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Xbox 360's lack of Sony Pictures films streaming on Netflix "unrelated" to ...
You probably recall that two days ago, when the new Xbox Experience launched, sadly, about 300 Sony Pictures films were unavailable for Netflix Watch Instantly on NXE, thus quashing your hopes of streaming The Karate Kid series. At the time, it seemed possible that missing titles were due to the fact that Xbox 360 manufacturer Microsoft and Sony are direct competitors. Well, according to a Sony spokesperson, the problem isn't specific to the Xbox, nor is their beef competition-related in any way. Sony also says it is in talks with the several "relevant parties" to work out these vague licensing issues, though there was no word on when the issue would be resolved. We really do hope it's soon because we're dying to see how everything turns out with the Cobra Kai.
[Via Joystiq]
Filed under: Gaming, HDTV, Home Entertainment
Xbox 360's lack of Sony Pictures films streaming on Netflix "unrelated" to competition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVizio intros 55-inch 1080p XVT HDTV, soundbar, more goodies (Engadget)
Chrismakwanzika has come early for anyone remotely interested in Vizio kit, and quite honestly, even for those that aren't. From the top, we've got the 55-inch VF550XVT1A, a 1080p HDTV with 120Hz Smooth Motion Video technology, a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, five HDMI inputs, SRS TruSurround HD and a $1,999 MSRP. Next up is the firm's own soundbar and wireless subwoofer kit (VSB210WS), which has finally escaped rumor purgatory to pop official. The kit sports four 3-inch speakers alongside a single 1-inch tweeter for each channel, and the long throw 6.5-inch subbie makes sure the lows are well addressed, too. Just a single cable is needed to connect the VSB210WS to any flat-panel, and just $349.99 is needed to bring it home. On deck are a trio of smaller LCDs: the 19-inch VA19 ($249.99), 22-inch VA22 ($349.99) and 26-inch VA26 ($449.99), with the middle guy becoming Vizio's smallest 1080p HDTV ever. Closing things out is the 26-inch VMM26, a 25.5-inch "multimedia monitor" with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, HDMI / USB ports, touch-activated menus and a $429.99 sticker. All but the first two products mentioned are on sale now, while the first two will be available just before your '09 Super Bowl bash.
Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment
Vizio intros 55-inch 1080p XVT HDTV, soundbar, more goodies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsUpcoming dual-processor Nehalem EP machine benchmarked -- yeah, it's fast (Engadget)
Intel's new Core i7 chip has been showing up in tons of silly-spec'd high-end gaming rigs for about three days now, so it's obviously time to get bored and move on -- and right on cue, TechRadar's got the first benchmarks we've seen of the upcoming dual-processor Nehalem EP platform. The secret test machine featured two 2.8GHz Nehalem EP chips (likely to hit retail in 2009 as the Xeon X5560) and 24GB of 1,066MHz DDR3 RAM controlled by the new Quick Path Interconnect and on-die memory controllers, which together cranked out a SPECfp base rate of 160 -- way above the 90 posted by current 3.4GHz Xeon setups, and higher than the 105 scored by a 2.7GHz dual-processor rig with AMD's new Shanghai chips. Yeah, that's silly fast, and it's bound to get even faster when these bad boys launch with a 3.2GHz part along for the ride. Now if Intel could just siphon some of that speed into these pokey Atoms we can actually afford, we'd be grins-a-plenty.
Filed under: Desktops
Upcoming dual-processor Nehalem EP machine benchmarked -- yeah, it's fast originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsTuttuki Bako "poking box" lets you torment low-res creatures (Engadget)
While we don't expect it to be the type of interface that'll replace touch screens anytime soon, Bandai is certainly forging some interesting new ground with its so-called Tuttuki Bako device, or "poking box," which actually lets you stick your finger right into the device to control the on-screen finger. That's apparently done with the aid of some motion sensors which, as you can see in the video after the break, seem to work at least reasonably well. In addition to boasting various "games" like poking a panda, poking a face, or poking a stick figure, the device also doubles a desk clock, and it's available your choice of red, black or lime green. As you might have guessed, however, it's not available 'round these parts just yet, though you can apparently pick one up in Japan now for the rough local equivalent of $30.
[Via Today and Tomorrow, thanks Lennart]
Continue reading Tuttuki Bako "poking box" lets you torment low-res creatures
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Tuttuki Bako "poking box" lets you torment low-res creatures originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsTeclast's upcoming 3.5-inch PMP plays media, is portable (Engadget)
So far it doesn't look like Teclast's OEM is trying to fool anyone with their new as-yet-unbranded media player, which is sort of disappointing -- we know how much you love a good KIRF. Aside from the uncommon (and theoretically stunning) 3.5-inch OLED widescreen display, this seems to be a pretty benign device. Features include capacitive touch controls, support for CMMB and DVB-T broadcasts, and if their past products are any indication you can probably expect output to TV or FM transmitter. You can expect this to ship in China under the Teclast flag eventually, but at the moment we've got no name, no price, no storage capacity, no release date -- just the above facts and one lonely picture to keep you warm on those long winter nights ahead.
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Teclast's upcoming 3.5-inch PMP plays media, is portable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsT-Mobile Cameo frame now available for $99.99 (Engadget)
We already knew how much the world's first digital picture frame tied to a wireless carrier network would cost, but no one bothered to mention a specific release date. Regardless, the T-Mobile Cameo is finally available in T-Mob retail stores, and it'll cost you $99.99 up front plus $9.99 per month for the connected services. It's the gift that keeps on giving taking.
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Displays, Wireless
T-Mobile Cameo frame now available for $99.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSony loses patent suit, ordered to pay $18.5 million (Engadget)
Way back in 2006, Lucent-spin off Agere Systems filed a lawsuit against Sony, claiming the electronics behemoth had infringed on not one, not two, but eight of its patents. As it turns out a prior deal with Lucent gave Sony the rights to use seven of those, but that one unlicensed patent became Sony's weak point, allowing Agere's lawyers to inflict massive damage(s). The jury's findings state not only that Sony wrongly utilized Agere's intellectual property in the mylo, Network Walkman, and the PSP, but that there was "clear and convincing evidence that such infringement was willful." In other words: big payout, in this case an eye-opening $18.5 million. Don't blame us Sony, we told you to settle! [Warning: PDF read link]
[Via PSP Fanboy]
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Sony loses patent suit, ordered to pay $18.5 million originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSony demos 19-inch FED display running Gran Turismo 5 at 240 fps (Engadget)
FED (or Field Emission Display) hasn't quite caught on as quickly as some other display technologies, but Sony's still out there doing its best to move things forward, and it certainly looks to have turned more than a few heads with its latest demo. Apparently not content with simply showing off a new 19-inch display from its spin-off, Field Emission Technologies, Sony went so far as to demo it with a customized version of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue that's playable at 240 fps. To do that, Sony used four PS3s to increase the frame rate, something it had previously done to run the game at quadruple the resolution of 1080p on a Sony SXHD projector. While that setup is out of the reach of most folks, Field Emission Technologies says that FED displays are now finally heading to market, and that some high-end professional FED video monitors up to 32-inches in size will be available sometime next year.
[Via OLED-Display.info]
Filed under: Displays
Sony demos 19-inch FED display running Gran Turismo 5 at 240 fps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSearaser floating pump will use the ocean's waves to generate power (Engadget)
A twist on the idea of the underwater turbine, the Searaser also uses the motion of the ocean to generate power. The device consists of two independent floats that move with the waves, pumping out seawater as they do. The water can then be pumped inland for hydroelectric power, irrigation, or to hilltop reservoirs for later use. One unit should be able to power 470 homes, and a six-month preproduction trial is currently being planned. You know, as quirky energy solutions go, this one doesn't actually seem all that far-fetched. At the very least, it seems better than going Micro-Nuclear.
[Via The Times]
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Searaser floating pump will use the ocean's waves to generate power originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSeagate expands FreeAgent Go line with yet more color options (Engadget)
Seagate kicked out a couple of FreeAgent Go hard drives a few months back, but it's now gone all out and let loose an even more colorful batch in the hope of attracting a bit more attention among holiday shoppers -- as usual, Festivus revelers luck out year 'round with the ever-present, aluminum pole-matching silver option. From the looks of it, the drives are still available in the same 250GB, 320GB, and 500GB capacities as before for $120, $150, and $200, respectively, and those that register their drives between November 28th and New Year's day will get a bonus multimedia package including 50 free songs from eMusic and some other goodies. You can also pick up a desktop docking station separately for $30, just don't expect to get it in matching colors.
[Via Electronista]
Filed under: Storage
Seagate expands FreeAgent Go line with yet more color options originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSamsung's awe-inspiring 256GB SSD now available, still unpriced (Engadget)
We can think of exactly one reason Samsung still won't dish out a price on its completely mind-melting 256GB FlashSSD: because those that have to know, can't afford. The drive, which was announced way back in May of the year two-thousand and eight, doubles the performance rates of the firm's 64GB and 128GB SSDs. More specifically, we're looking at sequential read rates of 220MB/sec and sequential write rates of 200MB/sec, and in layman's terms, it's quick enough to store 25 HD movies in 21 minutes and open basic applications 10 times faster than the quickest 7,200RPM notebook drive. In other words, you want.
Filed under: Storage
Samsung's awe-inspiring 256GB SSD now available, still unpriced originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsRoll-up mouse pad encloses a hub, speakers, and our hearts (Engadget)
While our minds know that today's mice, particularly those with lasers, work just fine on virtually any (non-moist) surface, that doesn't stop our hearts from missing the soft, forgiving feel of our home mousing surface while on the road. That's partly why the traveler-friendly Roll-up Mouse Pad caught our eye. Sure, just about any pad can be made into a tube and stuffed into a carry-on, but if you pack this one you'll also get a 4-port USB hub and dual, side-firing speakers out of the deal. Sure, the build quality may be sub-par (check the jagged plastic after the break), but for $22 this could make that hotel suite a little bit more inviting for you and that special peripheral you'll be cradling all night.
Continue reading Roll-up mouse pad encloses a hub, speakers, and our hearts
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
Roll-up mouse pad encloses a hub, speakers, and our hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPackard Bell dot spotted in UK (Engadget)
Oh, look! It's another netbook in the wild! This one is Packard Bell's dot, and according to the boffins at Pocket-lint it's now available for purchase across the pond by anyone who can find a reason to care. The Aspire One-like specs and style are just what you'd expect (do we really need to recount the Atom 270 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 160GB hard drive yet again?), and while there's the promise of being able to add internal 3G connectivity at some point in the future, right now the only thing setting this one apart is the red dot on the hinge. (Which, we confess, is a nice look.) Still no mention of when or even if this one will be appearing domestically -- though if it does it'll probably be as an Everex anyhow.
Filed under: Laptops
Packard Bell dot spotted in UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOrb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone (Engadget)
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Orb_2_0_streams_live_TV_to_your_iPhone'; We knew Orb was working on an iPhone port of its media-streaming app, and it looks like Orb 2.0 just stealthily went live in the App Store. The $10 app lets TV junkies watch live TV from a tuner connected to a Windows PC, as well as stream music, videos, and photos from their libraries. Even cooler, Orb allows you to monitor a webcam, so you can finally nail those Diet Coke thieves from the comfort of your cube (or keep an eye on your infant, whatever.) Sadly there's no date for the Mac and Linux versions, but Orb says they're on the way. Alright Sling, looks like the ball's in your court.
[Via jkOnTheRun]
Filed under: Cellphones
Orb 2.0 streams live TV to your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOkoro Media Systems ships 2009 OMS-LX100 HTPC (Engadget)
2009 isn't even here yet (at least on the right coast of Planet Earth), but Okoro's being exceptionally proactive by announcing that its '09 OMS-LX100 is already shipping. The system, which is a revamp of the original that popped out in 2006, is situated in the outfit's "low profile" range of HTPCs, and it brings to the table a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo E2200 processor, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a front-panel display, optional 7-inch touchscreen, dual-layer DVD writer, up to 2TB of HDD space, NVIDIA's GeForce 9300 with 512MB of RAM, an ATI Digital CableCARD tuner, 7.1-channel audio output and an OTA HDTV tuner. Power users can certainly push the $1,725 base configuration well north of two large should they choose, but good luck explaining that to the SO.
[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Media PCs
Okoro Media Systems ships 2009 OMS-LX100 HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNyko Charge Station Quad leaves no Wiimote uncharged (Engadget)
It's certainly not for everybody, but if Wii-playing parties are a regular occurance at your place, or if you happen to have a bunch of Wiimotes lying around for some other purposes, you may want to consider Nyko's new Charge Station Quad, which promises to keep four of 'em topped off at all times. You'll also, of course, get four of Nyko's own NiMH rechargeable battery packs with the package, and four rubber battery covers to prevent any unfortunate accidents. Look for this one to hit all the usual locations sometime next month, when it'll set you back $50.
Filed under: Gaming
Nyko Charge Station Quad leaves no Wiimote uncharged originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNokia adds support for Lotus Notes in Symbian S60 (Engadget)
There's hardly anything more embarrassing that admitting that your company still uses Lotus Notes, but for the millions upon millions (140 million, in fact) of licensed users who'd love the opportunity to check in via their S60-based handset, this one's for you. Starting next month, Lotus Notes support will be granted for Symbian S60 3rd Edition, meaning that anyone with a fresh S60 device can soon tap into Lotus Notes Traveler and access real-time email, calendar, address book, journal and to-do list data. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't be so enthusiastic -- leaving work at work is a blessing too many take for granted.
Filed under: Cellphones
Nokia adds support for Lotus Notes in Symbian S60 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNokia N96 Bruce Lee Edition: the only thing tougher than Chuck Norris (Engadget)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Nokia_N96_Bruce_Lee_Edition_is_tougher_than_Chuck_Norris'; OMG OMG OMG... sorry, but our inner Japanese school-girl was just unleashed with the arrival of the Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Edition. If Nokia had any sense, they'd expand the action-doll bundle to the world beyond Hong Kong. Even for 8,788 Chinese Yuan (about $1,286) we're seriously tempted. Watch Bruce clean up at ping pong in the Nokia video posted after the break -- no, really.
[Via Unwired View, Thanks Robin oL]
Continue reading Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Edition: the only thing tougher than Chuck Norris
Filed under: Cellphones
Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Edition: the only thing tougher than Chuck Norris originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew wind turbines at least 30% more efficient, Earth one step closer to salvation (Engadget)
Still addicted to oil like the rest of the world? You might reconsider wind power rehab now that a startup called ExRo has developed turbines that it says are consistently 30% -- and in some situations as much as 100% -- more efficient than the standard kind. The traditionally-used mechanical transmissions have been replaced with an inexpensive electric alternative that can adapt to changes in wind speed more efficiently. Also, many small generators are used instead of a large one, so the turbines can be customized in production to suit the intended installation site. If this is the real deal, it beats the 0.1% increase we saw in solar cell efficiency a few months ago, and those Maglev uber-turbines are still on the horizon. Hey Sun -- jealous yet?
[Via DailyTech]
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets
New wind turbines at least 30% more efficient, Earth one step closer to salvation originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNXE hitting 360s with red ring, freezing and sorta-sexy-avatar issues? (Engadget)
If you wouldn't mind looking up from that avatar creation screen for a second -- yes, we're aware of how much that t-shirt selection means about you as a person -- you might notice that your Xbox 360 is dead. At least, a few hapless souls on the Xbox forums seem to think NXE is to blame for such atrocities. Numerous folks are reporting variously bad red ring configurations, random freezing and a huge pile of blockbuster titles that won't just play themselves. The biggest problem is that Microsoft isn't universally treating problems caused by NXE as an "oh, our bad" sort of situation, and at least from anecdotes we're seeing has charged quite a few folks $100 to fix their freshly-out-warranty Xbox 360s -- not to mention separating them for weeks from their precious murder simulators.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Filed under: Gaming
NXE hitting 360s with red ring, freezing and sorta-sexy-avatar issues? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMobispine's iPhone MMS application... for the entire universe? (Engadget)
We heard yesterday that Telia customers might be getting an MMS app for their iPhones, and that it was being developed by the carrier themselves, with plans to launch in the next two months. Well, today we've gotten word that Mobispine is likely the developer of said application, and that they have plans to offer it to carriers all over planet Earth. Mobispine says that the app will be branded to each particular operator, and distributed via Apple's App Store, but we don't know when all of this is going to go down. Now we'd just like to meet the caveman owner of the iPhone pictured above who needed to be told (on November 15th!) that "Obama will be our next president."
[Thanks, Mike]
Filed under: Cellphones
Mobispine's iPhone MMS application... for the entire universe? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMicrosoft revamps Zune Pass: keep ten tracks per month forever and ever (Engadget)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/microsoft/MS_revamps_Zune_Pass_Keep_10_tracks_a_month_forever'; There's just nothing like the holiday season, folks. That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when spending your last dollar on a gift for someone you aren't even that fond of -- really, what else can compare? On second thought, maybe this can. Microsoft has just announced that, beginning today, Zune Pass users will be able to select ten tracks per month to keep forever (and ever, and ever), and the $14.99 monthly subscription rate isn't headed up. Agreements have been miraculously nailed down between Microsoft and EMI Music, Sony BMG Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, not to mention a number of independent distributors. We must say, we certainly appreciate the gesture here, but is it enough to make fencesitters buy in? What say you?
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
Microsoft revamps Zune Pass: keep ten tracks per month forever and ever originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMercedes-Benz shows off internet-connected myCOMMAND system (Engadget)
Mercedes-Benz has already toyed around a bit with some internet-connected in-car systems, but it looks to really be going all out with its new myCOMMAND system, which it's now showing off at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Among other things, it would constantly pull various traffic information off the internet and take it into account for route selection, as well as give you access to internet radio stations, let you make VoIP phone calls, and even give you a browser that'll let you " surf the internet in the accustomed way." Mercedes is also promising that the entire system will be completely intuitive, with most of the primary functions controlled with a single rotary pushbutton, and two secondary buttons provided for things like menu operation. Of course, it's all still very much a demo at this point, and Mercedes itself says it'll be least a "few more years" before it actually winds up in a production vehicle.
[Thanks, Jason]
Filed under: Transportation
Mercedes-Benz shows off internet-connected myCOMMAND system originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMeizu M8 captured on video looking smooth, doing multitouch (Engadget)
Oh M8, you've grown up before our eyes. It seems like just yesterday we were looking at your early incarnations and their uncanny similarity to certain other devices. And how could we forget those times we spent together waiting for you at trade shows, and mocking checking out your early hardware? And now look at you, all grown up and caught on video doing your thing. You know what? This actually looks pretty damn nice. Sure, the obvious major iPhone influence is still there, but we have to say, Jack Wong and co. have done a pretty good job of smoothing out this UI -- and we didn't expect to see multitouch working this nicely. Of course, the clip says more than we ever could, so go and wrap yourself in your grandmother's afghan, grab a steaming cup of coffee, head out to the porch of your 19th century farmhouse, and just listen to the wind chimes and smooth sounds of this video as you take a tour of the Meizu M8... after the break.
[Via MP4 Nation Blog]
Continue reading Meizu M8 captured on video looking smooth, doing multitouch
Filed under: Cellphones
Meizu M8 captured on video looking smooth, doing multitouch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsLawsuits over employees' unpaid computer boot-times stacking up next to unread paperwork (Engadget)
Frivolous lawsuits aren't anything new, but this is an eye-opener straight from annals of "office humor." It turns out that in the past year "several" companies, including UnitedHealthGroup, Cigna, and AT&T have had employee-filed lawsuits brought against them for unpaid time. That "unpaid time" is the minutes each day employees spend booting up and shutting down their computers (also their time-clocks), which they claim adds up to an astounding 15-30 per day. Astounding, that is, if you've never worked in a corporate office with a terrible IT department. If you have, you'll probably agree that this figure may, in some cases be on the mark, if not a little conservative. The employees claim they should be paid to work while the boot-ups and shut-downs are happening, since during that time they're doing tasks like paperwork or "arranging their calendar," while the companies counters that they're probably smoking, getting coffee, or talking to people. We're not really going to judge the veracity of these suits en masse -- we'll take them on a case-by-case basis, but there does seem to be something suspicious about this many people claiming to still use paper calendars.
[Via Wired]
Filed under: Desktops
Lawsuits over employees' unpaid computer boot-times stacking up next to unread paperwork originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsLG's snobbish Prada II phone and watch combo caught on glorious celluloid (Engadget)
We spied LG's Prada II strutting its stuff in some fancy photos yesterday, and here we are just over twenty-four hours later with a gossip-worthy video spectacular of the luxury house's second foray into handset branding. The lucky gent in the film beautifully demonstrates how the Bluetooth-enabled watch can perform such wonders as silence your ringer and retrieve text messages, all without laying a finger on the touchscreen, slider keyboard-boasting phone. We're pretty sure that you'll agree the video of the device is "not long enough," but just do what we did: watch it twice in a row (while lounging by the pool in a diamond tiara sipping a martini) after the break.
Continue reading LG's snobbish Prada II phone and watch combo caught on glorious celluloid
Filed under: Cellphones
LG's snobbish Prada II phone and watch combo caught on glorious celluloid originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsKingston unveils 64GB DataTraveler 150 for $177 (Engadget)
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Kingston_Unveils_64GB_Thumb_Drive_for_177'; You've got entirely too many RAW files and uncompressed David Bowie albums to be slamming everything onto a 16GB thumbdrive, so Kingston Technology's coming to the rescue with a new pair of ultra-spacious DataTraveler 150s. Arriving in 32GB and 64GB flavors, the DT150 becomes the largest in the outfit's entire DataTraveler line, and it even works with Windows, OS X, Palm OS and Linux! Both sticks come with a five-year warranty (as if you won't lose it before then) and will sell for $132 and $177, respectively.
[Via Electronista]
Filed under: Storage
Kingston unveils 64GB DataTraveler 150 for $177 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsIn case you missed our BlackBerry Storm review... (Engadget)
The most anticipated BlackBerry of the year (sorry, Bold) is just a day away from release on Verizon -- and naturally, we've got the full rundown. Want to know if this is the phone for you? Click the pic or the link below to get the scoop!
Continue on to read the full BlackBerry Storm review
Filed under: Cellphones
In case you missed our BlackBerry Storm review... originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsHonda's FC Sport fuel-cell hybrid debuts in a puff of conceptual smoke (Engadget)
If the Tesla Roadster has proven anything other than the disruptive effects of a hyper-inflated ego, it's that well designed eco-vehicles will sell... at any price. Yet the general design theme amongst hybrid builders appears to be your grandfather's loafer. Honda too, just look at the FCX Clarity. So we're pretty stoked to see Honda roll out its FC Sport concept three-seater (driver front-and-center) at the LA Auto Show using the same V-Flow fuel cell stack and electric drivetrain found in the FCX Clarity. Only thing is, it's a non-functional concept with little hope of hitting the market anytime soon if history serves. Good news for GM but bad news for consumers. As a wise man of consumer electronics once said:
"You know how you see a show car, and it's really cool, and then four years later you see the production car, and it sucks? And you go, What happened? They had it! They had it in the palm of their hands! They grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory! What happened was, the designers came up with this really great idea. Then they take it to the engineers, and the engineers go, 'Nah, we can't do that. That's impossible.' And so it gets a lot worse. Then they take it to the manufacturing people, and they go, 'We can't build that!' And it gets a lot worse."
Or to paraphrase: It's like asking for a Big Mac and getting a fish sandwich.
Read -- Parable of the Concept Car
Read -- FC Sport
Filed under: Transportation
Honda's FC Sport fuel-cell hybrid debuts in a puff of conceptual smoke originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsGoogle Sync for BlackBerry gets into your contacts (Engadget)
If you're a BlackBerry user or a prospective user, and also happen to be a Gmail enthusiast, you're going to be a lot happier than you were yesterday, because Google's just added over-the-air contact syncing to its Google Sync application. Previously, the app was only able to sync up calendars between the cloud and RIM devices every two hours. Now you can get your names and numbers in the mix, so it looks like the nightmare days of having one list of contacts in Gmail and another, totally different one in your 'Berry are apparently at an end. Sure, Google's timing on this seems a little convenient to us, coming as it does just before the BlackBerry Storm launch, but we're not going to complain about something that makes ours lives easier, okay?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Filed under: Cellphones
Google Sync for BlackBerry gets into your contacts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiio's E5 headphone amplifier clearly admires Apple's iPod shuffle (Engadget)
Not that we haven't seen a headphone amp that's made for one of Apple's DAPs before, but Fiio's latest actually mimics the latest shuffle to sashay out of Cupertino's lair. The device reportedly puts out 150mW at 16-ohms with a rate distortion of <0.009% at 10mW. The rechargeable battery (which gets juiced via USB) is said to be good for around 20 hours of use, and while it's difficult to say exactly how awesome this thing is, the $20 price tag sure is tempting.
[Via SlashGear]
Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio
Fiio's E5 headphone amplifier clearly admires Apple's iPod shuffle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDell's Inspiron Mini 9 and 12 get artist makeovers (Engadget)
In recent months we've seen Dell's design department running wild with new colors and art for a lot of their models, such as the Studio 15 and 17 laptops, and the announcement that customizable jobs were on the table for 2009. It probably should come as no surprise, then, to see the Inspiron Mini 9 and 12 get some love, too -- this time in five patterns by artist Tristan Eaton. Otherwise the same under the hood, the paint-jobbed Minis will run you an extra $50 over the base price of each respective model -- $349 for the Mini 9 and $549 for the Mini 12. Check out two more shots of the upgrades after the break.
[Via Electronista]
Continue reading Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 and 12 get artist makeovers
Filed under: Laptops
Dell's Inspiron Mini 9 and 12 get artist makeovers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDell's Core i7-powered XPS 730x reviewed: potent and pricey, like it should be (Engadget)
Whenever Intel (or AMD, for that matter) drops a wicked quick new chip, everyone knows it ain't gonna be cheap. Critics over at Computer Shopper would like to remind you to keep that in mind as you scope out Dell's Core i7-powered XPS 730x, 'cause the thing sports a price tag that's rather absurd. Dollars and cents aside, the machine is about as powerful as one could hope, offering enough muscle to churn through the most demanding of games. The biggest issue these reviewers had was that many other capable Core i7 rigs could put up similar FPS numbers for substantially less dough, and in the end, it didn't find the flash in Dell's enclosure to be worth the surcharge. Granted, that didn't stop the beast from snagging an 8.1 out of 10 on the review scale, but that's probably assuming you've got the disposable income lying around and ready to burn.
Filed under: Desktops
Dell's Core i7-powered XPS 730x reviewed: potent and pricey, like it should be originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsChrysler's Web Edition vehicle package: includes WiFi, iPod touch and a Dell Mini 9 (Engadget)
Chrysler has been toying with in-car connectivity for months now, so it's really no shock to see the next logical step being taken. At the San Francisco Auto Show this week, the automaker is set to showcase a "Web Edition" package, which would theoretically be available as a dealer-installed option for most Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles. The bundle would include an Autonet Mobile router (branded as Uconnect Web), a Dell Mini 9, 8GB iPod touch, Sony PSP and an Eye-Fi WiFi SD card; couple that with one year of internet service and you've got everything that makes up the $1,999 asking price. Reportedly, a slimmed down option will go for $1,100 and only include the router, service and Mini 9, though there's no indication of when it'll be hitting new whips. Nor if Chrysler will survive long enough to tell us.
Filed under: Transportation, Wireless
Chrysler's Web Edition vehicle package: includes WiFi, iPod touch and a Dell Mini 9 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsCaption contest: cat driving Roomba -- is not so impressed, actually (Engadget)
This is one nonplussed feline, folks. No, he doesn't mind zooming around on the Roomba all day for the humans to videotape, upload to YouTube and laugh at around "the office" all day. Sure, he'll humor you, go ahead and caption -- capshun, if you will -- him until you're blue in the face. He'll have the last LOL. Oh yes, he will.
Josh F.: "The perpetual cat-hair, spot-cleaning cycle ultimately spelled doom for this unlucky Roomba, much like tic-tac-toe did in WOPR in 1983."
Paul: "Must do no harm, must do no harm... wait, does that only apply to humans?"
Chris: "HOVERCAT IZ ON UR CARPIT / STEALIN UR DIRTZ" or "iRobot's demonstration of Roomba's new 'fight or flight' algorithm is an unqualified failure."
Laura: "What part of this is the food?"
Thomas: "Take your complaints up with the staff, Rrrroomba. There's one holding the camera now."
[Via bookofjoe]
Filed under: Robots
Caption contest: cat driving Roomba -- is not so impressed, actually originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBlackBerry Storm review (Engadget)
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/Engadget_reviews_the_BlackBerry_Storm'; By now most of us have heard this story in one fashion or another: when Steve Jobs and Apple were in the planning stages of the iPhone, the first carrier they brought the device to was America's largest network, Verizon. Even if you haven't heard how the tale ends -- Verizon refused and Jobs took his multi-billion dollar ball to AT&T -- you surely know the outcome. The iPhone has soared to become the ultimate smartphone, the must-have accessory that everyone from celebrities to your mom wants -- nay, needs -- to have in their pocket. It's changed the landscape of modern cellphones, put a serious dent in the sales of competing devices (just recently overtaking the venerable RAZR as the best-selling domestic handset), and unquestionably raised the bar when it comes to expectations for features in new handsets.
It may seem unfair to open up the review of RIM's latest BlackBerry -- the Storm -- with a history lesson on the iPhone, but if you understand the market which Verizon and RIM hope to capture, then you understand the Storm, and it helps put this critique in perspective. The Storm, a widescreen, touchscreen device boasts many of the same features as the iPhone, but adds innovations like a clickable display, and comes packed with RIM's legendary email and messaging services. Mainlined into the biggest (and some say best) network in the States, the Storm is an almost deafening blast to the competition at first glance, but does it hold up on closer inspection? Read on to find out.
Gallery: BlackBerry Storm in pictures
Continue reading BlackBerry Storm review
Filed under: Cellphones
BlackBerry Storm review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsAsk Engadget: Best DSLR for a committed amateur? (Engadget)
With the holiday season fast approaching, there's nothing that warms the heart like giving a gift with no expectation of anything in return. It's with that spirit that we pass along Dylan's incredibly important question:
"I've been nagging myself to get into digital photography and with Christmas coming soon I've decided to get a DSLR so I can dive in. I'm leaning heavily toward the Sony Alpha 350. I've always been a big Sony fan but I can back off of that if someone gives me good reason to try Nikon, Canon, etc. I would like to hang around the price range of the Alpha 350; ultimately, I'm looking for a good camera for a newcomer to the scene but I don't want to have to upgrade soon."
We hear ya Dylan, and our dutiful readers do too. (Right? Right.) After giving this one a response, feel free to send in your own inquiry to ask at engadget dawt com.
Filed under: Digital Cameras
Ask Engadget: Best DSLR for a committed amateur? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsApple TV 2.3 update adds AirTunes streaming, support for other IR remotes (Engadget)
For home theater junkies who've been having a difficult time taking the Apple TV seriously, you should definitely have a look at what the latest software update brings to the dinner table. First off, we should warn you that any non-Apple TV software (like, you know, Boxee) will be banished should you choose to update, but if you're kosher on that front, we'll continue on. Apple's changelog notes that AirTunes streaming is now enabled, meaning that tunes can be streamed from the STB to AirPort Express speakers or other ATV units nearby. Additionally, the box can now learn other remotes, meaning that you can probably get your universal remote to handle this bugger, too. The last big addition is that Playlists in iTunes can now be seen on Apple TV, and there's also support for volume control in Music. Grab the download from within your box now if you dare, and feel free to chime in with any other noteworthy changes you happen upon.
[Via TUAW]
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Apple TV 2.3 update adds AirTunes streaming, support for other IR remotes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsASUS Eee Top launched, loved by product waifs and the children who raise them (Engadget)
Our brothers in gadgetry over at Engadget Chinese are at ASUS' Eee Top unveiling in Taipei. They've already been hands-on with the 15.6-inch all-in-one touchscreen PC and consider the build quality to be "ok," consistent with the traditional (read: non-S101) Eee PC netbooks. And while it includes an "Easy Mode" UI that runs on top of XP, launch anything other than an ASUS-built application and you're right back into XP's less finger-friendly interface. That's where the included stylus (hidden in the keyboard) comes into play. We also have a price: 18,900 Taiwanese dollars which is a tax inclusive price of about $580 in the US. It's available today in ASUS' home of Taiwan -- everyone else will have to wait for their local announcements. 'Till then, pics, plenty of pics.
Update: Today's announcement is only for model ET1602. The ET1603 with better graphics and battery (whose existence is in dispute based on contradictory press reports and product specs) is still not available.
Update 2: Added ASUS promotional video after the break -- only thing it's missing is Bruce Lee. [Thanks, Sascha]
Gallery: ASUS Eee Top
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Read -- Hands-on
Read -- Announcement with more pictures
Continue reading ASUS Eee Top launched, loved by product waifs and the children who raise them
Filed under: Desktops
ASUS Eee Top launched, loved by product waifs and the children who raise them originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsAOC keeps it simple with $160 F19 LCD monitor (Engadget)
AOC's never been one to charge a premium for sex appeal, but it's stooping even lower given the current economic conditions in order to get more monitors in more homes. The 19-inch F19 sports a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5-millisecond response time, a glossy black piano finish (with a white back for that splash of contrast) and VGA / DVI inputs. Not too shabby for $159.99 -- we mean, who can say no to puppies? Full release is after the jump.
Continue reading AOC keeps it simple with $160 F19 LCD monitor
Filed under: Displays
AOC keeps it simple with $160 F19 LCD monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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