Technology Blog

ASUS 'TF300T' slate makes an appearance, could be the next Transformer? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading AMD reveals its 2012-2013 roadmap, promises 28nm chips across the board by 2013

AMD reveals its 2012-2013 roadmap, promises 28nm chips across the board by 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you thought Mango was the bee's knees, just wait till you get a hold of Apollo. No, seriously, keep waiting 'cause we have no idea when that will happen. While we still can't say when Windows Phone 8 will be making its way to a handset near you, we do have quite a few new details about the mobile OS courtesy of the folks over at PocketNow. The site managed to snag a copy of a video starring Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore talking about what's coming in the next major revision. Those of you concerned with Microsoft's inability to go toe to toe with Apple and Google on specs can breathe a bit easier as new screen resolutions (four in total) and dual-core CPUs will be supported, while those clamoring for more storage will be happy to hear that microSD support has returned -- this time in an official capacity. Rounding out the new hardware features will be NFC support, including the Beam-like ability to share content by tapping, though, it'll have the advantage of being able to share with Windows 8 based tablets and laptops as well. And, speaking of Windows 8, its similarly numbered, phone-centric sibling won't just share a UI, it'll have many of the core components, including large chunks of the kernel, networking stack and security features -- which should make porting apps from the desktop to the handset a relatively simple affair.

Amazingly enough, the list of improvements doesn't end there. If you've been wondering when Microsoft was going to put its Skype acquisition to good use, wonder no more. A Windows Phone app for the VoIP service will debut alongside Apollo and will feature deep integration with the OS, including the ability to place calls the same as you would standard voice calls. A new live tile and app called DataSmart will make it easier for users to manage their data usage and ensure they don't end up eating insane overage fees. To milk every last bit out of that data plan Windows Phone will favor WiFi over a cellular connection and can be programmed to automatically connect to carrier-owned hotspots when they're in range. And, if that weren't enough, Microsoft plans to use proxy servers to compress web pages before feeding them to the mobile version of Internet Explorer 10, not unlike Opera Mini. Those of you who doubted that Windows Phone could actually keep pace with Android and iOS, now might be a good time to reevaluate your position. Hit up the source link for a few more details.

Update: If you want to get all of the details in a nice easy to glance list head after the break for a convenient bullet point presentation.

Continue reading Windows Phone 8 detailed: dual cores, Skype Integration and NFC are a go

Windows Phone 8 detailed: dual cores, Skype Integration and NFC are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our friends at Negri Electronics hooked us up with the BLU Studio 5.3 ($260) and BLU Touch Book 7.0 ($230) for a short time, giving us the chance to play around with them for a little bit. Rather than doing a full review on both items, we felt it was more appropriate to first give the product lineup a formal introduction to the site. BLU, meet Engadget. Engadget, BLU. Let's dive in.

Continue reading BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on

BLU Studio 5.3 and Touch Book 7.0 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google has had its fair share of malware-related problems in the Android Market, but that's hopefully about to change, now that the company has announced a new security-enhancing service. Codenamed "Bouncer," Mountain View's new program sounds pretty simple, in principle: it just automatically scans the Market for malware, without altering the Android user experience, or requiring devs to run through an app approval process. According to Hiroshi Lockheimer, Android's VP of Engineering, Bouncer does this by scanning recently uploaded apps for spyware, trojans or any other lethal components, while looking out for any suspicious behavior that may raise a red flag. The service also runs a simulation of each app using Google's cloud-based infrastructure, and regularly checks up on developer accounts to keep repeat offenders out of the Android Market. Existing apps, it's worth noting, will be subject to the same treatment as their more freshly uploaded counterparts. Lockheimer went on to point out that malware is on the decline in the Market, citing a 40 percent drop between the first and second halves of 2011, and explained some of Android's fundamental security features, including its sandboxing and permission-based systems. Head for the source link below to read the post in full.

Google's 'Bouncer' service scans the Android Market for malware, will judge you at the door originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chipzilla has long been atop the PC chip manufacturing mountain, with AMD running a rather distant second. That's why AMD's new top man, Rory Read, plans to move the company in a more mobile direction. Speaking at the company's analyst day, Read stated that the chipmaker will focus on outflanking Intel in the tablet space and by growing its business in cloud computing and emerging markets like China (read: entry-level PCs and devices). As to whether AMD would venture into the smartphone space, Read was quite clear in stating that there were no plans to do so. But, he did make mention of being flexible when it came to chip architecture, including using 3rd party IP in developing new silicon -- so a switch to ARM may not be out of the question. How will AMD accomplish its new goals? By focusing on execution of its technology rather than trying to be on the bleeding edge -- sound familiar?

Continue reading AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets

AMD's new plan: focus on tablets, cloud computing and developing markets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Continue reading IRL: Voltaic Spark, LG Optimus One and the Galaxy Nexus

IRL: Voltaic Spark, LG Optimus One and the Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It took some digging through more than 2,000 pages of SEC documents, but Reuters revealed today that VeriSign was attacked "repeatedly" by hackers in 2010, and that some undisclosed information was stolen from the company. The key danger there is the DNS records that the company manages -- which ensure that URLs take you to the correct website -- but VeriSign says that its executives "do not believe these attacks breached the servers that support our Domain Name System network." As Reuters notes, however, the company isn't ruling anything out. Details on the attacks themselves (or the exact number and timing of them) are otherwise hard to come by, but it's reported that VeriSign's security staff did not notify top management until September of 2011 -- although they are said to have "responded" to the attacks themselves.

VeriSign revealed to have suffered repeated security breaches in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM!

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ready to rethink possible, tablet-style? AT&T announced today that it'll be getting its 4G (well, HSPA+, that is) paws on Huawei's MediaPad, roughly half a year after the Android tablet made its debut. The seven-incher offers up a 1.2GHz dual-core processor courtesy of Qualcomm, front and rear facing cameras and Honeycomb, with ICS still on the horizon. It'll arrive on the carrier tomorrow for "varying price points." Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Huawei's MediaPad joins AT&T's '4G' army, pauses to rethink possible

Huawei's MediaPad joins AT&T's '4G' army, pauses to rethink possible originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development

AU Optronics, Idemitsu Kosan announce 'strategic alliance' on OLED development originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spaceflight start-up, SpaceX, has been demonstrating the potency of its SuperDraco rockets, testing at its own facility over in Texas. The rockets will help land its Dragon spacecraft -- as demonstrated in a swish animation last year. They will also power emergency escape functions, something that will, according to founder Elon Musk, make the Dragon "the safest spacecraft in history." It has already made a successful orbital flight and will tote eight engines apparently offering up to 120,000 pounds of thrust to the spaceship. Unfortunately, SpaceX's plan for a February launch was postponed in favor of continued development time, but we're not going complain if the company still fulfills its promise of ferrying people to the ISS. Countdown from ten for ignition right after the break.

Continue reading SpaceX test-fires its 'super' rocket engines (video)

SpaceX test-fires its 'super' rocket engines (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By now, you're well aware of the Lumia 900, the LTE-wielding Windows Phone that's set to do battle with the Titan II on AT&T. While we're still looking to a March arrival, if you happen to live close to a Microsoft retail store, you can pre-order one of these fine handsets for yourself today. We reached out to the folks in Redmond to confirm the news, who tell us that a Lumia 900 -- which has yet to be blessed with an official price -- can be secured for just $25. Of course, if you're nowhere within reach of a Microsoft outlet, well, it appears you've got a long drive ahead of you. Anyone road tripping it for this one?

Nokia Lumia 900 up for pre-order at Microsoft Store, $25 down puts you in line originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skype rolls out update for Windows with full HD video calling, group screen sharing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So far, Google Wallet has its official US availability on NFC-compatible handsets limited by unfriendly carriers with their own mobile payment services in mind, but it appears that is no longer the case for Nexus handsets with AT&T SIMs inserted. Droid-Life reported the app is available in the market for AT&T-SIM'd HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus phones, which we were able to confirm on our own device (over any connection, as long as the AT&T card is in, switching back to a T-Mobile SIM made it disappear from the market again, although of course the app still worked). We also found it was available on our Nexus S under the same conditions, however that official blessing did not extend to the NFC-compatible Galaxy S II Skyrocket or Galaxy S II Global we tried. Interestingly, Droid-Life has also noticed easy access downloads for VZW Nexus that are rooted with their bootloaders unlocked, and of course there's still always another way to get it.

AT&T connected Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S get Android Market Google Wallet installs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Compal Trinity ODM reference design eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The old guard's attempt at a social TV companion just got real with the launch of ConnecTV in open beta for iPad, PC and Mac -- smartphones and Android tablet versions are coming soon. The idea is you'll load up this app while watching TV and find a whole new way to discover details of your favorite content while at the same time share with your friends. The app uses a mic to detect what you're watching just like IntoNow and links up with both Facebook or Twitter (it'll also work on its own). Overall we were underwhelmed and quickly realizing that the other startups are way ahead in both release date and functionality. For starters, there are plenty of channels missing and not a single channel number. You can't even search for your favorite shows or channels. But even when it did manage to figure out what we were watching, we felt like we were being forced fed useless data like trivia and ads rather than having useful information like actors or players names at our finger tips. There's no doubt in our mind that the app was designed more to make us discover certain content rather than discover shows based on our actual tastes. Then again, this is the first version out of the gate, but somehow we think ConnecTV's business model will get in the way of ever making anything truly useful.

Continue reading ConnecTV social companion beta launches for iPad, PC and Mac (hands-on)

ConnecTV social companion beta launches for iPad, PC and Mac (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still looking forward to a world where cell phone cameras don't suck? So is STMicroelectronics, and it hopes to hurry along a photogenic future with the help of a new supercapacitor-powered integrated camera flash. STCF04, the outfit's new integrated camera flash and torch controller, gives its LED flash module over 40 Watts of power, reportedly allowing it to give off the same level of brightness as an outdoor security floodlight -- handily blinding your friends and family with each merry burst of the bulb. STMicroelectronics says this luminescent overkill helps high-megapixel camera sensors absorb more light, cutting down on the need for longer exposure time and hopefully resulting in less image blur when shooting indoors. The sensor packs in eight user-selectable flash levels, and features up to 12 levels of brightness for torch (you know, flashlight) use. Phone or camera manufactures who want in on the action will be able to order the chip for $2 a pop later this year -- if they're willing to risk giving Mr. Blurrycam a break, that is. Hit the break for a flash of the chip's official press release.

Continue reading New LED flash controller promises to give floodlight brightness at cell phone size

New LED flash controller promises to give floodlight brightness at cell phone size originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harken back to the days of Windows 95, and you may remember downloading a few shareware titles to your Compaq or Packard Bell courtesy of Tucows and its network of mirror sites. While the company is no longer of much relevance in the software arena, it's recently launched a mobile service called Ting that operates on Sprint's network, and like many of its competitors (think Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile), no contract is needed. That's not to suggest everything is the same, however, as unlike other carriers, Ting offers to reimburse you for your unused voice, text and data allotments -- think of it as rollover to your wallet. Curious to know more? We've laid out and explained the full spread of Ting's phones and plans after the break.

Continue reading Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network

Tucows launches Ting, a contract-free mobile service on Sprint's network originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There may be a number of options for budding iPad Scorseses, now you can add Avid's "Studio" to that list. Conveniently launching at the same price as iMovie, Avid's intention to woo Apple's users is clear. Those five bucks get you a tidy storyboard solution, "precision" editing, the usual array of transitions and effects, plus multi-channel audio support (including access to your iTunes library). Video can be shot from the device itself, of course, and camera kit owners can import footage from your archives. The final results can then be rendered in either 480p, 540p and 720p or shared via the usual social options. Most importantly, projects can also be finished off in the desktop version -- handy, if they start getting into Titanic territory. It's available today, just focus your iPad at the app store (or the source link below).

Continue reading Avid Studio rolls onto iPad, treads on iMovie's toes (video)

Avid Studio rolls onto iPad, treads on iMovie's toes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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