Source: http://techcrunch.com/2011/08/12/daily-crunch-mouse-and-rat/
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Microsoft offering free Media Center upgrade to Windows 8 Pro users until January 31st 2013
Home theater PC enthusiasts weren't too thrilled when Microsoft announced that it was stripping Media Center and its codecs for DVD playback and broadcast TV from Windows 8 in favor of a paid add-on. The folks from Redmond are offering a temporary reprieve, in an effort to reward early adopters. Windows 8 Media Center Pack is for free to customers who purchase Windows 8 Pro... at least until January 31st 2013. This promo requires that you enter your product key at the company's website in order to receive your free upgrade. Sadly, when the discount period for Pro upgrades ends, so too does the ability to score Media Center for free. Microsoft never revealed the price for its Media Center Pack, only referring to it as "economical." While we appreciate affordable software, there's nothing more cost effective than a freebie.
[Thanks, Neal]
Update: As commenters (and tipsters) have pointed out, the Media Center upgrade is available to non-Pro users for $9.99 or €9.99, respectively. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Filed under: Software, HD, Microsoft
Microsoft offering free Media Center upgrade to Windows 8 Pro users until January 31st 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Microsoft | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/26/microsoft-free-media-center-upgrade-for-windows-8-pro/
Nexus 10 Leaks Point to Better-Than-iPad Display
A screenshot of Vic Gundotra’s beach photo, taken with a Nexus 10 and shared on Google+.
Google has been springing leaks about its upcoming 10-inch Nexus tablet for weeks, revealing details about the iPad fighter that is widely expected to be unveiled Monday at an Android event in New York. But the most notable information leak comes from one of Google’s own top executives, Vic Gundotra. The exec posted two images to his Google+ profile Friday morning that, according to the listed photo details, were taken with a device called a Nexus 10.
Nexus 10 is, of course, the expected name of the rumored Samsung and Google device that will serve as a follow-up to the Asus-built Nexus 7 tablet. As the Nexus 7 has a 7-inch display, the Nexus 10 is expected to have a 10.1-inch display.
Gundotra, a senior vice president at Google and frequent on-stage presenter at the company’s press events, posted two photos from an unnamed beach Friday, as first reported by the website Android Central.
More details emerged on Friday after the website BriefMobile claimed that it had gotten its hands on a Nexus 10. Those details include a dual-core 1.7GHz Samsung Exynos CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a 10.1-inch display with a monstrous resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, NFC, and a 5-megapixel rear camera. Judging by BriefMobile’s photos published, the Nexus 10 looks a lot like a Galaxy Tab 10.1 or Galaxy Note 10.1 with a Nexus logo on the back. The photos match up perfectly with illustrations in a purported Nexus 10 user manual that landed on Korean news site Seeko on Thursday. The design isn’t terribly exciting, but the display resolution would peg the Nexus 10 ahead of the iPad, at least on paper. Apple’s third- and fourth-generation iPads feature a 9.7-inch Retina Display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels.
The Nexus 10 leaks follow weeks of leaked information on the new Nexus 4 smartphone, built by LG in collaboration with Google.
Google is expected to be debuting both the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 10 at an event in New York on Monday. The event, and the new devices, come at a crucial time for Google and its Android operating system as rivals Apple and Microsoft are also launching new products. Earlier this week, Apple unveiled its new iPad Mini and it’s fourth-generation full-size iPad. On Monday, just three hours after Google’s Android even is set to begin, Microsoft will host an event in San Francisco to formally launch its Windows Phone 8 software, running on new phones from Samsung, HTC and Nokia.
Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/google-samsung-nexus-10-leaks-vic-gundotra/
New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching
Shortly thereafter, Firefox's new channel system will be implemented. Firefox 5a2 will be introduced as the first Aurora build, and we should also see a Firefox 6 Nightly build. While we we're not sure where they came from, one Sören Hentzschel seems to have unearthed the new Nightly and Aurora logos (see above), along with new About Firefox dialogs (after the break).
In other news, if you want to take a sneak peek at the new 'channel changing' technology that will be introduced in upcoming Firefox builds, head to about:config and create a new string called app.update.desiredChannel -- the value doesn't matter. Then open Help > About Firefox and you'll be able to switch channel, but it doesn't do anything just yet (image after the break). Here's hoping that Firefox channel switching is smoother than Chrome.
Continue reading New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching
New Firefox Nightly and Aurora logos unearthed, and how to enable channel switching originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
HTC One X sees Jelly Bean rollout in Taiwan and Singapore, One S update reportedly coming soon
We've known for months that HTC intends to upgrade the One X to Jelly Bean, but now it appears the update is finally going live, at least for folks in Taiwan. Members of the XDA Developers forum are chiming in about a 352.87MB OTA update that's available within both HTC's home country and Singapore, which brings Android 4.1.1 and HTC Sense 4+ to the One X. Jelly Bean's appearance for the handset matches an earlier report from Engadget Chinese of an incoming update promised by HTC Taiwan. According to PocketDroid, general manager of HTC North Asia, Jack Tong, announced that One X users within Asia will see the update begin to roll today, and that the One S will also receive Jelly Bean a tad later. We've reached out to HTC to verify Mr. Tong's comments, and for clarification of specific regions throughout Asia.
[Thanks, Ryan]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC
HTC One X sees Jelly Bean rollout in Taiwan and Singapore, One S update reportedly coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 01:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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GottaBeMobile | XDA Developers, PocketDroid | Email this | Comments
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/F_HY7NGoIXY/
Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers
If you're looking to create that perfect multi-threaded, NFC, GPS-based OpenCL app (and who isn't?), but found your development board options too limited, Samsung has good news. It's just launched the Arndale community development board around its Exynos 5 Dual SoC, with the ARM Cortex-A15 dual-core CPU and ARM Mali T604 GPU. Those specs give the board "an order of magnitude lift in performance" from the last model and full profile OpenCL capability, according to Samsung, on top of NFC, GPS and camera sensor features. That'll let developers go to town on new games, security and multimedia apps next month for $250 -- if that's you, check the PR after the break or coverage below.
Continue reading Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Samsung
Samsung launches $250 Exynos 5-based Arndale community board for app developers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/nxYGKbkJCX4/
Friday, October 26, 2012
ZAGGsparq 6000 mAh Portable Battery/Charger review
I travel a great deal for my day job and all too often forget one or more of the needed accessories to charge my litany of tech equipment. Every time that happens, I think to myself (after several choice words) that I really need a dedicated set of charging gear staged in my bag. Well, the ZAGGsparq 6000 from ZAGG looks to be an ideal travel companion for tech-packing road warriors, not only enabling you to charge via wall socket but when you are truly off the grid, from its internal battery as well.
The ZAGGsparq 6000 is a universal USB charger that is capable of powering multiple mobile devices at once. Within the Sparq is a 6000 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer backup battery engineered to power your portable technology while on the fly. Built into the back are retractable prongs for easy and convenient charging and transport. There is also an on/off switch to prevent/reduce battery drain while the battery is not in use.
The ZAGGsparq is definitely large compared to many of the devices it is designed to charge. So much so, I doubt I would ever take it in my gear bag but will most likely just bring it along in my check-bag while on travel.
Specifications:
ZAGG has created three versions of the ZAGGsparq. The 6000 has the most battery capacity and the only one of the three with dual USB charging ports.
Features
- Rechargeable lithium polymer backup battery
- Built-in prongs for convenient charging
- When plugged into an outlet, the ZAGGsparq works just like a wall charger (directly charging the device, then charging the internal battery)
- On/off switch to prevent battery drainage
- 2.1A output for ultra-fast charging, up to four times faster than a standard USB charger
- Attractive, durable polycarbonate shell hides scratches and fingerprints
- 5 LEDs indicate battery level and pulsate one after the other while the ZAGGsparq is charging
- Universal charger powers all USB-charged mobile devices
- Ergonomic design features a soft touch rubber finish
- Charges iPad and other tablets at optimal speed
The USB ports have a 2.1A output for fast charging of two devices. According to ZAGG, the ports are up to four times faster than a “standard USB charger”. I did a bit of non-scientific testing, and found the ZAGGsparq charged my iPhone 4S in less than two hours leaving three of the LEDs glowing (approx 2/3 of the power left) and charged my iPad 3 to 50% in less than three hours leaving the Sparq completely depleted. During this test the Sparq was unplugged and charged via its internal battery.
When plugged into an outlet, the ZAGGsparq works just like a wall charger, first/directly charging the device(s), followed by charging its internal battery. On its front face are 5 LEDs which indicate battery charge level, glowing one after the other while the ZAGGsparq is recharging. The LEDs are very bright, especially in the dark. I thought they would make for a nice nightlight but are too bright for me and I covered them up (minor point) when plugged in next to my bed.
Compared to most no-name $3 USB wall chargers, the ZAGGsparq is big and bulky without a doubt, but it does get the job done and then some. Its ability to quickly charge multiple devices while at home/office/travel via wall socket or internal battery definitely gives you options when you need them. At $100, the ZAGGsparq is not inexpensive either. Quite a lot for a USB wall/battery charger, even with its quality build and feature set. That said and cost not withstanding, it is a well thought out and useful accessory that I will definitely keep in my travel bag ready to go.
Product Information
| Price: | $99.99 |
| Manufacturer: | ZAGG |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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Filed in categories: Cables and Batteries, Home Tech, Reviews, Travel Gear
Tagged: battery back up, USB charger
ZAGGsparq 6000 mAh Portable Battery/Charger review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 26, 2012 at 11:00 am.
Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/10/26/zaggsparq-6000-mah-portable-batterycharger-review/
Shot Shot Pirate is a fun, simple physics game
As you may have gathered from the name, you're cast in the role of a pirate. Your goal is to shoot at a diamond and make it fall off a tower of bricks. The height of the tower changes as you progress through the levels. It's not enough to just make the diamond fall off the tower of bricks - it has to fall below a certain line (drawn on the screen) for the level to be completed.
There are also different kinds of bricks, with some heavier than others, and different kinds of ammo. You only get a certain amount of ammo for each level, and when it's gone, you lose. But don't worry! If you don't make it on the first try, it's very easy to restart the level and just give it another shot (or three).
All in all it's a cute game. I've seen similar games with better graphics and music, but the game delivers on its main promise - a few minutes of pure time wasting!
Shot Shot Pirate is a fun, simple physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/shot-shot-pirate-is-a-fun-simple-physics-game/
Ask DLS: Cross-platform multiplayer games that work on Android and iOS
There's no dearth of multiplayer games either for Android or for iOS. But finding multiplayer games that can cross the platform boundary is an entirely different matter.
Jay recently posted Words with Friends which is one such game. It's actually an ideal example, because it's turn-based so you don't necessarily both have to be next to your device at the same time (great for long-distance gaming).
But what other examples are there? What multiplayer games are there that let iOS users play with Android users?
[Why am I now humming 'Ebony and Ivory'? -Ed]
Ask DLS: Cross-platform multiplayer games that work on Android and iOS originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Panasonic introduces new Toughbook C2 convertible tablet with Windows 8 Pro for $2,949
The Wire's Lester Freamon was never too far away from his Panasonic Toughbook, and we'd bet he'd be able to handle plenty more wiretaps with one of these. This is the Toughbook C2, the company's latest 12.5-inch convertible notebook for Windows 8 Pro that's designed for healthcare professionals and daring explorer types. On the hardware side, there's an Intel Core i5-3427U vPro CPU, 11 hours of battery life and a pair of USB 3.0 ports. You'll be staring into a 500 nit, LCD IPS display (and a 720p webcam) that offers five-point multitouch and a digitizer so you can scrawl down your notes with a stylus. Connectivity options include 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth and a choice of either LTE or Gobi global 3G. As you might have guessed from the name, it'll withstand a 30-inch drop and can take up to six ounces of freshly-brewed coffee being spilled over its magnesium alloy body. The Toughbook C2 starts shipping from December, with the base model setting you, and the Baltimore PD, back $2,949 with a three-year warranty.
Filed under: Laptops
Panasonic introduces new Toughbook C2 convertible tablet with Windows 8 Pro for $2,949 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/26/panasonic-toughbook-c2/
INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES (IBM)
Some Guy Bought the Data of 1.1 Million Facebook Users for Just 5 Bucks
Tip has Mobilicity's 21Mbps HSPA+ network going live next week with throttling after 6GB
Mobilicity's much-needed 21Mbps network upgrade may be almost at hand... with a catch. A leak to MobileSyrup reportedly has the HSPA+ network arriving sometime next week in tandem with an $80 Huawei E366 USB modem to exploit the new speeds. However, the Canadian carrier might just slap an asterisk on the end of that "unlimited" tag it's been using so far. Current customers may be relegated to a Basic Unlimited Data tier where any use past 6GB is potentially throttled; anyone needing full speed beyond that would have to either slap on a $20 Premium Data add-on or switch outright to a comprehensive $50 data plan, with both plans bumping the ceiling to 20GB. The two could remain better deals than for the major carriers, at least if you don't mind eschewing LTE. Nonetheless, any truth to the offerings might take away one more choice for truly unlimited data in the True North.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile
Tip has Mobilicity's 21Mbps HSPA+ network going live next week with throttling after 6GB originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |MobileSyrup | Email this | Comments
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/JdwgLoKjmzI/
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Amazon Q3 2012 earnings: $13.18 billion revenue, net loss of $274 million
Amazon has just released its earnings for the third quarter of the year and it looks like it's slightly off analysts' expectations. The company reported $13.18 billion in revenue (a growth of 27 percent) and an operating loss of $28 million, with net income standing at a loss of $274 million. As Amazon notes, though, a chunk of that, some $169 million, comes from losses resulting from its investment in LivingSocial -- it says the figure is "primarily attributable to its impairment charge of certain assets, including goodwill." Expectedly, the company still isn't offering any specific numbers for device sales, noting only that the Kindle Fire HD is the number one selling product across Amazon worldwide, and that the next two bestselling products worldwide are the Kindle Paperwhite and the $69 Kindle. As for its outlook for the next quarter, the company is expecting net sales of between $20.25 billion and $22.75 billion, and operating income of anywhere from a loss of $490 million to a profit of $310 million. You can find the company's full breakdown of all the numbers at the link below.
Continue reading Amazon Q3 2012 earnings: $13.18 billion revenue, net loss of $274 million
Filed under: Tablets, Internet, Amazon
Amazon Q3 2012 earnings: $13.18 billion revenue, net loss of $274 million originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |Amazon | Email this | Comments
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/q5Zs-wSVJJo/
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