Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Orbitsound announces M9 and M12 soundbars with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless subwoofer]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/orbitsound-announces-m9-and-m12-soundbars/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/orbitsound-announces-m9-and-m12-soundbars/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/20/orbitsound-announces-m9-and-m12-soundbars/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Orbitsound announces M9 and M12 soundbars with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless subwoofer

UK-based audio outfit Orbitsound has just announced a new bluetooth-enabled range of soundbars. You may remember the British firm for its T14, T12 -- or more recently -- T9 offerings, but the latest line-up cuts the cable, opening up a host of new audio sources. So, it's out with the old 30-pin dock, but there's still optical, AUX, video out, RCA and 3.5mm jack connections if you prefer to keep things physically connected. It's not just the sound source that's on the loose either, as the companion active subwoofer uses a bespoke low-latency 2.4GHz connection (claimed to be 0.01 seconds delay) too -- no more hiding wires around the back. Other new features include a new digital amplifier, a Bluetooth remote, and a settings memory to remember your source, volume and EQ levels for next time. Not enough? How about a "grab" feature that instantly starts playing the last media from a paired phone or tabled? The firm's proprietary spatial sound? That, of course, remains present. There are two models to choose from, the M9 for smaller TVs, and the M12 for the bigger set in your front room. Expect to pay £299 (about $450) and £399 (about $600) respectively when they launch in March. UK retailer John Lewis will be getting them first, but online orders and "select" independent retailers should follow.

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Source: Orbitsound

]]> audiobluetoothm12m9orbitsoundsoundbar Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:01:00 -0500 21|20467698 <![CDATA[Leica teases our wallets with $50,000 Edition Hermès M9-P, $1,000 scarf sold separately]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/leica-hermes-m9-p/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/leica-hermes-m9-p/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/leica-hermes-m9-p/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

If you've ever wondered if designer names alone can send a product's price tag through the roof, this should suffice as confirmation. Hermès, the Parisian fashion giant best known for its prohibitively expensive wearable accessories, has teamed up with Leica for some creative marketing. Two special M9-P editions will be available -- a total of 300 Edition Hermès digital rangefinders will ship beginning in June for $25,000, while 100 "very special" (even more exclusive) Edition Hermès - Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas models will be available in July for, ahem, $50,000 (that's fifty thousand, in case you assumed it was a typo).

Likely realizing that it would be insanely absurd to unload the M9-P for either price without lenses included, Leica has opted to offer both as complete kits. The less expensive version uses some fancy calfskin leather with a silver chrome finish, and ships with a Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. optic. The "very special" version, on the other hand, includes a Leica Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH., a Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. and a Leica APO-Summicron-M 90 mm f/2 ASPH -- all finished in anodized silver. It also comes with a bag and a book. Due to the incredibly limited production run, you'll probably want to pitch a tent (or have your assistant park their assistant's Maybach) outside the Washington DC Leica Store, beginning sometime later this month.

Update: Need little more convincing about the craftsmanship? There are making-of and unboxing videos embedded after the break.

Gallery: Leica M9-P - Très Fancy edition

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]]> cameracamerasdesignerdesignersdigital rangefinderDigitalRangefinderexpensivehermesleicaleica m9leica m9-pLeicaM9LeicaM9-plimited editionLimitedEditionm9m9-pphotographyrangefinderspecial editionSpecialEditionvideo Thu, 10 May 2012 18:29:00 -0400 21|20235915 <![CDATA[Meizu plans ICS update for MX and M9 this June, slaps it with a Flyme OS skin]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/meizu-plans-ics-update-for-mx-and-m9-this-june-slaps-it-with-a/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/meizu-plans-ics-update-for-mx-and-m9-this-june-slaps-it-with-a/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/meizu-plans-ics-update-for-mx-and-m9-this-june-slaps-it-with-a/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

Back in November, Meizu's CEO Jack Wong casually mentioned an update to Ice Cream Sandwich would be making its way to MX and M9 handsets, he just didn't specify when exactly. Well, that all important tidbit's been cleared up today with official news pegging a software upgrade to Android 4.0 for sometime this June. Owners of either device won't necessarily be getting a pure injection of Google's latest dessert when that OTA hits, but rather a skinned version known as Flyme OS 1.0 that purportedly brings with it a host of improvements. Among that list of supposed refinements are a more logical interface, ability to backup and sync data, in addition to cloud storage. So when summer finally rolls around and the rest of the Googlefied smartphone universe is still kicking it with Gingerbread, feel free to sit back and gloat. Official presser in all its hyperbolic wonder after the break.

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]]> Android 4.0Android4.0ChinaFlyme OSflyme os 1.0FlymeOsFlymeOs1.0Ice Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichM9MeizumobilepostcrossMXupdate Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:51:00 -0400 21|20222813 <![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of March 26th, 2012]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/refresh-roundup-week-of-march-26th-2012/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/refresh-roundup-week-of-march-26th-2012/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/01/refresh-roundup-week-of-march-26th-2012/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Refresh Roundup: week of March 26th, 2012Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

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]]> 9360androidandroid 4.0Android4.0attbellbell mobilityBellMobilityblackberryblackberry 7.1blackberry curveBlackberry7.1BlackberryCurvecanadacaptivatecurve 9360Curve9360cyanogenmodcyanogenmod 9Cyanogenmod9epic 4gEpic4ggalaxy notegalaxy s iigalaxy tab 10.1GalaxyNoteGalaxySIiGalaxyTab10.1googlehtchtc sensationHtcSensationice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichlgm9meizumeizu m9meizu mxMeizuM9MeizuMxminipostmobilepostcrossmxnorwayoptimus lteOptimusLteraiderrefresh roundupRefreshRounduprrsamsungsamsung captivatesamsung epic 4gsamsung vibrantSamsungCaptivateSamsungEpic4gSamsungVibrantsensationsmartphonesmartphonessprinttablettabletstelnorukupdateupdatesvibrantvodafonevodafone ukVodafoneUk Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:40:00 -0400 21|20206095 <![CDATA[Leica's M9-P to be offered in unicorn-guise, $31,770 and Japan-only]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/leicas-m9-p-white-unicorn-for-japan/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/leicas-m9-p-white-unicorn-for-japan/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/leicas-m9-p-white-unicorn-for-japan/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments ImageCurrently drowning in more cash than sense? Do you also call the land of the rising sun home? Excellent, as we've found the perfect camera just for you: the elusive white variant of Leica's M9-P. Restricted to only 50 units, the unicorn shooter will go on sale come June for a cool 2,620,000 yen (or around $31,770) -- a hefty premium over the regular (read: black and chrome) permutations which cost $7,995. Granted those pedestrian versions don't come wielding an insane f/0.95 50mm lens out of the box. And if this ridiculous combo is priced out of your league, you could always go after its cheaper, yet also delectable white predecessor -- although we'll hazard you're going to need more than just luck finding it.

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]]> camerasjapanleicaleica m9leica m9-pLeicaM9LeicaM9-plimited editionLimitedEditionm9m9-prangefinderrareunicornunicornswhite Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:32:00 -0400 21|20199375 <![CDATA[Ice Cream Sandwich coming to Meizu M9, MX, Jack Wong confirms]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/ice-cream-sandwich-coming-to-meizu-m9-mx-jack-wong-confirms/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/ice-cream-sandwich-coming-to-meizu-m9-mx-jack-wong-confirms/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/ice-cream-sandwich-coming-to-meizu-m9-mx-jack-wong-confirms/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Ice Cream Sandwich continues to march its way across the market. Next stop? The Meizu M9 and MX. Confirmation came earlier this week by way of Meizu CEO Jack Wong, who nonchalantly mentioned the forthcoming update on his company's forum. Affirming that the MX's December "release date remains unchanged," Wong went on to say that both the MX and M9 "will upgrade to [Android] 4.0 as soon as possible." No further specifics were offered, though the exec did explain the MX's delayed release, attributing it to his company's ongoing efforts to incorporate a sharper, back-illuminated camera within the handset. Rest assured, we'll keep you up to date with the very latest.

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]]> androidAndroid 4.0Android4.0camerahandsetjack wongJackWongm9meizumeizu m9meizu mxMeizuM9MeizuMxmobilepostminimxoperating systemOperatingSystemOSrelease dateReleaseDatesmartphonesoftwareSoftware UpdateSoftwareUpdateupdateupgrade Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:09:00 -0400 21|20097449 <![CDATA[Meizu M9 gets Gingerbread update, taunts townsfolk to catch and eat it]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/meizu-m9-gets-gingerbread-update-taunts-townsfolk-to-catch-and/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/meizu-m9-gets-gingerbread-update-taunts-townsfolk-to-catch-and/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/meizu-m9-gets-gingerbread-update-taunts-townsfolk-to-catch-and/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We were admittedly a bit skeptical when Meizu CEO Jack Wong first starting talking up the M9 Android handset -- in fact, the word "vaporware" may have been tossed around a bit. The exec proved our caution unfounded, however, delivering the phone into the hands of China's incredibly enthusiastic smartphone buyers. Then Wong briefly turned his attention away from the handset to give us a taste of its successor, but now the he's back -- with a downloadable Gingerbread update for his beloved M9. Results of the upgrade have been mixed at best, with users reporting some minor power and display problems on one end of the spectrum and improved audio the other. If you must download, check out the source link below -- just don't say we didn't warn you.

[Thanks, Mason]

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]]> Androidandroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadChinadownloadfirmwaregingerbreadGoogleJack WongJackWongm9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9mobileupdate Mon, 02 May 2011 21:15:00 -0400 21|19929430 <![CDATA[Leica M9 Titanium unboxed, handled with all the care a $32,000 camera deserves (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/leica-m9-titanium-unboxed-handled-with-all-the-care-a-32-000-c/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/leica-m9-titanium-unboxed-handled-with-all-the-care-a-32-000-c/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/leica-m9-titanium-unboxed-handled-with-all-the-care-a-32-000-c/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Even in its "standard" magnesium alloy body, the Leica M9 is an exclusive piece of kit that prices out all but the most fervent and deep-pocketed rangefinder lovers. Nonetheless, Leica has a habit of putting together even more limited editions of its shooters, one of which has recently been subjected to a thorough unboxing and video overview. Only 500 special edition Titanium M9s cameras have been produced, each one individually numbered and costing nearly £20,000 (or about $32,000) in a set with a Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 lens, also made from titanium. With a full frame 18 megapixel CCD sensor and dual image processors inside, it's a fully fleshed-out beast of a portable shooter, but you'd probably expect nothing less given the fact it costs more than most cars. Go past the break to ogle this special M9.

[Thanks, Aaron]

Update: Leica reached out to clarify that the M9 Titanium costs $26,500 in the US.

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]]> cameradigital cameraDigitalCameraexpensivehigh-endleicaleica m9LeicaM9limitedlimited editionLimitedEditionluxurym9professionalrichsummiluxtitaniumunboxedunboxing Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:58:00 -0500 21|19841669 <![CDATA[Exclusive: A day trip to Meizu's factory (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/exclusive-a-day-trip-to-meizus-factory/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/exclusive-a-day-trip-to-meizus-factory/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/exclusive-a-day-trip-to-meizus-factory/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Jack Wong is a very lucky guy. Or you can say he's very unfortunate. On one hand, his eight-year-old Meizu label -- literally meaning "the captivating tribe" -- has rapidly become one of the most popular brands amongst Chinese gadget lovers, yet all he's producing right now is just the one phone: the M9. On the other hand, the now-discontinued M8 had notoriously caught unwanted attention from Apple, and even the recent M9 launch saw accusations of Meizu hiring people to stand in line. But the latter points are irrelevant for now -- what we're really interested in is how a teensy MP3 player factory managed to outpace its numerous competitors to become a reputable smartphone maker with a huge fan base. To help us understand what drives the company, we decided to pay Meizu a visit. Go on, you know where to click.

Gallery: Exclusive: A day trip to Meizu's factory

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]]> androidassembly lineAssemblyLinecellphonechinachineseexclusivefactoryfeaturedfeaturesjack wongJackWongM9manufacturemanufacturingmeiyoumeizuMeizu M9MeizuM9mobile phoneMobilePhonephoneproduceproductionsmartphonetourtripvideovisitwelfareworkerzhuhai Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:58:00 -0500 21|19820815 <![CDATA[Meizu M9 escapes the Great Wall of China, unofficially available for global Android addicts]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/meizu-m9-escapes-the-great-wall-of-china-unofficially-available/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/meizu-m9-escapes-the-great-wall-of-china-unofficially-available/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/meizu-m9-escapes-the-great-wall-of-china-unofficially-available/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments If you've been closely following Meizu, chances are you would've heard about the wild M9 launch across China from just a few days ago. Sadly, said smartphone maker told us that it has absolutely no interest in reaching out to other countries in the near future, but potential foreign buyers now have an option: Hong Kong-based DealExtreme is offering the 8GB Android Froyo device for $449 -- a $70 markup -- with free shipping. Not a bad alternative to the M9's Hummingbird buddy Galaxy S that goes for about $570 sans contract, and bear in mind that the former is still the first Android phone to sport a 3.5-inch 960 x 640 display. Maybe this is a good time to spend your holiday cash.

[Thanks, Dave; original image credit: Getty Images]

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]]> androidandroid 2.2Android2.2availabilitycellphonechinadeal extremeDealExtremefroyohummingbirdinternational shippingInternationalShippingm9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9phonesalesamsung hummingbirdSamsungHummingbirdshippingsmartphone Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:18:00 -0500 21|19788122 <![CDATA[Meizu's M9 launch amasses thousands of Jack Wong fans across China (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/meizus-m9-launch-amasses-thousands-of-jack-wong-fans-across-chi/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/meizus-m9-launch-amasses-thousands-of-jack-wong-fans-across-chi/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/meizus-m9-launch-amasses-thousands-of-jack-wong-fans-across-chi/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Pretty impressive, isn't it? Meizu sure has made a wise decision to launch its M9 Android Froyo phone on the first day of 2011 which, like most other countries, happens to be a public holiday in China. According to some Meizu fans (aka "Mei-yo" or literally "friends of Meizu") outside one of the two Shenzhen stores, there were already about 60 people lined up outside at around 6am. A few of them even braved the cold weather since 8pm last night, despite CEO Jack Wong actively discouraging such hustle on the forum for the sake of people's health, promising "all the flagship stores will have sufficient stock" for all pre-orderers. Meizu wasn't keen on giving us an official number, but the two Shenzhen stores alone could've easily served several thousand customers this morning. With no limit on how many units each person could pre-order (¥2,499 / $379 for 8GB, and ¥2,699 / $409 for 16GB), you can imagine Meizu's assembly lines working long hours to supply its stores from 28 other provinces in China. Meanwhile, somewhere out there, Mr. Wong is happily checking his bank account. Video after the break.

Gallery: Meizu's M9 launch amasses thousands of Jack Wong fans across China

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]]> androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cellphonechinafeaturedfeaturesfroyoHua Qiang Beihua qiang luhuaqiangbeiHuaQiangLulaunchm9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9mobile phoneMobilePhonephoneproduct launchProductLaunchshenzhensmartphonevideo Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:46:00 -0500 21|19783099 <![CDATA[Meizu M9 ripped apart, out flies a Hummingbird processor]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/meizu-m9-ripped-apart-out-flies-a-hummingbird-processor/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/meizu-m9-ripped-apart-out-flies-a-hummingbird-processor/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/meizu-m9-ripped-apart-out-flies-a-hummingbird-processor/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments You've seen Jack Wong's baby from every angle and taken a deep dive through the UI -- now, feast your eyes on the juicy silicon insides. Forumgoers at gadget portal 163.com and Soomal cracked open the Retina Display-wielding device this week, and there's a good bit to see. Sure enough, there's the 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird we were promised, some TriQuint communication chips, and a lot of tiny covers on a fairly stacked little board. Check out our source links for the full teardown; you'll find plenty more pics where this one came from.

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]]> hummingbirdM9MeizuMeizu M9MeizuM9S5PC110Samsungteardownteardown treatmentTeardownTreatment Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:44:00 -0500 21|19774669 <![CDATA[Meizu M9 christens site launch with full specs list]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/meizu-m9-christens-site-launch-with-full-specs-list/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/meizu-m9-christens-site-launch-with-full-specs-list/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/meizu-m9-christens-site-launch-with-full-specs-list/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Meizu CEO Jack Wong has been teasing the M9 handset for some time now, and if we're not mistaken, the official site just went live with a full list of specs to boot. As promised, there's a 3.5-inch 960 x 640 resolution screen (reportedly the Sharp ASV display), and we're also apparently looking at a 1GHz S5PC110 processor (just like the Samsung Galaxy S), Android 2.2, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, A-GPS, 802.11b/g/n, microSDHC, a removable 1370mAH lithium-polymer battery, and support for (drumroll, please) GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA,and HSUPA. Too good to be true? Word on the street is this very phone will be available December 25th in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and will expand to the rest of China days later. We'll believe it when we see it.

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]]> asvBeijingchinaGuangzhoum9meizuS5PC110Shanghaisharpsharp asvSharpAsvShenzhen Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:04:00 -0500 21|19763194 <![CDATA[Russian president not fond of Galaxy Tab camera, <3s emoticons]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/russian-president-not-fond-of-galaxy-tab-camera-3s-emoticons/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/russian-president-not-fond-of-galaxy-tab-camera-3s-emoticons/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/russian-president-not-fond-of-galaxy-tab-camera-3s-emoticons/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Seems that Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, picked up a Galaxy Tab on his recent trip to Samsung's home country of South Korea while seeking investment and trade opportunities. Unfortuntely, he doesn't seem to be much of a fan of the GT-P1000's camera according to a recent tweet made from his certified Twitter account. Apparently, he prefers the quality of his trusty Leica M9 camera spotted in the EXIF of the images he posted from Japan just a few days prior -- the $17,500 Neiman Marcus edition, we presume. Proof once again that it's good to be king Президент.

[Thanks, Oleg]

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]]> Dmitriy MedvedevDmitriyMedvedevDmitry MedvedevDmitryMedvedevgalaxy tabgalaxy tab 7GalaxyTabGalaxyTab7leicaleica m9LeicaM9m9medvedevpresidentrussiasamsungsamsung galaxy tabSamsungGalaxyTab Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:57:00 -0500 21|19728250 <![CDATA[Meizu M8 ceases production amid pressure from Apple and intellectual property office]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/09/meizu-m8-ceases-production-amid-pressure-from-apple-and-intellec/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/09/meizu-m8-ceases-production-amid-pressure-from-apple-and-intellec/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/09/meizu-m8-ceases-production-amid-pressure-from-apple-and-intellec/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Well, can't say we didn't see this coming; we're just surprised that it's taken this long for Meizu to take a hit over its notorious handset. In case you have no idea what we're talking about, earlier this month said Chinese company's been in heated talks with Apple due to the M8 smartphone bearing an "appearance roughly similar" to the iPhone. Seriously, that's the only reason Apple provided for the accusation, if CEO Jack Wong is to be trusted (and hey, he did kinda ask for it). Anyhow, the latest development is that Meizu's bowing to pressure from both the provincial intellectual property office and Cupertino, and announced that it's shutting down production lines for its flagship M8 this month. This is no doubt a big blow to the company, but it might get even nastier -- here's what Jack said in one of his many frustrated forum postings:
Apple requested that we cease manufacturing the M8 this month, we agreed but then [Apple] came back and asked for a sales ban instead. I can cope with a production freeze, but not with having our shops closed and thus not being able to use up our inventory. If Apple and the provincial IPO take another insatiable step, I can only go head to head against them.
So, it looks like the M8's all set for an early retirement, either way -- it doesn't look like Apple's going to let this one go easily, and Jack's also expressed concern over the fact that the IPO has the power to shut his factory down without going to court. That said, things are still looking positive for the elusive M9 -- from the sounds of it, Meizu's upcoming Android phone isn't affected by this takedown (yet); but the question is whether Jack and co. can keep the shops running until a December launch for their next flagship device. Oh well, hang in there, Meizu!

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]]> androidapplecancelledchinacopyrightcopyright infringementCopyrightInfringementdiscontinuedintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyiphoneIPOjack wongJackWongkilledm8m9meizumeizu m8meizu m9MeizuM8MeizuM9mobile phoneMobilePhonenegotiationphonesmartphonetalkwindows ceWindowsCe Sat, 09 Oct 2010 21:44:00 -0400 21|19667737 <![CDATA[Leica announces Nieman Marcus Edition M9: $17,500, limited to 50]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/leica-announces-nieman-marcus-edition-m9-17-500-limited-to-50/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/leica-announces-nieman-marcus-edition-m9-17-500-limited-to-50/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/leica-announces-nieman-marcus-edition-m9-17-500-limited-to-50/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Is that Leica M9 Titanium announced at Photokina last month not limited enough for you at just 500 units available? Then take a gander at the Leica M9 Neiman Marcus Edition pictured above, which is available exclusively through Neiman Marcus's Christmas Book, and is limited to a mere fifty units. The camera itself is, of course, the same M9 you already know and covet, although it's wrapped in a brown ostrich leather trim this time around, and it comes paired with a chrome-finished Summicron-M 35mm f2.0 ASPH lens for this occasion. Sure it costs $17,500, but that includes Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 and a personal delivery from a Leica photography expert, who will also provide a private training and orientation session. It's really quite a bargain when you think about it.

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]]> leicaleica m9leica m9 neiman marcus editionLeicaM9LeicaM9NeimanMarcusEditionluxurym9m9 neiman marcus editionM9NeimanMarcusEditionneiman marcusneiman marcus editionNeimanMarcusNeimanMarcusEdition Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:44:00 -0400 21|19663530 <![CDATA[Apple's lawyers finally going after Meizu, or so it seems]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/apples-lawyers-finally-going-after-meizu-or-so-it-seems/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/apples-lawyers-finally-going-after-meizu-or-so-it-seems/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/apples-lawyers-finally-going-after-meizu-or-so-it-seems/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments C'mon, let's all color ourselves shocked at once. It'll be fun. We promise. If you've been calling the underside of a rock home for the past decade or so, you may have missed out on a Chinese outfit by the name of Meizu. For all intents and purposes, the company has done its darnedest to copy Apple in every respect, particularly with the software on its M8 and M9 smartphones. Strangely, we've never actually heard confirmation that Cupertino's best lawyers were breathing down Meizu's neck... until now. As the story goes, Meizu CEO Jack Wong's forum postings have been rather tense of late, and one in particular seems to explain why: Apple's all up in his grille. The details are hidden beneath a good bit of pent-up rage, but what is clear is a mention of Apple's lawyers and their "unreasonable negotiation tactics." In essence, Jack finds it absurd that Apple could claim rights to the touchscreen smartphone form factor, and while Apple could only serve a relative few in China, he (obviously) expects Meizu to serve far more. We won't pretend to be sad on Jack's behalf -- we mean, the guy had it coming -- but we can't shake the looming depression when thinking of a world with no future Meizu devices to chuckle at.

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]]> applechinachinesecourtcrimeipiphonej wongj. wongJ.Wongjack wongJackWongJWongknockofflawyerlegalm8m9meizo m8meizo m9MeizoM8MeizoM9Meizupatent Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:34:00 -0400 21|19659686 <![CDATA[Leica introduces M9 'Titanium,' limited to just 500 luscious pieces]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/leica-introduces-m9-titanium-limited-to-just-500-lucious-piec/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/leica-introduces-m9-titanium-limited-to-just-500-lucious-piec/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/20/leica-introduces-m9-titanium-limited-to-just-500-lucious-piec/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Can't afford anything that's been introduced at Photokina so far? Unfortunately for you, there's hardly a chance that Leica's newest limited edition product will be the one that slips under the budget. At the outfit's exclusive press preview this evening in Cologne, a gallery of executives from Leica and Volkswagen (who chipped in on the design) formally unveiled the M9 'Titanium.' For all intents and purposes, this is just a souped-up M9, but there's plenty to love for those who fancy high-fashion. You know, like a trim that uses leather "typically reserved for the interiors of Audi's premium automobiles."

According to Leica, "anything that looks like titanium, is titanium." It's also coated with a fingerprint-resistant overlay, and the bundle is slated to include the camera itself, a 35mm Summilux F/1.4 prime lens, lens hood, a new carrying concept (just a single hook for a carry strap), a newfangled electronic illumination system and a fanciful cardboard box made somewhere in the Black Forest. Just 500 of these kits are being produced and sold for an undisclosed amount starting in November, and chances are all but one or two have already been claimed. Good luck getting in line, and you might as well forget scoring the four millionth Leica camera to be produced since 1923 -- a specially-stamped M9 'Titanium' -- as that one's being given away to someone far more important than us tonight.

Gallery: Leica reveals M9 'Titanium' at Photokina 2010

Gallery: Leica M9 'Titanium' video unveiling at Photokina 2010

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]]> cameradesigndigicamhigh-endleicaluxurym seriesm9m9 titanm9 titaniumM9TitanM9TitaniumMSeriesphotokinaphotokina 2010Photokina2010rangefindertitantitaniumvolkswagen Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:00:00 -0400 21|19641153 <![CDATA[Meizu CEO Jack Wong: Oh hey, the new iPod touch 'looks a bit like the M9II']]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-oh-hey-the-new-ipod-touch-looks-a-bit-lik/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-oh-hey-the-new-ipod-touch-looks-a-bit-lik/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/06/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-oh-hey-the-new-ipod-touch-looks-a-bit-lik/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Should there be an international award for Cheekiest Man of the Year, it'd have to go to Meizu's shameless Jack Wong. Shortly after Apple's keynote last week, the CEO of KIRFdom seized the opportunity to cry foul on the new iPod touch, claiming it "looks a bit like" his forthcoming M9II Android phone, as pictured above. Wait, M9II? Turns out even though the M9 has yet to materialize in early October, Mr. Wong already has an enhanced model to be brought forth by his faithful unicorns. Assuming both M9 series devices will carry the same Meizu-fied Android 2.2 software, the only known differences on the M9II include a larger 4-inch display (as opposed to 3.5 inches at 960 x 640), the additional front-facing camera plus flash for the rear camera, and a Cortex-A9 CPU. To play devil's advocate, we'd actually suggest Wong skip the M9 for this lovely dream phone, but we're probably too late -- check out his snazzy prototype M9 after the break.

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]]> 2.2androidandroid 2.2Android2.2cellphoneceochinafroyojack wongJackWongm9m9iimeizumeizu m9meizu m9iiMeizuM9MeizuM9iimobile phoneMobilePhonesmartphone Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:59:00 -0400 21|19622936 <![CDATA[Meizu CEO Jack Wong spills more M9 details: Android 2.2 and retina-busting 960 x 640 screen]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-spills-more-m9-details-android-2-2-and-reti/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-spills-more-m9-details-android-2-2-and-reti/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-spills-more-m9-details-android-2-2-and-reti/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Meizu CEO Jack Wong spills more M9 hardware and UI details: Android 2.2 and retina-busting 960 x 480 screen It's hard to call Meizu a straight-up KIRFmeister at this point, but the company certainly does like to flirt with copyright disaster. The M8 started off as an iPhone clone, but we've been hoping its successor, the M9, will be a bit more original. Meizu's Jack Wong has been dropping hints about the thing since January, and now he's tossing out a few more nuggets, like a Retina-matching 960 x 640 display -- making us wonder if this isn't just going to be an iPhone 4 wanna-be after all. Jack indicates the phone will run a heavily customized version of Android 2.2 (shown above) and is now pledging a proper release by the end of this year, with demo units making the rounds in October. Please forgive our cynicism, but we'll be using something non-permanent to mark that onto our calendar.

Update: It's 960 x 640, not 480.

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]]> 960 x 640960X640androidandroid 2.2Android2.2googlejack wongJackWongm9meizuretinaretina displayRetinaDisplayretinal displayRetinalDisplaysmartphone Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:18:00 -0400 21|19596577 <![CDATA[Meizu CEO Jack Wong leaks, pulls M9 pics]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-leaks-pulls-m9-pics/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-leaks-pulls-m9-pics/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/meizu-ceo-jack-wong-leaks-pulls-m9-pics/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Jack Wong, why does he tease us so? If you haven't been following the M8 forums as religiously as you used to, you might have missed the news that our man in Guangdong leaked the definitive blurrycam photos of what appears to be the Meizu M9 Android handset. Not long after leaking the pics he deleted the post and closed all threads, explaining: "sorry, my fault. i am just too excited and wanna share with your guys." Although his cavalier attitude might end up breaking a few hearts 'round here, we can definitely appreciate his enthusiasm. One more pic after the break.

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]]> androidblurrycamleakm9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:27:00 -0400 21|19498687 <![CDATA[Meizu M9 getting Android 2.1, possible August release?]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/08/meizu-m9-getting-android-2-1-possible-august-release/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/08/meizu-m9-getting-android-2-1-possible-august-release/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/08/meizu-m9-getting-android-2-1-possible-august-release/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Well, what do you know -- perhaps there is an M9 in your future (or someone's future) after all! After hearing the one and only Jack Wong detail the thing earlier this year, Beareyes.com is reporting that the device -- with the same 3.6-inch display, 1 GHz (Samsung S5PC110) CPU, HDMI 1.3 out and more -- may be out as early as this August. We think this is certainly do-able, although anything can happen -- as the drawn-out gestation of a certain Meizu M8 made painfully clear. The new news? Rather than KIRFin' up an Apple-esque interface, it looks like Android 2.1 might just be on tap. Sweet, eh? Look for it August 18, for around $350 depending on options... but don't be surprised if you're still looking long past the target date.

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]]> androidandroid 2.1Android2.1eclairm9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9 Sat, 08 May 2010 14:02:00 -0400 21|19469771 <![CDATA[Leica M9 hands-on; or, The Tao of Leica]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/leica-m9-hands-on-or-the-tao-of-leica/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/leica-m9-hands-on-or-the-tao-of-leica/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/leica-m9-hands-on-or-the-tao-of-leica/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments For most amateur photographers, Leica's legendary M System represents a virtually unobtainable holy grail, a line of cameras so unspeakably expensive, rare, and coveted that even having the opportunity to hold one -- much less own one -- is a somewhat unrealistic goal. Why is that, exactly? It's a combination of things, really; sure, Leica's brand cachet undoubtedly factors into it, but in reality, it's much, much more than that. For our money, nothing demonstrates that better than a day or two with the M9, the company's latest flagship rangefinder with an 18 megapixel CCD sensor sourced from Kodak.

And what, exactly, does it feel like to carry $11,695 worth of rangefinder body and lens around? Follow the break.

Gallery: Leica M9 hands-on

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]]> camerahands-onleicaleica m9LeicaM9m9rangefinder Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:00:00 -0400 21|19408288 <![CDATA[Leica M9 taking pre-orders for its body only]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/leica-m9-taking-pre-orders-for-its-body-only/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/leica-m9-taking-pre-orders-for-its-body-only/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/leica-m9-taking-pre-orders-for-its-body-only/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Got nearly $7,000 in spare change and a lust for magnesium-bodied digital rangefinder cameras? Then we've got the solution to your itch, dear friend, as Leica has just let the M9 out to dance with credit cards in the courting ritual colloquially known as a pre-order. Claimed as the world's smallest full frame digital shooter, the latest Leica sports an 18 megapixel sensor, a new cover glass that eliminates the need for IR filters, dual image processors, and a 2.5-inch LCD. You'll have to be really sure this shooter is for you, though, because the quoted price is for the body only, and the lenses won't come cheap either. Still, this is the Leica stuff we care to see -- not some silly 24 carat-skinned Limited Edition homage to the unholy.

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]]> ccdfull frameFullFramehigh endHighEndkodakleicaleica m9LeicaM9m9pre-orderrange finderRangeFindersdhc Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:17:00 -0500 21|19331443 <![CDATA[Meizu CEO teases M9 specs, vaporware threat level: orange]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/23/meizu-ceo-teases-m9-specs-vaporware-threat-level-orange/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/23/meizu-ceo-teases-m9-specs-vaporware-threat-level-orange/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/23/meizu-ceo-teases-m9-specs-vaporware-threat-level-orange/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Meizu's irrepressible CEO J. Wong is up to his teasing ways again with more details on the M8's successor, the aptly-named M9 -- and actually, there's nothing about the list that doesn't sound doable for a 2010 release (famous last words, we know). Specifically, the dude's saying that we can expect a 1GHz Cortex A8-based Samsung S5PC110 core, half a gig of RAM and ROM, a 5 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, TV-out, microSD expansion, and a 3.6-inch screen clocking in at 720 x 480 resolution. Interestingly, he's holding the line on committing to deliver WCDMA, CDMA, and TD-SCDMA versions simultaneously -- theoretically good enough to deliver 3G on China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile, respectively -- with a price in the range of 2,500 yuan (about $366). Possible? Yes -- but with as checkered a past as the good ol' M8 has, we'll believe this one when it's in our hands and not a moment sooner.

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]]> m9meizumeizu m9MeizuM9 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:02:00 -0500 21|19328559