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Distro Issue 109: Turning the lights off on innovation
Well faithful readers, the day has come. In this final issue of our weekly, we examine the death of innovative devices that despite miscalculated timing, still had their influence on a handful of gadgets that we use today. We also throw down the review gauntlet for the Jambox Mini, HP SlateBook x2 and one of Sony's newfangled "lens cameras." Eyes-On goes after a hunk of stainless steel, Rec Reading has Tim Cook on the new iPhones and Weekly Stat tallies digital publication readership. Head to those trusty repositories one last time and enjoy some end of the week leisurely reading. Distro Issue 109 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 108: With the arrival of two new Apple handsets, do the i's have it?
Just over a week ago, Apple pulled the wraps off of not one but two new smartphone options for the iOS faithful. In this week's edition of our slate magazine, the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c head through the Engadget review gauntlet to test Cupertino's latest against the competition. Eyes-On peeks at Chrome bags, Hands-On visits IDF 2013 and Rec Reading investigates Nintendo's secret weapon. A rather colorful issue is ready for your e-reading device of choice via the repositories down below. Distro Issue 108 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 107: How Edward Thorp gambled his way into wearable-tech history
Edward Thorp was banned from casinos in Vegas for counting cards. He even published a book on his system for winning at the blackjack table using the mathematical theory of probability. While working at MIT, he built what many consider the first wearable device for -- you guessed it -- beating roulette. In a fresh issue of our weekly, Donald Melanson profiles Thorp's gaming of the system and how he ended up the unlikely father of wearable computing. Eyes-On has a look at Sennheiser's cans, Hands-on grabs up both of the new iPhones and IRL takes a gaming focus. Jump down to your digital library of choice to snag your copy and settle in for a gadget-centric history lesson. Distro Issue 107 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
The last days of Distro
On Friday, September 27th, Engadget will publish the last issue of our weekly tablet magazine, Distro. However, Distro (unlike disco) isn't dead. When Distro launched in October 2011, we were entering a relatively new space. At the time, we were one of the first online-only publications to produce a companion magazine app. We launched the same day as Apple's Newsstand and landed there (and on the Android Market) less than two weeks later, while some of the biggest names in publishing stood by to see if the tablet was worth the investment. Over the course of two years, Distro has served as a jumping-off point for award-winning design, in-depth analysis and a focus on long-form storytelling, and we plan to bring everything we've learned to Engadget at large. Along with a commitment to thoughtful design and feature content, you'll start to see some of our favorite recurring features popping up here on Engadget's homepage. So, while Distro will no longer live in the Newsstand, or Google Play or Windows Store, it's not quite time to pull out the bagpipes. So instead of saying goodbye, let's leave it at we'll see you tomorrow. Distro will continue to be available in the Newsstand, Play Store and Windows 8 marketplace until early October. After that, you'll be able to download archived PDFs from Engadget.
Distro Issue 106: The best (and the rest) of IFA 2013
Over the course of the last week, we sent a crew of Engadget editors across the pond to liveblog press conferences and scour the show floor for hottest gadgets that IFA 2013 had to offer. In a brand-new issue of our slate magazine, we serve up the top devices and the best of the rest from Germany's annual tech show. We also have a look at Microsoft's recent acquisition, take a bite out of Android 4.4 and oogle quite possibly the most handsome activity tracker around. Settle in folks, because all of that and so much more lies inside the e-pages of another jam-packed issue that's ready for broswing. Distro Issue 106 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 105: The tale of the amazing multi-colored e-paper display
Once upon a time, the possibility of a color e-reader seemed a reality just around the bend. As the sun set on the 2000s, though, prototypes and the potential for multi-hued e-paper devices seemed to disappear. In this issue of our weekly, Sean Buckley examines the events surrounding the once bright future of the tech and why we're still e-reading in black-and-white. As far as reviews go, we offer up our detailed analysis of the TiVo Roamio Pro, OLPC XO Tablet and Motorola Droid Ultra. Eyes-On peeks at Blue Microphone's latest, Weekly Stat examines the broadband build-up and Recommended Reading profiles Marissa Mayer. The weekend is finally here, and there's plenty to peruse, so go on cozy up with a fresh copy via the usual download spots. Distro Issue 105 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 104: Prep for class with Engadget's back to school guide
Unfortunately, it's time to hit the books once more. Don't get completely bummed out by the start of classes because this special issue of our weekly e-magazine has all of the top picks for back to school gear. That's right, from laptops to portable audio, we've narrowed down the best tech selections in over a dozen categories to ease the transition back to academia. Of course, they'll also make stellar pickups for those who have already joined the work force too. We sprinkled in a few Distro regulars as well: Eyes-On, Visualized and Time Machines are all here. There's plenty to consider this time around, so grab a copy for your e-reading gadget of choice via any of the app stores that follow. Distro Issue 104 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 103: Inside South Africa's TV white spaces experiment
In Africa, only 15.6 percent of residents have an internet connection and that figure clocks in below half of the global average. Google, Carlson Wireless and several other outfits are teaming up to employ Cape Town's unused TV frequencies, or white spaces, in order to bring high-speed connectivity to the masses. Darren Murph made the trek to South Africa get a behind-the-scenes look at the project and his account nabs top billing in this week's issue of our tablet mag. Eyes-On ogles Organic Transit's ELF; Weekly Stat tallies up the heroes of YouTube; and Modem World pleads the Hyperloop's case. Grab a copy from the source links below if your slate of choice hasn't already alerted you to do so and get comfy for another large dose of tech e-reading. Distro Issue 103 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 102: Demystifying the science behind particle accelerators
If you've yet to read up on particle accelerators because the thought of deep diving into science sounds terrifying, fret not friends. In the latest issue of our weekly, Terrence O'Brien steps inside the offers a crash course on the matter as the race towards the elusive Higgs boson surges on. As far as reviews go, we spend some quality time with the homegrown Moto X and HTC's One mini to see just how the pair of handsets holds up under pressure. Eyes-On peeks at some comfy cans, Recommended Reading recounts how Curiosity became a full-fledged astronaut and Forum is all about Google. Grab a tasty beverage and settle into to your favorite nook because the new edition awaits via the usual repositories below. Distro Issue 102 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 101: Google takes another stab at streaming with Chromecast
Remember the Nexus Q? Yeah, we do too. After coming up short with that streaming effort, Google pulled the wraps off of another attempt to invade living rooms last week. In this week's issue of our tablet mag, we give Chromecast the proper review treatment to see if Mountain View's goal to smarten up dumb TVs hits the ground running. Hands-On scours the show floor at SIGGRAPH, Recommended Reading has more first-hand Google Glass observations and IRL takes another peek inside our rucksacks. Get cozy folks, because your end of the week tech reading is ready for download. Distro Issue 101 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 100: A look at our all-time favorite gadgets
Well folks, we've reached the century mark. The publication started nearly two years ago has churned out a collection of 100 issues with a bit of blood, sweat and tears shed along the way. In this celebratory special edition of our weekly, we gathered up our favorite tech of all time. From smartphones to tablets and laptops, there's quite the collection to take in. Heck, we even have a blender that blends! Eyes-On takes an electric ride to the Golden Gate, Weekly Stat examines this e-mag's lineage and Visualized checks in at Comic-Con. All the requisite download links are down below, so join the party -- and here's to another hundred issues. Special thanks to the crew that had a hand in pushing Distro on its way: Jeremy Lacroix, Aaron Martin, Portia Monberg, Candy Mayo, Will Lipman, Davy Reynolds, David Robinson, Greg Grabowy, Josh Klenert, Troy Dunham, Susana Soares, Eve Binder, Anna Dickson, Wendy George, Peter Niceberg, Tim Stevens, Christopher Trout, Billy Steele, Jon Turi, Landon Peck, Daniel Stegemiller, Philip Palermo, Luan Tran, Mimmie Huang, Sharon Kasimow, Julie Vaughn, Carlynne Bradley, Jesse Chambers, Shen Lu, Sudheer Agrawal, Carl Haines, Scott Tury, Ronald Anderson, Scott Basham, Terry Worley, Todd Brannam, Mike Levine and countless others. High fives all around! Distro Issue 100 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 99: Inside the Nike+ Accelerator
Back in March, 10 companies descended upon the Nike+ Accelerator in Portland, Oregon, with the aim of building devices that would integrate with the athletic outfit's line of fitness gadgetry. In a brand new issue of our weekly, we step inside said venue after three months for a glimpse at Nike's formula for fueling the quantified self. Eyes-On takes a look at a quite dapper Ricoh point-and-shoot, Hands-On fondles Nokia's latest Lumia and IRL offers up another pair of our daily items. So pull up a comfy chair and grab a cup of tea, because the latest issue is here for your end of the week perusal. Distro Issue 99 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 98: How Facebook turned your identity into a commodity
And we're back! After a week off to consume as many summer cookout foods as possible here in the US, our tablet mag is returning to action. This time around, we take a look at how Facebook has taken your identity and turned it into a profit-making online entity. We also put the Razer Blade 14 and Samsung Galaxy Mega through their respective paces to see how they stack up against the competition. Eyes-On peeks at Wacom's Cintiq 13HD, Switched On examines the plight of the Nook and Visualized takes a look at printed pastures. Hopefully the week off gave you time to rest up, because our return is jam-packed with slate-reading goodness. Distro Issue 98 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 97: Made in the USA edition
The first week of July for those of us here in the States brings a barrage of cookouts, cold beverages and patriotism. In fact, we've dedicated the entirety of this week's double issue to the good ol' US of A. Crammed into the pages of this e-magazine is a first-hand account of the struggle to construct America's most sustainable city, a survey of developments in stateside manufacturing and much more. Eyes-On packs into some US-made bags, Weekly State tallies STEM job growth and IRL returns with more of our everyday gadgets. We'll be taking next week off to recover from the feast of hot dogs and impending firework burns, so be sure to swipe this edition to tide you over until our return. Distro Issue 97 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 96: PrimeSense tackles life after Kinect on its quest to make technology disappear
PrimeSense brought the Kinect to life with its 3D sensor tech and a four-year cooperative effort back in 2010. When it comes to the new tracking peripheral, though, Microsoft kept matters in-house and the Israeli startup set out to prove that its ready to break from those gaming roots. In a brand new issue of our weekly, we examine the outfit's post-Microsoft aspirations that include the Capri chip. Eyes-On cleans up with Dyson's latest, Weekly Stat dials in streaming radio numbers and Visualized examines BioRob's feline-esque robot. All of that and much more awaits via those trusty download repositories just down below. Distro Issue 96 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 95: The past, present and future of gaming converge at E3
Over the course of this past week, gaming-minded geeks descended upon Los Angeles for the industry's annual summer shindig. In the latest issue of our slate magazine, we hit the show floor at E3 2013 to offer up impressions of the latest gaming gadgetry. We also chat Wii U with Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, examine the uphill climb for said console and look back at the history of the entire event. There's loads more of game-centric goodness packed into this edition, so we'll let you get to it via the usual download sources. Distro Issue 95 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 94: Verizon Innovation Center and its pre-emptive strike against a one-track future
It's quite easy to give Verizon a hard time for some of its consumer practices, but the carrier has a lab where it's attempting to reverse the 'dumb pipe' moniker with next-gen connected tech. In this week's issue of our tablet magazine, Darren Murph visits the outfit's Innovation Center to catch a glimpse at what goes down inside. Eyes-On takes a gander at a retro-styled Fujifilm camera, Recommended Reading considers our cyborg future and Weekly Stat tallies online sharing. We won't hold you up any longer, so get to downloading via those links just down below. Distro Issue 94 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 93: The minds behind XPRIZE
During the course of a long weekend, a handful of the world's greatest thinkers assembled in California with the single goal of creating the next XPRIZE winner. In a brand new issue of our weekly, Tim Stevens takes a look inside the making of the next visionary challenge and offers a glimpse at how the the outfit decides which revolutionary ideas have earned its support. Weekly Stat tallies up the numbers on the Xbox One, Rec Reading peeks inside Google's secret lab and TechShop's Mark Hatch stops by for the Q&A. Some relaxing end-of-the-week gadget reading is here, thanks to a speedy download via the links that follow. Distro Issue 93 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 92: Building the Xbox One
In case you hadn't heard, Microsoft pulled the wraps off of its next-gen gaming console earlier this week at an event on its Redmond campus. A brand new issue of our slate magazine steps inside the lab where the Xbox One was built for a behind the scenes look at how the new "all-in-one" box came to be. We also offer up our initial impressions of the unit and both its gamepad and Kinect 2.0 peripherals in an extended hands-on. Forum examines Nintendo's next-gen problem, Eyes-On gazes at Numark's handheld accessory and Visualized visits Maker Faire's Bay Area expo. Get comfy, there's a lot to digitally digest via the download repositories below. Distro Issue 92 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 91: What the #%$! is Bitcoin?
With all of the recent chatter about the rise of Bitcoin, a number of theories have been put forth as to how the "digital gold" achieved its status. In this week's issue of our slate mag, we examine whether the so-called virtual currency is the prototype for a digital economy or if the anonymity that it carries will lead to black market dealings. As far as reviews go, HP's ElitePad 900 and Sony's Xperia XP both get extended time in the hands of our editors. Eyes-On takes to the streets of San Francisco with Stealth's Bomber, Hands-On tackles the latest from Google I/O and Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinksi offers up his thoughts on next-gen gaming. The weekend is almost here, so we'll let you get right to it via the usual download links that follow. Distro Issue 91 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
