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Paramount now releases movies only in digital form
While it's no secret that film-based movie distribution won't last much longer in the US, the big Hollywood studios haven't officially completed their transition to digital. However, one of them may have quietly made that leap -- sources for the LA Times claim that Paramount is the first large studio to send its major movies (not just smaller flicks) to American theaters solely in digital form. Anchorman 2 was reportedly the company's last high-profile analog release, while The Wolf of Wall Street was the first to go all-digital. Paramount hasn't commented on the apparent leak. If the report is accurate, though, the 8 percent of US theaters without digital equipment now have little choice but to upgrade if they want to offer the same selection as most of their peers.
Better late than never, Path arrives on Windows Phone
Path for Windows Phone has had an unusually long development cycle for a mobile app -- we first saw it at a Nokia event in July, and the rest of 2013 came and went without a release. Still, fans of the smaller-scale social network will be glad to know that a Path beta is at last available in the Windows Phone Store. The software mirrors much of the functionality seen in the Android and iOS versions, including private sharing, although it also takes advantage of Nokia's imaging software and provides 50 unique photo filters. No, Path isn't as exciting as Instagram or Vine, but we doubt that Windows Phone owners will mind getting another well-known app on their platform of choice.
Engadget Podcast 380 - 1.16.14
After surviving nearly a week in the desert and braving the wilds of CES, the crew is back in New York and ready to mainline you some podcast love. It's a fine time, this 2014, as you should be able to purchase an Oculus Rift at some point this year and Steam Machines are also cleared for a landing. In this podcast: Terrence bemoans the loss of an on-stage onesie performance, Joseph sends his wearable to a toilet timeout and the rest of the gang can't stop talking about this robot hivemind thing. So please join us for some laughs amidst torrents of tech talk in this edition of the Engadget Podcast, conveniently located at the streaming links below. Hosts: Terrence O'Brien, Marc Perton, Joseph Volpe, Ben Gilbert Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 381 - 1.16.14
As the dust settles on the Las Vegas Convention Center, Richard and Ben regroup to take a brief look at the highlights from CES, but for the most part, there's still fresh HD news to discuss. There's been a storm brewing over at DirectTV and if you're a subscriber, you'll have to hear about it on a brand new channel, assuming you get your weather updates on TV. Netflix's Lilyhammer nabs a third season and Ben has finally come around to John Fusco's latest creation -- let's just hope it has more staying power than Young Guns II. We've got a great episode here, so find some time and dig into another informative episode of the Engadget HD Podcast. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Latest LG phone leak keeps hope alive for keyboard lovers
Smartphones with keyboards are increasingly rare, but LG must see some life left in the category -- @evleaks has just posted a leaked press shot and specs for the Optimus F3Q, a landscape slider reportedly headed to T-Mobile. While the image doesn't do much beyond confirm the five-row keyboard from an abstract image seen last month, the rumored specs suggest that the F3Q won't be much different than its touch-only counterpart. It will supposedly ship with the F3's 4-inch WVGA display, dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon, 5-megapixel camera and 2,460mAh battery; it may even run Android 4.1. There's no mention of launch details in the leak, but the modest spec sheet hints that LG's QWERTY handset will get an entry-level price.
Chrome updates bring data compression to all Android and iOS users
Google has been testing data compression in mobile versions of Chrome for what seems like ages, but today it's finally ready to bring that efficiency to the masses. Both the Android and iOS versions of the browser now let all users squeeze website content to reduce their data use -- and, in some cases, their phone bills. There's also a pair of platform-specific upgrades in the pipeline. Android fans will get to create web shortcuts on their home screens, while iOS users will see the automatic translation bar that has been available on Android since last year. Whichever version of Chrome you're running, you'll want to grab its latest update through one of the source links.
You can order a gold LG G2 in Taiwan, but just... don't.
It's de rigeur now for flagship phones to get a gold version, a debatable trend that's at least working out for snarky tech editors. After all, there's something awkward about gilting a geeky handset like LG's G2, especially in a shade reminiscent of gaudy late '80s home decor. It's now available in Taiwan (and possibly elsewhere later) for $530 -- if you're in the target market, those back buttons are less likely to tangle with manicured nails.
Huawei launches 5.5-inch B199 in China with a battery for hire
Huawei recently outed the Ascend Mate 2 with a colossal 4,000mAh battery that can actually charge other devices, and it's now brought that tech to a mid-range handset. The 5.5-inch B199 is a successor to the A199, and packs similar specs: a 720p screen, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (expandable via microSD slot), dual SIMs (3G only) and a quad-core processor. The new model, though, has a Snapdragon, rather than a Huawei K3V2 CPU and also carries a much larger battery: 3,000mAh instead of 2,100mAh. Huawei says that'll power the phone through long browsing sessions and even let you charge other devices -- though it'd be odd to be packing another cellphone when you already have one with two SIMs. And given those dual SIMs, we'd not expect the $330 phone to be available outside China and similar markets.
Michael Bay's 'Black Sails' hits iTunes, Amazon and YouTube a week before TV premiere
It's no longer strange to see a TV series premiere online before it reaches traditional broadcasters, but Starz is planning a truly special internet debut for its latest project, Black Sails. The first episode of the Michael Bay-produced pirate drama will be available for free through a wide range of online portals on January 18th, a week before it reaches conventional TV. Starz will both host the free show itself as well as offer it through Amazon, iTunes, Machinima's YouTube channel (a first for Starz) and Xbox Video. Charter, Comcast, Cox, Dish and Time Warner Cable will let you watch through their platforms, too. There's no guarantee that the digital screening will help Black Sails build an audience, but Starz has a second season in the pipeline -- the show is already off to a promising start.
Engadget Podcast 379 - CES Day Four - 1.10.14
Join Brian Heater and the Engadget gang for the CES 2014 wrap-up podcast, with personal "best of" choices, audience giveaways and significantly less background noise. It's been a long week of interviews, hands-ons and an avalanche of new gadgets, leaving the team worn out, yet melancholy about another CES coming to a close. This is Brian's final Engadget podcast and after some parting words he leaves the stage in a decidely Murph-approved style. So please join us for the final CES 2014 edition of the Engadget Podcast at the streaming links below. Enjoy! Host: Brian Heater, Terrence O'Brien Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
EU wants to know if US studios' TV deals restrict pan-European viewing
Many European TV aficionados are all too familiar with US content exclusives; you can't watch that hit American movie unless you're with the right provider. However, the European Commission is concerned that these deals go one step too far. It's now investigating whether or not some exclusives violate antitrust rules by preventing access beyond a single EU country, effectively carving up the continent's TV market along national borders. Would-be viewers beyond a carrier's home market shouldn't have to suffer, the EU argues. There's no deadline for the investigation, and there are no guarantees that it will lead to action against broadcasters. However, the move is still good news for Europeans who want more choice as to how (and when) they watch US shows. [Image credit: European Union - European Parliament, Flickr]
Engadget Eurocast 051 - CES Edition - 1.9.14
After nearly a week of gadget overload, the Eurocast crew and ringleader Daniel Cooper let their hair down for a casual -- and occasionally creepy -- chat about CES, Las Vegas and Pepperami. Slashgear's Chris Davies joins the fun, too, and uncovers his secret passion: slashfiction. Amidst random tangential talk, the team each take a turn to share their Best and Worst of the event. Joseph Volpe uncovers the secret of inter-hall transit and Jamie Rigg discusses his tour antics and real-world tests of flexible smartphones. This podcast is more fun than a barrel full of monkeys -- although not so different -- so get to clicking at the streaming links below. Hosts: Dan Cooper, Mat Smith, James Trew, Jamie Rigg Guest: Chris Davies / Slashgear Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget Podcast 378 - CES Day Three - 1.9.14
Brian Heater and crew take to a champagne-soaked stage following the Best of CES 2014 awards presentation to run through the winners and exchange witty banter about the world of CES this year. Terrence recounts his head bashing experience earlier in the day, Christopher Trout sends out an invitiation to drinks back at his and Michael Gorman expounds on the return of webOS. Join us for a surprisingly down-to-earth and informative episode -- with short bursts of mayhem -- of the Engadget Podcast, conveniently located at the streaming links below. Host: Brian Heater Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Samsung: cheap OLED TVs won't be ready for three to four years
We hope you weren't counting on OLED TV prices coming down any time soon. Samsung's HS Kim warns USA Today that affordable OLED sets likely won't be available for another three to four years -- a year or two later than he first expected. Manufacturing troubles are keeping prices high, he says. If it's any consolation, though, Kim believes that 4K TV will reach the mainstream faster than 1080p. A number of broadcasters plan to jump to the higher resolution this year, and Samsung has a slew of content deals that could encourage some early Ultra HD upgrades.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 198 - CES Edition - 1.8.14
Brad and his team of mobile-centric pals sit down for some deep talk about feelings and, of course, smartphones. Sony has launched its Xperia Z1 Compact, which scales down size but not specs, and its compatriot, the Z1S, which takes the standard Z1 into waterproof territory. Not to be outdone, Samsung delivers some new tweaks on the Galaxy series, with its Note Pro and 12.2-inch Tab Pro. It's definitely a fun atmosphere on stage, but this is one party that T-Mobile's John Legere failed to crash -- although his hijinks did get a mention. Hop on down to the streaming links below for the full Mobile Podcast show! Hosts: Brad Molen Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Podcast 377 - CES Day Two - 1.8.14
The finalists for Best of CES 2014 have emerged and Terrence O'Brien, along with Sarah Silbert, kick back to review the merits of these chosen few. While it's only day two of the main event, the Engadget editorial team have been combing through gadget offerings at CES for nearly a week and sleep deprivation is rapidly descending. Although weary, Terrence, Sarah and a smattering of drop-in guests are keen to share their opinions on these devices, enjoy a refreshing beverage and fill you in on the state of CES so far. Join us for the second edition of the Engadget Podcast, direct from the show floor. Host: Terrence O'Brien, Sarah Silbert Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 379 - CES Special #1 - 1.7.14
This year's CES show floor has been inundated with 4K sets, giving Richard, Michael and some surprise guests plenty to talk about. Content is a hot topic and there's plenty of 4K sources being announced, but until they arrive on the market, we're going to have to stick with Blu-rays to get the most out of all those pixels. Ultra HD is also deviating from the straight and narrow this year, with a series of curving sets, some even transitioning from flat at the touch of a button. Join us at the streaming links below as your hosts discuss the ins and outs of all this fresh tech in the first special HD Podcast of the 2014 CES. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Michael Gorman Guests: Tim Stevens, Darren Murph Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Podcast 376 - CES Day One - 1.7.14
Your host Brian Heater gets the gang back together for the inaugural 2014 CES podcast direct from the Engadget stage in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The not-so-unfamiliar guests are none other than Tim Stevens and Darren Murph, but the reunion doesn't stop there as more Engadget faces from past and present stop by for a quick chat. It's been full day of weird wearables, delicious 3D printing and curvy 4K TVs, so join us for a quick day-one review in this first installment of the Engadget CES 2014 podcast series. Host: Brian Heater Guests: Tim Stevens, Darren Murph Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Tablo streaming DVR now available for pre-order, ships in February for $219
Nuvyyo promised that its internet-savvy Tablo DVR would arrive early in the new year, and it's making good on its word by launching pre-orders. You can now buy two- and four-tuner versions of the streaming video hub at respective prices of $219 and $250; the lower-end model ships in February, while the more advanced edition ships in the spring. Either set-top box will let you record over-the-air TV to your choice of USB storage without having to pay extra fees, although dedicated viewers will want to shell out for a programming guide subscription at $5 per month, $50 per year or $150 for life. Tablo may not be the cheapest way to wean yourself off of cable or satellite, then, but it's potentially a big bargain if you don't want to give up timely access to TV shows just because you've cut the cord.
Netgear's NeoMediacast is an Android-powered TV set-top on a stick
Most of the equipment we get from our telecom providers is nothing to get excited about, but we might make an exception for Netgear's NeoMediacast. The Android-based HDMI dongle lets providers both offer their own services and support third-party apps without having to build their own set-top boxes or go the traditional TV route. Your cable company could let you stream your favorite shows on a bedroom TV, for instance, while making it easy to check social networks or play your local media library. The NeoMediacast is also relatively futureproof with 802.11ac WiFi, Miracast media sharing and support for both microSD and USB storage. Carriers and service operators can start using Netgear's device in the first half of this year, although they'll likely need to customize its software before it reaches your home.
