minipost
Latest
Engadget Podcast 386 - 2.28.14
With most of the regular crew away, Terrence decides to call in some heavy-duty reinforcements. Richard joins us with critical insights into HD and the Netflix bottleneck debacle. Meanwhile, Brad is perfect for a providing a rundown of the best from Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, including first-hand insight into Samsung's newest devices. There's plenty to learn by tuning in this week, so head to the streaming links for the full episode of the Engadget Podcast. Hosts: Terrence O'Brien, Richard Lawler, Brad Molen Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Samsung's Galaxy S5 is coming to Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile
Long gone are the days of prepaid carriers being stuck with low-end smartphones. Need proof? That's easy: Sprint has announced that both Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile will carry Samsung's Galaxy S5 in the second quarter of the year, or sometime around the worldwide launch in April. Neither wireless brand is giving out prices at this stage, although it's safe to presume that the brand new, Spark-compatible flagship will carry a premium. Even so, its presence should be welcome to Boost and Virgin customers who've had to go without high-end Galaxies.
Engadget Eurocast 055 - 2.28.14
Ah, the joys of innocence. Jamie didn't know there was a Lego Movie, but Dan is here to fill him in on the details and deliver his thoughts on how it's the antithesis of Toy Story's rigid plot. The conversation then turns to Amazon's rebranding of Lovefilm in the UK and its plans to bolster its streaming library and revive Ripper Street, a Victorian-era cop show. Then there's the tangled web of intrigue and black-market banking called Bitcoin to try and hash out. It's a hefty task, but the crew is ready to attack the issues head on. Join us at the streaming links below for this week's episode of the Engadget Eurocast. Hosts: Dan Cooper, Jamie Rigg Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
FIFA 14 is now available for Windows Phone footie fans
Windows Phone owners no longer have to watch from the sidelines as their friends battle for supremacy in FIFA 14. EA has released a native version of the free-to-play soccer (aka football) title for Microsoft's platform with the same on-the-pitch action that you'd expect on Android and iOS, including options to buy both team points and special game modes like Manager or Kick Off. There's nothing specifically taking advantage of Windows Phone here, but Lumia owners wanting to dominate a virtual Premier League should be very happy.
Engadget HD Podcast 387 - 2.27.14
The HD news heap has reached a toppling point, so Ben and Richard get to work sifting through all the insanity from the past week. One of the major talking points is the streaming bottleneck of Netflix's content on various service providers. This prompts Ben to provide an overview of the labyrinthine inner workings of the internet, a tall task for anyone to attempt. In another bold move, Disney Movies Anywhere service launched recently with iTunes on board to help deliver some of its content. There's definitely some twists and turns, so head to the streaming links below for a bit of navigational assistance on this week's episode of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Dish Explorer for iPad can now recommend shows and turn on your TV
If you own one of Dish's Hopper DVRs and have ever been stumped as to what to watch next, you'll want to grab the latest version of Dish Explorer for the iPad. The new app now recommends shows based on your viewing habits; watch a lot of crime dramas and Dish may suggest the others you've missed. The update also introduces direct control over the TV's power and volume, so you won't have to go hunting for that lost remote. Head to the App Store for an upgrade if either new Explorer feature sounds appealing.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 200 - MWC edition - 2.26.14
The Mobile Podcast turns 200 today and we're coming to you direct from the MWC showfloor in Barcelona, so please excuse all the background hustle and bustle. Brad Molen and crew are providing some fresh first-hand perspective about Samsung's new smartwatch line and the dimple-backed Galaxy S5 (complete with finger print scanner). Nokia also has a new lineup, this time Android-based, and Sony's offerings are delivering enhanced imaging and higher resolutions. We saved you a seat at the table -- right next to the silent superstar -- so please join us for this special MWC 2014 edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast. Hosts: Brad Molen Guest: James Trew, Chris Velazco, Steve Dent, Joseph Volpe Producer: Jon Turi Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
Orange's Gova smartphone promises fast LTE on a budget
We don't normally think of Orange's smartphones as quick, but we'll have to make an exception for the carrier's just-unveiled Gova. The 4.5-inch, Android 4.3-toting handset is the provider's first with 150Mbps LTE, giving subscribers fast data without making them spring for more advanced hardware. It's also one of Orange's more capable phones overall thanks to its 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 5-megapixel rear camera and 8GB of built-in storage. The Gova should reach Luxembourg, Mauritius, Moldova, Poland, Spain, Slovakia and Tunisia in April. Those that don't need quite so much power can opt for the already available Reyo, which combines more modest data speeds with a 5-inch screen, Android 4.2 and a 1.3GHz dual-core chip. Unfortunately, there's no word of UK launches for either of these frugal devices.
Samsung and UCSF create a research space for mobile health tech
Samsung has been developing its own mobile health technology, but it knows that it can't do everything; there are plenty of entrepreneurs that have their own clever ideas. To help get those projects off the ground, the company is partnering with the University of California San Francisco to create the UCSF-Samsung Digital Health Innovation Lab. The venue will give up-and-comers a space to develop and test their mobile health breakthroughs, whether they involve wearable sensors or cloud services. We've reached out for more details regarding the lab, but it's safe to presume that Samsung isn't waiting for the lab to open before it releases some more health-related products of its own.
Engadget Podcast 385 - 2.21.14
Gaming has been scoring big in the headlines lately and Ben Gilbert's been paying attention. The studio that brought you BioShock Infinite has been dissolved and Doom 4 becomes 'Doom' all over again -- which is fine with Terrence since that's how he remembers it anyway. It might be IPO time for the company behind Candy Crush Saga and the numbers behind that reasoning are pretty interesting. Google even announced its Project Tango phone and it's environment mapping capabilities could turn your home or work space into an augmented reality gaming zone. Oh, and Facebook just bought WhatsApp for about $19 billion, so there's that. There's a lot going on, so head on down to the streaming links below for your weekly dose of tech, courtesy of the Engadget Podcast. Hosts: Terrence O'Brien, Ben Gilbert Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Rogers lets Canadians upgrade phones with no money down, plus a few catches
Where American carriers go, so goeth their Canadian counterparts. Rogers has revealed an upcoming Next program that, like its AT&T parallel, will let early adopters get new phones every 12 months for less cash than it would take using the standard upgrade path. As long as the contract price for a phone is $250 or less, you won't have to pay anything for it up front; you'll just shell out a flat $25 per month ($30 with insurance) and trade in your older Rogers hardware. The math potentially makes sense if you just have to get a new device every year. However, there are some big caveats you'll want to consider. You'll still be signing a two-year agreement when starting out, and you'll have to subscribe to "select" plans. We'll learn more about Next's true value when it's available in the near future, but those who despise contracts (or prefer their grandfathered plans) aren't likely to change their minds.
LG's curvy G Flex smartphone is coming to Canada through Rogers
Canadians have been left out of the curved smartphone frenzy so far, but they'll soon learn what all the fuss is about: LG has announced that the G Flex is coming to Canada as a Rogers exclusive this spring. While the local edition won't include any radical changes, it should have very fast data with dual-band, 150Mbps LTE support. Pricing isn't available yet. However, the American launches suggest that Rogers' model won't be cheap. You'd better really, really like that banana-shaped display.
T-Mobile will give you $250 if you trade in your old BlackBerry for a new one
If you hadn't heard, BlackBerry chief John Chen isn't happy with T-Mobile -- he believes the carrier fired a shot across the bow when it enticed BlackBerry users to switch phones in a recent promotion. To mend that bruised relationship, the magenta network is launching a limited-time trade-in offer that gives loyal users a strong incentive to upgrade. As of February 21st, T-Mobile will give you $200 for your existing BlackBerry, and $250 if you're upgrading from a T-Mobile BlackBerry to a BB10 device like the Q10 or Z10. The payout is the same regardless of the device's age, so long as it's in good condition; if you're still rocking a Curve 3G, you'll get the full amount. Market share trends suggest that there won't be too many people upgrading to new BlackBerrys, but the olive branch is welcome all the same.
Engadget HD Podcast 386 - 2.19.14
Updates, apps and mergers are piling up as we head deeper into 2014, leaving little room for idle chatter as Ben and Richard get down to business. The Comcast and Time Warner Cable deal is still reverberating through the news and it's dovetailing with yet another Apple TV rumor. Google's giving Chromecast apps the green light following a period of Android device updates and AllCast has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Mountain View's dongle. Showtime hits Roku, Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show gets companion apps and Netflix adds new seasons to its stable of shows. The Engadget HD Podcast is dropping some science this week, so be sure to tune in at the streaming links below. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
New Bing fitness app for Windows Phone tracks you after the run is over
Windows Phone owners have their choice of activity tracking apps, but few of those apps will tell you how to remain healthy after you've taken off your running shoes. It's a good thing that Microsoft has released a beta of Bing Health & Fitness for Windows Phone, then. The software uses GPS to quantify your biking and running like many of its peers, but it also provides health advice; much like the Windows 8 app, you'll find a diet tracker, exercise instructions and a symptom research tool. Your info will also sync across all your Windows-based gear. Those eager to slim down and shape up just have to swing by the Windows Phone Store to get started.
Engadget Podcast 384 - 2.14.14
Broadband oligopolies, Sage Fistbumpingham and sugar honey ice tea are just part of this week's reality bending roundtable discussion. The recent Comcast and Time Warner Cable merger plan spurs a series of installation anecdotes from Terrence "The RAD-iator" O'Brien, Ben discloses his feelings on Flappy Bird fanaticism and Joseph, ever the wordsmith, tries to rewrite the urban dictionary, one letter at a time. There's also news from last week's DICE Summit in Las Vegas and predictions for the upcoming Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona. This is the episode your Valentine's Day date wouldn't want you to miss, so head to the streaming links below for your Engadget Podcast fix. Hosts: Terrence O'Brien, Joseph Volpe, Ben Gilbert Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Eurocast 054 - 2.14.14
The Eurocast crew is back after an unintentional week off and ready to dig into all those tender news morsels that were served up during their hiatus. They explore Microsoft's future under the freshly tapped CEO Satya Nadella and discuss Sony's thinking behind the sale of its VAIO PC business. Sharif also exposes his prankster nature with fraudulent buffering tricks and Matt gets creative with his Chromecast setup. It's a full house this time around, so head on down to the streaming links below to catch this week's edition of the Engadget Eurocast. Hosts: Dan Cooper, Matt Brian, Sharif Sakr, Steve Dent Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 385 - 2.12.14
Olympic fever is gripping the nation, but Ben seems immune. Perhaps he hasn't discovered short track speed skating, a sport that Richard enjoys for its Michael Bay-like pace and frequent wipeouts. Comcast is even delivering its online coverage of the action in Sochi to its Xfinity TV subscribers, and the wintry sport is dominating prime time slots across the board, leaving Must See TV content a bit sparse. The one thing that is burgeoning, though, is the Xbox One's upcoming content projects. With Bonnaroo concert access from your couch and an exclusive Nas biography series in the works, things are looking up for Microsoft's new console. All this and more is packed into this week's edition of the Engadget HD Podcast, so settle in and head to the streaming links for a piece of the action. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
You can now relive the Beatles' US invasion on your Apple TV
Are you nostalgic for the hysteria when the Beatles first set foot in the US, or just wonder what all the fuss was about? If either is true, you'll be glad to hear that you now have a chance to recreate that commotion on your Apple TV. Apple has quietly launched a Beatles channel on its media hub that will let you stream the British band's entire Ed Sullivan Show performance from 1964, complete with shrieking fans. Naturally, Apple is also using the channel to plug the recently digitized US versions of the group's albums. The concert footage will only stick around for a "limited time," so you'll want to hurry if you'd like to see the Beatles' big moment on a big screen.
Jolla's intelligent phone covers are now on sale, and you can make your own
One of the signature features of Jolla's first smartphone is The Other Half -- an intelligent phone back that uses NFC to automatically customize the phone's software. Early owners haven't really had a chance to try the feature for themselves, but that's changing now that Jolla is selling The Other Half covers through its website. Paying €29 ($40) will get you an Aloe- or Keira Black-colored shell, either of which changes the system sounds and wallpaper to reflect a cohesive theme. And if you're not happy with Jolla's designs, you can make your own -- the company has released a developer kit that includes the 3D printer file, software instructions and tech specs that you'll need to get cracking. It currently takes two to three weeks for The Other Half units to ship to European customers, but anyone who's unwilling to wait can grab the do-it-yourself tools right away.
