Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Your 2 hourly digest for Engadget

Engadget
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Microsoft Surface for Windows RT tablet coming October 26th for $199?
Aug 14th 2012, 15:27

We'll admit to being a little blown away when Microsoft launched the Surface -- it was an impressively polished tablet that we had heard barely a whisper of leading up to the mysterious launch event. But, there was one thing that we were still left wondering: how much would it cost? Now, with Acer getting all in a huff about competition and Microsoft conceding that some OEMs might be a little upset when this thing ships, we might just have an idea for you. According to an inside source, a session was held at Microsoft's recent TechReady15 conference in which all the launch details were laid out. If things go according to the plan detailed then, the Surface for Windows RT tablet will be launching October 26th -- no surprise there -- at a compelling price of $199.

That MRSP, almost certainly lower than Microsoft's own cost, would line it up against the Nexus 7 and even the Kindle Fire. It would put Windows 8 on the map in a big way and give a lot of people a lot of reason to try out an operating system that is going to feel rather different than previous incarnations. The question is: will it drive enough sales of media and apps for Microsoft to recoup its loss? Or, will companies like Acer put up enough of a fight in the months between now and October to keep Microsoft from undercutting its own partners? We'll find out soon, dear readers.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Microsoft Surface for Windows RT tablet coming October 26th for $199? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Meet the new way' at tomorrow's Samsung event: Note 10.1 on the horizon?
Aug 14th 2012, 15:00

'Meet the new way' at tomorrow's Samsung event: Note 10.1 on the horizon?

We got our not-so-mysterious invite earlier this month, and now Samsung's "Meet the new way" event is just a day away. Will we see the much-anticipated Galaxy Note 10.1? Given that Sammy already pulled the curtain on the global model, all signs point to yes. As always, we'll be on hand to serve up the details as they unfold tomorrow from Jazz at Lincoln Center (might we expect a full-blown orchestra a la the Galaxy S III launch, we wonder?).

Our liveblog goes down at 11 AM tomorrow, and you'll want to park your browser here for the full play-by-play.

August 15, 2012 11:00 AM EDT

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'Meet the new way' at tomorrow's Samsung event: Note 10.1 on the horizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's smartphone patent doesn't mind which end you talk into
Aug 14th 2012, 14:42

Googles smartphone patent doesnt mind which end you talk into

The rectangular, predominantly symmetrical nature of most smartphones means if you're not looking, you might find you're holding the handset the wrong way around when a call comes in. Google's most recently awarded patent may seek to end your orientation confusion by adding a microphone and speaker at both ends of the device. That way, when you pick it up to answer a call, it'll determine which way you're holding it and select the microphone and speaker accordingly. Then again, this is a patent filing, so it's just as likely to wind up lining the bottom of a Mountain View engineer's drawer.

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Google's smartphone patent doesn't mind which end you talk into originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researchers measure 3D objects using just a camera and projector, can tell if you've ironed your shirt (video)
Aug 14th 2012, 14:09

Researchers measure objects using just a camera and projector, can tell if you've ironed your shirt video

For years the projector and camera have served us well, performing their respective tasks. Now, researchers at Japan's Advanced Industrial Science and Technology institute are using them together to measure 3D objects. By projecting a special pattern onto the subject and then using the camera to "read" the amount of distortion in the image, a three-dimensional model can be constructed. This thing is accurate, too, with precision down to 1 - 2mm which means it can measure wrinkles in clothes, or even details in hands. The technology can even be scaled to work with microscopes. The creators say that it could be used in video games (much like Kinect), and even for tracking athletes' movements thanks to its ability to capture fast-moving images -- something existing systems can struggle with. Jump past the break to see the tech in action.

Continue reading Researchers measure 3D objects using just a camera and projector, can tell if you've ironed your shirt (video)

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Researchers measure 3D objects using just a camera and projector, can tell if you've ironed your shirt (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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