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[Cirque shows off its Glidepoint NFC trackpad built into a laptop, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/cirque-shows-off-its-glidepoint-nfc-trackpad-built-into-a-laptop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/cirque-shows-off-its-glidepoint-nfc-trackpad-built-into-a-laptop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/cirque-shows-off-its-glidepoint-nfc-trackpad-built-into-a-laptop/#comments Each year, CES always seems to circle around a few common themes, and NFC -- Near-Field Communication -- is getting a large chunk of the spotlight this week, and it's not all completely about mobile payments. In fact, we're just scratching the surface of what NFC is truly capable of. We stopped by the NXP booth and found a treasure chest full of the latest innovations in the world of NFC, the first of which is the Cirque Glidepoint NFC trackpad. The company had a fully working trackpad that's actually built into a laptop, as well as an external model that can be plugged into any USB port (tablets, for instance).

We navigated to Engadget's home page on our Galaxy Nexus and placed it on the pad, and just as expected, Android Beam activated and our touch initiated the data transfer. Within two seconds, the browser pulled up and loaded the site. We also used a business card with a NFC tag built-in and accomplished the same task. But it doesn't stop there -- the concept can be applied to other NFC applications, such as YouTube videos, maps and even the Activision critter seen above. The unit we demoed was a prototype that's still a long ways from final hardware, so don't expect to see them embedded into a laptop until mid-2013. External trackpads, according to Cirque, should be seeing the market in four months.

Gallery: Cirque's Glidepoint NFC hands-on

Continue reading Cirque shows off its Glidepoint NFC trackpad built into a laptop, we go hands-on (video)

Cirque shows off its Glidepoint NFC trackpad built into a laptop, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestofcirquecirque glidepointCirqueGlidepointglidepointhands-onnxpnxp semiconductorsNxpSemiconductorsvideoWed, 11 Jan 2012 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with NXP's Jeff Miles (update: video embedded)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-an-interview-with-nxps-jeff-m/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-an-interview-with-nxps-jeff-m/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-an-interview-with-nxps-jeff-m/#comments
We've got plenty of questions about near-field communications, and who better to talk to than Jeff Miles, a VP at NXP, the company behind the NFC chips in your devices? Follow along at 6:30PM ET, after the break.

Update: Interview video now embedded.

Continue reading Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with NXP's Jeff Miles (update: video embedded)

Live from the Engadget CES Stage: an interview with NXP's Jeff Miles (update: video embedded) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestoffeat8374interviewjeff milesJeffMilesnfcnxpvideoWed, 11 Jan 2012 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft demos NFC-based tap-to-share for Windows 8 devices (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/microsoft-demos-nfc-based-tap-to-share-for-windows-8-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/microsoft-demos-nfc-based-tap-to-share-for-windows-8-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/microsoft-demos-nfc-based-tap-to-share-for-windows-8-devices/#comments
There's not a ton of details on this just yet, but Microsoft confirmed during its Build keynote today that Windows 8 devices equipped with an NFC chip will be able to use a tap-to-share feature to either send content from one device to another, or simply receive content from something like an NFC-equipped card.

Update: NXP Semiconductors has now confirmed that it "worked closely" with Microsoft to develop an NFC driver for Windows 8, and that it's also supplied the NFC solution used in the Windows 8 tablets given out at Build. According to the company, the NFC support in Windows 8 includes things like device pairing (simply tapping to pair a Bluetooth headset, for example), data sharing, and the ability to transfer control from one device to another (such as during a video call). And that's all to say nothing of the usual fare like interacting with an NFC-enhanced advertisement, not to mention other applications that will surely follow once it's actually put into practice. The company's press release is after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft demos NFC-based tap-to-share for Windows 8 devices (updated)

Microsoft demos NFC-based tap-to-share for Windows 8 devices (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildbuild 2011Build2011microsoftnfcnxpnxp semiconductorsNxpSemiconductorstap to sharetap-to-shareTapToSharewindowswindows 8Windows8Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson signs deal with NFC chip maker, gets ready to do the Xperia pay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/sony-ericsson-signs-deal-with-nfc-chip-maker-gets-ready-to-do-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/sony-ericsson-signs-deal-with-nfc-chip-maker-gets-ready-to-do-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/sony-ericsson-signs-deal-with-nfc-chip-maker-gets-ready-to-do-t/#comments If Google ever hopes to lead the mass exodus away from credit card transactions with Google Wallet, a lot more NFC-packing handsets will need to hit the market. Thus far Sony Ericsson hasn't exactly led the near-field charge, aside Japan's Xperia Acro, but it looks like that may soon change, thanks to a deal struck between the phone maker and semiconductor producer, NXP, which will bring the company's PN65 to future Android-based Xperia models. Wave your phone after the break to check out the official announcement.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson signs deal with NFC chip maker, gets ready to do the Xperia pay

Sony Ericsson signs deal with NFC chip maker, gets ready to do the Xperia pay originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglemobile paymentMobilePaymentnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationnfcnxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorssony ericssonSony Ericsson XperiaSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaxperiaThu, 16 Jun 2011 21:27:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP and Cohda teach cars to communicate with 802.11p, hopes to commercialize tech by 2014]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nxp-and-cohda-teach-cars-to-communicate-with-802-11p-hopes-to-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nxp-and-cohda-teach-cars-to-communicate-with-802-11p-hopes-to-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nxp-and-cohda-teach-cars-to-communicate-with-802-11p-hopes-to-c/#comments Ford promised to give our cars X-ray vision, and this little blue box might be the key -- it's apparently the first standardized hardware platform for peer-to-peer automobile communications. Called C2X (for "car-to-x"), the module inside is the product of Cohda Wireless and near-field communications gurus at NXP, and it uses 802.11p WiFi to let equipped cars see one another around blind corners, through other vehicles, or even chat with traffic signals up to a mile away. Pocket-lint got a look at the technology during Automotive Week, and got a good idea of when we can expect the tech; NXP says it should begin rolling out in 2014, and hopes to have 10 percent of the cars on the road gleefully gabbing by 2020.

Continue reading NXP and Cohda teach cars to communicate with 802.11p, hopes to commercialize tech by 2014

NXP and Cohda teach cars to communicate with 802.11p, hopes to commercialize tech by 2014 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11pC2xcar-to-xCohdaCohda WirelessCohdaWirelessdistributed networkingDistributedNetworkinginfrastructureintelligent vehiclesIntelligentVehiclesnetwork carNetworkCarNXPpeer to peerPeerToPeerspitswifiwireelss vehicle communicationWireelssVehicleCommunicationwirelessWed, 18 May 2011 22:04:00 EST<![CDATA[GreenChip lighting lets you flip the switch remotely, thumbs nose at IPv4 depletion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/greenchip-lighting-lets-you-flip-the-switch-remotely-thumbs-nos/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/greenchip-lighting-lets-you-flip-the-switch-remotely-thumbs-nos/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/greenchip-lighting-lets-you-flip-the-switch-remotely-thumbs-nos/#comments Despite the looming IPv4 apocalypse, a new lighting system coming out of NXP Semiconductors promises an "IP address for every light bulb." The GreenChip "smart lighting solution" incorporates NXP chipsets into both LED and compact fluorescents to enable dimming, extended lifespans, quick start times, and IP connectivity -- via IPv4 or IPv6. Proprietary network software allows users to control their bulbs from smartphones, PCs, and other devices, enabling them to fiddle with mood lighting -- including adjusting color -- via a specific IP address. So at least when IPv4 doomsday finally descends someone will have their lighting just right. Video and PR after the break.

Continue reading GreenChip lighting lets you flip the switch remotely, thumbs nose at IPv4 depletion

GreenChip lighting lets you flip the switch remotely, thumbs nose at IPv4 depletion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 01:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CFLcompact flourescentCompactFlourescentconnected homeconnected lightConnectedHomeConnectedLightGreenchipGreenchip LightingGreenchipLightinginternetInternet connected light bulbInternetConnectedLightBulbIPIP addressIpAddressIPv4IPv6lightlightinglighting solutionlighting solutionsLightingSolutionLightingSolutionslightsNXPNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorssmart lightingSmartLightingvideoTue, 17 May 2011 01:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Nexus S utilizing NXP's PN544 NFC chip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/samsung-nexus-s-utilizing-nxps-pn544-nfc-chip/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/samsung-nexus-s-utilizing-nxps-pn544-nfc-chip/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/samsung-nexus-s-utilizing-nxps-pn544-nfc-chip/#commentsWell, color us surprised. Just last Wednesday, Samsung announced that it had developed its very own NFC module in-house, but today we're learning that it came just a few months too late for inclusion in the outfit's forthcoming Nexus S. Right on cue, NXP Semiconductors has come forward today proclaiming its involvement in the first handset to ship with Android 2.3. The outfit's PN544 NFC controller and accompanying open source software stack will be used in the Nexus S, and naturally they've both been "fully integrated and validated on Gingerbread." Of course, only time will tell what sort of applications spring up to take advantage, but we've got a feeling that metro payments and the like could be first in line. Nice of America to finally catch up, right?

Continue reading Samsung Nexus S utilizing NXP's PN544 NFC chip

Samsung Nexus S utilizing NXP's PN544 NFC chip originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3contactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymentgingerbreadnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationnexusnexus sNexusSNFCNXPNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorsPN544samsungsamsung nexus sSamsungNexusSsmartphonewirelessMon, 06 Dec 2010 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany slapping RFID tags on its populace for the sake of brisker bureaucracy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/germany-slapping-rfid-tags-on-its-populace-for-the-sake-of-brisk/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/germany-slapping-rfid-tags-on-its-populace-for-the-sake-of-brisk/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/germany-slapping-rfid-tags-on-its-populace-for-the-sake-of-brisk/#comments ID cards and RFID tags are similar in one key respect: they get a lot of bad press -- one for constricting civil liberties, the other for being a lousy security risk -- and yet are widely used around the world. It's fitting, therefore, that Germany has decided to marry the two for the latest version of its own personalausweis. Dutch company NXP has begun production of the requisite RFID chips for these new slices of plastic, which will roll out from the beginning of November this year. The Deutsch state sees a vastly expanded role for the modernized cards, including validating your identity for online shopping and communicating with your local authority (e-government, they call it). And, of course, your biometric data is loaded onto the chip as well, just to make things nice and neat. You know, we remember the good old days when identity theft used to be hard.

Germany slapping RFID tags on its populace for the sake of brisker bureaucracy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authenticationbiometricsdeutschlande-commercee-governmentgermanyidid cardid cardsIdCardIdCardsidentitiyidentity cardsIdentityCardsnxprfidMon, 23 Aug 2010 05:16:00 EST<![CDATA[First Data and Tyfone announce partnership for NFC payments by microSD card]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/first-data-and-tyfone-announce-partnership-for-nfc-payments-by-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/first-data-and-tyfone-announce-partnership-for-nfc-payments-by-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/first-data-and-tyfone-announce-partnership-for-nfc-payments-by-m/#comments
We've already seen Visa team up with DeviceFidelity to deliver NFC payments via microSD card, and it looks like they now have some company from First Data and Tyfone, who have just announced a partnership of their own to help bring the technology to the cellphone-toting masses. At the heart of their system is Tyfone's SideTap card made by NXP Semiconductors (pictured after the break), which is not only able to function as an actual memory card in addition to a NFC payment device, but should cost about the same as a regular memory card of the same capacity as well. Using a microSD card instead of a phone with built-in NFC technology also cuts out the need for carriers or phone manufacturers to be involved, which is apparently where First Data comes in, as it will responsible for bringing the cards to consumers (in addition to dealing with retailers, carriers and financial institutions). Complete details on a rollout still seem to be a bit up in the air, but the two companies are promising that it will hit the market in the second half of 2010, with trials slated to begin mid-year.

Continue reading First Data and Tyfone announce partnership for NFC payments by microSD card

First Data and Tyfone announce partnership for NFC payments by microSD card originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contactless paymentcontactless paymentsContactlessPaymentContactlessPaymentsfirst dataFirstDatamobile paymentsMobilePaymentsnfcnfc paymentnfc paymentsNfcPaymentNfcPaymentsnxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorssidetaptyfoneTue, 16 Mar 2010 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP is bringing the hardware for new ultrawidescreen, 3D HDTVs to CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/21/nxp-is-bringing-the-hardware-for-new-ultrawidescreen-3d-hdtvs-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/21/nxp-is-bringing-the-hardware-for-new-ultrawidescreen-3d-hdtvs-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/21/nxp-is-bringing-the-hardware-for-new-ultrawidescreen-3d-hdtvs-t/#comments If you've been pining over the Philips Cinema 21:9 display that's available everywhere except in the U.S., keep an eye out for any manufacturers who might use NXP's new TV550 platform, which promises built in support for 21:9 "ultrawidescreen" displays. Worried about the extra screen space going to waste while displaying 16:9 formatted television content? No problem, it's also widget-ready to run additional info or VOD menus in the space next to an HD image. Integrating all that into a single chip should also bring costs down, so it'll be even cheaper to bring back family movie night with that one relative who always complains about the black bars. As if that's not enough, there's also the company's other new development, the PNX5130, claimed to be the first video co-processor that handles 3DTV, frame-rate conversion and local dimming backlights all on one chip, for 120Hz and 240Hz displays. NXP chips have most notably recently popped up in the Roku streamer, we'll be keeping an eye out at CES 2010 to see where it goes next.

NXP is bringing the hardware for new ultrawidescreen, 3D HDTVs to CES originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>21:93d3d tv3dTvhdnxppnx5130processorstv550ultrawidescreenMon, 21 Dec 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/rvu-alliance-gets-motorola-pace-thomson-and-others-to-dream-th/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/rvu-alliance-gets-motorola-pace-thomson-and-others-to-dream-th/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/rvu-alliance-gets-motorola-pace-thomson-and-others-to-dream-th/#comments
Chalk up a few more for the multiroom crowd, as the RVU Alliance (get familiar) has added some power names from the set-top box market to its roster as "Promoter" members. The new additions appear to set things up for compatible solutions from your cable or satellite provider arriving sooner rather than later, capable of streaming video and interfaces from set-tops to any screen in the house. Names like Motorola, Pace and Thomson have probably already graced your entertainment rack, while lesser known additions include Entropic Communications, maker of hardware for home entertainment networking, JetHead, focused on creating RVU client software, and set-top manufacturer NXP. Is hoping for a big splash at CES too much? We think not.

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RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdmotorolamultiroomnxpotherspacervurvu allianceRvuAllianceste top boxSteTopBoxthomsonWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe Flash platform for HDTVs & connected devices on display at NAB]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/adobe-flash-platform-for-hdtvs-and-connected-devices-on-display-at/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/adobe-flash-platform-for-hdtvs-and-connected-devices-on-display-at/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/adobe-flash-platform-for-hdtvs-and-connected-devices-on-display-at/#comments
The plan is to get Flash from every computer to every television screen, and Adobe's ready to take the next step this week at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas. Broadcom, Comcast, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors, and Sigma Designs join Intel as set-top box makers with chipsets ready to stream widgets and HD video to connected televisions, while content is on the way from Netflix, New York Times, Disney and Atlantic Records. Of course, Yahoo's widgets and Microsoft Silverlight aim to turn up the interactivity and streaming video to TVs and handhelds as well, though Adobe seems content to share with Yahoo! if need be -- Vizio's Connected HDTV demo and Intel's CE 3100 support both -- expect the blades to come out when Flash enabled hardware comes to market in the second half of this year.

[Via Venture Beat]

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Adobe Flash platform for HDTVs & connected devices on display at NAB originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashAdobeFlashbroadcomce 3100Ce3100comcastflashflash liteflash platformFlashLiteFlashPlatformhdtvnabnab 2009Nab2009netflixnxpsigmasigma designsSigmaDesignssilverlightstreamingwidgetsyahooMon, 20 Apr 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe Flash platform for HDTVs & connected devices on display at NAB]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/adobe-flash-platform-for-hdtvs-and-connected-devices-on-display-at/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/adobe-flash-platform-for-hdtvs-and-connected-devices-on-display-at/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/20/adobe-flash-platform-for-hdtvs-and-connected-devices-on-display-at/#comments
The plan is to get Flash from every computer to every television screen, and Adobe's ready to take the next step this week at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas. Broadcom, Comcast, STMicroelectronics, NXP Semiconductors, and Sigma Designs join Intel as set-top box makers with chipsets ready to stream widgets and HD video to connected televisions, while content is on the way from Netflix, New York Times, Disney and Atlantic Records. Of course, Yahoo's widgets and Microsoft Silverlight aim to turn up the interactivity and streaming video to TVs and handhelds as well, though Adobe seems content to share with Yahoo! if need be -- Vizio's Connected HDTV demo and Intel's CE 3100 support both -- expect the blades to come out when Flash enabled hardware comes to market in the second half of this year.

[Via Venture Beat]

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Adobe Flash platform for HDTVs & connected devices on display at NAB originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashAdobeFlashblu rayblu-raybluraybroadcomcablece 3100Ce3100comcastflashflash liteflash platformFlashLiteFlashPlatformhdhdtvinternetnabnab 2009Nab2009netflixnxpother hardwareotherhardwareotherssigmasigma designsSigmaDesignssilverlightstreamingwidgetsyahooMon, 20 Apr 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP & Roku reup deal on streaming player hardware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/05/nxp-and-roku-reup-deal-on-streaming-player-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/05/nxp-and-roku-reup-deal-on-streaming-player-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/05/nxp-and-roku-reup-deal-on-streaming-player-hardware/#commentsWe don't know if you ever gave any thought to the hardware behind Roku's digital video player, but the company announced it is continuing a partnership with NXP to use the PNX8935 decoder to bring all that sweet Netflix, Amazon and more to your TV. Anyway you cut it, many have found the h.264 and VC-1 decoding capabilities worthy of paying the Roku's $99 price tag, we suppose it's not up to NXP when Amazon will let us get at any HD content or Netflix adds to its high definition library, so we'll just say job well done and look forward to what these two have planned in the future.

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NXP & Roku reup deal on streaming player hardware originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devocerdigital video playerDigitalVideoPlayerhdmpeg-4nxpotherspnx8935rokustreaming videoStreamingVideovc-1Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW and NXP's prototype smart-key knows more about you than the NSA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/bmw-and-nxps-superkey-prototype-knows-more-about-you-than-the-n/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/bmw-and-nxps-superkey-prototype-knows-more-about-you-than-the-n/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/22/bmw-and-nxps-superkey-prototype-knows-more-about-you-than-the-n/#comments
Ok, we didn't see this one coming. Then again, our idea of a Sunday drive is taking a taxi uptown. So imagine our surprise to find that the people at NXP Semiconductor and BMW thought it was a good idea to integrate a car key with a contact-less payment system. The prototype key features NXP's SmartMX security chip -- the same chip at the heart of many of the world's e-passports -- making it possible to use the key to pay for fuel at the pump, tolls (after uh, switching off the engine in the toll lane), or at any number of places where flagrantly flaunting your BMW logo-adorned key could get you noticed. What piqued out interest, however, is the promise that such a key could hold your personal access rights to unlock, and then start the engine of your own car or that of a rental company's while automatically configuring the interior with all your custom in-vehicle settings such as radio presets, mirror and seat adjustments, etc. It would even authorize (and pay for) future on-line BMW services across the entire fleet of Bimmers you don't own, but might choose to outfit the family with if the smart key option was available. The prototype on display at the CARTES & IDentification show in Paris next week will likely closely resemble the image above... only without the transformer.

[Thanks Stop_Spam_ming, transformer image courtesy of Luis Duran]

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BMW and NXP's prototype smart-key knows more about you than the NSA originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcontactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymentnxpnxp semiconductorNxpSemiconductorsmartmxWed, 22 Oct 2008 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Oyster Card RFID hack gets detailed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/oyster-card-rfid-hack-gets-detailed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/oyster-card-rfid-hack-gets-detailed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/oyster-card-rfid-hack-gets-detailed/#comments
The vulnerability of cards based on the Mifare Classic RFID chip (like the Oyster Card used for the London Underground) has been known for some time now but, unsurprisingly, some pesky legal business has prevented the complete details from being published. That has now finally been cleared up, however, and Professor Bart Jacobs and his colleagues from Radboud University have promptly published their complete paper online. What's more, NXP Semiconductors, makers of the Mifare chip, are also now commenting on the matter, and saying that it never intended to completely stop publication of the research, but rather that it simply wanted to give customers time to update their systems. NXP's Steve Owen also adds that the company now doesn't "recommend the use of Mifare Classic for new installations," and that it's "working with customers to review their security." Those looking to dig in can find the paper at the link below and, in case you missed it the first time around, there's a video explaining the basics after the break.

[Via BBC Click]

Continue reading Oyster Card RFID hack gets detailed

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Oyster Card RFID hack gets detailed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mifaremifare classicMifareClassicnxpoysteroyster cardOysterCardrfidrfid hackRfidHackTue, 07 Oct 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Loewe taps NXP for LCD TV video processing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/27/loewe-taps-nxp-for-lcd-tv-video-processing/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/27/loewe-taps-nxp-for-lcd-tv-video-processing/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/27/loewe-taps-nxp-for-lcd-tv-video-processing/#commentsLoewe Individual Compose Full HD+ 100
European outfit Loewe is known for its industrial design chops, but the company is hoping that the Euro-sleek beauty of its 37-inch Spheros and 40-inch Individual LCD TVs will be more than just skin deep. To this end, it has chosen to incorporate NXP's top-of-the-line PNX5100 video processor into select models. The processor promises all manner of video optimization, but emphasizes tech to maximize motion resolution in both native HD and upconverted signals, a problematic performance area for many LCD TVs. Sounds good, but we really wish Loewe would carry some of that sleek, minimalist design to its product naming -- the models that are set to get the NXP brains are the Spheros R37 Full HD+ 100, the Individual 40 Selection Full HD+ 100 and the Individual 40 Compose Full HD+ 100 (pictured).

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Loewe taps NXP for LCD TV video processing originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdIndividual 40 Selection Full HD 100Individual Compose Full HD 100Individual40SelectionFullHd 100IndividualComposeFullHd 100lcdloewenxpotherspnx5100Spheros R37 Full HD 100SpherosR37FullHd 100Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:08:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP unveils world's fastest cellular modem with multi-mode GSM support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/nxp-unveils-worlds-fastest-cellular-modem-with-multi-mode-gsm-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/nxp-unveils-worlds-fastest-cellular-modem-with-multi-mode-gsm-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/nxp-unveils-worlds-fastest-cellular-modem-with-multi-mode-gsm-s/#comments3G is so Monday. Today, NXP Semiconductors is getting down with the "world's fastest high-bandwidth cellular soft modem," which will obviously be aimed at smartphones, MIDs and other handhelds thirsting for WWAN. Notably, the PNX6910 supports multi-mode LTE / HSPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM capability, and it's reportedly capable of achieving data transfer rates of 150Mbits down and 50Mbits up. To put things in perspective, NXP suggests that users could download an "entire HD movie in less than 7 minutes," though we're not sure what constitutes an "entire movie." Oh, and before you get too excited in here, you should probably know that the chip won't even be available until Q2 2009 at the earliest.

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NXP unveils world's fastest cellular modem with multi-mode GSM support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gcellular modemCellularModemedgeGSMhsdpaHSPAhsupahsupa1LTEmobileNXPNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorsperipheralsPNX6910world recordWorldRecordThu, 12 Jun 2008 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP unveils world's fastest cellular modem with multi-mode GSM support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/nxp-unveils-worlds-fastest-cellular-modem-with-multi-mode-gsm-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/nxp-unveils-worlds-fastest-cellular-modem-with-multi-mode-gsm-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/12/nxp-unveils-worlds-fastest-cellular-modem-with-multi-mode-gsm-s/#comments3G is so Monday. Today, NXP Semiconductors is getting down with the "world's fastest high-bandwidth cellular soft modem," which will obviously be aimed at smartphones, MIDs and other handhelds thirsting for WWAN. Notably, the PNX6910 supports multi-mode LTE / HSPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM capability, and it's reportedly capable of achieving data transfer rates of 150Mbits down and 50Mbits up. To put things in perspective, NXP suggests that users could download an "entire HD movie in less than 7 minutes," though we're not sure what constitutes an "entire movie." Oh, and before you get too excited in here, you should probably know that the chip won't even be available until Q2 2009 at the earliest.

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NXP unveils world's fastest cellular modem with multi-mode GSM support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gcellular modemCellularModemGSMHSPALTENXPNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorsPNX6910world recordWorldRecordThu, 12 Jun 2008 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Purple Labs announces cheap Linux-based reference design]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/purple-labs-announces-cheap-linux-based-reference-design/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/purple-labs-announces-cheap-linux-based-reference-design/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/04/purple-labs-announces-cheap-linux-based-reference-design/#comments
3GSM's "3G For All" campaign lives on in the hearts and minds of companies around the globe that are looking to capitalize on developing nations' nascent 3G networks, and this little gem is a pretty good start. Purple Labs, a purveyor of mobile Linux software stacks, has teamed up with NXP Semiconductors to announce the "Purple Magic" reference design, a flip phone that features 3G data, video calling, media playback, Bluetooth, and a Java virtual machine for a purely theoretical retail price of under $100. Though there's no telling who'll pick up the platform -- or when, for that matter -- it's good to see that companies have their eyes on the prize and have the technology and know-how to get high speed devices pumped out for pretty dirt cheap. Look for the Purple Magic to make its public debut at MWC later this month.

[Via MobileTechNews]

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Purple Labs announces cheap Linux-based reference design originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clamshelledgeflipgsmhsdpalinuxmobilenxpotherspurple labspurple magicPurpleLabsPurpleMagicreference designReferenceDesignumtsMon, 04 Feb 2008 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, NXP get official with Moversa joint venture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/14/sony-nxp-get-official-with-moversa-joint-venture/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/14/sony-nxp-get-official-with-moversa-joint-venture/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/14/sony-nxp-get-official-with-moversa-joint-venture/#commentsChances are, you had forgotten all about Sony and NXP's little initiative to cooperate on a NFC (near-field communications) standard, but the two seem to have finally worked out all the kinks and are ready to move forward. The joint venture, dubbed Moversa, will seek to "drive global adoption of contactless smart card applications in mobile phones," and it's already planning to develop, produce and market a Universal Secure Access Module (U-SAM) that "incorporates both MIFARE and FeliCa operating systems and applications." Essentially, the duo is hoping to accelerate the adoption of integrated contactless support, which would enable users to make payments (among other things) easily via their handset. If you're curious about availability, we're hearing that samples should be shipped out in mid-2008, but commercial deployments aren't scheduled to happen until the end of next year.

[Via Yahoo / Reuters]

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Sony, NXP get official with Moversa joint venture originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cashcontactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymentFeliCajoint ventureJointVenturejvMIFAREmobilemoneyMoversanfcnxpotherspartnerpartnershippaymentsmart cardSmartCardsonyU-SAMWed, 14 Nov 2007 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, NXP get official with Moversa joint venture]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/14/sony-nxp-get-official-with-moversa-joint-venture/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/14/sony-nxp-get-official-with-moversa-joint-venture/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/14/sony-nxp-get-official-with-moversa-joint-venture/#commentsChances are, you had forgotten all about Sony and NXP's little initiative to cooperate on a NFC (near-field communications) standard, but the two seem to have finally worked out all the kinks and are ready to move forward. The joint venture, dubbed Moversa, will seek to "drive global adoption of contactless smart card applications in mobile phones," and it's already planning to develop, produce and market a Universal Secure Access Module (U-SAM) that "incorporates both MIFARE and FeliCa operating systems and applications." Essentially, the duo is hoping to accelerate the adoption of integrated contactless support, which would enable users to make payments (among other things) easily via their handset. If you're curious about availability, we're hearing that samples should be shipped out in mid-2008, but commercial deployments aren't scheduled to happen until the end of next year.

[Via Yahoo / Reuters]

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Sony, NXP get official with Moversa joint venture originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cashcontactlesscontactless paymentContactlessPaymentFeliCajoint ventureJointVenturejvMIFAREmoneyMoversanfcnxppartnerpartnershippaymentsmart cardSmartCardsonyU-SAMWed, 14 Nov 2007 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung SGH-T578H: world's first TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/samsung-sgh-t578h-worlds-first-td-scdma-hsdpa-gsm-multi-mode/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/samsung-sgh-t578h-worlds-first-td-scdma-hsdpa-gsm-multi-mode/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/samsung-sgh-t578h-worlds-first-td-scdma-hsdpa-gsm-multi-mode/#comments
We knew NXP and T3G were working on an automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM, and now both firms are buddying up with Samsung to gloat about the unveiling of the "world's first" TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset. The celebrated mobile is being dubbed the Samsung SGH-T578H, which is equipped with a software-defined modem capable of achieving data transfer rates of 2.8Mbps. TD-SCDMA network deployments have already been completed in ten major cities in China, and it should be upgraded to support Release 5 (HSDPA) of the TD-SCDMA standard in time for users to enjoy streaming content from the Beijing Olympics. Regrettably, there's no mention as to when the aforementioned mobile will be released, but we're sure this trio won't let it go unnoticed should that day come.

[Via MobileTechNews, image courtesy of 163]

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Samsung SGH-T578H: world's first TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gcdmachinachinesegsmhsdpamobilemulti-modeNXPsamsungSGH-T578HT2GTD-SCDMAFri, 09 Nov 2007 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung SGH-T578H: world's first TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/samsung-sgh-t578h-worlds-first-td-scdma-hsdpa-gsm-multi-mode/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/samsung-sgh-t578h-worlds-first-td-scdma-hsdpa-gsm-multi-mode/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/samsung-sgh-t578h-worlds-first-td-scdma-hsdpa-gsm-multi-mode/#comments
We knew NXP and T3G were working on an automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM, and now both firms are buddying up with Samsung to gloat about the unveiling of the "world's first" TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset. The celebrated mobile is being dubbed the Samsung SGH-T578H, which is equipped with a software-defined modem capable of achieving data transfer rates of 2.8Mbps. TD-SCDMA network deployments have already been completed in ten major cities in China, and it should be upgraded to support Release 5 (HSDPA) of the TD-SCDMA standard in time for users to enjoy streaming content from the Beijing Olympics. Regrettably, there's no mention as to when the aforementioned mobile will be released, but we're sure this trio won't let it go unnoticed should that day come.

[Via MobileTechNews, image courtesy of 163]

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Samsung SGH-T578H: world's first TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gchinachinesegsmhsdpamulti-modeNXPsamsungSGH-T578HT2GTD-SCDMAFri, 09 Nov 2007 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP supplying Germany with second-gen ePassports]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/03/nxp-supplying-germany-with-second-gen-epassports/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/03/nxp-supplying-germany-with-second-gen-epassports/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/03/nxp-supplying-germany-with-second-gen-epassports/#commentsConsidering just how well the first round of RFID ePassports withstood subversion attempts from hackers, we're amazed that anything needs to be tweaked at all. Sarcasm aside, NXP is all set to make Germany the first country on the planet to utilize second-generation ePassports, as the EU-set deadline to migrate doesn't pass until June of 2009. The new passports will include a SmartMX chip that allows biometric data to be "securely stored on the passport," and the 80kb of onboard storage also holds the individual's photo, name, and date / country of birth. Of note, NXP even goes so far as to gloat about the chip's ability to "guard against attack scenarios," but we'll be interested to see how long it takes the oh-so-motivated hacking community to find a backdoor when these launch later this month.

[Via TheRegister]

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NXP supplying Germany with second-gen ePassports originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricbiometricsepassportepassport IIEpassportIiEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionfingerprintgermangermanynxppassportrfidSmartMXSat, 03 Nov 2007 03:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Asus intros GPS-equipped U3S laptop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/asus-intros-gps-equipped-u3s-laptop/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/asus-intros-gps-equipped-u3s-laptop/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/asus-intros-gps-equipped-u3s-laptop/#comments
Asus looks to be keeping busy on the GPS front these days, with it now following up its just-introduced navigators with what it claims to be the "world's first mainstream notebook PC with integrated GPS capability." That particular distinction goes to the company's new U3S laptop, which relies on NXP Software's swGPS system for navigation duties. Among other things, NXP's system does all the necessary GPS signal processing entirely in software, which not only allows it to be much smaller, but also opens up the possibility of fairly significant software upgrades (including support for Galileo). From the looks of it, the laptop itself is also no slouch, with the usual Centrino Duo-related goods and some unspecified discreet graphics under the hood. Just don't expect "mainstream" to mean "cheap," with the laptop set to run €2,300 (or $3,200) when it's released later this month.

[Via NaviGadget]

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Asus intros GPS-equipped U3S laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusgpslaptopnxpswgpsu3sFri, 14 Sep 2007 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[T3G, NXP develop automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/t3g-nxp-develop-automatic-handover-between-td-scdma-and-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/t3g-nxp-develop-automatic-handover-between-td-scdma-and-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/t3g-nxp-develop-automatic-handover-between-td-scdma-and-gsm/#commentsIt sounds like the days of dropped calls and endless frustration when leaving TD-SCDMA coverage and entering a GSM realm are nearing an end, as Beijing's T3G Technology and NXP Semiconductors have introduced the "world's first voice automatic handover of multi-mode TD-SCDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE in a handset." Just as it sounds, the technology will provide bi-directional on-the-fly, automatic handovers between TD-SCDMA and GSM networks, and any equipped mobile can "automatically scan for available networks" and switch over when necessary "without any adverse effects." Apparently, the two firms have already validated the claims on a number of Chinese network environments, but we've no idea how soon this peace making creation will get rolled out to the masses.

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T3G, NXP develop automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.53gcdmachinachinesedual-modeedgegsmhandovermobilemulti-modeNexperianxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorst3gTD-SCDMATue, 12 Jun 2007 03:32:00 EST<![CDATA[T3G, NXP develop automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/t3g-nxp-develop-automatic-handover-between-td-scdma-and-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/t3g-nxp-develop-automatic-handover-between-td-scdma-and-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/12/t3g-nxp-develop-automatic-handover-between-td-scdma-and-gsm/#commentsIt sounds like the days of dropped calls and endless frustration when leaving TD-SCDMA coverage and entering a GSM realm are nearing an end, as Beijing's T3G Technology and NXP Semiconductors have introduced the "world's first voice automatic handover of multi-mode TD-SCDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE in a handset." Just as it sounds, the technology will provide bi-directional on-the-fly, automatic handovers between TD-SCDMA and GSM networks, and any equipped mobile can "automatically scan for available networks" and switch over when necessary "without any adverse effects." Apparently, the two firms have already validated the claims on a number of Chinese network environments, but we've no idea how soon this peace making creation will get rolled out to the masses.

Filed under: ,

T3G, NXP develop automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.53gcdmachinachinesedual-modeedgegrpsgsmhandovermulti-modeNexperianxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorst3gTD-SCDMATue, 12 Jun 2007 03:32:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM and friends buddy up on 32-nanometer semiconductor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/23/ibm-and-friends-buddy-up-on-32-nanometer-semiconductor/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/23/ibm-and-friends-buddy-up-on-32-nanometer-semiconductor/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/23/ibm-and-friends-buddy-up-on-32-nanometer-semiconductor/#commentsIBM has most certainly been on a tear of late when it comes to microprocessors, as this tidbit comes right on the heels of the firm's 4.7GHz POWER6 and self-assembling CPUs. Presumably thinking that two five heads are better than one, IBM has garnered support from Chartered, Samsung, Infineon, and Freescale to "develop and manufacture advanced 32-nanometer semiconductors." Of course, we're still not sure if the loose ends surrounding IBM's 65-nanometer team effort are all tied off, but onward and upward they go regardless. The collaborative agreements between the firms "include 32-nanometer bulk complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process technologies and joint development of process design kits (PDKs) to support that technology," which basically means that the companies will attempt to work together at IBM's East Fishkill plant through 2010 to produce "high-performance, energy-efficient chips at 32nm." Unfortunately, we've no idea when these speedsters will be ready for the commercial world, but it's pretty safe to assume it won't be soon.

[Via PCWorld, photo courtesy of Semiconductor-Technology]

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IBM and friends buddy up on 32-nanometer semiconductor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2007 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32mn65mnagreementallianceCharteredchipchip allianceChipAlliancedealfreescaleibmInfineonmicroprocessornxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorspartnerpartnershipprocessorsamsungsemiconductorWed, 23 May 2007 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[RFID / RFA anti-piracy technology could hit optical media]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/rfid-rfa-anti-piracy-technology-could-hit-optical-media/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/rfid-rfa-anti-piracy-technology-could-hit-optical-media/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/rfid-rfa-anti-piracy-technology-could-hit-optical-media/#commentsUtilizing RFID technology to defuse the threat of theft isn't a fresh idea, but NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless are looking to make good on the premise by cranking out an anti-theft solution that just might appear on the next DVD you buy. By combining NXP's RFID technology with Kestral's RFA (radio frequency activation), manufacturers could install a minuscule chip on the optical media at the beginning of the supply chain which would render it unplayable, but having it scanned at a checkout counter would enable a series of authentication checks to occur and eventually unlock the media for playback. While the scenario may sound convoluted, it could allow manufacturers to skimp on bulky, restrictive packaging, and moreover, it could be applied to other items in the consumer electronics universe in order to deter thieves from trying to swipe expensive handheld gizmos. Of course, we can already envision the complaints that are sure to arise from legitimate buyers bringing home a coaster if the activation process happens to fail, but apparently, both companies are already hard at work persuading studios to write 'em a check and get these things into stores.

[Via Physorg]

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RFID / RFA anti-piracy technology could hit optical media originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2007 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrimecriminaldvdhdKestrel WirelessKestrelWirelesslarcentnxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorsphilipspiracyrfrfarfidstealstealingstolentheftthiefThu, 10 May 2007 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[RFID / RFA anti-theft technology could hit optical media]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/rfid-rfa-anti-theft-technology-could-hit-optical-media/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/rfid-rfa-anti-theft-technology-could-hit-optical-media/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/10/rfid-rfa-anti-theft-technology-could-hit-optical-media/#commentsUtilizing RFID technology to defuse the threat of theft isn't a fresh idea, but NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless are looking to make good on the premise by cranking out an anti-theft solution that just might appear on the next DVD you buy. By combining NXP's RFID technology with Kestral's RFA (radio frequency activation), manufacturers could install a minuscule chip on the optical media at the beginning of the supply chain which would render it unplayable, but having it scanned at a checkout counter would enable a series of authentication checks to occur and eventually unlock the media for playback. While the scenario may sound convoluted, it could allow manufacturers to skimp on bulky, restrictive packaging, and moreover, it could be applied to other items in the consumer electronics universe in order to deter thieves from trying to swipe expensive handheld gizmos. Of course, we can already envision the complaints that are sure to arise from legitimate buyers bringing home a coaster if the activation process happens to fail, but apparently, both companies are already hard at work persuading studios to write 'em a check and get these things into stores.

[Via Physorg]

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RFID / RFA anti-theft technology could hit optical media originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2007 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrimecriminaldvdhdtvKestrel WirelessKestrelWirelesslarcentnxpNXP SemiconductorsNxpSemiconductorsphilipspiracyrfrfarfidstealstealingstolentheftthiefThu, 10 May 2007 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GSM Association gets everyone together for phone e-wallets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/gsm-association-gets-everyone-together-for-phone-e-wallets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/gsm-association-gets-everyone-together-for-phone-e-wallets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/gsm-association-gets-everyone-together-for-phone-e-wallets/#commentsWith services like NTT DoCoMo's FeliCa-based Osaifu-Keitai in Japan and Mifare deployed through much of Europe, perhaps one of the last great hurdles to widespread acceptance of phone-based e-wallets is a lack of standardization. Either that, or most people don't feel the need to pay for things by tapping their phone on various devices, but we digress; the point is that the GSM Association has now taken up the cause of getting everyone on the same page with its global "Pay-Buy Mobile" initiative. We really mean global, too -- among a slew of carriers, AT&T, NTT DoCoMo, Vodafone, and KTF are on board, representing the US, Japan, Europe, and South Korea, respectively, and the manufacturer camp counts Nokia, Samsung, and LG as its members. The first Pay-Buy Mobile trials are schedule to kick off this October, a schedule that is probably helped along by the availability of existing software and chips from Sony and NXP and the GSMA's pledge to build off financial institutions' existing NFC initiatives. We can't promise we'll use it -- but yeah, if it's secure, go ahead and build it into our phones, folks.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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GSM Association gets everyone together for phone e-wallets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonee-walletfelicagsmgsm associationgsmaGsmAssociationmifarenfcnxppaypaymentphoneThu, 26 Apr 2007 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP delivers the next "world's smallest" WiFi chip: BGM220]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/01/nxp-delivers-the-next-worlds-smallest-wifi-chip-bgm220/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/01/nxp-delivers-the-next-worlds-smallest-wifi-chip-bgm220/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/01/nxp-delivers-the-next-worlds-smallest-wifi-chip-bgm220/#commentsSheesh, this race for the "world's smallest" anything is seriously getting out of hand, but if it'll make our future handsets and wireless routers a tenth of a cubic centimeter smaller than before, we suppose we'll have to digress. NXP Semiconductors is reportedly ready to "start sampling a single-package 81-pin TFBGA WiFi chip that it says is the smallest device yet for 802.11 b/g connectivity." The GBM220 is, of course, eying the lucrative mobile handset market first and foremost, but handheld gaming systems and PDAs will certainly be in the mix as well. The chip itself comes in at a wee five- x five-millimeters, supports SDIO / SPI host interfaces, handles WPA2 / WMM, features an "ultra-low power drain," and should play nice with Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Symbian, and Linux. NXP's minuscule WiFi chip is slated to reach "volume production" by Q4 of this year, but you probably won't even notice the difference when planted in your forthcoming gizmo.

[Via WiFi-Planet]

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NXP delivers the next "world's smallest" WiFi chip: BGM220 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11b/gdsioGBM220nxpsdiosemiconductorTFBGAwifiwifi chipwifi chipsetWifiChipWifiChipsetworld's smallestWorld'sSmallestSun, 01 Apr 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPX and Mango team up for Mango Research Magic 380 portable GPS unit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/21/npx-and-mango-team-up-for-mango-research-magic-380-portable-gps/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/21/npx-and-mango-team-up-for-mango-research-magic-380-portable-gps/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/21/npx-and-mango-team-up-for-mango-research-magic-380-portable-gps/#comments
NPX's swGPS tech isn't just for making photo location tagging easier, it's also powering Mango's 380 portable navigation unit, claiming to provide better performance and accuracy through software location processing, eliminating the traditional GPS baseband processing chip. Otherwise, the 380 sounds pretty traditional, with a Samsung touchscreen, stereo audio and an optional external RDS/TMC module for real-time traffic and data services. Supposedly the swGPS tech allows the unit to be slimmer than your average device, but we don't have the dimensions on hand to confirm that. No word on price or availability either, but Mango was showing this off at CeBIT, so it shouldn't be too far off.

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NPX and Mango team up for Mango Research Magic 380 portable GPS unit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsmangomango researchmango research 380MangoResearchMangoResearch380nxpswgpsWed, 21 Mar 2007 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NXP Software's swGPS SnapSpot tech for GPS photo tagging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/08/nxp-softwares-swgps-snapspot-tech-for-gps-photo-tagging/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/08/nxp-softwares-swgps-snapspot-tech-for-gps-photo-tagging/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/08/nxp-softwares-swgps-snapspot-tech-for-gps-photo-tagging/#commentsSony got a good jump on the industry with its proprietary GPS-CS1 device for geotagging Cybershot pics, but NXP Software's new SnapShot is playing catch-up at PMA this week, and it looks like the company has a compelling offer. SnapShot reduces power consumption of GPS tagging by separating the capture and the processing of GPS signals, allowing the chip to be only turned on for a short time while obtaining a signal, and then having that data processed by your computer to be imbedded in your photos as they download. Of course, this means you'll have to run your pics through the swGPS software, which can be a bit of a hassle, but no more a hassle than having a GPS module half your battery life. Unfortunately, what NXP doesn't have is a product: they're showing of a credit card-sized accessory module, which could also be easily embedded into a camera, but they're leaving it up to other manufacturers to take the ball and run with it. Until then, we always have our hacks.

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NXP Software's swGPS SnapSpot tech for GPS photo tagging originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geotagginggpsnxpnxp softwareNxpSoftwaresnapspotswgpsThu, 08 Mar 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, NXP to cooperate on NFC standard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/24/sony-nxp-to-cooperate-on-nfc-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/24/sony-nxp-to-cooperate-on-nfc-standard/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/24/sony-nxp-to-cooperate-on-nfc-standard/#commentsUsing cellphones to pay for stuff via NFC (near-field communications) is certainly nothing new; Sony, for one, has been doing it for years with its FeliCa system in Japan. Regardless of how dominant FeliCa or NXP's Mifare are, though, standardization is always a welcome move in an industry that hasn't quite taken off yet on a global scale. Sony and NXP have committed to putting their noggins together to come up with a unified standard for NFC payments that will ultimately support both FeliCa and Mifare-based equipment, while also bringing together two of the most widely-deployed systems to date. Given that both Sony and NXP parent Philips are members of the NFC Forum, we have hope that this announcement lines up nicely with that group's efforts, too, rather than going against the grain with a parallel effort. Not to say we'd put that kind of buffoonery past Sony, of course.

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Sony, NXP to cooperate on NFC standard originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>felicamifaremobilenfcnxpphilipssonyFri, 24 Nov 2006 13:54:00 EST