Engadget

It's okay to peek: phone size comparison tool reveals how your equipment stacks up

Zachary Lutz — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:06:00 EST

See any trend emerging here? Yes, we agree that Google's phones are getting hotter with each generation, but that's not the answer we're looking for. Here's a hint: if you examine the above image really closely, you might also discover a progression toward larger handsets. In all seriousness, the above comparison was generated by phone-size.com, a website that's quite useful to study the relative proportions of different smartphones. But wait, it gets even better. At the top of the webpage, you'll also find a toolbar to plug in the size and aspect ratio of your display. Once you jump through this minor hoop, the utility produces accurate, life-size depictions of the smartphones -- go ahead and hold your slab up to the screen, it really works. Before you dive in, however, be sure to hop the break: we've put together an entertaining look at the Xperia Mini, Titan and Streak 5 that you won't want to miss.

Continue reading It's okay to peek: phone size comparison tool reveals how your equipment stacks up

It's okay to peek: phone size comparison tool reveals how your equipment stacks up originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iFaith v1.4 allows downgrade to iOS 5.0, jailbreaker's dream come true

Joshua Tucker — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST

In the game of Apple versus the jailbreakers, Cupertino threw the community a curveball with iOS 5's newly restricted downgrade system which blocks devices from restoring to old 5.x firmware. With the help of his noble steed iFaith (a custom Windows tool), hacker iH8sn0w has found a way around the firmware block, making it possible for dumped iOS 5 signature hash blobs (SHSH blobs) to permit unsigned restores. Why all the fuss about downgrading to prohibited firmware? Prominent iOS hackers MuscleNerd and pod2g have stated that the first untethered jailbreak will arrive on iOS 5.0 and, as such, may require iFaith's downgrade process to facilitate user restores. While the jailbreak is still under construction, iFaith should assure disheartened users in the community that all is not lost. Want to learn about blobs, blobs, and more blobs? Continue past the break to view iH8sn0w's informative video.

Continue reading iFaith v1.4 allows downgrade to iOS 5.0, jailbreaker's dream come true

iFaith v1.4 allows downgrade to iOS 5.0, jailbreaker's dream come true originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft reveals Data Explorer tool, gets into the sorbet business (video)

Sharif Sakr — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:32:00 EST

Redmond houses quite a few little teams beavering away on quirky projects and one of those has just gone public with its latest creation. It's codenamed "Data Explorer", which perhaps isn't an ideal codename since it describes exactly what the enterprise-focused service does. Instead of manually searching and copying data into a report, Data Explorer pulls information from SQL databases, spreadsheets and other "random sources" that could be relevant, and then attempts to "clean it up, transform it, merge it together and then publish it out" as a coherent report. You can learn more and sign up for the beta at the source link, or click past the break to watch a Microsoft exec demo the tool using a real-world case study -- we found it a bit dense, but you'll be fine as long as you remember that kids love frozen yogurt.

Continue reading Microsoft reveals Data Explorer tool, gets into the sorbet business (video)

Microsoft reveals Data Explorer tool, gets into the sorbet business (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gerber Steady multi-tool includes tripod, puts Bear Grylls and Ken Rockwell on common ground

Billy Steele — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:24:00 EST

Ever been on a six-mile hike and needed a miniature tripod to snap a picture of you and your fellow explorers? Yeah, we've been there too. As luck would have it, Gerber is throwing the much needed, but usually too cumbersome, camera accessory into one of its next multitools. Behold the Steady, a new member of the company's jack of all trades tool family. However, this one, with its pair of legs on one side and a folding tripod screw on the other, will make that all-important group shot in the middle of nowhere much less of a challenge. Of course, the usual 12 tool arsenal is included along with a knife... perhaps for opening all those frustration-included memory cards and dehydrated meal packages that you'll carry along. You'll be able to snatch the pocket tool up sometime next year for $65, moving your Joby one step closer to unemployment.

Gerber Steady multi-tool includes tripod, puts Bear Grylls and Ken Rockwell on common ground originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google flight schedule search takes off, helps you figure out when to get aboard

Joe Pollicino — Mon, 30 May 2011 04:28:00 EST

Been wishing you could find flight information the same way you would for a bus or train? Now you're covered with the new flight schedule search feature Google launched last week. By simply typing "flights from / to" a destination in the search bar, it displays specific flight routes or all routes from a particular airport, all of the airlines serving the locales along with flight numbers, and travel dates / times. The ITA travel search software which the DOJ finally allowed Google to purchase last month isn't powering the feature, although Google stated on its blog that the flight schedule search is a "small step" in an overall effort to make finding flight information simpler. The service supports ten languages, and you'll find more info by hitting the source link below. Now if only it could tell us whether our flight has WiFi...

Google flight schedule search takes off, helps you figure out when to get aboard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 May 2011 04:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft-approved tool fixes your 'walshed' Windows Phone, helps you get official updates once more

Sean Hollister — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:44:00 EST

There are certainly advantages to rooting your Windows Phone 7 device, but there's a heck of a downside too -- Microsoft can't update your handset to the latest and greatest build if you've unofficially patched your phone. Good to know, but what if you've already done the deed? That's why you'll want the application above, a ChevronWP7-tested, Microsoft-approved program for pulling your phone out of Bizzaro World and setting things right. Find it at our source link, follow the instructions carefully, and don't fret if the official update doesn't immediately appear after you're done -- developer Chris Walsh says availability of the build depends on carrier approval.

[Thanks, Brianna]

Microsoft-approved tool fixes your 'walshed' Windows Phone, helps you get official updates once more originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple iAds Producer helps you produce iAds for iOS devices

Vlad Savov — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:26:00 EST

We know how it is, you want to be a hotshot developer, but all that coding sounds like daunting work. Never mind, Apple's got your back with its new iAds producer, which automates all the HTML5 and CSS3 stuff into the background and leaves you to focus on the crucial task of picking out templates and components for your perfect iAd. To be fair to this new dev tool, it does more than merely dumb down the design process. It also includes "sophisticated" JavaScript editing and debugging, a built-in simulator for testing your creation, and a project validator that checks your code for common errors. Hit the source link to give it a try.

Apple iAds Producer helps you produce iAds for iOS devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google App Inventor opens up access to everyone, clings on to beta tag

Vlad Savov — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:36:00 EST

Google's famous penchant for keeping things in beta doesn't seem to have changed lately, as the company's App Inventor for Android is still keeping its Greek lettering, but at least access has now been opened up for everyone to enjoy. The switch from private to public beta isn't the most significant thing in the world -- up until now you just had to ask for an invite to get one -- but we're sure amateur Android coders and experimenters will appreciate not having to go through that extra step. The App Inventor's sitting in Google Labs right this minute, waiting for you to magic up (no coding skills required!) a finely crafted solution to modern living of your own. Hit the source link to get your mouse pointer dirty.

Google App Inventor opens up access to everyone, clings on to beta tag originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pocket Tool X's Piranha looks like it's a multipurpose animal

Laura June — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

How many uses can one tool have? If you think the answer is "never enough," the Piranha by Pocket Tool X might just be for you. A multipurpose job (which kinda reminds us of a dinosaur's head), the Piranha boasts a double-ended bit holder, both open and box wrenches, a bottle opener, a nail puller, a scraper, and pry ends -- and it's made of heat-treated S30V Stainless Steel -- which means it should be sturdy enough to make it through a few family camping trips. The tool is available for pre-order now, with shipments heading out sometime in December, and for $49 it could be all yours.

Pocket Tool X's Piranha looks like it's a multipurpose animal originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Airlines launches online widget to sniff out WiFi-equipped flights

Darren Murph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:51:00 EST

You may bang on the legacy airlines, but American Airlines has a good thing going here with Gogo. The outfit has just completed installation of in-flight WiFi on 150 of its MD-80 aircraft, and in order to give you a better idea of how to prepare, it's now launching an online widget that'll let you know if your bird will enable web surfing when you get on. The tool is completely web-based, so any PC or smartphone can access it; the only real knock is that it only informs you of a "yes" or "no" 24 hours prior to departure, so it's still impossible to book a flight 3 months out and know for certain if you'll be able to hop online. This is definitely something that should be adopted by the other airlines (pronto!), but we can't help but dream of the day when something like this is unnecessary due to in-flight internet becoming completely ubiquitous. Ah, the future -- how you tease us so. Demonstration vid is after the break.

Continue reading American Airlines launches online widget to sniff out WiFi-equipped flights

American Airlines launches online widget to sniff out WiFi-equipped flights originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone returns from service with 'official iPhone tool'

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:46:00 EST

Call us crazy, but it certainly appears that Apple's unofficially official iPhone tool has ripped off MacGyver's lifeline. According to an iPhone user that sent his handset in for warranty service, it arrived back with this here piece of equipment, complete with Apple's famed display label and plastic bag. Heck, if having a malfunctioning iPhone is the only way to snag one of these bad boys, we're definitely crossing our fingers for an excuse to send ours in.

[Thanks, Matthew V.]

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

iPhone returns from service with 'official iPhone tool' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone returns from service with 'official iPhone tool'

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:46:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Peripherals, Apple

iPhone returns from service with 'official iPhone tool' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche swerves to the power tool realm with P'7911 Multihammer

Darren Murph — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 07:58:00 EST

We've noticed that the folks at Porsche Design have been branching out to new endeavors of late, but this joint venture takes brand extension to an entirely new level. The group has apparently partnered with Germany's Metabo to unveil the Multihammer P'7911 power drill, which "combines all the essential functions of a drill with the power of a pneumatic hammer," sports a carbon fiber / aluminum housing, and includes an impeccably balanced grip that makes this bad boy easier to handle. The 705-watt device has no problem with scratches here and there from drilling through concrete, stone, wood, and steel, and the five different function settings allow you to tweak the tool for the job at hand. No word just yet regarding the (presumably lofty) price, but be sure to leap on through to see this luxury power tool hard at work.

[Via Sybarites]

Continue reading Porsche swerves to the power tool realm with P'7911 Multihammer

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Porsche swerves to the power tool realm with P'7911 Multihammer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPod deemed a "criminal tool" in high school security breach

Darren Murph — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:01:00 EST

It was essentially inevitible that Nintendo's Wiimote was destined to become a weapon of mass destruction, and while we've seen folks jailed and even killed over an iPod, even we're a bit hesitant to call the blunt object a "criminal tool." Still, that's precisely what a former Clay High School junior was purportedly using when he "hacked into school personnel and student files" and transferred sensitive information to his dubious Pod. After threatening to "open up a credit card in someone's name and ruin their credit," school officials began to investigate the situation, and were quite relieved when they discovered the breach before any of the data was used with ill intentions. Currently, no court date has been set for the youngster's criminal case, but considering all the grief being endured in order to keep those files from leaving school grounds, one just has to wonder what secrets could possibly be held in those potentially steamy "personnel files."

[Thanks, Ray]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Portable Audio, Portable Video

iPod deemed a "criminal tool" in high school security breach originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan rescuers to get water jet cutters for debris slicing

Darren Murph — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:24:00 EST

While Japan is fairly well equipped to notify citizens of impending doom, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency is taking another step to preparing its rescue forces for anything in times of emergency, and the forthcoming water jet cutter should help slice through debris without the risk of starting a fire in the process. Due to a railway disaster in April of 2005 which forced rescuers to find an alternate way of cutting metal with gasoline sloshed about, the water jet cutters were moved up in priority, and now the powerful streams can output a high-pressure blast of water / sand in order to make a "1.5-centimeter cut through a 2-centimeter-thick steel plate in just a single minute." Of course, the biggest boon here is the device's inability to spark a fire, but the pressure cutter can also be used in instances where flammability isn't an issue, and it has already been demonstrated to local reporters last week. Although we're not sure just how soon these slicers, along with high-powered "blowers" to whisk away harmful fumes, will be put into action, they'll be hitting the fire departments of Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo first.

[Via Fark]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Japan rescuers to get water jet cutters for debris slicing originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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