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Australia to see Foxtel HD+ service on June 22nd
You've known this day was coming, but it still has to feel good to have a hard figure to wrap your noodle around. Foxtel's HD+ is reportedly set to go live on June 22nd, with an HD VOD service and two puny HD tiers available at launch. The first tier consists of Fox Sports HD and ESPN HD, while the HD Explore package includes footage from BBC HD, National Geographic HD and Discovery HD. The tiers will set you back AUD $9.95 each per month (or AUD $14.95 for both), but how on Earth could you resist seeing the World Cup Qualifier between Australia and China in glorious high-definition this Sunday? That's right, you can't.[Via iTWire]
Los Angeles to sue Time Warner Cable over shoddy service
Far from being the first time Time Warner Cable has upset its subscriber base, the Los Angeles city attorney's office is pulling a Dee Snider and refusing to take the carrier's lackluster service anymore. In a 25-page lawsuit, the city is alleging that the operator "caused major havoc and distress" two years ago when it "failed to live up to its part of the franchise cable agreement requiring that a company answer subscribers' calls within 30 seconds and begin repairs of service interruptions within 24 hours of notification in 90% of its calls for service." The suit claims that no more than 60% of customer calls were answered in time, and cable / internet service was said to be "so intermittent and inferior in quality that it was not much better than no service at all." Not surprisingly, TWC representatives chose not to comment on the whole ordeal, but the outfit could face civil penalties of tens of millions of crisp US dollars in the case. Should've picked up the phone, TWC -- it would've been easier than picking up this tab. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family][Image courtesy of Web 2 Concepts, thanks Scott]
New study finds average purchase price of handsets on the rise, uptick in smartphone demand to thank
We suppose the uptick in smartphone demand could be to blame, depending on your perspective, but regardless of semantics, a new study put out by J.D. Power and Associates has found that surging interest in high-end handsets is causing the average purchase price of mobiles to shoot upward. Compared to 2007, consumers are currently paying around $9 more on average per phone. The average price rose to $101, up from $92 just six months prior, and it also marks the highest figure found since the study's inception in 2003. Analysts are pegging recent demand in RIM, Palm (saywha?) and Apple devices as the primary culprit, and it's noted that the average price paid for a smartphone these days is $208. Not surprisingly, these folks also found that the percentage of customers who receive free phones on contract has sank from 36% to 33% in the past six months. If you're the number loving type, be sure and hit the read link for lots, lots more where this came from.[Via RCRWirelessNews]
Verizon facing fines for poor phone service, FiOS TV expansion partly to blame
Ruh roh. Seems that perpetual gripes down in Tampa Bay, Florida have finally amounted to something substantial. Just months after hearing a chorus of complaints about Verizon's lackluster customer service, we're now seeing that the carrier could face upwards of $6.5 million in fines for "willful and repeated lapses in Verizon's telephone service." Interestingly, it's reported that Verizon actually has fessed up to some service lapses, and it made a point to explain that it has been "simply overwhelmed with demand for the FiOS service." More specifically, it "acknowledged hiccups in repair service amid strong demand for its FiOS services," but has promised to bring things back up to par hastily. Tap the read link for more on the mess.
Zu Online community mourns earthquake victims
As most people have heard by now, a massive earthquake struck the Sichuan province of China four days ago, killing 12,000 people and leaving as many as 18,000 more missing. The colossal tragedy shocked not only the Chinese, but all the people of the world.Players of the Chinese MMO Zu Online were no exception. Without any prior planning, they collected together in the game's wuxia fantasy setting -- the mythic past of the the very region struck by this week's terrible disaster -- to mourn those lost in the earthquake, and to pray for their families.A Zu player put together a tribute video, cross-cutting between footage from the in-game memorial service and photographs from the media coverage of the disaster, and posted it on the game's official forums. It's a noble tribute to the deceased. Watch it if you feel compelled.[Via MMORPG]
TiVo brings back $399 Lifetime Service plan
Hard to say if this is just another fling that will expire as soon as some TiVo exec feels that it should, but for whatever it's worth, interested users can now purchase a Lifetime Service plan for their TiVo. Those operating sans a TiVo HD DVR can actually still take advantage of the Blue Moon special, but for everyone else, you can snag the Lifetime package for $399 (or $299 if adding it to your second, third, fourth or twentieth TiVo box). Remember, however, that the "Lifetime" subscription only applies to whatever deck you currently have, and with all this talk of tru2way, we might suggest holding off and letting the dust settle before pulling the trigger.[Via Zatz Not Funny, thanks MegaZone]
Are BlackBerry services down (again)?
It's hard for us to be sure about this stuff for sure in the early stages, but since last night we've gotten a flood of reports from readers that BlackBerry services are down on T-Mobile and possibly also Bell Mobility (if not other providers). What's the story, are you having any trouble? Shout it out in comments -- if you are, do us all a solid and leave your location and provider. Even if it's just an isolated outage, you know you desperately need to get your act together when Palm, of all companies, is taking potshots.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Update: We've heard that there was indeed a planned outage scheduled for last night, but it was due to end 6 hours ago. And curiously we continue to get feedback that services are still down.So it looks like it was just pockets after all -- hours later most people seem to be reporting things are solid with service.
T-Mobile to debut 3G as voice-only. No data. We're over it.
Well screw us -- T-Mobile's 3G network debut tomorrow? It's going to be voice only. That's right, you heard us, VOICE ONLY. So trepidatious is this company to actually get their 3G data rollout, um, rolled out, they're launching first with kneecapped voice-only service, keeping only EDGE for those demanding data. Here's the snippet from the memo we received:"3G is the next generation of our wireless network, following our current GSM network. In this early phase of our network evolution, 3G is a new technology for carrying wireless voice calls and supporting existing data capabilities on our network. In future phases, this next generation network will power 'high-speed' (3G) products and services that connect customers in new and exciting ways. ... Inform customers who are interested in high-speed data that the first phase of our 3G roll out supports voice only." [Emphasis ours]No word on when T-Mobile actually plans to turn on the faster data, but for everyone who hasn't already jumped ship -- hoping against hope -- the wait continues.P.S. -Don't believe everything you hear about this kind of thing being status quo. Every single major US 3G network -- including Cingular, Verizon, and Sprint -- went live as either data card-only (with phones added later), or data and voice together.
Ask Engadget HD: Is switching from cable to satellite worth it?
As if it wasn't apparent enough from our breakdown of HD carriers earlier this year, the two satcasters here in the US have a dominant lead in HD offerings. Still, the abundance of high-def material comes at a cost, and it's a price many are hesitant to pay for fear of stepping too far out of their comfort zone. According to Sam: "Now that DirecTV is almost at 100 national HD channels, I'm this close to cutting my cable off and making the switch. However, I'm terrified of hidden installation costs (fishing cables, etc.), punching all sorts of new holes in my home, locking myself into a contract and having to pay a non-discounted rate to keep my cable internet around without bundled HD service. There seems to be so many drawbacks to getting a dish -- is it really worth it?" We have no doubts that many of you have indeed pulled the trigger in a similar situation, and we're equally sure that a large chunk of you have decided to play it safe and stick with fewer HD channels (and fewer battle scars on your siding). We can definitely see this one getting heated, but make sure you speak your mind on the matter in comments below.[Image courtesy of Flickr]Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Poll: How many options do you have for HDTV programming?
We've already discussed just how many HD channels you swell folks have on your current provider, but with the frenetic (through not nearly frenetic enough) pace at which alternate mediums are expanding, we're curious to know just how many choices you have. Granted, most everyone here in the US has at least two -- DISH Network and DirecTV -- and those close to local towers can toss up an antenna for some of that beautiful OTA action. But there is a certain sect among us with numerous cable, satellite and even fiber providers jockeying for their business, and yes, the rest of us not in this elite circle are immensely jealous. Toss in your vote below, and feel free to let us know which providers are available in your neck of the woods. [Image courtesy of AT&T] %Poll-12938%
Flood gates open as Cubans given the green light to buy mobile phone service
We heard mention that the state controlled telco in Cuba, ETECSA, was about to finally begin offering cellular service to Cuban citizens, and that day has come. The rub, of course, is pricing, with activation ringing in at about $110 and the cheapest set, $75, average Joe earner's $20 monthly salary is going to be stretched thin. Of course, people like the orange couple (picture above, no relation to the other Orange) will always be willing to stretch the budget way out to get at the newest treats, and we completely understand that, but don't forget to save some change for food and matching outfits.
Samsung to go head to head with Nokia's Ovi?
It still hasn't been conclusively proven that Ovi's going to fly with carriers -- well, maybe it has, since the Vodafone juggernaut has jumped in head first -- but either way, it's looking like Samsung wants a little piece of that action. It's unclear at this point just how far-reaching Samsung's initiative will be, but the company announced its intention at MWC to develop unified internet services for its handsets, which we figure is pretty much code for "we want to continue to make money from our devices after they're in customers' hands." As RCR points out, features like its blogging client and navigation are currently outsourced to ShoZu and Navigon, respectively, and moving forward, all that stuff will be rolled up and maintained in-house. Whether doing so is going risk stepping on carriers' revenue models the way Ovi has done, though, remains to be seen.
SuddenLink makes investment in Eastern NC, plans for more HD channels
Details are admittedly scant on this at the moment, but what is clear is that SuddenLink Communications is writing a check for $16 million in order to improve services in and around Eastern North Carolina. According to Phil Ahlschlager, SuddenLink's North Carolina Regional Vice President, the capital improvements "will enhance the overall quality and reliability of the company's services." Additionally, the 95,000 or so homes in the area currently using SuddenLink can reportedly expect "faster internet connections, better phone service and more HD channels," though we're not told when the improvements will start nor what high-def channels are slated to get added. Looks like it's wait-and-see from here, sadly.
RIM affirms that BlackBerry services are down -- again
Oh noes! BlackBerry addicts everywhere have reason to panic this afternoon, as their beloved network is indeed experiencing technical difficulties -- and it's certainly not the first time that this has happened in the past year. Reportedly, an e-mail sent by RIM support account manager Bryan Simpson affirmed that a "critical severity outage" had taken place. The message went on to say that it was acting as an "emergency notification regarding the current BlackBerry Infrastructure outage," that was (is) affecting enterprise subscribers and "users of the Americas network." So much for that "won't happen again" line, huh?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
More AT&T wireless outages?
We've been receiving a steady stream of tips from users around the country today reporting that AT&T, which supposedly just got back up from some apparent sporadic outages spread across the nation, was (is?) back down again today. We haven't seen or heard much, and have yet to confirm whether things ever even fully came back up at all, but what say you? Still experiencing issues? We'll let you know what we hear back from AT&T -- as you may have heard, we had them build a Batline to Ralph's office for just such an occasion. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Charter hit by second fire in Malibu area
For the second time this season, Charter Communications and its Malibu, California-area customers are dealing with outages stemming from wildfires. Granted, one's cable service is the least of our worries when dealing with situations such as this, but a whopping 12,000 feet of the operator's primary fiber optic cable was recently torched and will have to be replaced. The cable also provides feeds to homes in Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Hidden Hills, and while the firm is working to provide service to those affected, it's having to wait for power crews to sweep through first. Notably, Charter was already in the process of constructing a "redundant path to make the company less vulnerable to fire damage," and the latest word is that it's still a few weeks away from being completed.
Hitachi's EMIEW 2 humanoid runs errands, could easily replace Michael Scott
While we thoroughly enjoyed hearing of EMIEW's (presumably) short-lived career as a hotel clerk, it looks like Hitachi's EMIEW 2 has some seriously large aspirations. In a recent demonstration in Hitachinaka, the two-wheeled robot wowed onlookers as it received commands wirelessly and happily ran office errands without too much trouble. The creation, which stands some 31.5-inches tall and weighs 29-pounds, did crash into a desk and stand motionless momentarily while being previewed, but developers didn't hesitate to inform the crowd that kinks were still being ironed out. Nevertheless, it was able to avoid obstacles while rolling about, understand and respond to human speech and move around for an hour before needing a recharge. The company refused to spill details surrounding its eventual price and release date, but we're hearing there may soon be an open spot in Scranton that this fellow could certainly fill.[Via Inquirer]
Ladybug-styled robot to clean restrooms, give travel tips
Japan's no stranger to a wide variety of service-oriented robots, and it looks like it could soon become home to yet another mechanical being that does our dirty work. The Lady Bird prototype, which is set to hit production sometime in 2009, would scour the floors of public restrooms and keep things looking clean throughout the day. Reportedly, the bot stands about 1-meter in height and is equipped with amenities such as a water tank, brushes and a few other grime-busting tools to boot. Furthermore, it boasts obstacle detection sensors to avoid patrons while on the clock, and it even includes voice recognition software along with access to current traffic information in case someone has the urge to spark up a conversation. There's no word on what this thing will do should someone try to stuff it in their trunk for at-home use, but if all goes well, the creature is expected to sell for around ¥3.5 million ($31,713) when it goes commercial.[Via PinkTentacle]
Will name changes let ninjas run free?
While Robin and I think it's a great idea, some people are in an outcry about the upcoming name-change service that Blizzard is offering. As Monsoon tells Blizzard on the forums:This is probably the worst ever decision ever made. How are we supposed to track ninjas and retards who may apply to our guild if there is no way to track their name changes?"Nethaera calmly responds:Perhaps putting them on an ignore list might help.The ignore list will be automatically updated once that character's name change gets activated. Of course no system is fool proof, and there will always be someone looking to exploit things, but realistically, is it a terribly big problem if people you consider "ninjas" and "retards" yet are still unwilling to put on your ignore list can change their names once every 90 days? In my experience, the kind of person who likes to call others "retards" generally isn't very nice themselves, and tends to find new "retards" all the time (with no offense meant to Monsoon here). I don't think it would be possible, even if the ignore list were extended to include a potential thousands of names, for some people to be satisfied that all the "ninjas" and "retards" were sufficiently dealt with and removed from the system
Complain to Nintendo, get a phone call
Reader Neal is a man on a mission. When hearing that Chibi Robo: Park Patrol was a Wal-Mart exclusive, he got on his computer and fired off an email to Nintendo questioning Wal-Mart's commitment as a "green company" and Nintendo's press release stating as much. Well, Nintendo cared enough about his email that a Nintendo rep actually called him to discuss it.The Nintendo rep, one Ryan Stoffel, turned out to be a polite guy and very concerned with Neal's thoughts. While his promise to pass along Neal's concerns to the higher-ups can be seen as empty, the fact that Nintendo called him up directly to talk is just astounding to us. Even with some of you informing us of your own dealings with Nintendo customer service, we're surprised they went this far.
