| Jelly Bean pre-release for Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available from Google Aug 29th 2012, 21:22  More timid users might want to sit this one out, but for everyone else, you'll be glad to know that a pre-release build of Android 4.1 is now available for installation on the Galaxy Nexus from Verizon. Many of you are likely aware that custom Android builds such as AOKP and CyanogenMod have provided an early taste of Jelly Bean for a while now, but this time around, the flashable zip files are available directly from Google -- that's right, this is pure AOSP. Specifically, users will be treated to build JRO03O, which is an incremental update over the previously released binaries. The caveat here is that the software has yet to receive certification from Verizon, and you'll need to unlock your bootloader to join in the fun. For experienced users who've already installed a custom recovery utility such as ClockworkMod Recovery, the process couldn't be easier. Naturally, if you're already on a custom build, you should perform a data wipe within the recovery utility, then install the IMM76Q package and then flash the JRO03O build on top of that. Regardless of your experience level, anyone with the proper motivation should be able to pull this one off. Those starting at square one will find a complete list of instructions at the source link below. Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile Jelly Bean pre-release for Verizon Galaxy Nexus now available from Google originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  Android Central |  Android Central forums | Email this | Comments | | Meet your desktop's ancestors: AT&T exhumes footage of the Bell Blit (video) Aug 29th 2012, 20:53  AT&T's video archives are rich seams of juicy historical tidbits, and today's offering is a fine example. It's sharing footage of the Bell Blit, a graphic interface that Bell Labs developed after being inspired by the Xerox Alto. Originally named the Jerq, it was created by Rob Pike and Bart Locanthi to have the same usability as the Alto, but with "the processing power of a 1981 computer." Watch, as the narrator marvels at being able to use multiple windows at once, playing Asteroids while his debugging software runs in the background on that futuristic green-and-black display. The next time we get annoyed that Crysis isn't running as fast as you'd like it to, just remember how bad the geeks of yesteryear had it. Continue reading Meet your desktop's ancestors: AT&T exhumes footage of the Bell Blit (video) Filed under: Desktops, Software, Alt Meet your desktop's ancestors: AT&T exhumes footage of the Bell Blit (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Gizmodo | | Email this | Comments | | Windows Phone 8 may land October 29th, just days after its desktop brother Aug 29th 2012, 20:19  Word on the street is that Windows Phone 8 will get its official launch on October 29th. When asked for confirmation, Microsoft issued a pretty standard "no comment," which leads us to believe there might actually be something to this rumor. With Windows 8 slated to land on October 26th, we wouldn't be surprised to see its portable counterpart hit the market just a few days later, as ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley is suggesting. October is already expected to be a rather hectic month for Microsoft, with launch of countless Windows 8 tablets scheduled. Putting WP8 out alongside its first batch of handsets (hello ATIV S!) would only make sense, really. We can think of a reason or two that Microsoft might want to utterly dominate a few news cycles. Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile Windows Phone 8 may land October 29th, just days after its desktop brother originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | ZDNet | Email this | Comments | | Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with 'VocalTune' (video) Aug 29th 2012, 20:04  Phones, tablets and huge TVs not your thing? Then thank the stars it's not just the gadget-mega-brands releasing products today. Maker of fine music gear, Novation, has just revealed its latest offering too -- the MiniNova. The more astute among you might have worked out from the nomenclature that this is a compact synth, but we're assured it has full-size features. There's 37 ivories (ok, plastics) for you to tickle, while the sound and effects engine has the same DNA as the maker's flagship UltraNova. You may have noticed that goose-neck microphone up top, and that'll come in handy with the new "VocalTune" and vocoder features. It'll land in your studio with 256 preset sounds, but there's space for another 128 of your own creations. Sound like something you can get down with? Then if you sing a song to the tune of £300 ($629 MSRP / $400 at dealers), you'll be able to call one your own from October. Excitement-stirring demo video after the break. Continue reading Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with 'VocalTune' (video) Filed under: Misc Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with 'VocalTune' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Novation | Email this | Comments | | Logitech unveils lineup of UE headphones for in, on and around your ears (hands-on) Aug 29th 2012, 19:36  Logitech acquired Ultimate Ears awhile back to take advantage of its experience with professional audio, and now it's leveraged some of that institutional knowledge to create a UE line of headphones aimed at consumers. First up, there's the $100 UE 4000 on-ear model that comes in three colors: black, blue and magenta, plus a detachable cord with an in-line mic and audio controls compatible with iOS devices. The UE 6000 model takes things up a notch with an over-ear design that folds up for easy storage on the go, has an in-line remote, plus it adds active noise cancellation technology for $200. Then there's the UE 9000 Bluetooth wireless cans that also have ANC and a full suite of on-ear controls for iPhone or iPad, which can be had for $400. Lastly, there's the $400 UE 900 in-ear headphones sporting a quad-armature design and two sets braided cables -- one with in-line controls, and one without. All of the UE models start shipping in the US today, and will be available in Europe next month. We got to try on and try out all of Logitech's new gear for a brief listening session awhile back, so join us after the break for our impressions. Continue reading Logitech unveils lineup of UE headphones for in, on and around your ears (hands-on) Filed under: Portable Audio/Video Logitech unveils lineup of UE headphones for in, on and around your ears (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Logitech | Email this | Comments | |
