Edge
Latest
EFF is building a stronger 'Do Not Track' browser setting
Despite "Do Not Track" being a standard option on Firefox, Chrome and Safari (but not Microsoft Edge), many unscrupulous advertisers are still secretly tracking the browsing habits of internet users. That's why the Electronic Frontier Foundation has teamed with Adblock, Medium, Mixpanel and DuckDuckGo to create a stronger standard.
A closer look at the Edge browser in Windows 10
In 18 days, Internet Explorer will turn 20 years old. But rather than celebrating with a new version, as it did for birthday number 15, Microsoft will be shoving IE away into an obscure folder with other legacy applications -- you know, like Paint. Though the browser will live on, mostly for the sake of enterprise users, it will only receive security patches going forward (read: no new features or design changes). Just as important, it will no longer be the default browser in Windows. That honor now goes to Edge, a cleaner, leaner browser that makes its debut on Win 10. Microsoft hopes that with the name change, fresh design, smarter features and improved performance, Edge will be enough to convince people to set aside whatever negative impressions they may have had of Internet Explorer.
Dolby Digital Plus surround sound plugs into Microsoft's Edge
Windows 10 won't have Media Center included but this week Microsoft revealed that it will have support for surround sound in some new ways, and it could make Netflix streaming even better. Beyond supporting Dolby Digital Plus in the Windows 10 OS -- similar to Windows 8 -- its Edge browser (formerly known as Project Spartan) will be the first one with built-in support for the surround sound audio codec. Microsoft and Dolby are explaining to developers how they can not only create 5.1 audio mixes for content, but also include the code to make it fall back to stereo on other we browsers.
Windows 10's web browser is called Microsoft Edge
After months of waiting, Microsoft finally has a proper name for Windows 10's brand-new web browser: Forget Project Spartan, and meet Microsoft Edge. It still has the same flat, minimalist look you saw at the start of the year, as well as clever features like Cortana voice commands and annotation for websites. You'll also get a new tab page that shows both other websites as well as handy info like weather, and Microsoft is now making it easier for developers to port extensions from other browsers (such as Chrome). Yes, the folks in Redmond are largely using the Edge name to distance their latest browser from Internet Explorer's less-than-stellar reputation, but you have to admit that the new branding is decidedly catchier.
Verizon's Edge program changes make you wait longer to upgrade
Eyeing an upgrade to the Droid Turbo? An iPhone 6? Maybe the One M8 for Windows? If you're on Verizon's Edge payment program, you're going to have to be more patient than usual -- or at least, open your wallet a little wider. The carrier has confirmed a Droid-Life leak revealing that Big Red is modifying Edge in a way that makes it harder to upgrade quickly. As of October 16th, payments for new devices will normally be distributed over two years, rather than 20 months; if you can't wait that long to get new gear, you'll have to pay off 75 percent of the hardware price rather than 60 percent. In practice, that means that you'll either be waiting at least 18 months to trade up (instead of 12) or else paying more to accelerate the upgrade process.
Garmin's fitness trackers now help you master your calorie balance
There are plenty of apps and gadgets that track the calories you burn during exercise. But comparing those figures with the calories you're taking in? That's harder, which is why Garmin has teamed up with MyFitnessPal to provide a clearer picture of your energy balance. The collaboration melds the calorie consumption data from Garmin devices with MyFitnessPal's activity and nutrition info to create a Calorie In/Out section on Garmin's Connect page. You'll quickly find out if a long run was enough to offset that big dessert, or if you need to eat more to keep up with your workouts. The MyFitnessPal integration is currently limited to the Forerunner 15 GPS watch and the Vivofit tracker, but all Forerunners and Edge bike computers should support the feature this summer.
Garmin's latest bike computer talks to your gear shifter
Bike computers have been connecting to an ever larger sphere of devices, ranging from fitness sensors to smartphones. It only makes sense, then, that they integrate with the bike itself -- and Garmin is doing just that with its new Edge 1000. The device can tell what gear you're using when paired with Shimano's Di2 electronic shifter, and ties that info to your ride; it's now easy to figure out if dropping gears helped you conquer that hill a little faster. There are a few big upgrades over the Edge 810 that don't require high-end bike components, of course. The 1000 supports new Garmin peripherals that include both a handlebar remote as well as cadence/speed sensors, and you can share ride segments through the company's smartphone app if you want to prove your worth to nearby cyclists. This flagship Edge will be expensive at $600 ($700 bundled with sensors) when it ships later in the spring, but that premium may be worthwhile if you just have to get a competitive advantage over fellow pedal-pushers.
Verizon: 'it's a mistake' to abandon subsidized phone plans
Of the four major operators in the US wireless industry, Verizon seems to be the most hesitant in making a transition to phone installment plans. Last year, the company launched a plan called Edge in which customers agree to pay for the full retail price of their smartphone in monthly payments; however, Verizon has taken its time in making Edge competitive with AT&T's and T-Mobile's offerings. Big Red is quite a bit more cautious than its competitors, choosing instead to promote its traditional subsidized plans, which involves the customer buying a new phone at a discount in exchange for a two-year contract. Verizon executives have been pretty quiet about future plans, but CFO Fran Shammo shed some light today on exactly why his company isn't making such a huge leap.
Your carrier wants you to buy into early upgrades, but should you take the bait?
We get it. It's been a year since you got a new phone, and it doesn't have a Super Ultra HD screen, 80MP camera or fancy pants 50-core processor. You pine for the latest and greatest mobile toy, but it's probably going to cost you a lot, right? Well, yes. But in the past year, every major US network has eased the pain by introducing device installment plans, many of which allow you to trade in your current phone for a newer, hipper model. Most of these plans, which are designed to let you pay off your device over several months, are still more expensive than the average two-year contract, regardless of who you sign it with. But whether you like it or not, they're here to stay. T-Mobile gets credit for starting the movement: Shortly after it announced its installment and early upgrade plans, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint all followed with options of their own. Ever since, the new plans have led to a massive pricing war, and the resulting price drops (most recently from AT&T and Verizon) have made them more tempting. But what does it all mean for you?
Verizon's Edge trade-in program now lets customers upgrade after just 30 days
Sick of your new phone already? Verizon would like a word with you. Over the weekend, the company made some changes to its Edge upgrade program, drastically reducing the amount of time customers need to wait before pursuing an upgrade. The plan originally allowed trade-ins for devices that were half paid off and about six months old; now the waiting period has been reduced to a mere 30 days. Verizon told CNET the tweak was technically a promotion, but it's not actually much of a deal. Although the wait-time has been reduced by a factor of six, the amount due hasn't changed a penny: users seeking a new device still need to pony up at least 50 percent of the phone's value, even if they've only been using it for a few weeks. While it's always good to have options, maybe it's a better idea to sort out your buyer's remorse during your carrier's return window.
Two Tribes' retro platformer Edge rolls onto 3DS December 26
As promised, Two Tribes is bringing Edge, along with its "Extended" DLC, to the 3DS this month. Two Tribes' isometric retro platformer will be available for download through the 3DS eShop on December 26 for $1.99. In Edge, players roll a cube through an intricate 3D landscape spanning dozens of levels. While guiding the cube, players must hunt down scattered prisms and clear each level as quickly as possible. The 3DS port was made in collaboration with Cosmigo.
Two Tribes bringing Toki Tori, Edge, Rush to Wii U eShop
Developer Two Tribes announced that it is bringing three of its classic games to the Wii U eShop by the end of the year, including the predecessor to its Wii U side-scrolling puzzler Toki Tori 2. This month will see the release of a Wii U port of Toki Tori featuring optional touch controls, along with bonus Portal 2 ARG content introduced in the PC version of the game. Two Tribes will follow up with November's launch of the isometric platformer Edge, which also includes all levels from the expansion game Edge Extended. In December, Two Tribes will wrap up the trio with Rush, a PC-ported puzzler that offers GamePad-optimized touch controls. All games feature off-TV play, and are priced at $1.99 each.
Verizon Max plan goes live to entice unlimited data users to join Edge
August 25th was the day when Verizon customers with an early adopter bent could sign up for Edge, the carrier's plan that lets them get their hands on the latest and greatest device a lot sooner than those with the usual two-year contract. Though not quite as heavily publicized however, Verizon officially launched the Max promo plan concurrently to encourage those with unlimited plans to make the leap to the new program. Indeed, it appears you can't keep your unlimited plan and sign up for Edge at the same time. As confirmed by Droid-Life, when those with a grandfathered unlimited plan attempt to join Edge, they'll be prompted to swap it out for a Verizon Max plan. The Max offer lets you have either a 6GB cap for $30 or an 8GB plus tethering option for $50. Do note that swapping out your unlimited data plan for Max doesn't affect your monthly minute and text allotment; those remain as separate line items. We admit we don't quite see the benefit of giving up your unlimited data for Edge's more frequent handset upgrades -- which come at a higher monthly cost anyway -- but if you feel like you really need that shiny new handset right now, head on over to the source to see if it's worth it. [Image credit: Droid-Life]
Ubuntu Edge Indiegogo campaign ends with over $19 million outstanding
When Canonical took to Indiegogo to crowdfund its Ubuntu Edge smartphone, the $32 million it sought seemed like an incredibly lofty goal. And, one that's now proven unattainable. Despite quickly selling out of the lowest pledge tier that included a handset, reducing the price of more expensive tiers, then doing the same again as the deadline loomed, the campaign has closed over $19 million shy of its goal. Still, raising just over $12.8 million is a record of sorts, depending on whether you believe a failed effort qualifies. In total, a handful of high-cost bundles were pledged for, 5,674 backers coughed up enough for a lone Edge, and many more thousands offered small sums in support -- or, some just really wanted a T-shirt. We're not convinced the journey ends here, though. After all, there's clearly some desire for the Edge. Will we see investors step in to make it happen? Or, perhaps Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth will finally see fit to pump some of his own substantial reserves into the project. A project update from Shuttleworth can be found at the source link. In addition to thanking backers, he says that "the support and publicity has continued to drive our discussions with some major manufacturers," adding: "Watch this space!"
Ubuntu Edge raises record-breaking $10 million, enters Guinness Book of Almost
$10,311,220. It isn't sufficient to greenlight Canonical's innovative hybrid smartphone, but it is just enough to beat the sum raised by the Pebble smartwatch and thereby steal the crowdfunding record. Well, sort of, at least. It depends on whether the amount pledged is all that matters, regardless of whether the project actually comes to fruition -- as happened with both the Pebble on Kickstarter and Indiegogo's previous record holder, the Scanadu Scout. More importantly though, Ubuntu Edge may have reached the point where it'll have a second chance even if it doesn't achieve the required backing of $32 million: Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth told the BBC that some manufacturers have noticed all the hubbub and have come "out of the woodwork" to discuss taking the Android / Ubuntu concept forward, such that August 21st may not prove to be a terminal deadline.
Canonical drops Ubuntu Edge price to $695 for rest of crowdfunding campaign
Canonical's Indiegogo campaign for the Ubuntu Edge smartphone had an auspicious start, but it slowed down after the first few days. The Linux developer may have just rekindled interest, however, by dropping the regular price of the Edge from $775 to $695 for the last two weeks of the crowdfunding drive. Part supplier deals helped reduce the manufacturing costs, Canonical explains. While that's not the lowest price that we've seen during the campaign, there won't be another discount -- if you're at all interested in the unique Android and Ubuntu hybrid, you'll want to make a pledge today.
The Weekly Roundup for 07.22.2013
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Ubuntu Edge pricing drops to $625 minimum on Indiegogo after initial sellout
So far, it seems that Canonical's $32 million Ubuntu Edge smartphone Indiegogo campaign has been a roaring success, having raised over $3.5 million in about 40 hours. But after selling out all 5,000 units in the lowest $600 pricing tier, Canonical has added three new pledge levels. Initially, those who missed out on the one-day-only offer would've needed to cough up $830, but there are now $625, $675 and $725 rungs prior to that price, each with 1,250 of the linux-coated handsets available. Meanwhile, the counter at the original $830 second level -- which had already been in the hundreds -- has been reset, with all those buyers dropped to the new $625 tier. Canonical promised it would "refund the difference (to those buyers) at the end of the campaign," adding it would contact each with more info. After setting an Indiegogo record by raising $2 million in about 8 hours, the fundraising inevitably slowed down, and the revised price tiers could be a response to that -- either way, there's still a steep climb to the gargantuan target.
The Daily Roundup for 07.22.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Ubuntu Edge smartphone announced with $32 million Indiegogo campaign, aims to hit market in May 2014
Ubuntu's plan to merge the desktop computer and mobile device is taking shape today in form of the Edge, which it's aiming to bring to market in May of next year for $830 outright. True to Canonical's community driven roots, the company is turning to crowd-funding to get the device on its feet. It's aiming to raise $32 million, and to that end, Canonical's launching a campaign on Indiegogo today, which provides early backers the opportunity to snag the phone for $600. According to company founder, Mark Shuttleworth, the Indiegogo route isn't meant to compete with its strategy of courting carriers for its mainstream smartphone project. Rather, it's meant to solve an "innovation gap" that's arisen during talks with manufacturers over its grander vision. The Ubuntu Edge is a very ambitious smartphone that'll be capable of running a full-fledged Ubuntu desktop operating system alongside Android. While specs are currently tentative, the company is aiming to outfit the Edge with a quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Meanwhile, the phone itself will sport a 4.5-inch, 1,280 x 720 display that's constructed of sapphire crystal glass, an 8MP rear / 2MP front-facing camera and stereo speakers. As for connectivity, Canonical's eyeing LTE, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC, along with MHL support. If the converged device strategy strikes your fancy, you'll find good incentive to be among the early backers. According to Shuttleworth, the Edge will only come to market if backers make it happen, as "none of the phone manufacturers are yet ambitious enough to try to put both things in one package." Regardless of whether the Indiegogo campaigns succeeds -- it'd be a record, if so -- Canonical will continue pursuing its strategy to bring a more basic Ubuntu smartphone to market. Recently, the company announced the first of its partner carriers, which includes Verizon, Deutsche Telecom, EE, SK Telecom, China Unicom and others. We're still waiting to see what type of smartphone might be offered through the carriers, but it's now clear that if you believe in the open source / converged device philosophy, you'll need to vote with your wallet. %Gallery-194333%
