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[Researchers suggest haptics and audio for discreet password input]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/researchers-suggest-haptics-and-audio-for-discreet-password-inpu/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/researchers-suggest-haptics-and-audio-for-discreet-password-inpu/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/researchers-suggest-haptics-and-audio-for-discreet-password-inpu/#comments Researchers suggest haptics and audio for discreet password inputYou can use as complex as a password as you like, but that won't do you much good if someone's able to watch or record you entering it. Researchers Andrea Bianchi, Ian Oakley and Dong-Soo Kwon have some ideas for overcoming that little problem though, and recently put together a video demonstrating a few of the possibilities they've come up with. All of those rely on haptic input systems -- either on their own or in conjunction with some audio output (through headphones for privacy). That includes things like a dedicated haptic keypad or haptic wheel, and different methods that could take advantage of a haptic display on a smartphone. As you can see in the video after the break, some of those options could be a bit more time consuming than an easy-to-remember password, but there's certainly plenty of potential applications where security would trump convenience.

[Thanks, An]

Continue reading Researchers suggest haptics and audio for discreet password input

Researchers suggest haptics and audio for discreet password input originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 02:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haptichaptic inputHapticInputhapticsinputpasswordpasswordssecuritytactilevideoMon, 09 Apr 2012 02:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reveals how your old slate will get all of Windows 8's charms (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/microsoft-reveals-how-your-old-slate-will-get-all-of-windows-8s/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/microsoft-reveals-how-your-old-slate-will-get-all-of-windows-8s/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/microsoft-reveals-how-your-old-slate-will-get-all-of-windows-8s/#comments ImageBeing able to touch, click and press your way around an operating system with a variety of hardware configurations, while not alienating potential upgraders, is no mean feat. That said, Microsoft thinks it might have the solution. By introducing a new mode, a 20 pixel buffer will be designated to working with those edge swipes we've heard about. It'll also go towards preventing accidental hits around the, typically less sensitive, edges of older screens. It does mean that you'll be losing a little real estate, but perhaps a small trade-off for being able to keep your Windows 7 touchscreen device. Going forward, Microsoft will be working with hardware providers to ensure new gear really shows off the new features of Win 8, but for now, legacy users can look forward to a better experience. Hit the source below for the full rundown.

Continue reading Microsoft reveals how your old slate will get all of Windows 8's charms (video)

Microsoft reveals how your old slate will get all of Windows 8's charms (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerinputlegacymicrosofttouchscreenvideowindowswindows 7windows 7 tabletwindows 8 tabletwindows touchWindows7Windows7Tabletwindows8Windows8TabletWindowsTouchThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[SwiftKey launches SDK, phones and tablets get more predictable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/swiftkey-launches-sdk-phones-and-tablets-get-more-predictable/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/swiftkey-launches-sdk-phones-and-tablets-get-more-predictable/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/swiftkey-launches-sdk-phones-and-tablets-get-more-predictable/#comments
SwiftKey is responsible for as many saved typing hours, as it is crushing affirmations of just how predictable we really are. A fact that can now be drilled home by infinitely more devices, thanks to a new SDK for OEMs. Developers for a variety of platforms and programming languages (including C++, iOS and JVM) can access SwiftKey's core language-engine technology for their own UI or on screen keyboard, and with support for over 40 languages, we can expect many more tablets, phones and even white goods to worryingly know what we were going to say.

Continue reading SwiftKey launches SDK, phones and tablets get more predictable

SwiftKey launches SDK, phones and tablets get more predictable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsC++cross-platformdeveloperinputiosjvmkeyboardmobilepostminiOEMon-screen keyboardOn-screenKeyboardpredictive textPredictiveTextsdkswiftkeytouchtypeuser interfaceUserInterfaceWed, 29 Feb 2012 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung updates S Pen SDK to 2.0, SCanvasView brings Note animation and narration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-note-s-pen-sdk-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-note-s-pen-sdk-2-0/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/samsung-galaxy-note-s-pen-sdk-2-0/#comments Following Samsung's launch of the it's-definitely-a-tablet 10.1 Note, it's become even more clear that the company's stylus S Pen is here to stay, in a very big way. Now, it's time for third-party developers to get sketchy with version 2.0 of the S Pen SDK. The biggest feature boost is the ability to animate drawings to pair with recorded voice, while other additions include SAMM Library access, improved rendering and the ability to revert after accidentally clearing all. Ready to start jotting? Hit up our source link below and get your download on.

Samsung updates S Pen SDK to 2.0, SCanvasView brings Note animation and narration originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsartdevdevelopdeveloperdrawinggalaxyGalaxy NoteGalaxyNotegingerbreadIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichinputminipostmobilepostcrossnotenote sdkNoteSdks pens pen sdks-pensamsungsamsung galaxy notesamsung notesamsung sdkSamsungGalaxyNoteSamsungNoteSamsungSdkSDKsoftwareSPenSPenSdkstylusTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[iConnectivity outs iConnectMUSE digital audio mixer for iOSers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/iconnectivity-outs-iconnectmuse-digital-audio-mixer-for-iosers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/iconnectivity-outs-iconnectmuse-digital-audio-mixer-for-iosers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/iconnectivity-outs-iconnectmuse-digital-audio-mixer-for-iosers/#comments Some hot music tech for iDevices already dropped at CES, but the product announcement concerto plays on. The next act? The iConnectMUSE digital audio mixer from iConnectivity, featuring six stereo in / outs, headphone out, two USB ports, a "hub-able" USB host, Ethernet / network sharing and MIDI pass-thru. Maker iConnectivity claims studio-grade analog-to-digital conversion will make it a snap to record professional sounding mixes on tour, back at the hotel or even at home. Your garage band can get mixing from Q2 and iConnectivity is asking $230 for the privilege. Hit the PR and curiously silent video over the jump for more details.

Continue reading iConnectivity outs iConnectMUSE digital audio mixer for iOSers (video)

iConnectivity outs iConnectMUSE digital audio mixer for iOSers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodigital audio converterDigitalAudioConvertericconectivity iconnectmuseIcconectivityIconnectmuseiconnectivityiconnectmuseinputiosios mixerIosMixeripadipad mixerIpadMixeriphoneipod touchIpodTouchmidimixermobilepostcrossmusicoutputrecordingstereostudioUSBusb hostusb hubUsbHostUsbHubvideoSat, 14 Jan 2012 07:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung draws in developers with S Pen SDK for Galaxy Note]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/samsung-draws-in-developers-with-s-pen-sdk-for-galaxy-note/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/samsung-draws-in-developers-with-s-pen-sdk-for-galaxy-note/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/samsung-draws-in-developers-with-s-pen-sdk-for-galaxy-note/#comments Ever since the mighty Galaxy Note first popped up at IFA we've been curious about that S Pen and how it'll make its way into our real-life workflow. Samsung promised there'd be an SDK back at its October London launch and it's finally here, letting developers get busy adding some S Pen magic to their apps. Version 1.0 lets you add a basic canvas, a pop-up for pen settings (opacity, line color and so on) as well as erase and un/redo. Sure, ICS might natively support stylus input, but as Samsung is keen to point out -- with its capacitive tip and configurable button -- a simple stylus this is not. And remember: until the Note gets an ICS update, you'll be scribbling all over that snappy Gingerbread install anyway. Tap that source link if you want to get your hands on the goods, and let the tic-tac-toe commence.

Samsung draws in developers with S Pen SDK for Galaxy Note originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappsartdeveloperdrawinggalaxyGalaxy NoteGalaxyNotegingerbreadIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichinputnotes pens-pensamsungSDKSPenstylusTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/microsofts-pockettouch-prototype-is-like-x-ray-vision-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/microsofts-pockettouch-prototype-is-like-x-ray-vision-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/microsofts-pockettouch-prototype-is-like-x-ray-vision-for-your/#comments
Is it more gauche to pull out your phone in the middle of a date, or to draw a bunch of crop circles on your pants? That's the question we were asking ourselves after coming across PocketTouch -- a new Microsoft Research prototype that lets you manipulate your handset without ever removing it from your pocket. Developed by researchers Scott Saponas, Chris Harrison and Hrvoje Benko, the device essentially consists of a customized, multitouch capacitive sensor hooked on to the back of a smartphone. This sensor is capable of picking up gestures through fabric, allowing users to execute a wide array of eyes-free, gesture-based functions (including simple swipes and alphanumeric text) without ever having to actually whip out their phones. To do this, the team implemented what it calls an "orientation-defining unlock gesture," which helps the prototype get its bearings, before testing the capacitive sensors across different fabrics. According to Microsoft, the outcome "exceeded expectations," though there's no word on when or if this Goliath of a device could ever hit the mainstream. Head past the break to see a video of a man playing tic-tac-toe on his pants.

Continue reading Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video)

Microsoft's PocketTouch prototype is like x-ray vision for your fingers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphanumericcapacitivedevelopmentengineeringinputmicrosoftmicrosoft researchMicrosoftResearchMSmsftmultitouchorientationpocketpockettouchprototyperedmondresearchsciencesensorsmartphonetexttouchvideoTue, 18 Oct 2011 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/wrist-sensor-turns-the-back-of-your-hand-into-a-meaty-haptic-int/#comments
We're all intimately familiar with the backs of our hands, so why not use them as a haptic interface to control our gadgets? That's the idea behind the device pictured above -- a nifty little wrist sensor that turns your paw into a flesh-toned trackpad. Designed by Kei Nakatsuma, a PhD student at the University of Tokyo, this contraption employs infrared sensors to track a user's finger as it moves across the back of a hand. These movements are mirrored on a wristwatch-like display, thanks to seven IR detectors and a set of piezoelectric sensors, effectively turning any digit into an organic stylus or mouse. Nakatsuma, who unveiled his work at this week's SIGGRAPH, says his creation can't handle the more complicated, pinching or rotating gestures you could manipulate on most smartphone touchscreens and acknowledges that the screen can be difficult to read in direct sunlight. But the underlying technology could pave the way for similarly handy designs, while allowing users to interact with their gadgets without having to constantly glance at their screens, or go fishing in their pockets. Feel your way past the break to see a video of the device in action.

Continue reading Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video)

Wrist sensor turns the back of your hand into a meaty haptic interface (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displayhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackhuman skinHumanSkininfraredinfrared sensorInfraredSensorinputinput deviceInputDeviceinterfacejapanpiezoelectricpinchingresearchscreensensorSIGGRAPHsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011skintouchtouch interfaceTouchInterfaceuniversity of tokyoUniversityOfTokyovideowristwristwatchFri, 12 Aug 2011 04:59:00 EST<![CDATA[JVC Kaboom adds a guitar input, dares you to get the band back together]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/jvc-kaboom-adds-a-guitar-input-dares-you-to-get-the-band-back-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/jvc-kaboom-adds-a-guitar-input-dares-you-to-get-the-band-back-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/jvc-kaboom-adds-a-guitar-input-dares-you-to-get-the-band-back-t/#comments New audio input capabilities are nothing new for JVC, but soon you'll be able to show off your guitar chops alongside whatever bands you choose to idolize -- so long as you're kosher with rocking a boombox atop your left shoulder, of course. The company has announced that the 2011 offering from its Kaboom line will showcase a guitar / microphone input (1/4-inch) with mixing capabilities to allow for gigs to be played from anywhere you darn well please. The RV-NB70 will have all the key ingredients of previous models, including an iPod dock (updated to be both iPod and iPhone compatible), a USB host that enables use of a mass storage device, an audio input and CD / radio playback. True to the original's design, this fellow features much of the same look while promising 40 watts of guitar soloing power. Your next box 'o fury can be had right now for $299.95, and if you're eager for an encore, the full presser (as well as a demo vid) is just past the break.

Continue reading JVC Kaboom adds a guitar input, dares you to get the band back together

JVC Kaboom adds a guitar input, dares you to get the band back together originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40wattsACanywhereaudioboomboxCDDCdockFMtunerguitarguitar inputGuitarInputinputiPhoneiPodjackJVCkaboommassstoragemicrophonemixermixingMP3musicperformanceremotecontrolRV-NB70soundstereosystemUSBvideoWMAThu, 16 Jun 2011 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/sonys-move-me-database-used-to-create-gesture-enabled-mouse-dri/#comments Unless you're into weird promotional mascots, video games, or measuring the rotation of the earth, the PlayStation Move probably hasn't caught your eye. Here's an idea: what if you could wave it about to control your PC? Earlier this week, electronics hobbyist Jacob Pennock used the Move.me C library to build a gesture-controlled mouse driver, and we've got the project's tech demo after the break. Watch as Pennock launches Facebook by drawing an "F," starts a video with a jaunty "V," and closes a few items with a quick "X" motion over the offending windows. Control motions are loaded through the creator's own gesture recognition library, called hyperglyph, which he claims can record motions with 98 percent accuracy. As Move.me is currently a closed beta, Pennock is keeping the source code under wraps, but he hopes to eventually put the driver to use controlling a gesture-based Linux media center. Pretty neat, but not quite enough to stave off our Kinect hack envy.

[Thanks, Robert]

Continue reading Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video)

Sony's Move.me database used to create gesture-enabled mouse driver (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlcontrollerDIYdo it yourselfdo-it-yourselfDoItYourselfdriverdriversgestureGesture ControlGestureControlgestureshackhacksinputinput deviceInputDeviceJacob PennockJacobPennockmodmodsmotion controllerMotionControllermotionplusmousemovemove.mePlayStationplaystation moveplaystation move controllerPlaystationMovePlaystationMoveControllerSONYSun, 10 Apr 2011 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[The Awesome button is...]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/the-awesome-button-is/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/the-awesome-button-is/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/the-awesome-button-is/#comments
Ever struggled to find the perfect adjective to articulate your admiration for a given article of awesomeness? Matt Richardson over at Make felt exactly the same way, so he perfected himself an Awesome button, designed specifically to spit out synonyms for his favorite descriptive word. To accomplish the task, he had to gut a Staples "easy" button and arrange a Teensy USB microcontroller inside it, before making the resulting mini-thesaurus compatible with his computer. Don't worry, full instructions are contained in the video above. Just mash the play button.

The Awesome button is... originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoawesomeawesome buttonAwesomeButtonbuttoneasyeasy buttonEasyButtonhackhackinghuman interface deviceHumanInterfaceDeviceinputinput deviceInputDeviceinterfacemodmoddingstaplessynonymteensy usbTeensyUsbthesaurususbFri, 08 Apr 2011 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[3DxWare 10 lets 3D mice work in 2D apps, leaves your standard mouse feeling a bit flat (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/3dxware-10-lets-3d-mice-work-in-2d-apps-leaves-your-standard-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/3dxware-10-lets-3d-mice-work-in-2d-apps-leaves-your-standard-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/3dxware-10-lets-3d-mice-work-in-2d-apps-leaves-your-standard-mo/#comments3DxWare 10 lets 3D mice work in 2D apps, leaves your standard mouse feeling a bit flat (video) Your standard mouse may do it on the table, but 3D mice do it with extra dimension -- some of the time, anyway. Quit 3ds Max and suddenly you have one axis too many on your hands. After all, the vast majority of applications are 2D to match mice that may exist in a 3D reality but are limited to a decidedly dual-dimensional existence. No more. 3Dconnexion, makers of a couple different controllers with depth, has released 3DxWare, a Mac or Windows driver that enables exciting 3D mice to work with boring 2D apps. The first video after the break shows some one-handed zooming and browsing, while the second has you cutting and mixing in Final Cut Pro -- again with nary a keyboard or controller in sight. The software is free if you have a compatible mouse, but if not you'll be paying between $99 and $399 for a suitably compliant critter.

Continue reading 3DxWare 10 lets 3D mice work in 2D apps, leaves your standard mouse feeling a bit flat (video)

3DxWare 10 lets 3D mice work in 2D apps, leaves your standard mouse feeling a bit flat (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d mouse3dConnexion3dMouse3dxware3dxware 103dxware10controldriverinputmousesoftwarevideoSat, 02 Apr 2011 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kiss Controller lets you play a bowling game with your tongue... while it's in someone else's mouth (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/kiss-controller-lets-you-play-a-bowling-game-with-your-tongue/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/kiss-controller-lets-you-play-a-bowling-game-with-your-tongue/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/kiss-controller-lets-you-play-a-bowling-game-with-your-tongue/#comments Oh, this isn't weird at all! The Kissing Controller, an experimental project by one Hye Yeon Nam, is designed so that players of a bowling game can impart power and direction to their spherical projectile by performing the timeless act of smooching one another. A customized headset is required for one of the participants, acting as the input receiver, while the other straps a magnet to his or her tongue and goes to town with some literal full motion controls. Thrust is added to the on-screen ball in accordance with how vigorously you move your tongue around, something we're sure your partner will appreciate. Video after the break.

Continue reading Kiss Controller lets you play a bowling game with your tongue... while it's in someone else's mouth (video)

Kiss Controller lets you play a bowling game with your tongue... while it's in someone else's mouth (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlingcontrolcontrollerexperimentexperimentalfunfunnygamegaminginputinput deviceInputDevicekisskiss controllerKissControllerkissingmagnetmagnetsoddpassionquirkytongueunorthodoxvideoTue, 22 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Circboard brings fast typing to console controllers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/circboard-brings-fast-typing-to-console-controllers-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/circboard-brings-fast-typing-to-console-controllers-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/circboard-brings-fast-typing-to-console-controllers-video/#commentsCircboard brings fast typing to console controllers Entering any kind of text using a console gamepad is an exercise in frustration. Certain games have offered innovative solutions, like Beyond Good and Evil's infinitely spiraling letters, but none quite as simple as Circboard. It basically splits the keyboard into bunches, with the left analog stick on an Xbox 360 controller selecting a group of letters and then the right stick or buttons grabbing a specific letter. Shoulder bumpers handle space and backspace, while the left trigger does caps. Simple, easy -- and as of now just a demo. But, the team is looking to get its idea into a variety of games and other console apps, and they're looking for investors. You always did say that mutual funds were boring...

Update: Alfredo wrote in with some prior art that might make patenting this approach somewhat... difficult.

Continue reading Circboard brings fast typing to console controllers (video)

Circboard brings fast typing to console controllers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circboardconceptinputkeyboardprototypetext inputTextInputvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/fling-joystick-lets-you-get-physical-with-super-megaworm-on-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/fling-joystick-lets-you-get-physical-with-super-megaworm-on-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/fling-joystick-lets-you-get-physical-with-super-megaworm-on-the/#comments You know, some people take gaming very seriously, and there's no doubt that a good portion of them will be picking up this new peripheral from Ten One Design. For $24.95, the Fling tactile game controller promises to enhance some iPad games by overlaying their virtual D-pad with a physical mini joystick. And that's not it -- the funky spiral mechanism also provides resistance to simulate force feedback, meaning your thumb will always know its boundaries. Check out the video demo after the break.

Gallery: Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad

Continue reading Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad

Fling joystick lets you get physical with Super Megaworm on the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryapplebuttoncontrollerflinggame controllerGameControllergaminginputinput peripheralInputPeripheralipadjoystickkeyperipheralstickertablettablet pcTabletPctactiletactile controllertactile game controllerTactileControllerTactileGameControllerten one designTenOneDesignvideoTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LaCie Float concept combines external HDD with trackpad, ingenuity with fantasy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/lacie-float-concept-combines-external-hdd-with-trackpad-ingenui/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/lacie-float-concept-combines-external-hdd-with-trackpad-ingenui/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/lacie-float-concept-combines-external-hdd-with-trackpad-ingenui/#comments How do you freshen up the typically unexciting external storage unit? You slap a multitouch trackpad on the top of it, of course. And since you're dreaming up wild concepts, make that top out of carbon fiber, provide a base made out of glass and insert some LEDs next to it to provide ambient illumination -- with an integrated light sensor adjusting their brightness on the fly, obviously. Yes, André Silva's LaCie Float is indeed out of touch with things like "feasibility" and "economics," but don't tell us you wouldn't love that slice of converged awesomeness sidling up next to your laptop. USB 3.0 comes standard and an SSD option is also available, if you wish for it hard enough.

LaCie Float concept combines external HDD with trackpad, ingenuity with fantasy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andre silvaAndreSilvaconceptdesignexternalexternal hddexternal ssdExternalHddExternalSsdhard driveHardDriveinputinput deviceInputDeviceportabletouchpadtrackpadFri, 17 Dec 2010 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 gets a limited edition orange Tron controller, because wired gamers need love too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/xbox-360-gets-a-limited-edition-orange-tron-controller-because/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/xbox-360-gets-a-limited-edition-orange-tron-controller-because/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/xbox-360-gets-a-limited-edition-orange-tron-controller-because/#comments In most circumstances, we'd argue a self-illuminating controller crisscrossed by bright bands of orange is a couple of notches over the top, but when it's Tron you're talking about, it all makes sense. This latest peripheral for the 360 is up for pre-order now at $39.99 and comes prepackaged with the smugness of knowing that each one sold will be part of a very limited 250-unit production run. It's officially licensed by Microsoft and arriving at snowy doorsteps some time later this month. A less exclusive blue brother should be joining it soon as well, in case the current hue's not quite to your liking.

Xbox 360 gets a limited edition orange Tron controller, because wired gamers need love too originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorcontrollergaminginputinput deviceInputDevicelimited editionLimitedEditionmicrosoftmovie tie-inMovieTie-inorangeperipheraltie-introntron legacyTronLegacyxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:08:00 EST<![CDATA[SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/steelseries-shift-mmo-keyset-comes-optimized-for-online-questing/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/steelseries-shift-mmo-keyset-comes-optimized-for-online-questing/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/steelseries-shift-mmo-keyset-comes-optimized-for-online-questing/#comments Outside of Word documents and IM clients, one of the most intensive uses of keyboards nowadays is in massively multiplayer online games. But, gaze upon the button array before you and you'll notice that there's nary a single concession to your ten-hours-a-day WoW habit. SteelSeries is today looking to rectify that situation with its all-new MMO Keyset, which you can see above, attached to the company's already available Shift gaming keyboard. This assortment of oddly titled keys comes with an exhaustive set of customization and macro options, so even the most hardcore of online raiders should be able to extract some added value from it. We're not sure that utility will ever add up to the $25 (€25 in Europe) asking price, but then we've never managed to get our Night Elf Mohawk to Level 80, either.

Continue reading SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing

SteelSeries Shift MMO Keyset comes optimized for online questing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorycustomizablecustomizable keyboardCustomizableKeyboardgaminginputinput deviceInputDevicekeyboardkeysetlaunchmmoofficialperipheralreleaseshiftsteelseriessteelseries shiftSteelseriesShiftFri, 19 Nov 2010 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Grippity 1 back-typing keyboard finally up for pre-order, asks for $60 and your patience]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/grippity-1-back-typing-keyboard-finally-up-for-pre-order-asks-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/grippity-1-back-typing-keyboard-finally-up-for-pre-order-asks-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/grippity-1-back-typing-keyboard-finally-up-for-pre-order-asks-f/#comments To say the Grippity has been a long time in coming would be an understatement. The quirky keypad that stashes the buttons around back seemed to have all but vaporized into thin air after showing some early promise, but hey, it's back now! Back with a vengeance, which in this case means pre-order availability on its eponymous site at $60 a pop. Mind you, the earliest deliveries are scheduled for February, so we do hope you have enough to distract you while waiting through this holiday season. January should be nice and fun, though, as we're sure the Grippity guys will find a way to hit up our CES 2011 trailer for another hands-on opportunity with this trackball-equipped peripheral -- which is now billing itself as the ideal media center controller. We'll let you know how well the Grippity plays that role as soon as we can.

Continue reading Grippity 1 back-typing keyboard finally up for pre-order, asks for $60 and your patience

Grippity 1 back-typing keyboard finally up for pre-order, asks for $60 and your patience originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryavailabilityback-typingbacktypingbacktyping keyboardBacktypingKeyboardcesces 2011Ces2011grippitygrippity 1grippity 1.0Grippity1Grippity1.0inputinput deviceinput methodInputDeviceInputMethodkeyboardperipheralpre-orderquirkyqwertytouch-sensitivetrack ballTrackBallvideoThu, 18 Nov 2010 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi displays a capacitive screen capable of accepting stylus input (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/hitachi-displays-a-capacitive-screen-capable-of-accepting-stylus/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/hitachi-displays-a-capacitive-screen-capable-of-accepting-stylus/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/hitachi-displays-a-capacitive-screen-capable-of-accepting-stylus/#comments Can someone ring up Lucifer and check that his heating's still working? Hitachi has achieved the unthinkable in bringing together the high precision and input flexibility of resistive touchscreens with the finger friendliness of capacitive panels. It's graced this year's FPD trade show with a new prototype that offers the capacitive functionality we're all used to by now, augmented with the ability to recognize input from a stylus or, perhaps more importantly, gloved hands. We're sure we can hear the sound of cheering coming from the chilly shores of Scandinavia right now. If all goes well, Hitachi should be able to bring them (and you, and the rest of the world) this finger-saving innovation at some point in late 2011, after production gets going in the second half of that year. Video demonstration after the break.

Continue reading Hitachi displays a capacitive screen capable of accepting stylus input (video)

Hitachi displays a capacitive screen capable of accepting stylus input (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitiveconceptdisplayfpdfpd 2010fpd internationalFpd2010FpdInternationalgloveshitachihitachi displaysHitachiDisplaysinputinput methodInputMethodjapanprototyperesearchscreenstylustouchscreenvideoTue, 16 Nov 2010 05:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft kicks out a pink mouse for Breast Cancer Awareness Month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/microsoft-kicks-out-a-pink-mouse-for-breast-cancer-awareness-mon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/microsoft-kicks-out-a-pink-mouse-for-breast-cancer-awareness-mon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/microsoft-kicks-out-a-pink-mouse-for-breast-cancer-awareness-mon/#comments If you've been following your NFL broadcasts, you'll have noticed an entirely unusual hue infiltrating your typically macho sport -- in most clashes this weekend players on both teams could be seen sporting pink paraphernalia alongside their usual uniform colors. This courageous act of pinkification was in aid of the US National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which Microsoft is also supporting in its own small way. That small way is called the Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000, which will retail from now until the end of September of next year for $40 and contribute a $4 donation per sale to the Komen for the Cure charitable fund. Hey, it's got BlueTrack if you need to feel manly while buying one!

[Thanks, Andrew]

Microsoft kicks out a pink mouse for Breast Cancer Awareness Month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetrackbreast cancerBreastCancercharitycolordonationinputinput deviceInputDevicekomen for the cureKomenForTheCuremicrosoftmouseperipheralpinkpink mousePinkMousespecial editionSpecialEditionsusan komenSusanKomenwirelesswireless mouseWirelessMouseTue, 05 Oct 2010 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[BlindType acquired by Google, Android typists grin uncontrollably]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/blindtype-acquired-by-google-android-typists-grin-uncontrollabl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/blindtype-acquired-by-google-android-typists-grin-uncontrollabl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/blindtype-acquired-by-google-android-typists-grin-uncontrollabl/#comments The note's short and sweet, but it confirms that Google's buying spree is still on -- BlindType was just acquired by the Big G. If you'll recall, we were wowed back in July by the software's ability to predict words regardless of how text was inputted, and it seems as if a few bigwigs within Google were as well. It's unclear what Google's Android team plans to do with its newfound IP, but you shouldn't have to strain your imagination too hard to hazard a guess. As for the BlindType team? They're "excited to join Google, and look forward to the great opportunities for mobile innovation that lie ahead." Likewise, folks... likewise.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

BlindType acquired by Google, Android typists grin uncontrollably originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquiredacquisitionandroidandroid osAndroidOsappleautocorrectBlindTypebusinessgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidindustryinputinput methodInputMethodintelligentiosipadiphonekeyboardsoft keyboardSoftKeyboardsoftwaretouch typingTouchTypingtypetypingvirtualvirtual keyboardVirtualKeyFri, 01 Oct 2010 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer Tron Mouse leaves light trails in our hearts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/razer-tron-mouse-leaves-light-trails-in-our-hearts-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/razer-tron-mouse-leaves-light-trails-in-our-hearts-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/razer-tron-mouse-leaves-light-trails-in-our-hearts-video/#comments We don't really expect that the actual Tron movie will be any good, but boy, its officially endorsed accessories aren't looking half bad. The $100 laser mouse from Razer has snuck out for a quick pre-release video demo where we get to see it tracking gloriously on an accompanying "precision" mousepad. There's hardly much to be learnt about the mouse's ergonomics or 5600dpi accuracy, but it does glow with that mighty inviting shade of blue (cyan?) and the mousepad reacts to the laser's illumination by leaving dreamy light trails after your movements. It's cyber-poetry in motion, available after the break.

Continue reading Razer Tron Mouse leaves light trails in our hearts (video)

Razer Tron Mouse leaves light trails in our hearts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryinputinput deviceInputDevicelaserlaser mouseLaserMouselightlight traillight trailslightsLightTrailLightTrailsmousemousepadmovie tie-inMovieTie-inperipheralrazertie-introntron mousetron mousepadTronMouseTronMousepadvideoWed, 29 Sep 2010 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Tab Bluetooth Stylus emerges, up for £49.99 pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/galaxy-tab-bluetooth-stylus-emerges-up-for-49-99-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/galaxy-tab-bluetooth-stylus-emerges-up-for-49-99-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/galaxy-tab-bluetooth-stylus-emerges-up-for-49-99-pre-order/#comments It's been a month since we caught our first glimpse of the Galaxy Tab's Bluetooth Stylus and today, although still seemingly unofficial, it's appeared in its first pre-order listing. Priced at £49.99 ($79) by UK online specialist Play, this capacitive stylus will facilitate handwriting recognition for those of us not served well enough by the Tab's generally excellent soft keyboard. It's also capable of hooking up to two Bluetooth devices at a time and has the extra intelligence thrown in to receive and reject phone calls -- whether on the Tab or on your phone. It's an intriguing piece of kit, maybe Samsung should go ahead and make it official now, eh?

Galaxy Tab Bluetooth Stylus emerges, up for £49.99 pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorybluetoothbluetooth penbluetooth stylusBluetoothPenBluetoothStyluscapacitivecapacitive stylusCapacitiveStylusgalaxy tabgalaxy tab stylusGalaxyTabGalaxyTabStylusinputinput deviceInputDevicemultipointpenperipheralpre-ordersamsungsamsung galaxy tabSamsungGalaxyTabstylusTue, 28 Sep 2010 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple granted patent for handheld that recognizes your hands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/apple-granted-patent-for-handheld-that-recognizes-your-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/apple-granted-patent-for-handheld-that-recognizes-your-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/apple-granted-patent-for-handheld-that-recognizes-your-hands/#comments You could probably fill a book with Apple patent applications that never amounted to anything, but here's one that's at least been granted -- a "handheld device" that uses capacitive sensors to recognize your identity just by the way you hold it, and subsequently personalize the device's buttons and settings to your hand based on your user profile. That's all that's actually been patented here, but the general idea is a little more grand -- you could theoretically grip a handheld with either hand, and it would automatically generate "button zones" under each finger using sensors (or disappearing buttons, perhaps) baked right into the chassis, making cries of "you're holding it wrong" hopefully fade into obscurity. Still, it's not the first time we've seen Cupertino reaching for digit recognition and we're sure it won't be the last, so we'll just file away our enthusiasm until or unless Jobs announces it on stage.

Apple granted patent for handheld that recognizes your hands originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 05:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple patentapple patentsApplePatentApplePatentscapacitivecapacitive sensorcapacitive sensorsCapacitiveSensorCapacitiveSensorshandheldIDidentificationidentityinferenceinputinput deviceInputDevicepatentpatentspersonalizationprofilerecognitionUIuser IDuser identificationuser interfaceuser profileUserIdUserIdentificationUserInterfaceUserProfileSat, 25 Sep 2010 05:46:00 EST<![CDATA[InputDynamics makes dumbphones smarter with tap-to-touch tech]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/inputdynamics-makes-dumbphones-smarter-with-tap-to-touch-tech/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/inputdynamics-makes-dumbphones-smarter-with-tap-to-touch-tech/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/12/inputdynamics-makes-dumbphones-smarter-with-tap-to-touch-tech/#comments You can't afford a proper QWERTY keyboard on your phone, much less a expansive multitouch slate. What to do? Well, if a UK startup named InputDynamics has its way, you'll just tap on any surface of your handset. The company's developed a piece of software called TouchDevice that uses a phone's embedded microphone to analyze the acoustics inside, reacting to your finger's impact on the surface with a touchscreen-like input on the device. New Scientist reports that's not all, as the algorithms can also be fine tuned for detect scratches and swipes for scrolling and zoom, and the company's in talks with "tier-one handset manufacturers" to license the program even as we speak. You'll forgive us if we're a bit skeptical, though -- if this truly requires only software and works on any surface, why not release an app to tap the backs of our Droids, BlackBerrys and iPhones?

InputDynamics makes dumbphones smarter with tap-to-touch tech originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acousticdumbphoneinputinput deviceInput DynamicsInputDeviceInputDynamicssmartphonetaptouchTouchDevicetouchscreenTouchSwipeTouchTapuiuser interfaceUserInterfaceSun, 12 Sep 2010 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360's transforming D-pad controller gets handled on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/xbox-360s-transforming-d-pad-controller-gets-handled-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/xbox-360s-transforming-d-pad-controller-gets-handled-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/xbox-360s-transforming-d-pad-controller-gets-handled-on-video/#comments Boy, we've gone from rumor to hands-on experience in just a couple of days with this thing. Microsoft's November 9-bound Xbox 360 controller refresh couldn't escape the clutches of Joystiq, who have put together a neat photo gallery and video overview. That chrometastic new D-pad is clearly the headliner here, and the early feedback is that it works well -- it takes a bit of effort to transform from a flat button to the elevated four-way navigator you see above, but that's apparently a good thing as it means you'll never flip modes by accident in the middle of a hot and heavy gaming session. The analog buttons have also been subjected to some nipping and tucking and there is of course a new desaturated color scheme to explore as well. You'll find a shot of the retail packaging after the break and a lot more at the source.

Update: Video now embedded after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360's transforming D-pad controller gets handled on video

Xbox 360's transforming D-pad controller gets handled on video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010control padcontrollerControlPadd-padhands-onimpressionsinputinput deviceInputDevicemicrosofttransforming d-padTransformingD-padvideowirelesswireless controllerWirelessControllerxbox 360xbox 360 controllerXbox360Xbox360ControllerFri, 03 Sep 2010 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect starts making home deliveries to beta testers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/microsoft-kinect-starts-making-home-deliveries-to-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/microsoft-kinect-starts-making-home-deliveries-to-beta-testers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/microsoft-kinect-starts-making-home-deliveries-to-beta-testers/#comments As beta testing programs go, Microsoft's Kinect venture has been kind of... leaky. No surprises, therefore, that we've now received our first in-the-plastic pictures of the motion-tracking camera peripheral, replete with a few select shots of its packaging. Redmond's promise that hardware was en route to testers was clearly not a hollow one, and we can now probably expect a bunch more unauthorized disclosures about the user experience with what should be final retail units. The outside of the packaging includes a couple of teasers encouraging users to pick up some of those bodacious PDP stands and wall mounts for their Kinect -- presumably the start of a tidal wave of Kinect accessories.

Gallery: Microsoft Kinect starts making home deliveries


Microsoft Kinect starts making home deliveries to beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360cameraexclusivein the wildinputinput deviceInputDeviceInTheWildkinectleakmicrosoftmotion cameramotion controllermotion gamingmotion trackingMotionCameraMotionControllerMotionGamingMotionTrackingpre-launchpre-releasexboxxbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectFri, 03 Sep 2010 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse seriously, finally, officially announced, doesn't ship until December]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-seriously-finally-officially-announ/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-seriously-finally-officially-announ/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-seriously-finally-officially-announ/#comments After the overt teasing, leaking, and then more leaking, Microsoft's finally ready to spit out the details on its Arc Touch Mouse, which at the end of the day is really just... a mouse. As we've seen, the peripheral has an incredibly unique design -- the flat device arches its back to click into a mountain shape, which actually ends up powering the little rodent up. So, where does the whole "touch" factor come into play? Well, very similarly to the Mad Catz Eclipse mouse, the Arc Touch has a capacitive touch strip with sensor pads between the mouse buttons that can be used for scrolling and customizable shortcuts. We've got you covered with some hands-on impressions and video after the break, but that's about all you'll be getting for a while since the press release below says the $69.95 mouse won't hit the market until December. Yep, December! That's a bit odd to us, but they'll be taking pre-orders today so hit the break to finally see this thing push the cursor around.

Gallery: Microsoft Arc Touch mouse hands-on / unboxing

Gallery: Microsoft Arc Touch mouse press shots

Continue reading Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse seriously, finally, officially announced, doesn't ship until December

Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse seriously, finally, officially announced, doesn't ship until December originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc touchArc Touch MouseArcTouchArcTouchMousehands-oninputinput deviceInputDevicemicrosoftmicrosoft arc touch mouseMicrosoftArcTouchMousemouseperipheraltouchvideowindowswindows 7Windows7Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation designer explains what the controller symbols mean, dishes a bit of history]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/playstation-designer-explains-what-the-controller-symbols-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/playstation-designer-explains-what-the-controller-symbols-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/playstation-designer-explains-what-the-controller-symbols-mean/#comments Teiyu Goto, the man responsible for saving us from that kidney-shaped disaster above and delivering us the splendid original PlayStation's controller, has sat down for a little chat with Famitsu over in Japan. Involved in the PlayStation project almost from its inception, the designer played a pivotal role in shifting Sony away from its Nintendo copycat ways and into the world of handle-equipped button pads. Moreover, his brainbox is the one responsible for coming up with the now legendary geometric button icons adorning the PS controller's buttons. Here's how Goto explains their meaning: the circle and x represent yes and no, respectively, the triangle symbolizes a point of view, and the square is equated to a sheet of paper, there to be used to access menus. Frankly, given the backlog of memories we have built up with those keys, this explanation leaves us a little high and dry, couldn't he have made up some dragon-slaying stories? Hit the source below for the whole interview, it's well worth the read.

PlayStation designer explains what the controller symbols mean, dishes a bit of history originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolecontrollerdesigndesignerfamitsugamesinputinput deviceInputDevicejoypadjoystickperipheralplaystationps oneps1PsOnesonyteiyu gotoTeiyuGotovideo gamesVideoGamesThu, 26 Aug 2010 04:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/logitechs-wireless-illuminated-k800-keyboard-boasts-ambient-lig/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/logitechs-wireless-illuminated-k800-keyboard-boasts-ambient-lig/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/logitechs-wireless-illuminated-k800-keyboard-boasts-ambient-lig/#comments It wasn't too long ago that we were pondering the relative scarcity of backlit desktop keyboards, so let's all warmly welcome a new entrant into this niche category. The K800 from Logitech picks up where the wired Illuminated Keyboard left off: it has the requisite inflated price, adjustable and intelligent illumination to please functionalists, and a dagger-like profile for aesthetes. Ambient light sensors will align the keyboard's brightness to your environment, while proximity detectors will only flip the switch when your hands are in position to start writing. There's also a Micro USB cable to refresh your battery when it starts running low -- it's rated for up to 10 days of wireless use -- but whether this whole package of smart convenience is worth the $99.99 we'll leave up to you. The K800 should be shipping out later this month, and you can find out more about it in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100

Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambient light sensorAmbientLightSensorbacklightbacklitbacklit keyboardBacklitKeyboardilluminatedilluminated keyboardIlluminatedKeyboardIlluminationinputinput deviceInputDevicek800keyboardlightlight sensorLightSensorlogitechlogitech k800LogitechK800micro usbMicroUsbmotion sensorMotionSensorperipheralproximity sensorProximitySensorunifyingunifying receiverUnifyingReceiverwirelesswireless keyboardWirelessKeyboardWed, 18 Aug 2010 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Research reveals RearType, puts QWERTY back where it belongs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/microsoft-research-reveals-reartype-puts-qwerty-back-where-it-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/microsoft-research-reveals-reartype-puts-qwerty-back-where-it-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/microsoft-research-reveals-reartype-puts-qwerty-back-where-it-b/#comments We've seen a few wacky split keyboards in our day, and even the occasional back-typing peripheral, but Microsoft Research has just congealed the core ideas into a why-didn't-I-think-of-that device for mobile use. Dubbed RearType, the QWERTY solution literally sticks a three-row keyboard on the back of a tablet PC, allowing users to have the same physical sensation as on laptop or desktop without taking up valuable touchscreen real estate. While there's still a few kinks to be worked out of the system (like how to set it down without triggering input) and no plans yet for commercial availability, a brief study showed users could attain 15WPM speeds on average with a single hour of training, and one participant managed to eke out a healthy 47WPM in the same timeframe. We imagine a certain Motorola device is feeling a mite jealous right about now. See the front of the (non-Microsoft) tablet right after the break, and read the full study at our more coverage link.

Continue reading Microsoft Research reveals RearType, puts QWERTY back where it belongs

Microsoft Research reveals RearType, puts QWERTY back where it belongs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backtypingbacktyping keyboardBacktypingKeyboardergonomicergonomicsinputinput deviceinput devicesInputDeviceInputDeviceskeyboardkeyboardsMicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchPeripheralperipheralsQWERTYreartypesplit keyboardSplitKeyboardWPMTue, 10 Aug 2010 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse rumor resurfaces, expected in September for $69.95 (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-rumor-resurfaces-in-relation-to-flat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-rumor-resurfaces-in-relation-to-flat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-rumor-resurfaces-in-relation-to-flat/#commentsIt was almost exactly a month ago that we reported on swirling rumors of Microsoft pulling together a multitouch-capable mouse to call its own, while earlier this week we saw the company's Twitter feed enlivened with teasers of a mysterious new touch-input device. Coincidence? No chance, says Neowin, whose insider source confirms the Arc Touch Mouse moniker and also adds that launch is expected in September. It's said this peripheral will come with just basic touch functionality initially, with multitouch presumably being thrown in via a later update. Sounds like Microsoft's version of the Magic Trackpad, though the Mouse part of its name suggests it'll also be able to track around your desktop like a more conventional rodent as well. That'd certainly offer more versatility than the stationary Apple option, but we have our doubts about the ergonomics of using a flat mouse over long periods of time. More should be known soon, provided @msfthardware keeps feeling loquacious.

Update: Never mind waiting for MSFT to tell us, the Arc Touch Mouse has appeared in a reseller's price list with an MSRP a few cents south of $70 -- right in line with Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse pricing.

Continue reading Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse rumor resurfaces, expected in September for $69.95 (updated)

Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse rumor resurfaces, expected in September for $69.95 (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc toucharc touch mouseArcTouchArcTouchMouseflatinputinput deviceInputDevicemicrosoftmousemouse 2.0Mouse2.0multitouchrumorspeculationteaseteasertouchThu, 05 Aug 2010 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic Trackpad review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/apple-magic-trackpad-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/apple-magic-trackpad-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/apple-magic-trackpad-review/#comments Apple's Magic Trackpad isn't the first of its kind -- in fact, Wacom has been playing this game for awhile -- but it's the first of its kind from the cats in Cupertino, so obviously people take notice. The premise of such a device is stupidly simple: it's a laptop trackpad that lives on your desktop. Over the past few years, there have been rumors that Steve Jobs has his sights set on eliminating buttons from Apple products altogether, and this certainly feels like the next step in the plan. But does it make sense? Is this an improvement over standard input devices like a mouse or trackball? More importantly, in the age of iPads and netbooks, does anyone even need an external input device like this? We're going to try and answer those questions (and more), so read on for our full review!

Gallery: Magic Trackpad first hands-on

Continue reading Magic Trackpad review

Magic Trackpad review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple magic trackpadAppleMagicTrackpadinputinput deviceInputDevicemagic track padmagic trackpadMagicTrackpadmultitouchreviewtouchtouch padtouchpadtrack padtrackpadFri, 30 Jul 2010 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/blindtype-vows-to-autocorrect-all-wrongs-by-replacing-your-virtu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/blindtype-vows-to-autocorrect-all-wrongs-by-replacing-your-virtu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/blindtype-vows-to-autocorrect-all-wrongs-by-replacing-your-virtu/#comments Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer gets too fat to be able to dial a number? Well, he wouldn't have had that problem had BlindType been around. This soft keyboard is described by its makers as being extremely resilient to inaccurate input and looking at the demo video after the break, you kinda have to agree -- it seems to have a pretty kickass predictive algorithm. Aside from that, the keyboard also dynamically adjusts to wherever and however you choose to type, meaning its size and orientation track along to your input, which goes some way to justifying the somewhat odd name (it's meant for blind operation, not blind people). Text can be inserted without the keyboard even being on screen, while spaces are added by swiping to the right. BlindType should be coming to Android and iOS devices some time in the near future.

[Thanks, Fadl]

Update: We asked BlindType's makers whether implementing their software will require replacing Apple's default button slate and they've confirmed that it would. They're making and submitting it for iOS use, nonetheless, "to put pressure on Apple to finally allow this kind of thing."

Continue reading BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video)

BlindType vows to autocorrect all wrongs with your iPhone or Android virtual keyboard (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid osAndroidOsappleautocorrectblindtypeinputinput methodInputMethodintelligentiosipadiphonekeyboardsoft keyboardSoftKeyboardsoftwaretouch typingTouchTypingtypetypingvirtualvirtual keyboardVirtualKeyboardThu, 22 Jul 2010 02:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Swype spotted swiftly slinging fingers across Windows 7 screens?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/18/swype-spotted-swiftly-slinging-fingers-across-windows-7-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/18/swype-spotted-swiftly-slinging-fingers-across-windows-7-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/18/swype-spotted-swiftly-slinging-fingers-across-windows-7-screens/#comments That's not your grandpappy's touchscreen panel, nor his standard Windows 7 input method of choice, oh no -- unless our eyes deceive us, we're looking at a 3M M2256PW ten-finger multitouch display, and on it, a genuine Swype keyboard. Though we've heard nothing about a partnership between Microsoft and Swype and we see nary a mention on the internet at large, there's no denying the idea -- spotted during last week's Internet Explorer demo at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference -- is an attractive one. The question is when and how Redmond might deliver such functionality to the existing OS... and if we might possibly see the same on the company's upcoming phones as well. See it in action at the source link, and fast forward to 2:58:30 for the goods. Trust us and skip ahead -- we've got a feeling you won't want to hear Microsoft kick this party off.

[Thanks, Abed R.]

Swype spotted swiftly slinging fingers across Windows 7 screens? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3M M2256PW3mM2256pwinputInternet ExplorerInternetExplorerM2256PWMicrosoftMicrosoft Worldwide Partner ConferenceMicrosoftWorldwidePartnerConferenceOSsoftwareSwypetablettablet pcTabletPctouchscreentouchscreensWindowsWindows 7Windows7Worldwide Partner ConferenceWorldwidePartnerConferenceWPCSun, 18 Jul 2010 00:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Graffiti for Android scribbles Palm OS memories all over Google's platform]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/graffiti-for-android-scribbles-palm-os-memories-all-over-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/graffiti-for-android-scribbles-palm-os-memories-all-over-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/graffiti-for-android-scribbles-palm-os-memories-all-over-google/#comments Gather around the campfire, children, as we tell you a story from or youth. You see, back in our day, we carried around PDAs driven by Palm's operating system (no, not that one). Primitive and bulky by modern standards, sure, but if there's one aspect we remember most fondly -- or at least most vividly -- it'd be Graffiti, the shorthand writing system for your stylus-based text entry. And guess what? You can now bring that same frustration enjoyment to Google Android. Available now via Market, the free, OS-wide keyboard alternative comes care of Access, who gained the rights to Graffiti following the Palm / Xerox settlement from way back in 2006. The future is the past as remembered by the present, or something like that -- download away.

Graffiti for Android scribbles Palm OS memories all over Google's platform originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidentrygooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidgraffitihand writingHandWritinginputkeyboardmarketpalmpalm osPalmOsshort handShortHandFri, 16 Jul 2010 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Swiftpoint's tiny mouse finally up for pre-order, shipping in August]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/swiftpoints-tiny-mouse-finally-up-for-pre-order-shipping-in-au/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/swiftpoints-tiny-mouse-finally-up-for-pre-order-shipping-in-au/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/swiftpoints-tiny-mouse-finally-up-for-pre-order-shipping-in-au/#comments It's been a long couple of years since we last heard from Swiftpoint, but the company is back with a (tiny) bang and introducing its eponymous ultraportable mouse. Touting a pen-like grip, tilt-scrolling, and a 30 to 40 percent better efficiency than your touchpad, this little thumb accessory wants to be seen as the solver of an eternal problem -- namely, getting all the utility of a desktop rodent without having to deal with its full size. Whether it lives up to that lofty goal will require some fingers-on time to determine, but the Swiftpoint does a very credible job on the battery front: it can turn a 30-second charge into an hour's use and can last 3 to 4 weeks on a fully juiced cell. It all sounds quite appealing, but be prepared for some sticker shock as the pre-order price is £67 in the UK or $70 in the USA... and that's with a 10 percent early bird discount included. We might just wait till these hit the sales before grabbing one.

[Thanks, Patrick]

Continue reading Swiftpoint's tiny mouse finally up for pre-order, shipping in August

Swiftpoint's tiny mouse finally up for pre-order, shipping in August originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>availabilityinputinput deviceInputDevicelaunchminimouseopticalportableportable mousePortableMousepre-orderpricingrechargeablesmallswiftpointswiftpoint mouseSwiftpointMousetinyvideowirelessTue, 13 Jul 2010 06:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple applies for 'disappearing button' patent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/apple-applies-for-disappearing-button-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/apple-applies-for-disappearing-button-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/apple-applies-for-disappearing-button-patent/#comments You know that little sleep indicator light on the front of your new MacBook Pro -- the one that simply disappears when your notebook is wide awake? Apple wants to do that for buttons, too. Cupertino's latest patent application is for pressure-sensitive, capacitive touchscreen materials it could build right into the surface of its aluminum-clad devices, and identify with laser-cut, micro-perforated holes that let light shine from within. According to the filing, the technology could potentially be used to eliminate existing buttons in favor of a smooth, solid slab, and / or integrate new ones into surfaces that weren't previously considered for use. Engineers imagine light-up controls on a laptop's lid that could be used while closed for things like USB charging and media playback, and local heat and sound sensors that selectively light up interface opportunities when users are in close proximity. Not bad, Apple. As long as you let us keep our nice, springy keyboards, we're all for revolutionizing the rest of modern input.

Apple applies for 'disappearing button' patent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumAppleApple MacBookAppleMacbookdisappearing buttonsDisappearingButtonsinputinterfaceinterface designInterfaceDesigninvisibleinvisible buttonsInvisibleButtonslaser cutlaser drilledLaserCutLaserDrilledlegalMacBookmicro-perforatedmicro-perforationmicroperforatedmicroperforationpatentpatentstouchtouchscreenUIuser interfaceuser interface designUserInterfaceUserInterfaceDesignFri, 30 Apr 2010 07:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Synaptics extends multitouch Gesture Suite to Linux, Chrome OS included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/synaptics-extends-multitouch-gesture-suite-to-linux-chrome-os-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/synaptics-extends-multitouch-gesture-suite-to-linux-chrome-os-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/synaptics-extends-multitouch-gesture-suite-to-linux-chrome-os-i/#comments Well, it had to happen at some point. After eons of watching Mac OS and Windows users swiping away nonchalantly on their touchpads, Linux laptop buyers can now also join the multitouch fray. Synaptics has announced official Gesture Suite support for a wide range of Linux-based OS flavors -- Fedora, Ubuntu, RedFlag, SuSE, and Xandros get name-dropped, while future support for Chrome OS is promised -- which will all benefit from its set of multi-fingered touch and swipe responses. The infamous pinch-to-zoom is quite naturally included in the Suite, which will come bundled with new installations of those operating systems. We're not seeing any mention of a downloadable update as yet, but we imagine that'll be corrected in due course, whether by the company itself or the resourceful Linux community. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Synaptics extends multitouch Gesture Suite to Linux, Chrome OS included

Synaptics extends multitouch Gesture Suite to Linux, Chrome OS included originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chiralscrollchrome osChromeOsfedoragesturegesture suitegesturesGestureSuiteinputinput deviceInputDeviceinterfacelinuxmultitouchmultitouch supportMultitouchSupportred flagRedFlagsusesynapticstouchpadtrackpadubuntuxandrosTue, 20 Apr 2010 06:06:00 EST