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Mozilla kicks off Firefox OS tablet developer program, teases new ZTE phones
As it turns out, Mozilla's Panasonic smart TV deal is just the start of its Firefox OS plans for this year. The web pioneer has just unveiled a tablet developer program that will give dedicated contributors both reference hardware (initially from Foxconn) and other resources; they'll help create the tablet-native Firefox OS in the same communal fashion that Mozilla builds its desktop browser. The firm tells us that it wants to start the program shortly after CES, with a goal of finishing its slate interface sometime this year. The company is also providing the first details of ZTE's second-generation FFOS smartphones. The Open family is expanding to include two upgraded models, the Open C and the dual-core Open II; there isn't much more to say at this point, although we should learn more in the near future. If you're looking for something more tangible, you'll be happy to hear that VIA Technologies has released a version of its tiny APC Rock desktop PC with Mozilla's OS pre-installed. The bare system is available by itself for $59, while those who want it in a recycled case (Paper) will pay $99.
VIA Technologies APC 8750 mobo / CPU combo will go on sale today for $60
Did you get giddy at the thought of playing around with VIA Technologies APC 8750 Android-based board, but failed to get in on the pre-order action? Good news for you, as folks wanting to dig into its custom Gingerbread OS, 800Mhz ARMv6 CPU and 3D graphics engine can head on over to Newegg and get one for $59.99. Unfortunately, it's currently out of stock, but our gadget senses tell us that more APC's will be available soon, and you can head on over to the source link below and sign up to be notified when it happens. If patience isn't your thing, feel free to hit up the source and give your F5 key a workout instead. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Android PC gets wrapped in maple, hits that premium sweet spot
If you feel that a typical barebones Android PC really won't do alongside your chaise longue and stack of hardback first editions, you may be interested in Jeffrey Stephenson's latest case mod. Underneath the birds eye maple, acrylic panelling and mesh, the Acero houses VIA's humble $49 Neo-ITX-based system card, running an iteration of Android 2.3 ready for mouse and keyboard add-ons. Up to 720p graphics is possible, which can be output through its VGA or HDMI ports and although that 800MHz processor may not be up to delivering the greatest gaming thrills, we've already got our joystick picked out.
VIA Technologies' $49 Android barebones PC available for pre-order, ships in July
VIA Technologies' small -- but not bite-sized -- Neo-ITX-based barebones Android PC is now up for pre-order. Folks willing to plunk down $49 now will be among the first to play with the APC's version of Gingerbread that's been modified for use with a mouse and keyboard. When can you expect the return on investment? Well, it's slated to ship in early July, meaning you'll get your hands on its 800MHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 2GB of storage before the end of summer. [Thanks, Nikolas]
VIA Technologies outs $49 APC Android barebones, nods towards Raspberry Pi
Android might have already spilled over into the desktop world in one form or another, but what if you want something a little more project-friendly? VIA Technologies has developed the APC, a Neo-ITX-based barebones system running a custom version of Android 2.3 optimized for mouse and keyboard input. The board is compatible with Mini-ITX and MacroATX form factors, and comes with a VIA 800MHz processor, 512MB RAM, 2GB flash memory, and built-in (up to 720p) graphics. HDMI, VGA, 4 x USB, audio out / in, microSD and Ethernet come along for the ride too, for a reasonable spread of connectivity. Best of all? The whole lot will only cost $49. No word on when pre-orders will open, but drop your email in over at the source link to find out when they do.
Sony teases high-end camcorder with Exmor APC HD sensor and interchangeable lenses (video)
Like Sony's new NEX3 and NEX5 compact cameras with APC-C-sized sensors? Then check out this tease for a Sony camcorder. The AVCHD shooter will feature the same Exmor APC HD CMOS sensor and E Mount interchangeable lenses. Better yet, it'll also work with A Mount lenses built for Sony's existing Alpha DSLRs. Coming this fall, that's when.
APC adds LCD, zero-draw power outlets to new Back-UPS Pro models
A new uninterruptible power supply isn't exactly the sort of thing to garner a ton of attention, but APC's latest Back-UPS Pro models do pack a few more features than your average power supply, and may just have you considering trading up. They're still just as uninterruptible as ever, of course, but the BR1300G and BR1500G models add a snazzy new LCD that displays the estimated runtime and other critical information, as well as some new power-saving outlets that will automatically shut off power to any unused devices. Otherwise, you can expect runtimes of between 92 and 164 minutes (depending on what's connected, of course), six or ten power outlets, and APC's usual PowerChute software for some more enhanced power management. Still no firm word on a release date for these, but they should be available sometime in the second quarter for between $129.99 and $249.99.
Wowhead wants to send you to BlizzCon
The second and final round of BlizzCon tickets go on sale this Saturday, May 30, and I'm pretty sure they'll go fast - the first round sold out in half an hour. However, if you miss out on a ticket (or if you think they're just too expensive), you may have a chance to go anyway. Wowhead, along with APC (makers of UPSes and such), is running a contest over the next few weeks, with a drawing every day until June 18th. June 17th is the last day to enter; all you need to do is fill in your contact details on the contest page, and you're automatically entered for every drawing. Sadly, this contest is only open to US residents age 18 and older ("we know it sucks," Wowhead says). Oh right, the prizes. There is one grand prize, consisting of two tickets to BlizzCon, along with air fare and accommodations, an APC UPS, and a dinner with the Wowhead folks. Three lucky first-prize winners will get their choice of a Wii, a PS3, or an Xbox 360, as well as an APC surge protector. And every day that those prizes aren't given out, someone will win a Wowhead t-shirt and an APC surge protector. One of these last winners will be randomly chosen to win a Blizzcon ticket as well, at the end of the contest.
APC's ten things you didn't know about the MacBook
For machines that have only been in users' hands for 24 hours or so, the hits just keep on coming for the new unibody MacBooks. APC magazine has posted a "ten things you didn't know" review, covering some surprises and some well-we-thought-so's for the laptops. Confirming our reporting from yesterday, APC spoke to an Apple representative in Australia who closed the door on any hope of Target Disk Mode availability via USB on the new MacBooks. Migration Assistant, which has been updated for these machines, will work over Ethernet or from a disk image of your source Mac, but not over TDM. The machines are running a new OS X build (figures); if you break the glass on the screen, you replace the whole screen (ouch!), swapping hard drives is much easier than on previous models (yay!) but if you lock your machine with a Kensington security cable, that will also block access to the bottom case (phew). APC also notes a new internal feature on these laptops, and presumably on the MBPs as well, that MacMerc, HardMac and the Ars forums have pointed out: immersion sensors at various spots inside the case (previously seen on the iPhone). These adhesive dots change color when exposed to liquid, so the conversations at the Genius Bar where you insist "No, I'm sure that nothing was spilled on it!" just got quite a bit harder. AppleInsider has a diagram showing the locations of all eight sensors inside the machine, if you've got really really good aim with your spilled Dr. Pepper.
Flickr Find: The Cocoon
Mitch Haile shared this set with our Flickr Pool to show us the ridiculously awesome setup he has in his office. From what we can tell, he has: a 24-inch Intel iMac a 15-inch MacBook Pro a Mac Pro with six (!) monitors several PCs a couple of Kinesis Freestyle keyboards The six monitors include four HPs, one ViewSonic, and a 30-inch Apple Cinema Display. The Mac Pro has three video cards. The whole shebang is served by two APC uninterruptible power supplies. Nice. Me, I just want a reason to keep an ice bucket on my desk. Thanks, Mitch!
APC intros increased-efficiency Back-UPS ES 750
It looks like APC is trying to make its uninterruptible power supplies a little less power-hungry, with its new Back-UPS ES 750 model promising both a boost in efficiency and a savings, however small, on your power bill. Among other things, the ES 750 (which apparently replaces the previous model of the same name) can automatically cut off power to unused peripherals when your computer's in sleep mode, which APC says should save you on average $40 a year on your power bill compared to competing models. Otherwise, you'll get all the features you'd expect in a model of its class, including ten power outlets (five of which have battery backup), and 450 watts of power which, depending on what you have plugged in, can give you up to 70 minutes of run time. Look for this one to set you back an even $100 when its released sometime in January.
APC's wall mounted power filter
With all the wall mounted TVs today, we're always looking for new ways to make sure our expensive investment toy is protected. We covered one option already, but now APC has one in the way of a wall mountable power filter (surge suppressor) . The APC AV 2 type C is designed for AV use and includes two plugs, surge protection, isolated noise filtration, as well as APC's Equipment Protection Policy. It sells for $99 and the protection policy has you covered all the way to $350k in the event your equipment gets damaged. More pictures after the jump.[Via CEPro]
Miffed cell suscriber goes on tower-destroying rampage in APC
We'll take our warfare small-sized and mobile-friendly any day of the week, thank you very much. Seems an angry cell subscriber likely had the ride of his life wiped all trace of frustration from his soul by rampaging through Sydney destroying six cell towers in an Armored Personnel Carrier. Charged with malicious damage, break and enter, predatory driving, and driving in a dangerous manner, the mad driver was arrested on his way to a seventh appointment. The driver's name and carrier in question aren't mentioned, but we can assume he won't be worrying about cell reception where he's likely to end up -- unless, of course, it was all just an accident.
APC's Mobile Power Pack delivers juice via USB
Add the Mobile Power Pack from APC to the growing list of accessories able to provide your portable gadgets with precious extra hours of runtime. Promising up to 55 more hours of juice for your iPod nano or eight to ten hours for your Treo, the MPP UPB10 sports a high-capacity, user-replaceable lithium polymer battery that can power and charge nearly any device with a USB or mini-USB jack. If you don't have the time/inclination to build your own solution, this may be seventy bucks well spent.
