Engadget

OWC unleashes Mercury Aura Pro Express 6G SSD, peps up your 2011 MacBook Air

Joe Pollicino — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:22:00 EST

So, you've got a 2011 MacBook Air, and you say its SSD's read / write speeds are letting you down? Well, Other World Computing would be happy to quell your woes with its SandForce-equipped Mercury Aura Pro Express 6G. The company's latest storage upgrade steps things up from its 3Gb/s versions, promising to get your tasks zooming with consistent speeds of "over 500MB/s" (achieved by utilizing the '11 Air's SATA Revision 3.0, 6Gb/s bus). The 120GB variant will set you back a wallet-thinning $350, while 240GBs will cost you a whopping 600 bones -- hey, no one ever said performance like this comes cheap. They're available now from OWC, and you'll find full details in the PR past the break.

Continue reading OWC unleashes Mercury Aura Pro Express 6G SSD, peps up your 2011 MacBook Air

OWC unleashes Mercury Aura Pro Express 6G SSD, peps up your 2011 MacBook Air originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Huawei U8230 (in other words, the one that isn't the Pulse) gets reviewed

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:55:00 EST

Huawei's on the cusp of making a pretty serious Android push in Europe with the recent introduction of its Pulse on T-Mobile and this little puppy, the U8230, which -- let's be honest, is shaping up to be little more than a Pulse remix for countries where T-Mobile doesn't do business. In fact, it seems to be the same thing from a hardware perspective (right down to the 3.5-inch HVGA display and unfortunate 2.5mm headphone jack), so you can almost look at as a prime application of HTC's classic strategy of re-skinning devices for different carriers and markets around the world. Anyhow, PointGPhone has had a chance to screw around with a proper U8230, coming away with the conclusions you might expect -- it's an interesting play at the right price point, but with that sluggish 528MHz performance, limited on-board storage, and inexplicably missing 3.5mm jack, you might be better off looking elsewhere. Not to say we have an option in the States, anyhow.

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, Android

Huawei U8230 (in other words, the one that isn't the Pulse) gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sciphone's Android-toting N21 unboxed, dual SIM slots caught rockin' the suburbs

Darren Murph — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:52:00 EST

It may look a lot like the General Mobile DSTL1, but SciPhone's N21 still has its very own soul. Our BFFs over at Engadget Chinese were able to wrangle one in, and naturally they took the opportunity to score a photo shoot and host it for the world to see. There aren't too many surprises to be found, but if you're looking for a pinch of KIRF, twin SIM slots, a 5 megapixel camera and the not-exactly-newest version of Google's mobile operating system, you know where to look.

Filed under: Handsets, Others

Sciphone's Android-toting N21 unboxed, dual SIM slots caught rockin' the suburbs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ViewSonic heats up phone collection, V901 spotted on Microsoft China site

Ross Miller — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:33:00 EST

In just one week, ViewSonic has gone from a glint of a 3G phone maker to having two models prominently on display. We've already seen VPC08 Windows XP phone, and now up to bat is the V901, found in the pages of Microsoft China's official site. The Windows Mobile 6.5, apparently TouchWiz-skinned device has a 3.6-inch, 480 x 800 touchscreen, a Marvell PXA310 processor, 128MB RAM and 256MB ROM storage with microSD expansion, 5 megapixel camera, GPS, Bluetooth, all hailing to the wavelengths we call CDMA EV-DO Rev. A. Launch is Q4 2009, so sometime very soon -- but we get the feeling this is China-only, at least for now.

[Via iTech News Net]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

ViewSonic heats up phone collection, V901 spotted on Microsoft China site originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Mini 3i unboxed in China, capacitive stylus included

Richard Lai — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:39:00 EST

One lucky Chinese blogger was kind enough to share his Dell Mini 3i unboxing experience beyond the Great Firewall, just a tad before Dell officially announced their first-ever smartphone. What's interesting is that the China Mobile version comes with a special stylus for the capacitive touchscreen -- a very handy tool for writing Chinese -- but there's been no mention of this accessory for the Brazilian 3iX. Dell's also bundled a 3.5mm adapter for the mini-USB port in case their handsfree isn't good enough for your audiophilic ears. Yeah, too bad about the missing headphone jack, but don't let this deter you from checking out the Mini 3i's full glory after the break.

Continue reading Dell Mini 3i unboxed in China, capacitive stylus included

Filed under: Handsets, Others, China Mobile, Android

Dell Mini 3i unboxed in China, capacitive stylus included originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Mini 3i officially set for imminent launch in Brazil and China

Vlad Savov — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:31:00 EST

It would appear those leaked and unintentional early peeks at Dell's first foray into smartphones did not happen in Brazil and China by accident. Hans Erickson of Dell Latin America has announced the decision to "give priority" to those two countries, who will be first to experience the Mini 3i's Android glory, with China receiving devices "in the coming days" and Brazil getting 'em later this year. Interestingly, China Mobile will be making do without 3G, while Brazil's Claro will be offering a 3G-enabled handset. Dell remains mum on pricing and the rest of the spec, though all the information so far indicates that Brazilians will be able to buy the same WiFi-packing FCC-certified 3iX handset that's heading to the US. Either way, we've got another heavyweight's presence in the smartphone market, and we'll be even happier once we know what Dell's value-add will be.

Update: Official Dell press release is out making it clear that this is just the "initial" smartphone from Dell.

[Via Yahoo! Brazil, thanks Marcos R.]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, China Mobile, Android

Dell Mini 3i officially set for imminent launch in Brazil and China originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu's splitting F-04B cellphone gets tested, found to contain no Energon cubes

Tim Stevens — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:13:00 EST

Sometimes you want a phone with a physical keyboard. Sometimes you want one that fits in the back pocket of your skinny jeans. And sometimes, when you're feeling really crazy, you want one with a pico projector. Impossible dream? Not if you're Fujitsu, who have made official the bizarre splitting F-04B first showed as a prototype last year, and AkihabaraNews has managed a hands-on. Both the touchscreen and keyboard portions operate independently and connect via Bluetooth, as does the 854 x 480 projector that can clip on in place of the keyboard. Overall impressions are good, the phone said to be a bit too bulky with the keyboard attached but quite fit with just the screen, and though that LCD didn't get high marks for responsiveness, the 12.2 megapixel camera did. If you're looking for price or release info you're out of luck, but we'd advise against getting any hopes up. We know, it's hard.

Filed under: Handsets, Others

Fujitsu's splitting F-04B cellphone gets tested, found to contain no Energon cubes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola might be looking to sell set-top business, we've got $5 on it

Richard Lawler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:52:00 EST

We mostly have a tolerate - hate relationship with the Motorola branded boxes (though it's probably the software's fault) delivered to us by various pay-TV providers, but the possibility floated today by the Wall Street Journal that the company could be looking to sell its set-top biz piques our interest. Though real details beyond a potential $4.5 billion price tag are scant, what can't be ignored is the conspicuous timing of this news, immediately after the launch of the latest Call of Duty. While someone at Moto may be trying to avoid another Ryan Block takeover attempt from his new digs at gdgt, we figure if someone can pull him off the Xbox 360 long enough to rattle a saber in the general direction of Schaumburg, Illinois, in 18 months or so there should be a sleek, sexy Android powered DVR croaking out annoying sounds every time we record a new show.

Filed under: Industry, Others

Motorola might be looking to sell set-top business, we've got $5 on it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile Tap and webConnect Jet now available

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:31:00 EST

Looking for a cheap full touch handset or a USB stick with 3G capability for T-Mobile? Heck, why not both? The self-branded Tap intro'd last month has now hit retail, bringing a 2 megapixel cam, GPS, stereo Bluetooth, and a choice of two hunger-inducing colors for $79.99 on contract. Coming alongside the Tap is the webConnect Jet USB modem, which can find its way into your shopping cart for as little as zero dollars -- $50 less than the older webConnect it slides next to in the lineup. Drop Android onto that feisty little Tap, sell it for the same price, and we're pretty sure we'd have a winner on our hands -- next year, perhaps?

Read - webConnect Jet
Read - T-Mobile Tap (Berry)
Read - T-Mobile Tap (Midnight Blue)

Filed under: Handsets, Peripherals, Others, T-Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

T-Mobile Tap and webConnect Jet now available originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NTT DoCoMo, Softbank announce grand total of 37 phones: Android, perfume holders, and more

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:51:00 EST

When two of Japan's largest mobile carriers conspire to release nearly 40 phones in the span of 24 hours, editors covering the story are sure to lose hair and a solid year of lifespan -- but for consumers in the local market, it's nothing but good news. Here are some of the highlights from NTT DoCoMo:

Fujtsu F-02B: Described as a "jewelry quality" phone with a snap-on perfume holder for "an air of elegance."
LG L-03B: Has support for Korean, Japanese, and English for frequent travelers (in other words, English speakers, if you find yourself on this archipelago and you don't speak a lick of the local tongue, seek out this phone).
Sharp SH-04B: Designed to look like a melting chocolate bar by food-themed wardrobe accessory maker Q-Pot -- for some reason we don't fully comprehend.
Fujitsu F-04B: Realizing the concept shown off at CEATEC last year, this one features a removable keyboard that operates via Bluetooth and a 12.1 megapixel camera.
Panasonic P-01B: This flip looks like pretty much every other in the lineup, but its got a secret -- the keypad doubles as a touchpad. Clever.
Samsung SC-01B: Samsung's Windows Mobile 6.5-powered entry here appears to be a remix of the B7330 sold globally, which makes it about 1,000 times weaker than every other phone in the lineup.

And from Softbank:

Sharp AQUOS Mobile FULLTOUCH 941SH: All we need to say about this one is "4-inch 1024 x 480 display," which, as you might be able to imagine, is a world's first.
Sharp AQUOS Mobile 943SH: Dual one-seg tuners let you watch one program and record another, and a mention of transferring Blu-ray content has us thinking that Managed Copy is along for the ride.
Toshiba dynapocket X02T: Remember how NTT DoCoMo had previously gotten the TG01 as the T01A? Yeah, well, now it's Softbank's turn -- and this time, it's called the X02A. Not much more to it than that.
Samsung X01SC: This looks to be a localized version of AT&T's Samsung Jack, of all phones, meaning that it's a Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard phone (no touchscreen) with a QVGA display and portrait QWERTY keyboard.
Sharp 942SH KT: No lineup would be complete without the obligatory Hello Kitty marketing tie-in, and the 942SH KT does the honors this time around with a black shell featuring stylized pink text and graphics.
Samsung OMNIA VISION 940SC: Samsung's now-famous OMNIA brand comes to Softbank on the wings of a 3.5-inch AMOLED display, one-seg tuner, and kickstand for desktop viewing.
Sharp Jelly Beans 840SH: We don't think you'd want to try eating it, but the 840SH comes in seven colors -- hence the name, we think.
Android: The simply-named Android runs -- you guessed it -- Android with a 3.7 inch AMOLED display and 1GHz Snapdragon processor; unfortunately, it won't be available until next Spring and the manufacturer isn't being revealed right now.

Both companies are also adding wireless digital photo frames to the lineup, and in Softbank's case, a pair of data modems with support for 7.2Mbps on the downlink. We'll admit -- we didn't think we'd live to see the day when Canada had three live networks with data rates trouncing Japan's.

Read - Softbank Winter '09 / Spring '10 collection
Read - NTT DoCoMo's new series

Filed under: Others, Samsung, Windows Mobile, NTT DoCoMo, Softbank Mobile, Android

NTT DoCoMo, Softbank announce grand total of 37 phones: Android, perfume holders, and more originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keepin' it real fake, part CCXL: HTC Hero gets iPhone flair

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST

It's just like the old riddle: what looks like a Hero, thinks it's an iPhone, and does double-duty as an old-school FM handheld? Why, it's the TVG3 -- and when combined with some prototypical shanzhai flair, its (con)fusion of attributes from all over the cellphone space make this one a stunning exemplar of KIRFness. Behold! 3.2-inch touchscreen, G-sensor (aka gyroscope), dual sims, Bluetooth, WiFi, built-in TV tuner, HTC looks and an almost-iPhone UI: not bad for $130, eh? In case you won't be in Shenzhen any time soon, you can get a closer look after the break.

[Thanks, Jules H]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake, part CCXL: HTC Hero gets iPhone flair

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM

Keepin' it real fake, part CCXL: HTC Hero gets iPhone flair originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T intros USBConnect Lightning for 7.2Mbps service

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:00 EST

When you're rolling out a new 7.2Mbps upgrade to your network, it naturally helps if you've got some compliant hardware in the stable -- so to that end, AT&T has announced its USBConnect Lightning from Sierra Wireless today. Apart from 7.2Mbps downlink capability, the new model's little more than a run-of-the-mill USB stick so there's not a lot to say about it, though it features a trick swiveling USB connector that should make the thing more likely to work with unusual (and unusually tight) port configurations. It'll be available on November 22 for free after rebate on contract, just in time for service launches in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami expected by the end of the year.

Filed under: Peripherals, Others, ATT, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, HSUPA

AT&T intros USBConnect Lightning for 7.2Mbps service originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobiado keeps going with the analog clock meme, intros Professional 105GMT Stealth and Antique

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:32:00 EST

When you hear "ability to see 3 time zones simultaneously" quoted as a feature on a phone, you generally don't expect two of those three to be expressed as analog Swiss movements -- unless you own Mobiado's absurd Professional 105GMT, of course, which features two old-fashioned clocks directly below the keypad. Weird, yes; excessive, most definitely, but excess is what luxury phones tend to be all about these days, and in that regard, the 105GMT definitely fits the bill. To that end, Mobiado has just introduced two new versions of the model, the Antique -- with watch faces crafted in rare Cocobolo wood -- and the Stealth, which is as "murdered out" as a phone gets (as the kids would say) thanks to gunmetal black treatment everywhere you look. Both phones are hard to find and even harder to pay for with stickers that run into the thousands of dollars, but the good news is that if you're weird enough to drop that kind of coin on a phone, we bet you probably don't care that it's only got a 2 megapixel camera.

[Via mobile-review]

Read - Professional 105GMT Antique
Read - Professional 105GMT Stealth

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Mobiado keeps going with the analog clock meme, intros Professional 105GMT Stealth and Antique originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go

Richard Lawler — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST

Microsoft delivered the first half of two promised ATI Digital Cable Tuner-related updates as the 1.19.12.09050155 firmware update is now available from Windows Update (listed with the optional udates) that will relax the way it handles DRM on its recordings and add support for Switched Digital Video. With the new update applied, all Copy Freely-marked programing will be recorded without DRM allowing you to move it between PCs, convert it to another format or whatever you wish with ease, however as our hands on experience with the new firmware indicated you'll still need your cable provider to pass along the right bits to make it all operate properly. Still waiting in the wings is the Advisor Utility that will allow Digital Cable Tuners to work with any PC, no OEM purchase or hacking skills required.

[Thanks, Rob]

Filed under: Media PCs, Others, Cable

ATI DCT Firmware update pops up on Windows Update, DRM-free MCE recordings & SDV are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saygus VPhone V1 hits the FCC, headed for Verizon next?

Donald Melanson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:26:00 EST

We had some indication that Verizon would have a third Android device ready by early 2010 in addition to the DROID and ERIS -- one that may be boosted by the carrier's Open Development program -- and it looks like the FCC may have now given us our first real look at it. While it's obviously still unconfirmed as of yet, this Saygus VPhone V1 phone that recently sailed through the agency certainly seems to fit the bill, and the company has even gone so far as to not so subtly feature an article about a Verizon's mysterious third Android device on its own website. As you can see, however, the phone itself doesn't exactly do too much to stand out from the current crop of Android sliders, but it should hold its own when it comes to specs. That includes a 3.5-inch 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, a 624MHz Marvell PXA310 processor, a 5-megapixel camera, a second, front-facing camera for video calls, built-in GPS, WiFi, a microSD card slot and even an FM radio, among other standard fare. Still no indication of that rumored WiFi tethering out of the box, unfortunately, but we're guessing this one could win quite a few fans if that pans out -- and, of course, if it's actually the real thing.

[Via SlashGear]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Verizon Wireless, Android

Saygus VPhone V1 hits the FCC, headed for Verizon next? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dolby's spreading the word, reaching out to eyes and ears

Steven Kim — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:19:00 EST

Our trip to Dolby's San Francisco lab facility was mind-blowingly great, but it turns out that the company is ramping up efforts to let you get behind the "double D" logo. Things have come a long way from optically-encoded film audio and analog tape noise reduction, so Dolby just launched a campaign to bring everybody up to speed on how much higher your grin factor will be if you treat yourself to great surround sound in your home and on-the-go audio setup, no matter if music, movies or games are your cup o' tea. Fire up your browser and hit the links below -- the company is blanketing the webisphere with a microsite, special twitter activity (a little birdie mentioned the magical "giveaway" word), YouTube and flickr. Things will get really fun, however, if you push back from the keyboard, venture into the sunlight and get yourself into the Dolby truck as it makes the rounds at special events around California. Planned stops for the funhouse on wheels are in the links below; you'll see why we'd like to "borrow" this little rig chock-full-of audio wizardry to go alongside our own CES double-wide.

Read - truck schedule
Read - campaign microsite
Read - twitter feed
Read - YouTube
Read - Dolby's flickr feed

Continue reading Dolby's spreading the word, reaching out to eyes and ears

Filed under: Industry, Others

Dolby's spreading the word, reaching out to eyes and ears originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RVU Alliance gets Motorola, Pace, Thomson and others to dream the multiroom dream

Richard Lawler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:22:00 EST

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.

Filed under: Industry, Set-top boxes, Others

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.

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North American version of T-Mobile Pulse gets FCC approval, but for which carrier?

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:07:00 EST

Android-powered handsets are still rare enough so that the world can't afford to segment them by continent -- when a big model comes out, it's pretty much got to go everywhere. Okay, correction: it doesn't have to go everywhere, but we certainly want it to -- and fortunately, it looks like some lucky carrier in the Americas is signed up for the Huawei U8220. You might know this puppy better as the Pulse over on T-Mobile in Europe, and a new variant of the device -- model number U8220-6 -- has just garnered FCC approval in the past few days with 3G on the 850 and 1900MHz bands. That means Bell, Telus, Rogers, Fido, and AT&T could all be on tap to get this one; we doubt that AT&T would make its inaugural Android plunge with a midrange Huawei, but stranger things have happened.

[Via androphones.com, thanks Silver]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, Android

North American version of T-Mobile Pulse gets FCC approval, but for which carrier? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10 orders up the 'hands-on special'

Darren Murph — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST

Bang & Olufsen may be irrelevant to those with annual salaries having fewer than six digits to the left of the decimal (or comma, if that's how you roll), but even the laypeople can't help but drool at a spectacle such as this. The BeoVision 10 has just landed down across the pond at Electric Pig, and they were kind enough to snap a few shots and show 'em to the world. The £6,000 price tag is definitely a stunner, but those lucky enough to lay eyes on it have said that it just might be worth it -- if money ain't a thang, you know.

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD

Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10 orders up the 'hands-on special' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Mini 3iX has WiFi, 3G, and a number of leaked UI photos

Ross Miller — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:08:00 EST

You know what's ridiculous? Modern smartphones without WiFi (why hello there, Pixi and Tour). Looks like Dell's getting the message with the supposed Brazil-bound Mini 3iX, which as far as we can tell is the Mini 3i as it should've been -- same specs, plus WiFi and 3G connectivity. The OPhone-esque user interface also seems to have gone through some changes, at least cosmetically, and Cellular Cafe has the vivid imagery -- so might this be the little guy rumored to be coming to AT&T, or will we get the 2G variant instead? How about we just skip this one altogether and get the Streak?

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Android

Dell Mini 3iX has WiFi, 3G, and a number of leaked UI photos originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TAG Heuer Meridiist Lamborghini model announced, snickered at

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:36:00 EST

In the market for an over-priced luxury handset? Do you equate luxury with a brand name, snakeskin, perhaps even a feature phone with all but the barest of "features?" You're in luck! Once again looking to give Vertu a run for its money, Tag Heuer has upped the ante with its newest, the Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini. In addition to that world famous 1.9-inch sapphire crystal display, 2 megapixel camera, media player, Bluetooth, and roughly seven hours of talk time, this guy throws the Lamborghini logo into the mix. Available in a limited edition of 1963 (the date that its namesake was first sold), look for it sometime this month at selected TAG Heuer and Lamborghini retailers -- which we're sure you frequent anyways. PR after the break.

[Via Pursuitist]

Continue reading TAG Heuer Meridiist Lamborghini model announced, snickered at

Filed under: Handsets, Others

TAG Heuer Meridiist Lamborghini model announced, snickered at originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed

Darren Murph — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST

Back in late July, we weren't aware of when Onkyo's fancy ND-S1 iPod dock would ship. Now, we're not only certain that the £144 ($235) digital media transport is shipping across the pond, but we've stumbled upon a critique for those wondering if such an outlay is justified. After slamming their iPod touch into the device and connecting it to their reference speaker system, they came away duly impressed; in practically every scenario, using the external DAC in this box led to clearer, more precise audio compared to signals coming straight out of the iPod. In fact, reviewers went so far as to call this unit "peerless," though they did mention that it's really only good for those already satisfied with their existing speaker setuip. Of course, you could just opt for an audiophile-approved media player, but then you wouldn't be able to experience the joy and elation that comes with relying on iTunes. Right?

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

Onkyo's iPod-lovin' ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paradigm ships its Special Edition speakers

Steven Kim — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

The winning record Paradigm's Special Edition (SE) series of speakers racked up in blind testing piqued our interest, but now it's time for John Q. Public to take the taste test. If the promise of Studio-like sonics at Monitor-ish price points holds, the SE series should help Paradigm add customers to its ranks, that's for sure. If you're chasing after a matched surround setup, it's simple -- pick between bookshelf (SE 1, $299 each) or floorstander (SE 3, $699 each) left/right channels, and then add in an SE center ($499), SE subwoofer ($699), and additional SE 1s as surrounds to your heart's content. As you'd expect from Paradigm, there's some emphasis on high-efficiency -- so you can bet that these will sing well together, even with a smaller amp. Judging from the press photo, the cabinets are a little boxy, but the glossy finish (in slimming black, no less) and radiused edges should help you sneak these into your setup. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Paradigm ships its Special Edition speakers

Filed under: Speakers, Others

Paradigm ships its Special Edition speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

Darren Murph — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST

When we first caught wind of HDI's "world's first laser-based 3D HDTV," we were cautiously hopeful that it'd be ready to go (at least as a prototype) at CES 2010. Looks like we may actually get our wish, as the company has today announced that its magical set has reached the manufacturing stage. What's it all mean? It means that the set is being fast-tracked for release in 2010, meaning that you're just months away from having stereoscopic 1,920 x 1,080 content in your living room... provided there's actually any programming to view, that is. Of course, it'll handle the 2D stuff too, and the twin RGP LCoS micro-display imagers in there ought to provide plenty of crisp imagery regardless of the source. We're still not sure if the Woz-approved 100-inch version that's being shown to curious onlookers is the size that'll be pumped out to the mainstream, but we're hoping for at least a few smaller siblings for those of us with last names other than Kennedy, Gates, Buffet and Ellison.

Gallery: HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

Continue reading HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCoS

HDI's laser-driven 3D HDTV hits production, should ship next year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Darren Murph — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST

VIZIO sure ends up in a whole lot of legal battles, but one way or another, it always seems to find its way out in the long run. Such is the case once again today, as the current LCD TV king has apparently said all the right things to Sony. If you'll recall, Sony (along with a slew of others) filed suit against Vizio awhile back over patent licensing concerns, but now it seems the two have reached a mutual agreement to use each other's technologies without bickering over who owns what. The release on the matter states that Sony "has become a licensee under VIZIO's patent portfolio," and that "VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony's color television patent portfolio." Who knows how much under-the-table cash and shaky promises had to be passed along in order to make everyone happy, but hey, a problem solved is a problem solved.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Update: Sony's response to all of this is after the break, courtesy of a company spokesperson who pinged us directly.

Continue reading Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD

Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video)

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:00 EST

MTube, known most famously in these parts for its diminutive, WiMAX-sportin' media player, seems to be putting some time and effort into Android as of late. While the MTube II hybrid Android / XP / tablet / netbook has certainly inspired its share of techno-lust, the Android MID hits us where it counts: in front of the television. The unholy union of a handheld and a multimedia controller, this guy lets you drag and drop video from the device to your TV, stream media to the TV or vice versa, and transfer files between multiple MTubes -- all this in addition to the core functionality of the OS. Details are still scant: although we know it's rocking an ARM Processor, a 7.6-inch 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen OLED, and Android 1.6, there's no word on storage or memory, or even how the video is streamed (we think that WiFi might be a good guess). As it stands, the thing is most certainly not ready for prime time (as becomes painfully obvious when the system crashes at 1 minute 45 seconds), but as a taste of things to come we're definitely intrigued. Peep the video after the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video)

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

MTube Android MID streams media to the TV and back via touchscreen (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST

"Very fast," "a dream," "fantastic." It looks like you can add "on hiatus" to the list of superlatives -- at least for the time being. That boffo Sky Player that Microsoft debuted for the Xbox 360? "Suspended." Why, you ask? "Due to an unforeseen technical issue." Luckily for Britons and ex-pats, the £15 monthly service should resume tomorrow, barring any further technical issues. In the meantime, it looks like the poor avatar above will be stuck watching Benny Hill on Netflix like the rest of us. Statement after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360

Filed under: Media streamers, Others, Internet

Microsoft temporarily suspends Sky Player for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bell announces HSPA+ Turbo Stick, MiFi for shiny new network

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:12:00 EST

What good is a brand new 21Mbps beast of a network without some hardcore data devices ready to take advantage of it? Not much good at all, which is why Canada's Bell Mobility is Johnny-on-the-spot this week with a couple hardware announcements. First up, there'll be an aptly named HSPA+ Turbo Stick, which -- you guessed it -- is a USB stick capable of blazing along at HSPA+ speeds. Next up, lucky customers will be getting the MiFi 2372 from Novatel, the North American 3G version that we'd all love for AT&T to launch at some point. Both devices will be swinging by in November, just in time to christen the brand new towers on a high note.

Filed under: Others, Bell Mobility, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, HSUPA

Bell announces HSPA+ Turbo Stick, MiFi for shiny new network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AUO previews lots of fancy displays, clownfish-approved 1080p 14-inch OLED monitor

Tim Stevens — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:09:00 EST

FPD International 2009 is nearly upon us, and as we've seen in years past it's a time of wondrous innovation and gratuitous side-shots of impossibly thin displays. Leading off the pack this year is AUO, teasing a number of new panels and technologies that may or may not rock your living rooms sometime in the next two to four years. Chief among them is a 14-inch, 1080p OLED display with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and 16 million colors. There will also be a range of switchable and glasses-free 2D/3D displays ranging from 8- to 65-inches, a ridiculously wide 58-inch 2.35:1 TV with a 2560 x 1080 resolution, and, naturally, a skinny LCD -- in this case the 65-inch beauty pictured below that's just 7.9mm on the Z plane despite pumping out a claimed 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Good stuff? Yes. The craziest displays we'll see this week? Not a chance.

[Via OLED-Display.net]

Continue reading AUO previews lots of fancy displays, clownfish-approved 1080p 14-inch OLED monitor

Filed under: Displays, Others, LCD, OLED

AUO previews lots of fancy displays, clownfish-approved 1080p 14-inch OLED monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dedicated Android partner SciPhone brings N19, N21 to market

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST

You've got to give these guys credit -- SciPhone has been creating bizarre Android-powered devices of both the KIRF and original-design variety basically since day one of the platform's existence, and two of its latest and greatest models are now available for purchase. Actually, attributing these two to SciPhone specifically is a bit unfair; the N19 appears to be a rebrand of that awesome Broncho A1 Storm KIRF we saw not long ago (shouldn't they be copying the Storm2 now?) while the N21 looks like a dead ringer for the General Mobile DSTL1, right down to the 5 megapixel cam and dual SIM slots. We'd say "we'll pass" without a second thought, but at $150 and $235, respectively, it gives you... well, at least a solid two seconds of pause, doesn't it?

[Via Cloned In China]

Read - SciPhone N19
Read - SciPhone N21

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM, Android

Dedicated Android partner SciPhone brings N19, N21 to market originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST

Here we are plunged headlong into Q4 and we know what you're thinking: "What's up with ZillionTV?" You know, the company that whetted our appetites with its promise of a "free" (unless you count the one-time $99 setup fee as free, which we don't), ad-based streaming content and whose finely rendered set-top boxes were due out before the end of the year? According to a hot tip sent to Zatz Not Funny!, the company's pilot program is not only in full swing, but expanding -- that's the good news. Unfortunately, it looks like there is quite a bit of turmoil within the company itself that might serve to delay the device beyond even its new estimated 2010 target date, including: a 30 staff reduction, a new CEO, and the fact that the sexy product renders have been superseded by a box that looks, well, about as un-sexy as you can get. We'll keep our ears to the ground on this story -- in the meantime, there are a couple more pics after the break to tide you over.

Continue reading ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch

Filed under: Media streamers, Set-top boxes, Others

ZilionTV expands pilot program, delays product launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novatel MiFi 2200 gets new firmware, now stays on even when you don't need it

Tim Stevens — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST

If you're using one of the various MiFi incarnations, you may have been slightly annoyed at the thing shutting itself down after a few minutes of inactivity. It's a lovely feature to save juice when running disconnected -- a little less desirable when running on AC. There's a new firmware in town and it does away with such bad behavior whilst also adding better compatibility with the Nintendo DS and BlackBerry Curve. It's not an automatic update, though, so you'll need to dig through some menus to make the magic happen, but we're sure you can figure it out. (If you get stuck, the read link has pictures.)

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Filed under: Others, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Misc, Accessories

Novatel MiFi 2200 gets new firmware, now stays on even when you don't need it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobiado's Grand 350 Pioneer is fit for an extraterrestrial

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:38:00 EST

Say your phone is accidentally lost in the void of space, never to be seen or touched by a human being again. Wouldn't it be comforting to know that any alien creature coming in contact with it a hundred, a thousand, or a million years from now would be able to deduce that you come in peace? With luxury phone maker Mobiado's latest version of the Grand 350, finally, you have that option available to you. As its name suggests, the 350 Pioneer is some sort of oddly-conceived tribute to NASA's Pioneer missions that features an engraving similar to the ones launched on its early craft; it describes our solar system, Earth's orientation within it, and basically tries to let your foreign friend know that you mean no harm using diagrams alone. The out-of-this-world spec sheet doesn't end there, though: you also get a meteorite embedded behind the display's sapphire crystal and etched text on the side letting everyone know your commitment to supporting the Pioneer program in as gaudy a way as possible. The Nokia E71-based phone is limited to just 37 examples, so you'd better get in line now -- and don't forget your space suit.

[Via Mobile Phone Helpdesk]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Mobiado's Grand 350 Pioneer is fit for an extraterrestrial originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GeeksPhone One now available for pre-order, launching in Spain this December

Ross Miller — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:37:00 EST

Apparently not pushed back until January, GeeksPhone's Android-imbued smartphone, the One, is launching in Spain this December, recently-added physical keyboard and all. So far, the limited edition run will not be crossing Spanish borders on its own, but we doubt that'll stop any interested parties on foreign land. Final price will be 285 euro (US $427), 22 of which is all you need to put down to reserve yours today.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Android

GeeksPhone One now available for pre-order, launching in Spain this December originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players

Richard Lawler — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:23:00 EST

Though they've been floating around retail channels for a few weeks, Best Buy and Netflix have finally made official a partnership bringing streaming to the latest Insignia Blu-ray players. The NS-BRDVD3 runs $179, while the NS-WBRDVD edition tosses in WiFi for $20 more, while they won't stream out of the box, a firmware update just made available should add all that Watch Instantly goodness. These two keep the (we'll be nice and call it plain) styling of earlier models, and likely live up to the family reputation of "basic Blu-ray playback at a bargain" reported on the second generation of players. Of course, the BD-P1600 offers more features and a nicer reputation at about the same price, but Reward Zone members may want to think twice, with AVS Forum posters mentioning the NS-BRDVD3 can be had for just $99.99 through the 24th. Decisions, decisions.

Read - Best Buy and Netflix Announce Partnership to Instantly Stream Movies Over the Internet Via Latest Models of Insignia Blu-ray Disc Players
Read - Save $50 On Select INSIGNIA(R) Connected Blu-ray Disc[TM] Players with Netflix [Via AVS Forum]

Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Others, Internet

Netflix, Best Buy deal brings Watch Instantly streaming to even cheaper Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HiPhone F320: 'a rotary phone and an iPod nano walk into a bar...'

Darren Murph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:03:00 EST

With a name like HiPhone, it has to be good, right? Totally. The outfit famous for knocking off RIM's BlackBerry Storm in impressive fashion is back, this time with a psychedelic mishmash that could make even the most hardened soul chuckle once or twice. The F320 is -- as you can so clearly see above -- a terribly funny combination of iPod nano and rotary phone, and while we wouldn't trust the specifications for a minute, we're told that it's a dual-band GSM handset with a built-in multimedia player, FM tuner, camera, 2.6-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth. There's no mention of a price (unless you're willing to commit to buying a few hundred), but trust us, it's better that way.

[Via PMP Today]

Filed under: Handsets, Others

HiPhone F320: 'a rotary phone and an iPod nano walk into a bar...' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile Tap coming November 11, Samsung Behold II on November 18?

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:12:00 EST

The CLIQ might be getting the lion's share of the Android spotlight on T-Mobile at the moment, but it's not the only Google-equipped gear in the carrier's pipeline -- the other big news there would be the Behold II from Samsung, a logical successor to the myTouch 3G with an AMOLED display and 5 megapixel cam. Seems like there's a little bit of a wait left, because TmoNews has scored some launch documentation suggesting that they're planning on a November 18 to get it pushed out to the public (and let's be honest, we'd all rather have that positively sick nasty myTouch Fender Limited Edition anyhow). Moving our attention downmarket, there's apparently a self-branded (read: a manufacturer you've never heard of) full touch device called the "Tap" that'll be hitting on the 11th of next month, likely slotting in below the Highlight in the carrier's range. No offense, there, Tap, but we're going to have to take a Behold II over ya.

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Samsung, T-Mobile, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS, Android

T-Mobile Tap coming November 11, Samsung Behold II on November 18? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku XR adds 802.11n, USB port and a longing for something more

Darren Murph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:37:00 EST

Hard though it may be to believe, the Roku has been rockin' the lives of Netflix fanatics for nearly 1.5 years, and if you were thinking an updated version was in order, you'd be on the right train of thought. Images delivered to us today prove that a refreshed iteration is on the horizon, with the Roku XR (model number N1101) retaining the same overall look and feel as the original but adding in niceties like 802.11n wireless support, a USB socket (presumably for loading up media locally) and a 2.5A power input (as opposed to 1.5A). You can also see that the dedicated reset button has been yanked and the bundled remote is exactly the same; in fact, we're told that the old remote controls the Roku XR sans issue. There's no word yet on a price or release date, but we're guessing we'll know significantly more prior to Christmas. Oh, and yeah -- you're not the only one thinking this is quite the underwhelming update, but hey, maybe it'll street for $9.99.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: Roku XR adds 802.11n, USB port and a longing for something more

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

Roku XR adds 802.11n, USB port and a longing for something more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10: something awesome in the state of Denmark (update: video!)

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST

If you're an HDTV buff with style, taste, and money to burn (and if you're reading Engadget we have our doubts about at least two of the three) then you've probably been waiting impatiently for Bang & Olufsen to make this one official. The BeoVision 10 is a wall-mounted LCD flat screen that boasts 40-inches of real estate, a brushed aluminum frame, and bottom mounted speakers that are available in a variety of colors. As the company boasts, "every aspect of the design is thought through." It also said something about "vægplacering," the definition of which we will leave to your imagination. On sale now at the B & O store on Kongens Nytorv in central Copenhagen for 43,495 Kroner (roughly $$8,700) -- not shockingly expensive, as far as this company is concerned, but still far too dear for you. No word on stateside pricing or release date.

Update: As several astute readers pointed out, the translated source for this one listed the price in British Pounds when it should have been listed in Danish Kroner (DKK). The thing is far less expensive now -- so feel free to send us one for an early Christmas present! You have the address. Oh, and a vid's after the break!

Read - Here is the new B & O television
Read - B & O's new flat panel

Continue reading Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10: something awesome in the state of Denmark (update: video!)

Filed under: Displays, Others

Bang & Olufsen's BeoVision 10: something awesome in the state of Denmark (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS working up BR-HD3 wireless HDMI streamer

Darren Murph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:57:00 EST

ASUS has been toying around with wireless transmissions to displays for a hot minute now, and it sure looks as if the outfit is fixing to pick up where the Belkin FlyWire left off by introducing the BR-HD3. Currently in testing, the wireless HDMI streamer is said to pass along 1080p content "with no lag," though there's currently no official range to speak of. The real kicker, however, is the price. The aforesaid FlyWire -- which worked amazingly in the trade show demos that we saw -- was priced at $1,499, which is obviously far too much for most consumers. This box? £399 ($654), and it could be out as early as next month. Unfortunately, the device only supports a single HDMI input (so you can forget about connecting your Blu-ray player and Xbox 360 at the same time), but ASUS is planning to introduce a three-port version in June 2010 as well as a niche spinoff in Q1 that'll wirelessly stream one source to three HDTVs.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

ASUS working up BR-HD3 wireless HDMI streamer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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