129
Latest
ASUS MeMo Pad HD 7 coming to the US for $149; emerging markets get 8GB $129 version (hands-on)
Joining ASUS' MeMo Pad family today are a couple of self-explanatory models: the MeMo Pad HD 7 and the MeMo Pad FHD 10. While we've already gotten to test out the 10-inch model, this is the first we've seen of the 7-incher. Like the current Nexus 7, which this is going to replace, it has a 1,280 x 800 screen. With this new generation, though, it adds 5-megapixel and 1.2-megapixel cameras, SonicMaster audio and an ARM Cortex A7 quad-core CPU. Oh, and it adds a microSD slot and a micro-USB socket, two things the Nexus 7 doesn't have. Unlike a Nexus product, the OS is the slightly older Android 4.0. (Update: ASUS has confirmed that the tablet will launch with up-to-date Android 4.2. Apologies for any confusion.) The big news here, however, is the price. As Chairman Jonney Shih said during its reveal, we needed our cameras, because it'll arrive priced at a pretty incredible $149 for 16GB and $129 for 8GB. In addition, he clarified that the super-low-cost $129 version is aimed at emerging markets for now, though the $149 model is headed to the US and elsewhere. We're not sure when that'll be, but for now, with these prices and specs, consider us tempted. In the meantime, head past the break for the full hands-on treatment.%Gallery-190088%
Dish Network satellite 129 outage knocks out HD channels nationwide - Update: Fixed!
If your Dish Network-connected TV is claiming total signal loss, then at least take comfort in the fact that you're not alone. While the company hasn't revealed exactly what the problem is, Facebook and Twitter posts indicate a "technical issue" with satellite location 129. The really bad news comes when we learned that bird is responsible for carrying many HD channels and HD locals (check the links below for a list of all channels on 129). Switching over to SD channels will let you watch (if that can really be called watching TV) most content in the short term -- DBSTalk posters advise hitting menu and selecting 1 on your remote to pull up the guide if you're having trouble. If you currently hide standard-def channels, press menu, then 8, then 1 and uncheck the "HD only" box to see the working channels for now. We'll keep checking for any updates on the situation, but for now you're on your own in a 480-line wilderness, so good luck. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: Dish has a new webpage up to help customers deal with the situation here, while those who can't get through on crowded helplines are advised to check out @dish_answers on Twitter. Update 2: Dish's site linked above indicates it has "identified the issue" and estimates it will be fixed overnight. Update 3 (9/14): According to Dish Network's official Twitter account, things should be up and running again now. Satisfied? P.S. - Another helpful DBSTalk post recommends a guide data update by pressing Menu, then 999 and then the right arrow.
