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Rumor: 360 DivX support to be a Fall feature
During a recent earnings report presentation, DivX CEO Kevin Hell might have revealed a bit too much regarding DivX support on the Xbox 360.JP Morgan analyst Paul Coster asked Hell about DivX support that was added to Microsoft's Media Extender and if that foreshadowed a release to the Xbox 360. Hell's response was an enthusiastic "Yes!" followed by a semi-awkward, backpedaling clarification that went something like ... "that, uh, we're in discussions with Microsoft on that at this point in time, so I can't go into any great detail on that. Um that is not a certified, that is not a certified or licensed product at this time." His response may not sound like confirmation of DivX headed to the 360, but simply reading the quote doesn't paint the whole picture. According to those who attended the conference, it was how he answered the question thta was most revealing. Hell was very enthusiastic at first when he answered "Yes!" and then he quickly tried to backpedal and change the subject. Was it a slip of the tongue or a simple misunderstanding? No one is certain, but we wouldn't be surprised to see DivX support added to the 360 this December.[Thanks, Evan Walsh]
Dash Express gets enhanced geo-feeds
Geo-caching and maps mashup nerds: sit up and take notice. The connected GPS hardware startup -- fresh off its redesign and FCC approval -- is coming clean some new geo-feeds integration, which will allow the device to pull up custom geoRSS / KML feeds of user-generated points of interest over its cellular connection, as well as provide integration with certain open-API geo-services like Zillow (which allows you to check the property value of homes in the area -- or on the street -- you and your Dash are in). It's a slightly mind-bending paradigm shift from the static-database-on-your-GPS points of interest usage model we're all used to, so think about it this way: if your standard POIs are now handled dynamically through Yahoo search on the Dash, consider geo-feeds a user-generated extension of that, giving you and your Dash the ability to locate destinations based on the input of online communities.%Gallery-8812%
Dash Express hits the FCC
Well, would you look at that -- the Dash Express has navigated itself into the FCC's tell-all database. Not much here you didn't already know -- 4.3-inch display, WiFi, cell, and GPS radios, two-way traffic updates and travel-time estimation, and slightly redesigned casing -- but it looks like there's a 400MHz Samsung processor under the hood running a custom Linux build in 128MB of RAM, with 3GB of flash for maps. Hit the read link to nerd it up with some hot RF interference documentation.
2.2 coming to the live realms tomorrow morning
By now, it's almost a certainty-- not only did the PTR shut down last week, but Neth has almost confirmed on the forums that patch 2.2 is coming tomorrow morning. That means, I guess, that Amanda was right on our podcast a few weeks ago-- she was the only one who predicted it would show up this week, so kudos to her. Of course, it also messes up my plans for the week, unfortunately. I was planning to snipe Brutes and capture flags at least through Thursday, but now I may have to punctuate that with some voice chatting.And besides voice chatting, what else are we seeing in this new patch we've waited so long for? The full patch notes are here for now (though they may be replaced with the 2.2.2 notes in the next day or so). Anti-AFK measures are showing up, as well as the Haste rebalancing. And most of the class stuff seems like bugfixes more or less. If you're a Druid, it'll be good to know that you can attack from further away while in Cat form, Shaman ankhs will now stack to ten (nice!) and Hunters with Raptor pets can now go out and learn Dash, but otherwise, it's all bugfixes-- some more harsh than others (the Six Demon Bag no longer benefits from spell damage, so bummer for that one).But the thing that will really pull me away from Halo 3 this week is probably the simplest. Finally, my Orc male shoulders are returned to full size. Finally, after more than two months, I can walk around Orgrimmar with my head held up proudly, trapped between two huge masses of metal. See you tomorrow, 2.2!
Dash Express redesigned for Q1 2008 launch
More than a year after its initial tease, the Dash Express receives a much needed makeover in preparation for its overdue commercial outing. The WiFi, cellular, and GPS packing navigator with two-way traffic updates and travel-time forecasting now features a larger 4.3-inch display, louder speaker, beefier internal battery, and power connector on the dash mount instead of the navigator. They've also axed the button clutter up front by introducing a pair of touch-sensitive buttons along top: one makes a volume button appear on the touchscreen while the other brings up the menu. Although well behind their initial launch projection, the fact that they have the time to fine-tune the design is a pretty good sign that a revised Q1 2008 launch date is in the bag.[Via x64bit, thanks Dave]Read -- new design Read -- new date
PTR Notes: Dashing raptors
The always interesting Mania's Arcania has more great news for Hunters from the PTR blog. Apparently in 2.2 (and right now on the PTR), Raptor family pets will be able to learn the Dash ability. Previously, I believe, Dash was primarily available from the cats in STV (Bhag'thera, the elite panther down there, gave Dash rank 2). But now Raptors are getting in on the speedy fun, too.Now, Raptors can already learn to both Bite and Claw (they can Growl and Cower, too, but those are the standard pet abilities that every pet has), so you might think a third ability would make them a little OP. But it turns out Raptors have been getting the short end of the stick for a while-- Cats can do all those things and Prowl, and Boars even get an extra Charge ability. Heck, even Tallstriders can Dash, so a Raptor doing it is no problem.Bears, it seems, are stuck with the short of the stick, as they only have the Bite and Claw. But Bears get extra HP and Armor, plus a lumbering bear isn't exactly sprightly, so Bear-owning Hunters don't have much to complain about. If you're a Raptor kind of Hunter, make sure to stop by the pet trainer after 2.2, because your pet, clever girl, has picked up a new skill.
SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Mobile 6 in beta
With the T-Mobile Wing and the Windows Mobile 6 version of the Dash both in wide circulation, growing pains were pretty much inevitable; new operating systems almost always lead to compatibility issues. Without the ability to placeshift mindless telly programs to our phones, we're empty inside and we suspect many of our readers feel the same way -- so high on our "oh man, it sucks that doesn't work anymore" list would be SlingPlayer Mobile for Windows Mobile. Sling's well aware of the issue and has an updated player on schedule for release in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, the company is offering to let folks into the beta program for an interim solution. Check it out before the agony of streaming video withdrawal gets any worse, why don't you?
Hands-on with T-Mobile's WM6-ified Dash
Kudos to T-Mobile for rushing (in relative terms) Windows Mobile 6 to its Dash, an honorable move that makes it the first carrier to launch a Windows Mobile 6 device in the US. We've had a chance to run through the re-upped device today, and, well, what can we say: it's a faithful implementation of Windows Mobile 6 Standard. As we've said before, Windows Mobile 6 is an extraordinarily incremental upgrade; the new operating system alone probably doesn't warrant rushing out tomorrow and picking up a shiny new Dash, but for existing owners, we can't think of a better way to close out the week. Click on for the glorious visuals. Gallery: Hands-on with T-Mobile's WM6 update for the Dash
T-Mobile Dash gets Windows Mobile 6 upgrade
Exactly as planned, all you Dash users can head on over to T-Mobile's Windows Mobile upgrade site tomorrow (Friday, the 4th, to be extra verbose), and snag the free Windows Mobile 6 upgrade. Be warned, though, you'd better make sure to get a decent backup app because the upgrade will, as usual, hard reset all the data on your device.
Windows Mobile 6 update for T-Mobile Dash leaked
Frankly we're a bit surprised it's taken as long as it has for the T-Mobile Dash Windows Mobile 6 upgrade to get leaked. Nothing much to see here if you're at all familiar with WM6 "Standard" (what we common folk are still calling Smartphone), but if you're not willing to brick-risk it, apparently the official update will hit the streets this Friday, the 4th.[Via Gadgets On The Go and Jamerican]
Gather around and watch the Spring dash update
If you've been craving more information about the Spring dashboard update, then you aren't alone. That's why the fine folks over at on10 headed over to the Microsoft campus to record a video demo that showcases all the new Spring update features. The 20+ minute demo shows off all the UI and menu structure changes as well as explains (and shows) how the IM integration will work. Actually, every feature that has been announced for the Spring dash update is demoed in the video including the new text-input device that'll attach to your controller. So, if you're the curious type and want to see the new dash features in action, give the video a watch. Maybe you'll see something new that you just love (like the new Marketplace blade!). And remember, the new Spring dash update drops May 7th to an Xbox 360 near you.
Dash Express connected GPS public beta test at the starting line
So Dash Navigation is officially announcing its public beta program (aka Dash National Road Test) of the Dash Express connected GPS nav unit. Having cruised around the SF bay area for the last six months, Dash apparently decided it was time to open the doors to 2000 early adopters who want to get their hands dirty with pre-release hardware that doesn't just do GPS, but also gets real time traffic updates and attempts accurate transit time predictions. Dash estimates any major metropolitan area needs between one and two thousand connected cars to produce enough traffic data to accurately predict congestion, but until the launch goes big early users will just have to settle with the other niceties like Yahoo Local search and the ability to easily load up the unit with destinations and the like via its data connection. Good luck getting your unit, and be sure to report back to us here on whether you think Dash is headed in the right direction, would you?
HTC S621 (Excalibur) now official on Rogers
Every once in a while, the anticipatory wait for that new handset to launch is blissfully short, and we're delighted to report that this is one of those cases. The S621 from HTC is now available all official-like through Canada's Rogers Wireless, offering the same glorious QWERTY experience (and somewhat controversial "JOGGR" touch strip experience) that T-Mobile customers have been enjoying for a little while now. Grab it now for a cool $250 CDN (about $213) on three-year agreement.[Thanks, psxp]
Dash update is boring, nothing special
Alright, we got our confirmation from the folks at Gamerscore Blog, and Major Nelson has posted it as well. Today's dashboard update specifically fixes some performance issues and is all behind the scenes. So there you go. It wasn't IPTV, it wasn't the Gears patch, and it's altogether uninteresting. At least we get Ms. Pac-Man tomorrow, right? Right? Anybody?
Mysterious dash update released today [update 1]
Update: It looks like it's just a boring performance update. Click here for the full scoop.Those of you who have turned on your 360s today (in the US at least) were prompted to download an update. We've had a few people asking if we know what it was all about. To put it simply, we don't. We've asked Major Nelson for an official explanation. He assures us that an explanation is forthcoming, just as soon as he gets details from Redmond (Major is at CES right now). We'll give you the details as soon as we have them. Just curious, has anyone outside the US received this update?
Dash adds Yahoo! local search to GPS
Upstart Dash Navigation announced today that it's signed up Yahoo! as a partner for its forthcoming Dash Express GPS unit/service, with the company set to provide its Yahoo! Local service for some location-sensitive car-based searching. For those not up to speed, Dash is aiming to bolster the humble GPS navigation unit by pooling the collective awareness of all Dash users on the road, wirelessly transmitting traffic information back and forth in real time to provide up-to-date road conditions (for a more detailed Dash primer, you may want to take a gander at our own Ross Rubin's two recent columns on the company's plans). The addition of Yahoo! Local looks to further round out the company's offerings, letting drivers search for nearby business or products, as well as get restaurant ratings and other information, along with the ability to redirect their route to any given destination at the push of a button. Dash itself is apparently still on track for a launch in California this spring, with a nationwide roll-out to follow later in the fall.
Got cash in the new phone budget? Do some good
'Tis the season for giving, which leaves the rabid phone fans among us in a tight spot: how do we get in on a little new mobile tech for ourselves and help those less fortunate at the same time? Our friends over at Phone Scoop are hoping to fill the bill by auctioning off a handful of hot, current handsets graciously provided by carriers and manufacturers with all proceeds going to benefit The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria -- the same fund (RED) benefits. Loot includes a T-Mobile Dash, LRG Sidekick 3, Motorola MOTOKRZR K1, unlocked Samsung i320, M500 for Sprint, and BlackJack, and a Helio Drift (see, we told you the goods were hot). Bidding will take place via Phone Scoops' forums, with all auctions ending this Friday. Bid generously, and bid to win!
Engadget Black Friday giveaways (part 3): T-Mobile Dash!
It's Black Friday, which for many people means long lines, money lost, and war with your fellow man over this and that gadget. Hopefully not here at Engadget though, we're just gonna give some gear away. This time it's a T-Mobile Dash, just about the hottest smartphone on the US market right now. It features: 2.4-inch transflective TFT display Quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE WiFi and Bluetooth 128MB flash, 64MB SDRAM, microSD slot 1.3 megapixel camera myFaves support 960mAh battery (vs 1130mAh on the Moto Q) 4.4 x 2.5 x 0.5-inch body (vs 4.57 x 2.5 x 0.47-inches on Q) 4.2 ounces (vs 4.06 ounces on Q) Just leave us a comment below, and later today we'll announce the winners. Oh, and do mind the rules: You may only enter for this prize today. You may enter other Engadget contests, however... You may only enter this contest once; if you enter more than once on this particular contest post you'll be automatically disqualified and barred from all future giveaways. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) You may enter future Engadget relaunch giveaway contests though! You can only win once. Contest is open ot US residents only. P.S. -Just in case you miss your chance to win the Dash here, T-Mobile's giving one away every day through Christmas. Check it out over at T-Mobile Dash-a-Day (no relation to hack a day).P.P.S -Oh, by the way, we were thinking of making this our last Black Friday giveaway. But if we can get to 7,000 entries on the Dash by, say, 11:00PM EST tonight we might be convinced to throw in another Nikon D40 to give away before Black Friday comes to a close. So get entering!
T-Mobile Dash now available
Right on time, the hotly-anticipated T-Mobile Dash Windows Mobile-based smartphone is now up for grabs direct from T-Mo, retailing for the expected $199.99 after the usual contract signings, instant discounts, and mail-in rebates. If you been following it as closely as we have, you no doubt know the specs like your shoe size, but for those not quite up to speed, it boasts quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE capabilities, WiFi and Bluetooth, a 2.4-inch TFT, 1.3 megapixel camera, myFaves support, 128MB flash / 64MB SDRAM, and a microSD slot for expansion, all in a slim 4.2 ounce, QWERTY-riffic package. If you're still on the fence about it, you can always take another peek at our review of the device, or bust out the credit card and do your own hands-on -- just don't forget the unboxing pics in all the excitement.[Thanks, Scott R.]
T-Mobile Dash review
Even though Boy Genius managed to get his hands on the HTC Excalibur and the T-Mobile Dash like, way before we did, we still got a unit to take around the block ourselves. It's safe to say the Dash is probably the most T-Mobile anticipated device of the second half of this year, and with good reason. We've loved this thing ever since we laid hands on it -- don't let the pictures fool you, it's way smaller and sleeker than most photos let on. In all reality, the Dash is a fairly unphotogenic device -- which is why we had to make sure to take some bigger and better than usual photos of it. Those angled corners off the screen and the thinning metal bezel on the face makes it look pear-shaped and odd. But once you wrap your hands around it, you'll understand why this is the hottest Smartphone on the American market.
