Paul Miller
Articles by Paul Miller
ASUS tablet lineup preview: Slider, Transformer, MeMO, and Slate EP121 go wild (with video!)
We just played with ASUS whole new tablet lineup, which is truly impressive not only in scope, but also for the fact that ASUS didn't just pick a few capacitive screen sizes and call it a day. Each of the four tablets (three Android-based Eee Pads and one Windows-based Eee Slate) has its own "twist" on what's come to seem traditional in modern day tablets, while also maintaining significant hardware and screen quality. We're not crazy about the 'MyWave' ASUS software skin on its Android models, but they at least seem serious about providing UI and apps for the entire experience -- they're not kidding around, is what we're saying. We've got a ton of pictures and impressions, so follow after the break as we break it all down! Update: We've added video as well. You'd be a fool not to click.
The Engadget Podcast Show livestream extravaganza day two!
Here we go, another Engadget Podcast Show video conglomerate livestream from our trailer at CES. It's going to be totally insane, we promise, so check out the Ustream and chat after the break!
BlackBerry PlayBook preview
We just played with a wonderful tablet, and it wasn't running Android, webOS, iOS, or even Windows. It was running a funky realtime operating system called QNX that RIM bought in April, combined with WebKit and a heaping helping of Flash, and plans on releasing to the world in Q1 of this year. The BlackBerry PlayBook is surprisingly polished and responsive at this stage, even though RIM says it has a lot of work to still left to do. In fact, the only thing frustrating about our roughly 30 minutes with the tablet (under the caring gaze of Mike Lazaridis) was the fact that you can't buy an actual BlackBerry phone right now that's anywhere near this enjoyable to use. Follow after the break as we talk through the product, along with a video walkthrough and stress test of that dual-core proc's multitasking chops. %Gallery-112880%
The Engadget Interview: Notion Ink's Rohan Shravan
We got a chance to hang out with Rohan Shravan after we played around with his ultra-anticipated Notion Ink Adam tablet. He talked up some pretty great early sales figures, and went over some of the partnerships his company is forming at this tangled web we call CES. Check it out after the break!
Microsoft shows off next generation of Surface, has per-pixel touch detection
Microsoft's Surface still isn't for consumers, but it's getting a whole lot wilder. We just saw the next generation of Surface, which has infrared "pixel sense" detection in each pixel, meaning instead of multiple single points of touch, the screen can image your entire hand in all its detail. This should allow for some pretty wild UI improvements, but Microsoft's primary demo was the tried-and-true rippling water effect. The technology was developed in conjunction with Samsung, and measures four inches thick -- it's obviously not going into your next tablet. Under the hood is an AMD CPU / GPU combo. The wildest part, however, is pictured above: placing a piece of paper with writing on it on top of the screen / sensor lets you "scan" the contents of that piece of paper. Microsoft showed us a demo of a bank application that lets you swipe a mailer up against the screen and have it be detected and read by the screen. As for a release, there's no word on when this is coming out, but Microsoft says it will be cheaper than the current generation of Surface when it does. We asked about the potential for this sort of technology in smaller form factors, and were told it only scales down to around 24-inches, and we really get the feeling that Microsoft doesn't have any plans to bring Surface to Joe Consumer any time soon. %Gallery-112778%
Tweaked iPhone 4 parts discovered: an antenna fix, Verizon's iPhone, or the best KIRF ever?
This is a pretty bizarre video, but we watched the whole thing and we're prepared to comment: this is a pretty bizarre video. The folks at GlobalDirectParts somehow got ahold of iPhone replacement parts (a common story in Apple device leaks), and they've posted an in-depth video that illustrates the differences between this new set and regular iPhone 4 parts. Interestingly, nothing has been majorly tweaked, but there's a huge quantity of minor tweaks, primary in the internal wiring. Most notable are antenna adjustments, that are either an antenna fix, or, more likely, adjustments to optimize the antennas to work with Verizon's CDMA network. Other tweaks are bigger head scratchers, including a SIM slot (which wouldn't be necessary on Verizon, but wouldn't hurt anything either), and the removal of the rear camera hole (perhaps an extra SKU for enterprise use?). GlobalDirectParts isn't the only one to receive the tweaked parts, SmartPhone Medic made a similar score, so at least we know this isn't a one-off prank. We'll keep scratching our heads while you check out the video, located after the break. Update: So apparently Apple's yanked the video off YouTube, which may or may not be an indication for the part's authenticity. Anyhow, we've got you guys a backup video after the break.
Amazon opens Appstore Developer program, is obviously doing an app store
It was no secret that Amazon was working an Android app store, including some early work with developers, but Amazon's "Appstore" (see what they did with the space there?) Developer Portal just went live. So, no doubt that this is happening, if there was any left in your mind, and we've got a nice stack of details on the store to tide us over until Amazon launches this thing. Amazon is looking to strike a balance between Apple's ultra strict store rules and Google's unvetted mayhem, and will be examining and testing each app before it goes onto the store. Amazon is also going to control pricing, with developers allowed to set a "list price" that Amazon will riff on, adjusting the price based on magical algorithms. There's the standard 70 / 30 split, and Amazon promises that the developer will get no less than 20 percent of the list price. Apps will be promoted to folks browsing Amazon.com just like how Kindle books pop up among physical goods, and can be "pushed" to your device similarly. It's all very intriguing if it catches on, which seems particularly likely on non-blessed devices that don't have access to Google's Market (like the bevy of WiFi-only tablets, the market Amazon claims to be targeting), and developers who want to get in on the action can fork over $99 today to get started.
HTC Freestyle carries the Brew MP dumbphone torch for AT&T
We saw the HTC F8181 floating around in September, HTC's followup to the Smart, and now AT&T has announced it as the HTC Freestyle. It has a 3.2-inch capitative touchscreen, with a "Sense experience" UI that obviously riffs on HTC's Android efforts, but instead runs on top of Qualcomm's Brew MP platform. AT&T is classifying it as a "QMP" for "Quick Messaging Phone." The Freestyle will be out next month, and while there's no word on price, expect cheap.
Acer announces Iconia Tab A500 10-inch Android tablet with LTE
Woah, Acer just dropped news on a new Iconia device, except this one is all tablet. The Iconia Tab A500 has Android (no version specified) with the "Acer UI 4.5" on top, and Verizon 4G LTE inside. There's a 10.1-inch "10 point multitouch" screen, Tegra 2, and a gyroscope, which Acer claims should position the tablet perfectly for games. You can also output 1080p video over the built-in HDMI port, but there's no word on the screen's actual resolution. We also don't have any word on a price or a release date, and Acer hasn't even supplied any photos of the device yet, but we played with a 10.1-inch Android tablet from Acer back in November (pictured), and we have to assume this is the same one. Updated: Confirmed. This is the same 10-inch tablet we saw in November. We hear it will be displayed at Verizon's booth so we'll be scouting it out and bringing you impressions sometime soon.
iPad 2 case shows up at CES, packing a mockup iPad 2
We've been seeing supposed iPad 2 cases for about a month now, all of them with the same telltale cutouts: a camera hole in the back, a camera hole in the front, and a big ol' speaker hole. Today's find beats them all, however: we just found a case with a machined aluminum iPad 2 mockup inside. Dexim is the eager exhibitor, with an actually very intriguing case design involving a Bluetooth keyboard that magnetically adheres to the front cover of the book-like sleeve, allowing for a laptop-style setup, or a keyboard-free case when you want to shave a few ounces. It was so intriguing that we asked to put our own iPad inside, which is when we were told it wouldn't fit, since the case was designed for the next iPad. Indeed, the mockup that we found inside the case was a tad bit slimmer than the first-gen iPad, with a taper leading to the edges that reminds us of the iPod touch, and a home button positioned nearer the bottom edge. We found all the typical cutouts on the case, and their mirror on the machined mockup, including a large square for the speaker.So, what does it all mean? Well, there's certainly a consistent iPad 2 make that these Chinese manufacturers seem to be designing against, and while there's always the off chance that their info is wrong, it seems odd they'd go so far as to actually make the cases if they were unsure about their sources. It also means a slimmer iPad with cameras and a bigger speaker, which is never a bad thing. Check the pictures in the gallery below and make up your own mind.%Gallery-112605%
Parrot Asteroid car receiver packs Android and apps into your dash
Parrot's back from its AR.Drone insanity and wrestling with its core competency -- although it has a new open source twist. Parrot has put Android onto a car receiver, but it's a heavily modified version that runs small apps on a 3.2-inch screen, with a jog dial, a back button, and a menu button for control. Parrot's experiment is dubbed Asteroid, and it has a lot of example apps already, included a GPS-based maps view, but the real goal is to get an SDK out there and allow developers to build apps for the platform. Luckily, while the unit is short on controls, it's not short on inputs, including USB ports for iPhone docking, USB storage, a 3G modem, and a GPS dongle, along with an SD card slot and a mic (for talking to a paired Bluetooth phone). For the music bit you can actually search through both your iPhone and your USB / SD libraries using your voice. Right now there's no word on price, but Parrot plans to launch in major European markets in Q1, with a US version following in Q2. %Gallery-112574% %Gallery-112577%
ASUS Eee Pad MeMO tablet takes a pen out of the Courier's book
Yeah, we're in full-on tablet overload mode, but that doesn't mean there isn't any room for innovation. In fact, ASUS's Eee Pad MeMO is surprisingly fresh in its take on this already-so-worn subject. The 7-inch, 1024 x 600 tablet runs Android 3.0 (which doesn't exist yet, but we won't tell ASUS if you won't), with a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm 8260 processor under the hood and dual cameras (1.2 megapixel front, 5 megapixel rear with LED flash). That's all very nice, but the highlight is a capacitive stylus and two included apps to make the best use of it. Media Note is a scrapbook / note taking application, while Painter allows you to use the stylus as a pressure-sensitive drawing instrument. They're probably nothing too special just now, but the prospect of pressure-sensitivity on a handheld tablet is alluring, particularly for the artists among us that thought they'd left the iPad's fingerpainting methods back in kindergarten. MeMO's other standout might not win it so many fans, but it's still worth noting. ASUS calls the device "a perfect blend of tablet and smartphone," and uses a stereo Bluetooth headset dubbed the "MeMic" media phone extender to make the experience a bit more phone-like. We'll reserve judgement for when we see more than a render of MeMic in action. No word on price or release for the MeMO right now, but hopefully we'll know more soon. Until then we can keep our eyes set on Honeycomb's supposed March timeframe -- a river of tablets will carry us there.Update: ASUS says the Eee Pad MeMO will start at $499, and debut in June.%Gallery-112441%%Gallery-112542%
Live from ASUS's CES 2011 press event
It's the first presser of CES 2011, and we've done our doctor recommended pre-liveblog stretches. ASUS is obviously going to show off some tablets and new laptops, but who knows what other wild stuff they have in store for us. Perhaps the second coming of Waveface? Follow along after the break to find out!
Garmin's nuvi 2400 pairs a 5-inch screen with voice control, isn't a phone
You don't need us to tell you that phones are posing a huge threat to the dedicated navigation device market, but Garmin isn't giving up without a fight (or without hedging its bets). It just announced its nüvi 2400 series of "large format" PNDs, with 5-inch screens and a wealth of features. Standouts include voice control and some serious routing capabilities based on "trafficTrends" and "myTrends," which are exactly what they sound like. Prices start at $250, with all the features available but except for traffic and free map updates. At the $350 mark you can get lifetime map and traffic, traffic adapter . The whole line should be out in Q1 of this year.
Smartfish Engage keyboard automates ergonomics, is finally available
It's been two years in the making, but Smartfish has finally released its opus into the world: the Engage keyboard. It's been known as the Pro:Motion and ErgoMotion over the years, but now it's got a new moniker, a classy all-black look, and a $150 pricetag. Outside of the tilted design and large palm rests, the keyboard has an internal motor that moves the position of the two halves of the keyboard based on your typing frequency. The periodic position adjustments help fight off fatigue, an approach developed in conjunction with The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. We'll try to play around with the keyboard at CES -- last year's prototype wasn't terribly impressive -- but if it's anything as good as the Smartfish Whirl Mini Notebook Laser Mouse, we might have a new carpal tunnel warrior in our arsenal. %Gallery-112482%
Sprint trots out HTC EVO Shift 4G and new 3G / 4G MiFi from Novatel
It's been leaked all over the place, but Sprint has just confirmed its second EVO: the EVO Shift 4G. The big new addition is obviously the slide-out keyboard, but otherwise, while specs are solid, there's nothing as revolutionary as the original EVO. The Shift has a 3.6-inch 800 x 480 LCD, Android 2.2 (with HTC Sense), and the same great 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7630 processor that's in the G2 and myTouch 4G. Naturally there's WiMAX 4g, in addition to EVDO Rev A., and HTC hopes to keep those radios alive with a 1500mAh battery. There's a 5 megapixel camera around back, capable of 720p video, but oddly no front-facing camera -- something we assumed was part of the definition of EVO. The phone will be available on the 9th for $150. Meanwhile, Novatel Wireless is cooking up its own WiMAX goodness, putting 3G and 4G in a brand new MiFi device, the MiFi 3G / 4G Mobile Hotspot. It includes a display for tracking status of the device, unlike Novatel's 3G MiFis, claims 4 hours of active use and 60 hours of standby, and can share storage from its microSD slot with connected devices. It should be out on February 27th for $50 with a two-year contract. %Gallery-112467%
Pandigital's Multimedia Novel gets AT&T 3G, still cheap
Here are some facts we know about this subject: This is a tablet called the Multimedia Novel, built by Pandigital. It's very much like another Multimedia Novel tablet Pandigital sells at CVS for $214, except now it's $280 because there's a 3G radio inside. We really disliked the 7-inch version. It's on AT&T but it's contract free -- you pay as you go. The 9-inch screen is resistive, which sucks even if there's contract free AT&T on it. That's just our opinion, though. Android 2.0 is the OS. Barnes & Noble's Nookbook Store is pre-loaded. You can't access the Android Market by default. There's an unspecified 800MHz ARM11 processor running everything. It's probably slow. The 800 x 480 resolution will probably make your eyes bleed at this size. But hey, it's cheap. %Gallery-112444%
Silicon nanoscoops to combine Li-ion's energy with supercapacitor power, make your electric car go vroom
Look, we don't know much about "science." We know it's a controversial subject, and we always try to steer clear of that sort of hot-button-issue stuff. Still, "science" can do some good in the world, you know, now and then. Some "scientists" at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have happened upon a "strain-graded carbon-aluminum-silicon nan oscoop anode" (whatever that means) that basically combines the advantages of long-lasting Lithium-ion with a supercapacitor's rapid fire oomph -- a common theme, but undoubtedly a noble one. Specifically, Li-ion's superb (and ever-improving) Wh/kg and supercapacitor's great W/kg. Now, don't ask us how -- again, "science" -- but the upshot should be faster charging and better performing electric cars, that can still manage a good amount of mileage. Hopefully we get more spectacular exploding laptops as a side bonus.
Vizio bringing 21:9 Cinema HDTV to CES with 2560 x 1080 resolution, all our hopes and dreams
Vizio actually teased a 21:9 TV at last year's CES, and one year later it's ready to deliver: the Vizio Cinema HDTV LED LCD is here. The TV handles a 2560 x 1080 resolution in a 21:9 aspect ratio, just like that 21:9 Philips display we've been drooling over for the past couple of years, and comes in 50-inch and 58-inch flavors. Details are still pretty scarce, since all we have right now is a teaser page, but we doubt there's much more going on here. Basically, ultra-wide CinemaScope-style movies on a set that will likely be much cheaper than Philips' offering -- and more likely to show up at your local Costco. We look forward to the full announcement later this week. Also: buying one. [Thanks, Kacy]
HP unveils new Pavilion desktop lineup, packs new Intel and AMD chips
It's a song as old as rhyme, as Mrs. Potts would say: new AMD and Intel chips are out, and there are new desktops to take advantage of them. HP's playing its part with three new budget-friendly Pavilion desktop series: the p6700 (starting at $300), s5700 ($330), and HPE-500 ($600). They all offer a wide range of configurations, with the standard-sized p6700 starting out at a Pentium E5700 proc and ranging up to an Athlon II 445 triple-core processor, the slim s5700 ranging from Athlon II 260 dual-core up to Phenom II 511 dual-core, and the HPE-500 blazing away with Phenom II 1045T six-core chips and discrete Radeon HD 6450 graphics, on up to Phenom II 1090T six-core and Radeon HD 6770 graphics. All of the desktops have "Beats Audio," an Envy feature that HP is spreading out across its product line. Other than that little perk, there are few surprises in any of these when it comes to specs and options: prepare to be generally nonplussed. Still, with these new (cheap!) chips from AMD and Intel, budget buyers should get a lot more power for their buck when these desktops land on January 9th... until the next round of procs comes out, of course. %Gallery-112424%