Technology news

HTC Desire HD rendered, looks pretty legit to us -- oh, except for that WinMo UI Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:49:00 EDT

The stars are really aligning for this shindig HTC has scheduled in London for next week, aren't they? All signs point to the launch of the Android-powered Desire Z and Desire HD -- international versions of the G2 and EVO, respectively -- and this render pulled off of German site... Read more

FanVision handheld makes NFL nosebleeds far more bearable Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:24:00 EDT

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has just made public his own Kangaroo TV operations, but the end product is something far different than just in-stadium televisions. The FanVision handheld (shown above) has been reportedly shopped to every single NFL team, but only a dozen of 'em decided to take Mr. Ross... Read more

Acer Liquid Metal wraps Android 2.2 in aluminum Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:01:00 EDT

Well, this one's come a bit out of left field (or Russia, actually), but it looks like Acer may be set to release yet another Android device. Apparently dubbed the Liquid Metal, this one is said to pack Android 2.2 beneath Acer's own skin, along with a 3.6-inch 800 x... Read more

Samsung i8700 for Windows Phone 7 leaks, puts developer prototype to shame Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:39:00 EDT

Could this be the best-looking Windows Phone 7 device yet? That's open to some personal interpretation, of course, but Sammy's alleged i8700 is looking like quite the beast -- and it should assuage any lingering fears that the Omnia HD-based prototypes floating around would be influencing final ID for the... Read more

ECTunes adds sound to silent EVs, but only where and when you need it (video) Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:56:00 EDT

The debate rages on about the sound, or rather the lack of sound, coming from electric vehicles. Their relative quietude could make roadside-housing rather more tenable in the future, but, if you ask some people, will turn those cars into silent killers. We've seen some crude noisemakers attempt to make... Read more

Sony's PSP Go post-mortem continues, Kaz Hirai concedes 'pricing is perhaps an issue' Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:54:00 EDT

We're still perplexed by the PSP Go's failure. Who doesn't want to pay more for a device that lacks the hardware to play UMD games, only compatible with downloadable versions that release days or weeks later and then cost more to boot? Sony's Andrew House stepped up in June to... Read more

iOS 4.1: any problems for you? Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:32:00 EDT

Okay, so we've given you about a day to download, install, and tear iOS 4.1 into microscopic shreds. What's the end result? We've been tipped on a handful of troublesome nuances in the update, ranging from unsolved proximity sensor woes to a sudden onslaught of voicemails -- and we're trying... Read more

Microsoft, SRS team up on surround sound for Silverlight, will this finally bring 5.1 to Netflix? Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:08:00 EDT

Of course, this press release from SRS Labs doesn't actually say Netflix will use its technology to enable surround sound audio on Watch Instantly streams, but when you claim your tools add "easy and seamless" surround sound decoding to Silverlight apps then we have an immediate suggestion as to how... Read more

Denon's AVR-4311CI to gain AirPlay compatibility this fall -- that easy, huh? Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:46:00 EDT

Here's an interesting tidbit. Denon's admittedly pricey AVR-4311CI -- which was introduced in late April -- may very well end up being the first major product to gain iTunes AirPlay compatibility retroactively. Yeah, retroactively. According to an updated product listing, the AVR will see a "planned upgrade" in the fall... Read more

Microsoft launching Windows Phone 7 on October 11th? Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:23:00 EDT

With a gold master OS, plenty of devices raring to show themselves, and a more or less obvious October launch window, it's clear that Windows Phone 7 is right around the corner. Pocket-lint is reporting today that its sources, "senior figures within the industry," are pegging October 11 as the... Read more

The Engadget Show returns next Tuesday, September 14th with NASA Chief Technologist Bobby Braun, net neutrality advocate Tim Wu, giveaways, and more! Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:50:00 EDT

Guess what humans? The Engadget Show is back in a big way next Tuesday, September 14th at 8pm! We're celebrating our first birthday and lucky 13th episode with an incredible show for you... first up, Josh is sitting down with NASA's new Chief Technologist Bobby Braun, the man tasked... Read more

Sanyo launches Xacti VPC-GH4 full HD camcorder with YouTube, Facebook integration Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EDT

Sanyo has announced another one of them there Xacti digicams, this time geared for the social media crowd. The VPC-GH4, like its sibling the VPC-GH2, features Full HD 1080 video recording; and unlike the aforementioned GH2, integrates YouTube, Facebook, and Picasa uploads -- as well as Twitter notifications. But at... Read more

Pentax announces customizable cameras, faceplate-swapping RS1000 and Lego-loving NB1000 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EDT

Sure, you can buy compact cameras in dozens of garish and offensive colors, but what if you're the sort who craves a different garish and offensive color every day of the week? You need the $150 Pentax RS1000, a 14.1 megapixel shooter with a 4x optical zoom, 720p video recording,... Read more

CE-Oh no he didn't!: Acer founder characterizes Apple as a mutant virus Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:38:00 EDT

(function() { var s = document.createElement('SCRIPT'), s1 = document.getElementsByTagName('SCRIPT')[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = 'http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js'; s1.parentNode.insertBefore(s, s1); })(); Digg Wow, a mutant virus? This analogy may sound like a ringing bell for another cat fight on the playground, but Acer founder and retired chairman Stan... Read more

Apple's App Store Review Guidelines: 'we don't need any more fart apps' Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:58:00 EDT

Apple definitely surprised us this morning by relaxing its restrictions on third-party iOS development tools and publishing its app review guidelines, but that's nothing compared to the almost shockingly blunt tone of the guidelines themselves. Grab the PDF for yourselves at the source link now and check out the highlights... Read more

Boxee's new browser is built on Webkit and HTML5 ready Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:52:00 EDT

Expect to see some changes to Boxee when its $199 D-Link-built Box ships in November, as Lead Apps Developer / Community evangelist Rob Spectre tells NewTeeVee that among them will be a new Webkit based browser. The current Mozilla based browser is clearly useful for some quick & unblocked Hulu... Read more

Kobo rolls out desktop application for Windows and Mac Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:29:00 EDT

It may be facing an uphill battle against the likes of Amazon, but it looks like Kobo's footprint is only continuing to get bigger, with it now matching Amazon with a desktop application of its own for Windows and Mac. That will naturally let you access your current library and... Read more

Apple backpedaling on some iOS development restrictions, will allow third party tools and ad services Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:50:00 EDT

Woah, who saw this coming? Apple has changed its super-controversial stance on third party developer tools for iOS apps, now allowing any and all comers, "as long as the resulting apps do not download any code." We're guessing this is mostly a nod to game developers, who use ported engines... Read more

iPod nano (2010) splayed open in the name of miniature science Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:42:00 EDT

(function() { var s = document.createElement('SCRIPT'), s1 = document.getElementsByTagName('SCRIPT')[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = 'http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js'; s1.parentNode.insertBefore(s, s1); })(); Digg What, you didn't think iFixit would stop at just disassembling the new iPod touch, did you? The all-new nano has also been sat atop the workbench,... Read more

Is BridgeCo the foundation for 'Made for AirPlay' Apple accessories? Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:08:00 EDT

Hands up if you've ever heard of BridgeCo. No? Us neither, but that's about to change following a CNBC report detailing the company's relationship with Apple. BridgeCo is in the business of embedding its network media processor and software stack into its partners' audio equipment to enable wireless streaming. Now,... Read more

ATI FirePro V9800 runs out of ideas, shoots up with 4GB of GDDR5 and six mini DisplayPorts Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:45:00 EDT

If somehow you were able to choke up the FirePro V8800 and its 2GB of graphics buffer -- traveling across an autobahn-wide 147.2GBps interface -- here's the card for you. ATI has just announced the V9800, which doubles its predecessor's memory allowance to a mighty 4GB of GDDR5, but otherwise... Read more

RIM tries to patent billboards that adjust to roadside traffic Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:14:00 EDT

Looks like our pals at Research In Motion are taking the company name literally this week -- they've got a pair of patent applications target ads to automobiles and pedestrians on the street by dynamically changing their information density. By taking a page out of Google's book and measuring the... Read more

iOS 4.1 jailbreak on the way after bootrom exploit discovery Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:48:00 EDT

So let's see, how long has iOS 4.1 been out in the open for public consumption? We make it less than 24 hours, yet already some earnest jail busters have managed to liberate it from Apple's control freak clutches. It's still a fair distance away from an easily executable jailbreak,... Read more

LaCie embraces USB 3.0 with world's smallest hug, 'world's smallest' HDDs Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:19:00 EDT

LaCie's bringing its monkey out to play again today, announcing a USB 3.0 version of the Rikiki and a new Minimus portable hard drive. Both come in slick aluminum enclosures, with the Rikiki looking unchanged from its predecessor, but of course inside they pack the extra vroom vroom of the... Read more

Woot offers up refurbed Roku HD-XRs for $75 shipped Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:48:00 EDT

If you were into last week's announcements from Apple and Roku but still thought separating from even one Benjamin for a media streamer was just too much to ask, we have a solution that may work. The One Day, One Deal people at Woot.com have picked the Netflix, Amazon VOD... Read more

Firefox 4 Beta 5 brings GPU acceleration for Windows Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:17:00 EDT

Browser betas, like puberty, can be a confusing time. Sure, we're eager to be getting new functionality, but all the crashes and compatibility breaks and unrequited crushes can be a bit tough to handle. Now Mozilla is giving us something big for all our blood, sweat and acne: Firefox 4... Read more

Nokia Mobile TV Headset acts as a TV antenna for your unreleased Symbian^3 device Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:50:00 EDT

Okay, so Symbian^3 is still just a glint in our eyes, but that launch date is fast approaching and here's a neat little accessory to keep up excitement for the platform: the Mobile TV Headset. You know how most phones use the cord of your earphones as an FM aerial?... Read more

Elocity A7 goes up for pre-order on Amazon with Android 2.2, Tegra 2, and a $370 price tag Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:20:00 EDT

Galaxy Tab? Who needs that overpriced prima donna? Here's the tablet the economical among us have been waiting for. Alright, so the Elocity A7 didn't elicit the highest of praise when it made its cameo on The Engadget Show, but let's congratulate its makers on achieving a pair of feats.... Read more

Droid 2 R2-D2 boot animation, live wallpapers leak out at light speed Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:32:00 EDT

(function() { var s = document.createElement('SCRIPT'), s1 = document.getElementsByTagName('SCRIPT')[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = 'http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js'; s1.parentNode.insertBefore(s, s1); })(); Digg Not willing to wait for the genuine R2-D2 edition Droid 2 later this month? Then it looks like you can now get the next best thing... Read more

Lessons in Bell Curves: 15-inch laptops still king, despite wealth of portable alternatives Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:42:00 EDT

Jimmy Eat World didn't concoct the masterpiece that is The Middle for nothing, you know. In yet another example of the middle muddying up the waters for everyone else, DisplaySearch has found that the vast majority of systems sold in America fall into the 15.6-inch category, despite the fact that... Read more

ARM reveals Eagle core as Cortex-A15, capable of quad-core computing at up to 2.5GHz Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:55:00 EDT

Way to take the wind out of our sails, ARM -- no sooner does your dual-core Cortex-A9 finally ship, do you reveal an even more powerful smartphone, smartbook and server-slaying beast. The Cortex-A15 MPCore picks up where the A9 left off, but with reportedly five times the power of existing... Read more

Pentax's K-r entry-level DSLR looks like a toy Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:30:00 EDT

When a DSLR screams "colorful" in the headline of the press release, you can usually guess the target audience. Sure enough, the multicolored Pentax K-r brings a compact, lightweight body to the entry-level DSLR market. Specs include a 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor, a PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II imaging... Read more

T-Mobile G2 comes out from hiding, pre-orders begin later this month Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:50:00 EDT

At last, T-Mobile just went official with its G2 QWERTY slider. As expected, this Android 2.2 device ships with Qualcomm's MSM7230 Snapdragon silicon optimized for T-Mobile's HSPA+ network with an 800MHz CPU and second generation application co-processor. Other specs include a 3.7-inch screen, 4GB of internal memory with pre-installed 8GB... Read more

BlackBerry App World crosses the 10,000 app mark Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:53:00 EDT

It's been over a year since it hit 2,000 apps, but it looks like BlackBerry App World has finally hit its biggest milestone yet -- RIM has announced via Twitter that it's now "10,000 apps strong and growing." For those keeping track, that still leaves it well behind Apple's App... Read more

Dell lays down the law: no more Windows XP shipments after October 22nd Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:53:00 EDT

Microsoft already informed its most moneyed partners that no more systems could leave their labs after October 22nd with Windows XP, but given that the proverbial boy has cried wolf before, we were inclined to think that we'd eventually face yet another push back. We guess there's still a few... Read more

Zotac introduces ID33 and ID34 Zbox mini PCs, complete with Atom D525 and Blu-ray Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:57:00 EDT

Now this is an HTPC worth gawking at. Zotac has just revised its long-standing Zbox line with a new duo, and we have to say -- we're digging the new look. Beyond the exterior improvements, the outfit has bolstered the internals by providing the HD-ID33 and HD-ID34 with Intel's new... Read more

Eye-Fi starting up a developer program, will have some APIs open for business this fall Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:16:00 EDT

Pardon us as we coin the term "apportunity" to describe the upcoming developer program Eye-Fi has just announced. Developers will able to tie their apps / applications / sites into Eye-Fi features and services through the web, including accessing an Eye-Fi card for photos and video, changing settings on the... Read more

Researchers propose 'roaming' charging stations to keep electric cars powered Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:34:00 EDT

No, we're not talking about robotic charging stations that roam the highways and recharge your car without even stopping (sadly), but a new system proposed Zafer Sahinoglu and his colleagues at the Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories in Cambridge, Massachusetts may just help to fill in some of the gaps on... Read more

TomTom offers free iPhone 4 adapter for Car Kit Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:06:00 EDT

We still maintain that you've got better options than TomTom when it comes to iPhone GPS software, but if you pulled the trigger before giving yourself a moment to consider what you were actually doing, this here news may just interest you. In an effort to maintain compatibility with Apple's... Read more

The Ben Heck Show launching next week, right into your regular viewing rotation Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:40:00 EDT

Oh, Ben -- how far you've come. But now that you're about to star in your very own web show, don't ever forget that we had you first. Pleasantries aside, we couldn't be more thrilled to hear that the man responsible for pushing the art of modding into the mainstream... Read more