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Telesat inks satellite internet deals with Loon and Blue Origin
Canadian telecom Telesat has inked a couple of deals that could boost its aim to become a key player in the satellite internet field. It's planning to establish a low-earth orbit network of 292 satellites, with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin helping to deploy them. Telesat will also use Alphabet-owned Loon's networking system to make sure the satellites work in harmony.
ICYMI: Baggage bot, sea plastics become fashion and more
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: A baggage handling robot is being tested at the Geneva Airport to both carry your luggage and print out tags. Adidas made athletic shoes that are almost entirely recycled; with gill nets making up the stitching on the outside. It joins clothing designer and entertainer Pharrell Williams in upcycling sea garbage (much of which kills sea creatures) to make their garments. If you're interested in the Zero Electricity Air Cooler, the video is here. You can learn more about PARLEY, the group that helps collect plastic and other waste from the oceans, here. As always, please share any great tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
The LEO business computer: 6,000 valves, 2KB memory, one happy birthday (video)
The world's first business computer just had a blow-out bash to celebrate the 60th year since its inception, courtesy of some timely sponsorship from Google. LEO was your classic room-filling clunkfest, built by British food manufacturer Lyons to help process its payroll and accounts. It was born at a time when the advancements made at Bletchley Park were still top secret, and when -- according to a 1954 issue of the Economist -- there were still people who did not believe in the "desirability of introducing anything as esoteric as electronics into business routine." Your ride to a bygone era awaits right after the break.
Anarchy Reigns trailer (re)introduces Leo
Fans of MadWorld may have some questions about the inclusion of Leo in Anarchy Reigns, but Sega isn't talking. Initially thought to be dead, it seems Leo survived and was rebuilt as a cyborg, with some sweet, Guyver-like arm-blades.
Altek Leo, the 14 megapixel Android cameraphone, headed for Europe in 2011
Altek's wonderfully outlandish Android-based Leo smartphone, which sports a "real" 14 megapixel CCD with "real" 3x optical zoom and 720p video, was already slated for Q4 of this year in Asia, but Altek has recently announced the phone will also be launching Q1 2011 in Europe. On a slightly disconcerting note, Altek says it's still in search of "channel partners," so if you happen to know any channel / partner combos, push this little monster in their direction before 14 megapixels starts to sound old hat, would you?
Altek's Leo in the wild: point and shoot, Android phone, or both?
As cameraphone picture quality goes, the story is that it's not really about the sensor resolution, it's about the optics -- and if you want to go by that rule, Altek's beastly Leo should probably have your attention. Just because you've got a huge, telescoping lens doesn't mean it's any good, of course, but we'd argue that it's a good sign in a world dominated by tiny, plastic lenses atop 8 and 12 megapixel sensors of questionable heritage. Indeed, the Android-powered monster has bowed at CommunicAsia 2010 as promised, bringing a 14 megapixel CCD with an honest-to-goodness 3x optical zoom and 720p video capture, WVGA display, 802.11n WiFi, and HSPA for a Q4 '10 release. Amazingly, Altek plans on selling it for $499 -- unlocked, we assume -- and CNET Asia managed to score a few minutes with it this week. Follow the break for video from the event along with Altek's press release.
Altek teases 'Leo,' monster 14 megapixel smartphone for unveiling next month
We don't have a lot of detail to work on here, but Altek -- a company that's no stranger to ridiculous optics slapped on the back of a phone -- is chatting up its new Leo model that will officially bow at next month's CommunicAsia show in Singapore. It's being ominously called a "smartphone" without talking about the platform at hand, but judging from the key layout, we're going to fathom a guess that it might be running Android. Around back, you have a zoom lens parked in front of a 14 megapixel sensor that's capable of 720p video capture, and the support for WiFi and HSPA alike should help you ferry those shots to where they need to go. Pricing, availability, and other pertinent details will hopefully follow -- but for now, follow the break for another teaser shot along with Altek's PR.
Next-gen AMD Scorpius and Lynx desktop platforms leak out, Fusion still coming in 2011
AMD had a little show and tell with Asian press to go along with those new Phenom II and Athlon II chips it just launched, and it revealed some of its next-gen plans along the way. In the short term, it looks like the plan is to launch the 45nm Leo platform we've heard about later this year to better compete with Intel's 32nm Clarkdale parts, and then to push forward to 32nm in 2011 with the Scorpius platform, which will feature a Bulldozer CPU called Zambezi with up to 8 cores and a "next-generation discrete graphics solution." Midrange desktops will get some "next-generation integrated graphics" of their own this year on the Dorado platform, while 2011 will see the Lynx platform launch with the long-delayed Fusion chip. (We were first supposed to see Fusion chips in late 2008, remember?) Fusion is also still on vapor-y track for laptops with scheduled 2011 launch of the previously-leaked Sabine platform, but AMD also tipped the new Brazos Fusion-based platform powered by the Ontario APU, which is "optimized for new form factors" -- potentially MID-sized, but we don't know for sure. Phew, that's a lot of codenames -- we'd say we can't wait, but we're clearly going to have to learn how.
AMD spells out the future: heterogeneous computing, Bulldozer and Bobcats galore
Believe it or not, it's just about time for AMD to start thinking about its future. We know -- you're still doing your best to wrap that noodle around Congos and Thubans, but now it's time to wonder how exactly Leo, Llano and Zambezi (to name a few) can fit into your already hectic schedule. At an Analyst Day event this week, the chipmaker removed the wraps on its goals for 2010 and 2011, and while it's still focusing intently on Fusion (better described as heterogeneous computing, where "workloads are divided between the CPU and GPU"), it's the forthcoming platforms that really have us worked up. For starters, AMD is looking into Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) configurations, which "represent the combined capabilities of [practically any] two separate processors." We're also told that the firm may actually introduce its Bulldozer (architecture for mainstream machines) and Bobcat (architecture for low-power, ultrathin PCs) platforms more hastily than similar ones have been rolled out in the past, which demonstrates an effort to really target the consumer market where Intel currently reigns. Frankly, we're jazzed about the possibilities, so hit the links below for a deep dive into what just might be powering your next (or next-next) PC. [Via Digitimes]
HTC HD2 gets itself a promo video and a website
We might have to wait until next year to score the HTC HD2 Stateside, but that doesn't mean we can't all enjoy this jazzy little promo video showing off the highlights of Sense. But is the music more reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country or Iko Iko by the Belle Stars? We ask the hard-hitting questions here at Engadget. Video after the break, website at the read link. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Entelligence: The HTC HD2 and the future of Windows Mobile
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. A few columns ago, I wrote how folks shouldn't dismiss Windows Mobile. This week, Microsoft released Windows Mobile 6.5 and it's further proof that this OS is very much a serious contender in the mobile OS platform wars. What makes Windows Mobile 6.5 work isn't so much the OS per se, but rather the Windows Phones that are the basis for the ecosystem. Despite Steve Ballmer himself apologizing for the delay of Window Mobile 7 a few days ago, there's a lot in WinMo 6.5 that Microsoft should be proud of. Overall the OS itself has been tweaked a lot for performance -- I've tried devices that were running WM 6.1 and were upgraded to 6.5 and there's a dramatic difference in speed. Microsoft has also worked hard to make the new OS much more finger friendly, with UI elements that really required a stylus in the past much more usable with a finger instead. There's also some nice integration with new services such at the marketplace for mobile applications and MyPhone synchronization. That's all well and good, but it's one device that I've had the chance to use for just a few minutes that's really affirmed my view of Windows Mobile viability, and it has me very excited about the platform. It's the new standard for Windows Phones and it's pretty much the device that every other Windows-powered phone is going to need to live up to. It's called the HTC HD2 (code named Leo) and it's a game changer in my opinion.
HTC HD2 to arrive Stateside in early 2010 -- huzzah!
Snap, looks like that painful feeling in our gut was just from that late-night Mickey's sesh after all. HTC's Peter Chou told SlashGear today that the monstrous, amazing HTC HD2 will be coming to the United States of America sometime in Q1 of 2010. That's not too far off, but let's be honest -- it's gonna be a long wait. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
HTC's HD2 gets official, we get our hands-on it (Updated: with video!)
Our friend Drita at Engadget Spanish was lucky enough to spend some extended moments with HTC's just announced HD2 -- also known as the Leo. It's got exactly the same specs we just heard about: a 4.3-inch WVGA capacitive display, a 1GHz MSM8250 Snapdragon processor, integrated FM radio, a 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. They found this Windows Mobile 6.5 baby to be elegant and light feeling in the hand, the touchscreen to be responsive and quick, and HTC's Sense UI beautiful. The phone's also quite snappy, and we have to say we can't wait to get our hands on one ourselves. As far as availability goes -- well, we know it's going to run €649 and it will be available in November on Vodaphone in Spain (we've also heard it's headed to T-Mobile UK), with additional carriers following after December. Check out the gallery, and head over to Engadget Spanish for a fuller hands-on experience. [Via Engadget Spanish] %Gallery-74700%%Gallery-74808%
HTC Touch HD2 gets spec'd, rumored for T-Mobile UK
By all accounts, HTC's shooting to create the be-all, end-all king of the Windows Mobile dominion with its mighty Leo / HD2 / Touch HD2 / whatever it's called -- and a comprehensive list of specs published over on xda-developers would certainly back up that statement. Notable items on the list include the previously known 1GHz MSM8250 (that's a Snapdragon, by the bye), full HSPA with up to 7.2Mbps on the downlink, a stunning 4.3-inch WVGA capacitive display (allegedly with multitouch support so that it can be upgraded to Windows Mobile 7 down the line), an integrated FM radio, 5 megapixel autofocus cam with dual LED flash, Bluetooth 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Sadly, it seems the phone's just set up for 900 and 2100MHz 3G, continuing the original Touch HD's bunk tradition of leaving North America out in the cold. Separately, rumors are swirling that T-Mobile UK could be joining O2 in offering the beast, and CoolSmartPhone has landed some sort of a promo shot of an HD2 branded as the "Touch HD2" in full T-Mobile livery, so we'd say that's a pretty strong indicator. Too bad this is all falling on deaf ears over at T-Mobile USA, eh? [Via pocketnow.com and wmpoweruser.com] Read - Specs, additional pictures
HTC HD2 makes first official appearance in O2 UK catalog
We've been furnished with the above page from an O2 in-store catalog detailing the HTC HD2 (aka Leo), which was set for a UK release on October 12 (though we're hearing that may have slipped to the 26th). Interesting that it's pictured with a stock Windows Mobile 6.5 UI instead of TouchFLO 3D. Is O2 rushing HTC's new hotness out the door in response to losing its iPhone supremacy? Or did an absent-minded employee just slip out the catalogs ahead of time? We're getting in touch with O2 to find out and will update with more details as we get them. For now, check out the full catalog page after the break. [Thanks, Peter W.] Update: After O2 stonewalled our phone enquiries, we decided to drop by our nearest (which was still annoyingly far away) store to have a look for ourselves. Alas, we only found September issues of the catalog, and the above snapshot is from the October iteration, which sports a big fat Pre promo on the front. So, anyone else seen an advance copy yet?
HTC Leo benchmarked, leaves blisters
The HTC Leo has already got hearts-aflutter the world over with its high-end spec sheet and huge capacitive touchscreen, but now that some early benchmarks have hit we might have a full-on fanboy panic on our hands. That 1GHz Snapdragon processor isn't just for show, people -- you're looking at least a 300 percent improvement over the Touch HD on every single 3D graphics benchmark with an astounding 1,822 percent improvement on one test, and raw CPU performance was nearly three times as fast. Yeah, those are some wild numbers -- we'll have to see what battery life is like when this thing ships, but for now we'd recommend hitting the read link and taking in the full set of benchmarks.
Engadget Podcast 164 - 09.27.2009
It's been a crazy week in news, and after a couple cross-country flights the podcast crew is together and ready to break it all down. Join Josh, Paul and Nilay as they take on Microsoft's Courier tablet concept and rumored Pink smartphones, dish on the HTC Leo and Windows Mobile, debate the finer points of net neutrality, and talk over the highlights from the Intel Developer Forum and the Tokyo Game Show. Yeah, there's a ton here -- grab a snack and tune in! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: Today Hear the podcast 00:02:34 - Microsoft's dual-screen Courier booklet emerges, isn't near production00:06:18 - Codex and InkSeine -- the roots of Microsoft's Courier?00:33:30 - Microsoft's Pink phones revealed?00:43:00 - HTC Leo looking confirmed for O2 UK debut, will be free on the right plan00:46:20 - Steve Ballmer talks 'three screens and a cloud' and more with TechCrunch00:50:00 - Ballmer: Windows Mobile 7 should have been out, like, yesterday00:55:58 - FCC chairman formally proposes net neutrality rules00:58:45 - AT&T, Verizon poised to fight FCC's net neutrality stance on the wireless front01:10:00 - AT&T's 3G MicroCell tested and reviewed by Charlottean: yes, it works01:13:56 - Intel announces Moblin 2.1 for phones01:18:07 - Dell announces Moblin Mini 10v at IDF (updated with pricing)01:17:25 - Video: Moblin 2.1 for MIDs and phones, sort of in action01:21:15 - USB 3.0 has a SuperSpeed coming-out party at IDF01:22:44 - Video: Intel's Light Peak running an HD display while transferring files... on a hackintosh01:28:40 - 13 PS3 motion control games confirmed for next year, motion-enhanced Biohazard 5 coming Spring 201001:30:03 - Nintendo finally confirms new $199 Wii price Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
HTC Leo's TouchFLO 3D build demoed on video
The HTC Leo is shaping up to be a pretty monumental Windows Mobile launch, and not just because of that high-res capacitive touchscreen and 1GHz Snapdragon processor -- it's also running a nicely refreshed version of TouchFLO 3D. The cats at PocketNow managed to grab an early ROM and install it on a Touch Diamond2, check the video after the break to see the new icons, dynamic background wallpaper, and much, much more.[Via MobileTechWorld; thanks Mistyk]
HTC Leo looking confirmed for O2 UK debut, will be free on the right plan
If you needed another reason to frown upon the state of the North American wireless industry, allow us to go ahead and turn your attention to Exhibit A here. What you're looking at is some promotional material backing up earlier rumors that the HD2 / Leo is en route to O2 in the UK, but what's especially upsetting (though not terribly surprising) is the knowledge that customers will be able to scoop up HTC's new ultra-high-end WinMo beast for zilch on an O2 1200 tariff -- a plan that runs something like £45 (about $72) a month. Oh, and that's on an 18-month contract, not 24. Meanwhile, we'll be lucky to ever see the Leo land in its natural, original, HTC-approved state on a carrier at any price in the US, but hey, at least we've still got some more Touch Pro2 launches to look forward to, right? [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
HTC HD2 inches closer to reality, hitting Europe in October for around 600 Euro?
We already heard about a potential October 12 launch for the HTC HD2 (Leo) on O2 in the UK, and now we're hearing October for the Netherlands as well -- with a 550 to 600 Euro price range. Of note, the tipster who dropped this knowledge on pocketnow.com also says that Pocket IE on the phone won't have multitouch gesture support, despite the capacitive screen's support for multi-finger input -- though with Microsoft's own Zune HD sporting a multitouch version of Pocket IE, we have to believe it's in the works. Just like everything good and decent planned for Windows Mobile. [Via All About Phones]
