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[Qualcomm buys Pixtronix to make for better Mirasol displays?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/qualcomm-buys-pixtronix/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/qualcomm-buys-pixtronix/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/qualcomm-buys-pixtronix/#comments Qualcomm's whipped out some flipping great wadges of cash in order to snap up Pixtronix for its PerfectLight MEMS-based display tech. It reportedly cost between $175 - $200 million and is expected to be merged into the company's super-low power Mirasol-based displays. Compared to the Kyobo eReader we played with at CES, PerfectLight has a wider viewing angle (170 degree), supports full speed video playback and much better RGB modulation. Depending on how successful the marriage is, it could spell the end of the final hurdles that have hampered the widespread adoption of the technology.

Qualcomm buys Pixtronix to make for better Mirasol displays? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquisitionBusinessBuyoutCESCES 2012Ces2012e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersKyoboKyobo eReaderKyoboEreaderMEMSMEMS DisplayMemsDisplayMergerMirasolMirasol DisplayMirasol E-ReaderMirasolDisplayMirasolE-readerPerfectLightPerfectLight MemsPerfectlightMemsPixtronixPurchaseQualcommQualcomm PixtronixQualcommPixtronixThu, 26 Jan 2012 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/hanvon-c-18-mirasol-e-reader-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/hanvon-c-18-mirasol-e-reader-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/hanvon-c-18-mirasol-e-reader-hands-on-video/#comments Qualcomm unveiled its new C-18 Mirasol e-reader yesterday, and today, we managed to get our hands on it here at CES. Manufactured by Hanvon, this device is officially labeled as an e-reader, though to be honest, it felt more like a tablet to us. Unlike the lightweight Kindle, the C-18 felt a tad heavy in our hands, with backlighting more typical of a slate than reader. It also runs its own Android skin, which raises some interesting questions of how many Android apps it would support. The color Mirasol display certainly piqued our interests, though we'll have to wait a little bit longer before we get a closer look at it, as the C-18 won't hit the Chinese market until February, with no set date for a US launch yet (price remains equally opaque). For more details, check out our gallery below, along with the hands-on video, after the break.

Gallery: Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on


Mat Smith contributed to this report.

Continue reading Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on (video)

Hanvon C-18 Mirasol e-reader hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidc18colordisplaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfeaturehands-onhanvonhanvon c18HanvonC18mirasolqualcommvideoThu, 12 Jan 2012 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm shows off new Hanvon Mirasol e-reader, juggles video and text]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/qualcomm-shows-off-new-hanvon-mirasol-e-reader-juggles-video-an/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/qualcomm-shows-off-new-hanvon-mirasol-e-reader-juggles-video-an/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/qualcomm-shows-off-new-hanvon-mirasol-e-reader-juggles-video-an/#comments

Alongside the wireless goodness, and new Snapdragons, Qualcomm's pulled out a new Mirasol e-reader. Manufactured by Hanvon, we're promised that 90 percent of content will be in color, and perhaps more notably, it'll be able to juggle both text and video. The e-reader is destined for China, with 150,000 titles and over 100 newspapers to keep our Sino friends in wordage for a while. No word just yet on pricing and launch dates.

Qualcomm shows off new Hanvon Mirasol e-reader, juggles video and text originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newschinacolore booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershanvonmirasolvideovideo on e-readerVideoOnE-readerTue, 10 Jan 2012 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirasol 5.7-inch eReader hands-on, courtesy of Kyobo and Shanda Bambook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/mirasol-5-7-inch-ereader-hands-on-courtesy-of-kyobo-and-bambook/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/mirasol-5-7-inch-ereader-hands-on-courtesy-of-kyobo-and-bambook/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/mirasol-5-7-inch-ereader-hands-on-courtesy-of-kyobo-and-bambook/#comments The 5.7-inch Mirasol display is hardly a fresh item these days, but the final product carrying such a unique panel is still young. In fact, it's only become available from Kyobo in South Korea fairly recently, but today we also learned that Chinese content provider Shanda will be offering the same hardware under the Bambook moniker towards the end of this month (obviously aiming for the Chinese New Year rush). The Android-powered device turned out to be chunkier than we expected, but it's probably a nice trade-off for the handy built-in front light and rubber pad on the back. As for performance, the display handled video playback pretty well, but you may spot one or two missed frames here and there due to the lower refresh rate. We'll let you be the judge -- check out our demo video (and a press release) after the break.

Gallery: Mirasol eReader hands-on at CES 2012

Continue reading Mirasol 5.7-inch eReader hands-on, courtesy of Kyobo and Shanda Bambook

Mirasol 5.7-inch eReader hands-on, courtesy of Kyobo and Shanda Bambook originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bambookcesces 2012Ces2012chinae booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersereaderhands-onkoreakyobokyobo ereaderKyoboEreadermirasolqualcommshandasouth koreaSouthKoreavideoTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyobo eReader receives initial review, comes up short despite Mirasol display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/kyobo-ereader-receives-initial-review-comes-up-short-despite-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/kyobo-ereader-receives-initial-review-comes-up-short-despite-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/kyobo-ereader-receives-initial-review-comes-up-short-despite-mi/#comments If one of your e-reader's components is great but the rest of the device is lacking, where does that leave you? The first review of the Kyobo eReader has arrived and while its Qualcomm-provided Mirasol screen is lauded, that's about it for the good news. Despite the snazzy 5.7-inch touchscreen combined with 1Ghz SnapDragon CPU, WiFi and Android 2.3.5, the package falls apart due to its inability to load apps, subpar battery life and long load times. The reading app crashed frequently during testing, the device was unable to load DRM-protected ebooks even after authorizing with Adobe DE, the reader displays EPUB formats incorrectly, PDF view controls proved poor and YouTube video playback proved slow and stilted. Still, the page turn speed proved slightly faster than that of the Kindle Touch, so why harp on the negatives?

Kyobo eReader receives initial review, comes up short despite Mirasol display originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.7-inchandroidandroid 2.3.5Android2.3.5e booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerskoreakyobokyobo readerKyoboReadermirasolmirasol displayMirasolDisplayqualcommSnapDragonTue, 03 Jan 2012 04:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyobo eReader with Mirasol display gets video walkthrough, does things E Ink can't]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/kyobo-ereader-with-mirasol-display-gets-video-walkthrough-does/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/kyobo-ereader-with-mirasol-display-gets-video-walkthrough-does/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/kyobo-ereader-with-mirasol-display-gets-video-walkthrough-does/#comments Qualcomm's Mirasol display technology was supposedly inspired by butterfly wings, and its progress over the past year has been appropriately erratic. It was happening, then it wasn't, then it was again -- but only in the Korea-confined Kyobo e-Reader. Despite all the flitting about, however, some consistent promises have been made: a 'converged' screen that's like E Ink because it requires no backlight and lasts for "weeks" on a single charge, and like LCD in its ability to refresh quickly and handle color video. Thanks to Netbook News, we now have some eyes-on of the 5.7-inch, 1024 x 768 Kyobo in action, powered by a 1GHz single-core Snapdragon S2 and Android 2.3, and it's yours for the glimpsing right after the break. There's room for improvement, especially with color saturation, viewing angles and reflectiveness, but we're not quibbling -- this ₩349,000 ($310) device evidently lives up to its central claim.

Continue reading Kyobo eReader with Mirasol display gets video walkthrough, does things E Ink can't

Kyobo eReader with Mirasol display gets video walkthrough, does things E Ink can't originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40fps5.7 inch Mirasol5.7-inch5.7InchMirasolbutterflycolor displaycolor e-inkcolor e-readercolor ebookcolor videoColorDisplayColorE-inkColorE-readerColorEbookColorVideoe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-inke-readere-readersebookeinkKoreakyoboKyobo eReaderKyoboEreaderMirasolNetbook NewsNetbookNewsqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolreadersunflowervideoMon, 19 Dec 2011 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyobo, Qualcomm make Mirasol color displays a reality, with the Kyobo eReader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/kyobo-qualcomm-make-mirasol-color-displays-a-reality-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/kyobo-qualcomm-make-mirasol-color-displays-a-reality-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/kyobo-qualcomm-make-mirasol-color-displays-a-reality-with-the/#comments Don't look now, but Mirasol has just arisen from the dead. Today, Korea's Kyobo Book Centre and Qualcomm jointly unveiled the world's first Mirasol-coated e-reader, just a few months after CEO Paul Jacobs heralded the demise of his company's color e-paper format. The device, known as the Kyobo eReader, sports a 5.7-inch, 1024 x 768 color display with 223ppi and touchscreen capabilities, runs Android 2.3 and is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 CPU. Kyobo says you'll be able to use the WiFi-enabled slate for "weeks" on a single charge, as long as you do so at decreased brightness, and for a total of 30 minutes per day. The eReader is available now for around $310, but only in South Korea. There's no indication that it'll be making its way to other markets anytime soon, but in the meantime, sate yourself with a portion of PR, after the break.

Continue reading Kyobo, Qualcomm make Mirasol color displays a reality, with the Kyobo eReader

Kyobo, Qualcomm make Mirasol color displays a reality, with the Kyobo eReader originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 2.3Android2.3color e-inkColorE-inkdisplaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-inke-readere-readerskoreaKyoboKyobo Book CentreKyobo Bookskyobo ereaderKyoboBookCentreKyoboBooksKyoboEreaderMirasolppiQualcommresolutionsnapdragonsnapdragon s2SnapdragonS2south koreaSouthKoreaTue, 22 Nov 2011 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Primed: all mobile displays are not created equal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/engadget-primed-all-mobile-displays-are-not-created-equal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/engadget-primed-all-mobile-displays-are-not-created-equal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/engadget-primed-all-mobile-displays-are-not-created-equal/#commentsPrimed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com.

The quality of a mobile phone's display is arguably the most important factor to consider when you establish a relationship with a handset. It's inescapable, really. Whether you're playing a rousing game of Robot Unicorn Attack or (regrettably) drunk-dialing an ex, it's the one interface element that you're consistently interacting with. It's your window to the world and your canvas for creation, and if it's lousy, it's going to negatively influence everything you see and do. Today, we're delving into the world of mobile displays, where we're aiming to entertain and edify, and hopefully save you from making regrettable decisions -- when it comes to purchasing new phones, anyway.

In this edition of Primed, we'll be examining the different qualities and underlying technologies of several displays, starting with the ubiquitous TFT-LCD and moving through the nascent realm of glasses-free 3D and beyond. We'll also be addressing the importance of resolution and pixel density. Finally, we'll be scoping out a handful of upcoming technologies -- while some are thoroughly intriguing, others are just plain wacky. Go ahead... buy the ticket, take the ride, and join us after the break. It's Primed time.

Continue reading Engadget Primed: all mobile displays are not created equal

Engadget Primed: all mobile displays are not created equal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p3d720pamoledappleAutoStereoscopicautostereoscopic 3dAutostereoscopic3dclearblackdisplaydisplayse inke ink tritonEInkEInkTritonengadget primedEngadgetPrimedflexibleflexible amoledflexible displayFlexibleAmoledFlexibleDisplayfwvgaglasses-free 3dGlasses-free3dhitachihvgaipslcdliquid crystalliquid crystal displayLiquidCrystalLiquidCrystalDisplaymirasolmobile displaymobile displaysMobileDisplayMobileDisplaysmotorolanokianovanova displayNovaDisplayoledortustechpixel densityPixelDensityppiprimedqhdqvgaretina displayRetinaDisplays-lcdsamsungscreenscreensslcdsmartphonesmartphonesstereoscopicstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dsuper amoledsuper amoled plussuper lcdSuperAmoledSuperAmoledPlusSuperLcdtdktfttft lcdTftLcdtoshibatransparenttransparent oledTransparentOledwvgaFri, 19 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm CEO confirms death of 5.7-inch Mirasol e-reader display, looks forward to 'next version']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/qualcomm-ceo-confirms-death-of-5-7-inch-mirasol-e-reader-display/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/qualcomm-ceo-confirms-death-of-5-7-inch-mirasol-e-reader-display/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/qualcomm-ceo-confirms-death-of-5-7-inch-mirasol-e-reader-display/#comments Remember that Mirasol e-reader display Qualcomm was hoping to release this year? Yeah, it's not happening. Speaking at a press briefing in San Diego yesterday, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs confirmed that the 5.7-inch panel has been abandoned after failing to meet expectations. Instead, the company will devote its attention to the "next version" of the technology, which has Jacobs feeling optimistic:

"We have a really interesting roadmap -- we're starting out on e-readers because we figured having E Ink as a competing technology was a good way to get started. But if you think about the power consumption of the screens that are out now [on tablets], they're very bright OLED screens that use up a lot of the power of the battery. We don't today have as vibrant color as an OLED display - but we have a roadmap that gets us to a much brighter color."

Presumably, this roadmap would include that low-power "converged e-reader" we heard about a few weeks ago, slated for release by the end of the year. Jacobs also mentioned that Qualcomm is planning to invest a billion dollars in its Taiwan Mirasol plant, which might help produce the kind of volume that, say, Amazon would demand for its Kindle displays. It's all speculation, of course, but Qualcomm certainly seems to have some big plans in store for the rest of the year.

Qualcomm CEO confirms death of 5.7-inch Mirasol e-reader display, looks forward to 'next version' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.7 inch5.7Inchamazonamazon kindleAmazonKindleceodisplaye booke bookse inke readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEInkinvestmentkindlemirasolmirasol e-readerMirasolE-readernext generationNextGenerationOLEDpanelpaul jacobsPaulJacobsplantproductionqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasoltabletTaiwanThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's Android tablet coming in 10- and 7-inch models with quad-core Tegra power?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/amazons-android-tablet-coming-in-10-and-7-inch-models-with-qua/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/amazons-android-tablet-coming-in-10-and-7-inch-models-with-qua/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/amazons-android-tablet-coming-in-10-and-7-inch-models-with-qua/#commentsWe've pretty much accepted that Amazon will release a proper Android tablet in 2011. The details, however, are still unclear. Enter Silicon Valley analyst, Tim Bajarin, who claims to have some inside information from his sources in Taipei. If correct, then we should see Amazon launch a 10-inch LCD tablet before the holidays. He's also heard of a 7-inch model and plans to use NVIDIA's new quad-core Tegra SoC in order to blaze a path into the crowded tablet market. Interestingly enough, Tim's sources say that Amazon wanted to use a switchable "black and white E Ink-like display and a color LCD" hybrid but the two vendors approached (Qualcomm and Pixel Qi?) won't be ready with a suitable display until 2012 or 2013. Of course, Samsung -- the rumored DNA at the core of Amazon's tablet -- has plenty of experience with 10- and 7-inch Android tablets and the decision to go LCD aligns with those rumors of a Fringe Field Switching display reported by DigiTimes earlier this month. So while none of this is verified, at least it gives us something more to chew on while we "stay tuned" for whatever Bezos is cooking.

Amazon's Android tablet coming in 10- and 7-inch models with quad-core Tegra power? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-inch7-inchamazonamazon kindle tabletamazon tabletAmazonKindleTabletAmazonTabletandroidffsfring field switchingFringFieldSwitchinghybridkal-elkindlekindle tabletKindleTabletlcdmirasolnvidiapixel qiPixelQiquad-corequalcommrumorsamsungtablettegrategra 3Tegra3tim bajarinTimBajarinMon, 23 May 2011 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirasol showcases 4.1-inch smartphone concept at SID 2011, promises 'converged e-reader' this year (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/mirasol-showcases-4-1-inch-smartphone-concept-at-sid-2011-promi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/mirasol-showcases-4-1-inch-smartphone-concept-at-sid-2011-promi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/mirasol-showcases-4-1-inch-smartphone-concept-at-sid-2011-promi/#comments Another week, another look into the wild, mysterious world of Mirasol. We met with the company for an extended period here at SID 2011, and while the smartphone concept shown above was certainly intriguing, it's the behind-the-scenes story that truly piqued our interest. If you've kept even a loose eye on display technologies, Qualcomm's Mirasol branch has no doubt caught your eye -- in fact, the company seemed overwhelmingly sure that it'd ship consumer products soon after we met with 'em at CES 2010. Yet here we are, nearly 1.5 years later, without a single Mirasol product available on the open market. It begs the question: why? We found out. As the story goes, Mirasol's been shipping displays to partners for years, and it really did have confirmation that partners would be punching products out onto the market soon after 2010 began. But then, the iPad happened.

No, seriously -- that's the story. Apple's sudden and calculated tablet launch caused Mirasol's stable of partners to "reevaluate" their launch strategies, and that reevaluating led to the shelving / delaying of every single promising product in the pipeline. One angle in particular seemed to catch everyone off guard; prior to the iPad's launch, most companies (and consumers, for that matter) reckoned that people wouldn't even consider reading on an LCD. Digital bookworms would want E Ink, or better still, a colorized alternative like Mirasol. Come to find out, people actually don't seem to mind reading on LCDs, and in fact, they seem downright appreciative of the extra functionality baked into modern day tablets. As you can imagine, all of that spelled trouble for a display technology like Mirasol. So, where do we sit today? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Mirasol concept smartphone eyes-on at SID 2011

Continue reading Mirasol showcases 4.1-inch smartphone concept at SID 2011, promises 'converged e-reader' this year (video)

Mirasol showcases 4.1-inch smartphone concept at SID 2011, promises 'converged e-reader' this year (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphoneconceptconverged e-readerConvergedE-readerdisplaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readershands-onmirasolprototypequalcommsidsid 2011Sid2011smartphonetabletvideoWed, 18 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirasol display gets lighting solution for reading alone at parties, bars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/mirasol-display-gets-lighting-solution-for-reading-alone-at-part/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/mirasol-display-gets-lighting-solution-for-reading-alone-at-part/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/mirasol-display-gets-lighting-solution-for-reading-alone-at-part/#comments How do you solve a problem like lighting a Mirasol display? Sure, the technology provides something of a comprise between traditional E Ink displays and tablet LCDs, with full video and color, low power consumption, and the ability to be viewed in bright sunlight, but it still has some decided drawbacks: like a lack of backlighting. Qualcomm showed off a simple and elegant solution at this week's CES on the Hill, essentially embedding a book light into the device, lighting it from the front -- it's not the first time we've seen an e-reader arrive at this answer, but still, sometimes the easiest solutions are the best. The prototype shown off in DC this week had buttons on the rear for adjusting brightness, though according to The Digital Reader, Qualcomm will also be showing off a device with an ambient light sensor in the near future. The technology should be on store shelves this fall -- no word whether the device is capable of yelling at you for "ruining your eyes" by reading in the dark.

Mirasol display gets lighting solution for reading alone at parties, bars originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES on the HillCesOnTheHilldisplaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-inke-readere-readerslcdMirasolQualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolwashington dcWashingtonDcThu, 12 May 2011 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirasol-equipped Qualcomm reference tablet hands-on (update: Android tablet confirmed to be a mock-up)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/mirasol-equipped-qualcomm-reference-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/mirasol-equipped-qualcomm-reference-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/mirasol-equipped-qualcomm-reference-tablet-hands-on/#comments If you were unaware, we're pretty psyched about the upcoming display tech from Mirasol. We were when we peeped it last year, and we've been eagerly awaiting this screen tech's arrival ever since. Despite promises from PocketBook USA that we'd see an actual consumer product at this year's convention (and even a leaked video), when we hit the company up they met us with blank stares and promises that we'd see it at CeBIT. All we were able to find was another Qualcomm reference device, which is still totally drool worthy and makes us more eager for it to hit shipping devices. The screen actually looks a bit improved this year, and we're not seeing the same yellowing that we've noticed in the past. You don't have to take our word for it though, we've got photo proof for you to feast your eyes on below.

Update: We just paid Qualcomm another visit, and this time the folks confirmed that the Android tablet in their recent promotion video is definitely not a real product, ergo not the PocketBook Android tablet. We were also told that had it been the real deal, they would've made a huge announcement at CES. Ah well, we'll just have to wait until CeBIT.

Gallery: Mirasol-equipped Qualcomm reference tablet hands-on

Mirasol-equipped Qualcomm reference tablet hands-on (update: Android tablet confirmed to be a mock-up) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011hands-onmirasolmirasol displayMirasolDisplayqualcommFri, 07 Jan 2011 18:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Pocketbook's Mirasol Android tablet leaked in Qualcomm's latest video?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/pocketbooks-mirasol-android-tablet-leaked-in-qualcomms-latest/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/pocketbooks-mirasol-android-tablet-leaked-in-qualcomms-latest/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/pocketbooks-mirasol-android-tablet-leaked-in-qualcomms-latest/#comments Remember the Mirasol Android tablet that Pocketbook's been teasing about since late November? Well, this could be it. Spotted in a new promotion video from Qualcomm, this slate sports a front-facing camera, four soft keys below the outdoor-friendly color display (likely to be of the bog-standard 5.7-inch size), and presumably a volume rocker plus a mute switch on the left. Other than that, there's not much else to see here, but we'll let you guys know right away when we spot the real thing here at CES. Videos after the break.

Update: Qualcomm's confirmed to us that this isn't a real product. Boo!

Continue reading Pocketbook's Mirasol Android tablet leaked in Qualcomm's latest video?

Pocketbook's Mirasol Android tablet leaked in Qualcomm's latest video? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcesces 2011Ces2011displaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookEReaderleakmirasolmirasol displayMirasolDisplaypocketbookqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolscreenslatetabletteasertransflectivevideoWed, 05 Jan 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm lays down $1 billion for new Mirasol plant in Taiwan, catering small and medium devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/qualcomm-lays-down-1-billion-for-new-mirasol-plant-in-taiwan-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/qualcomm-lays-down-1-billion-for-new-mirasol-plant-in-taiwan-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/02/qualcomm-lays-down-1-billion-for-new-mirasol-plant-in-taiwan-c/#comments Good news, digital bookworms! After months of rumoring, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs has just announced that Qualcomm will really be building a new Mirasol plant over there. Specifically, the $1 billion, seven-hectare factory will reside in the Hsinchu Longtan Science Park to mass-produce small and medium flavors of said transflective display, meaning the Snapdragon maker will, for the first time, be able to churn out something smaller than the current lone 5.7-inch model. Yep, those must be the low-power smartphone screens that Qualcomm talked about previously, which sure sound delicious. Now, what's up with our little Pixel Qi?

Qualcomm lays down $1 billion for new Mirasol plant in Taiwan, catering small and medium devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildingcolor displayColorDisplayconstructiondisplayDisplay technologyDisplayTechnologye booke bookse readere-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksereaderfactoryinvestmentmanufacturemanufacturingmass productionMassProductionmemsmirasolmirasol displayMirasolDisplayplantproductionqualcommtaiwanSun, 02 Jan 2011 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Pocketbook spills the transflective colored beans, announces Mirasol e-reader for CES this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/pocketbook-spills-the-transflective-colored-beans-announces-mir/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/pocketbook-spills-the-transflective-colored-beans-announces-mir/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/pocketbook-spills-the-transflective-colored-beans-announces-mir/#comments
Details are about as scant as can be, and The Digital Reader claims the entire announcement was a mistake, but PocketBook USA just outed what could be the very first Mirasol e-reader in a CES 2011 press release. In addition to the newish PocketBook Pro e-readers spotted at IFA 2010, the company will apparently showcase a brand-new model with one of Qualcomm's transflective color screens, and to commemorate the long-awaited occasion it's tentatively christening the reader "Mirasol," too. Early whispers suggest the device cost a bundle and won't have a fast enough refresh rate (12fps) for video speeds, but we'll find out the truth of the matter come the first week of January. PR after the break.

Continue reading Pocketbook spills the transflective colored beans, announces Mirasol e-reader for CES this year

Pocketbook spills the transflective colored beans, announces Mirasol e-reader for CES this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES 2011Ces2011colore booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersmirasolpocketbookQualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolWed, 24 Nov 2010 01:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirasol displays slated for 'converged devices' in Q1 2011, followed by low-power smartphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/mirasol-displays-slated-for-converged-devices-in-q1-2011-foll/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/mirasol-displays-slated-for-converged-devices-in-q1-2011-foll/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/mirasol-displays-slated-for-converged-devices-in-q1-2011-foll/#comments
When we reported that the Mirasol low-power color displays were pushed back to early 2011, that wasn't technically correct -- Qualcomm just informed us that the company's cranking out panels even as we speak, and will ship them to OEMs this fall. So what's actually going to happen in Q1 2011? The formal release of Mirasol devices, of course. Representatives told us that the 5.7-inch, 220ppi XGA color display will appear in multiple products with multiple partners next year, and that they "will be in devices that are converged and look a lot more like a tablet PC than an e-reader." Following that, they said, the company will turn its attention to developing Mirasol for smartphones. We couldn't get Qualcomm to comment on a rumored $2b Mirasol plant, unfortunately, and there's no word on that color Kindle, but we imagine all will be revealed at or shortly after CES next year.

Mirasol displays slated for 'converged devices' in Q1 2011, followed by low-power smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>color displayColorDisplayDisplayDisplay technologydisplaysDisplayTechnologye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersmanufacturingMirasolmirasol displayMirasolDisplayQualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolMon, 04 Oct 2010 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's Mirasol displays pushed back to 2011, Pixel Qi breathes a sigh]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/02/qualcomms-mirasol-displays-pushed-back-to-2011-pixel-qi-breath/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/02/qualcomms-mirasol-displays-pushed-back-to-2011-pixel-qi-breath/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/02/qualcomms-mirasol-displays-pushed-back-to-2011-pixel-qi-breath/#comments We don't know a soul who doesn't want a low-power color display that looks great in bright sunlight, but nobody's really stepped up to the plate -- not Pixel Qi, whose awesome dual-mode display sold out in a single day, and not Qualcomm, whose Mirasol has similarly been the subject of delay after delay. We're sorry to say that the latter has been bumped back yet again, as GigaOM reports the panels won't arrive till early 2011, right alongside their rival technology. Sure, competition's always great for pricing, but still -- what a shame.

Qualcomm's Mirasol displays pushed back to 2011, Pixel Qi breathes a sigh originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelayedDisplay technologyDisplayTechnologye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersmirasolqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolSat, 02 Oct 2010 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm building a $2b Mirasol plant after winning 'major client'?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/20/qualcomm-building-a-2b-mirasol-plant-has-a-major-client-alre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/20/qualcomm-building-a-2b-mirasol-plant-has-a-major-client-alre/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/20/qualcomm-building-a-2b-mirasol-plant-has-a-major-client-alre/#comments Well, if this isn't a statement of intent, we don't know what is. Those good old market sources are reporting today that Qualcomm has set aside a cool $2 billion to build a new Mirasol display production plant in Taiwan. The chipmaker already has a Mirasol facility in Longtan, a joint venture with Foxlink, but is said to be the sole investor in this new build. The whole thing has apparently been spurred on by a major client having "already started the design-in process" after seeing production samples of the 5.7-inch, low power, color display. We can't know for sure who that client may be, but Qualcomm's been doing some real heavy flirting with Amazon and all those overtures might (might!) finally have paid off. Of couse, as Jeff Bezos himself said, a color Kindle isn't likely to hit the market anytime soon, and this new factory isn't expected to begin volume production until 2012, but we'll take a slow and speculative roadmap over no roadmap at all.

Qualcomm building a $2b Mirasol plant after winning 'major client'? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbuildingcolorcolor displayColorDisplaydisplay technologyDisplayTechnologye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfactoryinvestmentkindlemanufacturingmirasolmirasol displayMirasolDisplayplantproductionqualcommtaiwanFri, 20 Aug 2010 05:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon sees e-book sales surpassing paper versions, has Mirasol technology in the Kindle labs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/amazon-sees-e-book-sales-surpassing-paper-versions-has-mirasol/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/amazon-sees-e-book-sales-surpassing-paper-versions-has-mirasol/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/amazon-sees-e-book-sales-surpassing-paper-versions-has-mirasol/#comments Following the launch of Amazon's third-generation Kindle, company CEO Jeff Bezos sat down to discuss the e-reader business with USA Today. We'd recommend giving the whole piece a look-see if you just can't get enough Kindle in your life, but a few choice quotes caught our attention. For starters, Bezos predicted that Kindle e-book sales will "surpass paperback sales sometime in the next 9 to 12 months," and that "sometime after that, we'll surpass the combination of paperback and hardcover." Considering that the Kindle platform is but 33 months old, and that books are just a wee bit older, that's pretty impressive. In a separate sit-down with Pocket-lint, Steve Kessel -- Amazon's senior vice president of Worldwide Digital Media -- teased us all with regard to a color version of the company's famed e-reader. 'Course, we've known that Bezos and Company aren't too hopeful about such a thing in the near-term, but we've yet to actually hear the company confess to having specific color alternatives in the lab. If you'll recall, we found Qualcomm's Mirasol demonstration worthy of laud back at CES, and according to Kessel, "that's in the lab." We're also told that a slew of other color options are always in testing, though, so we're doing our darnedest to not get those hopes too high. It ain't working, but still...

Amazon sees e-book sales surpassing paper versions, has Mirasol technology in the Kindle labs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindleAmazonKindlecolor e inkcolor e papercolor e-inkColorE-inkColorEInkColorEPaperdisplaye booke book readere bookse inke readere readerse-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-bookse-inke-papere-readere-readersEBookReaderEInkkindlemirasolqualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolThu, 29 Jul 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Podcast 178: CES 2010 Day 4 - 01.09.2010 [Chopped n' Screwed Remix]]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/engadget-podcast-178-ces-2010-day-4-01-09-2010-chopped-n-sc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/engadget-podcast-178-ces-2010-day-4-01-09-2010-chopped-n-sc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/engadget-podcast-178-ces-2010-day-4-01-09-2010-chopped-n-sc/#comments I hopped off the plane at LAS with a dream and my MacBook Pro
Welcome to the show of tech and glow, whoa will I make a big win?
Jumped in a cab, here I am for the third time
Look to the right, and I see the CES sign

This is all so crazy, everybody seems so nerdy
My tummy's turnin' from some cheese I ate at DigEx
Too much e-ink and I'm wired
That's when the podcast man turned on the radio

And the Miley song was on
And the Miley song was on
And the Miley song was on

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Song: Party in the U.S.A. (Chopped and Screwed)

Hear the podcast



05:00 - Pixel Qi screens to be used by a major manufacturer in 2010
15:30 - Qualcomm Mirasol display video hands-on in glorious 1080p
19:35 - Live from Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo's CES 2010 keynote
32:43 - Andy Rubin on multitouch in Android: 'I personally don't like two-handed operations'
33:20 - Live from All Things D at CES 2010
40:01 - Dell divulges Mini 3 details, tablet (Mini 5?) caught running Android 1.6 (update: video!)
46:20 - Windows Mobile 7 coming to MWC in February, not just 'evolutionary'
59:15 - Boxee Box interface demo video

Subscribe to the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).
[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace

Download the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Contact the podcast

1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.

Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget

Filed under: ,

Engadget Podcast 178: CES 2010 Day 4 - 01.09.2010 [Chopped n' Screwed Remix] originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidboxeeces2010dellmini3mirasolmultitouchmwcnexusonenokiapixel qiPixelQipodcastpodcastswm7Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:20:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 178Josh Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller01:08:04podcasts<![CDATA[Qualcomm Mirasol display video hands-on in glorious 1080p]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/qualcomm-mirasol-display-video-hands-on-in-glorious-1080p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/qualcomm-mirasol-display-video-hands-on-in-glorious-1080p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/qualcomm-mirasol-display-video-hands-on-in-glorious-1080p/#comments We just couldn't help ourselves. Qualcomm's Mirasol display technology has the potential to upend the e-book reader market, and possibly even do some warfare with the LCD-based slate PCs we've been seeing out and about. We already did a hands-on with the little 5.7-inch prototype Qualcomm is showing at CES here, which we have a hunch could be Kindle-bound, and now we've got a second, closer look with a full 1080p trained on the display to give you as good as possible of an indication. We also pulled away a few more tidbits about the tech:
  • The display could be paired with a capacitive or resistive touchscreen, though it would impair visibility slightly (just as it's been accused of doing with E-ink). A best case scenario is apparently optical touch (like we've see on some all-in-one PCs recently), which has less of an impact.
  • There are edge-lighting methods that would allow the display to be illuminated from lights built into the device that could provide even lighting across the display.
  • The first display to the market will indeed be this very 5.7-inch, XGA version, which is 240ppi pixel density and a 6x power advantage over E-ink in a typical usage scenario (despite the fact that it's doing full color video).
  • Our Qualcomm rep personally views dedicated e-readers as merely a "head fake," and that the category isn't going to be around for long -- which seems to imply that he sees Mirasol being used for a lot more than thumbing through a virtual novel or magazine.
Alright, enough facts? Check out the video after the break, or download the full-res video from the link below!

Download 1080p file (right click to save)

Continue reading Qualcomm Mirasol display video hands-on in glorious 1080p

Qualcomm Mirasol display video hands-on in glorious 1080p originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010hands-onmirasolqualcomqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolSat, 09 Jan 2010 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Mirasol shows prototype reader-like device playing back color video, might be headed for the Kindle]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/mirasol-shows-prototype-reader-like-device-playing-back-color-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/mirasol-shows-prototype-reader-like-device-playing-back-color-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/07/mirasol-shows-prototype-reader-like-device-playing-back-color-vi/#comments You know that Kindle you're so in love with? Man, that's so 2009. Mirasol showed up at CES with a display technology that's been in the works for around a decade, and it has finally reached the point where ODMs and OEMs are talking shop about integrating said panel into all manners of future devices. In the past, the company has stuck to making screens for relatively minuscule devices, but its latest display is a 5.7-inch XGA color screen that would fit just perfectly within your next e-reader. We spoke at length with executives, and they're currently predicting an ebook reader running Mirasol in Fall of this year. What we've heard "around" is that the device will actually be new Kindle running a Mirasol display -- we can't confirm it, but it sounds logical. What's interesting, though, is that this panel is not only color, but it can play back video when used with the right processor. In other words, a powerful enough Mirasol reader could double as a small tablet, and we imagine you could actually browse the web with some level of enjoyment. The demo we were shown (vid's past the break!) was nothing short of stunning, and we were told that it could scale up to fit within 9 to 10-inch slate / tablet PCs. It requires no backlighting whatsoever, and instead relies on ambient light to show its stuff. We were told that future devices would be priced competitively, even to LCD / e-ink rivals, and we can safely say we'll be bummed if we hear the word "delay" when autumn rolls around. Don't make us frown, Mirasol.

Gallery: Mirasol shows prototype reader-like device playing back color video

Continue reading Mirasol shows prototype reader-like device playing back color video, might be headed for the Kindle

Mirasol shows prototype reader-like device playing back color video, might be headed for the Kindle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010colordisplaye booke book readere readere-booke-book readerE-bookReadere-inke-readerEBookEBookReaderEReaderfeatureshands-onmirasolqualcommslatetabletvideoThu, 07 Jan 2010 03:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's Mirasol e-reader to get game controller, Cheetos fingerprints? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/qualcomms-mirasol-e-reader-to-get-game-controller-cheetos-fing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/qualcomms-mirasol-e-reader-to-get-game-controller-cheetos-fing/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/qualcomms-mirasol-e-reader-to-get-game-controller-cheetos-fing/#comments
Don't get too excited, it's just a non-functional proof-of-concept (albeit one with that working, full-color Mirasol display we saw yesterday) but the kids at SlashGear have produced pics of the snap-on game controls that Qualcomm is musing as a possible addition to your next e-reader. And why not? If you're going to get a full-color, low-power device that supports video, you'd better be able to kill the undead on it during periods of downtime. Just so long as iDracula doesn't play here like it does on Android -- that would be a disaster. Get another look below (including a fine video of the display in action). And hit the read link for the full-on gallery treatment. We dare you.

Continue reading Qualcomm's Mirasol e-reader to get game controller, Cheetos fingerprints? (video)

Qualcomm's Mirasol e-reader to get game controller, Cheetos fingerprints? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-book readerE-bookReadere-readermirasoloemprototypeQualcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolThu, 19 Nov 2009 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm Mirasol-equipped color e-book reader said to be on track for late 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/qualcomm-mirasol-equipped-color-e-book-reader-said-to-be-on-trac/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/qualcomm-mirasol-equipped-color-e-book-reader-said-to-be-on-trac/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/qualcomm-mirasol-equipped-color-e-book-reader-said-to-be-on-trac/#comments
Qualcomm's Mirasol displays have already found their way into quite a few products, but the company looks to really be branching out into some new territory with its latest prototype: an e-book reader with a full-color, 5.7-inch display. Of course, Qualcomm isn't planning to sell this one itself, and it isn't revealing any OEM partners just yet, but it has set the somewhat ambitious target of getting it on the market in the "latter part of 2010." From the looks of it, however, it doesn't seem like it'll have too much trouble attracting interest, considering that the XGA (220ppi) Mirasol display is not only full-color, but allows for video playback, is supposedly readable in direct sunlight, and reportedly has a "minimal impact" on battery life. Other details on the e-reader itself are expectedly light (and subject to change), but you can get a closer look at it courtesy of SlashGear at the link below.

Filed under: ,

Qualcomm Mirasol-equipped color e-book reader said to be on track for late 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-book readerE-bookReadere-readermirasoloemprototypequalcommqualcomm mirasolQualcommMirasolWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Inventec's mirasol-equipped V112 smartphone goes on display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/inventecs-mirasol-equipped-v112-smartphone-goes-on-display/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/inventecs-mirasol-equipped-v112-smartphone-goes-on-display/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/inventecs-mirasol-equipped-v112-smartphone-goes-on-display/#comments We couldn't get the thing to turn on -- prototype buffoonery, zapped battery, or a classic case of trade show jitters, we figure -- but Inventec's curious V112 was on display inside Qualcomm's booth at CTIA. Why Qualcomm, you ask? Well, Qualcomm owns Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, which has been pushing its mirasol display tech for several years now; the main draw is that it's super high-contrast which eliminates the need for a backlight in many situations where a traditional LCD would need a little help, and the WinMo-powered V112 uses a small mirasol strip as a secondary display surrounded by nav controls. Even though we weren't getting any Windows Mobile action, we did manage to engage the mirasol display (also known as "the cool part") where we saw an example of what the V112 might be able to do without turning on the battery-destroying LCD up top: show basic status information and the current time. It's a good idea; we're not sure that the V112's implementation is perfect since there's zero tactility to the d-pad, but you've got to start somewhere, and mirasol could use as many commercial implementations as it can get.

Gallery: Hands-on with Inventec's Mirasol-equipped V112 smartphone


Filed under: ,

Inventec's mirasol-equipped V112 smartphone goes on display originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctiactia 2009Ctia2009featuresinventecmemsmirasolqualcommv112windows mobileWindowsMobilewinmoFri, 03 Apr 2009 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Inventec's mirasol-equipped V112 smartphone goes on display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/inventecs-mirasol-equipped-v112-smartphone-goes-on-display/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/inventecs-mirasol-equipped-v112-smartphone-goes-on-display/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/03/inventecs-mirasol-equipped-v112-smartphone-goes-on-display/#comments We couldn't get the thing to turn on -- prototype buffoonery, zapped battery, or a classic case of trade show jitters, we figure -- but Inventec's curious V112 was on display inside Qualcomm's booth at CTIA. Why Qualcomm, you ask? Well, Qualcomm owns Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, which has been pushing its mirasol display tech for several years now; the main draw is that it's super high-contrast which eliminates the need for a backlight in many situations where a traditional LCD would need a little help, and the WinMo-powered V112 uses a small mirasol strip as a secondary display surrounded by nav controls. Even though we weren't getting any Windows Mobile action, we did manage to engage the mirasol display (also known as "the cool part") where we saw an example of what the V112 might be able to do without turning on the battery-destroying LCD up top: show basic status information and the current time. It's a good idea; we're not sure that the V112's implementation is perfect since there's zero tactility to the d-pad, but you've got to start somewhere, and mirasol could use as many commercial implementations as it can get.

Gallery: Hands-on with Inventec's Mirasol-equipped V112 smartphone


Filed under: , , ,

Inventec's mirasol-equipped V112 smartphone goes on display originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctiactia 2009Ctia2009featuresinventecmemsmirasolmobileothersqualcommv112windows mobileWindowsMobilewinmoFri, 03 Apr 2009 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm adds mirasol display to Inventec V112 now, LG handsets later]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/17/qualcomm-adds-mirasol-display-to-inventec-v112-now-lg-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/17/qualcomm-adds-mirasol-display-to-inventec-v112-now-lg-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/17/qualcomm-adds-mirasol-display-to-inventec-v112-now-lg-handsets/#comments Last time we Qualcomm's mirasol display in action, it was still enjoying its black-and-white simplicity. While the ultra-efficient, ambient light-loving technology hasn't gone through that Pleasantville epiphany just yet, a 1.1-inch bichrome mirasol touchscreen has found its way onto Inventec's V112 Smartphone alongside a decidedly more colorful bigger brother. It'll serve to show time, incoming and missed calls, email and SMS alerts, MP3 song information, and other information that doesn't require a lot of space or hue. As for the phone itself, we've got GPS, WiFI, Bluetooth, a three megapixel camera, and no word on pricing or availability. Additioanlly, Inventec has announced an agreement with LG to include use mirasol -- presumably also as secondary screens -- into one more commercial handsets sometime in the future. A great deal for Qualcomm, for sure, but how about a few more details on what exactly those phones will be?

Read - Inventec V112
Read - LG mirasol agreement

Filed under: , ,

Qualcomm adds mirasol display to Inventec V112 now, LG handsets later originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inventecinventec v112InventecV112lgmirasolmobileothersqualcommTue, 17 Feb 2009 02:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm adds mirasol display to Inventec V112 now, LG handsets later]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/17/qualcomm-adds-mirasol-display-to-inventec-v112-now-lg-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/17/qualcomm-adds-mirasol-display-to-inventec-v112-now-lg-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/17/qualcomm-adds-mirasol-display-to-inventec-v112-now-lg-handsets/#comments Last time we Qualcomm's mirasol display in action, it was still enjoying its black-and-white simplicity. While the ultra-efficient, ambient light-loving technology hasn't gone through that Pleasantville epiphany just yet, a 1.1-inch bichrome mirasol touchscreen has found its way onto Inventec's V112 Smartphone alongside a decidedly more colorful bigger brother. It'll serve to show time, incoming and missed calls, email and SMS alerts, MP3 song information, and other information that doesn't require a lot of space or hue. As for the phone itself, we've got GPS, WiFI, Bluetooth, a three megapixel camera, and no word on pricing or availability. Additioanlly, Inventec has announced an agreement with LG to include use mirasol -- presumably also as secondary screens -- into one more commercial handsets sometime in the future. A great deal for Qualcomm, for sure, but how about a few more details on what exactly those phones will be?

Read - Inventec V112
Read - LG mirasol agreement

Filed under:

Qualcomm adds mirasol display to Inventec V112 now, LG handsets later originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inventecinventec v112InventecV112lgmirasolqualcommTue, 17 Feb 2009 02:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's mirasol display tech shuffles into GPS prototype]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/qualcomms-mirasol-display-tech-shuffles-into-gps-prototype/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/qualcomms-mirasol-display-tech-shuffles-into-gps-prototype/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/qualcomms-mirasol-display-tech-shuffles-into-gps-prototype/#comments
Qualcomm's mirasol display technology has had quite a rough time gaining mass appeal, but if it could really break into, say, the GPS market, it might just be onto something. Here at CES, G-CORE will be showcasing the first ever GPS device to utilize the tech, though it's probably not the GPS you're dreaming of. The Mini Caddy is simply a GPS Range Finder, though the application makes sense given just how frequently such a device will be viewed in direct sunlight. Within it will be a 1.2-inch bichrome mirasol display, 1GB of internal memory and map data of up to 25,000 golf courses worldwide. Obviously, no pricing or release information has been decided upon, but you catch the release in full after the break.

Continue reading Qualcomm's mirasol display tech shuffles into GPS prototype

Filed under: , ,

Qualcomm's mirasol display tech shuffles into GPS prototype originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009G-COREgolfGolf Range FindergolfingGolfRangeFinderGPSMEMSMini CaddyMiniCaddymirasolprototypeQualcommThu, 08 Jan 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Freestyle Audio's waterproof Soundwave DAP gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/09/freestyle-audios-waterproof-soundwave-dap-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/09/freestyle-audios-waterproof-soundwave-dap-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/09/freestyle-audios-waterproof-soundwave-dap-gets-reviewed/#comments
We've been impatiently awaiting the red carpet arrival of Freestyle Audio's Soundwave for a few seasons now, and at long last, it appears the units are shipping out -- or, at least one made its way over to cousin site Gadling for a review. The Soundwave is pretty much exactly what you'd expect: a ho hum MP3 player with a rather unsightly design, a disgraceful user interface and the ability to operate where the vast majority of rivals cannot. The reviewer noted that controlling the action was a pain, though the internal battery could keep the jams flowing for well over a day. Of course, the biggest boon is its ability to keep on truckin' while submerged in the pool (or the tub, whatever), and the included waterproof headphones were said to be surprisingly tolerable. Now, if only brown bags were waterproof...

Filed under:

Freestyle Audio's waterproof Soundwave DAP gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dapFA300Freestyle AudioFreestyleAudiomirasolmp3 playerMp3Playerportable audioportableaudioreviewreviewedruggedSoundwavewaterproofSun, 09 Nov 2008 00:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Color mirasol-equipped Freestyle Audio DAP gets spec'd, no closer to release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/color-mirasol-equipped-freestyle-audio-dap-gets-specd-no-close/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/color-mirasol-equipped-freestyle-audio-dap-gets-specd-no-close/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/color-mirasol-equipped-freestyle-audio-dap-gets-specd-no-close/#commentsWell, wouldn't you know it? Just after we bash Qualcomm for talking up its second color mirasol-based design before shipping the first, along comes a little justification of our actions. Over in San Francisco, said company is trumpeting an item that we first heard about back in May, but regrettably, it doesn't sound as if we're any closer to getting a release date. What we are told is the device's name: the Freestyle Audio Soundwave Ltd. Edition, or -- more formally -- the FA300. It'll boast a 0.9-inch color mirasol display, a waterproof casing, built-in Bluetooth, and a whole host of other niceties that we're sure to find out about before the next decade dawns. 'Til then, we'd suggest a hearty helping of patience.

Filed under: , ,

Color mirasol-equipped Freestyle Audio DAP gets spec'd, no closer to release originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>color mirasolColorMirasolctiactia 2008Ctia2008dapfa300freestyle audioFreestyleAudioIMODmemsmirasolpmpportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoqualcommSoundwaveSoundwave Ltd. EditionSoundwaveLtd.EditionFri, 12 Sep 2008 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullcandy to cram color mirasol display into MFM Pro headphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/skullcandy-to-cram-color-mirasol-display-into-mfm-pro-headphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/skullcandy-to-cram-color-mirasol-display-into-mfm-pro-headphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/skullcandy-to-cram-color-mirasol-display-into-mfm-pro-headphones/#comments
Remember that Freestyle Audio player that was supposed to blow folks away with its integrated color mirasol display? Yeah, that one that still hasn't shipped? Qualcomm is apparently uninterested in that tiny little factoid, as it's proudly pumping the MFM Pro headphones as the "second color mirasol-enabled design for the US market." According to Jim Cathey, vice president of business development for Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, the deal with Skullcandy is being made to "move mirasol displays into the hands of more consumers," but considering just how long we've been waiting for the aforementioned DAP, we'd say the burden of proof is squarely in its court. Oh, and the ship date for these cans? There isn't one.

[Via Slashgear]

Filed under: , ,

Skullcandy to cram color mirasol display into MFM Pro headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocansdapdisplayheadphoneheadphonesmemsMFM ProMfmPromirasolmp3 playerMp3Playermusic playerMusicPlayerpmpportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoqualcommSkullcandyFri, 12 Sep 2008 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm announces first IMOD-based Mirasol displays]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/qualcomm-announces-first-imod-based-mirasol-displays/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/qualcomm-announces-first-imod-based-mirasol-displays/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/qualcomm-announces-first-imod-based-mirasol-displays/#comments
You've got your LCDs, you've got your OLEDs, and you've got your E Ink, but Qualcomm's gearing up to push a new kind of display your way: the technology's called reflective interferometric modulation (IMOD), which is something of a mouthful, so Qualcomm intends to market it as Mirasol. These IMOD displays should have many of the same qualities we've come to know and love about OLED, like low power consumption, visibility in outdoor lighting, and no backlighting requirement, and apparently the first, very tiny 0.9-inch Mirasol screen will be showing up in a future Freestyle Audio player (technology sample shown above).

Read - Press release
Read - Mirasol site (not a lot there, unfortunately)

Filed under:

Qualcomm announces first IMOD-based Mirasol displays originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imodmirasolqualcommWed, 21 May 2008 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the Hisense C108 and other MEMS devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/hands-on-with-the-hisense-c108-and-other-mems-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/hands-on-with-the-hisense-c108-and-other-mems-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/02/hands-on-with-the-hisense-c108-and-other-mems-devices/#comments
Qualcomm's making a big push to let handset manufacturers know that its mirasol display technology is a sharp way to cut power consumption, thanks to the fact that the screens are really freakin' good at reflecting ambient light. Part of the problem, of course, is that virtually all phones outside of emerging markets demand color displays; mirasol tech isn't quite there yet, but it's getting there, and Qualcomm was showing off a nonfunctional example of what a high-end color mirasol phone could look like (think Motorola Q9, with more mirasol). The Hisense C108 candybar is an ultra low-end unit with the distinction of being the world's first phone to employ a mirasol screen in production, so we just had to play around with it. We admit, it's stellar at reflecting light even when conditions aren't the best, but obviously a backlight's still a necessity for using the phone in darkness. As for the phone itself... well, let's just keep its price point in perspective before we harsh on it, alright?

Gallery: Hands-on with the Hisense C108 and other MEMS devices


Filed under: , ,

Hands-on with the Hisense C108 and other MEMS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c108ctiafeaturesgsmhisensememsmirasolmobileothersqualcommWed, 02 Apr 2008 11:49:00 EST