvancouverWed, 18 Jan 2012 21:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Windows Phone spotted, Nokia Sun on the horizon?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/another-windows-phone-spotted-nokia-sun-on-the-horizon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/another-windows-phone-spotted-nokia-sun-on-the-horizon/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/another-windows-phone-spotted-nokia-sun-on-the-horizon/#comments

It's getting increasingly difficult to pin down exactly how many Nokia Windows Phones we can expect to see this year, now that the French WinPho obsessives at Mon Windows Phone have added the Nokia Sun to that list. The site got its hands on the vague screengrab above, which shows this mystery phone joining Orange France's ranks of forthcoming devices. With names like the SeaRay and Sabre already being bandied around, the Sun does fit in with Nokia's naming trend for Mango handsets, although it could be another name for previously leaked hardware. The accompanying spec sheet, meanwhile, hints at a very N9-esque device with an AMOLED screen, eight megapixel camera, polycarbonate shell, and (perhaps) a Micro SIM slot -- all centered around a slightly smaller display. Who knows, maybe this is the anonymous (and possibly fake) phone we saw last month? All bets are on the table at this point, but with Nokia World set to kick off in a few weeks, we shouldn't have to wait long for an answer. We'll be there to sniff out all the details on the Finnish colossus' Windows Phone offerings -- however many they decide to shower us with.

Another Windows Phone spotted, Nokia Sun on the horizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 megapixel8MegapixelAMOLEDfakeleakMicro SIMmicroSIMMicrosoftmobilepostminiNokiaNokia Sunnokia windows phoneNokia WP7NokiaSunNokiaWindowsPhoneNokiaWp7Orangeorange franceOrangeFrancesabreSeaRayvideoWindows Phone 7windows phone 7.5Windows Phone MangoWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7.5WindowsPhoneMangoWP7Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Chinese Nokia N9 makes but minor sacrifices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/keepin-it-real-fake-chinese-nokia-n9-makes-but-minor-sacrifice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/keepin-it-real-fake-chinese-nokia-n9-makes-but-minor-sacrifice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/keepin-it-real-fake-chinese-nokia-n9-makes-but-minor-sacrifice/#comments Chinese rip-off merchants have been crafting N9s since before the handset even existed and by now they're pretty good at it. This latest bogie comes in at just $64 -- way cheaper than a genuine budget smartphone -- but it still manages to pack in dual SIM slots, a mock iPhone UI and a resistive touchscreen that gives you the ergonomic pleasure of pressing everything three times. Sure, we have a few misgivings about the lack of functioning apps and the blurry 1.3MP rear camera, but then even the N-Man himself has the occasional phony moment.

Update: We switched the pic to show you the iOS version, rather than the mock Sense variant depicted earlier. Yes, it seems you do get a choice.

Keepin' it real fake: Chinese Nokia N9 makes but minor sacrifices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcheapfakekirfmobilepostcrossn9Nokianokia n9NokiaN9phonyresistiveresistive touchscreenResistiveTouchscreenrip-offFri, 30 Sep 2011 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple strikes settlement with NYC vendors accused of selling counterfeit products]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/apple-strikes-settlement-with-nyc-vendors-accused-of-selling-cou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/apple-strikes-settlement-with-nyc-vendors-accused-of-selling-cou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/apple-strikes-settlement-with-nyc-vendors-accused-of-selling-cou/#comments Remember that lawsuit Apple filed against a pair of Queens stores accused of selling fake iDevice accessories? Well, it looks like it's coming to a close. According to Reuters, Cupertino has reached a settlement with the two Chinatown-area retailers, both of which have agreed to hand over all products emblazoned with the Apple name or logo. If the settlement is approved, the two vendors, Fun Zone and Apple Story, will have five days to clear all counterfeit iPod and iPhone accessories from their inventories, along with any allegedly trademark-infringing promotional materials. The defendants, who maintain their innocence, would also be barred from destroying any records of sales, manufacturing or distribution of the unauthorized cases and headphones -- presumably as part of Apple's ongoing crusade against counterfeiters. Apple Story, meanwhile, would have to change its name, which bears an obvious similarity to another well-known outlet. The proposed settlement was filed with a Brooklyn District Court on Thursday and now awaits the approval of US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto. Neither Apple nor the defendants have commented on the case.

Apple strikes settlement with NYC vendors accused of selling counterfeit products originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesallegationsappleapple storyAppleStorycounterfeitcounterfeiterscourtfakeflushingfun zoneFunZoneideviceinfringementiphoneipodknock offKnockOfflawlawsuitnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynycqueenssettlementtrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementvendorFri, 16 Sep 2011 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[WikiLeaks cables shed light on Apple's battle against counterfeit wares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/wikileaks-cables-shed-light-on-apples-battle-against-counterfei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/wikileaks-cables-shed-light-on-apples-battle-against-counterfei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/wikileaks-cables-shed-light-on-apples-battle-against-counterfei/#comments Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but if you're Rolex, Gucci or Apple, you probably aren't very interested in being flattered. Due to Apple's intense popularity, an entire industry has arisen that thrives on knocking off the iconic wares Designed in Cupertino. We've seen plenty in our day, and while it may strike some as if Apple's doing absolutely nothing to curtail the aping, a new WikiLeaks release confirms otherwise. According to an electronic memo from the Beijing embassy dated September 2008, Apple began to put obvious and deliberate pressure on China to act against businesses who were copying its wares a few years back. As it turns out, knocking out the knockoffs isn't exactly high on China's list of governmental priorities, and progress on halting the KIRF extravaganza has been sluggish at best. The entire story is quite the exhausting read, but it's worth delving into if you're curious -- per usual, you can get educated in the links below.

WikiLeaks cables shed light on Apple's battle against counterfeit wares originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleasiachinacounterfeitcounterfeitingfakeiosipadiphoneJohn TheriaultJohnTheriaultKIRFknock offKnockOffleakleakspiracyrip offRipOffwikileaksThu, 01 Sep 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple cracks down on counterfeit products sold in NYC, files lawsuit against Queens vendors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/apple-cracks-down-on-counterfeit-products-sold-in-nyc-files-law/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/apple-cracks-down-on-counterfeit-products-sold-in-nyc-files-law/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/apple-cracks-down-on-counterfeit-products-sold-in-nyc-files-law/#comments There may be more than a few fake Apple Stores in China, but for the moment, Cupertino's anti-KIRF crusade seems focused squarely on New York City. According to Reuters, Apple has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against two stores in Queens, alleging that they sold unauthorized cases, headphones and other accessories for the iPhone, iPad and iPod. In the complaint, the company claims that the products in question were all emblazoned with its familiar fruit logo, along with the phrase, "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." The suit also demands that one of the stores, called Apple Story (seriously), change its name to avoid confusion with the real retail outlet and that both vendors disclose full lists of people who both supplied and purchased the goods.

It all began when company representatives visited the Chinatown-area stores on "multiple occasions over several weeks," where they bought and examined the items, described in court records as "exact duplicates" of their authentic counterparts. On July 27th, Apple executed a few ex parte seizure warrants, which allowed authorities to seize any goods bearing its logo. US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto has already granted an injunction to stop the stores from selling the alleged knockoffs, but hasn't yet decided whether Apple Story will have to change its name. The complaint also seeks undisclosed monetary damages and asks that all existing counterfeit goods be destroyed, though court documents suggest that both sides are close to reaching a deal. Neither Apple nor the defendants have commented on the accusations, but we'll let you know as soon as we learn more.

In the meantime, check out this KIRF "iPhone 5" we found in Beijing -- a Java-powered handset that's slimmer than the Galaxy S II and a bit laggy, but boasts a multitouch capacitive screen. Asking price? ¥680, or about $106.

Gallery: Keepin' it real fake: slim 'iPhone 5' shows up in Beijing

Apple cracks down on counterfeit products sold in NYC, files lawsuit against Queens vendors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesallegationsappleapple storeapple storyAppleStoreAppleStorybeijingbrooklyncasechinatowncomplaintcounterfeitcourtcupertinofakeflushinghands onhands-onHandsOnheadphoneheadphonesipadiphoneiphone 5Iphone5ipodkirfKiyo MatsumotoKiyoMatsumotoknockofflawlawsuitmultitouchmultitouch capacitiveMultitouchCapacitivenew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityqueensseizuretrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementwarrantFri, 19 Aug 2011 04:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nokia WP7 handsets either leaked or faked, it's hard to tell (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/new-nokia-wp7-handsets-either-leaked-or-faked-its-hard-to-tell/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/new-nokia-wp7-handsets-either-leaked-or-faked-its-hard-to-tell/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/new-nokia-wp7-handsets-either-leaked-or-faked-its-hard-to-tell/#comments This is a tricky one. You're looking at a grab from a slightly shaky video that was emailed to Jay Montano and MyNokiaBlog. The tipster claimed to be a Microsoft insider, but used a .ovi email address. The video itself certainly looks polished, although it culls a couple of bits of footage from marketing clips that have been out for a while, including a futuristic segment from a Microsoft Office Labs promo. It's either a genuine leak revealing new handsets that look substantially different to the Sea Ray, or it's one of those silly Nokia-style manufactured leaks, or -- very possibly -- it's just a nicely edited bit of fakery from a fan. But, whoever made it, we think they have some style.

Continue reading New Nokia WP7 handsets either leaked or faked, it's hard to tell (video)

New Nokia WP7 handsets either leaked or faked, it's hard to tell (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fakeleakMicrosoftNokiaNokia WP7NokiaWp7SeaRayvideoWindows Phone 7WindowsPhone7WP7Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Two more fake Apple Stores spotted by officials in China, two get the smackdown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/two-more-fake-apple-stores-spotted-by-officials-in-china-two-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/two-more-fake-apple-stores-spotted-by-officials-in-china-two-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/two-more-fake-apple-stores-spotted-by-officials-in-china-two-ge/#comments Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but that didn't go down too well with the three KIRF Apple Stores in Kunming, China. In fact, after American expat BirdAbroad made her local stores famous last week, local officials have since been combing through the city's 300-plus gadget shops on behalf of Apple China, and managed to dig up two more "Apple" stores. It's not exactly clear if these new offenders are at the same severity as the ones spotted by BirdAbroad, but the authorities have confirmed that none of the five stores are Apple Authorised Resellers, let alone having its permission to use its logo on their store front.

Additionally, two out of the five stores have since been shut down due to unlicensed retail operation. The fate of the remaining three is still unknown -- the officials have only concluded that no KIRF products have been found in the stores, though details such as the decor and staff uniform are certainly very similar to those of the real deal. Well, we're glad they agree, but this is only just the beginning -- BirdAbroad has since gathered photos of more sketchy Apple stores across the world, so go take a gander. Oh, and for those who have been out of the loop, there's a hands-on video of one of the Kunming stores after the break.

Continue reading Two more fake Apple Stores spotted by officials in China, two get the smackdown

Two more fake Apple Stores spotted by officials in China, two get the smackdown originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple storeAppleStorechinacounterfeitfakekirfKunmingstorevideoweirdMon, 25 Jul 2011 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The ultimate KIRF: fake Apple Store spotted in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/the-ultimate-kirf-fake-apple-store-spotted-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/the-ultimate-kirf-fake-apple-store-spotted-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/the-ultimate-kirf-fake-apple-store-spotted-in-china/#comments

This Apple Store looks so real we still can't quite believe it isn't. The KIRF-ers have excelled themselves this time: mimicking or at least reinventing everything from the Brave New World posters down to the dog-tags and "We live here" demeanor worn by the staff. There were a few giveaways, however, which led observant blogger BirdAbroad to whip out her camera and start gathering evidence: slight imperfections in the decor, a lack of individual names on staff badges, plus an unlikely location in the Chinese Backwaterville of Kunming. Hey Apple, we feel your pain. You'll find further unbelievable pics after the break and over at BirdAbroad's blog.

Continue reading The ultimate KIRF: fake Apple Store spotted in China

The ultimate KIRF: fake Apple Store spotted in China originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple storeAppleStorechinacounterfeitfakekirfKunmingstoreweirdWed, 20 Jul 2011 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Groupon offers KIRF iPad for $248, proves it's the best deals site in the universe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/groupon-offers-kirf-ipad-for-248-proves-its-the-best-deals-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/groupon-offers-kirf-ipad-for-248-proves-its-the-best-deals-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/groupon-offers-kirf-ipad-for-248-proves-its-the-best-deals-si/#comments Why does one thumb its nose at a $6 billion offer from Google? 'Cause you can make a mighty fine sum from hawking Android-equipped KIRF iPads, apparently.

Groupon offers KIRF iPad for $248, proves it's the best deals site in the universe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecomedyfakefunnygrouponipadkirfknockoffon saleOnSalesalevoxcomweirdFri, 15 Jul 2011 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/shenzhen-mobile-phone-market-going-deeper-inside-huaqiangbei/#comments It's safe to say that most of our readers are accustomed to phone shops that are well lit, fairly spacious, and not peppered with KIRF products. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to take a dip in the deep end of the pool, then Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district should satisfy your strange curiosity. As we've shown you in our previous trip, our gadget paradise covers an extensive range of products, including phones, computers, cameras, all the way down to circuitry components like LEDs, chips, and resistors. Our latest discovery, however, is an entire building dedicated to mostly mobile phone products. Read on to find out what this madness is all about -- a video tour awaits after the break.

Gallery: Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei

Continue reading Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei

Shenzhen mobile phone market: going deeper inside Huaqiangbei originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorycellphonechinacomponentcultureexportfakefeaturedfeaturesgadget marketGadgetMarketgray marketGrayMarketgrey marketGreyMarkethong kongHongKonghuaqiangbeiimportkirfmarketmobile phoneMobilePhonepartphonerepairshanzhaishenzhenshenzhen phone marketshenzhen+huaqiangbeishenzhen+mobile+marketshenzhen+mobile+phoneshenzhen+mobile+phone+marketshenzhen+phone+marketshenzhenhuaqiangbeishenzhenmobilemarketshenzhenmobilephoneshenzhenmobilephonemarketshenzhenphonemarketsmartphonesparetablettourtravelvideovisitworkshopYuanwangYuanwang Digital Mallyuanwang+mallYuanwangDigitalMallyuanwangmallWed, 15 Jun 2011 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: a Nintendo DS Lite that gets it (mostly) DS right]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/keepin-it-real-fake-a-nintendo-ds-lite-that-gets-it-mostly-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/keepin-it-real-fake-a-nintendo-ds-lite-that-gets-it-mostly-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/keepin-it-real-fake-a-nintendo-ds-lite-that-gets-it-mostly-d/#comments The death of Nintendo's DS Lite getting you down? Good news: it may have long ago been eclipsed by the DSi and 3DS, but the svelte portable system is still being made -- by someone, somewhere. And you can get a pretty good price on the thing, if you don't mind a few flaws -- like the above bootleg picked up a 1UP editor who though he was getting the real deal from eBay. As soon as the thing arrived in a corrugated cardboard box with pixelated text, it was clear that he had been KIRFed -- hardcore. On top of the aforementioned packaging red flags, the portable has some minor cosmetic flaws, like discoloration, a pockmarked surface, and uneven rubber pads. What's really amazing about this DS, however, is what its manufacturers got right -- it plays DS and GBA games, including, fittingly, pirated titles. The police have reportedly called Wario in for questioning.

Keepin' it real fake: a Nintendo DS Lite that gets it (mostly) DS right originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootlegdsds liteDsLiteeBayfakegamingkirfnintendonintendo dsnintendo ds liteNintendoDsNintendoDsLiteportable gamingPortableGamingWed, 11 May 2011 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-sony-ngp-with-xbox-360-livery-shows-up-in/#comments Look away now, Kaz, because it looks like this KIRF NGP is on track to beat the real deal to market. Known as the iReadyGo RG on Chinese forum CNGBA, this shameless rip-off is set to be a near-carbon copy of Sony's upcoming console with the same 5-inch touchscreen, though it isn't clear whether this will also be of OLED nature or of identical resolution. Other differences include the missing touchpad on the back, as well as the buttons' color scheme that's no doubt "inspired" by the Xbox 360 controller. The rest of the rumored specs include a 1GHz Cortex-A8 CPU, 720p camera, HDMI-out, and video playback compatibility for MP4, WMV, AVI, and many more. But what's most interesting is that apparently we'll be seeing some Android love here, and indeed, iReadyGo is currently recruiting six senior Android developers. No word on pricing or availability yet, but we'll probably wait for Sony's quad-core offering, thank you very much. Head past the break for a shot of the RG's glossy back.

[Thanks, rrw]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China

Keepin' it real fake: Sony NGP with Xbox 360 livery shows up in China originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pA8AndroidChinaCortex-A8fakegaminghandheldhandheld consolehandheld gamingHandheldConsoleHandheldGamingHDMIiReadyGokeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakeKIRFNGPPSPsanzhaishanzhaiSonySony NGPSonyNgpThu, 05 May 2011 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikon Image Authentication Software validates Photoshop phonies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/nikon-image-authentication-software-validates-photoshop-phonies/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/nikon-image-authentication-software-validates-photoshop-phonies/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/nikon-image-authentication-software-validates-photoshop-phonies/#comments It's hard to believe that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Apple man Steve Jobs would get all giggly over a Granny Smith, and that's for good reason: that apple's about as phony as this tiny iPhone. According to a Russian security firm, however, Nikon's Image Authentication Software would tell you otherwise. This rendering is one of a handful used to demonstrate a flaw in the camera maker's image verification system. Programs like Nikon's apply an encrypted signature to image files at the time they are captured, and overwrite those signatures when a file is altered, allowing for verification of a photograph's integrity. According to ElcomSoft, the firm exposed a flaw in the system used by Nikon, as well as a similar program employed by Canon's DSLRs, that allowed them to extract the signature key from a camera and apply it to phonies like the one above. According to the outfit, neither company has responded to its findings. For more funny fakes, including a shot of Mike Tyson rocking an Angry Birds tattoo, check out the source link below.

Nikon Image Authentication Software validates Photoshop phonies originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Canondigitaldigital cameradigital photographyDigitalCameraDigitalPhotographyDSLRElcomSoftfailfakeflawImage AuthenticationImage Authentication SoftwareImageAuthenticationImageAuthenticationSoftwareNikonNikon Image AuthenticationNikon Image Authentication SoftwareNikonImageAuthenticationNikonImageAuthenticationSoftwarephotographphotographyFri, 29 Apr 2011 01:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Windows Phone 7 debuts in China]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-windows-phone-7-debuts-in-china/#comments If smartphone platforms are legitimized by a KIRF manufacturer's tenacity to rip them off, then Windows Phone has truly arrived. Today we're looking at a larger than life "HTC"-branded knock-off of the Omnia 7, replete with an 800 x 480 4.8-inch (!) capacitive touchscreen and 1GHz Snapdragon processor. Given the massive size of this phone, there's plenty of room for features, which include Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS connectivity, along with a five megapixel camera, dual-SIMs and two microSD slots (for up to 32GB storage). Whew. Impressive specs aside, the device comes saddled with Windows Mobile 6.5 -- which has been heavily modified to resemble WP7's tile interface. There's no word yet on pricing -- just ask someone selling phones on a blanket the next time you're in Shenzhen, okay?

Keepin' it real fake: Windows Phone 7 debuts in China originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesefakehtckeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffOmniaomnia 7Omnia7samsungsamsung omnia 7SamsungOmnia7Shenzhenwindows mobile 6.5Windows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsMobile6.5WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Nckia's N-Gage knockoff harkens back to a simpler, side-talkin' era]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/keepin-it-real-fake-nckias-n-gage-knockoff-harkens-back-to-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/keepin-it-real-fake-nckias-n-gage-knockoff-harkens-back-to-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/keepin-it-real-fake-nckias-n-gage-knockoff-harkens-back-to-a/#comments Imagine a world where Nokia's N-Gage is the mobile platform of choice -- there's no iOS, no Android, and Nintendo's 3D ventures ended mercifully with the Virtual Boy. It's a world where the Nckia NG belongs. In our universe, a knockoff of the stillborn Nokia 7700 doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense, even with a MicroSD slot and added buttons for dialing. And then there's the fact that the handset runs a JAVA OS that doesn't exactly offer a bounty of mobile gaming choices -- which was sort of the whole point of the N-Gage. As for other familiar features, we can't be sure that this will be the rebirth of side-talkin', but with what could be a speaker slot on the side, we've got our fingers crossed. No word on pricing, but if you're truly nostalgic for a time that never was, you can pick one up from Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen. Get a closer look after the break.

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Nckia's N-Gage knockoff harkens back to a simpler, side-talkin' era

Keepin' it real fake: Nckia's N-Gage knockoff harkens back to a simpler, side-talkin' era originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafakegaminggaming phoneGamingPhonejavakeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffmobilen-gagenckianckia ngNckiaNgngNokiaportable gamingPortableGamingshanzhaiside talkinSideTalkinMon, 25 Apr 2011 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone nano may not exist, but this KIRF does]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/kirf-iphone-nano-has-iphone-4-styling-beats-the-real-thing-to-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/kirf-iphone-nano-has-iphone-4-styling-beats-the-real-thing-to-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/kirf-iphone-nano-has-iphone-4-styling-beats-the-real-thing-to-t/#comments While the folks "familiar with the matter" continue to debate over whether or not we'll actually see a real life iPhone nano at some point in our lifetime, the crafty KIRFers in China have taken matters into their own -- apparently undersized -- hands. Yes people, what you see above is a Shanzhai-crafted shrunken iPhone 4 running an iOS rip-off based on Java, garnished with a 1.3 megapixel camera. All it takes is a measly ¥380 (approximately $58) to be the coolest kid on the block with the "next iPhone" -- and maybe a quick trip to China.

iPhone nano may not exist, but this KIRF does originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecellphonecellphoneschinafakeiphoneiphone 4iphone nanoIphone4IphoneNanokirfnanorimsanzhaishanzhaiWed, 20 Apr 2011 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[China's dead affected by iPad 2 shortages of a different sort]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/chinas-dead-affected-by-ipad-2-shortages-sort-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/chinas-dead-affected-by-ipad-2-shortages-sort-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/chinas-dead-affected-by-ipad-2-shortages-sort-of/#comments In life as in death, it seems, getting your hands on an iPad 2 is no easy feat. Reuters is reporting today that paper replicas of the tablet are selling out in parts of Asia, as revelers prepare to set the things ablaze during China's Qingming festival Tuesday. As is tradition, paper versions of money, clothing, and, yes, consumer electronics are burned as offerings to the dead, and this year Apple's latest slate is apparently all the rage for expired techies -- one shopkeeper in Malaysia said his stock of 300 paper iPad 2s sold out quickly, leaving him unable to meet demand. Sounds strangely familiar, doesn't it?

China's dead affected by iPad 2 shortages of a different sort originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ancestors dayAncestorsDayAppleApril 5thApril5thAsiaChinaChinesedeadfakefestivalholidayiPadiPad 2Ipad2KIRFknock-ffMacQing MingQing Ming FestivalQingMingQingMingFestivalreplicashortageslabslatetablettomb sweeping dayTombSweepingDayMon, 04 Apr 2011 21:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/exclusive-why-the-camera-isnt-the-culprit-for-the-white-iphone/#comments Unless you've been away from the Internet over the last few days, you would've no doubt heard about Woz's special appearance at the Engadget Show on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, a few websites ran with some quotes that they pulled from our interview -- specifically, the highlight was Woz "confirming" that the white iPhone 4 was indeed delayed due to camera issues. Well, I don't think this is the case at all. In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of other good reasons for why Apple's been delaying the much anticipated flavor of its flagship smartphone, but the camera just isn't one of them. Head right past the break and all will be explained.

Update: Our man Woz has just responded in the comments:
I said plenty to make it clear that I know nothing of Apple's reasons for rejecting anything ever. I told how when I got my white iPhone 4 assembled I tested the flash photos and they did indeed have problems. I spoke of testing flash photos versus non-flash ones and comparing flash photos between my white and black iPhones. I don't recall saying that it was a 'reason' Apple rejected the parts although I had read that.
For the last part, we were referring to 0:55 in the interview video after the break, but now that Woz has spoken, it could've been a joke at the time that got misinterpreted by some websites. They tend to do that with Woz. Read on!

Continue reading Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds)

Why the camera isn't the culprit for the white iPhone 4's delay (update: Woz responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecameracomparisondebunkdiyexclusivefakefeaturedfeaturesfoxconniphoneiphone 4iphone+4+whiteIphone4iphone4whitekirfmanufacturemodpartphotophoto qualityPhotoQualitysample shotsSampleShotsshenzhensin takSinTaksteve wozniakSteveWozniaktransmittancewhitewhite iphone 4white+iphonewhite+iphone4whiteiphoneWhiteIphone4wozWed, 02 Feb 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo ThinkPad X200 clone takes us back, way back]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/lenovo-thinkpad-x200-clone-takes-us-back-way-back/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/lenovo-thinkpad-x200-clone-takes-us-back-way-back/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/lenovo-thinkpad-x200-clone-takes-us-back-way-back/#comments Back in 2008, Lenovo's ThinkPad X200 was getting folks all hot and bothered, and it seems some people never cooled down. If you're one of the few looking to reignite the flames sparked when your first laid eyes on the laptop, take a look at this impressively rendered knockoff. Despite the absence of a Lenovo logo and slightly off dimensions, it really does look like the X200, -- that is, until you look under the hood. The original sports a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, while the knockoff's got a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450; the real deal has SSDs up to 64GB, while the fake doesn't even have the option; and finally, the impostor lacks 4GB RAM upgradability. According to M.I.C. Gadget, the ThinkPad clone rings in at 1900 Chinese yuan (about $286), and can be purchased online, though we couldn't tell you where. Anyway, you weren't seriously considering it ... were you?

Lenovo ThinkPad X200 clone takes us back, way back originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008clonefakefakeskirfknockoffknockoffslaptopLenovoLenovo Thinkpadlenovo thinkpad x200LenovoThinkpadLenovoThinkpadX200thinkpadThinkpad x200ThinkpadX200X200Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[WVIL's unbelievable 31 megapixel cameraphone is unbelievably fake, attempts pathetic viral campaign (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/wvils-unbelievable-31-megapixel-cameraphone-is-unbelievably-fak/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/wvils-unbelievable-31-megapixel-cameraphone-is-unbelievably-fak/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/wvils-unbelievable-31-megapixel-cameraphone-is-unbelievably-fak/#comments Honestly, we never thought people could get this high and drunk in Vegas, but the guys from WVIL were really pushing it. Their crime? A blatantly staged viral campaign for an "unbelievable" smartphone that sports a 31 megapixel CMOS full frame sensor. Oh, and it has an interchangeable lens, too, with which you can use the main body as a wireless viewfinder (like the Samsung SH100 paired up with an Android phone). Nice concept, WVIL, just too bad your mom called to disown you at CES. Video after the break.

Update: The Artefact Group, a Seattle design firm, just emailed to inform us that the idea is their own -- see the whole concept at our more coverage link below.

Gallery: WVIL's unbelievable 31 megapixel cameraphone is unbelievably fake, attempts pathetic viral campaign

Continue reading WVIL's unbelievable 31 megapixel cameraphone is unbelievably fake, attempts pathetic viral campaign (update)

WVIL's unbelievable 31 megapixel cameraphone is unbelievably fake, attempts pathetic viral campaign (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraphonecesces 2011Ces2011comedyfakefunnygermanyhilariouspatheticremote viewfinderRemoteViewfindervideoviralwildwvilTue, 11 Jan 2011 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[WeTab boss Helmut Hoffer caught posting five-star Amazon reviews under fake name, resigns]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/wetab-boss-helmut-hoffer-caught-posting-five-star-amazon-reviews/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/wetab-boss-helmut-hoffer-caught-posting-five-star-amazon-reviews/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/wetab-boss-helmut-hoffer-caught-posting-five-star-amazon-reviews/#comments
Uh oh. WeTab's Managing Director, Helmut Hoffer, has just resigned his position after being caught using a fake identity to post positive, five-star reviews for his little MeeGo tablet. Hoffer, who originally faked the WeTab's (then known as the WePad) UI when introducing the tablet to the press, posted a review on Amazon's German site under the name Peter Glaser, a popular member of the Chaos Computer Club. A second glowing review was posted under the name Claudia Kaden -- an account apparently registered to Hoffer's wife. Of course, now that he's been outed, Hoffer admits that it was a mistake not using his own name and says he posted the reviews without the knowledge of the company. Naturally, this isn't the first case of egregious astroturfing that we've seen -- eh hem, Belkin -- and it certainly won't be the last. This guy's just the latest to get caught.

Gallery: WeTab boss Helmut Hoffer caught posting five-star Amazon reviews under fake name, resigns

WeTab boss Helmut Hoffer caught posting five-star Amazon reviews under fake name, resigns originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 04:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.deastroturfingbreaking newsBreakingNewsfakefake reviewFakeReviewhelmut HofferHelmut Hoffer von AnkershoffenHelmutHofferHelmutHofferVonAnkershoffenNeofoniWepadscandalwefindwepadwetabTue, 05 Oct 2010 04:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Fake Nexus One browsing fake Engadget]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/fake-nexus-one-browsing-fake-engadget/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/fake-nexus-one-browsing-fake-engadget/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/fake-nexus-one-browsing-fake-engadget/#comments Interesting side note -- we understand that Erick Schmidt, Larry Paige, and Serge Brin all own this phone. Oh, and Digiboy777, of course.

Fake Nexus One browsing fake Engadget originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidawesomefakegooglehtckirfnexus oneNexusOneWed, 01 Sep 2010 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Palm Pre fake tires of waiting for webOS 2.0, takes up iOS and BlackBerry OS lookalikes instead]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/palm-pre-kirf-ios-iphone-webos-blackberry-os/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/palm-pre-kirf-ios-iphone-webos-blackberry-os/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/palm-pre-kirf-ios-iphone-webos-blackberry-os/#comments We feel your pain: you love your BlackBerry at work and your iPhone for personal use, but as hardware goes, nothing gets your motor running quite like the Pre's pebble-esque shell. Trust us, we've all been there! Well, a new clone out of China seeks solve all your technological woes by combining an iOS-inspired user interface and the Pre's body -- with an iPhone home button thrown in for good measure, of course -- and when the time comes to throw on the suit and tie and head to work, you can switch the UI over to BlackBerry mode. As far as we can tell, it still functions like an iOS clone here, but at least the skin will remind you of the good ol' Bold days. Looks like you can't buy this thing online, but considering how well the software works in most of these things, it's probably for the best.

Palm Pre fake tires of waiting for webOS 2.0, takes up iOS and BlackBerry OS lookalikes instead originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry osBlackberryOschinafakeioskirfpalmpalm prePalmPrepreqwertysliderThu, 26 Aug 2010 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo side project to launch Xbox 360 / Kinect knockoff in China: hello, eBox]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/lenovo-side-project-to-launch-xbox-360-kinect-knockoff-in-chin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/lenovo-side-project-to-launch-xbox-360-kinect-knockoff-in-chin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/lenovo-side-project-to-launch-xbox-360-kinect-knockoff-in-chin/#comments Well... this is interesting. Prior to Kinect hitting the masses in November, one Eedoo looks to be doing the world one better (or worse) with the eBox. In what can only be described as a bizarre tale of mystery, a Lenovo co-founded company has decided to produce what amounts to an Xbox 360 knockoff as well as a motion sensing peripheral that unquestionably takes inspiration from Kinect. In fact, we don't even know if conventional controllers are a part of the deal, but word on the street has this one getting official in November and shipping early in 2011. Beyond that, details are few and far between, but you can follow the links below for a couple of videos (one's after the break) and a smattering of cellphone snapshots.

Continue reading Lenovo side project to launch Xbox 360 / Kinect knockoff in China: hello, eBox

Lenovo side project to launch Xbox 360 / Kinect knockoff in China: hello, eBox originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beijing eedooBeijingEedoochinachineseconsoleEBOXeedoofakegame consoleGameConsolegaminggaming consoleGamingConsoleKinectKIRFknockofflegendlegend capitallegend holdingsLegendCapitalLegendHoldingslenovomicrosoftvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Attractive, non-existent woman on internet easily makes inroads in military, intel, and hacker circles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/attractive-non-existent-woman-on-internet-easily-makes-inroads/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/attractive-non-existent-woman-on-internet-easily-makes-inroads/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/attractive-non-existent-woman-on-internet-easily-makes-inroads/#comments
Thomas Ryan of Provide Security's making it public knowledge that social networking sites aren't just annoying: they're also potentially major security threats. Ryan set up a fake Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter account for "Robin Sage," a person who doesn't exist and never has -- but we can assure you she's really, really hot. Robin billed herself as a graduate of MIT and a prestigious New Hampshire prep school, and quickly made hundreds of connections across all three sites, without ever offering any proof of her existence or the connections she espoused. Even more stunning, "Robin" was befriending military, government and intel people on Facebook and Linked In (where she dubbed herself a "hacker"), and hackers on Twitter. Ryan's findings state that the military and intel "friends" Robin made freely share information and documents with her, as well as inviting her to various conferences. Interestingly, it turns out the only group that was in anyway resistant to Robin were the MIT-associated people... but we knew they were all whip-smart already. Moral? Next time you accept the request of a beautiful, intelligent hacker who wants to come over and view your secret dossiers, you should probably think twice.

Attractive, non-existent woman on internet easily makes inroads in military, intel, and hacker circles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cybersecurityfacebookfakefakesgovernmenthackersintellinkedinmilitaryMITrobin sageRobinSagesecuritysocial networksocial networkingsocial networksSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingSocialNetworkstwitterweb 2.0Web2.0Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Likea Leica, only not]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/keepin-it-real-fake-likea-leica-only-not/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/keepin-it-real-fake-likea-leica-only-not/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/keepin-it-real-fake-likea-leica-only-not/#comments Of all the KIRFs in all the world, this might be one of the laziest. Sure, aesthetically it does a fine job of aping the Leica rangefinder it takes as its "inspiration," but the Likea camera goes downhill very quickly when you move in a little closer. The first thing you'll notice is that, instead of the finely engineered Leica body, this thing is made out of, well, cardboard. Then you find out that the pinhole element isn't provided in the box and you're faced with the impossible judgment of deciding whether the need for a pinhole element or its omission is the worse offense. Ah well, what do you expect for 20 bucks? Just go buy some film and let your imagination fill the (vast) gap between the Likea and the real stuff.

Keepin' it real fake: Likea Leica, only not originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracardboardfakefilmfilm cameraFilmCamerakeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfleicalikealikea mphLikeaMphold schoolOldSchoolpinholepinhole cameraPinholeCamerarangefinderretroFri, 09 Jul 2010 04:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists use GC-MS to analyze famous paintings, pick out KIRFs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/27/scientists-use-gc-ms-to-analyze-famous-paintings-pick-out-kirfs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/27/scientists-use-gc-ms-to-analyze-famous-paintings-pick-out-kirfs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/27/scientists-use-gc-ms-to-analyze-famous-paintings-pick-out-kirfs/#comments
The debate raged for years (at least in those circles where things like this inspire rage): Which museum had the genuine article? Both the UK National Gallery and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh laid claim to Virgin and Child with an Angel by Renaissance artist Francesco Francia, and most experts agreed that the one in London was legit. That is, until last year when the organic chemistry of the painting was studied using something called a gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometer. In the hands of researchers, a GC-MS is used to determine the composition and characteristics of paint binding media, resins, varnishes, and obscure pencil marks -- which, in the case of the Francia, proved that the painting is in fact a 19th century forgery (graphite not being available to Francia in 16th century Italy). Don't feel bad, London. We've all been fooled by international art forgers at some point.

Scientists use GC-MS to analyze famous paintings, pick out KIRFs originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcarnegie museum of artCarnegieMuseumOfArtfakeforgeryFrancesco FranciaFrancescoFranciagas-chromatography-mass-spectrometergcmsgraphitekirflondonNational GalleryNationalGallerypittburghUKVirgin and Child with an AngelVirginAndChildWithAnAngelSun, 27 Jun 2010 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: GiPhone F98 is the KIRFiest next gen iPhone KIRF to ever KIRF]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-giphone-f98-is-the-kirfiest-fourth-gen-iph/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-giphone-f98-is-the-kirfiest-fourth-gen-iph/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/keepin-it-real-fake-giphone-f98-is-the-kirfiest-fourth-gen-iph/#comments
It's been nearly a month since a China Grabber employee drunkenly left his experimental prototype next gen GiPhone at a Sushi Bar in Shenzhen, where it was found and sold to Shanzai.com for several thousand Yuan -- and the gadget world hasn't been the same since. The GiPhone F98 features, as all of these KIRFs do, dual SIM cards, an FM Radio, an "iPhone style" UI, WiFi, Bluetooth, and compatibility with 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz GSM. And it's one of the thickest phones we've seen in a long time! (See for yourself after the break.) Available now for $150, if you dare.

[Thanks, Jessica]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: GiPhone F98 is the KIRFiest next gen iPhone KIRF to ever KIRF

Keepin' it real fake: GiPhone F98 is the KIRFiest next gen iPhone KIRF to ever KIRF originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleawesomefakeGiPhoneGiPhone F98GiphoneF98HiPhoneiphonekirfshanzhaiShenzhenWed, 05 May 2010 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Nokia's N8 beaten to release by lackluster knockoff]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/04/keepin-it-real-fake-nokias-n8-beaten-to-release-by-knockoff/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/04/keepin-it-real-fake-nokias-n8-beaten-to-release-by-knockoff/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/04/keepin-it-real-fake-nokias-n8-beaten-to-release-by-knockoff/#comments All together now: "Already?" KIRFers overseas are getting quicker and quicker with their knockoffs, and at this point, it's safe to say that you'll have an easier time wrapping your hands around a commendable Nokia N8 impostor than the real-deal. The outside looks an awful lot like Nokia's first major Symbian^3-based handset, but the specifications are decidedly lackluster: you'll get a 400 x 240 resolution display (3.2-inches), an MP4 player, FM radio, Bluetooth, webcam and a battery that'll last three to five hours. Glaringly absent is a 12 megapixel camera, WiFi module and built-in 3G support, but it's not like that stuff really matters -- after all, what else would you expect for an unsubsidized price of just $105? Head on past the break for a video, rockstar.

[Thanks, Alain]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake: Nokia's N8 beaten to release by lackluster knockoff

Keepin' it real fake: Nokia's N8 beaten to release by lackluster knockoff originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 May 2010 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinesefakekeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfknockoffn8n8-00nokianokia n8NokiaN8smartphonesymbiansymbian 3Symbian3videoTue, 04 May 2010 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: MacBook Pro knockoff rocks Ion 2, thinks itself fly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/keepin-it-real-fake-macbook-pro-knockoff-rocks-ion-2-thinks-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/keepin-it-real-fake-macbook-pro-knockoff-rocks-ion-2-thinks-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/keepin-it-real-fake-macbook-pro-knockoff-rocks-ion-2-thinks-i/#comments We've stumbled across any number of MacBook Air KIRFs, but it's not often we see a worthy representation of Cupertino's heftier model. Never underestimate Shenzhen. This "Dragonfly QT Pro" not only features a familiar aluminum alloy shell, the 14-inch, 1366 x 768 netbook's also got Ion 2 switchable graphics ahead of its Acer and ASUS cousins. A 1.66GHz Atom D410 and 1GB of memory help pump out 1080p video while keeping case temperatures at a lap-happy 36 degrees Celsius, while a 160GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and HDMI (take that, Mini DisplayPort) round out a 4.2 pound, roughly $3000 RMB (about $440) package. Shame it only gets 2 hours of battery life, eh?

Keepin' it real fake: MacBook Pro knockoff rocks Ion 2, thinks itself fly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple MacBookapple macbook proAppleMacbookAppleMacbookProAtomAtom D410AtomD410Dragonfly QT ProDragonflyQtProfakeIntel Atom D410IntelAtomD410IonIon 2Ion2keepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakeKIRFknockoffknockoffsMacBookMacBook ProMacbookPronvidia ionnvidia ion 2NvidiaIonNvidiaIon2Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: PSP-shaped Mini Game King makes classic emulation a royal decree]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-psp-shaped-mini-game-king-makes-classic-em/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-psp-shaped-mini-game-king-makes-classic-em/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/keepin-it-real-fake-psp-shaped-mini-game-king-makes-classic-em/#comments Flamboyantly attired in a flowing fuchsia scarf, the Mini Game King is probably guilty of countless copyright violations, but we don't care. The real question is whether this latest KIRF PSP can actually play games, and we're happy to say it does. Summoning the full might of its infringing power, the King can emulate eleven classic consoles and handhelds when it's not playing AV files from 4GB of internal memory, and its Chinese manufacturer triumphantly claims that the device "will make you happy unlimited" if you hook up an wireless six-axis controller as well. "This controller does not come with the console, you have to pay for it," reads the box, but we're dying to try "3Dthergame" and "Othergame" as soon as we can dig one up.

Keepin' it real fake: PSP-shaped Mini Game King makes classic emulation a royal decree originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4 gigahertz2.4GHz2.4Gigahertzemulationemulatoremulatorsfakekeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfPlayStation PortablePlaystationPortablePSPSony PSPSonyPspwirelesswireless controllerwireless controllersWirelessControllerWirelessControllersTue, 27 Apr 2010 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake redux: Nexus One clone is 'Teg W3000,' has WiFi, dual cameras, TV tuner and Skype]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/18/keepin-it-real-fake-redux-nexus-one-clone-is-teg-w3000-has/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/18/keepin-it-real-fake-redux-nexus-one-clone-is-teg-w3000-has/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/18/keepin-it-real-fake-redux-nexus-one-clone-is-teg-w3000-has/#comments Earlier this month, an unknown manufacturer had the dubious distinction of making our KIRF list, for building what appeared to be a Nexus One running iPhone OS. Mr. Blurrycam couldn't tell for sure... but today the KIRFtastic handset has been unveiled in all its infringing glory. Dubbed the "TEG W3000," the device is billed as a quad-band GSM worldphone with an accelerometer, WiFi and Bluetooth, front and back-facing 2 megapixel cameras, FM and analog TV tuners and Java support. While the iPhoney OS doesn't seem to have a App Store hackjob, the phone certainly has apps; in an interface pic, we spotted eBuddy, Facebook and Skype alongside Maps and the Opera web browser. Hands-down the most exciting ripoff in recent memory. Now cautiously whistle a happy tune, and move along.

Gallery: KIRF: 'Teg 3000,' the fake Nexus One

Keepin' it real fake redux: Nexus One clone is 'Teg W3000,' has WiFi, dual cameras, TV tuner and Skype originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fakeiphoney osIphoneyOskeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakeKIRFnexus oneNexusOneSkypeTEG W3000TegW3000worldphoneSun, 18 Apr 2010 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: Dell Adamo and HP Mini 5102 feel the knock-off effect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/keepin-it-real-fake-dell-adamo-and-hp-mini-5102-feel-the-knock/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/keepin-it-real-fake-dell-adamo-and-hp-mini-5102-feel-the-knock/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/keepin-it-real-fake-dell-adamo-and-hp-mini-5102-feel-the-knock/#comments
Shanzhai Dell Adamos have been popping up quite a bit lately. We've seen these things in both white and black (um, Onyx), and now MIC Gadget has hepped us to a red model (try getting that from Dell!) that features an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive and either an Atom N450 processor with GMA 3150 graphics or a 1.2GHz Intel Celeron ULV processor and GMA X4500 graphics. The former will run you 1,900 yuan (about $280), and the latter 2,600 yuan (about $380). If that ain't enough for all of you Shanzhai freaks, we've also spotted yet another HP Mini knock-off, this time branded Phecda and sporting a brilliant blue paint job. The source doesn't mention a price, but we're guessing that the device -- which features a 1.66GHz Atom N450 processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi will run you no more than about $360. It does mention, however, that you can order one with an HP logo -- that'll cost you an extra 10 yuan (or about seven cents). That's what industry insiders call "the HP tax."

Keepin' it real fake: Dell Adamo and HP Mini 5102 feel the knock-off effect originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adamochinadelldell adamoDellAdamofakehphp minihp mini 5102HpMiniHpMini5102kirfknock-offphecdashanzhaiMon, 05 Apr 2010 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: 'new' iPad is the jumbo iPod you always wanted, coming April 3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/keepin-it-real-fake-new-ipad-is-the-jumbo-ipod-you-always-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/keepin-it-real-fake-new-ipad-is-the-jumbo-ipod-you-always-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/27/keepin-it-real-fake-new-ipad-is-the-jumbo-ipod-you-always-wa/#comments Tired of all those "jumbo iPhone" jibes you keep hearing about the iPad? So are we, but there's simply no other way to describe this priceless Shenzhen knockoff than as a supersized iPod. Featuring the unmistakable click wheel and what looks like some sort of riff on Apple's Mac OS, the "new" iPad will be on sale immediately alongside Apple's offering, this April 3, for 2,000 Yuan ($290). Of course, we doubt Shenzhen Huayi's distribution network will stretch quite all the way to the USA, but given the population of 1.3 billion people in China, someone's bound to be happy to help you out. What say you -- does this 4GB pen-friendly beastie do anything for you?

[Thanks, Taimur]

Keepin' it real fake: 'new' iPad is the jumbo iPod you always wanted, coming April 3 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipadAppleIpadchinaclick wheelClickWheelclonefakehandheldipadipad cloneipad kirfIpadCloneIpadKirfipodkeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfShenzhenshenzhen huayiShenzhenHuayitablettablet pcTabletPcSat, 27 Mar 2010 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake: iPhone hits discount retailers as an eyeshadow palette]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/14/keepin-it-real-fake-iphone-hits-discount-retailers-as-an-eyesh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/14/keepin-it-real-fake-iphone-hits-discount-retailers-as-an-eyesh/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/14/keepin-it-real-fake-iphone-hits-discount-retailers-as-an-eyesh/#comments Now, these may have been around for ages, we can't really be sure because, truth be told, it's pretty rare for us to troll the aisles of Kohl's makeup section looking for KIRFs. Regardless, a helpful, hawk-eyed reader snapped this shot of an eyeshadow palette -- called eyemobile -- that's got the distinct iPhone aura going on, though we're 100 percent certain this is an unauthorized use case. It's hard to say from the photo, but it also looks like there's a lip gloss palette in the background (which we assume is called lipmobile), and that, friends, we would pay money for. Lots of money.

[Thanks, Bill]

Keepin' it real fake: iPhone hits discount retailers as an eyeshadow palette originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecellphonecellphonesfakeiphoneKeepinItRealFakekirfkohlsmakeuprip offRipOffwomenSun, 14 Mar 2010 21:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Newegg terminates supplier relationship over counterfeit Core i7 CPUs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/intel-and-newegg-pass-the-blame-for-counterfeit-core-i7-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/intel-and-newegg-pass-the-blame-for-counterfeit-core-i7-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/08/intel-and-newegg-pass-the-blame-for-counterfeit-core-i7-chips/#commentsThis weekend, up to 300 Newegg customers who pulled the trigger on a new Intel Core i7-920 processor found themselves puzzling over a clever fake instead. Who's to blame? It's not exactly clear -- Newegg initially said that the processors were "demo units," but has now posted a statement to Facebook saying that supplier IPEX shipped counterfeit chips and has had its contract revoked. That's good news for D&H Distributing, another Newegg supplier that responded to an initial wave of finger-pointing by issuing legal nastygrams to sites covering the story, thus ruining whatever good vibes the truth's generated.

Finally, here's the statement Intel just sent us, explaining in no uncertain terms that these are counterfeit parts:
"Intel has been made aware of a limited number of counterfeit i7 920 packages in the marketplace, specifically Newegg, and is working to how many and/or where they are being sold. The examples we have seen are not Intel products but are counterfeits. Buyers should contact their place of purchase for a replacement and/or should contact their local law enforcement agency if the place of purchase refuses to help.

Intel is getting samples to inspect and until then we can say that everything in the package appears fake. Some of the photos of the processor look like it is a casting and not even a real processor of any kind. Newegg has moved quickly to replace the suspect units."
No matter who's at fault here, the damage has been done. We'll never build another PC without losing precious seconds carefully examining its CPU first.

[Thanks, Cody C.]

Newegg terminates supplier relationship over counterfeit Core i7 CPUs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core 2010core i7core i7-920Core2010CoreI7CoreI7-920counterfeitCPUdhdh distributingDhDistributingfakei7intelknockoffNeweggprocessorripoffscamMon, 08 Mar 2010 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[NewEgg sells 300 counterfeit Core i7-920 CPUs, KIRFers pump their fists]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/newegg-sells-300-counterfeit-core-i7-920-cpus-is-now-investiga/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/newegg-sells-300-counterfeit-core-i7-920-cpus-is-now-investiga/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/newegg-sells-300-counterfeit-core-i7-920-cpus-is-now-investiga/#commentsOops. Over the weekend, it seems as if 300 or so unlucky individuals were shipped a counterfeit processor from the normally reliable warehouses at NewEgg, and Hard|OCP has the images (and video) to prove it. Vincent Waller couldn't have possibly been more eager to receive the Core i7-920 that he had ordered, but upon unboxing it, he realized that he had received a well-disguised fake. After a fair bit of digging, it seems as if one of NewEgg's "long time partners" (D&H Distributing) got ahold of 300 fakes in a batch of 2,000, though not everyone's buying the "it was an honest mistake" line -- especially when you consider that said company has already issued cease-and-desist letters to the sites who published the news. At any rate, NewEgg has already arranged for an authentic CPU to be rushed to Mr. Waller, and it's purportedly working around the clock in order to make things right with any other negatively affected customers. Hop on past the break for a look at the knockoff, particularly if you just took delivery of a shiny new Core i7.

Continue reading NewEgg sells 300 counterfeit Core i7-920 CPUs, KIRFers pump their fists

NewEgg sells 300 counterfeit Core i7-920 CPUs, KIRFers pump their fists originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core 2010core i7core i7-920Core2010CoreI7CoreI7-920counterfeitCPUfakeintelknockoffNewEggnewegg.comprocessorripoffscamvideoSun, 07 Mar 2010 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple, Siemens and Sisvel patent infringement leads to CeBIT booth raid]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/apple-siemens-and-sisvel-patent-infringement-leads-to-cebit-boo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/apple-siemens-and-sisvel-patent-infringement-leads-to-cebit-boo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/07/apple-siemens-and-sisvel-patent-infringement-leads-to-cebit-boo/#comments
 Mama always said that some folks just never learn, and we reckon there's plenty of wisdom to be had from that very statement. Year after year, German police are called in to raid select booths at CeBIT (and IFA, to be fair), and yet again we've seen a booth cleared out at the request of powerful lawyers from a few companies you may have heard of. Word on the street has it that Apple, Siemens and Sisvel were all kvetching over patent infringements made by an unnamed company exhibiting at last week's show, and within an hour or so of the fuzz showing up, the whole thing was stripped and a hefty fine (€10,000) was levied. Unfortunately, the exact details of who was violating what remains clouded in mystery, but for whatever reason, we get the feeling that something extremely similar will be going down in Hannover next year. We blame KIRFers determination.

Updated: Turns out one of our editors at CeBIT saw this whole situation go down at the FirstView booth. Within minutes the entire booth was surrounded by the Polizei, and though we tried to dig further on the situation our inability to speak German caused some communication issues so we decided it best to move on to the next craptablet on the floor. We will, however, always have the shot above to remember the confusing experience.

[Thanks, TheLostSwede]

Apple, Siemens and Sisvel patent infringement leads to CeBIT booth raid originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applecebitcebit 2010Cebit2010conflictcrackdownfakegermangermanyillegalissuekirfknockofflegalpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpoliceproblemraidripoffSiemensSisvelSun, 07 Mar 2010 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part CCLIII: Amazon.com gets copied with its Kindle in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/keepin-it-real-fake-part-cclll-amazon-com-gets-copied-with-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/keepin-it-real-fake-part-cclll-amazon-com-gets-copied-with-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/keepin-it-real-fake-part-cclll-amazon-com-gets-copied-with-it/#comments Guys, seriously: you're going to love this one. Indian site Infibeam -- which looks at least somewhat "legit" -- has completely ripped off Amazon.com... as in pretty much copied it exactly. Now, we're no strangers ourselves to a bit of 'fan fictionizing' of our name and likeness (for retail locations), but this is possibly the most blatant (and blatantly hilarious) thing we've ever seen. Oh, and while you're visiting Infibeam.com, don't forget to pick up an Infibeam Pi -- AKA Kindle ripoff. Infibeam's CEO, Geoff Pezos will thank you.

[Thanks, Vinod P.]

Keepin' it real fake, part CCLIII: Amazon.com gets copied with its Kindle in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone readere-readerereaderfakekeepin it real fakeKeepinItRealFakekirfreaderripoffTue, 26 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST