Archive | January, 2009
Filed under: Industry, Blu-ray, Other formats CES 2009 may be a fading memory, but Netflix's founder and chief executive Reed Hastings took time in Vegas to talk about technologies that should be affecting us for years to come. In an interview with The New York Times, Hastings proudly confessed his belief that within two years, "WiFi and Netflix would be built into all televisions." He also speaks at length about how the world wide web is becoming more accessible on the TV, noting that big things could happen if more potent processors and additional memory were stuffed into future HDTVs. Sadly, when asked about why Watch Instantly didn't include brand new releases, Reed simply stated that Netflix "doesn't think of it in title count... it thinks about it in terms of volume and having an even better experience" than is currently offered. Sure, we appreciate improvements in speed / quality / etc., but don't pretend like new releases aren't high (high!) up on the wish list of avid Watch Instantly users.[Image courtesy of Syracuse]Netflix's Reed Hastings talks future technologies, streaming originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Huawei’s Android handset might drop during the original first half of 2009 time slot instead of the 3Q 2009 some reported. The maker will at least show it off at next months Mobile World Congress, with production hopefully starting shortly there after. *fingers crossed* We don’t have any other details including if the phone will [...] Huawei’s Android handset might drop during the original first half of 2009 time slot instead of the 3Q 2009 some reported. The maker will at least show it off at next months Mobile World Congress, with production hopefully starting shortly there after. *fingers crossed* We don’t have any other details including if the phone will be a touchscreen-only, keyboard-equipped, or the price, but at least we know it runs Android. How well will be determined next month at MWC. Huawei via Phonescoop Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware. Source[Mobilecrunch]
Filed under: ATT, Verizon Wireless, Misc, LTE After initially opposing the Obama administration / Jay Rockefeller digital TV delay -- pushing the analog TV shutoff date back from February 17 to June 12 -- Verizon CEO Ivan Seiderberg has jumped on board with competitor AT&T in support of the plan. Considering Verizon just dropped $9.63 billion on the soon / not-so-soon to be vacated airwaves for its 4G wireless rollout this is an interesting position to take, but it appears that as long as the delay is a mere 115 days he can join AT&T ($7 billion or so invested) in waiting for the DTV converter coupon program to work itself out. Of course, if anyone wants to take advantage of the extra time to subscribe to FiOS or U-verse, we're sure that wouldn't be problem either.Verizon CEO joins AT&T in backing digital TV delay -- as long as it's short originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Cable, New contentYou can't be serious. No, really -- this cannot be happening. Merely days after Time Warner Cable did its best to appease rightfully frustrated Raleigh-based subscribers with four new HD channels, in flies word that our pals up I-40 are getting set to receive 11. It's been no secret that TWC favored the Triad in the high-def department, but this is just blatant. Beginning on Wednesday, Greensboro, NC-area customers will see SPEED HD and Bio HD hit the lineup, with Fox Sports Network South HD, Cinemax East HD, Cinemax West HD, Starz HD, The Movie Channel HD, Weather Channel HD, FX HD, Hallmark HD and Pay Per View HD joining that duo "in the coming months." Suffice it to say, Triangle dwellers everywhere are hoping and praying for that U-verse investment to amount to something sooner rather than later. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the Time Warner family]Update: A new source asserts that TWC will begin the rollout of 20 new HD channels in its "Carolina Region" starting on October 29th. Unfortunately, there's no mention of what areas will get what channels, we'll remain cautiously pessimistic that the entire state won't see all 20 until we hear otherwise.TWC adding 11 HD channels in Greensboro, NC, Triangle seen fuming originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Handsets, Nokia, GSM, EDGE Outside Asia, the world seems to have turned squarely against styli in the past couple years -- but devices like Nokia's 6208c certainly give us pause. ePrice has a review of the freshly-announced set with plenty of fabulous pictures, and unless you're in a Chinese-speaking territory, this is about as close as you'll likely ever get to one. Most of us know Series 40 as a purely button-based platform, but it looks like Nokia has done a commendable job of adapting the UI to the demands of a touchscreen and on-screen character entry -- and it doesn't hurt that the phone's mighty nice to look at, either. Wonder if that stylus would open a bottle of Tsingtao?[Via Daily Mobile]Nokia 6208c poses for beauty shots originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Speakers, Others Haven't you heard? Wireless subwoofers are all the rage right now, man. Polk Audio is following the lead of Infinity and a gaggle of others by introducing the PSWi225, a "portable" cord-free subwoofer that can be added in to any home theater / stereo setup with utmost ease. The earth-shaker supports RF wireless signal transmission and delivers a 40Hz to 180Hz frequency response from the floor-firing enclosure. The unit itself measures in at 12- x 13- x 12-inches and houses a rugged long-throw Dynamic Balance co-polymer driver with Butyl Rubber surround. Curiously, there's no mention of the speaker size, though we are told that an active crossover system is included for those who like to fiddle. Check it this March for $399 (MSRP).Polk snips the cord on PSWi225 portable wireless subwoofer originally appeared on Engadget HD on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
It used to be that "injury avoidance" was simply filing down the sharp edges on the vacuum cleaner hose before you fired up the adult channel. Now, it's a hi-tech game involving carpal tunnels, servo motors and fancy algorithms, all... It used to be that "injury avoidance" was simply filing down the sharp edges on the vacuum cleaner hose before you fired up the adult channel. Now, it's a hi-tech game involving carpal tunnels, servo motors and fancy algorithms, all – like the vacuum cleaner trick – to keep your poor hands from getting tired. The Pro:Motion keyboard from Smartfish actually monitors your keyboard habits over time and then slowly adjusts the height and angle using motors to make things more comfy and less strenuous. If this truly works, it would be a boon for me, a truly terrible hunt-and-peck typist. I imagine the machine learning how I think and then sliding the keyboard under my fingers. All I would have to do is bang my hands up and down and the keyboard would place the right key under my rat-a-tatting digits. Smartfish has not announced a price yet, and a Google search inevitably brings up a bunch of results for keyboards on "promotion". With all the gubbins packed inside, though, don't expect it to be cheap. Product page [Smartfish via New Launches] Source[Wired Gadget Lab]
Filed under: Others, Accessories While the iControlPad still isn't available for mass consumption, homebrew developer ZodTTD has released a video of him using it to play quake4iphone. Hard to tell just how well the gamepad works, but it's gotta be a helluva lot easier than blocking the screen with your greasy digits. Last we heard it had gone into production, but still no word on price or release date. Video embedded after the break.Continue reading iControlPad gamepad frags demons on cameraiControlPad gamepad frags demons on camera originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Handsets, Samsung Samsung's added yet another -- if this guy's the real deal, and we're thinking it likely is -- to its stable of multi-megapixel handsets with this unknown 8MP beastie. Branded with Samsung's Anycall and purportedly packing a WVGA (800 X 480) display, a Xenon flash, and what appears to be a TouchWiz UI, it has all the makings of a worthy companion for the Innov8 and PIxon. Though, that branding has us worried that this phone may well be a Korea-only adventure for Samsung. Mobile World Congress is just around the corner, and if we''re going to learn anything new about it, there's a good chance it'll be then. Another 8MP Samsung set to join Pixon and Innov8? originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Contrary to stories of overnight fortunes and money-printing fart machines, making money with an iPhone app can be tough. Thus far, your primary options are to charge for it (risky, unless your app is amazing or you manage to pull in a decent amount of coverage), or to place advertisements in the app (which, depending [...] Contrary to stories of overnight fortunes and money-printing fart machines, making money with an iPhone app can be tough. Thus far, your primary options are to charge for it (risky, unless your app is amazing or you manage to pull in a decent amount of coverage), or to place advertisements in the app (which, depending on your users, ad placement, and app usage could work out to big money or barely enough to be called pocket change). Offerpal Media thinks they’ve found the answer to monetizing iPhone applications. Built around the same system they have in place for development on Facebook, Myspace, Bebo, and a number of other platforms, end users are able to participate in a variety of offers (from online surveys to product trials) in exchange for virtual currency. Users spend this currency on in-app goods, and the developers get paid. Offerpal will be looking for partners to help them fine tune the system over the next 6 weeks, at which point the program will launch into beta. Each partner application will face a vetting process which, once they’ve opened the doors a bit more, CEO Anu Shukla says should take “around 24 hours.” Though the integration is a bit complex in its current state, Offerpal says they are moving toward a much simpler drag-and-drop integration method. Just as traditional ads don’t work for all applications, I imagine that such a system might be a hard sell within certain apps - not all of them have a use for a virtual currency system. With a bit of creativity on the developer’s end, however, this might work out to a good chunk of change from an otherwise profitless application. Crunch Network: CrunchBase the free database of technology companies, people, and investors Source[Mobilecrunch]
Filed under: Handsets, Features, LG, Sprint, EV-DO, CDMA We'd really harshed on this phone prior to its release, because... well, when you're used to flip phones looking a certain way, it looks kinda funny. In the flesh, though, the LG Lotus looks just fine -- once you get past the fact that it's basically a perfect square when closed -- and anyone who does a lot of messaging should probably take note.Gallery: LG Lotus hands-onContinue reading LG Lotus hands-onLG Lotus hands-on originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink
Filed under: Software, Apple, OS X The iPhone has plenty of great applications but for whatever reason whenever one comes out -- like the new TiVoRemote pictured above -- that will help us control our home theater it looks as bad as you can imagine. Sure function is more important than form, but most of these are ridiculous. It's bad enough that the developers think you want to use a touch screen to control something like a directional pad -- imagine looking up to see the menu on the screen and then down to look at the remote 25 times -- but at least they could make it look cool. It's not that we hate all of 'em as the Apple Remote for the Apple TV and iTunes is really slick, but with all the possibilities when it comes to gestures and the iPhone's accelerometer, we'd think there'd be a decent solution by now.Why are most iPhone remote apps so janky? originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: Blu-rayThis could be the weirdest week of releases we've seen to date, because there are like 20 titles released (15 mentioned below) but not one that we are really interested in. If you can't wait for Christmas movies, then Warner has Elf and the Essential Holiday Collection which also includes Elf and other Warner movies like our favorites -- which were previously released -- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story. We really had a hard time deciding which title was the best this week, and ultimately just picked Hell Ride for no good reason. We also considered Zombie Strippers or Tinker Bell, but didn't want the stigma. If you're a 3D fan then this is an exceptionally good week for you, as we can't ever remember another week with not one, but two movies were released in 3D (Polar Express and Journey to the Center of the Earth). If there's nothing for you this week maybe next week will have something, but it might depend on how much you like Planet of the Apes' movies.Blu-ray Hell Ride (Weinstein) Zombie Strippers (Sony) Tinker Bell (Disney) Elf (New Line) Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (New Line) Dead Space: Downfall (Starz/Anchor Bay) The Polar Express Presented in 3-D (Warner) Cruel World (Echo Bridge) Essential Holiday Collection (Warner) The Final Countdown (Blue Underground) The Final Patient (Echo Bridge) Journey to the Center of the Earth (New Line) Mysterious Island (Echo Bridge) The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding (First Look) The Prince & Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon (First Look) Blu-ray releases on October 28th 2008 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink
Filed under: Features, Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Apple, OS X, Android, webOS In case you missed the keynote, Palm took some special moments to let everyone know that they're not trying to compete with Apple -- which is of course exactly what they're doing with the Pre and webOS. Sure, there's plenty of room in the market for multiple operating systems and manufacturers, as both companies have pointed out, but we can't help but think that Palm took a long hard look at where Apple was at with its ultra-successful mobile OS and what they could improve upon, and we would like to assume that Apple is looking very carefully at webOS right now (and hopefully the Pre's physical keyboard, but we're dreamers) and comparing it with its current iPhone OS. So, if you'll indulge us, let's look at a few of the iPhone's existing shortcomings that Apple might try and shore up -- or perhaps already has fixes in the works for -- now that there's some very serious competition on the scene. Plus, with Steve on the sidelines, we can imagine there's some extra pressure on the company to prove that innovation at Apple is not just about one man.Read on over at Engadget!What Apple could learn from Palm's webOS originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read
Filed under: ABC, CBS, The CW, Discovery-HD, ESPN-HD, Fox, NBC, TNT-HD, ListingsWhat we're watching tonight: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC have the Presidential Address at 8 p.m. NBC (1080i) has My Name is Earl at 8:30 p.m., The Office at 9 p.m., 30 Rock at 9:31 p.m. and E.R. at 10 p.m. CW (1080i) presents Smallville at 8 p.m. followed by Supernatural ABC (720p) drops in Grey's Anatomy at 9 p.m. followed by Private Practice CBS (1080i) has CSI at 9:15 p.m. and Eleventh Hour at 10:15 p.m. Discovery (1080i) airs How Stuff Works at 8 p.m. and the series premiere of Treasure Quest at 10 p.m. TLC (1080i) brings the series premiere of Saw for Hire at 9 & 9:30 p.m. followed by LA Ink MTV (1080i) has the season premiere of America's Best Dance Crew at 10 p.m. ESPN (720p) has North Carolina/Virginia college basketball at 9 p.m. TNT (1080i) has a Charles Barkley-less NBA doubleheader with Cavaliers/Bulls at 8 p.m. and Suns/Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. A&E (720p) has the series premiere of The Beast at 10 p.m. HDTV Listings for January 15, 2009 originally appeared on Engadget HD on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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