Dante Cesa
Articles by Dante Cesa
Xperia S, now with more PlayStation Store
While we generally liked our time with the Xperia S, we were a little perplexed as why it went on sale with a placeholder instead of proper access to Sony's PlayStation Store. That changes today, as early adopters attempting to access it will now be pointed to a new page where they can download the storefront as-well as the PS Pocket app. Per Android Central, currently there's around a dozen titles available, although curiously some still require the S' more gaming-focused brother, the Xperia Play. Seeing the update? Let us know how you fare in the comments.
Fujifilm to fix 'blooming issue' on X10 and X-S1 cameras
Have shots of bright highlights from your retro X10 or X-S1 been subject to a white disc or blooming effect? A quick perusal of enthusiast photography website DPReview reveals you're not alone, with Fujifilm now acknowledging the issue and promising two fixes. The first phase takes the form of updated firmware, already out for the X10 and coming March 21st for the XS-1, which recognizes problematic bloom-inducing scenarios and compensates by increasing ISO in EXR mode to diminish it. That'll pacify owners until late May, when the company says a redesigned sensor for the duo of digital shooters will become available. It's unclear if the company will reach out to owners of both cams about the retrofit, or if only those who inquire will be privy to the updated hardware. As to why the cameras even shipped this way, the company says its engineers concluded both were working within "prescribed tolerances." Either way, owners should call their local authorized Fujifilm service center for more details.Update: Thanks all who let us know the X10 received its firmware fix already -- we just amended the post.
ASUS Zenbooks to get Ivy Bridge refresh, optional 1080p and backlit keyboards in tow?
Bad news if you've recently acquired either of ASUS' gorgeous Zenbooks, as alleged spec sheets for their successors have just surfaced. According to documents obtained by The Verge, the upcoming refresh will be significant for both the 11.6-inch UX21 and 13.3-inch UX31. Dubbed the UX21A and UX31A, respectively, both supposedly make do with Ivy Bridge silicon (spanning from Core i3s all the way to i7s) which also means a free update to Intel's HD Graphics 4000. Brawny internals aside, most interesting are the optional 1080p IPS panels on both, which should be particularly gorgeous and pixel-dense in the smaller 11.6-inch beaut. Also rumored is the inclusion of WiDi, alongside backlit keyboard decks -- all stuffed into the same svelte footprints as their predecessors. Naturally, there's no word on when they'll land, but you'll know more when we do. Catch the full spill at the source link below.
T-Mobile's Galaxy S Blaze 4G lands in select stores March 21st, everywhere else March 28th
A Galaxy S II it is not, but that isn't a bad thing, as not everyone's kosher with cramming 4.65-inches worth of superphone into their pocket. Enter T-Mobile's Galaxy S Blaze 4G -- a souped up Galaxy S class device with some new silicon from its faster (and larger) brother. Hitting select stores March 21st, followed by more retail outlets and online on the 28th, those plunking down the $150 asking price will be treated to a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, a 4-inch Super AMOLED WVGA panel and a 5 megapixel rear shooter with 720p video capture. TouchWiz and Gingerbread are still the name of the game here, but Samsung's assured us an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade will come in due course. With a couple of weeks before judgement day, why not get cozy with our hands-on from MWC? Go-on, it won't bite.
Forth Dimension's second Replicating Reality concept stuffs Half-Life 2 into a virtual reality headset (video)
GDC might be winding down, but we'd be remiss if we didn't catch up with Forth Dimension Displays, the Kopin subsidiary responsible for all those little microdisplays inside your camcorders and, we're told, specialized military gear. While neither of those are terribly exciting to consumers, the outfit's latest concept is. Similar to last year's E3 demo, the company's new rig is built to highlight the kinds of use cases it would like OEMs to build using its microdisplays. The above jury-rigged setup above consists of a helmet rocking two of the company's SXGA (1280 x 1024) microdisplays which are in turn connected to back-mounted drivers which are then attached to your run-of-the-mill gaming PC. But unlike previous endeavors, when head-tracking happened in the helmet, this year we've got a plastic gun stuffed with an air mouse which controls onscreen movement. It's admittedly hacked together and certainly not flawless -- the cursor tended to bob upwards in our time with it -- yet very immersive and an amazing way to frag combine soldiers in the trenches of Half Life 2. But don't take our word for it, ogle at the gallery below, or watch a video of it in all its glory after the break.
Microsoft: OnLive Desktop may violate licensing agreements
Typically, when a product hits the market, you'd hope details like nitty-gritty licensing and IP would have all been worked out prior to going on sale. Of course, things in the real world are never that simple. Take for example, OnLive and Microsoft, which according the latter, says OnLive Desktop isn't exactly in the clear when it comes to its remote Windows 7 slinging abilities. Clarified on Microsoft's Volume Licensing blog, Joe Matz, VP of worldwide licensing, said the company is "actively engaged with OnLive" in the hopes of "bringing them into a properly licensed scenario." When asked, an OnLive representative responded with: "We have never commented on any licensing agreements." Sounds like it'll all get resolved soon, but in the meantime do your homework kids -- lawyers are expensive.
Lytro camera review
Lytro camera hands-on (video) Lytro open to partnering with smartphone makers, executive suggests Lytro's light field camera captures 'unprecedented' images, lets you choose focus later Don't let that cute design fool you. Lytro, the world's first commercial light field camera, is the culmination of nearly twenty years of research -- a project that once occupied an entire wall facade, and has since been miniaturized into something that fits in the palm of your hand. An impressive feat, sure, but not as arresting as the end result: the ability to refocus pictures, even after you've taken them. To achieve such magical endeavors the Lytro camera uses heaps of custom software (armed with a custom .lfp file format) coupled with some serious silicon to measure not just color or the intensity of light, but its direction, too. The latter is achieved with an eleven "megaray" sensor, which is bolted to an f/2.0 8x optical zoom lens, all encased within that sleek body. Seeking to save us from unfocused mishaps, the technological tour de force also unlocks some considerable creative potential. So, is the $399 shooter going to revolutionize photography as we know it? Or does the Lytro's first foray into consumer electronics fall prey to the shortcomings of 1.0 product? By now you should know the drill: rendezvous with us past the break to find out.
Lytro pre-orders start shipping, infinite focusing now within reach
Those of you that scurried to get an early spot in the pre-order cue for Lytro's upcoming camera, ought to carefully skim your inboxes for an email confirming shipment of your infinite focusing shooter. Per a ton of tips from you, in addition to a post from the company's official blog, early orders of the unconventionally shaped camera that allows you to refocus after the fact are now en route to abodes stateside. When we played with it at its launch event, we came away impressed, yet ultimately longed for the underlying technology to be licensed to others -- something the company maintains it's actively exploring. No matter, with a unit in hand, look for our full review in the coming days.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Lumia 900 gets splayed into itty-bitty Finnish pieces by the FCC (update: photos)
Sure, the FCC didn't get to tear apart the delectable white Lumia 900 we're oh-so-smitten with, but given the cadaver activities undertaken upon a smartphone that hasn't yet gone on sale, beggars can't be choosers. Inside the filing you'll find a full manual and a bevy of internal shots revealing what makes Nokia's flagship Windows Phone tick. Also of note, is a snap revealing the exact locations of its various antennae, which we've conveniently culled for you after the break. Honestly, there isn't much else to it, so have a peep at our gallery or hop on over to the source link to get all personal with Espoo's baby.%Gallery-149113%
Broadcom: 802.11ac chipsets already in preproduction, preparing router invasion in summer
Broadcom might have unveiled a bevy of 802.11ac chipsets back at CES, however when it came to availability the chipmaker played more than coy as to when they'd sashay their way out of developmental labs and into the hands of actual consumers. Fast-forward to MWC and the chipmaker's isn't nearly as shy, proclaiming its future WiFi solutions were "beyond the sampling phase" and now in preproduction. Also of note, was the estimate that finished products (read: the ones you can buy) containing this tech would go on sale by mid-2012. With competitor, Qualcomm, also previewing its 802.11ac concoction, could this year possibly shape up to golden era of speedy wireless transfers? Bring it on, we say.
Canon EOS-1D X ship date slips into April, takes with it our hearts
Bad news camera aficionados, Canon's confirmed its mother of all cameras, the EOS-1D X, won't ship until the "end of April." Depending on how one counts, that's a lag of a month or two from its previously estimated "March" arrival. Unfortunate, as we were looking forward to it going tête-à-tête with its equally impressive crosstown rival from Nikon, which will nonchalantly make its March due date. On the bright side, though, now you've got ever more time to scrounge up the necessary $6,800 to purchase Canon's offering, in addition to re-reading our hands-on ad nauseum. Go on, you supply the clicks and we'll bring the tissues.
Infiniti Emerg-E concept gets unveiled before Geneva, is it the 'green' supercar you've been waiting for?
Despite parent company Nissan's penchant for forward-thinking electric mobility, its luxury division, Infiniti, hasn't gotten much love from us thus far, chiefly due to its reluctance to play in the EV and plug-in hybrid spaces that we cover. That friends, will change at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show with the unveiling of the absolutely gorgeous Emerg-E concept. We don't have much more info on offer other than a bevy of official shots, but with looks like that, how could we not keep a watchful eye out for its March debut? You'll find another snap of its interior after the break, and those with more time (and privacy) ought to peep the upcoming E-tron and i8 competitor over at Autoblog.
Sony Xperia S now shipping globally, Ion to join the world tour come summer
Those of you that have been waiting to get your grubby paws on Sony's Xperia S are in luck, as Sony just confirmed during its keynote that it's started shipping globally, with the first units available at Sony's Barcelona store during MWC. Those with stellar memory will recall that's more concrete than its former Q1 suggestion. To recap, those taking the plunge will be privy to a 1280 x 720 4.3-inch display, a 1.5GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 12-megapixel camera all wrapped in a gorgeous shell -- albeit one that runs Gingerbread, with an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade in due course. Additionally the electronics giant also confirmed the Xperia Ion will be available globally, however those interested will have to wait until summer. It too, totes Gingerbread and a 12-megapixel sensor, but plays host to a larger 4.6-inch display (albeit at the same resolution as the S), a presumably faster dual-core 1.5GHz CPU and delectable LTE. If either strikes your fancy, we humbly suggest our pair of hands-ons from CES -- at least if neither the freshly unveiled Xperia U or P are to your liking.
Dyson's DC39 stateside-bound, couples canister footprint with 'Ball'-functionality come March
Lest you thought its previous 'City' endeavors were the pinnacle of diminutive bag-less suction, here comes Dyson with the DC39. Previously available elsewhere, the British company's latest canister will soon sashay into the US for a cool $499. That's a sizable wad of cash, yet that investment nets you access to a diminutive vacuum stuffed with the company's 'Ball' technology -- enabling a teensy unit already capable of a lot of suck to be infinitely more maneuverable. That's apparently no small feat, as it took seventy engineers more than three years to stuff over a hundred components into that spherical derriere. Those interested can look for it mid-March -- for the rest of us, PR and a cutaway of its insides await after the break.
Apple releases EFI firmware updates for 2011 Macs, crushes bugs
If you're anything like us, your inner-geek revels in hearing rare system beeps while holding down obscure key combos that only occur while updating low-level firmware. While much of those theatrics have since disappeared in the modern era, those of you with 2011 iMacs, Mac Minis, MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs can at least relive some of that nostalgia as you update them to their latest respective EFI firmwares. There's four versions (one for each machine, naturally), yet Apple tells us they all address the same underlying problems, including improving "the reliability of booting from the network" in addition to addressing "an issue that can prevent HDCP authentication" after reboots. Finally, there's improvements pertaining to "boot device selection when a USB storage device is hot-plugged." Direct links to the respective support pages are below, or those seeking to avoid guesswork can simply go on ahead and fire up Software Update. Your call.
Razer Blade review
Typically, when a company wants to meet, you expect more of the same -- not a change in strategy, nor a decision to enter an entirely new product category. So when Razer wanted to meet us one bright, oddly cold San Franciscan morning last August, we certainly weren't expecting to meet its CEO, Min-Liang Tan, and we definitely weren't prepared to find a 17-inch prototype laptop, henceforth known as the Blade. Shaving puns aside, we listened to Tan proudly wax on about the results of nearly three years of development, much of which involved recruiting a bevy of talent from the now-defunct OQO. What they'd accomplished, according to Tan, was the "world's first true gaming portable." An audacious statement, sure, especially considering the Blade was to be Razer's foray into the PC market. No matter. Tan's impetus was clear: the outfit would cater to gamers who'd been left in a vacuum after formerly gaming-obsessed companies sold out, leaving the segment to languish. His angle, however, would be different. The Blade wasn't going to be a gaudy, gargantuan, no-holds barred device with outright performance in mind. No, instead the 0.8-inch thick aluminum beaut would attempt to straddle the worlds of portability with performance, seeking to hit a perfectly balanced middle ground. That sounded reasonable, but judging by reactions from most of you, the decision to stuff this $2,799 rig with a mid-range GeForce GT 555M card wasn't. Nor was the call to kit it with a paltry 320GB of rotational storage. Razer would rectify the latter in December, promising 256GB SSDs for all -- a concession that would push shipments back, well, until now. Still, even after toying with it briefly at CES, our impressions were ultimately shallow, as we couldn't get much of a feel for it in that controlled environment. Which brings us to the present day, and with Razer graciously airdropping a Blade onto our doorstep, does this experimental laptop stand up to its maker's gutsy claims? Or will those who've shelled just shy of three grand be sorely disappointed with its execution? Well, there's only one way to find out, and that's to join us past the break.
Moneto's $30 Android mobile payment kit goes on sale, brings contactless payments to six Samsungs
Not everyone's smartphone has NFC, and of those that do, an even smaller subset have official Google Wallet support. It would seem Mountain View's complacency is Moneto's gain, as the outfit's recently put up for sale its $30 NFC-enabled microSD card -- enabling plebes everywhere sans contactless circuitry to sashay their way into mobile payment heaven. That card is also stuffed with 1GB of storage for your exploits and those plunking down three Hamiltons are also privy to a $10 credit thrown in. There's one caveat, however, as per its website the service currently only works on variants of the Galaxy S (including carrier permutations like the Vibrant, Fascinate and Galaxy S 4G). Support for an additional forty devices is inbound but before committing, we'd peep the latest compatibility info from the horse's mouth in the more coverage link we've included below.
OS X Mountain Lion to be download-only, USB stick going the way of the dodo
Last time around, Apple was cognizant not everyone has broadband to download a 4GB OS, offering solace to those with slow internet with a (pricey $69) USB stick alternative. Times change though, as Cupertino's confirmed to Pocket-lint that the recently unveiled OS X Mountain Lion won't be offered with a physical counterpart. Apple's reasoning? "It was an interesting test, but it turns out the App Store was just fine for getting the new OS." So there's that. High time you took the plunge and upgraded to broadband apparently, or contemplated moving within the vicinity of an Apple Retail Store's willing WiFi. That or you could just buy a new machine. Your call.
Nikon D4 and D800 to ship in March, but only in the land of the baguette? (update: US too)
We might not have an official release date for Nikon's new shooters in the US of A, but over in France, well, things are un peu different. Per a Q&A box on the French arm's Facebook page comes the image above, plainly stating its latest twosome will go on sale in March -- the 15th specifically for the D4, and the 22nd for the D800. Following that, tweakers obsessed with finer details will get their fix with the D800E a month later on April 12th. No word on if those dates apply globally, but instead of getting yourself all frothy, we say have a rendezvous with our hands-ons (D4, D800) or lose yourself in some delectable video samples (D4, D800). Go on, we won't judge.Update: We heard from Nikon PR confirming that the D4 will indeed be launching in the US in mid-March as well.
Bell & Howell Apple II Plus appears on eBay, like a foundling carved out of onyx
You wouldn't know it by the never ending barrage of black PowerBook's throughout the '90s, or even the onyx MacBooks in the mid-00s, but dark-clad casings from Apple were pretty much non-existent until Cupertino got serious about laptops, excluding of course the ill-fated Macintosh TV. Exempt from the prevailing 'Snow White' design ethos however, were clones machines sold by other companies, like the Bell & Howell's variant of the Apple ][ Plus above. Per Wikipedia, the machine in question was only available through educational channels, notable for its A/V outputs (which you can espy after the break) especially for that purpose. Typical eBay caveats apply, with the buyer selling the machine "as is" -- read sans power supply -- but we can't imagine it'll be long before an Apple collector swoops in and steals the pooch. More pics and your chance to bid on a piece of history await at the source below.