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[Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/fisker-rep-defends-karma-hybrid-sedan-garage-fire-aftermath/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/fisker-rep-defends-karma-hybrid-sedan-garage-fire-aftermath/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/fisker-rep-defends-karma-hybrid-sedan-garage-fire-aftermath/#comments Fisker rep defends its hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath

Last week, a newly purchased Fisker Karma went up in flames, damaging its owner's home and earning the company behind that hybrid sedan plenty of bad press. The auto maker hasn't submitted an official explanation for the fire, though the former chief engineer for the late General Motors EV1 electric car places the blame on the hybrid's tight engine bay packing. Fisker clearly isn't having any of that -- according to the company's director of powertrain:

Our technologies and engine design have been fully tested and certified at the highest level. It is irresponsible and ill-informed for technology pundits to suggest otherwise in order to secure media attention for unfounded claims.

No defensiveness there, then.

Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVFireFire HazardFireHazardFiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmahybrid carsHybridCarshybridsLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryTue, 15 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Amazon planning front-lit Kindle e-reader for July, new tablet later this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/report-amazon-planning-front-lit-kindle-e-reader-for-july-new/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/report-amazon-planning-front-lit-kindle-e-reader-for-july-new/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/report-amazon-planning-front-lit-kindle-e-reader-for-july-new/#comments

Certainly it's no great shocker that Amazon's got plans for a new e-reader and tablet later this year. Nor should anyone be particularly surprised at the prospect of a front-lit reader from the retail giant set to compete directly with the latest Nook offering. Reuters, however, claims to have some insight into both, courtesy of an anonymous source. Apparently the aforementioned reader is set for a July launch, arriving in the customary Wifi and 3G varieties. The tablet, meanwhile, is set for a release "closer to the holiday season," according to the source. Amazon, E Ink and the like naturally refused to comment on the matter.

Report: Amazon planning front-lit Kindle e-reader for July, new tablet later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazone booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfirekindlekindle fireKindleFirelightMon, 14 May 2012 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/usps-battery-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/usps-battery-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/usps-battery-ban/#comments Image

The USPS has announced that it'll refuse to ship any gear containing lithium ion batteries overseas. The postal service believes combusting power packs have caused two fatal cargo plane crashes since 2006 -- hence the ban, which takes effect from May 16th. Anyone wishing to ship the latest tech to those living or serving overseas will have to use another shipping company -- although the ban might be relaxed in 2013, once safety testing has been carried out.

USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatteryBattery ExplosionBatteryExplosionExplosionFireLithium IonLithium Ion BatteriesLithium Ion BatteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryPlane CrashPlaneCrashPostal ServicePostalServiceUnited States Postal ServiceUnitedStatesPostalServiceUSPSFri, 11 May 2012 07:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma reportedly sets house on fire, doesn't restore cosmic balance (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fisker-karma-reportedly-sets-house-on-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fisker-karma-reportedly-sets-house-on-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fisker-karma-reportedly-sets-house-on-fire/#comments Image

Fisker's Karma woes aren't relenting anytime soon, as one new owner just found out the hard way. A driver in Sugar Land, Texas parked his recently obtained hybrid sedan in his garage last week, only to have the car self-immolate minutes later and damage his new home. Despite the slight risk of lithium-ion batteries catching fire, the luxury car's power pack (unplugged at the time) appears to have been left in one piece -- suggesting that something more complicated is at fault. For their part, neither Fisker nor insurance investigators are ready to offer a definite explanation as to what set the car on fire, although an electrical panel in the garage is a possible lead. Hybrids and pure EVs typically aren't at significant risk of igniting, so we might not ask for a refund... but we would recommend keeping an eye (and a nose) on any potential fire hazards around your eco-friendly auto.

Update: Looks like Fisker's about to take some more heat. Here's a statement from the owner's attorney:

The fire department recently completed their investigation and determined the origin of the fire was, in fact, Gutierrez's newly purchased Fisker Karma hybrid electric vehicle that he just took possession of two weeks earlier

Hit up our source link after the break to read the note in full.

Fisker Karma reportedly sets house on fire, doesn't restore cosmic balance (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery fireBatteryFireElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVfirefiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmakarmaLithium Ionlithium ion batteryLithium-Ionlithium-ion batteryLithium-ionBatteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatterysafetyTue, 08 May 2012 23:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon tablet update brings parental controls, lets kids play with Fire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/amazon-tablet-update-brings-parental-controls-lets-kids-play-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/amazon-tablet-update-brings-parental-controls-lets-kids-play-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/amazon-tablet-update-brings-parental-controls-lets-kids-play-wi/#comments

So you've got yourself Kindle Fire and a house full of young, impressionable children. What to do? Have no fear, update 6.3.1 is on its way, bringing with it parental controls like password protection for purchases, content disabling in the library and the ability to block access to the device's Silk browser. The world will be a safer place once the update starts rolling out over the air in the next few days.

Amazon tablet update brings parental controls, lets kids play with Fire originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFirecontrolsfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireminipostparental controlsParentalControlssoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateupgradeThu, 03 May 2012 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Appstore shatters $20 ceiling for in-app purchases]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/amazon-appstore-eliminates-20-dollar-in-app-purchase-ceiling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/amazon-appstore-eliminates-20-dollar-in-app-purchase-ceiling/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/amazon-appstore-eliminates-20-dollar-in-app-purchase-ceiling/#comments Amazon Appstore shatters $20 ceiling for in-app purchases

In a move that's likely to grab the attention of more than a few Android developers, Amazon has announced that its arbitrary $20 limit for in-app purchases via the Appstore is no more. The company announced this change in an email to developers, which follows a tweak to the Appstore's parental controls. In-app purchasing is rather new territory for the Amazon crew, which first unveiled the necessary APIs just last week. There's no word on what new monetary limit is now in place, but make sure to watch your spending, kids -- some of these apps are incredibly habit-forming.

Amazon Appstore shatters $20 ceiling for in-app purchases originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon appstoreAmazonAppstoreandroidapiappapplicationapplicationsappsappstorebillingdevelopdeveloperdevelopersfeefeesfirein-appin-app purchasesin-app purchasingIn-appPurchasesIn-appPurchasingkindlekindle fireKindleFiremobilepostcrosspurchasesoftwarestorestoressubscriptionsubscriptionsTue, 17 Apr 2012 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon adds in-app purchasing to Appstore for Android devices, Kindle Fire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/amazon-appstore-in-app-purchasing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/amazon-appstore-in-app-purchasing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/amazon-appstore-in-app-purchasing/#comments ImageAmazon's Appstore has offered a typical application acquisition experience, save for one important detail: in-app purchasing. Beginning today, devs can now take advantage of the familiar revenue booster already available in the iOS App Store and Google Play, through the use of the Amazon Appstore In-App Purchasing API. The service will enable Android device and Kindle Fire users to pick up expansion packs, virtual gaming currency or manage subscriptions from within individual applications, with the same one-click purchase experience available in Amazon's online store. A handful of top devs like Disney and Conde Nast have already hopped on board, but those of you who haven't received an early nod from AMZN can now join in on the fun as well. Click past the break for a brief video intro from the e-tailer, along with a handful of testimonials in the full press release.

Continue reading Amazon adds in-app purchasing to Appstore for Android devices, Kindle Fire

Amazon adds in-app purchasing to Appstore for Android devices, Kindle Fire originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon appstoreAmazonAppstoreandroidapiappapplicationapplicationsappsappstorebillingdevelopdeveloperdevelopersfeefeesfirein-appin-app purchasesin-app purchasingIn-appPurchasesIn-appPurchasingkindlekindle fireKindleFirepurchasesoftwarestorestoressubscriptionsubscriptionsvideoTue, 10 Apr 2012 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire update brings sharing, 'print replica' textbooks, more to tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/kindle-fire-update-brings-sharing-print-replica-textbooks-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/kindle-fire-update-brings-sharing-print-replica-textbooks-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/kindle-fire-update-brings-sharing-print-replica-textbooks-mo/#comments Amazon has started pushing out an over-the-air update that'll bring a slew of new features to its budget Kindle Fire tablet. Topping the list of upgrades is new sharing functionality that makes it possible for readers to send passages and notes from within the comfort of a book via social networks like Facebook and Twitter by highlighting and clicking "Share." Also on the slate is supplemental material powered by Shelfari, letting users find character descriptions, glossaries of of common terms, locations and author information from inside a text. Version 6.3 also brings "print replicas" of textbooks, which include linked tables of contents and Whipsersyncing of notes and highlights. For a full rundown of the new features, check out the source link below.

Kindle Fire update brings sharing, 'print replica' textbooks, more to tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleandroidfirekindlekindle fireKindleFiresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatetextbooksupdatewhispersyncWed, 28 Mar 2012 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile to eliminate 1,900 US call center jobs, says more 'restructuring' ahead]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/t-mobile-to-eliminate-1-900-us-call-center-jobs-says-more-rest/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/t-mobile-to-eliminate-1-900-us-call-center-jobs-says-more-rest/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/t-mobile-to-eliminate-1-900-us-call-center-jobs-says-more-rest/#comments ImageT-Mobile USA CEO Philipp Humm sent word to his employees today that the company will be shuttering seven call centers, cutting a total of 3,300 jobs in the process. Affected employees will have the option of relocating to any of the 17 remaining call centers throughout the country, where 1,400 new positions will be available, essentially bringing the net job loss to 1,900. The call centers affected include Allentown, Pennsylvania; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Frisco, Texas; Brownsville, Texas; Lenexa, Kansas; Thornton, Colorado; and Redmond, Oregon -- so if you're based in one of those locations and want to stick with T-Mob, now would probably be the time to communicate your intentions. Other employees, including technicians and "front line" workers, will be able to stay put, though Humm did allude to further reductions, adding that "we will also be restructuring other parts of the company." You'll find the CEO's message in its entirety just past the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile to eliminate 1,900 US call center jobs, says more 'restructuring' ahead

T-Mobile to eliminate 1,900 US call center jobs, says more 'restructuring' ahead originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call centercall centersCallCenterCallCenterscsrcustomer serviceCustomerServiceemployeeemployeesfirefiredjobjobslayofflayoffsmobilepostcrossPhilipp HummPhilippHummrestructuringt-mobT-Mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsaTMobileThu, 22 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/#comments It took six years, but at long last, Anna Konda has a formidable firefighting partner. SAFFiR, also known as the Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot, is being shaped by scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory. As the story goes, it's a humanoid robot that's being engineered to "move autonomously throughout the ship, interact with people, and fight fires, handling many of the dangerous firefighting tasks that are normally performed by humans." Outside of being stoic (and brawny) from tip to tip, it's also outfitted with multi-modal sensor technology for advanced navigation and a sensor suite that includes a camera, gas sensor, and stereo IR camera to enable it to see through smoke. We're told that its internal batteries can keep it cranking for a solid half-hour, while being capable of manipulating fire suppressors and throwing propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT) grenades. Wilder still, it'll be able to balance in "sea conditions," making it perfect for killing flames while onboard a ship. Of course, it's also being tweaked to work with a robotic team, giving it undercover powers to eventually turn the flames on the folks that created it. Paranoid? Maybe. But who are we to be too careful?

Update: Turns out, the same Dr. Hong that we had on The Engadget Show is responsible for this guy as well. It's the next step in evolution of the CHARLI humanoid, and the two photos seen after the break are credited to RoMeLa: Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory, Virginia Tech.

Continue reading SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot

SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireFirefightinggrenadehumanoidmilitarynavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyNRLPEATresearchrobotsafetySAFFiRscientistscientistsShadwellshipboardUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniaususaVirginia TechVirginiaTechwarwargadgetSun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon elbows past Samsung for No. 2 tablet spot in Q4, according to IHS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazon-elbows-past-samsung-for-no-2-tablet-spot-in-q4-apples/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazon-elbows-past-samsung-for-no-2-tablet-spot-in-q4-apples/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazon-elbows-past-samsung-for-no-2-tablet-spot-in-q4-apples/#comments EDIT Amazon elbows its way past Samsung for No. 2 tablet spot
Amazon had some serious trombone action going on last year -- what with all the horn tooting it did about Kindle Fire demand. Turns out Amazon was on to something, as the company has apparently grabbed the No. 2 spot from Samsung for tablet sales in the last quarter, according to research firm IHS iSuppli. Based on its numbers, Amazon sold 3.89 million tablets during the fourth quarter, eclipsing Samsung's 2.14 million units. The numbers equal a 14 percent share of the tablet market for Amazon while Samsung grabbed an 8 percent share, down from 11 percent in the third quarter. The brisk sales came at a price for Amazon, which saw fourth-quarter profits drop since it sold Kindle Fire tablets at a loss. Amazon's tablet sales also were still below the 15.4 million iPads sold by Apple for the period. All the competition is apparently taking a bite out of Apple's market share, however, which fell to 62 percent in 2011, compared to 87 percent in 2010. Samsung did manage to hold on to the No. 2 spot for the year, but with rumors already swirling about new iPads plus the Galaxy Note 10.1, the tablet wars aren't likely to cool off anytime soon.

Amazon elbows past Samsung for No. 2 tablet spot in Q4, according to IHS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonanalystapplefireihsipadkindlekindle fireKindleFiremarket shareMarketShareq4q4 2011Q42011resultssalessamsungtablettablet salestablet sharetabletsTabletSalesTabletShareFri, 17 Feb 2012 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's second-gen, possibly larger Kindle Fire to set off at end of Q2?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazons-second-gen-possibly-larger-kindle-fire-to-set-off-at-e/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazons-second-gen-possibly-larger-kindle-fire-to-set-off-at-e/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/amazons-second-gen-possibly-larger-kindle-fire-to-set-off-at-e/#comments Amazon's second-gen, possibly larger Kindle Fire to set off at end of Q2?Still anticipating the Kindle Fire's successor? Well, here's some gossip from the Far East for you Bezos fans. According to the well-connected China Times of Taiwan, it's been informed by parts suppliers that Amazon's next tablet does not yet have a finalized specification, though it hinted that a 10-inch OEM device from Foxconn could be a potential candidate. Amazon's chain of manufacturers -- including Quanta, ACES, Prime View, Singatron, CviLux and the newly added Foxconn -- is allegedly scheduled to supply sample parts in March, followed by mass production (assembled by Quanta and Foxconn, naturally) in May or June before releasing to market by the end of Q2.

Additionally, China Times understands that as an attempt to further reduce manufacturing costs, Amazon will also be personally picking and approving parts; as opposed to the olden days where Quanta took full care of the first Kindle Fire. This is surely a bad sign for Quanta in the short run, but hey, cheaper tablets sell well. The real question is: do people actually want a larger Kindle Fire? We're a tad skeptical at this point.

Amazon's second-gen, possibly larger Kindle Fire to set off at end of Q2? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACESamazonandroidchina timesChinaTimesCviLuxe-readerebookfirefoxconnkindlekindle fireKindleFirePrime ViewPrimeViewquantarumorsingatrontabletFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[HP feels the heat, recalls 1040 and 1050 fax machines]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/hp-recalls-1040-and-1050-fax-machines/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/hp-recalls-1040-and-1050-fax-machines/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/hp-recalls-1040-and-1050-fax-machines/#comments HP feels the heat, recalls 1040 and 1050 fax machinesHey, office workers -- listen up. You know that cheap, god-forsaken fax machine that you've come to loathe something fierce? Well, if it's an HP unit, go ahead and peep the model number on the front -- don't worry, we'll wait. If it says either 1040 or 1050, in addition to being a pain in the ass to operate (like all fax machines are), there's also a small chance the cursed thing could catch on fire. Of the 1.1 million units sold between 2004 and 2011, only seven documented cases have (literally) gone up in flames, but the risk has instigated a voluntary recall for both models. If you're among the affected owners, go ahead and unplug the machine from its power source, then give HP a call at (888) 654-9296 to get a rebate. Also, be forewarned that while it's illegal to sell a recalled product, we've found scads of these units currently for sale on eBay. Like the previously recalled HP products, that's one smokin' hot deal we're inclined to skip.

HP feels the heat, recalls 1040 and 1050 fax machines originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10401050consumer product safety commissionConsumerProductSafetyCommissioncspcfaxfax machineFaxMachinefirehewlett packardhewlett-packardHewlettPackardhpHP 1040 faxHP 1050 faxHp1040FaxHp1050FaxrecallFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/chevy-volt-safe-from-fire-hazard-after-all-says-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/chevy-volt-safe-from-fire-hazard-after-all-says-government/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/chevy-volt-safe-from-fire-hazard-after-all-says-government/#comments The Chevy Volt isn't prone to catching fire after all, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The all-electric car came under scrutiny last year after one caught fire following a side-impact crash test. GM offered a buyback program for Volt owners concerned their cars might suddenly immolate, then the company made "enhancements" to the Volt's battery coolant system. That set things right, as far as the NHTSA is concerned: it says "no discernable defect trend exists" in the Volt, and that GM's revisions "reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts." Chevy dropped the Volt's price by $1,000 for 2012, too. So what do you think? Is a $39,000 starting price and less of a chance of burning to death enough to make you go electric?

Chevy Volt safe from fire hazard after all, says government originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobatteriesbatterycarcarschevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltChevyChevy VoltChevyVoltelectricelectric carelectric carsElectricCarElectricCarsfirefire hazardFireHazardgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhazardNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNHTSAsafetyvoltTue, 24 Jan 2012 02:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire firmware update 6.2.2 brings full-screen browsing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/kindle-fire-firmware-updated-6-2-2-full-screen-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/kindle-fire-firmware-updated-6-2-2-full-screen-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/18/kindle-fire-firmware-updated-6-2-2-full-screen-browser/#comments The fine folks over at Amazon have further flushed out the firmware on its fiercely popular Fire tablet. Upgrading your Kindle Fire to version 6.2.2 will bring a handful of small performance tweaks, bugs fixes and, most notably, add a full-screen mode to the device's Silk browser. If you've gone ahead and rooted your Fire, applying the firmware bump will kill superuser access -- although a fresh build of BurritoRoot 2 should get you back on the straight and narrow. The new code is being pushed out over-the-air as we type, while those that enjoy the endorphin rush associated with instant gratification -- and know how to manually update a Kindle -- can find a link to the 6.2.2 firmware file below. Happy updating!

Kindle Fire firmware update 6.2.2 brings full-screen browsing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonbinBurrito RootBurritoRootfileFirefirmfirmwareflashKindleKindle FireKindleFireOTAover-the-airrootsoftwareupdatewareWed, 18 Jan 2012 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to add 'enhancements' to Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, will call back 8,000 cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/GM-Chevy-Volt-Battery-Fire-Test/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/GM-Chevy-Volt-Battery-Fire-Test/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/GM-Chevy-Volt-Battery-Fire-Test/#comments
In the wake of an NHSTA "formal safety investigation," GM today announced plans to add enhancements to the Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, in the hopes of preventing any post-crash electrical fires. As a result, some 8,000 Volt drivers will have to bring their cars back to their dealerships, as part of a move that's one notch below a formal recall. GM made the decision following federal investigation that saw three batteries erupt in flames after side-impact crash tests. Regulators blamed the irregularity on a coolant leak though thus far, no similar incidents have been reported among any Volt owners. The manufacturer plans to remedy the situation by adding extra support to protect the battery during side collisions, adding an extra sensor to keep an eye on coolant levels, and by incorporating an extra bracket atop the coolant reservoir to guard against potential overflows. Vehicles with these enhancements, GM said, passed the tests without any leakage or battery pack damage. Head past the break for the full PR.

Update: Chevrolet has just reached out to us to clarify that adding these enhancements is voluntary, and not mandatory for Volt owners: "These modifications are part of a voluntary customer satisfaction effort. While we will encourage customers to return to a dealership to have their Volt's modified, it is voluntary for them as well."

Continue reading GM to add 'enhancements' to Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, will call back 8,000 cars

GM to add 'enhancements' to Chevy Volt's battery coolant system, will call back 8,000 cars originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycall backCallBackcarcarschevychevy voltChevyVoltdangerelectricelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfiregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlithium ion batteryLithiumIonBatteryNHSTArecalltestvoltThu, 05 Jan 2012 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/amazon-marks-best-holiday-for-kindle-devices-fills-stockings/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/amazon-marks-best-holiday-for-kindle-devices-fills-stockings/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/amazon-marks-best-holiday-for-kindle-devices-fills-stockings/#comments It was yet another solid year for Amazon's Kindle family of products. The mega online retailer sent out its yearly post-Christmas card, bragging about moving "well over one million Kindle devices per week" for December, making it the best holiday yet for the e-reader / tablet line, according to the company. Three Kindles held the top spots on the site's list of best sellers, led by the Fire, the Touch and the plain old fourth generation Kindle. No exact numbers from Amazon, as per usual, but it looks to have been a pretty green Christmas for Bezos and co. Jingle all the way to the celebratory press release after the jump.

Continue reading Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash

Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfireholidaysjeff bezosJeffBezoskindlekindle firekindle touchKindleFireKindleTouchsalessellingThu, 29 Dec 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire stops blocking Android Market site, hijacking your browser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/kindle-fire-stops-blocking-android-market-site-hijacking-your-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/kindle-fire-stops-blocking-android-market-site-hijacking-your-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/kindle-fire-stops-blocking-android-market-site-hijacking-your-b/#comments Silk Browser Some of you may have noticed, when perusing the interwebs on your Kindle Fire, that a certain Google-branded Market refused to load in the slate's Silk browser. In fact, it automatically redirected you to the Amazon App store in an unsettling bit of URL hijacking. Well, with the latest update to the tablet, that slightly befuddling restriction has been lifted and the questionable behavior rectified. Presumably this was originally intended to save customers confusion and support staff headaches when trying to install an app from the Android Market failed. But, actually intercepting and redirecting a user isn't becoming of a company that expects us to trust it with our data -- especially our browsing and financial info. Thankfully now, you can visit the Market in all its glory on your Fire, just don't expect to install apps from it any time soon (...at least not without some hacking).

Kindle Fire stops blocking Android Market site, hijacking your browser originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAmazon Kindle FireAmazonKindleFireAndroid MarketAndroidMarketblockbrowser redirectBrowserRedirectFiregoogleKindleKindle FireKindleFireSilkSilk BrowserSilkBrowserWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[GM assures owners Volt is safe, offers loaners for good measure]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/gm-assures-owners-volt-is-safe-offers-loaners-for-good-measure/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/gm-assures-owners-volt-is-safe-offers-loaners-for-good-measure/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/gm-assures-owners-volt-is-safe-offers-loaners-for-good-measure/#comments Reports of the NHTSA's Volt catching fire post crash-tests still got you down? Well, unless you're the type who lingers for several weeks in the vicinity of your wrecked auto, there probably isn't much to worry about. GM apparently feels the same way, as it's began contacting all 5,329 owners to "reassure them" their gasoline-electric whips are safe to drive. Those who remain unconvinced can bug the General for a presumably non-electric loaner while the whole investigation sorts itself. Or if your name is Jay Leno, you could just choose one of the other hundred in your garage.

GM assures owners Volt is safe, offers loaners for good measure originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltfiregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm voltGmVoltnhtsanhtsa crash testNhtsaCrashTestsafetyvoltvolt fireVoltFireTue, 29 Nov 2011 06:14:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 combusts on Australian flight, looks madder than a spurned Qantas employee]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/iphone-4-self-combusts-on-australian-flight-looks-madder-than-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/iphone-4-self-combusts-on-australian-flight-looks-madder-than-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/iphone-4-self-combusts-on-australian-flight-looks-madder-than-a/#comments On an airline that's actually serving the great country of Australia these days, an iPhone 4 decided enough was enough. Shortly after Regional Express flight ZL319 landed in Sydney from Lismore, "a passenger's mobile phone started emitting a significant amount of dense smoke, accompanied by a red glow." What happened next is a bit of an Aussie mystery, but it seems at some point that the glow was "extinguished successfully." No one onboard was harmed, and the handset in question has been handed over to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for "analysis." It suffered only mild reception issues prior to its final collapse, and if faced with a similar situation, Siri reportedly stated that it would consult a therapist before discharging hot fury.

Update: Ross let us know that officials from the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau are investigating the incident.

Continue reading iPhone 4 combusts on Australian flight, looks madder than a spurned Qantas employee

iPhone 4 combusts on Australian flight, looks madder than a spurned Qantas employee originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleAustraliabatterybattery problembattery problemsBatteryProblemBatteryProblemscombustionexplosionfireheathotiphoneiphone 4Iphone4mobilepostcrossregional expressRegionalExpresssmokeMon, 28 Nov 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt under 'formal safety investigation' by NHTSA due to post-crash fire concerns]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/dnp-chevy-volt-under-formal-safety-investigation-by-nhtsa-due/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/dnp-chevy-volt-under-formal-safety-investigation-by-nhtsa-due/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/dnp-chevy-volt-under-formal-safety-investigation-by-nhtsa-due/#comments
The Chevy Volt's lithium-ion battery may be great for a lot of things -- like low gasoline-dependency, for instance -- but when it comes to government regulated crash tests, it's proving to be a fiery problem. As the story goes, back in May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration put a Volt through standard side-impact crash testing, and in doing so, "the vehicle's battery was damaged and the coolant line was ruptured." The big issue? The car went up in flames multiple weeks later, seemingly as direct result. That event prompted the NHTSA to further study the safety of the batts in the period after a crash, which culminated in more tests performed just over a week ago to find out if they would prove volatile again -- simply put, they did. The group recently explained that it's "concerned that damage to the Volt's batteries as part of three tests that are explicitly designed to replicate real-world crash scenarios have resulted in fire."

Because of this development, the NHTSA (with assistance from the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and General Motors itself) has officially launched a formal investigation into the Volt to ensure that its current battery implementation isn't a safety defect. Despite the announcement, the agency notes that of all the Volts currently zipping along the streets, there has yet to be a to be a similar incident out on the open road. The NHTSA further clarified that there's not yet any reason for current owners to worry, so long as they haven't been in an accident with their vehicle. Overall, GM describes the whole investigation as "procedural" at this point, stating that both GM has been working with the NHTSA for over six months on a "broader program designed to induce battery failure after extreme situations." Seems a bit late at this point, but in any event, you'll find full details in the press releases from both parties just past the break.

Continue reading Chevy Volt under 'formal safety investigation' by NHTSA due to post-crash fire concerns

Chevy Volt under 'formal safety investigation' by NHTSA due to post-crash fire concerns originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltcrash testCrashTestdepartment of defensedepartment of energyDepartmentOfDefenseDepartmentOfEnergydoddoefiregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgminvestigationJim FedericoJimFedericosafetyvoltSun, 27 Nov 2011 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: best DIY wireless home security (and fire) system?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/ask-engadget-best-diy-wireless-home-security-and-fire-system/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/ask-engadget-best-diy-wireless-home-security-and-fire-system/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/ask-engadget-best-diy-wireless-home-security-and-fire-system/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Roger, who is just about tired of hearing "ADT." If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I'm moving into a new place, and I need a good wireless home security and fire system. But here's the thing -- I only have a broadband internet connection and a cellphone. I can't use one of those traditional ADT systems that require a landline, and moreover, the $40+ per month they charge is outrageous. I need a DIY option that monitors both security and fire, and I'm fine paying up to $25 or $30 a month for UL-certified off-site monitoring. SimpliSafe and Lifeshield seem decent, but the former doesn't monitor fire yet. Support for live feeds and alerts on my smartphone would be a huge plus. Thanks!"

Looks like SimpliSafe will be the perfect solution when it adds fire support in 2012, but Roger needs help in the here and now. Any paranoid homeowners out there have any other awesome suggestions? Drop 'em in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best DIY wireless home security (and fire) system? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adtaskask engadgetAskEngadgetfirefire securityFireSecurityhome monitoringhome securityHomeMonitoringHomeSecurityintrusionlifeshieldmonitormonitoringsafetysecuritysimplisafeSat, 19 Nov 2011 21:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire torn down by iFixit, asbestos gloves curiously absent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/kindle-fire-torn-down-by-ifixit-asbestos-gloves-curiously-absen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/kindle-fire-torn-down-by-ifixit-asbestos-gloves-curiously-absen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/kindle-fire-torn-down-by-ifixit-asbestos-gloves-curiously-absen/#comments We already had a pretty good idea of what's inside the Kindle Fire -- basically, the same thing that was inside the BlackBerry PlayBook. But of course we're still fans of seeing all the circuits and components that make up a modern gadget, and that's why we love iFixit so much. With gentle touches and tiny tools the disembodied hands here split Amazon's new hotness in twain and then started pulling out silicon and copper with wild abandon. The teardown is still ongoing, so set those browsers on Refresh, but already the small 4,400mAh battery and 8GB of Samsung flash have been exposed. Click on through to see the rest!

Kindle Fire torn down by iFixit, asbestos gloves curiously absent originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-inchandroidfireifixitkindlekindle fireKindleFiretabletteardownTue, 15 Nov 2011 16:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle Fire review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/amazon-kindle-fire-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/amazon-kindle-fire-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/amazon-kindle-fire-review/#comments It seems like ages since Amazon introduced us to the $199 Fire at a hectic New York City event, but in truth that was only about six weeks ago. Maybe our perception of time is warped because we've been hearing talk about this 7-inch Android tablet for months now. Maybe it's because Amazon launching a tablet seemed like such a natural thing to do after Barnes & Noble paved the way with its Nook Color. Or, maybe it's just because the gadget Amazon shipped looks nigh-identical to the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook that we've had for, well, ages.

For whatever the reason, what Amazon has delivered is a device that is intimately familiar yet mysterious -- a simple, minimalistic exterior design hiding a flashy, seemingly quite trick customization that's sitting atop a decidedly ho-hum Android Gingerbread build. Our questions leading up to this review were many: How will it handle sideloading? Are the battery life and performance better than the PlayBook? Can a tablet that costs two hundred bucks stand a chance against those that cost two and three times as much? C'mon baby, click on through to find out.

Gallery: Amazon Kindle Fire review

Continue reading Amazon Kindle Fire review

Amazon Kindle Fire review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidengadget awardsengadget awards 2011EngadgetAwardsEngadgetAwards2011firegingerbreadkindlekindle fireKindleFiremarvelomapreviewsilksilk browserSilkBrowsertablettabletstiti omapTiOmapvideoMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple reaches settlement in MagSafe class action suit, dodges fireball]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/apple-reaches-settlement-in-magsafe-class-action-suit-dodges-fi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/apple-reaches-settlement-in-magsafe-class-action-suit-dodges-fi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/apple-reaches-settlement-in-magsafe-class-action-suit-dodges-fi/#comments
Apple's MagSafe has been veritable boon to the clumsy, saving MacBooks from accidental drops since 2006. The magnetic solution, however, hasn't been exactly great when keeping those same notebooks spark free. Those who weren't able to convince a Genius to part ways with a replacement gratis should know that Cupertino has just settled a class-action relating to the original's propensity to fray. Provided they fill out the necessary paperwork, those who paid for replacements out of pocket will be reimbursed $79 within the first year of the computer's purchase, decreasing to $50 and $35 respectively in the years that follow. Claims can be submitted up to three years after the original purchase, or until March 21, 2012 -- whichever occurs first. And to those of you rocking the pre-2008 "L" shaped redesign, might we recommend some flame retardant socks?

Apple reaches settlement in MagSafe class action suit, dodges fireball originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple macbookapple macbook airapple macbook proAppleMacbookAppleMacbookAirAppleMacbookProclass actionclass action lawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitfirefiresfraylawsuitmacbookmacbook airmacbook proMacbookAirMacbookPromagsafepower adapterPowerAdapterreplacementsettlementTue, 08 Nov 2011 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's new e-book format brings HTML5 support to your Kindle library]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/amazons-new-e-book-format-brings-html5-support-to-your-kindle-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/amazons-new-e-book-format-brings-html5-support-to-your-kindle-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/amazons-new-e-book-format-brings-html5-support-to-your-kindle-l/#comments
"Great looking books." That's what Amazon is promising to deliver with Kindle Format 8 (KF8) -- a new, HTML5-based file format for Kindle books. According to the company, KF8 will allow publishers to produce picture books, comics and graphic novels with greater ease, thanks to the platform's rich formatting capabilities and design elements. In fact, this format brings more than 150 new formatting tools to the table, including fixed layouts, nested tables, sidebars and Scalable Vector Graphics, among others. It should be noted, however, that audio and video are not included on the list of supported HTML tags and CSS elements. At first, content creators will only be able to use KF8 for the Kindle Fire tablet, though Amazon says it'll gradually expand to its entire lineup of devices and apps "in the coming months." No word yet on when KF8 will become available as an update to Amazon's Kindle Publisher Tools suite, but you can find more details at the source link, below.

Amazon's new e-book format brings HTML5 support to your Kindle library originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFirebookscodecomic booksComicBooksCSSCSS3design elementsDesignElementsdevelopmente booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfireformattinggraphic novelsGraphicNovelshtml 5html5kf8kindlekindle firekindle format 8kindle publisher toolsKindleFireKindleFormat8KindlePublisherToolspublishingrich formattingRichFormattingtabletMon, 24 Oct 2011 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Barnes & Noble pulls DC Comics from shelves over Kindle kerfuffle, risks Martian Manhunter's wrath]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/08/barnes-and-noble-pulls-dc-comics-from-shelves-over-kindle-kerfuffl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/08/barnes-and-noble-pulls-dc-comics-from-shelves-over-kindle-kerfuffl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/08/barnes-and-noble-pulls-dc-comics-from-shelves-over-kindle-kerfuffl/#comments Frankly, we'd advise against crossing anyone given to costumed superheroics, but a policy is a policy. Book selling giant Barnes & Noble has begun pulling select DC Comics from store shelves this week, in response to a deal struck between the publisher and Amazon, which will make digital copies of a number of comics exclusively available through the online retailer for use with the forthcoming Kindle Fire. The move is part of Barnes & Noble's policy to remove physical books from its shelves if the available digital version of the text is not offered up to the company. According to an exec, "To sell and promote the physical book in our store showrooms and not have the e-book available for sale would undermine our promise to Barnes & Noble customers to make available any book, anywhere, anytime." J'onn J'onzz has yet to weigh in on the matter.

Barnes & Noble pulls DC Comics from shelves over Kindle kerfuffle, risks Martian Manhunter's wrath originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblecomic booksComicBookscomicsdc comicsDcComicse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireSat, 08 Oct 2011 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon adds Kindle Fire-specific details to Developer Portal, A's your FAQ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/amazon-adds-kindle-fire-specific-details-to-developer-portal-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/amazon-adds-kindle-fire-specific-details-to-developer-portal-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/amazon-adds-kindle-fire-specific-details-to-developer-portal-a/#comments
The Kindle Fire may not be hitting the market until November, but Amazon has already updated its Developer Portal FAQ page with an entire section devoted to its forthcoming Android tablet. On the new page, you'll find largely standard information on things like the application process and how to set up an Android SDK emulator, though there are a few more salient tidbits, as well. For instance, Amazon says it will review every app in its Appstore for Fire compatibility, as part of an automated process. Rejected apps, Amazon informs us, will include those that rely on a gyroscope, camera, WAN module, Bluetooth, microphone, GPS, or micro SD. Apps are also forbidden from using Google's Mobile Services (and in-app billing), which, if included, will have to be "gracefully" removed. In terms of actual content, Amazon has outlawed all apps that change the tablet's UI in any way (including theme- or wallpaper-based tools), as well as any that demand root access (it remains to be seen how the company will treat the root-dependent apps already in its store). Interested devs can find more information at the source link, below.

Amazon adds Kindle Fire-specific details to Developer Portal, A's your FAQ originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon app storeamazon appstoreamazon kindle fireAmazonAppstoreAmazonKindleFireandroidAndroid SDKAndroidSdkappapp storeapplicationAppStorebluetoothcameradevdeveloperfiregooglegoogle mobile servicesGoogleMobileServicesGPSgyroscopein-app billingIn-appBillingkindlekindle fireKindleFiremicro SDmicro-SDMicroSdroottabletthemeUIuser interfaceUserInterfacewallpaperWAN moduleWanModuleFri, 07 Oct 2011 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire pre-orders heat up, reportedly reach 95,000]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/kindle-fire-pre-orders-heat-up-reportedly-reach-95-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/kindle-fire-pre-orders-heat-up-reportedly-reach-95-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/kindle-fire-pre-orders-heat-up-reportedly-reach-95-000/#comments

The Kindle Fire won't be out til November, but it's already giving off some strong pre-order smoke signals. According to digital marketing firm eDataSource, Amazon's first tablet has generated enough buzz to pick up just under 100,000 orders -- an estimate based on a sample of 800,000 e-mail users. Even with these rosy estimates, however, Amazon still has a long way to go before it catches up with Apple, which sold 300,000 iPads on its debut. But we're guessing that the Fire's $199 price tag probably won't hurt its chances.

Kindle Fire pre-orders heat up, reportedly reach 95,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-inchamazonamazon appstoreamazon kindleamazon kindle fireamazon tabletAmazonAppstoreAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFireAmazonTabletandroidandroid tabletAndroidTabletfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireotterpre-orderpreorderslatetablettabletsvideoMon, 03 Oct 2011 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Assets in gear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/switched-on-assets-in-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/switched-on-assets-in-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/switched-on-assets-in-gear/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Ecosystems take years to build and depend on other companies. Really, who has the time these days? Plus, they kick in only if a product reaches critical mass. Microsoft and SanDisk demonstrated the risk a few years back with their digital media players in seeding the market with third-party cases and docks using their own proprietary and now abandoned connectors. Over the past year, though, we've seen a number of tech companies take a new approach to mobile product development -- the corporate showcase -- where they convincingly shun any notion of silos by throwing just about everything they've got into a product.

Continue reading Switched On: Assets in gear

Switched On: Assets in gear originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleFireandroidandroid tabletAndroidTabletcolumne booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfirekindlekindle fireKindleFiremicrosoftsonyswitched onSwitchedOntablettablet sTabletSwindowswindows 7windows 8Windows7Windows8Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle family portrait]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-kindle-family-portrait/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-kindle-family-portrait/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-kindle-family-portrait/#comments And golly, don't they look proud. On the left, the new $99 Kindle Touch. On the right, the new $79 Kindle. And, in the middle, the $199 Kindle Fire tablet. So, which would you rather? If you need more help deciding, check out the gallery, which features the third-generation Kindle thrown into the mix.

Gallery: Amazon Kindle family portrait

Amazon Kindle family portrait originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidfirekindlekindle firekindle touchKindleFireKindleTouchtablettouchvideoWed, 28 Sep 2011 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Is a 10-inch Kindle Fire coming? Amazon says 'stay tuned']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/is-a-10-inch-kindle-fire-coming-amazon-says-stay-tuned/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/is-a-10-inch-kindle-fire-coming-amazon-says-stay-tuned/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/is-a-10-inch-kindle-fire-coming-amazon-says-stay-tuned/#comments Is a 10-inch Amazon Kindle Fire coming? We already knew to expect a 7-incher today, and that's exactly what we got in the Kindle Fire. We just asked Amazon Kindle vice president (and thinking man) Russ Grandinetti when we might expect a larger successor. With a smile, Russ said "Stay tuned," and left it at that. If you'll recall, RIM's Ryan Biden told us at a past Engadget Show that there was "no reason" the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook couldn't be shipped in a different size, and given recent rumors that both outfits were working with Quanta, it's not too tough to read betwixt the lines. We also asked about an international release of the Fire, knowing that many of you are lamenting its US-only release in November. We got the same response there. So, it's coming... the only question is when.

Is a 10-inch Kindle Fire coming? Amazon says 'stay tuned' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleFireandroidandroid tabletAndroidTabletfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireotterquantarumortabletvideoWed, 28 Sep 2011 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire vs. BlackBerry PlayBook... Fight!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kindle-fire-vs-blackberry-playbook-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kindle-fire-vs-blackberry-playbook-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kindle-fire-vs-blackberry-playbook-fight/#comments How much does the Kindle Fire look like the PlayBook? It looks this much like the PlayBook.

Gallery: Kindle Fire vs. BlackBerry PlayBook

Kindle Fire vs. BlackBerry PlayBook... Fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireplaybooktabletvideoWed, 28 Sep 2011 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle Fire impressions (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-kindle-fire-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-kindle-fire-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-kindle-fire-impressions/#comments Amazon Kindle Fire impressions (video) Alas, we've not been able to get our hands on Amazon's diminutive new 7-inch, $199 Kindle Fire tablet just yet, but we were treated to a lengthy demo of the thing courtesy of an Amazon rep, answering many of our questions and showing us just what how the thing performs. How does it fare? Very well, thank you very much. More details after the break.

Gallery: Amazon Kindle Fire impressions

Continue reading Amazon Kindle Fire impressions (video)

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Amazon Kindle Fire impressions (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidfirekindlekindle fireKindleFiretabletvideoWed, 28 Sep 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Kindle Fire tablet unveiled: Android-based, 7-inch display, $199 price tag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-fire-tablet-unveiled-7-inch-display-199-price-tag/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-fire-tablet-unveiled-7-inch-display-199-price-tag/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/amazon-fire-tablet-unveiled-7-inch-display-199-price-tag/#comments
Okay, so it wasn't much of a surprise, but Amazon finally has a tablet, and as expected its name picks up where the Kindle left off: Fire. Of course, rumors of an Amazon tablet date back to this time last year (if not before), but it seems that Jeff and co. have wisely chosen to get this thing out on the open market before having yet another wild and wacky holiday quarter. Bloomberg has curiously reported on some of the details before the event itself kicks off, noting that the 7-inch device will run a version of Android while acting much like a "souped-up Kindle." The real kicker, however, is the price -- at just $199, it's bound to turn heads, regardless of whether you were interested in a slate before. Naturally, that bargain-bin sticker explains the lack of an embedded camera and microphone, though consumers will find WiFi (no 3G, sadly) and a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. It's also quite clear that Amazon's hoping to make a bigger splash on the content side of things than has been made already by Apple, and with the deals flowing like wine, we wouldn't be shocked if it does just that.

Update: Itching for specs? How's about a 7-inch IPS (!) panel, Gorilla Glass coating, a 1GHz TI OMAP dual-core CPU, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and a chassis that weighs 14.6 ounces. There's also access to things you'd expect to have access to: Android Appstore (though no access to Google's Android Market!), Kindle books, magazines, etc. -- all stored for free via Amazon Cloud Storage. Per Jeff: "Delete it and get it back when you want." Oh, and Whispersync now works with movies and TV shows! "When you get home, switch to your big screen TV. Your movie will be right where you left it." While it's clearly Android underneath, the actual UI looks effectively nothing like it -- considering TechCrunch's intel that Amazon went and did its own thing without Google's blessing, we guess that makes some level of sense. Oh, and pre-orders are set to start today (but only for Americans... boo), with shipments heading out on November 15th.

Update 2: We've added the first commercial video after the break.

Update 3: Check out our hands-on impressions right here!

Keep up with the unveiling at our liveblog of the Amazon event.

Gallery: Amazon launches Kindle Fire tablet in NYC!

Gallery: Amazon Kindle Fire

Continue reading Amazon Kindle Fire tablet unveiled: Android-based, 7-inch display, $199 price tag

Amazon Kindle Fire tablet unveiled: Android-based, 7-inch display, $199 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-inchamazonamazon appstoreamazon kindleamazon kindle fireAmazonAppstoreAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFireandroidbreaking newsfiregame changerGameChangerkindlekindle fireKindleFireotterslatetabletWed, 28 Sep 2011 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Is a second generation Kindle Fire tablet hitting early next year?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/is-a-second-generation-kindle-fire-tablet-hitting-early-next-yea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/is-a-second-generation-kindle-fire-tablet-hitting-early-next-yea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/is-a-second-generation-kindle-fire-tablet-hitting-early-next-yea/#comments Shortly after information started leaking out about the warmly-named Amazon tablet, gdgt offered up some supplementary details from sources explaining why the Fire looks an awful lot like the PlayBook. According to the anonymous informants, the thing was built using the same template as RIM's device. Apparently the product is more or less being rushed out the door to make it out in time for the holidays. It seems that there may be another pressing reason for the rush to bring the reader-friendly tablet to market -- namely a much improved second generation device, which is currently on-tap for the first quarter of next year. Why so close? Well, the newer tablet's release date has supposedly been secured for some time, while its predecessor was pushed back for various reasons. It wouldn't be the first time that Amazon launched two Kindle products months apart, with the Kindle DX arriving shortly after the Kindle 2. It's not exactly the same thing, given that one device wasn't meant to replace the other, but it certainly doesn't bode well for the company's ability to schedule. There are still some questions here, of course -- even if the above is true (and that's certainly a big "if"), that doesn't mean that this second-gen tablet will hit its own mark. If it does, however, a lot of early adopters may get burned by the Fire.

Is a second generation Kindle Fire tablet hitting early next year? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireamazon kindle tabletamazon tabletAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFireAmazonKindleTabletAmazonTabletandroidblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireplaybookrimslatetablettablet pcTabletPcTue, 27 Sep 2011 15:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Kindle Fire tablet purportedly on tap for Wednesday, set to ship in November]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/kindle-fire-tablet-purportedly-on-tap-for-wednesday-set-to-ship/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/kindle-fire-tablet-purportedly-on-tap-for-wednesday-set-to-ship/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/kindle-fire-tablet-purportedly-on-tap-for-wednesday-set-to-ship/#comments "Kindle Fire." Can't say that's the name we would've thrown together if given five minutes to dwell and assured that we'd take on absolutely no risk at all for it failing, but hey -- who are we to question Jeff Bezos? TechCrunch is keeping the Kindle tablet rumors fresh with a new helping of intel, hitting the wires just two days prior to the outfit's September 28th press event. According to the publication, "Fire" (mocked up above) was chosen in order to differentiate it from the e-ink siblings that'll sell alongside of it, and we're told to expect a mind-numbing amount of content deals to make it ever more attractive in a realm that iOS currently dominates. Moreover, a dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP chip is now being tipped, and if all goes well, the sub-$300 device should ship in November. Meanwhile, B&N engineers are reportedly toiling away on the Nook Color 2, and we wouldn't be shocked in the least to see it hurry into an announcement just to phunk with Amazon's flow. We'll be there live on Wednesday to break it all down -- water sprinklers in tow, naturally.

Update: gdgt is suggesting that there's a reason the Kindle Fire will look a lot like the PlayBook -- it's a good read, and it can be found here.

Kindle Fire tablet purportedly on tap for Wednesday, set to ship in November originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleamazon kindle fireamazon kindle tabletamazon tabletAmazonKindleAmazonKindleFireAmazonKindleTabletAmazonTabletandroidfirekindlekindle fireKindleFireNook Color 2NookColor2slatetablettablet pcTabletPcMon, 26 Sep 2011 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of September 12, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-12-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-12-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/mobile-miscellany-week-of-september-12-2011/#comments This week was packed with news on the mobile front, so it was easy to miss a few stories here and there. Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of September 12, 2011:
  • Vodacom South Africa has joined the data throttling club, though this carrier is taking a slightly different spin: BlackBerry users consuming more than 100MB of data each month will find their download speeds downgraded to GPRS or EDGE. The company claims this will only affect less than five percent of its BlackBerry customers. [via N4BB]
  • Bada fans: the Samsung Wave 578 is featured on Orange's site as "coming soon." [via The Inquirer]
  • Motorola announced the availability of the Fire and Fire XT in India this week. [via Motorola]
  • The Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray is now being sold at Vodafone UK. [via Vodafone]
  • Parrot announced the most recent addition to its lineup of Bluetooth products, called the Minikit+, a refresh of its popular hands-free speakerphone. The new model offers simultaneous pairing and voice commands. [via Parrot]
  • Research in Motion is hoping to put the NFC functionality in OS 7 to good use, as it announced that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 / 9330 as well as the Curve 9350 / 9360 will support HID's iCLASS digital keys, which means corporate folks will able to use their smartphone as an access card. [via PhoneScoop]
  • While digging through the Droid Bionic's webtop app, the names of two unknown Motorola phones were discovered: the Edison and the Common. Little is known about the Common, but a recent FCC filing mentioned the Edison and is speculated to be the follow-up to the Atrix, albeit sans LTE as originally hoped. [via Droid-Life]
  • The manager of the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace, Matt Bencke, wrote a post pleading developers to submit their Mango-compatible apps as soon as possible, as the new update is coming to existing phones soon and it's obviously very important to have Windows Phone 7.5 run as smooth as possible. [via WMPowerUser]
  • A leaked Radio Shack roadmap indicates the HTC Vigor should be available in stores by October 20th, and the QWERTY-packing Samsung Stratosphere will be up for online ordering as early as October 6th. As this is a third-party retailer, we can't say with surety that these dates reflect the carrier's official release. [via Droid-Life]

Mobile Miscellany: week of September 12, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbadabluetoothcommonedisonfirefire xtFireXthands-freehtc vigorHtcVigoriclasslteminikitmiscmiscellaneousmiscellanymmmobilemobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostminimotorolamotorola commonmotorola edisonmotorola firemotorola fire xtMotorolaCommonMotorolaEdisonMotorolaFireMotorolaFireXtNFC:near-field communicationsNfc:near-fieldCommunicationsparrotparrot minikitParrotMinikitradio shackRadioShackraysamsungsamsung stratospheresamsung wave 578SamsungStratosphereSamsungWave578sony ericssonsony ericsson xperia raySonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaRaystratosphereverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvigorvodacomvodafonevodafone ukVodafoneUkvzwwavewave 578Wave578webtopxperia rayXperiaRaySat, 17 Sep 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's XT531 hits the FCC, ready for its US crossover]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/motorolas-xt531-hits-the-fcc-ready-for-its-us-crossover/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/motorolas-xt531-hits-the-fcc-ready-for-its-us-crossover/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/motorolas-xt531-hits-the-fcc-ready-for-its-us-crossover/#comments

Motorola's XT531 has gone through more name changes than a certain rapper-cum-vodka shilling mogul, and the trend might continue as it makes its way to the US. The budget-friendly handset, known as the Fire XT in Europe and the Spice XT in Latin America, has just surfaced at the FCC toting AT&T-compatible GSM bands, UMTS / HSDPA 850MHz / 1900MHz support, WiFi and Bluetooth. Based on Moto's official PR for the handset's Chinese release, we know this 3.5-incher also sports a front-facing VGA / 5 megapixel rear camera, and is set to launch with Android 2.3 onboard. With Google's newest pal clearly chasing after heat-related naming conventions, we expect to see this one launch with an equally caliente moniker.

Motorola's XT531 hits the FCC, ready for its US crossover originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3asiachinadominodomino+dual simDualSimFCCfirefire xtFireXthvgalatin americaLatinAmericamobilemobilepostminimotorolamotorola dominomotorola domino+motorola firemotorola fire xtmotorola spicemotorola spice xtmotorola xt531MotorolaDominoMotorolaDomino+MotorolaFireMotorolaFireXtMotorolaSpiceMotorolaSpiceXtMotorolaXt531Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola makes the budget-friendly XT531 official, will be available in China this month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/motorola-makes-the-budget-friendly-xt531-official-will-be-avail/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/motorola-makes-the-budget-friendly-xt531-official-will-be-avail/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/motorola-makes-the-budget-friendly-xt531-official-will-be-avail/#comments The Domino name and its fancy "plus" didn't make the cut, but at least the phone itself did. Not long after the Motorola XT531 endured its obligatory photo session, the Android 2.3 device has been deemed worthy of an official press release announcing its upcoming availability. With it, all of the pertinent details came gushing out: it's powered by an 800MHz CPU (no specific chip was mentioned), 512MB of RAM, a 3.5-inch HVGA display, a 1540mAh battery for up to eight hours talk time, and it offers dual cameras (5 MP rear / VGA front). Dimensionally speaking, the handset is 11.95mm thick and weighs a smidgen above four ounces. Oh, and here's the kicker -- select parts of Asia will be able to choose between single-SIM and dual-SIM flavors. The XT531 will be available as the Fire XT in Europe and the Spice XT in Latin America -- not to be confused with the Fire and Spice -- sometime this fall. While our earlier images clearly showed the device clad in an all-white shell, there was zero mention of color choices. Disappointed? Allow us to recommend the age-old method of wishing upon a star. The full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Motorola makes the budget-friendly XT531 official, will be available in China this month

Motorola makes the budget-friendly XT531 official, will be available in China this month originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3asiachinadual simDualSimfirefire xtFireXthvgalatin americaLatinAmericamobilemotorolamotorola firemotorola fire xtmotorola spicemotorola spice xtmotorola xt531MotorolaFireMotorolaFireXtMotorolaSpiceMotorolaSpiceXtMotorolaXt531spicespice xtSpiceXtxt531Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:50:00 EST