Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Visualized: HP's all-in-one PCs over the years, one from 1983]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/hp-all-in-one-pc-150-from-1983/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/hp-all-in-one-pc-150-from-1983/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/hp-all-in-one-pc-150-from-1983/#comments Visualized: HP's all-in-one PCs over the years, one from 1983

HP's TouchSmart sub-brand and its other AIOs should be no stranger to many PC advocates, but in case you've never come across one before, the company's laid all of them out on one side of its Global Influencer Summit in Shanghai. Models range from the TouchSmart IQ770 launched back in 2007, all the way to the recently shipped Z1 workstation and even the just-announced t410 Smart Zero Client; but the real gem of the booth is that little beige HP 150 right in the middle -- it's one of the first-ever touchscreen PCs, dating back to 1983, powered by an 8MHz Intel 8088 chip, ran MS-DOS and cost a mere $3,995.

Whilst on the topic, HP's Vice President of Industrial Design Stacy Wolff shared some interesting stats: his team found that much like laptops, there are very different screen size preferences across different regions, with the US showing strong interest in 20-inch and 23-inch HP AIOs, whereas China much prefers 20-inch over 21.5-inch and 23-inch. With the big jump in AIO market penetration in each region between 2008 to 2012 (almost doubled in Japan and the US; and an even bigger leap for other markets), HP predicts that these machines will continue to steadily increase market penetration across more price points -- this was illustrated with what it conveniently calls the "AIO wedge" on a chart. Feel free to take a gander at our gallery for more tidbits.

Gallery: Visualized: HP's all-in-one PCs over the years, one from 1983

Visualized: HP's all-in-one PCs over the years, one from 1983 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aioall-in-onedesktopfeaturedfeaturesGlobal Influencer SummitGlobal Influencer Summit 2012GlobalInfluencerSummitGlobalInfluencerSummit2012hpHP 150HP-150Hp150pcscreen sizeScreenSizeshanghaistacy wolffStacyWolffstatstouchscreentouchsmartvisualizedwindowsFri, 11 May 2012 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/hp-apple-laptop-design-similarity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/hp-apple-laptop-design-similarity/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/hp-apple-laptop-design-similarity/#comments HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity

HP's spent the afternoon here in Shanghai to share some details about its latest products and strategy, and to our delight, there was one session dedicated to "Style Meets Function," during which Vice President of Industrial Design Stacy Wolff talked about his design philosophy and design goals for the current market. Most notably, we learned that some of HP's latest laptop designs were based on the work of its research centers from 11 different cities, and the company isn't afraid of admitting that it used consultants for an outside perspective as well.

Despite Stacy's upbeat presentation and interesting stats (apparently these days men have a boring color preference, from first to fourth favorite: black, gray, blue and white), the inevitable question popped up: One lady expressed her concern that the brand-spanking-new Envy Spectre XT reminded her of the MacBook Air a lot, so she wondered if HP's ever worried that Apple might sue.

Stacy kept his initial reply pretty brief:

"I would go back to the TC1000 [Tablet PC] from about 10 years, and that's a tablet. I think if you look at the new Spectre XT, there are similarities in a way, not due to Apple but due to the way technologies developed. Apple may like to think that they own silver, but they don't. In no way did HP try to mimic Apple. In life there are a lot of similarities."

As always, we wanted more from the horse's mouth, so we grabbed hold of Stacy right after the session and had a little chat over this topic -- you can see the full and surprisingly candid interview after the break.

Gallery: HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity

Continue reading HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity

HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledesignenvyenvy spectreEnvy Spectre XTEnvySpectreEnvySpectreXtfeaturedfeaturesGlobal Influencer SummitGlobal Influencer Summit 2012GlobalInfluencerSummitGlobalInfluencerSummit2012hpindustrial designIndustrialDesigninterviewlaptopmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirshanghaispectrespectre xtSpectreXtstacy wolffStacyWolffultrabookvice presidentVicePresidentWed, 09 May 2012 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/microsoft-breaks-down-windows-8s-media-center-upgrade-path-dol/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/microsoft-breaks-down-windows-8s-media-center-upgrade-path-dol/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/microsoft-breaks-down-windows-8s-media-center-upgrade-path-dol/#comments Windows 8 Media Center

Many in the Windows Media Center community were afraid that Windows 8 would mark the end of Media Center, while others thought it would be like Notepad -- present, but unchanged. In the end both were wrong as Microsoft announced Media Center would be available as an add-on to Windows 8. Until now though, we didn't know exactly how that process would work. Steven Sinofsky outlined on the Building Windows 8 blog how users will be able to use Add Features to Windows 8 in Control Panel and purchase the same great Media Center experience that was included in Windows 7 Premium and Pro. The price is still unannounced but is expect to be "in line with marginal costs" -- whatever that means. The price paid will cover the royalties for the required codecs to support broadcast TV and DVD playback (DVDs still won't play in Media Player). One codec that will be supported in all version of Windows 8, but will require the computer maker to license the codec directly, is Dolby Digital Plus. So yeah, something else that was included in Windows 7 for free. We're glad it's there, but wish we'd get something new for the new premium price. Like most, we'll probably hold on to our Windows 7 HTPC a little bit longer.

Continue reading Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support

Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add features to windows 8AddFeaturesToWindows8armaudiocodecDolbyDolby Digital PlusDolbyDigitalPlusfeatureshdpostcrosshtpcMedia Centermedia pcMediaCenterMediaPcMicrosoftpcsTablets PCTabletsPcupgradeWindows 8Windows 8 Media Centerwindows anytime upgradewindows media centerWindows8Windows8MediaCenterWindowsAnytimeUpgradeWindowsMediaCenterThu, 03 May 2012 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Under the microscope: Samsung Galaxy S III's HD Super AMOLED display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/galaxy-s-iii-microscope-hd-super-amoled/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/galaxy-s-iii-microscope-hd-super-amoled/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/galaxy-s-iii-microscope-hd-super-amoled/#comments Image

By now you should already know that the brand-spanking-new Samsung Galaxy S III sports a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display. That's right: no "plus" here, which means this 720p panel is featuring the same old PenTile RBGB pixel arrangement -- just like the 4.65-inch version on the Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy S II HD LTE. Needless to say, this is again pure ammunition for the folks over at LG; but as we've mentioned before, HD Super AMOLED's superb contrast and higher-than-before pixel density outweigh its shortcomings in most cases.

For now though, let's examine these sub-pixels with a 230x zoom USB microscope and compare them with other phones that we have in hand. Starting off with the HTC One X's 720p SLCD 2 above, you can see how its denser sub-pixels produce a finer picture, but ultimately it's still behind HD Super AMOLED when it comes to contrast, especially with black. Read on for more comparisons.

Gallery: Under the microscope: Samsung Galaxy S III's HD Super AMOLED display

Continue reading Under the microscope: Samsung Galaxy S III's HD Super AMOLED display

Under the microscope: Samsung Galaxy S III's HD Super AMOLED display originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720pamoledandroidcomparisonfeaturedfeaturesgalaxy nexusgalaxy sgalaxy s iigalaxy s ii ltegalaxy s iiiGalaxyNexusGalaxySGalaxySIiGalaxySIiiGalaxySIiLtehands-onhd super amoledHdSuperAmoledi9100i9200i9250i9300ice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmicroscopemobilepostcrossone xone xlOneXOneXlpentilesamsungsamsung mobile unpackedsamsung mobile unpacked 2012SamsungMobileUnpackedSamsungMobileUnpacked2012Under the microscopeUnderTheMicroscopeThu, 03 May 2012 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[The Distro Interview: MSI Senior Vice President and co-founder, Jeans Huang]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/the-distro-interview-msi-senior-vice-president-and-co-founder/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/the-distro-interview-msi-senior-vice-president-and-co-founder/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/the-distro-interview-msi-senior-vice-president-and-co-founder/#comments Image

The MSI brand should be no stranger to connoisseurs of desktop motherboards, graphics cards and gaming laptops, but did you know that this Taiwanese company started off as a computer terminal maker 26 years ago? To find out more, we sat down with the very likable Senior Vice President (R&D Division) Jeans Huang. Read on to hear the co-founder's interesting story on how MSI was formed by five ex-Sony engineers, his frank reason behind MSI's reluctance to enter the smartphone market, and his thoughts on 3D display on the PC.

Continue reading The Distro Interview: MSI Senior Vice President and co-founder, Jeans Huang

The Distro Interview: MSI Senior Vice President and co-founder, Jeans Huang originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d gaming3dGamingaioco-foundercofoundercompanydesktopdistrofeaturedfeaturesgraphics cardGraphicsCardinterviewjeans huangJeansHuanglaptopmotherboardMS-2832msiPenNote 3200Pennote3200RDsenior vice presidentSeniorVicePresidentsvptablettaiwanvacuumvacuum robotVacuumRobotwindpadWindPad 110wWindpad110wWed, 02 May 2012 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[LG Optimus 4X HD gets dressed in white, shows its unicorn side (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/lg-optimus-4x-hd-in-white/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/lg-optimus-4x-hd-in-white/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/lg-optimus-4x-hd-in-white/#comments Image

We know what you're thinking: It's white. But the truth is, there's something intangible about these snow-colored slabs that cause humans to lavishly drool. This time the sole culprit is LG's Optimus 4X HD, which appears to have found a way into the hands of Taiwanese site ePrice. Aside from being dressed in a different outfit than the first time we took it for a spin, not much has changed under that quad-core hood, meaning it's still sporting a flavor of Android 4.0 while also retaining its renown 8.9mm slim figure. Chances are this isn't enough eye candy for you, though, so we're hooking you up with a video of this unicorn in discrete action after the break.

Update: We've just added our own hands-on pictures from our recent trip to Seoul, and as you can see, our Quadrant benchmark scores (we ran it four times) only reached just above 4,000 -- a bit less than what we've see previously. That said, ePrice got just above 4,200 on its 4X HD, and things could change again when the device ships with final firmware, so we shall take a look again when that happens.

Gallery: White LG Optimus 4X HD hands-on

Continue reading LG Optimus 4X HD gets dressed in white, shows its unicorn side (hands-on)

LG Optimus 4X HD gets dressed in white, shows its unicorn side (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x hd4xHdandroidandroid 4.0Android Ice Cream Sandwichandroid icsAndroid4.0AndroidIceCreamSandwichAndroidIcsfeaturedfeatureshands-onice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicslglg optimuslg optimus 4x hdLgOptimusLgOptimus4xHdmobilepostminioptimusoptimus 4x hdOptimus4xHdquad coreQuadCoreunicornvideowhitewhite optimus 4x hdWhiteOptimus4xHdThu, 19 Apr 2012 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/lg-renames-optimus-lte-to-optimus-true-hd-lte-disses-samsungs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/lg-renames-optimus-lte-to-optimus-true-hd-lte-disses-samsungs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/lg-renames-optimus-lte-to-optimus-true-hd-lte-disses-samsungs/#comments ImageWhile the Optimus LTE's already made its way to South Korea, Japan and the US (in the guise of the Spectrum and the Nitro HD), LG's decided to give this dual-core handset a new name ahead of its Hong Kong launch at the end of this month. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Optimus True HD LTE. Alas, the "true HD" part here doesn't actually mean the phone's getting 1080p resolution on a 4.5-inch panel (which would be 490ppi; yet Toshiba's actually done it!); but we were told that 'tis really just a dig at Samsung's HD Super AMOLED technology -- you know, the magic behind that 4.65-inch screen on the Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy S II HD LTE.

Simply put, LG doesn't think that 1,280 x 720 on PenTile counts as HD due to the lower number of sub-pixels; and while it's at it, the company also criticized AMOLED's over-expressed colors and higher power consumption in "normal user environment" -- for the latter, LG showed that its AH-IPS has a more consistent power consumption across varying levels of overall whiteness. You can see the relevant slides after the break.

Of course, we've already expressed (twice) how much we like the HD Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy Nexus. The clearness issue now is much less noticeable when compared to the original Super AMOLED; but as for color accuracy, many of us are indeed deceived by the vibrancy that we naturally enjoy -- except when you need to inspect photos, of course. Regardless, we're pretty sure that it's only a matter of time before Samsung strikes back with a, ahem, "true HD" Super AMOLED (Plus) panel -- hopefully in time for the upcoming Galaxy S III.

Gallery: LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED

Continue reading LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED

LG renames Optimus LTE to Optimus True HD LTE, disses Samsung's HD Super AMOLED originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5ghz4gAH-IPSamoledandroidcellphonedisplaydual coreDualCorefeaturedfeatureshands-onhdhd super amoledHdSuperAmoledhong kongHongKongIPSkoreaLGltemobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossoptimusoptimus lteoptimus true hd lteOptimusLteOptimusTrueHdLtepentilephonerebrandrgbsamsungsmartphonetrue hdTrueHdFri, 13 Apr 2012 21:16:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile's next MyTouch: Huawei Ascend G312 QWERTY hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/t-mobiles-next-mytouch-huawei-ascend-g312-qwerty-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/t-mobiles-next-mytouch-huawei-ascend-g312-qwerty-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/t-mobiles-next-mytouch-huawei-ascend-g312-qwerty-hands-on/#comments ImageFirst the leaked product shots, then the Mr. Blurrycam pictures, and now the real deal in our own hands! When we spotted this upcoming T-Mobile MyTouch slider, we just so happened to be chilling out at Huawei's headquarters in Shenzhen where the phone was displayed as the Ascend G312 QWERTY, or "Buddy" according to the "About phone" info ("MyTouch Buddy"?). We didn't see the non-QWERTY variant, but judging by the name, we don't doubt that there's also an Ascend G312 lurking somewhere.

Anyhow, this new MyTouch packs a 1.4GHz Qualcomm MSM8255T chip, a 4-inch WVGA screen, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage and microSD expansion, along with features like DLNA connectivity and five-second fast boot. As for image capturing you get a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera plus a five-megapixel main camera (with 720p recording) on the back, and you'll find a handy camera button at the usual place as well. Interestingly, the spec sheet listed Ice Cream Sandwich while the demo unit was only running on Android 2.3.6, so we'll probably need to wait for T-Mobile's final say on this end.

During our quick hands-on we were pretty satisfied by the phone's overall build quality, especially with its spring-loaded sliding mechanism and keyboard feedback. The screen isn't the best in class when it comes to viewing angle and contrast, but bearing in mind that this phone comes with a Snapdragon S2 processor, we expect it to be priced almost as sensibly as LG's MyTouch handsets -- stay tuned for the official announcement, of course. Hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: T-Mobile's next MyTouch: Huawei Ascend G312 Qwerty hands-on

Continue reading T-Mobile's next MyTouch: Huawei Ascend G312 QWERTY hands-on

T-Mobile's next MyTouch: Huawei Ascend G312 QWERTY hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidascendAscend G312Ascend G312 QwertyAscendG312AscendG312QwertybuddycellphoneDLNAexclusivefeaturedfeaturesG312G312 QwertyG312Qwertygingerbreadhands-onhuaweihuawei buddyHuaweiBuddymobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossMSM8255Tmytouchphoneqwertyslidersmartphonet-mobilevideoWed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS teases 'awesome new features' for Transformer Prime, doesn't say what they are (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/asus-teases-awesome-new-features-for-transformer-prime-doesn/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/asus-teases-awesome-new-features-for-transformer-prime-doesn/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/asus-teases-awesome-new-features-for-transformer-prime-doesn/#comments Like that one friend who cares enough to update everyone about a "killer party" they're headed to without saying where it is, the official ASUS Facebook page has dropped a teaser that is as tantalizing as it is frustratingly vague. The note promises "awesome new features" in the next update for its Transformer Prime, but has absolutely no details on what that means. So what could be in store, some minor .01 revision ICS bump, further GPS tweaks, custom ASUS apps or some celebratory Hasbro wallpapers? Of course, we'd love to hear that everyone's getting a new higher-res display swapped into their Tegra 3 tablet, but even with lasers and time travel still on the table, we're thinking that's not it. Feel free to dream big in the comments below -- for the moment, anything is possible.

Update: If you need a hint, several commenters have pointed out posts on XDA Developers by ASUS' Gary Key indicating firmware 9.4.2.21 will arrive "by March 30th" so it shouldn't be a long wait. A possible preview of the features included is also in the thread, culled from a list on the company's Swedish Facebook site for a differently numbered, though also yet to be released update. Check the list after the break or hit the links below to follow the breadcrumbs for yourself.

Continue reading ASUS teases 'awesome new features' for Transformer Prime, doesn't say what they are (update)

ASUS teases 'awesome new features' for Transformer Prime, doesn't say what they are (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasusasus transformer primeAsusTransformerPrimefeaturesice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichminiposttablettransformer primeTransformerPrimeupdateTue, 27 Mar 2012 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ITG xpPhone 2 hands-on: Windows 7 on a smartphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/itg-xpphone-2-hands-on-windows-7-on-a-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/itg-xpphone-2-hands-on-windows-7-on-a-smartphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/itg-xpphone-2-hands-on-windows-7-on-a-smartphone/#comments We got a little worried when ITG missed its January unveiling for the xpPhone 2, but yesterday, this Windows 7-powered smartphone finally made its debut public appearance in Guangzhou, and we happened to be there to scoop up a demo unit. Since we last came across the second-gen xpPhone, its ambitious Chinese manufacturer has dished out more detailed specs: the 17.5mm-thick device comes with a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 LCD made by Sharp, multitouch input, an Intel Atom Z5xx series processor up to 2GHz, up to 2GB of RAM, up to 112GB of SSD made by Silicon Storage Technology, microSD expansion and a multipurpose HDMI Micro socket (not HDMI Mini as we mistakenly said in our video after the break) that takes care of video, audio, data (USB 2.0) and power. Read on to find out what we think of this weird creature.

Gallery: ITG xpPhone 2 hands-on

Continue reading ITG xpPhone 2 hands-on: Windows 7 on a smartphone

ITG xpPhone 2 hands-on: Windows 7 on a smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomatom z500atom z515atom z5xxAtomZ500AtomZ515AtomZ5xxbrad wuBradWuchinafeaturedfeatureshands-onitgmobilepostcrossSilicon Storage TechnologySiliconStorageTechnologyssdSSTvideowindowswindows 7windows 8Windows7Windows8xpphonexpphone 2Xpphone2z500z515z5xxSun, 11 Mar 2012 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[More 'iPad 3' prototype parts show up, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/ipad-3-prototype-parts-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/ipad-3-prototype-parts-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/ipad-3-prototype-parts-hands-on/#comments In recent years, it's become a fashion for Apple prototype parts to pop up just weeks ahead of hardware launches; and it seems like there's no exception for the upcoming next-gen iPad, which is believed to feature a 2,048 x 1,536 IPS LCD within the same 9.7-inch footprint. While we're only two days away from seeing Tim Cook and co. unveiling said tablet, we couldn't help but take a look at its bits and bobs acquired by our good friends over at M.I.C. Gadget.

What we have here is allegedly the external essentials of the "iPad 3," which include a white glass cover (sans frame) with a home button already installed, along with a 3G-ready aluminum body plus cables for the dock connector and the volume rocker. With a quick glance you may easily mistake this as just the iPad 2 -- it's even compatible with the Smart Cover! But look close enough and you'll spot the larger lens on the prototype, which may suggest that Apple's finally giving its tablet a more capable back camera. There's also a more subtle difference between the two bodies: not only is this "iPad 3" marginally thicker, but the curvature from the flat bottom to the sides is ever so slightly more emphasized, thus providing a tad more internal space for the components -- most likely the battery for the sake of feeding the rumored LTE radio. Well, until Mr. Cook gives us the answers, you can keep yourselves busy by watching M.I.C. Gadget's funkadelic hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: More 'iPad 3' prototype parts show up, we go hands-on

Continue reading More 'iPad 3' prototype parts show up, we go hands-on

More 'iPad 3' prototype parts show up, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefeaturedfeatureshands-oniosipadipad 3Ipad3mic gadgetMicGadgettabletvideoMon, 05 Mar 2012 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Mountain Lion brings iOS apps, malware traps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/switched-on-mountain-lion-brings-ios-apps-malware-traps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/switched-on-mountain-lion-brings-ios-apps-malware-traps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/26/switched-on-mountain-lion-brings-ios-apps-malware-traps/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

According to Wikipedia, the mountain lion, also known as the cougar, is distinguished by having the greatest range of any large wild terrestrial animal in the Western Hemisphere. Indeed, from what we've seen so far of Apple's forthcoming Mac operating system, its new features will likely find favor with a broader range of Apple users than Lion.

Continue reading Switched On: Mountain Lion brings iOS apps, malware traps

Switched On: Mountain Lion brings iOS apps, malware traps originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecolumnfeaturesgatekeeperiCloudiOSiPadLionMacMac os xMacOsXmalwaremirroringmountain lionMountainLionnewNotificationsos xOsXRemindersSwitched OnswitchedonSun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/50-dollar-follow-focus/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/50-dollar-follow-focus/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/50-dollar-follow-focus/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

If you've watched HD video footage captured by a DSLR, you've probably wondered why, despite the fact that you own the exact same model, your clips lack the fluid feel of a professional production. One culprit may be the lack of a steady support system to maintain balance as you shoot, like the rather complex Steadicam. That's just part of the equation, however. What you're also missing is the precision handling of an external follow focus. As its simplistic name implies, the 50-Dollar Follow Focus is a cheap and effective solution.

Made of CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, the 50-Dollar Follow Focus includes two belts and two pulleys to accommodate a variety of lenses, and with the exception of your DSLR and a pair of support rails, everything you need to get started ships in the box. Author Wiley Davis teamed up with The Robot, his in-house CNC mill, to develop some early prototypes, before bringing the project to Kickstarter and launching a campaign to raise $10,000 in order to buy supplies in bulk and invest in a more efficient production system. The result looks very slick, and while it adds some bulk to your DSLR rig, the size tradeoff seems to be worthwhile. Ready to buy your own? Hit up the Kickstarter link below to make your pledge, and keep an eye on that mailbox -- these are expected to ship in March. You'll find a video demo just past the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus

Insert Coin: 50-Dollar Follow Focus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50-Dollar Follow Focus50-dollarFollowFocuscamerafeaturefeaturesfollow focusFollowFocusfundfundinginsert coinInsertCoinkickstarterlenslensesproject fundingProjectFundingvideoWiley DavisWileyDavisWed, 25 Jan 2012 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sports cam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-unveils-atc-beats-wifi-sports-cam-and-atc-cham/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-unveils-atc-beats-wifi-sports-cam-and-atc-cham/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-unveils-atc-beats-wifi-sports-cam-and-atc-cham/#comments Joining Oregon Scientific's range of waterproof sports cameras later this year are these two new models: the ATC Beats on the left and the ATC Chaméléon on the right. The Beats, arriving in November for $399, features 1080p 60fps video capture with a 130-degree field of view and a 270-degree rotatable lens, along with built-in GPS, accelerometer and heart rate monitor (via wireless chest belt) for those keen on recording some extra data. Most importantly, though, is its WiFi connectivity with any iPhone or Android device: not only can you do wireless file transfer with it, but much like the way ContourGPS Connect View app works, you can also use your phone as a wireless viewfinder. Pretty handy for when the camera's stuck on a helmet, of course.

The Chaméléon, on the other hand, is slated for a September launch at $199 only. While it doesn't have all those fancy wireless features, it boasts two 180-degree rotatable lenses (with a 110-degree field of view) at each end of the long body: one moves horizontally, and the other moves vertically; hence the name. The idea is that the camera can simultaneously capture 720p 30fps footage from both lenses (there's only one camera controller inside), and then output a synchronized horizontal or vertical split-screen video clip. We can already picture the Chaméléon being used on a surfing board or in a racing car, so there's certainly great potential here. Anyhow, enjoy our hands-on photos while you imagine the adrenaline rush.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sportscam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera

Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sports cam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atcATC Beatsatc Chaméléonatc ChameleonAtcBeatsAtcChaméléonAtcChameleonbeatscameracesces 2012Ces2012ChaméléonChameleondual lensDualLensfeaturedfeatureshands-onhelmet camhelmet cameraHelmetCamHelmetCameraoregon scientificOregonScientificsportssports camsports cameraSportsCamSportsCamerawifi cameraWifiCamerawireless cameraWirelessCameraTue, 17 Jan 2012 05:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-time-and-wireless-charging-stations-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-time-and-wireless-charging-stations-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/17/oregon-scientific-time-and-wireless-charging-stations-hands-on/#comments Buried within the pile of gadgets at Oregon Scientific's CES booth were these two Time & Wireless Charging Stations. On the left we have the entry-level clock that's already out in the market, whereas the bigger "plus" model on the right made its debut at the show, boasting the extra clock projection and weather forecast feature. Also shown along side were the customized iPhone 4 Qi sleeves that Oregon Scientific will be offering online, and they actually had pretty high quality finish, too, especially with the texture coating on top of them. Do take a closer look in our hands-on photos below.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on

Oregon Scientific Time & Wireless Charging Stations hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebarometercesces 2012Ces2012chargingclockclock projectionClockProjectionfeaturedfeatureshands-oniphone 4Iphone4oregon scientificOregonScientificqirechargesleeveTime Wireless Charging StationTime and Wireless Charging StationsTimeAndWirelessChargingStationsTimeWirelessChargingStationweather forecastWeatherForecastwireless chargingWirelessChargingTue, 17 Jan 2012 04:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific's Portable WiFi Projector comes with a hinge, flirts with your ceiling]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/oregon-scientific-portable-wifi-projector-with-hinge/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/oregon-scientific-portable-wifi-projector-with-hinge/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/oregon-scientific-portable-wifi-projector-with-hinge/#comments A projector from Oregon Scientific, you say? Nope, it's not one of those clock and weather projectors, but rather an actual DLP pico projector. At CES 2012, the company was kind enough to show us an early prototype of its Portable WiFi Projector that'll handle FWVGA (854 x 480) at 1,000:1 contrast and a good 80 lumens of brightness (50 if powered by USB alone). Apparently at 3.2 meters from the wall, such combination should produce a clear 120-inch wide picture in total darkness, so we shall see. The final unit -- dummy pictured above -- will be slightly smaller than the working prototype, yet it'll pack a 90-degree hinge (not a first, of course), a focus slide, a 3.5mm headphone jack and some buttons for brightness, power and volume.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific's Portable WiFi Projector comes with a hinge, flirts with your ceiling

Continue reading Oregon Scientific's Portable WiFi Projector comes with a hinge, flirts with your ceiling

Oregon Scientific's Portable WiFi Projector comes with a hinge, flirts with your ceiling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80 lumens80Lumensceiling projectorCeilingProjectorcesces 2012Ces2012DLPfeaturedfeatureshands-onhinged projectorHingedProjectororegon scientificOregonScientificpico projectorPicoProjectorpocket projectorPocketProjectorprojectorvibration speakerVibrationSpeakerwifi projectorWifiProjectorwireless projectorWirelessProjectorMon, 16 Jan 2012 22:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon Scientific's App In Sports watches sync with your phone, grab apps from it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/oregon-scientifics-app-in-sports-watches-sync-with-your-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/oregon-scientifics-app-in-sports-watches-sync-with-your-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/14/oregon-scientifics-app-in-sports-watches-sync-with-your-phone/#comments One of the many new products we spotted at Oregon Scientific's CES booth was the App In Sports range of watches. As the name suggests, these wearables can link up to your Android phone (via ANT+ wireless connection) to grab up to three app profiles, and the range of profiles available depend on the model of the watches due to their different sensors: for the RA900 (Expedition) you get cardio, weather, hiking and sleep; whereas the SE900 offers coach, running, workout and sleep. More profiles will be made available, though it's not clear whether they'll make it before or after the watches launch in a few months time. Either way, users will need to install the matching Android apps according to their watch models, but both apps can sync with the watches for exercise summary data (including heart rate, exercise time, distance and speed). Demo video after the break.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific's App in Sports watches

Continue reading Oregon Scientific's App In Sports watches sync with your phone, grab apps from it

Oregon Scientific's App In Sports watches sync with your phone, grab apps from it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ANTANT+appapp in sportsAppInSportscesces 2012Ces2012expeditionfeaturedfeatureshands-onhealthmobilepostcrossoregon scientificOregonScientificplatform watchPlatformWatchRA900SE900sportsportsvideowatchwearablewellnessSat, 14 Jan 2012 20:43:00 EST<![CDATA[A Red Scarlet-X 4K tour around CES 2012 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/a-red-scarlet-x-4k-tour-around-ces-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/a-red-scarlet-x-4k-tour-around-ces-2012-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/13/a-red-scarlet-x-4k-tour-around-ces-2012-video/#comments
For the third CES in a row, our old friend Ted Schilowitz has stopped by to let us drool over Red's latest high-end cameras. And boy, this is one helluva camera we have this time. You may recall that last year we were shown a working Scarlet prototype with 3K video resolution and a fixed lens; but fast forward to 2012 and we have the Scarlet-X, a sturdy 4K beast that not only supports interchangeable lens, but it's also actually out on the market. Obviously, the $9,700 base price (excluding the Canon EF lens mount; Nikon and Leica mounts coming soon) is aimed at film studios instead of us regular Joes, but Ted was kind enough to spend a whole afternoon showing us all the goodness on the Scarlet-X -- we even got to play with it on the CES show floor, and unsurprisingly, this Red kit became quite the celebrity. Read on to find out how we got on with it.

Gallery: RED Scarlet-X 4K camera hands-on

Continue reading A Red Scarlet-X 4K tour around CES 2012 (video)

A Red Scarlet-X 4K tour around CES 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>28k4k4k camera4kCamera5k5k camera5kCamera8k9kcameracesces 2012Ces2012cinemacinematographydragondsmcfeaturedfeatureshands-onhdpostcrossmotion picture cameraMotionPictureCameraMYSTERIUM-Xredred dragonRedDragonscarletscarlet-xSSDTed SchilowitzTedSchilowitzvideovideo cameraVideoCameraFri, 13 Jan 2012 21:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Microphones Tiki, Mikey Digital and Spark Digital hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/blue-microphones-tiki-mikey-digital-and-spark-digital-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/blue-microphones-tiki-mikey-digital-and-spark-digital-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/blue-microphones-tiki-mikey-digital-and-spark-digital-hands-on/#comments We swung by Blue Microphones' booth at CES to get our hands on its trio of new mics, and while the Mikey Digital and Spark Digital (the former for iPhone and iPad, and the latter for iPad only) looked very much like their analog counterparts, the cute little Tiki was quite the attention-seeker with its cyborg snail-like shape (and did we mention that there's a push button on its butt for toggling Intelligent Mute?). The new Spark's shock-mount desktop stand also intrigued us -- we'd say it's a nice blend of the old mount and the Yeti's stand. Other than that, there's really not much else to say about these funky-looking mics, so we'll let our photos below do the rest of the job.

Gallery: Blue Microphones Tiki, Mikey Digital and Spark Digital hands-on

Blue Microphones Tiki, Mikey Digital and Spark Digital hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioblueblue microphonesBlueMicrophonescesces 2012Ces2012condensercondenser micCondenserMicdigital microphoneDigitalMicrophonefeaturedfeatureshands-onintelligent muteIntelligentMuteipadipad micIpadMiciphoneiphone micIphoneMicmicmicrophonenoise cancelationnoise cancellingNoiseCancelationNoiseCancellingportable audioPortableAudiousb micUsbMicvoice isolationVoiceIsolationTue, 10 Jan 2012 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid 4 hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/motorola-droid-4-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/motorola-droid-4-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/motorola-droid-4-hands-on/#comments Fresh out of Motorola's oven is this Verizon Droid 4. Well, when we say "fresh"... anyway. From our brief hands-on just now, there wasn't anything too surprising with the software and performance from the 1.2GHz dual-core chip, but the hardware was almost top notch. We'd safely say that the physical keyboard is by far the best in the Droid series -- each key is neatly laser cut to give that even blue glow from the keyboard back light, and the tactile feedback was reassuringly comfortable. Alas, like its predecessors, the sliding mechanism isn't spring-assisted, so it'll take first-time users some getting used to with their thumb. On the bright side, the Droid 4 is lighter than the already-obsolete Droid 3 so it's less work for the hand. Stay tuned for pricing info, and take a gander at our hands-on video after the break for the time being.

Gallery: Motorola Droid 4 hands-on

Continue reading Motorola Droid 4 hands-on (video)

Motorola Droid 4 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestofDroidDroid 3Droid 4Droid3Droid4featuredfeatureshands-onmobilepostcrossMotorolaVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker! ASUS to launch PadFone at Mobile World Congress, we'll be there! (Update: hands-on video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/shocker-asus-to-launch-padfone-at-mobile-world-congress-well/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/shocker-asus-to-launch-padfone-at-mobile-world-congress-well/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/shocker-asus-to-launch-padfone-at-mobile-world-congress-well/#comments Strictly speaking, CES doesn't even start until tomorrow, but ASUS has just handed us an invitation to its PadFone event at Mobile World Congress next month. If all goes well, this will fit nicely within the expected early-2012 window that Jonney personally promised. Obviously we'll be in Barcelona to cover the launch, so stay tuned, dear tablet freaks.

Update: We just got our hands on a working engineering unit of the PadFone. Eagle-eyed readers might notice the odd tweaks here and there on the outside, and we also spotted three new mysterious contact pins along the USB and HDMI side of the phone. The product manager was away so we couldn't get an answer for what the pins are for, but we'd imagine they're for an external antenna. After the break you'll see a demo video of the PadFone switching screens as it slides into the tablet -- we've been told the final product will be able to switch even faster, so here's hoping ASUS can keep its promise.

Gallery: ASUS Padfone hands-on at CES 2012

Continue reading Shocker! ASUS to launch PadFone at Mobile World Congress, we'll be there! (Update: hands-on video)

Shocker! ASUS to launch PadFone at Mobile World Congress, we'll be there! (Update: hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasusbreaking newscellphonecesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestoffeaturedfeatureshands-onice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichmobile phonemobile world congressMobilePhonemobilepostcrossMobileWorldCongressmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012padfonephonesmartphonetabletvideoMon, 09 Jan 2012 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo's IdeaTab S2 10-inch does tablet transformation, packs a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon (update: hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/lenovos-ideatab-s2-10-joins-the-tablet-transformation-gang-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/lenovos-ideatab-s2-10-joins-the-tablet-transformation-gang-pa/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/lenovos-ideatab-s2-10-joins-the-tablet-transformation-gang-pa/#comments This wouldn't be the first time for Lenovo to release a tablet-plus-keyboard combo, though the illusive IdeaPad U1 Hybrid was merely adding Windows to the updated LePad via the keyboard dock. That said, Lenovo's freshly-announced IdeaTab S2 10" is a full package dedicated to Android 4.0, and it sports a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon 8x60A or 8960. Compared to the ASUS Transformer Prime and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, this 10-inch IdeaTab comes close to or even beats them with a 0.34-inch (8.69mm) thickness and a 1.27-pound (580 grams) weight -- certainly much better than its Chinese counterpart, the LePad S2010. Other features include a 1,280 x 800 LED-backlit IPS display, 3G with call support, 1GB LPDDR2 RAM, SSD of up to 64GB, HDMI Micro connection and front (1.3MP) and rear (5MP with autofocus) cameras. As for battery life, the tablet alone can keep cranking for up to 9 hours, and sliding it into the keyboard dock gets you an additional 9 hours plus two USB 2.0 ports, a multitouch trackpad and an SDHC card reader. No word on availability or pricing yet, so we'll keep poking Lenovo until we hear something.

Update: We now have hands-on photos and video -- the latter after the break, as usual. Something interesting we spotted was the grid-like LeLauncher, which consists of square-shaped widgets that expand to bigger widgets or launch the relevant apps. Lenovo's folks also mentioned that compared to the ASUS Transformer series, the S2's "clam dock" slot hinge is designed in such a way that makes it easier to snap the tablet onto it, and we agree with them.

Gallery: Lenovo IdeaTab S2 10"


Gallery: Lenovo IdeaTab S2 10" hands-on

Continue reading Lenovo's IdeaTab S2 10-inch does tablet transformation, packs a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon (update: hands-on)

Lenovo's IdeaTab S2 10-inch does tablet transformation, packs a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon (update: hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7ghz8260A8960androidAndroid 4.0Android4.0cesces 2012Ces2012featuredfeatureshands-onice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichICSideatabideatab s2ideatab s2 10ideatab s2-10IdeatabS2IdeatabS2-10IdeatabS210Kraitlenovos2s2 10s2-10S210S4Snapdragonsnapdragon 8260ASnapdragon 8960Snapdragon S4Snapdragon8260aSnapdragon8960SnapdragonS4tabletvideoSun, 08 Jan 2012 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo LePad K2010 (IdeaTab K2) hands-on: 1.7GHz Tegra 3, full HD IPS display (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/lenovo-lepad-k2010-ideatab-k2-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/lenovo-lepad-k2010-ideatab-k2-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/lenovo-lepad-k2010-ideatab-k2-hands-on/#comments Remember our lovely leak of Lenovo's Tegra 3 tablet from last November? Well, it showed up here at CES under the LePad K2010 moniker for China, while elsewhere it'll likely be known as the IdeaTab K2. We won't comment much on the unfinished software (so no luck with controlling the cursor using the fingerprint scanner on the back), but build quality wise we enjoyed the faux brushed metal cover on the back, and similarly, the sharp 1,920 x 1,200 IPS display between the speakers was very impressive (yes, we double-checked with Lenovo on these numbers).

We also received confirmation that the camera on the back has an eight-megapixel resolution, but obviously we'll wait and see if the picture quality lives up to expectation. Alas, there's still no word on availability, but regardless, China will get first dibs on this juicy quad-core slate. On the bright side, this should give ample time for potential buyers to save up -- the K2010 is aimed at high-end business users, after all. Hands-on video after the break.

Update: Fresh info straight from Beijing tells us that the K2010's clock speed's been given a gentle bump from 1.6GHz to 1.7GHz. And those speakers sandwiching the display? Those are what Lenovo calls "Super Surround Speaker (3S)" that consists of four drivers. We're also told to expect a charging station.

Gallery: Lenovo LePad K2010 (IdeaTab K2) hands-on

Continue reading Lenovo LePad K2010 (IdeaTab K2) hands-on: 1.7GHz Tegra 3, full HD IPS display (updated)

Lenovo LePad K2010 (IdeaTab K2) hands-on: 1.7GHz Tegra 3, full HD IPS display (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7GHzandroidandroid 4.0Android4.0cesces 2012Ces2012featuredfeaturesfull hdFullHdhands-onice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichideatab k2IdeatabK2K2010K2010K2lenovolepadlepad k2lepad k2010LepadK2LepadK2010quad coreQuadCoreT33tablettegra 3Tegra3videoSun, 08 Jan 2012 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/insert-coin-a-look-back-at-ten-top-projects-from-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/insert-coin-a-look-back-at-ten-top-projects-from-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/insert-coin-a-look-back-at-ten-top-projects-from-2011/#comments #editors-choice #editors-header { padding: 0; margin: 10px 0; } #editors-choice .section { border: 5px solid #EEE; margin: 10px 0; position: relative; } #editors-choice .section:hover { border-color: #00BDF6; } #editors-choice .section a:hover { text-decoration: none; } #editors-choice .section .winner { display: block; } #editors-choice .section .winner img { display: block; float: left; margin: 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details { float: left; width: 410px; margin: 0 0 0 15px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h2 { color: #444; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 10px 0 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h3 { font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 7px 0 11px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details p { color: #222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up { display: block; position: absolute; bottom: 0; right: 0; background-color: #333; padding: 3px 10px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up strong { font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 3px; color: #BBB; }

2011 has been a tremendous year for tech -- Amazon launched a $200 Android tablet, AT&T and Verizon continued their LTE expansion, Apple killed off the Mac mini's SuperDrive and Samsung introduced a well-received killer 5.3-inch smartphone. But tiny tech startups made their mark as well, proving that you don't need an enormous R&D budget to spur innovation. Still, development isn't free, and unless your social circle includes eager investors, seed money has been traditionally hard to come by.

For many of this year's indie devs, crowdfunding sites have been the answer, with Kickstarter leading the pack. We've seen an enormous variety of projects -- including a deluge of duds and plenty more semi-redundant iPhone accessories -- but a few treasures soared above the swill to be featured in our Insert Coin series, with many of those meeting their funding goals and even making their way into the hands of consumers. Now, as 2011 draws to a close, we've gone through this past year's projects to single out our top ten, and they're waiting for your consideration just past the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011

Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6dotappleArduinoaudiobraillecameracamera triggercamerasCameraTriggereyezfeaturefeaturesheadphoneheadphonesinsert coinInsertCoiniphoneiphone 4Iphone4ipodipod shuffleIpodShufflekickstarterkye allumsKyeAllumslabelermobilepostcrossmousemutitouchODDIO1olloclipprostheticremoteremote controlRemoteControlrobotroboticsrobotsromoshufflesmartphonesmartphonesTeagueduinotriggertrigger traptriggersTriggerTraptwinezioneyezSat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fusion Garage's website goes dark -- has it bitten the dust? (update: it's back?)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/17/fusion-garages-website-goes-dark-has-it-bit-the-dust/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/17/fusion-garages-website-goes-dark-has-it-bit-the-dust/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/17/fusion-garages-website-goes-dark-has-it-bit-the-dust/#comments
Perhaps it's the comeback that wasn't meant to be -- Fusion Garage has apparently silenced its radios for over a week on Twitter, and more than a month on Facebook. Potentially worse, its website is now unreachable, displaying only a "Database connection error." Although its Grid10 tablet was set for a delayed October 1st release, some folks over at The JooJoo Forum and on Fusion Garage's Facebook page are reporting that they've yet to receive their tabs, weeks after placing orders.

We've fielded more than a few concerned tips saying the same, and sadly, that's just the tip of this iceberg, as there's also been mention of slow correspondence from the company, with wishy-washy responses about what's going on. One forum poster mentions eventually hearing back from its public relations agency -- this after contacting FG for order details -- with an indication that a refund is on the way.

We've reached out for an official comment but received nothing but silence. That said, we're hearing we aren't the only ones having a hard time getting in contact with Fusion Garage's executives, leaving us with a sinking suspicion that there will be no third go 'round for the house that Chandra built. Ordered a Grid10 yourself, or still waiting on your free JooJoo replacement? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Update: We have a comment from Fusion Garage's PR agency:
Unfortunately, none of our efforts have resulted in any communication from the company to the customers. Given all of this, we don't have any other choice but to cease working with FG effective tomorrow.

Update 9:50AM ET (12/18): Thanks to Josh in the comments who has noticed that Fusion Garage's website is live again, albeit barely breathing. It's devoid of anything other than scattered pictures and text, and notably, its "Store" is all but unreachable. Rest assured, we'll let you know if we hear any new developments from the parties involved.

Update 10:57PM ET (12/18): Fusion Garage's store is back up, but orders aren't exactly open. Clicking through to any given product's page shows the message "We are running out of stock. Thank you." [Thanks, Liam]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Fusion Garage's website goes dark -- has it bitten the dust? (update: it's back?) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-inch10.1-inchandroidchandra rathakrishnanChandraRathakrishnancrunchpadfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfusion garageFusionGaragegridgrid 10grid operating systemgrid osGrid10GridOperatingSystemGridOsjoojooslatetabcotabletSat, 17 Dec 2011 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu MX review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/meizu-mx-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/meizu-mx-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/meizu-mx-review/#comments A quick tag search for "Meizu" on Engadget takes us all the way back to April 2006, where we saw the launch of the Chinese company's M6 Mini Player with MP4 playback. But in fact, if you go as far back as early 2003 (before Engadget was even born) you'll also dig up the Meizu MX, which was eventually launched towards the end of the year. Confused? Well, bear with us here: this MX was Meizu's first ever product, a simple 128MB or 256MB MP3 player that unfortunately bore much resemblance to the Cowon iAudio CW300, albeit with different guts. Was this a case of shameless cloning or just an OEM product being rebadged? Our money's on the latter, but only with Monopoly bills.

Skip past the darker times and fast forward to about nine years later, Meizu would launch another MX, but now it's a totally different animal: a 1.4GHz dual-core Android smartphone that can handle a tad more than just music playback. Of course, company founder Jack Wong and his gang aren't the only players on the paddy field, as we also have the similarly powerful Xiaomi Phone already taking the lead in the Chinese Android enthusiast market. Adding more fuel to the fire is that shortly after the Xiaomi Phone's debut, Wong responded to a related forum post by accusing a certain someone -- which is believed to be Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun -- of abusing his or her old position as an angel investor to deviously walk away with Meizu's trade secrets. Alas, we'll probably never know the truth, so we shall simply observe whether the new Meizu MX will bite back hard and good. Read on for our full review on Meizu's second Android handset.

Gallery: Meizu MX review: packaging and hardware

Continue reading Meizu MX review

Meizu MX review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasvcellphonechinaexynosexynos 4210Exynos4210featuredfeaturesflymeflyme osFlymeOsMali-400Mali-400 MPMali-400MpMeizuMeizu MXMeizuMxmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossMXphonereviewsmartphonevideoThu, 15 Dec 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu MX hangs out with the M9, Xiaomi Phone, Nokia N9 and many more friends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/meizu-mx-hangs-out-with-m9-xiaomi-phone-nokia-n9-and-many-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/meizu-mx-hangs-out-with-m9-xiaomi-phone-nokia-n9-and-many-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/meizu-mx-hangs-out-with-m9-xiaomi-phone-nokia-n9-and-many-more/#comments
What better way to welcome a new boy in town than just a quick hands-on with it? Well, how about throwing a mini phone party for the Meizu MX? We just so happened to have a stash of phones with us today: the M9, iPhone 4S, Nokia N9, Xiaomi Phone, Galaxy S II and Galaxy Note. Conveniently, the MX's four-inch display lets it sit bang in the middle of the group, and the phone also turns out to be a tad thinner, narrower and shorter than the Xiaomi Phone. Of course, we'll dig a little deeper in our review, so stay tuned and enjoy our party pics for now.

Gallery: Meizu MX hangs out with the M9, Xiaomi Phone, Nokia N9 and many more friends

Meizu MX hangs out with the M9, Xiaomi Phone, Nokia N9 and many more friends originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonecomparisonfeaturedfeaturesfightgalaxy notegalaxy s iiGalaxyNoteGalaxySIihands-oniphoneiphone 4sIphone4smeizumeizu m9meizu mxMeizuM9MeizuMxmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossmxn9nokia n9NokiaN9phonesamsungsmartphonevsxiaomi phoneXiaomiPhoneThu, 08 Dec 2011 06:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Meizu MX first hands-on!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/meizu-mx-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/meizu-mx-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/meizu-mx-first-hands-on/#comments
While the rest of Hong Kong were enjoying their dim sum breakfast, we've been busy fiddling with the freshly delivered Meizu MX due out on January 1st. As expected, the customized Android 2.3.5 (dubbed Flyme OS) is pretty slick on that 1.4GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos 4210 and 1GB of RAM, but we keep an eye on the consistency of its performance. Compared to the smaller M9, we're hugely impressed by this successor's solid build quality -- the white crystal casing on the back gives out a premium feel and look, though only time will tell how scratch-resistant it is. Likewise, we also dig the booklet or CD album-like packaging -- you can see it all in our hands-on gallery below.

There's much to be loved about the four-inch 960 x 640 ASV LCD -- the slight decrease in pixel density really isn't as noticeable as expected, still giving a sharp image in addition to a slightly wider viewing angle plus color gamut. Alas, many of our camera stills so far seem to be infected by a green hue, though our sample 1080p video clip's in good shape. Here's hoping that Meizu will still be able to tweak that eight megapixel camera before the official launch. Until then, check out our hands-on video after the break (where you can see Meizu's pretty rad "patented situation-aware bottom light keys" in action), and stay tuned for our upcoming review.

Gallery: Meizu MX hands-on


Gallery: Meizu MX sample shots

Continue reading Meizu MX first hands-on!

Meizu MX first hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4ghza9androidAndroid 2.3.5Android2.3.5cellphonechinadual coreDualCoreexynosexynos 4210Exynos4210featuredfeaturesFlymehands-onmeizumeizu mxMeizuMxmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossmxphonesmartphoneunboxingvideoThu, 08 Dec 2011 01:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharp AQUOS SH-01D's optical image stabilizer hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/sharp-aquos-sh-01ds-optical-image-stabilizer-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/sharp-aquos-sh-01ds-optical-image-stabilizer-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/07/sharp-aquos-sh-01ds-optical-image-stabilizer-hands-on-video/#comments If you need further proof of how the Japanese keep the best to themselves, then here's yet another fine example to fuel your jealousy. Sharp's recently launched AQUOS SH-01D is one of the few -- if not the first -- Android phones that feature optical image stabilization, and this is all thanks to the company's new 12.1 megapixel, 1/3.2-inch CMOS camera module. The demo videos are plenty impressive, but naturally, we had to see for ourselves to really believe it, so playstyle.hk kindly lent us an SH-01D for a quick and dirty hands-on.

As per typical NTT DoCoMo Android phones, our SH-01D suffered from minor lags due to the heavy OS customization; but leaving that aside we dug its 4.5-inch 1,280 x 720 ASV display and its overall build quality. We then quickly moved on to the camera: while image stabilization is available for both photo and video modes, don't expect it to fully compensate your shakiness -- you'll see below that we ended up with a few slightly blurry stills at night, which isn't surprising; but regardless, we got plenty of vibrant colors in most cases.

The stabilization is more noticeable in video mode, and it's definitely more effective than the Droid RAZR's implementation -- we got some sample clips after the break for your viewing pleasure. There's no telling when other phones will get this technology, but if you want a taste of the future then you can grab an SH-01D from playstyle.hk for HK$5,500 or about US$708.

Gallery: Sharp AQUOS SH-01D hands-on


Gallery: Sharp AQUOS SH-01D sample shots

Continue reading Sharp AQUOS SH-01D's optical image stabilizer hands-on (video)

Sharp AQUOS SH-01D's optical image stabilizer hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidaquosaquos sh-01dAquosSh-01dcellphonedocomofeaturedfeatureshands-onjapanmobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossmobilepostminintt domocoNttDomocophonesh-01dsharpsmartphonevideoWed, 07 Dec 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota Fun-Vii concept car envisions instantly customizable interior and exterior]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fun-vii-concept-car-envisions-instantly-customizable-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fun-vii-concept-car-envisions-instantly-customizable-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fun-vii-concept-car-envisions-instantly-customizable-inte/#comments Look, the reality is that you can't drive your car into a Pay 'n' Spray every 15 minutes or so à la Grand Theft Auto, but what if you can simply change the vehicle's skin at the tap of a button? Toyota certainly likes the sound of that and has thus come up with the funky-looking Fun-Vii concept car. What's more, even the interior can be changed as well, and similarly it can be used as a display space for navigation or even racing simulation (assuming the latter's disabled while actually driving, of course). This is all good and well, but unlike many other concept exhibits we've seen, Toyota's mockup couldn't seat people -- we suspect the "car" only used a back projection from within, so we couldn't get to see what it'd feel like to play a Tron-like game inside the "car." Nevertheless, we look forward to day when this idea becomes a reality -- here's looking at you, flexible OLED! Video after the break.

Gallery: Toyota Fun-Vii eyes-on

Continue reading Toyota Fun-Vii concept car envisions instantly customizable interior and exterior

Toyota Fun-Vii concept car envisions instantly customizable interior and exterior originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancecarconceptconcept carConceptCarcustomcustomisabledoraemonexterioreyes-onfeaturedfeaturesFun-ViiGrand Theft Autohands-oninteriorjapanjean renoJeanRenoSci/Techtokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011toyotatoyota Fun-ViiToyotaFun-viivideoThu, 01 Dec 2011 23:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/#comments Amongst the many concept EVs we've seen at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, Toyota thinks that fuel cell vehicles still have a chance. Hence the above cool-looking FCV-R, an actual functional hydrogen car featuring a multi-LCD panel dashboard along with a driving range of around 700km or 435 miles. Alas, interested buyers will have to wait until around 2015 before Toyota launches its first fuel cell car, which is currently projected to cost around $125,000. And of course, there's no saying on whether hydrogen fuel stations will be widely available across the nation by then. For now though, you can take a closer look at the FCV-R in our video after the break.

Gallery: Toyota FCV-R hands-on

Continue reading Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch

Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcv-rfeaturedfeaturesfuel cellFuelCellhands-onjapantokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011Toyotatoyota fcv-rToyotaFcv-rvideoThu, 01 Dec 2011 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Daihatsu Pico concept commuter EV hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/daihatsu-pico-concept-commuter-ev-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/daihatsu-pico-concept-commuter-ev-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/daihatsu-pico-concept-commuter-ev-hands-on/#comments Using LEDs to display messages on the back of a car? Looks like we have yet another contender with the same idea, except this time all four sides get an LED panel each. The idea behind Daihatsu's Pico concept EV is that it can interact with surrounding pedestrians and drivers using messages with matching colors. For instance, the LED belt can issue a red warning on the back if a car is following too closely; or when driving past pedestrians in close proximity (think rascal scooters but with front and back seats), the belt can turn green and indicate that the car's limited to a safe top speed of 3.7mph.

Other than that, the Pico's very much just a cute little EV with a driving range of up to 31 miles (with a full two-hour charge), plus a top speed of 31mph. We also dig the touchscreen console inside the car, but with just the two LED bars acting as doors, we sure hope it'll withstand a bit of rain. Video after the break.

Gallery: Daihatsu Pico hands-on

Continue reading Daihatsu Pico concept commuter EV hands-on

Daihatsu Pico concept commuter EV hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcommuterconceptconcept carConceptCardaihatsudaihatsu picoDaihatsuPicoelectric carElectricCarevfeaturedfeatureshands-onjapanpicotokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011vehiclevideoThu, 01 Dec 2011 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/nissan-demonstrates-leaf-powered-smart-house-we-go-hands-on/#comments Back in August, Nissan shared its vision of making its Leaf EV a secondary power source for houses, be it for emergency power outage or for powering lodges in the countryside. Here at the Tokyo Motor Show, we got to see a Smart House that demonstrates just that. To supply the electricity from the Leaf, Nissan uses a power control system box that can supply up to 6kW of power -- plenty of juice for this structure, which consumes about 1 to 2kW for its lights, fan, TV, clock, mini fridge and air conditioner. As for battery life, a Leaf can keep a typical Japanese household powered for about two days, and customers can pick up this power control system in around end of March next year (the retail version will be about half the size of the one pictured). Nissan also said potentially the Smart House can supply excess electricity back to the grid, though this isn't yet possible in Japan due to the lack of such service, which is understandable given the natural disasters earlier this year.

Additionally, it turns out that the Smart House can also power itself during sunny days using its solar panels on the top, and any remaining electricity is used to charge up the Leaf; so effectively the car is acting as a mobile battery for the house. But what if it's cloudy and the Leaf is out and about? Well, the fuel cells inside the Smart House's belly will keep your party going, so there's really nothing to worry about as long as you keep an eye on your propane level. Head past the break to watch Nissan's Shinsuke Suzuki switch the house off and on for us.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf Smart House hands-on

Continue reading Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on

Nissan demonstrates Leaf-powered Smart House, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehicleevfeaturedfeatureshands-onleafnissanNissan LeafNissanLeafpcspower control systemPowerControlSystemShinsuke SuzukiShinsukeSuzukismart houseSmartHousetokyo motor showtokyo motor show 2011TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2011videoThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo LePhone K2 to arrive with 4.3-inch IPS display, 1.5GHz dual-core chip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/lenovo-lephone-k2-to-arrive-with-4-3-inch-ips-display-1-5ghz-du/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/lenovo-lephone-k2-to-arrive-with-4-3-inch-ips-display-1-5ghz-du/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/lenovo-lephone-k2-to-arrive-with-4-3-inch-ips-display-1-5ghz-du/#comments Frankly speaking, the phones that Lenovo have announced so far this week haven't been all that exciting (unless, of course, you're somehow aroused by its 5-inch tabletphone), but it turned out the folks had a little surprise for us: the LePhone K2. What we got here is a 4.3-inch IPS display (resolution of which not yet announced), a powerful dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8260 chip, 1GB RAM, 1GB ROM and an eight megapixel 1080p camera. Sadly, like the S2 and the S760, this crouching tiger also packs Android 2.3.5 instead of Ice Cream Sandwich, but without a price or a release date, perhaps there's still a small chance that we'll see it eventually launching with the newer OS. Anyhow, that's just our wishful thinking. Chinese hands-on video after the break.

Gallery: Lenovo LePhone K2 to arrive with 4.3-inch IPS display, 1.5GHz dual-core chip

Continue reading Lenovo LePhone K2 to arrive with 4.3-inch IPS display, 1.5GHz dual-core chip

Lenovo LePhone K2 to arrive with 4.3-inch IPS display, 1.5GHz dual-core chip originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3.5Android2.3.5beijingcellphonechinafeaturedfeatureshands-onk2lenovolenovo k2lenovo lephonelenovo lephone k2LenovoK2LenovoLephoneLenovoLephoneK2lephone k2LephoneK2mobile phoneMobilePhonemobilepostcrossMSM8260phonesmartphonevideoWed, 30 Nov 2011 03:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo LePad S2005 vs. Dell Streak 5... cuddle!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/lenovo-lepad-s2005-vs-dell-streak-5-cuddle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/lenovo-lepad-s2005-vs-dell-streak-5-cuddle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/lenovo-lepad-s2005-vs-dell-streak-5-cuddle/#comments
It's inevitable that these two 5-inch tabletphones -- the Dell Streak 5 on the left and the Lenovo LePad S2005 on the right -- are to meet in the Chinese capital. With the exception of the slightly taller body on the S2005 everything else are suspiciously similar, especially the button and camera layout. Well, there's a good explanation for this: we've been informed that this new tabletphone hails from the same ODM, Qisda, as Dell's counterpart. Too bad Lenovo decided to keep the same screen resolution though.

According to Stone Ip from Engadget Chinese, he found that the S2005 has a nicer grip than the Streak, and he also digs its more masculine appearance -- obviously this is open to debate. Performance-wise this slate responded well to our input, but the lack of promise on an Ice Cream Sandwich update will probably make potential geeky buyers think twice. Well, good thing we have some awesome modders around the interwebs these days.

Gallery: Lenovo LePad S2005 vs. Dell Streak 5... cuddle!

Lenovo LePad S2005 vs. Dell Streak 5... cuddle! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2005androidchinadelldell streakdell streak 5DellStreakDellStreak5featuredfeaturesfighthands-onideatabideatab s2005IdeatabS2005lenovolenovo ideatablenovo ideatab s2005lenovo lepadlenovo lepad s2005lenovo s2005LenovoIdeatabLenovoIdeatabS2005LenovoLepadLenovoLepadS2005LenovoS2005lepadmobilepostcrossQisdaquantastreakstreak 5Streak5tabletphoneTue, 29 Nov 2011 21:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko Power Grip review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/nyko-power-grip-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/nyko-power-grip-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/nyko-power-grip-review/#comments Nyko Power Grip review There have been more than a few third-party responses to the Nintendo 3DS' notably short battery life, from grips to clips, to full-on battery replacements. Despite their best efforts, these products still fall short of making the fledgling handheld international flight-ready, leaving globetrotting gamers with idle thumbs. Can't we do better? Nyko thinks so, and promises to triple the battery life of a standard 3DS with its latest accessory, the Nyko Power Grip. Other products have boasted double, but three times the play time? Now we're interested. We gave the Grip a run for its money -- read on if you want to know if it is worth yours.

Gallery: Nyko Power Grip review

Nyko Battery Grip review

Continue reading Nyko Power Grip review

Nyko Power Grip review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbatterybattery packBatteryPackcharge baseChargeBaseextended batteryExtendedBatteryfeaturefeaturedfeaturesGripnintendonykoPowerPower Grippower pak+PowerGripPowerPak+reviewFri, 18 Nov 2011 10:17:00 EST<![CDATA[MediaTek-powered ZTE MT73 packs TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM, dual SIM and magic dust]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/mediatek-powered-zte-mt73-packs-td-lte-td-scdma-gsm-dual-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/mediatek-powered-zte-mt73-packs-td-lte-td-scdma-gsm-dual-sim/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/mediatek-powered-zte-mt73-packs-td-lte-td-scdma-gsm-dual-sim/#comments Here's a funny one we spotted at China Mobile's booth at Mobile Asia Congress: a ZTE Android phone powered by a MediaTek chipset that supports TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM and dual SIM! Of course, given that China Mobile is currently the exclusive carrier to the TD-SCDMA technology, we're not expecting this peculiar device to pop up anywhere beyond the Great Wall any time soon; but knowing that there's a dual-SIM LTE phone somewhere on this planet still makes our day.

Spec-wise this MT73 prototype features Android 2.3.4, an 800MHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4.1-inch 854 x 480 LCD with capacitive touchscreen, a five megapixel main camera, a VGA front-facing camera and a 1,100mAh battery. As per usual ZTE build quality, there's an inevitable cheap feel upon laying our hands on this phone, but we'll give ZTE the benefit of the doubt and wait for the final version. As for a launch date, the folks at China Mobile said it'll depend on when will the government issue a commercial license for TD-LTE. To keep you occupied for the time being, we have a hands-on video right after the break.

Continue reading MediaTek-powered ZTE MT73 packs TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM, dual SIM and magic dust

MediaTek-powered ZTE MT73 packs TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, GSM, dual SIM and magic dust originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gandroidcellphonechinaChina MobileChinaMobiledual simDualSimfeaturedfeatureshands-onlteMACMAC 2011Mac2011mediatekmobile asia congressmobile asia congress 2011mobile phoneMobileAsiaCongressMobileAsiaCongress2011MobilePhonemobilepostminimtkphonesmartphonetd-ltetd-scdmavideoFri, 18 Nov 2011 03:38:00 EST<![CDATA[ZTE Light Tab 2 hands-on: another 7-inch phone to stuff your generous pocket]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/zte-light-tab-2-hands-on-another-7-inch-phone-to-stuff-your-gen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/zte-light-tab-2-hands-on-another-7-inch-phone-to-stuff-your-gen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/zte-light-tab-2-hands-on-another-7-inch-phone-to-stuff-your-gen/#comments Following the likes of Samsung's original Galaxy Tab, here's yet another option for fans of comically-sized phones: the ZTE Light Tab 2, an obvious follow-up to the original Light. In fact, this 7-inch Android 2.3.5 slate was announced back in June and was expected to launch around October, but the ZTE folks here at Mobile Asia Congress still couldn't shed light on its actual availability (pun intended). It sure makes one wonder if any carrier's picked up this tablet.

Anyhow, here's the lowdown: the 12.6mm-thick package comes with a 1024 x 600 non-IPS LCD and a capacitive touchscreen, garnished with a 1.4GHz Qualcomm single core chip, 4GB of ROM, 512MB of RAM, a 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera, a 3.2 megapixel imager on the back, a generous 3,400mAh battery and, of course, 14.4Mbps HSDPA connection that supports voice call. Despite the soon-obsolete OS version, the UI response on the new Light isn't bad at all, and the body felt solid. Take a look at our quick hands-on video after the break.

Alternatively, there's also the 7-inch Froyo-powered T72 tablet (yes, Froyo) featuring an "iOS-like UI." Seriously, that was what we read on the spec sheet! Again, we couldn't get a date out of ZTE, but feel free to check out this shameless device after the break, if you must.

Gallery: ZTE Light Tab 2 hands-on: another 7-inch phone to stuff your generous pocket

Continue reading ZTE Light Tab 2 hands-on: another 7-inch phone to stuff your generous pocket

ZTE Light Tab 2 hands-on: another 7-inch phone to stuff your generous pocket originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3.5Android2.3.5featuredfeaturesFroyoGingerbreadhands-onlightlight tab 2LightTab2MACMAC 2011Mac2011mobile asia congressmobile asia congress 2011MobileAsiaCongressMobileAsiaCongress2011T72tablettabletphonevideoZTEWed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Lumia 800 review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/nokia-lumia-800-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/nokia-lumia-800-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/nokia-lumia-800-review/#comments You might hear it said that Nokia is on a knife-edge, and that this old king of mobiles will live or die based on the success of its latest flagship phone. We love melodrama as much as the next guy, but such talk is overplaying it. Sure, the great manufacturer has its troubles, and yes, the Lumia 800 bears a heavy burden of responsibility on its 3.7-inch shoulders. However, now that Nokia's CEO Stephen Elop has set his company on a new path, there will no doubt be a slew of new products -- both hardware and software -- over the next few years. In fact, the Lumia 800 was probably rushed to market, having been designed and built within the space of six months and intended as a placeholder for greater things to come. Nokia simply grabbed the overall design of its orphaned N9 handset, threw it together with Windows Phone Mango and then whatever the Finnish is for baddaboom, baddabing. So, does the Lumia feel rushed? Or is this the first stirring of something special? Read on and we'll tell you what we think.

Gallery: Nokia Lumia 800 review

Continue reading Nokia Lumia 800 review

Nokia Lumia 800 review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesLumia 800Lumia800MangomobilepostcrossNokiaNokia Lumia 800NokiaLumia800reviewreviewsWindows PhoneWindowsPhoneWP 7.5WP7Wp7.5Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Apogee Jam guitar adapter review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/apogee-jam-guitar-adapter-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/apogee-jam-guitar-adapter-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/apogee-jam-guitar-adapter-review/#comments
Musicians have long needed ways to catalog ideas and capture rough recordings of new material without the anchor that is a full-fledged recording setup. Apogee offers just that with its Jam guitar adapter for the iPad, iPhone and Mac, which allows you to strum your way to a record deal via an iOS device. Whether you're on the road or in your living room, the ability to connect a Les Paul to a mobile device and crank out the demo for your next hit is super helpful. But, is it worth the $100 investment to have recording-on-the-go at your fingertips? Read on to see what we discovered.

Gallery: Apogee Jam guitar adapter review

Continue reading Apogee Jam guitar adapter review

Apogee Jam guitar adapter review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agile partnersAgilePartnersampkitAmpkitLinkamplitubeapogeeapogee digitalapogee electronicsapogee jamApogeeDigitalApogeeElectronicsApogeeJamAppleapple ipadapple ipad 2Apple iPhoneapple iphone 4sAppleIpadAppleIpad2AppleIphoneAppleIphone4sfeaturefeaturesgarage bandGarageBandGuitarguitar adapterGuitarAdapterIOSiOS 5ios guitar adapterIos5IosGuitarAdapteripad guitar adapterIpadGuitarAdapteriphone guitar adapterIphoneGuitarAdapteririgpeaveyrecordingreviewvideoFri, 28 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST