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How-To: XBMC 11 the XBMCbuntu way

John Browning — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

For all intents and purposes, the original Xbox, with its NVIDIA GPU, 8-10GB hard disk and custom Pentium III processor was a high-end PC for its time -- albeit, one that connected to a television. What Microsoft didn't realize back then, though, was that when you put that kind of hardware in the hands of hackers and enthusiasts, it's only a matter of time before people start doing more than just playing Halo. Fast forward to 2003, the year the Xbox Media Center was born. Nowadays, it's simply referred to as XBMC, since it runs on more than just your Xbox. In brief, XBMC is an open-source software solution that enables a plethora of media streaming capabilities on all sorts of devices. What once was limited to the original Xbox, can now be put to use on everything from a bare-bones Linux desktop to an Apple TV. In this how-to, we'll show you how to build a simple XBMC setup using XBMCbuntu. Catch us after the break for the full step-by-step.

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How-To: XBMC 11 the XBMCbuntu way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough

Jon Fingas — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:22:00 EST

We get the impression that Facebook is on a big mobile photo sharing kick: just weeks after it bought Instagram for a cool billion, the social network has just hired the staff behind Lightbox. The two-man team of Nilesh Patel and Thai Tran is bringing its mostly Android- and HTML5-focused knowledge over to Facebook, where it's hoping to reach many, many more people. You'll have to wait awhile to see what the Lightbox team brings to Facebook's ever more mobile platform, but you'll also want to hurry if you want to keep anything hosted on Lightbox: the service shuts down on June 15th. As a consolation for the shutdown, the startup's code is being posted to GitHub so that the fruits of its efforts live on in open-sourced form.

Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tizen gets play time on Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE, shows off new features

Brad Molen — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:03:00 EST

Slowly but surely, Tizen's picking up momentum. In just the last two weeks we've witnessed version 1.0 of the OS get released, a prototype device made by Samsung, an official pledge of support by Sprint and even a full-out developer's conference. One thing we haven't yet seen, however, is the Linux-based firmware running on an existing Android phone. At the aforementioned convention's keynote, Jong-Deok Cohoi -- EVP of the Tizen Technical Steering Group -- showed off a few more features, such as photo gallery, videos and live calls... on what appears to be a Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE. This is great news, since it looks like Tizen supports at least some of Sammy's handsets -- in dev guise, at the very least. For now, curious open-source fans should head below to see the full video.

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Tizen gets play time on Samsung Galaxy S II HD LTE, shows off new features originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Etcher, the fully functional Etch A Sketch iPad case

Jon Fingas — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:46:00 EST

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Visions of the iPad as a modern-day Etch A Sketch have so far been primarily decorative: they've been more about remembering youth than recreating it. That's why Ari Krupnik & Associates' officially-sanctioned Etcher iPad case project on Kickstarter stands out. Those knobs? They work, and they're Made for iPad certified. And, as the Etcher is a product of the digital era, your creations in the custom-written app can be saved and shared to Facebook, Flickr or even YouTube as a time lapse video. Shaking the Etcher will still erase your image -- it just doesn't have to disappear forever this time.

Your pledge level determines not only what variety of Etcher case you get, but how much control you get over the project. Committing $45 is all it takes for the nostalgic red, but if you spend $60, $75 or $100, you'll have the additional options for blue or a special backer-only color. Those at the $100 level get to vote on what color they and the $75 pledge-makers will see. A $175 outlay will provide early access to the software development kit as well as a say in what open-source license the code will use. Moving up to $210 or $360 will give you that control as well as an accordant five or 10 Etcher cases. If you like what you see, you have just over a month to contribute and make the iPad drawing add-on a reality.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Etcher, the fully functional Etch A Sketch iPad case

Insert Coin: Etcher, the fully functional Etch A Sketch iPad case originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tizen 1.0 Larkspur arrives, fuels your open-source phone dreams

Jon Fingas — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:38:00 EST

The unveiling of Tizen left many mobile open-source aficionados wondering when the OS would reach its all-important 1.0 status. The answer is now: the coalition between Intel, Panasonic, Samsung and a raft of carriers has posted the first non-beta release in both source code and software development kit forms. The finished versions of either carry new features to reward developers for the wait: SDK users get a new browser-based simulator and a faster emulator, while those scouring the source code will find new point-of-interest and route searching features in location-aware apps as well as WiFi Direct and more HTML5 support. About the only wait left is for an actual Tizen phone to ship.

[Image credit: Realnorth]

Tizen 1.0 Larkspur arrives, fuels your open-source phone dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bunnie Huang builds open-source geiger counter to help Japanese civilians

Daniel Cooper — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST

Chumby co-creator Andrew "Bunnie" Huang was so moved by the Japanese Earthquake and Fukushima meltdown that he felt compelled to help out. Teaming up with nonprofit organization Safecast, he started work on a radiation monitor that was suitable for everyday civilian use, rather than it remain the sole province of officials. As well as its readings being able to stand up to scientific scrutiny, Huang's counter had to remain functional after a natural disaster, last for ages and be small enough for people to carry around. When he had finished building the reference design, he open-sourced the design so companies like Medcom and individuals could build their own. If you'd like to dabble in the arts of radiation monitoring, head on down to the source link for a fascinating insight into how it's done.

Bunnie Huang builds open-source geiger counter to help Japanese civilians originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA joins Linux Foundation, doesn't mention driver development

Daniel Cooper — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:21:00 EST

It's a big day for open source fans now that NVIDIA, the last member of the "big three" chip makers with AMD and Intel, has signed on with the Linux foundation. The company has previously kept the system at arms length, with users relying on reverse-engineering to get things working nicely with Linus' baby. It's joining Fluenco, Lineo and Mocana, three companies who also became signatories to the foundation at the same time. Whilst there's no commitment to provide drivers for its chipsets, at least there's a glimmer of hope that the company will contribute -- especially given the growing popularity of its mobile platforms.

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NVIDIA joins Linux Foundation, doesn't mention driver development originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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webOS Enyo 1.0 now available to all, just requires patch and patience

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:18:00 EST

HP's Enyo framework is an essential ingredient for allowing new apps to work on webOS devices with different resolutions, but due to some sort of ethnocentric hiccup, v1.0 hasn't officially reached all international webOS phones and tablets. Fortunately, WebOS Internals has prepared a nice little Preware install package that anyone, anywhere can enjoy. At this point, adding Enyo will only provide access to a few extra apps, but at least the world will be reunited in its preparedness for a glistening future, right?

webOS Enyo 1.0 now available to all, just requires patch and patience originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pandora handheld approaches full production next month, never gave up hope

Mat Smith — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST

Remember the Pandora? Back when the likes of the PS Vita and the Nintendo 3DS remained conceptual sketches in top secret bunkers, this open-source handheld paired up a clamshell form factor with analogue game controls, a QWERTY keyboard and a dream. It's been a slow-burning dream; last time we heard from the OpenPandora project, it had managed a limited (premium-priced) run, with manufacturing hobbled by problems. But, like its namesake, there was always hope and fans of the platform ponied up around half a million euros to bring the four-year-old project back to life. It's now set to go into full production next month with a new manufacturer, but unfortunately the same specs. While the 4.3-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen sparkled a few years earlier, it's now being supplanted by what we're getting on our smartphones. However, those tempted by an open source OS, a battery life of over ten hours and a very faithful fanbase, can stake their claim to one at the source below. We've got our fingers crossed for you.

Update: The creators got in touch to add that these incoming Pandoras will have 512MB of RAM, and a revised verions of the OMAP3. The processor can also be overclocked to 800MHz -- apparently enough to run PSX titles, emulator fans.

Pandora handheld approaches full production next month, never gave up hope originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google, MIT bestow App Inventor to the unwashed masses

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:52:00 EST

Google must be feeling generous: it donated Sky Map to undeserving armchair astronomers and it's letting the great unwashed get at its App Inventor development platform. The software toolset was cooked up in partnership with MIT: a web-based interface that lets anyone build Android apps without getting elbows-deep in code. Those Massachusetts king-geeks won't be accepting submissions just yet, however: it's still got to work out how it's going to deploy the public server and foster a "robust and active open-source project" under its new name: the moderately unimaginative MIT App Inventor.

Google, MIT bestow App Inventor to the unwashed masses originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Linaro member boards get accelerated builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich

Darren Murph — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:15:00 EST

Remember Linaro? How could you forget, right? The non-profit engineering organization that formed back at Computex 2010 has been plugging away for over 1.5 years now, and its most recent development involves everyone's fav-o-rite build of Android: Ice Cream Sandwich. The company has just released ICS builds supporting accelerated graphics on two of its member's low cost development boards: the Samsung Origen and ST-Ericsson Snowball. The outfit already displayed videos of Android 4.0.1 running on TI's PandaBoard and Freescale's i.MX53, and the accelerated graphics support that has been made available today makes use of the ARM Mali-400 processor. For those unaware, developers are able to create optimized Linux-based devices with the support of Linaro, and if you're in one of those member groups, you'll also enjoy DS-5 with Gator and libjpeg-turbo support. Head on past the break for a smattering of videos.

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Linaro member boards get accelerated builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: Open source, open issues for webOS

Ross Rubin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

HP's decision to contribute webOS to the open source community represents, at the very least, a detour from the company's plans to "double down" on the operating system acquired from Palm, Inc. The good news for fans of the OS is that HP will continue to invest in the software's development, albeit probably not at the unsustainable rate at which it was going it alone. And for webOS fans, the decision is certainly more favorable than another possibility that HP considered -- ending the development of webOS software as abruptly as it ended the hardware..

Still, webOS faces an uphill climb if it is to emerge as a viable option for device makers. HP itself says that it may not enter the webOS device market again until 2013 and we've seen no public statements from other major device makers champing at the bit to build devices based on the software, at least not in its current state. That means that the addressable market for webOS updates is the relatively meager installed base of TouchPads and the handful of Pres, Veers and Pixis, and many owners of those smartphones will likely move on as their contracts expire..

Continue reading Switched On: Open source, open issues for webOS

Switched On: Open source, open issues for webOS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's lossless ALAC goes open source, it's like FLAC for iPods

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST

Well, it's not nearly as exciting as a new iPhone, but Apple recently announced a bit of news that will set people in certain circles abuzz. The company's lossless audio codec, ALAC, is going open source. Similar to FLAC, the Apple Lossless Audio Codec offers some file compression while still delivering a bit-for-bit recreation of the original source material. The primary difference being that Apple devices and software do not support FLAC (at least without some tinkering) but can handle the Cupertino developed ALAC. The decision to release the code under the Apache license won't have much of an immediate impact on your digital audio routine, but expect support for ALAC to start popping up in more media players (both hardware and software) soon.

Apple's lossless ALAC goes open source, it's like FLAC for iPods originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu and Dell rekindle their love, in China

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST

In 2007 Dell started a highly publicized experiment with loading Ubuntu on some of its machines. Suffice to say, it wasn't a resounding success -- despite Michael Dell's ringing endorsement. Though their relationship seems to have petered out (~~US customers won't find a single machine running Canonical's open-source OS on Dell's site~~), the two companies aren't quite ready file for separation just yet. The two are looking to rekindle their love by heading across the Pacific, to China. Initially the Linux-loaded lappies will be available in 220 retail locations across the country with accompanying branding to promote Ubuntu. Clearly only time will tell if this attempt to save their marriage will be successful, but we're pretty confident Chinese consumers will be more receptive to an alternative OS than Americans were. One more pic after the break.

Update: Turns out there are still a couple of Ubuntu-equipped machines available in the US, but only to business customers and the landing page that once championed their partnership has disappeared.

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Ubuntu and Dell rekindle their love, in China originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP launching an investigation into TouchPads shipped with Android, suspects foul play

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:49:00 EST

After a few TouchPads found their way into the hands of consumers loaded with Android 2.2, the devs working to port Google's OS to HP's hardware reached out to the company to get a look at the source code. Well, the request was denied since, according to open-source program director Phil Robb, HP had nothing to do with Froyo finding its way onto the slate. In fact, the company is going so far as to launch an investigation into how the OS wound up on the tablet and into retail channels. In an email Robb said, "we presently believe that some person or persons unknown may have facilitated the delivery of these Android-based units strictly against the policy and authorization of HP." Of course, with TouchPad hardware discontinued we don't expect the company to waste too much time or resources tracking down the culprits.

HP launching an investigation into TouchPads shipped with Android, suspects foul play originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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South Korea brings the big guns to the mobile OS knife fight

Daniel Cooper — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:17:00 EST

Publicly, Samsung and LG tersely supported Google's union with Motorola (which we've taken to calling Moogle) -- privately it appears the South Korean giants aren't as thrilled to be at the mercy of Mountain View's whim. Imagine their predicament if they were frozen out of Android tomorrow -- which is why the Korean government has stepped in to create its own OS. Kim Jae-hong, deputy minister from Seoul's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, thinks that American dominance in mobile software is generally a bad thing. The minister said that the country would "foster a habitat" for the open-source OS, which might mean incentivized pricing on these devices, and we're hearing a cloud-based Chrome OS is also in the offing. The biggest news Jae-hong slipped is that Samsung had been very dismissive of a Korean OS until it heard about the Google / Motorola deal. What a difference a Moogle makes, eh?

South Korea brings the big guns to the mobile OS knife fight originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chromium's experimental touch UI demoed on video, made for meaty fingers

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:21:00 EST

Google was pretty adamant at I/O that Chrome OS would not be coming tablets, but that hasn't stopped its open-source cousin from adding some touch friendly features. Chromium (the browser, not the OS) got its first tablet tweaks back in June, but this is the first time we're seeing them on video. While the larger icons, widgets, and virtual keyboard, may eventually make their way onto the rumored Seaboard, there's no guarantee these (obviously still early) experiments will ever debut as part of Chrome OS or even the browser. Check out the video after the break for a brief glimpse of this work in progress and, if you're feeling adventurous, hit up the more coverage link to download the latest source code -- just make sure to compile with 'export GYP_DEFINES="touchui=1"' to unlock the finger-friendly face of Chromium.

Continue reading Chromium's experimental touch UI demoed on video, made for meaty fingers

Chromium's experimental touch UI demoed on video, made for meaty fingers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google working on video chat for Chrome, Skype cowers in fear

Billy Steele — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:33:00 EST

Watch out Skype, Google Chrome is comin' for ya. Not long after releasing WebRTC audio and video chat software as open-source, Google has started to integrate these capabilities into its prized browser. Looking to move past the played out features of Gmail and Google Voice, the company is planning for WebRTC to be a frontrunner for video conferencing and online chatting. The software was introduced as royalty-free, too, even promising to work with other browsers devs (namely Mozilla and Opera) to flesh out the project. This means that anyone building a site can make use of the new tech, and in theory, construct their own personal Skype battering ram. With the company being pro-web apps on all fronts, this is another step forward in its quest to bring the aforementioned technology up to par with native apps. Is this one of many dominoes to fall in the web-based app takeover, at least in terms of Chrome OS? It very well could be, especially if companies would rather see the traffic in-browser vs. within a native app. Now, if only Instagram could make use of that dusty webcam...

Filed under: Software

Google working on video chat for Chrome, Skype cowers in fear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Linus Torvalds releases Linux kernel version 3 to celebrate 20 years of penguin-powered computing

Michael Gorman — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:09:00 EST

It's been nearly twenty years since Linus Torvalds let loose Linux on an unsuspecting world, and yesterday he finally updated the open source OS kernel to version 3.0. This third iteration, currently named 3.0.0-rc1, comes 15 years after 2.0 first hit the web and brings driver support for Microsoft Kinect -- a move that should have visions of sugar plum fairies (or maybe just Android avatars) dancing in hackers' heads. Also included is code optimized for AMD's Fusion and Intel's Ivy and Sandy Bridge silicon, and some updated graphics drivers, too. Despite these tasty new treats, Torvalds is quick to point out that this new release is an evolutionary change and unleashing the big three-oh was all about moving into a third decade of distribution, not about overhauling the OS. There's still work to be done, as it is a release candidate in need of refinement, but curious coders can grab the latest Linux at the Kernel.org source link below.

Linus Torvalds releases Linux kernel version 3 to celebrate 20 years of penguin-powered computing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 May 2011 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple pulls VLC from the iTunes store

Sean Hollister — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:39:00 EST

Looks like VLC's role as champion of open-source legal rights is no more -- rather than lawyer up, Apple's taken the easy way out, and simply removed the VLC media player from the App Store. Rémi Denis-Courmont -- the VideoLAN developer who originally sued to have it removed -- reports that an Apple attorney informed him that the company had complied with his takedown request, and pulled the app accordingly, which likely puts the kibosh on other potential VLC ports as well. If you think about it, the open-source community may have just planted the first brick in a walled garden of its own.

Apple pulls VLC from the iTunes store originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google calls Oracle Android lawsuit 'baseless,' says Java goes 'beyond any one corporation'

Nilay Patel — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:21:00 EST

Oracle's decision to sue Google for infringing its patents and copyright on Java in Android has certainly stirred up a hornets' nest of commentary and analysis on the web today, but it's only just now that we've received Google's official statement, in which the search giant calls the suit "baseless" and vows to "defend open-source standards." Them's fightin' words -- and considering the Dalvik virtual machine at the heart of the Android OS is the centerpiece of this dispute, we wouldn't expect either side to back down quietly here. Get ready for years of litigation, friends. Here's Google's full statement:

We are disappointed Oracle has chosen to attack both Google and the open-source Java community with this baseless lawsuit. The open-source Java community goes beyond any one corporation and works every day to make the web a better place. We will strongly defend open-source standards and will continue to work with the industry to develop the Android platform.

Google calls Oracle Android lawsuit 'baseless,' says Java goes 'beyond any one corporation' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu joins Android on Nexus One, apocalyptic repercussions nowhere to be found

Darren Murph — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST

Ever wondered what would happen if you threw another mobile OS onto your Nexus One? Without removing Android? Contrary to popular belief, the world will in fact not end, and in many cases, lives could very well be improved. One particular modder over at Nexus One Hacks has managed to put together a video how-to demonstrating the installation of Ubuntu as a secondary OS on his rooted N1, and while you'll obviously find yourself dealing with a few incompatibilities should you follow suit, it's not like you really have anything better to do tonight than tinker. Right? Right. Jump on past the break and mash play to get going.

Continue reading Ubuntu joins Android on Nexus One, apocalyptic repercussions nowhere to be found

Ubuntu joins Android on Nexus One, apocalyptic repercussions nowhere to be found originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pandora handheld now shipping: first mass-produced unit unboxed, world somehow survives

Sean Hollister — Sun, 23 May 2010 05:49:00 EST

The open-source Pandora handheld has had a long and arduous time to market, but the days of delay are apparently at an end. You gaze upon the very first Pandora off the assembly line -- the fruit of over two years labor -- and project leaders are presently shipping out the rest of the first completed batch, with scores if not hundreds already on the way. GP32X forum mod X68000 got this unit for his help in construction, which means you can see Pandora's box literally opened at our source link (har har). Puns not your thing? Spot a batch of handhelds at the soldering station instead, right after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Pandora handheld now shipping: first mass-produced unit unboxed, world somehow survives

Pandora handheld now shipping: first mass-produced unit unboxed, world somehow survives originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 May 2010 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 gets ported onto Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1

Darren Murph — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:59:00 EST

Not even a fortnight after we saw Android 2.0.1 slapped onto Sony Ericsson's all-but-forgotten Xperia X1, along comes a port that makes the other look like child's play. A dedicated coder over at XDA Developers has managed to stuff Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 onto an X1, and while the functionality is limited (as you'd expect), the amount of fun to be had is restrained only by your imagination (and available vacation time). Go on and peek that source link to join the discussion -- but be warned, you'll be sucking down over a gigabyte worth of data before the first installation process.

[Thanks, Jules]

Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 gets ported onto Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Open-PC is the nettop for those who won't be constrained by you and your corporate ways

Tim Stevens — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST

Nettops come in all sorts of shapes, from Wii would-bes to keyboard come-alongs, but they're all small, and most are running some variant of Windows. Not the Open-PC. It isn't particularly svelte (345 x 425 x 100mm) and it is entirely free of commercial software, with a KDE core neatly wrapped in a collection of free software. It was designed by the community, specifications and even price determined by a set of surveys, and by the end of the month it will be available to those who said they wanted it -- meaning it's put up or shut up time, Linux fans. Price is €359 (including a $10 donation to the KDE project), a bit steep for a machine rocking an Atom N330 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive, but then again you can't put a price on stickin' it to the man.

Open-PC is the nettop for those who won't be constrained by you and your corporate ways originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jolicloud pre-beta now available to download, walkthrough now available for viewing

Darren Murph — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:04:00 EST

Let's face it: Chrome OS has been snagging all of the attention in the OS world here lately, but let us not forget about Jolicloud. The Linux-based system, which was designed to be installed onto existing netbooks without much of a fuss, has finally reached its public pre-beta stage. In other words, the 600MB .exe file is now out for you and yours to download and try, and according to our good pals over at Download Squad, it's well worth the effort. They seemed to have no issues whatsoever installing it as a second OS on their machine, and they went ahead and deemed it superior to Chrome OS' earliest build due to its ability to support "both native and web-based applications equally well." Their own tests found it to boot in just 15 seconds on an Eee PC netbook, but if you're still curious if dipping your toes is the best move, hop on past the break for a lengthy walkthrough video.

Continue reading Jolicloud pre-beta now available to download, walkthrough now available for viewing

Jolicloud pre-beta now available to download, walkthrough now available for viewing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's Chrome OS revealed -- with video!

Nilay Patel — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST

Google had a low-key event today to preview Chrome OS, its new operating system based on Linux and the Chrome browser. Things are still pretty early -- it's not even in beta yet, let alone on shipping products -- but that's the first official screen shot right there, and the big features are all roughed out. The entire system is web-based and runs in the Chrome browser -- right down to USB drive contents, which show up in a browser tab, and the notepad, which actually creates a Google Docs document. Web apps are launched from a persistent apps panel, which includes Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and Hulu, among others, and background apps like Google Talk can be minimized to "panels" that dock to the bottom of the screen. Local storage is just used to speed up the system -- everything actually lives in the cloud, so all it takes to swap or borrow machines is a login, and you're good to go. Google also said it's "very committed" to Flash, and that it's looking to hardware accelerate whatever code it can -- although Google didn't have a solid answer to give when asked about Silverlight. Overall, Google was upfront in saying that Chrome OS is focused on very clear use cases for people who primarily use the web, and that it's not trying to do everything: "If you're a lawyer, editing contracts back and forth, this will not be the right machine for you."

As far as going to market, Google's not talking details until the targeted launch at the end of next year, but Chrome OS won't run on just anything -- there'll be specific reference hardware. For example, Chrome OS won't work with standard hard drives, just SSDs, but Google is supporting both x86 and ARM CPUs. That also means you won't be able to just download Chrome OS and go, you'll have to buy a Chrome OS device approved by Google. Interesting move, for sure -- but since the entire OS is totally open-source as of today, we're sure it'll be hacked onto all kinds of hardware soon enough. (And for the record, the demo was run on an off-the-shelf Eee PC.) Check Google's intro videos after the break!

Gallery: Google Chrome OS event

Gallery: Google Chrome OS PR screenshots

Continue reading Google's Chrome OS revealed -- with video!

Google's Chrome OS revealed -- with video! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stanford's open-source camera could revolutionize photography, you'll still use 'Auto' mode

Darren Murph — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:10:00 EST

Here's the moment where you pretend that a breakthrough in a given industry would just revolutionize the way you do work, yet you know -- deep down in your heart -- that you'd never take advantage. Okay, so maybe you would, but your friend wouldn't. At any rate, a gaggle of boffins at Stanford have set out to "reinvent digital photography" with the advent of the open-source digital camera. The idea here is to give programmers the power to conjure up new software to teach old cameras new tricks, with the hope being to eliminate software limits that currently exist. In fact, a prototype shooter has already been developed, with the Frankencamera hinting at a future where owners can download apps to their devices and continuously improve its performance and add to its abilities. The actual science behind the concept is stupendously in-depth, so if you're thinking of holding off on that new Nikon or Canon in 2034, you might want to give the read link a look for a little more encouragement.

[Via HotHardware]

Continue reading Stanford's open-source camera could revolutionize photography, you'll still use 'Auto' mode

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Stanford's open-source camera could revolutionize photography, you'll still use 'Auto' mode originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia and Intel collaborating on new Linux-based phone OS called oFono

Nilay Patel — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:11:00 EST

Between Android and the myriad of LiMo builds out there, we're not sure the world needs another open-source phone operating system, but Nokia and Intel seem to think differently: the two behemoths have joined up to develop oFono, a Linux-based mobile OS for GSM handsets. We don't know many details, but he project seems to be pulling people from both Intel's Moblin initiative and Nokia's Maemo project, and job postings from a "major handset company" searching for a GUI designer in either Dallas or San Jose have appeared, so it sounds like something big is in the works. We'll see.

Read - oFono web site
Read - PhoneDog post about the job listing

Filed under: Nokia, Others, Linux, GSM

Nokia and Intel collaborating on new Linux-based phone OS called oFono originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia and Intel collaborating on new Linux-based phone OS called oFono

Nilay Patel — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:11:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia and Intel collaborating on new Linux-based phone OS called oFono originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shuttle intros Atom 330, SUSE Linux-packin' X270V nettop

Darren Murph — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:59:00 EST

Go 'head, Shuttle -- break on out of that shell! The company notorious for pumping out the same barebone rectangle with a different model name and a few extra ports has finally seen fit to do something a touch different, and what we're dealt is the X270V. This so-called Mini-PC relies on Intel's 1.6GHz Atom 330 to push the computations, while up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM keeps things in order. There's also gigabit Ethernet, 6-channel audio, a PS/2 connector for the retro folks, six USB sockets and VGA / DVI outputs. Shuttle also claims this bugger is energy efficient, though it doesn't go into great detail about just how much it'll save you each month. Oh, and it also comes loaded with openSUSE 11 (a Linux flavor, for those unaware). Interested? Move to Europe and plop down at least €299 ($390).

[Via Slashgear]

Gallery: Shuttle intros Atom 330, SUSE Linux-packin' X270V nettop

Filed under: Desktops

Shuttle intros Atom 330, SUSE Linux-packin' X270V nettop originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom becomes Linux licensee, minds are filled with wonder

Darren Murph — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:41:00 EST

Call it coincidence or call it fate, but nary a month after Microsoft filed a patent lawsuit against TomTom over Linux-based GPS systems, TomTom has just been taken into the warm, loving arms of the Open Invention Network. Said company, which was formed to "enable and protect Linux," has just extended the Linux ecosystem with the signing of TomTom as a licensee. What this means is that TomTom is now cleared to leverage the benefits of Linux and all patents owned by OIN; the only catch is that TomTom cannot "assert its patents against the Linux System." 'Course, TomTom has been friends with Linux for quite some time now, but this deal could lead to faster development and enhanced innovation compared to what we've seen in the past. Color us intrigued.

Filed under: GPS

TomTom becomes Linux licensee, minds are filled with wonder originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung: at least three Android phones and a LiMo handset in 2009

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:27:00 EST

While Acer unveiled its plan to launch a pair of Android phones this year via the slightly ancient pen-and-paper method, Samsung used an even trustier method: spoken word. According to Reuters, the company's head of product strategy Won-Pyo Hong affirmed that Sammy would sell "more than three" Android phones by the end of this year, and furthermore, it would "definitely" unwrap a phone using the LiMo Foundation's Linux-based software before 2010 dawns. Hong wouldn't disclose whether those Google-powered handsets would hit America, Europe or elsewhere first, but he did remark that both the US and Europe would be covered by the year's end. We'd love to say we're totally unaffected by such a tease, but c'mon, who has that kind of patience?

Filed under: Cellphones

Samsung: at least three Android phones and a LiMo handset in 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung: at least three Android phones and a LiMo handset in 2009

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Software, Samsung, Linux, Android

Samsung: at least three Android phones and a LiMo handset in 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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gOS Cloud instant-on OS shown on video

Darren Murph — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:18:00 EST

Good OS' latest operating system was just announced this week, but already some cool cat with a video camera and some serious credentials has managed to record a sneak peek. Quite honestly, the instant-on gOS Cloud system isn't all that amazing to watch tick, but if you're looking for a brief glimpse at what's apt to be fleshed out at CES, head on south of the break.

Continue reading gOS Cloud instant-on OS shown on video

Filed under: Laptops

gOS Cloud instant-on OS shown on video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kogan intros world's second Android phone: Agora / Agora Pro

Darren Murph — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:23:00 EST

We'll be totally honest -- we pretty much blew Ruslan Kogan off when he proclaimed that he was about to push out a $199 Android phone by the year's end. And truthfully, the guy still hasn't totally delivered, but you won't find us kvetching about more Googlephones, regardless of MSRP. The Agora (AU$299; US$192) and Agora Pro (AU$399; US$256) are available for pre-order as we speak, though neither one is scheduled to ship out until the end of January. For those unfamiliar with Kogan, it's an online-only enterprise that has wares built specifically to its dimensions in China, and so far as we can tell, it's as legit as they come. As for specs, the Agora packs a 2.5-inch touchscreen (320 x 240), 3G networking, a backlit QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth 2.0 and a microSD card slot; the Pro adds in GPS, 2-megapixel camera and WiFi. So, with unsubsidized prices this low, are you willing to take a chance?

[Via iTWire]

Filed under: Cellphones

Kogan intros world's second Android phone: Agora / Agora Pro originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kogan intros world's second Android phone: Agora / Agora Pro

Darren Murph — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:23:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Android

Kogan intros world's second Android phone: Agora / Agora Pro originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia could give Linux a spin in high-end mobiles

Darren Murph — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:29:00 EST

To anyone even remotely familiar with Nokia's history, this tidbit won't come as a surprise at all. In fact, we've been hearing "Linux" and "Nokia" in the same sentence for years. At Nokia World in Barcelona -- the same place where the almighty N97 (pictured) was unveiled -- Ukko Lappalainen, vice president at Nokia's markets unit, informed Reuters that "in the longer perspective, Linux will become a serious alternative for our high-end phones." Potentially more interesting was his followup line: "I don't see anything in Android which would make it better than Linux maemo." Quite frankly, we'd be entirely more interested if this was some revolutionary epiphany, but it's basically just more of the same song and dance. Now, if an N98 pops out next month with a freakishly awesome and nimble mobile variant of Ubuntu, well -- that's a horse of a different color.

[Via LinuxDevices]

Filed under: Handsets, Software, Nokia, Linux

Nokia could give Linux a spin in high-end mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia could give Linux a spin in high-end mobiles

Darren Murph — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:29:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia could give Linux a spin in high-end mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fedora 10 goes live: your download awaits

Darren Murph — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:12:00 EST

Just six short months after Fedora 9 hit the tubes, in flies Fedora 10 to give you something new to tinker with over Thanksgiving break. The latest iteration of the Linux-based OS bundles in OpenOffice 3.0 and touts a "wide range of improvements in areas such as virtualization management, networking, boot time and security." Don't mind us, though -- you can delve as deep as you like in the release notes while your download progresses.

[Via PC World]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Fedora 10 goes live: your download awaits originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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