Thursday, May 31, 2012

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Simple.TV launches Kickstarter campaign for support from viewers like you
May 31st 2012, 14:39

Simple.TV launches Kickstarter campaign for support from viewers like you

Winning a Best of CES award is all well and good, sure, but it's not enough to bring your device to market. That, friends, is what Kickstarter is for. Simple.TV is ready to bring its mobile TV / DVR device to market, but it needs the help of some enthusiastic supporters with a little pocket money to spare. The company's been working to make the device a reality and is "close enough that we need to start ordering parts and getting the production pipeline turned on," which, naturally, in where people like you come in. To help achieve its $125k goal, Simple.TV is offering up a unit for a $125 pledge (down from its "already super low price of $149"). Higher pledges will get you fun things like a Roku XD. More info can be had in the video after the break.

Continue reading Simple.TV launches Kickstarter campaign for support from viewers like you

Simple.TV launches Kickstarter campaign for support from viewers like you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 10:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CNET  |  sourceKickstarter, Simple.TV Blog  | Email this | Comments

Outspoken Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain to head FCC's open internet advisory panel
May 31st 2012, 14:21

http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/

The FCC has created a new forum for corporations, experts and activists to scrap over web laws: The Net Neutrality Advisory Committee. Members have been tasked with "tracking and evaluating the effects of the FCC's Open Internet rules," as well as making policy recommendations. The new group is to be led by Harvard professor and long-time defender of an open internet, Jonathan Zittrain, whose appointment echoes that of Tim Wu -- another expert in a senior advisory position over at the FTC. Harvard University is no stranger to what can go wrong when open access is stifled, so perhaps the good professor can shake things up a bit.

Outspoken Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain to head FCC's open internet advisory panel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 10:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Ars Technica  |  sourceFCC  | Email this | Comments

Turtle Beach partners with MLG, will unveil tournament-focused Ear Force Seven Series programmable headsets, TM1 audio mixer at E3
May 31st 2012, 14:00

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If you're familiar with Major League Gaming tournaments, you're likely aware that Astro Gaming's Mixamp Pro has been the staple device for providing multi-platform surround sound and team chat to the headset-wearing pros. Things are set to change this fall, however, as Turtle Beach has announced a partnership with MLG that'll usher in the release of its first ever tournament-focused gaming headsets and a long-overdue competitor to the Mixamp.

To start, the TM1 Tournament Mixer will be the exclusive sound hookup for MLG events when it hits the streets, effectively ending the reign of the Mixamp at events once it's out. Like the Mixamp, the unit will provide virtual surround sound and chat functionality to any headset with a 3.5mm jack, albeit with a number of improvements. One TM1 can provide six players with individual sound whether they are on the same team or playing 3 vs. 3, and multiple devices can be daisy chained to provide a whopping 12 channels of separate audio. Notably, the TM1 also allows the broadcast audio to be fed into your mix, letting you can keep up with the crowd around you.

On the headset front, TB is blending its programmable audio know-how and recent foray into lifestyle headsets into what's dubbed as the Seven Series. Details are slim, but the first two models set to up the ante on the likes of Astro's A40 and the Sennheiser PC360 will be the Ear Force XP7 and Z7. Each headset features a portable design, detachable microphone and an optional inline remote / mic, so you won't be you stuck to only using 'em in your living room -- unlike pretty much of all the company's past headgear. You'll naturally be able to download your preferred audio settings using TB's Preset Community Portal, which will also include "presets customized for specific [MLG] tournament games."

There's sadly nothing in the way of pictures at the moment, but we'll be getting some hands-on time with prototypes of all the goods at E3 next week. Hit up the press release past the break for further details in the meantime.

Continue reading Turtle Beach partners with MLG, will unveil tournament-focused Ear Force Seven Series programmable headsets, TM1 audio mixer at E3

Turtle Beach partners with MLG, will unveil tournament-focused Ear Force Seven Series programmable headsets, TM1 audio mixer at E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: SpaceX's Dragon due to splash down at 11:44am ET (video)
May 31st 2012, 14:00

PSA: SpaceX's Dragon due to splash down at 11:44am ET

SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully departed the International Space Station at 4:07am ET and began its gentle descent into the atmosphere soon after. It's the home straight for the historic private spaceflight company as it concludes its first ever supply mission to the heavens. It's due to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, a few hundred miles off the coast of southern California at 11:44am ET. If you'd like to watch the craft being retrieved from its watery berth then head on past the break, with coverage set to begin from 10:15am ET.

Continue reading PSA: SpaceX's Dragon due to splash down at 11:44am ET (video)

PSA: SpaceX's Dragon due to splash down at 11:44am ET (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIA ARTiGO A1200 lets you roll your own miniscule, fanless PC
May 31st 2012, 13:42

VIA ARTiGO A1200

Most ultra-compact, fanless PCs are intended for the embedded market -- that is, not for the proletariat to tinker with directly. VIA's no stranger to serving that crowd, but it's making a point of addressing home users who want this class of PC for DIY projects, like home media servers, with the ARTiGO A1200. The new design is still using the dual-core, 1GHz Eden X2 of VIA's usual embedded PCs at its heart, but it comes wrapped in a smaller, more eye-catching package with HDMI video out and support for Windows 7. That's not to say that the A1200 represents a softening, inside or out. The PC can still survive temperatures between 32F and 113F with dust resistance in the bargain, and there's an array of ports you're still less likely to find on an everyday computer, such as a CFast slot (for storage) and dual gigabit Ethernet jacks. The $320 it costs to buy the new ARTiGO today won't get you an OS, RAM or a hard drive, but its ability to survive for years in a hot, dusty closet just might be worth the cost.

Continue reading VIA ARTiGO A1200 lets you roll your own miniscule, fanless PC

VIA ARTiGO A1200 lets you roll your own miniscule, fanless PC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 09:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceVIA Embedded Online Store  | Email this | Comments

Visualized: Sauber F1 cutaway car is half the vehicle it used to be (video)
May 31st 2012, 13:21

Visualized: Sauber F1 cutaway car is half the vehicle it used to be (video)

Ever wondered what goes on inside a Formula 1 car? No, we're not talking about Jenson Button's delicate elbow movements, we mean inside the car. Well, it turns out that we're not the only ones, and fortuitously for us, some people with the actual means to find out -- the Sauber F1 team -- have done the noble thing, and cut one in half. Yes, a real F1 car. Cut in half. It took two years to achieve, but from tip to tail, it's all there on display. That precious steering wheel you see drivers carry with them? Halved. Clever layered fuel system for lower center of gravity? Carved open. They even bring a driver in, the only thing to remain intact. Race on past the pit stop break for the visuals.

Continue reading Visualized: Sauber F1 cutaway car is half the vehicle it used to be (video)

Visualized: Sauber F1 cutaway car is half the vehicle it used to be (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 09:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Grand Prix  |  sourceSauber Motor Sport (YouTube)  | Email this | Comments

Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools
May 31st 2012, 13:00

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What's Wes Anderson without the Kinks, Pulp Fiction without Dick Dale or Benny Hill without "Yakkity Sax?" Vimeo knows the power of a good soundtrack, so it's adding a couple of tools to its arsenal. The Enhancer lets users choose from some 50,000-plus tracks from the Vimeo Music Store, adding them directly to videos, adjusting audio levels and shifting the beginning and end of the song. A partnership with SmartSound, meanwhile, offers up access to 4,000 songs that can be customized by adjusting length, instrumental mix and musical arrangement. Tracks from the latter service will run $1.99 for non-commercial use and $20 for commercial licenses. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools

Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cricket now offers the iPhone with $55 'unlimited' everything plan
May 31st 2012, 12:34

Cricket now offers the iPhone with $55 'unlimited' everything plan

Cricket Wireless, the prepaid subsidiary of Leap, has just announced the availability of the iPhone 4 and 4S on its network. A 16GB 4S will set you back $500, while an 8GB 4 clocks in at a slightly more affordable $400. Both are available with Cricket's $55 "unlimited" everything plan, which includes all you can eat talk, text, and data -- provided your idea of "unlimited" data falls within its fair usage policies (in this case, 2.3GB of data). Cricket is hardly alone among America's smaller carriers in offering the iPhone, C-Spire as well as a number of regional carriers all stock Apple's wares. What makes this offering unique, is that Cricket is the first completely prepaid carrier to sell the handset. So, if you want an iPhone, but don't want the contract or the post-paid, usage-based fees? Well then, Cricket might just be your new best friend. Check out the PR after the break and hit up the source for more info.

Continue reading Cricket now offers the iPhone with $55 'unlimited' everything plan

Cricket now offers the iPhone with $55 'unlimited' everything plan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 08:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Next Web  |  sourceCricket  | Email this | Comments

Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video)
May 31st 2012, 12:22

Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype

See-through displays may or may not be making a comeback, but NTT DoCoMo is at least trying to give them a different spin. Working with Fujitsu, it's added a Vita-style extra touch panel to the rear of the screen, which works with the transparency to let the user navigate Android without ever obscuring the UI with their fingers. It also allows new types of interaction based on "gripping" objects -- holding down a finger at the back to modify the effect of a swipe on the front. The prototype was actually announced a little while back, but DigInfo has a video (embedded after the break) that shows how it works in practice -- just don't expect to be enjoying Netflix on that washed-out QVGA display anytime soon.

Continue reading Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video)

Double-sided transparent touchscreen shown off on NTT DoCoMo prototype (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 08:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceDigInfo  | Email this | Comments

Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash
May 31st 2012, 11:54

Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash

Things haven't been looking so good for Chumby recently -- in April, the company stopped hardware sales, and that was pretty much its bread and butter. Though the device may be well past its prime, at least it has some worth to the hackers among us. Take Huan Troung, who decided to use the Chumby as the starting point for making a temperature logger. To be fair, he ended up using the Insignia Infocast, a rebranded Chumby, and while the device was a good fit for his project, he wanted more freedom than the Flash framework allowed him. So Huan decided to run WebKit on the gadget. The result is a more app-friendly interface with support for a wide range of coding languages. Check out the video below for a look at the device running the temperature app.

Continue reading Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash

Developer runs WebKit on Chumby to bypass Flash originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 07:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Hack a Day  |  sourcetnhh.net  | Email this | Comments

Toddler-friendly Vinci Tab II makes its way to online retailers
May 31st 2012, 11:34

Toddler-friendly Vinci Tab II makes its way to online retailers

Though already available through Amazon and SkyMall, the Vinci Tab II -- who we met in a previous life -- has found its way to WalMart.com and is moseying to other e-tailers such as ToysRUs.com, Diapers.com and YoYo.com next month. The Vinci carries a 7-inch (800x480) display, a 3-megapixel camera, 1.2GHz Cortex A8 processor, 8GB of intenral storage, a microSD card slot, runs Android (flavor unspecified) and is touted as the only tablet certified for child safety. The tab also supports three levels of premium educational apps and includes a few samples, interactive storybooks and animated music videos for your rug rats to work their noggins.While the slab's first incarnation lacked WiFi to minimize radiation exposure to little tykes, the latest iteration can pack WiFi for those who'd rather not update apps via microUSB. Interested in keeping your young'un busy? You'll be set back $249 for a WiFi model or $199 if you forgo wireless connectivity -- a hefty drop from its predecessor's $389 starting point.

Toddler-friendly Vinci Tab II makes its way to online retailers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 07:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceVinci Newsletter  | Email this | Comments

Microsoft announces Office 365 for Government, touts its fluffy cloud-based goodness
May 31st 2012, 11:17

Microsoft announces cloud-based Office 365 for Government

Unlike certain folks who wear tinfoil hats Microsoft has no qualms working with the guv'ment. Having added Office 365 support to Windows Phone in its Mango update, the company is now turning its attention to a less tech-averse Uncle Sam with the introduction of the obviously named Office 365 for Government. According to Microsoft, this rendition of Office 365 places US government data in the soft embrace of the cloud via its own segregated community. Offerings featured with the service include Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online and Office Professional Plus. Now, you don't need to be wearing shiny, crumpled headwear to voice concerns about some evildoer messing around with government data on the cloud. Microsoft assures that the service supports the "most rigorous global and regional standards," including ISO 27001, SAS70 Type II, EU Safe Harbor and FISMA. Given all the waist tightening Uncle Sam's being asked to go through recently, a cloud solution might actually sound appealing if it proves to be more cost-effective overall.

Microsoft announces Office 365 for Government, touts its fluffy cloud-based goodness originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 07:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ZDNet  |  sourceOffice 365 blog  | Email this | Comments

ITV Player 2.0 brings live streams of the UK broadcaster's TV channels to iOS
May 31st 2012, 10:58

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It's on Apple's iPhone and iPad, but this is the ITV Player, not the rumored iTV supposedly under development in Cupertino. After initially launching last summer (along with an Android version) offering streaming video on-demand, the UK channel's iOS app has been updated to version 2.0 to offer a live streaming feed of its two channels. Other than just ITV1 and ITV2 over WiFi or 3G, if there's a live event being broadcast that isn't on either, you'll still be able to tune in via the app. Other new features include AirPlay Mirroring, easier switching between content, improved location detection (to determine what channels are available) and Retina Display quality graphics on the iPad. Unfortunately, The Digital Lifestyle points out catch-up access is still unavailable over 3G, but those with access should grab the new app from iTunes.

ITV Player 2.0 brings live streams of the UK broadcaster's TV channels to iOS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 06:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Digital Lifestyle  |  sourceiTunes  | Email this | Comments

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Orange San Diego: Intel's Medfield phone gets benchmarked
May 31st 2012, 10:40

Orange San Diego: Intel's Medfield phone gets benchmarked

While we've been pleasantly surprised by some favorable browser scores, we couldn't help sneaking another peek at the phone's (second) launch -- this time right in the center of London. We took the Orange Santa Clara for a spin on our latest benchmarks. See how Intel's new mobile processor fares against much pricier competition right after the break.

Continue reading Orange San Diego: Intel's Medfield phone gets benchmarked

Orange San Diego: Intel's Medfield phone gets benchmarked originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 06:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bio-chemical circuits may make you a man of a machine
May 31st 2012, 10:26

Bio-chemical circuits may make you a man of a machine

You'd be more than forgiven for not knowing who Klas Tybrandt is. The doctoral student at Linköping University is hardly a household name, but his latest creation may garner him some serious attention. The Swedish scientist has combined special transistors he developed into an integrated circuit capable of transmitting positive and negative ions as well as biomolecules. The advantage here is that, instead of simply controlling electronics, the circuits carry chemicals which can have a variety of functions, such as acetylcholine which the human body uses to transmit signals between cells. Implantable circuits that traffic in neurotransmitters instead of electrical voltages could be a key step in taking making our cyborg dreams a reality. We're already counting down the days till we're more machine than man.

Bio-chemical circuits may make you a man of a machine originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 06:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePhys.org  | Email this | Comments

Dell outs new E series Latitude laptops, Optiplex AIO and desktops to entice the enterprise
May 31st 2012, 10:00

Dell outs E series Latitude laptops, Optiplex AIO and desktops to entice the enterprise

Round Rock just rolled out some new consumer machines this week, so it comes as no surprise that it's doling out some fresh computing goodies to the enterprise as well. First up is the new Dell Latitude E series laptops that come with a variety of ports for your connecting pleasure: one eSATA/USB combo, two USB 3.0 ports, a serial connector, 3.5mm headphone jack, plus HDMI and Gigabit ethernet. All those sockets come embedded in a chassis made of magnesium alloy that's been powder-coated on the bottom, giving it a lightweight, yet sturdy look and feel. In keeping with the tough-but-light theme, the top of these Latitudes are sheathed in aluminum, and the hinges are made of steel. Additionally, though it's a new machine, it's backwards compatible with many previous-gen Latitude docks and batteries

Continue reading Dell outs new E series Latitude laptops, Optiplex AIO and desktops to entice the enterprise

Dell outs new E series Latitude laptops, Optiplex AIO and desktops to entice the enterprise originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Skydrive updates fly out with file jump, Windows 8 photo sync
May 31st 2012, 09:44

microsoft-skydrive-updates-windows-8-photo-sync

Microsoft isn't resting on its cloud with SkyDrive -- it's announcing a new update, which rolls out today for Mac and Windows. It teased a new feature for Windows 8 Release Preview -- due early June -- that allows photos to be retrieved from any PC with SkyDrive, whether your cloud storage is maxed out or not. Though we doubt you've topped out your 150,000 file limit, Redmond says it's taking power users into account with a huge bump to 10 million files -- with the same 7GB free / 100GB paid limits. It's also promised more speed and reliability, many small bug fixes, and has dropped the app icon from the OS X Lion dock -- saying it "definitely heard feedback" to do it. Updates will happen automatically, so you might be able to shoot more of those dusty files off to the cloud sooner than you think.

Microsoft Skydrive updates fly out with file jump, Windows 8 photo sync originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 05:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWindows Team Blog  | Email this | Comments

Lovefilm introduces HD streaming in the UK and Germany, adds another nail in mail rental coffin
May 31st 2012, 09:23

LoveFilm introduces HD streaming in the UK and Germany, adds another nail in mail rental coffin

Lovefilm certainly seems to be on the charm offensive to secure those movie viewing eyes. Yesterday it was the announcement of an exclusive deal with NBCUniversal, and today it's HD streaming for its "Instant" service. Subscribers in the UK and Germany can suck up full 1080p content when viewing on a Mac or PC, and 720p when watching via Xbox 360 or Smart TV (UK only) at no extra cost. The HD library is rolling out now, and currently includes only a selection of films and TV shows, but is set to expand over the coming months. So if you're a paid up member, you can start browsing the library today, and hunt out those HD badges.

Continue reading Lovefilm introduces HD streaming in the UK and Germany, adds another nail in mail rental coffin

Lovefilm introduces HD streaming in the UK and Germany, adds another nail in mail rental coffin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 05:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google updates translate plugin and Android app, unites nations
May 31st 2012, 09:10

Google translate plugin update lets website owners improve their lingo

If your website lacks a little... je ne sais quois, it either needs something special, or that thing was lost in translation. If your managing different languages with Google's Website Translator plugin, however, then a new feature could put a stop to odd or inaccurate interpretations of your text. It's only in beta at the moment, but if you add a customization meta tag to a webpage, readers who know better can click on badly translated text and amend it (pending your approval). Likewise, you can fix up any broken translations yourself, and folk will see that version when using Chrome, or Google Toolbar to switch languages. Likewise, it looks like the official translate app for Android got a little spit and polish too, plus Esperanto support and new text to speech languages, so at least you can look a little more stylish while you order unknown items from the menu. Travel on over to the source links for the Rosetta stone.

Google updates translate plugin and Android app, unites nations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 05:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Next Web, Phandroid  |  sourceGoogle Translate Blog, Google Translate (Play store)  | Email this | Comments

Orange San Diego revealed: Intel-powered phone to reach UK on June 6th for £200
May 31st 2012, 08:47

Orange San Diego gets UK reveal, name change

Orange took its time to decide, but now it's settled. The first European Intel-equipped smartphone is the San Diego, replacing the Santa Clara codename assigned to it since February's Mobile World Congress. It will launch on pay-as-you-go at £200, including £10 of credit -- although Orange tell us this will be an introductory price. On contract, prices will start at £15.50 per month for two years and Brits will be able to pick one up from June 6th. We're getting the full run-through from Orange UK and Intel, but we're itching to run our new benchmarks on the Medfield phone as soon as they let us at it. And that pesky Gingerbread OS? We've been told to expect Ice Cream Sandwich closer to the end of Q3. But with just the single carrier, we're hoping testing time could be shaved off significantly.

Continue reading Orange San Diego revealed: Intel-powered phone to reach UK on June 6th for £200

Orange San Diego revealed: Intel-powered phone to reach UK on June 6th for £200 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 04:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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