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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.
Roll out the red carpet -- Distro Issue 29 presents the Engadget Awards
<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/distro-issue-29-engadget-awards/"><img alt="Roll out the red carpet -- Distro Issue 29 presents the Engadget Awards" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/02/022412announce.jpg" style="border-width:0px;border-style:solid;margin:4px;"/> </a></div>You won't see our nominees flashing smiles and diamonds on a step and repeat, but the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011readerschoice/">2011 Engadget Awards</a> are here and we've got all the winners in this week's issue of Distro. Alongside these champions of consumer electronics, we'll be scrutinizing Pantech's waterproof tablet, the Element, and its budget-friendly LTE handset, the Burst, as well as Sony's Walkman Z. We'll also give Apple's latest OS refresh a thorough once over in our in-depth preview of <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/apple-os-x-mountain-lion-10-8-in-depth-preview/">OS X Mountain Lion</a>. In addition, the Godfather of Nerdcore, MC Frontalot, answers our burning questions, we bring you our latest Recommended Reading and Box Brown takes Cupertino's big cats to task for Last Word. So, if you've been wondering who (or what) played second fiddle to Honda's ASIMO for robot of the year, there's only one way to find out: get to downloading!<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/engadget/distro/022412_DISTRO_book.pdf"><em>Distro Issue 29 PDF</em></a></strong><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/distro/id459434195?mt=8"><em>Distro on the iTunes App Store</em></a><br /><a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.aol.mobile.engadget.weekly"><em>Distro in the Android Market</em></a><br /><em><a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/engadget/files/Distro-1.0.13.1.apk">Distro APK (for sideloading)</a></em><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Engadget-Distro/224012260990317"><em>Like Distro on Facebook</em></a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/engadgetdistro"><em>Follow Distro on Twitter</em></a>
Distro Issue 28: A slew of device reviews and a look back at CP+ 2012
Apple's kitty cat-flavored OS refresh may have dominated the news this week, but it was a deluge of product reviews that kept the wheels spinning at Distro HQ. Issue 28 is one of our heftiest yet, featuring Sony's stateside PS Vita, Ainovo's $99 Ice Cream Sandwich tablet, Motorola's QWERTY kin, the Droid 4, the AT&T version of Samsung's ample Galaxy Note and LG's fashionable Prada Phone. Shaking things up a bit, Zach Honig travels to Yokohama, Japan to bring you the biggest breakouts from the 2012 CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show. And, to round it all out, we've got a healthy helping of content you won't see anywhere else, like Ross Rubin's Switched On, Donald Melanson's Recommended Reading, our Q&A with Netbooknews' Nicole Scott and a lesson on "How to Be Happy" by cartoonist Shannon Wheeler.Distro Issue 28 PDFDistro on the iTunes App StoreDistro in the Android MarketDistro APK (for sideloading)Like Distro on FacebookFollow Distro on Twitter
Game changers: Egyptians and their gadgets in 2012
Is there such a thing as revolutionary technology? Many Egyptians believe there is. A year ago, they used mobile phones, social networking and banned TV channels to spread word of the protests in Tahrir Square. Hearing the news, thousands of young people risked their lives to join in and overthrow the dictator Hosni Mubarak. To mark the revolution's anniversary, Engadget caught up with five Caireans of different ages and backgrounds to find out about the gadgets they use to keep in touch with their world. For the love of freedom, democracy and at least one bar of mobile reception, please read on.
Distro goes 'Beyond the Revolution' to explore tech in post-Mubarak Egypt
Nearly one year ago, dictator Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down after 18 consecutive days of protest by Egyptian citizens. Those demonstrations were organized largely through the use of social networking, cell phones and banned TV channels, a greater trend that permeated the revolutionary period now known as the Arab Spring. To mark the anniversary of Mubarak's ousting, Sharif Sakr traveled to Egypt to speak with five Egyptians about the role that technology plays in their lives today. This issue of Distro also features reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7, Motorola's Droid RAZR Maxx, Sony's Alpha NEX-7 and a Q&A with the founder of the Ubuntu Project, Mark Shuttleworth. If you've been looking for a good reason to download an issue of Distro, look no further.Distro Issue 27 PDFDistro on the iTunes App StoreDistro in the Android MarketDistro APK (for sideloading)Like Distro on FacebookFollow Distro on Twitter
MetroPCS takes a good look in the mirror, unveils the LG Esteem
It's easy to get caught up in the wireless major leaguers legal kerfuffles, but let's not forget the little guy. MetroPCS is shipping out a "chic," second LTE handset to surf along its contractless radio waves -- LG's Esteem. Formerly codenamed Bryce, the phone is pretty much the carrier's repackaged version of Verizon's Revolution -- specs, and all that 4G jazz -- but let's not be the debbie downer at this network's party, the handset's packing some solid internals. In case you needed a refresher, the phone runs Android 2.3 with a sprinkling of LG's custom UI atop a single-core 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and includes 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing / 5 megapixel rear shooter (capable of 720p video capture) and a micro-HDMI port. Your untethered hands can snatch this one up now for $250 after taxes and a mail-in rebate, of course, you still have to opt-in for one of those 4G LTE service plans. Official PR after the break.
LG Esteem leaked, delivers more LTE respect to MetroPCS
The LG Esteem has been spotted hanging out in several official-looking press shots accompanied by several pages of specification juice at LG's partner portal site. Previously seen under the guise Bryce, and seemingly identical to Verizon's LG Revolution, this metroPCS interpretation looks set to arrive very soon. A welcome upgrade to the network's previous LTE offering, the Esteem runs Gingerbread on a 4.3 inch screen and has some respectable mid-range credentials under the hood including a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM and 8GB of storage expandable by microSD. There's also a five megapixel snapper on the back, embedded in a stylish metal strip similar to the dual-core T-Mobile G2x. Unlike LG's powerful flagship, though, MetroPCS will reportedly be offering up the Esteem off-contract for $349 -- a reasonable way to increase your LTE-connected self-worth
LG VS920 pushes through FCC with Verizon LTE, could be the LG Revolution 2?
The LTE-toting LG Revolution is still the most recent phone to debut on Verizon's 4G lineup -- at least for another week or so, that is -- but we're already seeing clues to the phone's sequel popping up. We saw the Revolution 2 show up on a leaked roadmap so the mysterious follow-up has been on our radar, but we weren't expecting to see it quite this early. Yet here it is: the LG VS920, complete with Verizon's LTE Band 13, global GSM / EDGE and 900 /1900 / 2100 WCDMA and HSPA, has received the FCC's blessing. Now, it doesn't specifically come out saying it's the successor, nor does it signify its relation to the previous device; since the original Revolution is designated the LG VS910, however, we're taking the liberty to put two and two together here. Check out the gallery below for more measurements and diagrams. %Gallery-131945%
LG MS910 (Bryce) clears the FCC with MetroPCS in sight
MetroPCS is talkin' 'bout a Revolution of its own, and now -- thanks to FCC approval -- the LTE-wielding handset is clear for takeoff with the scrappy regional provider. Unlike Big Red's version, the MS910 (aka Bryce) features only 4GB of internal storage, but it's said to include a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 4.3-inch WVGA display, and micro-HDMI port, along with the same 5 megapixel rear (and 1.3MP front-facing) cameras that are found on the Revolution. Additionally, users should expect Android 2.3.4 -- good thing, because while there's no official release date, early estimates suggest an October arrival. Of course, this also suggests the Bryce must contend with the same 512MB of RAM and middling battery life found on the Verizon model, but it's a welcome alternative to the network's current top banana.
Engadget Primed: how wireless and inductive charging works
Primed goes in-depth on the technobabble you hear on Engadget every day -- we dig deep into each topic's history and how it benefits our lives. Looking to suggest a piece of technology for us to break down? Drop us a line at primed *at* engadget *dawt* com. The world of wireless is dragging us into the 21st century kicking and screaming. Our treatise on NFC was a great sneak peek into how our future will play out over the next five years, but we're also seeing other types of suave new tricks coming out as short-range wireless technology creeps closer to the mainstream. Wireless is the crux of convenience that will keep us calm enough to make our way through this speed-demon culture. It didn't take long for our quest to obtain simpler and faster everything to become an obsession, and it shows no signs of stopping; on the contrary, it's only speeding up exponentially at a rate even manufacturers have a hard time keeping up with. Wireless charging is making some serious headway in public mindshare. Once confined to toothbrushes and other simple household items, it's now a handy means of powering phones (HP's Touchstone, for example) and media players, and it'll soon be ready to charge up our notebooks and cameras at our command. Are we sure this is the future, or will this just be a passing fad? Why should it matter? Read on after the break to get the air-conditioned answers to those burning questions.
LG Revolution review
The army of high-speed broadband phones is actively seeking new recruits to join its rapidly-growing force, and the LG Revolution is the latest to graduate from boot camp. We've witnessed the emergence of three Verizon LTE handsets in as many months, beginning with the HTC Thunderbolt and the Samsung Droid Charge a few weeks later. As if this wasn't enough choice to tempt your tastebuds already, the LG Revolution -- the entertaining climax to the classic 4G trilogy -- was born one full moon after that. With three options, all so close to each other in dimension and features, it's natural to compare all of 'em and make the call on which one is the best of the bunch. Is LG's first crack at Verizon's LTE network truly a game-changer, as its name suggests? Or does this Revolution fail to even get its feet off the ground? Read on after the break to find out. %Gallery-126319%
Verizon prolongs its free hotspot party on 4G LTE phones, but then what?
If you've been maxing out on Verizon's mobile hotspot offer that came with your new Samsung Droid Charge, HTC Thunderbolt or LG Revolution, then do carry on. The offer has been extended again, letting you use your 4G LTE handset as a WiFi hotspot for free until July 6th. On that miserable day, a software update will pull the plug and then who knows how much you'll have to pay? Verizon says its $20/GB tethering charge won't apply to 4G LTE phones, but it doesn't state exactly how much it will cost. Oh well, who needs 12Mbps anyway?
LG Revolution root method promises to silence Bing's chime
If you're looking to banish Bing from your LG Revolution, then roll up those sleeves because root access is now possible on Verizon's latest LTE-equipped wunderphone. The process is relatively straightforward (provided you know what you're doing), and uses the rageagainstthecage method to unlock your handset's full potential. This crack comes one day following the phone's release, which suggests LG didn't expend much effort locking this one down. There's just two caveats here. First, you must install and configure the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which puts the rage into your Revolution. Second, there's currently no option for recovery images -- which must be addressed for custom ROMs to be of any value. Still, if you're undeterred (or really want to eliminate bloatware), just follow the source for this superuser solution. [Thanks, Andy]
Netflix updates Android app, expands device support
Tired of content providers bossing you around, telling you what you can do with your own phone? Good, because Netflix is sick of telling you kids to keep off its lawn. Following a recent update, the outfit's Android app now officially supports the LG Revolution, Motorola Droid, Casio G'zOne Commando C771, and any unsupported device that just happens to work on its own. In addition to adding official support for the aforementioned trio (and of course, some minor bug fixes), the stream king removed a device check that previously blocked unsupported handsets from attempting playback. Your mileage may vary, but the folks over at Droid Life are reporting success with both the Droid X and Droid X2, as well as the Xperia Play. That's no guarantee for you and your unsupported device, but at least you have the freedom to fail. That's nice, isn't it?
Verizon bonanza: Droid X2, Revolution, Trophy, and Xperia Play hit Big Red today
Verizon is seriously diversifying its portfolio today with the official in-store launch of four new smartphones. Three of them roll up in Android gear, though they all have major selling points beyond Google's software. LG's Revolution is the sole LTE-capable handset of the bunch, bringing with it a 4.3-inch screen and pre-installed Netflix for $250. The Droid X2 undercuts it on price, at $200, but doubles the core count with its Tegra 2 processor and ramps up resolution to qHD (960 x 540). Gaming aficionados can spend the same amount on the Xperia Play from Sony Ericsson, which offers a slideout gamepad and unique PlayStation Certified status. Bringing up the rear is HTC's well-traveled Trophy, a 3.8-inch Windows Phone that accepts it's a little late to the party and therefore slices $50 off its asking price, with a $150 levy before the obligatory two-year contract. What say you -- buy, try, or keep waiting?
LG Revolution coming to Verizon tomorrow for $250 on contract
That's right, kids, and we have the press release to prove it: the LG Revolution that we got our hands on at CES is coming to Verizon tomorrow for $250 (with a new, two year customer agreement). Sadly, this handset won't bring you any closer to overthrowing the established social order, as LG seems to think that "revolution" has more to do with such niceties as HDMI out, the Android 2.2 mobile OS, and a 16GB microSD card. But hey, that pre-installed Netflix app sure does seem nice. Interested? The Nationwide Talk plans begin at $40 a month, with unlimited data for $30. Mobile Hotspot is also included for free -- for a limited time. Check out all the important info after the break.
The Daily Grind: Does MMO magic need a revolution?
While the concept of magic in a fantasy setting (or something like nanos in a sci-fi setting) seems to offer unlimited potential and possibilities, MMO magic systems are almost depressingly routine. Ooh, I'm a fire mage, I cast... fireball! Ooh, I will suck out some of your life and inject it into my bloodstream and then star in a popular RomVamp series! Ooh, I will now summon something from the heavens to cave your skull in if you'd be so kind as to stop hitting me for the next five seconds! Honestly, is it time that MMOs see a revolution in the magic department? Where's the danger of magic, the elaborate preparations, the imaginative systems that we read about in the fantasy series but never see in games? If I never have to see someone's hands light up all glowy-like before he thrusts them out and a ball of liquid hate spews forth, I wouldn't complain. So what do you think? Are developers too complacent with how magic's been portrayed in MMOs? Do we need new systems to make magic come alive, or is it fine as is? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
LG Revolution finally landing at Verizon on May 26th
We thought it'd be here by now. We thought it'd be the first with Netflix. We thought a lot of things about the LG Revolution, but now we're closer to knowing the truth. According to documents uncovered by Droid Life the phone is coming next week, May 26th, and it is, indeed, shipping with Netflix, which you can watch on its 4.3-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen. The LTE-equipped phone will be running a version of Android 2.2 that will surely have seen some cosmetic enhancements, not the least of which is Bing integration. Yes, it's been Binged, but if the price is right, maybe that's not the end of the world. As to the price: no word on that yet, but "wireless charging" is listed as a standard feature, so at least you won't have to pay extra for a chubby battery door. Update: You can read the manual now too. One less thing to worry about for next week, right?
LG Revolution revisits FCC, reminisces the good times
The LG Revolution passed through the FCC's vigorous testing as the VS910 in March, but the device had so much fun it decided to take a second trip to the labs. Upon perusing the docs we learned that this version of the VS910 is a completely identical device, with the exception of some additional Mobile Hotspot modes and power reductions. The listed changes are mainly related to LTE, which hopefully means LG will have a solid battery comparable to the Droid Charge rather than the power-guzzling Thunderbolt. A second sweep through the FCC could be an indication that launch is close; given the recent history of delays on other LTE-equipped phones, however, forgive us if we're just a tad bit concerned about these changes occurring so close to the eleventh hour. If you're just as fond of digging through FCC documents as we are, head to the source links below.
Droid Charge to revive its battery via induction, completes Verizon's Qi-based trifecta
After many unexplained delays, Verizon's Droid Charge has coaxed many anxious consumers toward the edge of their seats, but we've now uncovered a tidbit that's sure to drive these folks up the wall -- an FCC document confirms this elusive Droid supports inductive charging. Just like the Thunderbolt and Revolution, the Charge uses Qi-based technology to accomplish this wizardry, which combines an optional back plate that pairs nicely with Big Red's forthcoming charging pad. As for the launch of the phone, we've stopped holding our breath. Many local Verizon resellers report the handset is in stock, however the carrier seems content in toying with the hearts of its devotees. Jump the break for a quick peek at the FCC label, which admittedly is rather bland... although it delivers the proof we all desire.
