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1) South Korea's Live Park uses RFID and Kinect to bring your Holodeck fantasies one step nearer
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/south-koreas-live-park-uses-rfid-and-kinect-to-bring-your-holod/
All those long, long drives to Florida in the family station wagon seemed worth it at the time, but now that we've found out that those lucky South Koreans have another crazy theme-park, we might just change our minds. Located near Seoul, Live Park uses 3D video, holograms and augmented reality, interacting with RFID wrist bands and Kinect sensors to stitch together a continuous immersive story. You (and your avatar!) have 65 attractions, over seven themed zones, and the world's biggest interactive 360 degree stereoscopic theater to wave, jump and shout your way through. Two years and $13 million in the making, Live Park's creator d'strict is now looking to license the concept out internationally, with locations in China and Singapore already earmarked. We're not sure we could handle that long of a family drive just yet, but with a Hollywood entertainment "powerhouse" reportedly [...]
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2) February 14th is Valen... Angry Birds day
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/angry-birds-facebook/
Forget poking: from February 14th, show you love someone by flinging a mis-tempered avian toward them. It's Valentines Day that Angry Birds will finally arrive on the ubiquitous social network -- just in time to ensure half the coupled population of the world misses its dinner reservation, in order to get past one more level. The basic game will be free, but upgrades like the Mighty Eagle, double-sized birds, an earthquake weapon and a max-strength catapult will cost you. It'll be launched in Jakarta around the same time you offer up that heart-shaped box of chocolates, so if you want to ensure the day remains romantic, we'd suggest waiting until the 15th before installing.Continue reading February 14th is Valen... Angry Birds dayFebruary 14th is Valen... Angry Birds day originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of [...]
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3) Wii U controller to pack NFC, says Iwata, create new gameplay options
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/wii-u-controller-to-pack-nfc-says-iwata-create-new-gameplay-op/
Aching for more details on Nintendo's elusive Wii U console? Let Satoru Iwata scratch your itch -- quarterly reports aren't just for reporting losses and announcing new networks, after all. Boss hog Iwata told investors that Nintendo is spicing up their next console's tablet-esque controller with a little NFC magic. Nintendo's President briefly entertains the possibilities of a console controller rocking near field communication, suggesting that Skylander-like figurines or NFC enabled cards could be created to present a "new play format in the video game world." He even says the technology might be used to implement micropayments. Sounds neat -- but will you be able to buy DLC with your Google Wallet?Wii U controller to pack NFC, says Iwata, create new gameplay options originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | [...]
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4) Nintendo officially announces Nintendo Network, promises personal accounts for Wii U
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-officially-announces-nintendo-network-promises-persona/
Nintendo's third quarter financial briefing just spilled the beans on the recently spied Nintendo Network, causing Nintendo fans everywhere to collectively sigh, "It's about time." Company head honcho Satoru Iwata says the network will offer "competitions and communication among users, as well as the sales of digital content," and in the case of the Wii U, will introduce personal user accounts. Iwata stopped just short of confirming that the Nintendo Network will end the company's policy of tying downloaded titles to Nintendo hardware, rather than individual users, but mentioned that it packed an infrastructure that supports not only add-on content, but fully downloadable retail games as well.
"This concept was built into the design of the Nintendo 3DS, and we already have the necessary infrastructure," Iwata said, "We will prepare the same infrastructure for the Wii U. However, we [...]
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5) Transformers: Dark of the Moon clip breaks down shooting movies, special effects in 3D (video)
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-clip-breaks-down-shooting-movies/
The Transformers: Dark of the Moon Limited Edition Blu-ray 3D doesn't hit the streets officially until next week, but you can get a look at one of the special features early right here. In this video clip director Michael Bay and other members of the production team explain some of the special challenges that came with shooting the special-effects heavy movie in 3D. It required changes to his usual frenetic cutting style with fewer pans and longer shots, as well as extra work by the editors on each element of animation overlaid on each frame. For a longer discussion about the background of shooting the flick you can check out an interview featuring Bay and 3D-master James Cameron here, otherwise just press play, or check out the press release after the break for a full list of special features included when he disc debuts January 31st.Continue reading Transformers: Dark of the Moon clip [...]
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6) German scientists shoot world's fastest movie: gone in 50 femtoseconds
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/german-scientists-shoot-worlds-fastest-movie-gone-in-50-femtos/
No, it's not another Fast & Furious sequel, it's something much quicker -- 800 billion times quicker, to be precise. Scientists at DESY (Germany's largest particle physics center) are premiering the Guinness World Record-holding fastest "movie" to a select audience at its light sources users' meeting. The film was shot using an X-ray Laser, and splitting the light in two. By firing one beam off on a minuscule detour (0.015 millimeters) and delaying its arrival by 50 femtoseconds, two separate images are captured. Okay, so two frames isn't exactly Lord of the Rings, but it's still the smallest interval ever recorded. This technique won't be popping up in Hollywood any time soon -- instead, it's actually used for snapping subatomic glimpses of ultra-fast molecular processes and chemical reactions. Despite the brevity of this record-breaking flick, the plot is apparently still more complex [...]
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7) SwitchMe brings makeshift guest account to Android root users
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/switchme-brings-makeshift-guest-account-to-android-root-users/
Wouldn't it be absolutely splendid if you could hand your phone over to a friend (or complete stranger) without fear of them mucking up your system or digging into your personal bits? Yes, we'd absolutely love to see guest accounts become standard issue on all handsets, but until that day arrives, a new application called SwitchMe will work in a pinch. Word of caution, this app requires root privileges, which may deter many folks.
Rather than allowing multiple sessions to run simultaneously, as you'd expect on a desktop computer, SwitchMe lets users easily jump between different installations of Android -- they exist separately and don't talk to each other. Naturally, this also allows hobbyists to easily jump between their favorite ROMs, and gives developers clean sandboxes for app testing. The first hit is free, but if you want to manage more than two installations, you'll need to buy [...]
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8) Potential Samsung Galaxy SII-sibling heads to China via the FCC
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/potential-samsung-galaxy-sii-sibling-heads-to-china-via-the-fcc/
A mysteriously packaged Samsung device departed the FCC's secure zone with a few question marks over its character. We know it's got GSM/EDGE 850 - 1900 radios and can access WCDMA Bands II and V, plus the usual WiFi and Bluetooth gear, but that's about it. The folks at Wireless Goodness are staking the GT-i9070 as a China-bound variation of the Galaxy SII (assessed for roaming safety), which would seem logical, since we've clearly got enough models over here.Potential Samsung Galaxy SII-sibling heads to China via the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Wireless Goodness | Email this | Comments
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9) Amazon prices Verizon Galaxy Nexus at $99, tests your self control
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/verizon-galaxy-nexus-99-at-amazon/
Looking for an excuse to buy a LTE-enabled superphone? Look no further. Online retail giant Amazon has priced Verizon's iteration of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus at a paltry $99 for customers opening a new line of service. For those keeping score at home, that's a full $200 less than the on-contract price ($299) currently being peddled by Big Red. Why are you still reading this? Hit the source link, hammer in your Amazon credentials and get yourself one of these lean, mean, Ice Cream Sandwich running machines.Amazon prices Verizon Galaxy Nexus at $99, tests your self control originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink AndroidCentral | Email this | Comments
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10) Samsung 2011 Q4 earnings official: $42 billion in sales, $4.7 billion operating profit
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/samsung-2011-q4-earnings-official-billion-in-revenue-4-6-bi/
It might not be making as much money as the competition in Cupertino, but that doesn't mean Samsung isn't raking in cash at an astonishing clip. We reported earnings estimates a few weeks ago, but now it's official that the firm posted a 5.3 trillion won ($4.7 billion) operating profit in Q4 2011. That represents over a 2 trillion won ($1.8 billion) increase year over year. In all, it pulled in 47.3 trillion won ($42 billion) in sales, thanks in no small part to the over 300 million phones Sammy sold last year. While mobile accounted for roughly 40 percent of company sales and half of its operating profit (2.6 trillion won, or $2.3 billion), its semiconductor business did almost as well, raking in 2.3 trillion won ($2 billion) in profit over the same period. Samsung's Display Panel business outperformed 2010 -- buoyed by strong sales in LED televisions -- as sales were up almost 20 [...]
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11) Samsung's earnings call liveblog
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/samsungs-earnings-call-liveblog/
Do you like numbers? What if we said those numbers were amounts of money -- very large sums of money? If we've caught your attention, then perhaps you'd like to join us as we bring you Samsung's earnings call live, straight into your eye holes courtesy of our fancy new liveblog viewer. Click on through and join on. We promise your net fun ratio will be in the positive.Continue reading Samsung's earnings call liveblogSamsung's earnings call liveblog originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
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12) Vlingo co-founder explains data-collection issues
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/vlingo-explains-data-collection/
With Carrier IQ and O2's most recent data-snooping, people's vigilance about what information cellphones transmit is increasing. Using a Galaxy Note, AndroidPit found that every four minutes, Vlingo's voice-recognition app was sending a packet of data to an unencrypted server. The packet contained your GPS co-ordinates, IMEI (unique device identifier), contact list and the title of every song stored on your device -- without proper warning in the privacy policy you agree to when starting up the app. We spoke with co-founder John Wynn, product marketing head TJ Leonard and communications manager Erin Keleher, who gave us a full and frank discussion about what's going on and the steps it's taking to remedy the situation, which we've got for you after the break.Continue reading Vlingo co-founder explains data-collection issuesVlingo co-founder explains data-collection issues originally [...]
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13) Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast with special guest CrackBerry Kevin, Friday at 5PM ET!
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/engadget-mobile-podcast/
A lot of Canada news this week, which is why three of the four podcasters behind the mic today are from the land up north: international man of mystery Sean Cooper, Myriam Joire (yep, she's got some Canadian blood in her) and our special guest Kevin Michaluk -- also known to millions as CrackBerry Kevin. Brad Molen's here too, and while he's admittedly all US of A through and through, he can still say "eh" like the best of 'em. We kid, of course, but we're serious that we want you to join us tomorrow afternoon at 5PM ET!
Note: Oh, and there's plenty of other stuff to talk about as well, so if RIM isn't your schtick, you'll probably still find it of interest. As always, send your questions to us via Twitter (@engadgetmobile) and we'll pick some out to answer.
January 27, 2012 5:00 PM ESTListen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast with special guest CrackBerry Kevin, Friday at 5PM ET! [...]
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14) Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/
There are plenty of off-the-shelf controllers out there, but what if you fancy something a little more... you? How about fully customized, with a good seasoning of affordability and style? Design student Alex S has built a framework to help you build just that. The units shown above are for DJ-based programs, but you can create interfaces for any software that takes HID or MIDI input, and as they're modular, create endless ultra-custom set-ups. Keen to dismantle any technical barriers, Alex created a step-by-step Instructable, but you'll still need to get your hands dirty with Arduino and some circuitry. The whole project is open source, and while it's a step up from Lego, until we can just print these things, it seems like a great option to us.Continue reading Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touchOpen source controller framework lets you add the finishing [...]
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15) LikeBelt concept encourages a very physical kind of Facebook liking (video)
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/likebelt-concept-video/
This is the LikeBelt: a concept device that inserts an NFC chip into a belt-buckle. Instead of tapping your mobile device on a "check-in" tag, you get the belt buckle close enough to do the same. There are only two downsides: how close you have to get and where most people's belts are situated. Suffice to say, the Quagmire-style movements required to ensure a connection aren't the sort of thing you'd do in front of your parents, priest or spouse. The creators provide instructions on how to build your own at the source link, but before you consider it, we insist you watch the video of it in action after the break. No, seriously.Continue reading LikeBelt concept encourages a very physical kind of Facebook liking (video)LikeBelt concept encourages a very physical kind of Facebook liking (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use [...]
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16) T-Mobile urges Congress, FCC to keep spectrum auctions competitive
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/t-mobile-urges-congress-fcc-to-keep-spectrum-auctions-competiti/
T-Mobile may be getting a new batch of spectrum as a result of its failed merger with AT&T, but it's obviously going to always be on the hunt for more, and it's now urging Congress to ensure that the playing field for future auctions is level for all bidders big and small. Specifically, it's asking members of Congress to reconsider some pending legislation that it says would "effectively preclude the FCC from considering existing spectrum holdings in determining the qualifications for participation in auctions." That, it suggests, would put smaller players like itself at a disadvantage to the big spectrum holders in future auctions (namely, AT&T and Verizon), and would represent a drastic break from the past twenty years -- during which it says the FCC has continued to fine-tune it's process to ensure "pro-competitive auction rules." T-Mobile's full case, laid out by VP of Federal [...]
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17) Spotify tops three million paying subscribers, 20 percent of its active user base
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/spotify-tops-three-million-paying-subscribers-20-percent-of-its/
It hit two million paying subscribers in September of last year and 2.5 million in November, and now Spotify has hit another big milestone. According to the Financial Times, it now has three million subscribers paying for one of its premium services, which reportedly represents more than 20 percent of its active user base. As the FT notes, that percentage is up from 15 percent in March of last year, and Spotify says that its "active" users don't include folks who signed up for a a free trial of its premium service but didn't continue to use the free service. Interestingly, the company also revealed that over half of its paying subscribers are under 30, which Spotify's Ken Parks says is a "remarkable number of people who are generally hard to monetize."Spotify tops three million paying subscribers, 20 percent of its active user base originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 [...]
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18) Motorola announces Q4 2011 earnings: $3.4 billion revenue, $80 million net loss
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/motorola-announces-q4-2011-earnings-3-4-billion-revenue-80-m/
Motorola offered a estimate that lowered expectations for its Q4 2011 earnings earlier this month, and it's now out with the final numbers, reporting net revenues of $3.4 billion and a GAAP net loss of $80 million. That's a swing in the opposite direction from $80 million in net earnings during the same quarter a year ago, although the company did achieve the "modest profitability" it had promised on a non-GAAP basis, reporting earnings of $61 million by that accounting standard. Its earlier estimates of device shipments for the quarter also proved to be on the mark, with the company confirming that it shipped 10.5 million mobile devices in total, 5.3 million of which were smartphones. Mobile device shipments for all of 2011 totaled 42.4 million, with 18.7 million of those being smartphones.
As for the company's efforts to break into the tablet business, it says it "shipped" 200,000 [...]
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19) Western Digital MyBook Thunderbolt Duo eyes-on at Macworld 2012 (video)
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/western-digital-mybook-thunderbolt-duo-hands-on-macworld-2012/
Here at Macworld 2012, Western Digital demoed a preview of their essentially finished, yet not final, MyBook Thunderbolt Duo. Scheduled to ship in Q1 for an "aggressive price," the unit plays host to two 3.5-inch drives, which'll come stuffed from the factory in either 4TB (2x 2TB) or 6TB (2x 3TB) configurations. On the outside, you're looking at the MyBook aesthetic you either love or loathe, but around back you'll find all connectivity has been gutted, save for power and two Thunderbolt ports. The latter means that up to six can be daisy-chained off one interconnect, which when setup in RAID 0 equates to rather speedy transfers, like 700MB/sec reads and 500MB/sec writes in the four-unit demonstration configuration we toyed with. And it's future proof too, as there's a door up-top which enables plebes to swap drives should the need arise. We'll keep an ear out for pricing, but until [...]
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20) The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/the-engadget-podcast-is-live-tonight-at-5pm/
Another Engadget Show is in the can, and for once, everyone's back in their respective homes. This time out, Tim and Brian will be joined once again by Dana. You can join us too in the chat after the break.Continue reading The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
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21) Student-friendly Lenovo ThinkPad X130e available now for $429
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/lenovo-thinkpad-x130e-available-now/
The last time we heard about the inexpensive and student-friendly ThinkPad X130e, it was being snatched up by the eager school districts. That move ultimately pushed back the rig's planned ship date, but fortunately Lenovo seems to have caught up with the demand for its rugged miniature. In case you need a mind refresh, the X130e is sporting an 11.6-inch HD LED display, 250GB for all your storage needs, four gigs of RAM and your choice of an AMD Fusion or i3 processor at its Core (see what we did there?), just to mention a few goodies. Those of you who've been counting the days to get your hands on the $429 entry-level ThinkPad can finally do so at the source link below.
[Thanks, Andrew]Student-friendly Lenovo ThinkPad X130e available now for $429 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Laptop Reviews | Email [...]
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22) Intel bolsters video patent portfolio with purchase from RealNetworks
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/intel-bolsters-video-patent-portfolio-with-purchase-from-realnet/
Silicon juggernaut Intel has inked a multi-million dollar deal with RealNetworks, agreeing to purchase scores of video-related patents and annex an entire software team. Specifics of the accord have Intel shelling out $120 million in exchange for 190 patents, 170 patent applications and a video codec development squad. In addition, the two companies have signed a "memorandum of understanding," agreeing to collaborate on future development of the licensed software. RealNetworks states that the sale "will [not] have any material impact on its businesses" and it will retain "certain rights" to the sold technologies. Intel says the sale will improve its ability to "offer richer experiences and innovative solutions [...] across a wide spectrum of devices." The full PR is queued up for you after the break.Continue reading Intel bolsters video patent portfolio with purchase from [...]
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23) Qualcomm buys Pixtronix to make for better Mirasol displays?
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/qualcomm-buys-pixtronix/
Qualcomm's whipped out some flipping great wadges of cash in order to snap up Pixtronix for its PerfectLight MEMS-based display tech. It reportedly cost between $175 - $200 million and is expected to be merged into the company's super-low power Mirasol-based displays. Compared to the Kyobo eReader we played with at CES, PerfectLight has a wider viewing angle (170 degree), supports full speed video playback and much better RGB modulation. Depending on how successful the marriage is, it could spell the end of the final hurdles that have hampered the widespread adoption of the technology.Qualcomm buys Pixtronix to make for better Mirasol displays? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Electronista | Email this | Comments
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24) Lenovo teams up with National Academy Foundation, teaches high schoolers about app development
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/lenovo-and-national-academy-foundation-launch-app-development-program/
Lenovo's not just staying busy pumping out Android handsets and tablets, but now the Chinese manufacturer is teaming up with the National Academy Foundation to launch a mobile app development program for high school scholars in the States. The project is part of the NAF and Lenovo's "innovative curriculum," which hopes to induce knowledge in areas like science, technology, engineering and math. Once the dev program gets rolling, it'll be available at five schools within the NAF network, but the eventual plan is to bring the app-creating party to all of the foundation's 100 academies. As part of the venture, the ThinkPad creator also donated some of its own slates and all-in-ones to "aid the students and teachers implement the curriculum." Take a quick peek at the PR below to find out if you (or someone you love) are part of the lucky few.Continue reading Lenovo teams up with National [...]
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25) Nikon D300s and D700 hitting stale status, make way for the next generation
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/nikon-d300-d700-rumored-to-be-discontinued/
There comes a time when you must clear out the old and make way for the new, and that's exactly what Nikon has in store for its D300s and D700 shooters. According to Electronista, the Japanese camera giant added both of its aforementioned DSLRs to the "old products" section on its motherland site. Given how often we see products get refreshed, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise -- especially when we've seen the D700's expected successor hanging out in the wild many times before. Keep in mind that Nikon recently took the wraps off its D4, so perhaps it's just a good ol' sign the new more-compact flavors are looming just around the corner. Needless to say, we'll let you know as soon as it happens.Nikon D300s and D700 hitting stale status, make way for the next generation originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of [...]
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26) It's okay to peek: phone size comparison tool reveals how your equipment stacks up
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/phone-size-comparison-tool/
See any trend emerging here? Yes, we agree that Google's phones are getting hotter with each generation, but that's not the answer we're looking for. Here's a hint: if you examine the above image really closely, you might also discover a progression toward larger handsets. In all seriousness, the above comparison was generated by phone-size.com, a website that's quite useful to study the relative proportions of different smartphones. But wait, it gets even better. At the top of the webpage, you'll also find a toolbar to plug in the size and aspect ratio of your display. Once you jump through this minor hoop, the utility produces accurate, life-size depictions of the smartphones -- go ahead and hold your slab up to the screen, it really works. Before you dive in, however, be sure to hop the break: we've put together an entertaining look at the Xperia Mini, Titan and Streak 5 that you [...]
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27) Source code theft prompts Symantec to issue warning to customers
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/source-code-theft-prompts-symantec-to-issue-warning-to-customers/
Security software publisher Symantec has confirmed it was the victim of a cyber attack, resulting in the theft and disclosure of product source code. Earlier this month, the online-collective Anonymous stated, via Twitter, that it possessed portions of the code in question and planned to release it in support of a class-action lawsuit filed by consumers -- the suit claims Symantec employed scare tactics to encourage users to purchase its wares. Via its website, the company affirmed Anonymous' claims, citing a source code heist dating back to 2006. The post goes on to suggest that users running Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition, Norton Internet Security, Norton SystemWorks, Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0, or Symantec AntiVirus 10.2 apply the latest maintenance patches. If you have the company's pcAnywhere solution deployed, Symantec suggests only using it for "business critical [...]
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28) ZTE Optik dual-core tablet eyed up by Sprint, $100 on contract
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/zte-optik-dual-core-tablet-eyed-up-by-sprint-100-on-contract/
Underwhelmed by the ZTE tablet spotted yesterday? Perhaps the promise of a Honeycomb-decked seven-incher from Sprint will win your tablet hungry dollars. Advertising materials leaked over at Android Police, revealing that the previously unseen slab will arrive next month both on contract ($100) and off ($349). The 1.2GHz dual-core Optik wields a 5 megapixel camera on the back, paired with a front-facing 2 megapixel shooter, while there's a respectable chunk of storage (16GB), expandable by microSD. Although there may be more eye-opening propositions when it comes Android tabs, those on the hunt for one that won't claim a heavy chunk of your paycheck and still pack some respectable technical specs may have found an interesting new contender.
[Thanks David]ZTE Optik dual-core tablet eyed up by Sprint, $100 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:21:00 EDT. [...]
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29) GTA III for Android hits 1.3, brings Liberty City to the Transformer Prime
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/gta-iii-for-android-hits-1-3-brings-liberty-city-to-the-transfo/
Select iOS and Android devices have had the ability to terrorize Liberty City while on-the-go since December, but sadly those with Transformer Primes thus far have been left out of all that fun. Luckily, an update to the game ends that double standard, enabling Rockstar's classic to run on ASUS' tablet and Medion Lifetabs everywhere. It doesn't just bring expanded hardware support to the table though, as amongst other "technical fixes," the release also heralds new video display settings, Immersion haptics support and the capability of installing the game on a SD card. And fans of tactility, know that controls on the Xperia Play have been reworked, and it now boasts full support for GameStop's wireless controller. Still here? You shouldn't be -- grab the update in the source link below.GTA III for Android hits 1.3, brings Liberty City to the Transformer Prime originally appeared on [...]
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30) 2012 BlackBerry roadmap leaks, reveals pile of Curves and 3G PlayBook
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/2012-blackberry-roadmap-leaks-reveals-pile-of-curves-and-3g-pla/
We've heard some rumors about what RIM had in store for its beleaguered BlackBerry brand, but we're just now seeing some evidence to support those claims. The fine folks over at BGR have gotten their hands on what appears to be a copy of the company's 2012 roadmap, as well as a handful of slides detailing some upcoming products. It looks like an HSPA+ equipped PlayBook is in the works, packing both NFC and a 1.5GHz CPU for good measure, as well as a pile of Curves aimed at the entry-level market. Something new those cheapo handsets will be bringing to the table is a dedicated BBM button, which should make addicts of the messaging service quite happy. Sadly, it also looks like the first BlackBerry 10 (formerly BBX) device may have suffered a slight delay and may not land till October or November. Hit up the source link for all the nitty gritty details.2012 BlackBerry roadmap leaks, [...]
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31) BlackBerry Curve 9360 review
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/blackberry-curve-9360-review/
The BlackBerry Curve 8300 emerged as one of the best smartphone ideas of 2007. It pre-dated the first Android handset by a full year, and unlike the original iPhone, it was priced within reach of the average consumer. It introduced the masses to the possibilities of a connected and capable handset, and was the primary catalyst for the BlackBerry's meteoric rise to household name. With each subsequent iteration, however, the Curve remained a handset geared toward first-time smartphone buyers, and that axiom feels particularly true today.
RIM's BlackBerry Curve 9360 outed -- is this Apollo? RIM launches new BlackBerry Curve (video) Blackberry Curve 9360 hands-on We're now presented with the Curve 9360 ($29.99, on contract), a device that's ostensibly hobbled in order to differentiate itself from RIM's higher-end offerings, most notably the Torch 9810 ($49), Torch 9860 ($99) and Bold [...]
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32) Jailbreaking exemption to DMCA is about to expire, EFF would rather it didn't
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/jailbreaking-exemption-to-dmca-is-about-to-expire-eff-would-rat/
Back in 2010, the US Copyright Office added a set of anti-circumvention exemptions to the DMCA, effectively making it legal for smartphone users to jailbreak and/or root their devices. These exemptions, however, were never made permanent and now, they're about to expire. The EFF doesn't want this to happen, which is why it's decided to launch a campaign dedicated to the jailbreaking cause. With this initiative, the EFF is hoping to convince the Copyright Office to renew its exemptions and expand them to a wider range of devices, including tablets and video game consoles. To achieve this, the organization is calling upon programmers and other jailbreaking enthusiasts to contact the Copyright Office directly, explaining why the ability to freely modify software is so vital to their lives or livelihoods. As the EFF argues, "Concrete examples will help show the Copyright Office why they [...]
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33) HTC's UK chief wants to ease off the new-product gas, focus on 'amazing hardware'
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/htcs-uk-ceo-wants-to-ease-off-the-new-product-gas-focus-on-am/
If you ever thought remembering HTC's titanic product line was like trying to recall the Greek alphabet, then it seems you're not alone. Phil Roberson, head of the firm's UK operations apparently thinks the display cabinet is getting a little crowded, too, telling Mobile Magazine "We have to get back to focusing on what made us great - amazing hardware." No surprises that there's been a tightening of focus after filing disappointing results just earlier this month. There's already been the odd whisper of new directions for HTC, and this year's phone roll-out is already under way, but with Roberson suggesting tablets aren't high on its list of priorities this year, we're banking on further details of 2012's product plans at next month's MWC.HTC's UK chief wants to ease off the new-product gas, focus on 'amazing hardware' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:20:00 EDT. [...]
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34) Motorola Droid Razr Maxx available now: more battery, same shape
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/motorola-droid-razr-maxx-available-now-more-battery-same-shape/
Kevlar-coated phones with a sprinkling of LTE sound like a pretty sweet proposition. Now the Droid Razr's been further sweetened by its new Maxx recast, and Motorola appears to be pretty darn proud of its bordering-on-tablet-territory 3,300mAh battery. Those yearning for a smartphone that'll last longer than daylight hours can hit up the source below -- Verizon's offering it up for $299 on contract, starting today.Motorola Droid Razr Maxx available now: more battery, same shape originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Verizon | Email this | Comments
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35) X-ray laser bakes solid plasma from aluminum foil, brings us closer to nuclear fusion
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/x-ray-laser-bakes-solid-plasma-from-aluminum-foil-brings-us-clo/
Nuclear fusion, like flying cars, is one of those transparent, dangling carrots that've been stymying the scientific community and tickling our collective noses for decades. But recent research out of the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory might help us inch a few baby steps closer to that Jetsonian future. The experiment, conducted by a group of Oxford University scientists, utilized the DOE's Linac Coherent Light Source -- an X-ray laser capable of pulsing "more than a billion times brighter" than current synchrotron sources -- to transmute a piece of aluminum foil heated to 3.6 million degrees Fahrenheit (or 2 million degrees Celsius) into a cube of solid plasma. So, why go to such lengths to fry a tiny piece of metal at that extreme temperature? Simple: to replicate conditions found within stars and planets. Alright, so it's not that easy and we're still a [...]
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36) Rhapsody officially acquires Napster International, eyes European launch
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/rhapsody-officially-acquires-napster-international-eyes-europea/
After having already acquired Napster here in the US, Rhapsody has taken its expansion one step further, with the acquisition of Napster International. Under the deal, announced today, Rhapsody will continue to offer Napster-branded services across the UK and Germany, as promised, and will eventually migrate Napster subscribers to its own infrastructure in March, with existing personal libraries remaining intact (Napster is already live in the UK, but has yet to make its official German launch). The move will also bring changes to Napster users' mobile apps and web clients, with Rhapsody promising improved offline playback and enhanced library management tools "in the coming months." For more details, check out the full PR after the break.Continue reading Rhapsody officially acquires Napster International, eyes European launchRhapsody officially acquires Napster International, eyes [...]
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37) Logitech's Q3 2012 report confirms Revue is sold out, Harmony remote refresh 'in the coming months'
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/logitechs-q3-2012-report-confirms-revue-is-sold-out-harmony-re/
Logitech's Q3 earnings for the 2012 fiscal year don't have many surprises since the company already revealed it was dropping out of the Google TV team. In prepared remarks, company management confirmed it is completely sold out of new units, closing the door on any users still trying to nab a $99 Revue (who shouldn't be too heartbroken, since Vizio is promising a second gen unit is on the way at the same price). There is promise however, if you're looking for a new Harmony remote model, while interim CEO Guerrino De Luca says the company is late in providing a successor to the best selling Harmony One and other models, resulting in a 30 percent drop in sales, it plans to strengthen the lineup "in the coming months." In other segments, it's seeing growth in those iPad accessory keyboards, for more details check the press release embedded after the break or in the PDFs linked [...]
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38) Prada phone by LG 3.0 gets VIP treatment from Phones 4u, launches in UK tomorrow
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/prada-phone-by-lg-3-0-gets-vip-treatment-from-phones-4u-launche/
Ready to make heads turn with its monochromatic stylings, LG and Prada's latest baby is presumably putting on a night-mask, ready to be unleashed on well-heeled types in the UK on Friday. Alongside the aforementioned custom Android skin (atop a Gingerbread OS), the Prada Phone by LG 3.0 packs a respectable dual-core processor, 8 megapixel camera and LG's NOVA display -- stretching up to 4.3 inches on this fashionista phone. It's set to launch on both Vodafone and O2, free on a £31 two-year contracts, while it'll also be making an appearance on T-Mobile next month. We're planning on getting these unmanicured paws on one for review very soon, but Prada fans will be able to queue up get their assistants to queue up for the handset at Phones 4u stores tomorrow.Continue reading Prada phone by LG 3.0 gets VIP treatment from Phones 4u, launches in UK tomorrowPrada phone by LG 3.0 gets VIP [...]
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