| Google+ adds a better 'notification experience' to your email, saves you a few clicks May 9th 2012, 04:23  Google knows just how much you love to Hangout on its social network, thus it's doing everything within its mighty power to make things a tad bit easier for you. This time around, the Mountain View crew's bringing an improved Google+ notification experience right to your email, allowing you to see, comment and Like +1 posts straight from your inbox. Google says comments stream in real-time to the Plus site, while responses from folks inside your Circles (or anyone else) will show up instantly under the same thread if you're using Gmail. Speaking of, the new "pop-up" features won't be exclusive to those using Big G's email service, and you'll also be able to reply from almost any device once the tidbits go live sometime next week. For now, check the Gmail Blog for details on how to set it all up to your liking. Google+ adds a better 'notification experience' to your email, saves you a few clicks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 00:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Official Gmail Blog | Email this | Comments | | Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live from CTIA 2012! May 9th 2012, 04:05  If you've been following all of the latest coverage from New Orleans at CTIA Wireless 2012, you may be anxious to hear what we have to say about the stuff we've seen. Fortunately, you'll get to enjoy a full crew of Engadget Mobileteers gathered around one single microphone, ranting and raving about whatever comes to mind. So join us for an impromptu Engadget Mobile Podcast, live in just a few minutes! Featuring: Myriam Joire, Brad Molen, Sean Cooper, Joseph Volpe, Zachary Lutz, Terrence O'Brien Continue reading Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live from CTIA 2012! Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live from CTIA 2012! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 00:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Fisker Karma reportedly sets house on fire, doesn't restore cosmic balance May 9th 2012, 03:48  Fisker's Karma woes aren't relenting anytime soon, as one new owner just found out the hard way. A driver in Sugar Land, Texas parked his recently obtained hybrid sedan in his garage last week, only to have the car self-immolate minutes later and damage his new home. Despite the slight risk of lithium-ion batteries catching fire, the luxury car's power pack (unplugged at the time) appears to have been left in one piece -- suggesting that something more complicated is at fault. For their part, neither Fisker nor insurance investigators are ready to offer a definite explanation as to what set the car on fire, although an electrical panel in the garage is a possible lead. Hybrids and pure EVs typically aren't at significant risk of igniting, so we might not ask for a refund... but we would recommend keeping an eye (and a nose) on any potential fire hazards around your eco-friendly auto. Fisker Karma reportedly sets house on fire, doesn't restore cosmic balance originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  Autoblog | Autoweek | Email this | Comments | | Nyx Mobile Twist Connect hands-on May 9th 2012, 03:37  It's not often that we write about a feature phone, but we were charmed by the Twist Connect's unique design. The dual-SIM device prides itself on its integration with Nyx Messenger, social networks like Twitter and it's MP3-playing abilities. It's the music playing features that caught our attention. The whole bottom of the phone rotates, switching from a full QWERTY keyboard, to a set of dedicated music controls. In messaging mode the keypad is angled out on a chin to make typing easier, while keeping the screen in a better position for visibility -- it wasn't the greatest display, easily getting washed out at even slight angles under the conventions center's lights. Give it a twist (hence the name) and the keyboard gets stuck to the rear, exposing a pair of stereo speakers and a set of controls to raise and lower the volume, skip tracks and, of course, play and pause your tunes. Otherwise, the bulky and plasticky handset holds little allure, but we'll cheers Nyx Mobile for their special twist on the MP3 phone. Check out the gallery below for a few pics. Nyx Mobile Twist Connect hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | WatchESPN finally streams to Comcast customers, but not on Android May 9th 2012, 03:23  The short list of TV and internet providers that support ESPN's TV Everywhere play, WatchESPN, just grew by one with the addition of Comcast to a list that already included Time Warner, Bright House and Verizon. Part of a deal reached back in January, ESPN has managed to tie its live streaming service in with Comcast's Xfinity TV protocols, similar to the adjustments made by HBO to open up HBO Go streaming on the Xbox 360. One downside however is that for the moment Comcast customer access is restricted to the website (XfinityTV.com access is coming soon) and iPad / iPhone apps (an update is required first). The Android app that launched a year ago is, for the moment, not supported, although access there is promised "in the coming months." As we heard in January this just the beginning, as similar Watch services will be rolling out for Disney Channel, DisneyXD and Disney Junior as part of the mouse company's TV+ program. For now those live feeds of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN3.com (Buzzer Beater and Goal Line are available in their respective seasons) will have to do however, as the channels and cable services try to add more features and access to keep subscribers happy, or at least still paying, whether they're at home or away. Continue reading WatchESPN finally streams to Comcast customers, but not on Android WatchESPN finally streams to Comcast customers, but not on Android originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | ESPN Front Row | Email this | Comments | | Engadget HD Podcast 298 - 05.08.2012 May 9th 2012, 03:11  This week we've got plenty of Media Center news, tied up in an overall Microsoft-centric episode focused on its new subsidized Xbox 360 offer and plans for Windows 8. Fortunately, we've got the perfect guest on hand as the illustrious James Montemagno of Ceton joins us for this podcast. Once we're through talking consoles, extenders and mobile apps there's still more to discuss with new Google TV sets on the way, Comcast rolling out its upgraded DVR platform and much, much more.
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)
Guest: James Montemagno (@JamesMontemagno)
Producer: Trent Wolbe 00:38:10 - Microsoft officially offering Xbox 360 4GB console for $99, two-year Live Gold subscription required
00:52:30 - Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support
00:55:00 - Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it
01:05:55 - LG's Google TV-enabled sets coming to US end of May
01:10:05 - Amazon Studios expands into TV series, looks to load up on content for streaming
01:11:50 - Sony exec confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps
01:17:55 - Comcast VOD coming to Boston TiVos, next gen X1 DVR platform could launch there too
01:19:00 - Comcast earnings beat expectations for Q1
01:22:04 - Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer
01:24:40 - Yamaha outs RX-V773WA, RX-V673 receivers: AirPlay and 4K / 3D passthrough on board
01:27:10 - Must See HDTV (May 7th - 13th) Hear the podcast
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LISTEN (AAC) Filed under: Podcasts Engadget HD Podcast 298 - 05.08.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | HP refreshes its Pavilion laptops ahead of back-to-school season, intros six new models May 9th 2012, 03:06  You may have noticed that HP unleashed a torrent of laptops today, but at the heart of it all, even more crucial than those Ultrabooks and business laptops, are the notebooks Hewlett-Packard plans to sell to college kids during the all-important back-to-school season. This go-round, the company's redesigned both its mainstream Pavilion dv series, as well as its entry-level "g" laptops, though the range of sizes (14 to 17 inches) is pretty predictable. In addition, the outfit also introduced the Pavilion m6, a slim 15-incher that isn't technically an Ultrabook, but nonetheless joins a growing group of thin-and-lights with unexpectedly large screens. Throughout, as you'd expect, HP's refreshed its laptops on the inside too -- namely, with newer Intel and AMD chips, along with fresher GPUs. We've got a full break-down of specs, prices, design notes and availability details after the break, though we've also got photos and the full press release below if you've got some important study session to hurry to. Continue reading HP refreshes its Pavilion laptops ahead of back-to-school season, intros six new models HP refreshes its Pavilion laptops ahead of back-to-school season, intros six new models originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | HP unveils second business Ultrabook, the EliteBook Folio May 9th 2012, 03:03  We actually have one more EliteBook to introduce, and this time it's an Ultrabook. The EliteBook Folio 9470m is ready to sidle up next to the Folio 13, HP's first business-grade Ultrabook, as a higher-end option. The 14-inch Folio is thin and light, starting at 3.6 pounds, but the 0.75-inch chassis makes room for an impressive collection of ports, including USB 3.0, Ethernet, DisplayPort and VGA. Since this Ivy Bridge laptop is balancing its Ultrabook identity with a business classification, it features an embedded TPM security chip, a smart card reader, security lock slot, full volume encryption and a security screw. Pricing starts at $1,149, and HP will begin shipping in October. Skip past the break for the presser, and check out our hands-on gallery below. Continue reading HP unveils second business Ultrabook, the EliteBook Folio HP unveils second business Ultrabook, the EliteBook Folio originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | HP refreshes its ProBook laptops for small businesses May 9th 2012, 03:01  HP's already outed a bunch of business laptops today, but so far they've all been at the enterprise level, the sort of thing an IT manager would deploy on the order of thousands. But while it was at it the company also refreshed its ProBook lineup for small businesses -- the sort of operations that likely don't have an IT department running the show. For those folks, there's the refreshed b- and s-series. Starting with the "b" lineup, it includes 14- and 15.6-inch models (the 6470b and 6570b), which have a magnesium-reinforced chassis with a coating designed to resist scratches and other signs of wear. Users can choose between integrated and discrete graphics, while the 14-inch version, at least, will be offered with Intel and AMD chips. (The 15-incher is Intel-only.) Other perks include Intel's vPro management technology, HP 3D DriveGuard and optional 3G / 4G connectivity. The Intel-based models will start at $769, while the AMD-based 6475b will go for $669 and up. Expect these to land on June 4th. Meanwhile, the s-series (pictured) is available in a wider range of sizes (13, 14, 15 and 17 inches), with a mix of Intel and AMD chips. The existing s-series has also gotten a redesign, with aluminum casing and a spill-resistant keyboard. These laptops, too, will arrive June 4th, though they're slated to start at a lower price of $589. Continue reading HP refreshes its ProBook laptops for small businesses HP refreshes its ProBook laptops for small businesses originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | HP intros three Compaq desktops, two displays for the business set May 9th 2012, 03:00  In addition to all the laptops and printers HP announced today, it also has a few goodies for the cube monkeys out there. The company just outed a trio of three business-grade desktops, along with two monitors. First up, there's the Compaq Elite 8300, which is aimed squarely at large businesses with IT-friendly tools like TPM, Intel's vPro technology and remote management via LANdesk. The Compaq Pro 4300, meanwhile, targets small businesses with its compact form factor and features like HP's Chassis Security Kit. The mid-size Compaq Pro 6300 aims to please both groups, with TPM protection, HP's BIOS solutions and the same 15-month life cycle program offered on the higher-end Elite 8300. Regardless of the model, you're looking at Ivy Bridge CPUs coupled with Intel's most up-to-date integrated graphics. Expect the 6300 and 8300 to land on June 4th, priced starting at $579 and $679, respectively. You'll have to wait a bit longer for the 4300, though: it'll arrive in Asia on the 22nd, and make its way to the US sometime this fall. As for those monitors, HP's introducing one of the nondescript variety, and another with a touchscreen. Starting with the former, the Compaq L2206tm has a 21.5-inch (1920 x 1080) display with a VGA port, two USB 2.0 sockets and DVI output with HDCP support. Meanwhile, the finger-friendly Compaq LA2405x has a 24-inch, 1080p screen, along with VGA, DVI and DisplayPort output -- not to mention, a pair of USB 2.0 ports. Either way, they both have a 72 percent color gamut, 250-nit brightness level and viewing angles rated for 170 degrees across and 160 degrees vertical. The multitouch LA2405x is available today for $269, while the L2206tm is coming June 4th for $279. All those details and more in the press release after the break. Continue reading HP intros three Compaq desktops, two displays for the business set HP intros three Compaq desktops, two displays for the business set originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | HP unveils Envy Spectre XT Ultrabook, other thin-and-lights in various sizes May 9th 2012, 02:58  What's that? You're hungry for more HP laptops? Good! Because we're not nearly done yet! The company just expanded its line of Ultrabooks from two to five, and that's not even counting this guy. And, the company also plans to sell so-called Sleekbooks -- essentially, thin-and-light laptops that don't quite meet Intel's criteria for Ultrabooks. So what goodies to we have in store? First up, there's the 13.3-inch Envy Spectre XT, whose all-metal body looks nothing like the glass-class clad Envy 14 Spectre we reviewed earlier this year. As with its big brother, the major selling point here is design -- in this case, a 3.07-pound machine with a 14.5mm-thick profile. As for specs, you can expect an Ivy Bridge CPU, paired with a 128GB SSD and a battery rated for eight hours of runtime. Like the other Ultrabooks in HP's stable, it makes room for a USB 3.0 port, HDMI and an Ethernet jack, and similar to other Envys it comes with full copies of Adobe Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements, along with a two-year subscription to Norton Internet Security. We're told the warranty on this Envy is one year, not two, but users owners do get a dedicated customer support line, for what that's worth. Moving on, HP's Envy-branded Ultrabooks and "Sleekbooks" will be available in 14- and and 15.6-inch screen sizes in each category, though the Ultrabook configs are naturally Intel-based, while the Sleekbooks will pack Intel or AMD chips. With the Sleekbooks, too, you can also choose optional discrete graphics if there's an Intel processor inside. (The AMD versions have "discrete-class" graphics, which is really just a nod to the all-inclusive design of AMD's application processing units.) If you go for the Sleekbook, you'll also get up to nine hours of battery life; with the Intel-based Ultrabooks, that rating is eight or nine hours, depending on whether you opt for the 14- or 15-inch version. Of course, the Intel-based models are also home to various Intel-branded technologies, including Rapid Start, Identity Protection, Smart Response and Smart Connect. One thing that won't change is the industrial design: both the Ultrabooks and Sleekbooks will be offered in black and red. Both Ultrabooks are available today, starting at $750 for the 14-inch model and $800 for the 15-incher. The 14-inch Sleekbook is on sale today, too, starting at $700, though the 15-inch version doesn't debut until June 20th, at which point it'll start at $600. As for that Spectre XT, it'll start at $1,000 and is expected to land June 8th. Until then, we've got a mix of photos, along with starting specs after the break. Continue reading HP unveils Envy Spectre XT Ultrabook, other thin-and-lights in various sizes HP unveils Envy Spectre XT Ultrabook, other thin-and-lights in various sizes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | Apple mods nano-SIM design, awaits Nokia's tiny rebuttal May 9th 2012, 02:55  Apple and Nokia agree that a smaller SIM card will aid them in their quest to create better phones for us all, but the two disagree about what that new SIM should look like. You see, Nokia claims that Cupertino's proposed card violates ETSI's -- the standards body that'll make the final call on the one nano-SIM to rule them all -- requirement that the nano-SIM design preclude people from fitting it into a microSD slot. Well, that complaint didn't fall upon deaf ears, as Apple apparently put SIM maker Giesecke & Devrient to work making a new version that solves the problem with some additional plastic in all the right places. Of course, this new design doesn't address Nokia's claims that its design is technically superior, so it's unlikely to win approval from its Finnish opponents. While Apple's new nano-SIM seems to eliminate one hurdle in its way, RIM's accusation that Apple's attempt to rig ETSI's decision in its favor has yet to be dealt with. That means it'll be a bit before we know if Cupertino's plan for nano-SIM domination will succeed. Stay tuned. Apple mods nano-SIM design, awaits Nokia's tiny rebuttal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | |
