Sometimes it takes a crafty, steel-nerved individual to leak an unreleased phone's details ahead of time. And then sometimes all it takes is a negligently uploaded video. An official promo for the Milestone 2 has popped up on YouTube before quickly being yanked by Moto. The Droid 2's international sibling unsurprisingly looks to be its carbon copy by another name: it features a 1GHz OMAP SOC, 512MB of RAM, a 5 megapixel imager, and Android 2.2 as the OS (complete with Flash Player and Froyo's native hotspot ability). We'll go out on a limb here and guess that this means the rest of the world will be getting its dose of Moto's latest and greatest QWERTY slider in very short order.
[Thanks, Thomas]
Update: Oh hello! Someone managed to rip the video before Motorola's retraction, so we've naturally got it embedded for you just past the break. And yes, whether you like it or not, Motoblur lives on. Thanks, qakgob!Continue reading Motorola Milestone 2 makes official, albeit unintentional, debut (video)Motorola Milestone 2 makes official, albeit unintentional, debut (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | MobiFlip.de | Email this | Comments
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Timbuk2 FreeStyle Netbook Messenger Review
I?ve looked for years to find just the right daily purse or gear bag.� I want a bag big enough to hold all my normal pocket stuff and the gadgets that I can?t live without, but I don?t want to spend so much money for it that I can?t afford to buy gadgets.� I have [...] Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: gear bag, iPad bag, messenger bagTimbuk2 FreeStyle Netbook Messenger Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2010 at 12:31 pm.
PogoPlugs Print! Also, Biz Model and WiFi Adapter Now Shipping
PogoPlug keeps getting better and better. Today they're announcing that wireless printing, first mentioned earlier this summer, is now available. Users can print from iPads, iPhones, Androids and pretty much any other Internet-connected device. While you're vacationing in Rio, you can print off instructions for your buddy who's house sitting for you! Or you can print off a stack of vacation photos while still on vacation! Also announced today is that the PogoPlug Biz and the PogoPlug WiFi Adapter are both shipping.
TECHNITROL TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE SYNTEL SYNTAX-BRILLIAN
LG's Android-based Optimus Pad gets pictured, looking tablet-like
We've already heard LG talk up its forthcoming Optimus tablet, and it looks like we now have our first look at it. As you can see above in a slide apparently shown during LG's pre-IFA Dealer Days event, the Android-based tablet is now apparently known as the "Optimus Pad," and it's described as boasting "superior performance" and being "thinner and lighter than many competitors' tablets." Not much more than that at the moment, unfortunately, but here's hoping that "more information to come" teaser is a lead-up to a full announcement at IFA this week.
[Thanks, Nicole]LG's Android-based Optimus Pad gets pictured, looking tablet-like originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Multimediawereld.be | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Nicole]LG's Android-based Optimus Pad gets pictured, looking tablet-like originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Multimediawereld.be | Email this | Comments
Photos: Putting Kindle 2 and Kindle 3 Head-to-Head
Most user reviews of the new Kindle 3, especially those with photo spreads, have focused on the newly-available graphite model, but if you really want to see the differences in the hardware, screen quality, and web capabilities in the new model, it may be more useful to put the two white models head-to-head.
Canon?s 8�8-Inch CMOS Sensor Sees in the Dark
You remember the saying about being as dark as a black cat in a coal cellar? Well, it turns out Canon has made a sensor that can photograph it.
The new, super-sensitive CMOS sensor is fresh from Canon’s labs, and measures 202 x 205mm. A 35mm film-frame (and its corresponding sensor) is 24�36mm. This makes the [...]
The new, super-sensitive CMOS sensor is fresh from Canon’s labs, and measures 202 x 205mm. A 35mm film-frame (and its corresponding sensor) is 24�36mm. This makes the [...]
Daily Crunch: Turtle Soup Edition
The Chewdriver (Tiny Hard Hat Not Included) R2D2 Edition Droid 2 Is The Star Wars Tie-In You?re Looking For Video: Creepily Realistic Robot Hand Just A Turtle Mouse, That?s All DIY: Build Your Own Sound Activated Flash
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Good Luck Enjoying Your PlayStation Move With These Orb-Obstructing Accessories [PlaystationMove]
Hyperkin's "Sports Victory Set" of PlayStation Move accessories has a couple of problems. First, they are a bit ridiculous looking. (But hey, waving a dagger around could be fun). More importantly, they will mess up the whole damn system. More »
Monday, August 30, 2010
Clearwire's Rover service goes live, offers $5/day 4G service
Looks like the prepaid wireless data market is starting to heat up: Clearwire just launched its Rover service, which offers 4G wireless data for as little as $5 a day -- with two free days included when you first sign up. That's not bad if you just need a quick hit here or there, although you need to pony up $150 for that Rover Puck WiFi hotspot we saw at the FCC last month or $100 for a USB stick, and anything more than a day quickly becomes less of a deal at $20/week and $50/month. Oh, and it's 4G-only, so if you're not living or working in a WiMAX city you're out of luck. Still, those prices aren't terribly out of line with the competition, although we might be more inclined to choose Virgin's $40/mo prepaid MiFi and settle for 3G speeds while getting more coverage. Decisions, decisions -- what a wonderful problem to have. PR after the break.Continue reading Clearwire's Rover service goes live, offers $5/day 4G serviceClearwire's Rover service goes live, offers $5/day 4G service originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Rover | Email this | Comments
OAuthpocalypse Tomorrow: Twitter Ending Basic Auth Support At 8 AM PT
A couple weeks ago, we noted the start of the "OAuthpocalypse" -- that is, Twitter's move to make all developers use OAuth rather than basic authentication for their third-party apps. Twitter expected some bumps as they were going to be continuously shutting stuff down and progressively limiting rates. That all ends tomorrow, as basic auth support will be officially killed off at 8 AM PT.
Originally, Twitter had said the death of auth would take place today, August 30th. But for whatever reason, they pushed it back until tomorrow (maybe they just didn't realize August had 31 days). Twitter's Douglas Bowman confirms this with a tweet today: "Basic Auth for Twitter is almost history. Rate limits are down to 15 requests/hour, and will be 0 by tomorrow."
Originally, Twitter had said the death of auth would take place today, August 30th. But for whatever reason, they pushed it back until tomorrow (maybe they just didn't realize August had 31 days). Twitter's Douglas Bowman confirms this with a tweet today: "Basic Auth for Twitter is almost history. Rate limits are down to 15 requests/hour, and will be 0 by tomorrow."
Hoyt Carbon Matrix Is One Crazy-Looking Hunting Bow [Hunting]
Hoyt's Carbon Matrix carbon fiber bow may be their lightest ever at just 3.8 pounds, but unless you're a bowhunter, who cares? The rest of us will want this $1,600 bow because it looks perfect for hunting Predators. [Hoyt] More »
Want to Tap into Brazil?s Money Spending Web World? Learn Portuguese or Move (TCTV)
Web adoption is growing faster in Latin America than anywhere on the planet, according to comScore. Its audience grew 23% over the last year, and currently makes up 8% of the global Web population. That?s larger than the Middle-East and Africa?s Web audiences combined, and almost half of North America?s Web population.
But underneath those rosy top-line numbers, the Latin American Web market is a mess of contradictions and that has implications for Internet companies in both South and North America hoping to cash in on the growing market. We invited Web entrepreneur Bob Wolheim of SixPix Content on this week?s ?Why Is This News? to discuss the reality of Web life on the ground.
Wolheim is a Brazilian, and no surprise he said that the simplest way to look at Latin America?s Internet market is to look at Brazil and countries-that-are-not-Brazil.
But underneath those rosy top-line numbers, the Latin American Web market is a mess of contradictions and that has implications for Internet companies in both South and North America hoping to cash in on the growing market. We invited Web entrepreneur Bob Wolheim of SixPix Content on this week?s ?Why Is This News? to discuss the reality of Web life on the ground.
Wolheim is a Brazilian, and no surprise he said that the simplest way to look at Latin America?s Internet market is to look at Brazil and countries-that-are-not-Brazil.
Samsung Claims Galaxy S Sells 1 Million in US [Android]
Samsung says they've sold a million Galaxy S phones in the US over a month and a half—not iPhone 4 debut numbers, but strong nonetheless. Verizon and Sprint will soon offer the Galaxy, following AT&T and T-Mobile. [Forbes] More »
Outside the U.S. ? Don't try to upgrade Voice in Gmail
Filed under: Google, VoIP
Now that I -- like a number of our international readers -- have the voice calling feature in my Gmail inbox, I fully intend to use it at least occasionally. Which is why I'm thankful this handy tip was posted over at Google OS this morning.
If you're outside the U.S. do not click the upgrade your account button. As you can see, the results are less than thrilling -- you'll lose access to the feature.
Hopefully Google will hide the button from non-U.S. users in the near future, but for now just resist the temptation to click and you should be OK!
Outside the U.S. ? Don't try to upgrade Voice in Gmail originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Now that I -- like a number of our international readers -- have the voice calling feature in my Gmail inbox, I fully intend to use it at least occasionally. Which is why I'm thankful this handy tip was posted over at Google OS this morning.
If you're outside the U.S. do not click the upgrade your account button. As you can see, the results are less than thrilling -- you'll lose access to the feature.
Hopefully Google will hide the button from non-U.S. users in the near future, but for now just resist the temptation to click and you should be OK!
Outside the U.S. ? Don't try to upgrade Voice in Gmail originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Finally, a reputable study from Mozilla highlights our Firefox porn-surfing habits
Filed under: Fun, Mozilla, Browsers
A recent Mozilla Test Pilot study has shone light on an uncomfortable truth: people are using their lunch breaks to masturbate.
Entitled "Understanding Private Browsing," the findings are remarkably clear; there are four very well-defined peaks in our Private Browsing habits, and most of our Private Browsing "sessions" are around 10 minutes long. Those four peaks are lunch break, after work/school, after dinner, and late at night.
But how did I get to the rather sticky conclusion of people masturbating in their lunch hour? Well, why else would people use Private Browsing Mode for just 10 minutes? Surely checking Facebook, Twitter, and email takes longer than 10 minutes. I mean, I want to believe that people only spend 10 minutes on their computer during lunch, but really, let's face it, ... that can't be the case.
The other factor that hasn't been addressed by Mozilla (or Mashable in their diagnosis), is that we must consider who opted into this Test Pilot study. I would guess that most Test Pilot users are bearded geeky types, academics, and students. I don't think there will be many Test Pilot users that work in secluded office cubicles. Mind you, university lecturers usually have their own offices, right ...? Ew...
Having said that, the idea of millions of Firefox users shutting their office doors at lunch break for a quick 10-minute stress reliever is completely disgusting. If anyone has another possible hypothesis about what people are doing with that 10 minute window, please let me know.
Share TweetFinally, a reputable study from Mozilla highlights our Firefox porn-surfing habits originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
A recent Mozilla Test Pilot study has shone light on an uncomfortable truth: people are using their lunch breaks to masturbate.
Entitled "Understanding Private Browsing," the findings are remarkably clear; there are four very well-defined peaks in our Private Browsing habits, and most of our Private Browsing "sessions" are around 10 minutes long. Those four peaks are lunch break, after work/school, after dinner, and late at night.
But how did I get to the rather sticky conclusion of people masturbating in their lunch hour? Well, why else would people use Private Browsing Mode for just 10 minutes? Surely checking Facebook, Twitter, and email takes longer than 10 minutes. I mean, I want to believe that people only spend 10 minutes on their computer during lunch, but really, let's face it, ... that can't be the case.
The other factor that hasn't been addressed by Mozilla (or Mashable in their diagnosis), is that we must consider who opted into this Test Pilot study. I would guess that most Test Pilot users are bearded geeky types, academics, and students. I don't think there will be many Test Pilot users that work in secluded office cubicles. Mind you, university lecturers usually have their own offices, right ...? Ew...
Having said that, the idea of millions of Firefox users shutting their office doors at lunch break for a quick 10-minute stress reliever is completely disgusting. If anyone has another possible hypothesis about what people are doing with that 10 minute window, please let me know.
Share TweetFinally, a reputable study from Mozilla highlights our Firefox porn-surfing habits originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chrome extensions with right-click context menus coming soon! And your chance to win a Chrome hoodie...
Filed under: Developer, Google, BrowsersIn a move that is surely an effort to keep pace with Firefox's helter-skelter development of Jetpack, Chrome Beta now has a context menu API!
There's also a bunch of other new APIs, the most exciting being the Omnibox API. Imagine Chrome's built-in search engines (type 'Amazon', then a space, and then a book name -- it searches Amazon!), but with extension access. Type the name of an extension into the Omnibox, and then any further input is redirected to the extension. Actually, having said this is an exciting addition, I'm really not sure what an extension would do with it... Perhaps something Ubiquity-esque?
The new Infobar API might be of interest, too. You know that blue bar that appears when Chrome asks you whether you want a page to be translated? Well, extensions can now pop those up for you. I can see security and privacy extensions like LastPass making use of them, or an extension that alerts you when a page you're visiting has an 'official Chrome extension' (you know, instead of that awful JavaScript hack...).
Oh, and if you make an extension (featuring the new APIs? It's not clear), let Google know and they might send you a free Chrome hoodie! Hooray.Chrome extensions with right-click context menus coming soon! And your chance to win a Chrome hoodie... originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
There's also a bunch of other new APIs, the most exciting being the Omnibox API. Imagine Chrome's built-in search engines (type 'Amazon', then a space, and then a book name -- it searches Amazon!), but with extension access. Type the name of an extension into the Omnibox, and then any further input is redirected to the extension. Actually, having said this is an exciting addition, I'm really not sure what an extension would do with it... Perhaps something Ubiquity-esque?
The new Infobar API might be of interest, too. You know that blue bar that appears when Chrome asks you whether you want a page to be translated? Well, extensions can now pop those up for you. I can see security and privacy extensions like LastPass making use of them, or an extension that alerts you when a page you're visiting has an 'official Chrome extension' (you know, instead of that awful JavaScript hack...).
Oh, and if you make an extension (featuring the new APIs? It's not clear), let Google know and they might send you a free Chrome hoodie! Hooray.Chrome extensions with right-click context menus coming soon! And your chance to win a Chrome hoodie... originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
From the forums: G2 wallpapers, a Froyo waiting room, and more
While the front page may be the best place to catch all the Android news and rumors, some real magic™ happens in the Android Central Forums. The Moderators work hard to keep things nice and friendly, and it's a great place to talk Android. Check 'em out.Wallpapers ripped from the leaked G2 ROM The Evo 4G car dock is shipping, and, yes, you can play music while it's attached, as SynOnYx explains.Pre-order your Epic 4G from The Shack? It might already be there, waiting for you and Tuesday.Just get your Droid X rooted? Check here for ideas about what comes next.If you got the Froyo update on your Incredible today, join in the conversation.And last but not least, drop in and congratulate Phil on the birth of his new baby girl! Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Check (In) Yo? Self Before You Wreck Yo? Self: Why Foursquare Users Check In ?Off The Grid?
This is a guest post by Hunter Walk (@hunterwalk) who conducted a survey of 500 Foursquare users to better understand their check in behaviors and motivations. His obsession with Foursquare is unrelated to his day job leading the consumer product team at YouTube, although he did at one point hold the Mayorship of their San Bruno headquarters.
Have you noticed ?Off the Grid? [OTG] appearing in your Foursquare feed recently? No, it?s not the latest trendy West Hollywood club or SF food cart. OTG is Foursquare?s ?privacy? feature where you check in to a location but don?t disclose it to your friends (while gaining any applicable points, badges, etc). What purpose does it serve to notify your friends that you?re out on the town but to hide the location? And what does it tell us about the future of location-based services & privacy? This was the question I set out to answer by�surveying nearly 500 Foursquare users.
Have you noticed ?Off the Grid? [OTG] appearing in your Foursquare feed recently? No, it?s not the latest trendy West Hollywood club or SF food cart. OTG is Foursquare?s ?privacy? feature where you check in to a location but don?t disclose it to your friends (while gaining any applicable points, badges, etc). What purpose does it serve to notify your friends that you?re out on the town but to hide the location? And what does it tell us about the future of location-based services & privacy? This was the question I set out to answer by�surveying nearly 500 Foursquare users.
Outside the U.S. ? Don't try to upgrade Voice in Gmail
Filed under: Google, VoIP
Now that I -- like a number of our international readers -- have the voice calling feature in my Gmail inbox, I fully intend to use it at least occasionally. Which is why I'm thankful this handy tip was posted over at Google OS this morning.
If you're outside the U.S. do not click the upgrade your account button. As you can see, the results are less than thrilling -- you'll lose access to the feature.
Hopefully Google will hide the button from non-U.S. users in the near future, but for now just resist the temptation to click and you should be OK!
Outside the U.S. ? Don't try to upgrade Voice in Gmail originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Now that I -- like a number of our international readers -- have the voice calling feature in my Gmail inbox, I fully intend to use it at least occasionally. Which is why I'm thankful this handy tip was posted over at Google OS this morning.
If you're outside the U.S. do not click the upgrade your account button. As you can see, the results are less than thrilling -- you'll lose access to the feature.
Hopefully Google will hide the button from non-U.S. users in the near future, but for now just resist the temptation to click and you should be OK!
Outside the U.S. ? Don't try to upgrade Voice in Gmail originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Dial Zero for Android is a great idea (you can skip automated customer service systems!), but so, so poorly implemented
Filed under: Utilities, Search, AndroidIt's such a fantastic concept: a database of customer service numbers with the buttons you need to push to skip the computers (and Indian call centers) to talk to a real, boner fidee Ameerikin who's just positively thrilled to be helping you with your problem. Unfortunately, while one of the best ideas I've ever seen, Dial Zero utterly fails in its implementation.
It makes you wonder if the developer was under the effects of crack -- I mean, how hard is it to make a search box that actually searches? How about removing banner ads that obscure one of the most vital parts of the program? Don't get me started on the Latest Comments and Head-To-Head sections either -- I can't even begin to guess at their purpose.
The sad thing is, Dial Zero for iPhone has a veritable feast of good reviews -- probably because it doesn't include hideous ads on every page of the app. Or maybe because the search function actually works.
But the thing is, despite its abject awfulness, Dial Zero for Android still has a big list of customer service phone numbers. It still has some great tips for skipping the automated service, or how to get a USA-based representative. It even has a few UK numbers (but God help you if you think searching for 'UK' will bring them up...)
And of course it's free. Being free shouldn't excuse submoronic interface design, though.
Share TweetDial Zero for Android is a great idea (you can skip automated customer service systems!), but so, so poorly implemented originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
It makes you wonder if the developer was under the effects of crack -- I mean, how hard is it to make a search box that actually searches? How about removing banner ads that obscure one of the most vital parts of the program? Don't get me started on the Latest Comments and Head-To-Head sections either -- I can't even begin to guess at their purpose.
The sad thing is, Dial Zero for iPhone has a veritable feast of good reviews -- probably because it doesn't include hideous ads on every page of the app. Or maybe because the search function actually works.
But the thing is, despite its abject awfulness, Dial Zero for Android still has a big list of customer service phone numbers. It still has some great tips for skipping the automated service, or how to get a USA-based representative. It even has a few UK numbers (but God help you if you think searching for 'UK' will bring them up...)
And of course it's free. Being free shouldn't excuse submoronic interface design, though.
Share TweetDial Zero for Android is a great idea (you can skip automated customer service systems!), but so, so poorly implemented originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
SecBrowsing: Chrome's bundled Flash is making out-of-date plug-ins history
Filed under: Security, Google, Browsers
When Google began working on a built-in Flash plug-in for Chrome, they cited a handful of key motivations. They wanted a more hassle-free web experience for end users, more modern alternative to the aging NPAPI architecture, better security, and an easier way to deliver updates.
According to the SecBrowsing blog, their update aspirations have been a smashing success.
The traditional Flash updater is easy enough to avoid -- I often work on end users systems and see the beleaguered Flash updater crying out for attention from the system tray. Sadly, its cries often go ignored. Chrome's internal updater, however, can't be ignored. When there's a update to the browser or an internal plug-in, by Odin's beard, you're going to get it!
Within just two days of the most recent Flash update, fewer than 30% of SecBrowsing visitors were running an out-of-date version. That's compared to 14 days with the previous release -- a substantial improvement.
No comparisons to other browsers are given, but I've got to think that Chrome users are well ahead of the curve here.SecBrowsing: Chrome's bundled Flash is making out-of-date plug-ins history originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
When Google began working on a built-in Flash plug-in for Chrome, they cited a handful of key motivations. They wanted a more hassle-free web experience for end users, more modern alternative to the aging NPAPI architecture, better security, and an easier way to deliver updates.
According to the SecBrowsing blog, their update aspirations have been a smashing success.
The traditional Flash updater is easy enough to avoid -- I often work on end users systems and see the beleaguered Flash updater crying out for attention from the system tray. Sadly, its cries often go ignored. Chrome's internal updater, however, can't be ignored. When there's a update to the browser or an internal plug-in, by Odin's beard, you're going to get it!
Within just two days of the most recent Flash update, fewer than 30% of SecBrowsing visitors were running an out-of-date version. That's compared to 14 days with the previous release -- a substantial improvement.
No comparisons to other browsers are given, but I've got to think that Chrome users are well ahead of the curve here.SecBrowsing: Chrome's bundled Flash is making out-of-date plug-ins history originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Bye Bye iPhone 4, Hello Droid X!
Well, it’s official folks. My AT&T contract has been terminated and my new line on Verizon has been activated with the Motorola Droid X. The whole process was quick and painless. I know I’m going to miss the iPhone 4 hardware and apps. I’m not even going to pretend that I won’t. But one look [...] Filed in categories: Android related, News, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: droid x, iPhone4Bye Bye iPhone 4, Hello Droid X! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 26, 2010 at 2:45 pm.
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Borders to be Offering the Android-based Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet from Velocity Micro
Borders is expanding their ebook reader offerings again.� They’ll soon have two Android-based devices from Velocity Micro.��They are�the Cruz �Reader (left)�and the Cruz Tablet (right).� Both come pre-loaded with the Borders ebook reader app, both�have 7″ TFT full-color displays and Android operating systems, allow web surfing, listening to music, and watching video.� Both have accelerometers, [...] Filed in categories: Android related, News, eBook Readers and GearTagged: Android ebook reader, Android tabletBorders to be Offering the Android-based Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet from Velocity Micro originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 27, 2010 at 8:33 am.
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Ex-Googler and Ex-Facebooker Start Invite-Only Workspace Sunfire Offices
A unique spin on the concept of co-working space, Sunfire Offices was started three months ago by ex- Google engineering manager Niniane Wang and and ex-Facebook engineering manager Yishan Wong. While there are plenty of other co-working spaces in downtown Mountain View, like Hacker Dojo and Plug In Play, Wong and Wang, not satisfied with the available options, decided to create one of their own.
So they rented office space and got funding from a number of angel investors including Keith Rabois and James Hogan, who completely sponsored the space, meaning that Wong and Wang were then able to offer it rent free to other startups and individuals working on personal projects,?Our goal was to build a co-working space focused on top-tier talent.?
So they rented office space and got funding from a number of angel investors including Keith Rabois and James Hogan, who completely sponsored the space, meaning that Wong and Wang were then able to offer it rent free to other startups and individuals working on personal projects,?Our goal was to build a co-working space focused on top-tier talent.?
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Epic 4G rooted before it's released
The Sprint Epic 4G is the latest Android phone to get rooted before it's even available for sale. The new root method developed by Sebastian Krahmer used to root the Droid 2, the Evo 4G, and the Motorola Backflip looks like the long sought universal root many of us have been waiting for, unless I jinxed it by talking about it.The hackers over at SDX-Developers have the root method working, and are in the process of simplifying things for those who aren't total Android nerds. If you are a total Android nerd and want to offer to lend a hand, or just curious about the progress have a look at the source link. [SDX-Developers] Thanks Rufflez!Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
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10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers
Filed under: Fun, Utilities, Windows, Education, Android
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Make Your Own Custom Earbuds For Cheap [DIY]
Just yesterday I was thinking that it might finally be time to pony up for some custom earbuds. But the price! Thankfully, the internet gods answered with this simple do-it-yourself guide. Ready to put some blue goop in your ears? More »
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Samsung 90 and 30 series LCDs work hard as computer monitors, play hard as 1080p HDTVs
The dividing line between computer monitor and HDTV grows ever thinner. Samsung is announcing two new series of multi-function monitors, displays that handle the computing you need with sizes ranging from 21.5- to 24-inches, 1920 x 1080 worth of pixels, and a response time of 5ms. But, they also handle the entertainment you want, with HDTV tuners, built-in speakers, and even remote controls. The $420, 24-inch 90 Series offers LED-backlighting and a retina-punishing 5,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, while the 21.5-, 23-, and 24-inch 30 Series makes do with a paltry 70,000:1 dynamic ratio at prices ranging from $270 to $330. All these genre-benders are shipping now, perfect for your dorm room escapades.Continue reading Samsung 90 and 30 series LCDs work hard as computer monitors, play hard as 1080p HDTVsSamsung 90 and 30 series LCDs work hard as computer monitors, play hard as 1080p HDTVs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Nike Air Maxes get a Wii Balance Board infusion
Recently Nike -- a shoe company that seems to enjoy a side dish of tech from time to time -- challenged 78 artists to "hack" its shoes and come up with something decidedly different than your typical Air Force Ones. Now, a lot of the projects were more art and less tech, but that can't be said for entrant Nick Marsh's contribution to the experiment. The designer fused the internals of a Wii Balance Board with a pair of Air Maxes to create a gaming experience that may not be nuanced, but certainly seems capable of making you break a sweat. According to Nick, games are played exactly as they would have been previously, but since you can't step of the board, you're required to lift your foot or sit down when you need to back off on the pressure. Nick finished the project in April, but it sounds like a slightly more polished version could be in the offing. Check out a quick video of the shoes in action after the break, and hit the source for a slew of pics.Continue reading Nike Air Maxes get a Wii Balance Board infusionNike Air Maxes get a Wii Balance Board infusion originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink DVICE | Nick Marsh | Email this | Comments
Daily Crunch: Gator Vs. Stapler Edition
You Will Be Punched With An Alligator Halo 2600: Halo Redone For the Atari 2600 Thanko Sells USB Stapler Japan Seems Ready To Invest $2.3 Billion To Send Robots To The Moon Giveaway: Win a Cadence 4-bit Binary Watch
Control a Lamp With a Remote Control Light Switch
ThinkGeek is offering a remote control light switch that allows you to�control a�lamp without the expense of having a light switch installed.� You plug a module into a power socket, then�plug�a lamp into the module.�Place the Instant Switch within 60 feet of the power module and you’ll be able to remotely flip the lamp on/off [...] Filed in categories: Home Tech, NewsTagged: Remote-control light switchControl a Lamp With a Remote Control Light Switch originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 27, 2010 at 7:30 am.
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Fong iPhone 4 Tripod Adapter as Ugly as it is Practical
Gary Fong, the company behind those plastic-cup-like attachments you see atop many a photojournalist’s flashguns, has come up with an iPhone 4 tripod mount. The plastic adapter looks like it was given roughly a minute’s thought before a back-of-the-napkin sketch was put into production.
Thanks to the squared-off shape of the iPhone 4, almost no custom-shaping [...]
Thanks to the squared-off shape of the iPhone 4, almost no custom-shaping [...]
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Friday, August 27, 2010
Windows DLL exploit could cause problems, and there's no immediate fix available
Filed under: OS Updates, Security, Windows
It seems an old, well-known Windows DLL issue might soon find its way into a virus near you!
I wouldn't worry too much though. As I said, it's a very old issue that hasn't been fixed in a long time. Basically, DLL files are libraries of functions. Most programs load a bunch of DLLs when they start-up, and if you can infect those DLLs -- or replace them with malicious counterparts -- then you can very easily hack the system. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that one DLL might call any number of other DLLs. Still, the problem remains that you have to get those bad DLLs onto the user's system, which isn't easy.
CNet has more information, direct from Microsoft:
"At this time, we encourage customers to review and apply the guidance in Security Advisory 2269637. Also, it should be noted that DLL planting requires significant user interaction and cannot be exploited by simply browsing to a web page. An attacker would have to convince a user to click a link to their SMB (Server Message Block) or WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) share and then convince the user to open a file from that share which would trigger additional dialogs prompting the user to OK the action."
As you can see, you and I aren't going to be fooled by this new attack vector -- but it might be worth telling your friends and family about it! This nasty little bug won't be going away for some time, and dozens of very popular Windows programs like Office 2007, µTorrent, and Firefox 3.6.8 are vulnerable.
For further reading, here's a published example of how you might exploit iTunes on Windows. Offensive Security even has a video of the exploit in action! Again, don't worry too much -- just don't click any odd links from people you don't trust and you'll be fine.Windows DLL exploit could cause problems, and there's no immediate fix available originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
It seems an old, well-known Windows DLL issue might soon find its way into a virus near you!
I wouldn't worry too much though. As I said, it's a very old issue that hasn't been fixed in a long time. Basically, DLL files are libraries of functions. Most programs load a bunch of DLLs when they start-up, and if you can infect those DLLs -- or replace them with malicious counterparts -- then you can very easily hack the system. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that one DLL might call any number of other DLLs. Still, the problem remains that you have to get those bad DLLs onto the user's system, which isn't easy.
CNet has more information, direct from Microsoft:
"At this time, we encourage customers to review and apply the guidance in Security Advisory 2269637. Also, it should be noted that DLL planting requires significant user interaction and cannot be exploited by simply browsing to a web page. An attacker would have to convince a user to click a link to their SMB (Server Message Block) or WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning) share and then convince the user to open a file from that share which would trigger additional dialogs prompting the user to OK the action."
As you can see, you and I aren't going to be fooled by this new attack vector -- but it might be worth telling your friends and family about it! This nasty little bug won't be going away for some time, and dozens of very popular Windows programs like Office 2007, µTorrent, and Firefox 3.6.8 are vulnerable.
For further reading, here's a published example of how you might exploit iTunes on Windows. Offensive Security even has a video of the exploit in action! Again, don't worry too much -- just don't click any odd links from people you don't trust and you'll be fine.Windows DLL exploit could cause problems, and there's no immediate fix available originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Viking Modular's SATADIMM jacks an SSD into your memory slot
Explaining the differences between DRAM and non-volatile storage is about to get that little bit harder, thanks to Viking Modular. The company's decided to "borrow" the DIMM form factor for its latest enterprise SSD offering, equipping it with a 240-pin array to draw power from your spare memory slots. Of course, you'll still need to hook up a SATA cable to get data flowing to this SSD -- at a very respectable 260MBps for both read and write -- but we must admit we're in love with the very idea of it. This new design offers another option for consolidating storage right onto the motherboard and should help case modders yearning for ever-slimmer enclosures. Alas, the SATADIMM is only available to enterprise and OEM clients for now, but we can't think of any reason why it won't test the consumer waters as well -- if not by Viking, maybe someone else?
[Thanks, David]Continue reading Viking Modular's SATADIMM jacks an SSD into your memory slotViking Modular's SATADIMM jacks an SSD into your memory slot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gizmag | Viking Modular | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, David]Continue reading Viking Modular's SATADIMM jacks an SSD into your memory slotViking Modular's SATADIMM jacks an SSD into your memory slot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gizmag | Viking Modular | Email this | Comments
XILINX WESTERN DIGITAL VOLT INFORMATION SCIENCES VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY
Gadget Lab Podcast: iPods, Tablets, and Wireless Remedies
The Gadget Lab crew kicks off this week’s podcast with a look at Dylan Tweney’s ugly new kicks, a pair of surf shoes made of recycled soda bottles. They cost $70. Seriously.
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Moving on from cheesy hippy apparel, Brian X. Chen shares the news [...]
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Moving on from cheesy hippy apparel, Brian X. Chen shares the news [...]
Nike Air Maxes get a Wii Balance Board infusion
Recently Nike -- a shoe company that seems to enjoy a side dish of tech from time to time -- challenged 78 artists to "hack" its shoes and come up with something decidedly different than your typical Air Force Ones. Now, a lot of the projects were more art and less tech, but that can't be said for entrant Nick Marsh's contribution to the experiment. The designer fused the internals of a Wii Balance Board with a pair of Air Maxes to create a gaming experience that may not be nuanced, but certainly seems capable of making you break a sweat. According to Nick, games are played exactly as they would have been previously, but since you can't step of the board, you're required to lift your foot or sit down when you need to back off on the pressure. Nick finished the project in April, but it sounds like a slightly more polished version could be in the offing. Check out a quick video of the shoes in action after the break, and hit the source for a slew of pics.Continue reading Nike Air Maxes get a Wii Balance Board infusionNike Air Maxes get a Wii Balance Board infusion originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink DVICE | Nick Marsh | Email this | Comments
Palm Pre fake tires of waiting for webOS 2.0, takes up iOS and BlackBerry OS lookalikes instead
We feel your pain: you love your BlackBerry at work and your iPhone for personal use, but as hardware goes, nothing gets your motor running quite like the Pre's pebble-esque shell. Trust us, we've all been there! Well, a new clone out of China seeks solve all your technological woes by combining an iOS-inspired user interface and the Pre's body -- with an iPhone home button thrown in for good measure, of course -- and when the time comes to throw on the suit and tie and head to work, you can switch the UI over to BlackBerry mode. As far as we can tell, it still functions like an iOS clone here, but at least the skin will remind you of the good ol' Bold days. Looks like you can't buy this thing online, but considering how well the software works in most of these things, it's probably for the best.Palm Pre fake tires of waiting for webOS 2.0, takes up iOS and BlackBerry OS lookalikes instead originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MIC Gadget | m8cool | Email this | Comments
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Hillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote to life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, too
We had some fun playing with LG's Magic Motion gesture remote at CES this past January, which lets you change channels with a flick of the wrist, and now we're learning a little more about its fancy innards. Hillcrest Labs, the company behind the Loop mouse/bracelet, is proudly proclaiming that its Freespace tech is what makes LG's remote so magical in the first place. Hillcrest also would like to take this opportunity to point out that Sony has licensed its technology as well, and given we're but a few weeks away from the PlayStation Move launch, many are concluding that gadget has some Freespace up in it too. However, given Hillcrest's nasty patent dispute with Nintendo over the Wiimote, it's possible this is just Sony covering its ample posterior against a similar lawsuit. Or, this could go all the way back to the tech that allows the DualShock 3 to detect movement. (Remember trying to play that dragon game just with motion controls? Man, that was hard.)Continue reading Hillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote to life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, tooHillcrest Labs brings LG's Magic Motion remote to life, cheekily points out that Sony uses it, too originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Dear Logitech ... Your Revue Google TV ads are kinda creepy
Sincerely, Palm. (That said, my dog does the same thing. Check out the video after the break. Or don't. Up to you. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.)
Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
Sept. 9 a possible launch date for the Verizon Fascinate, tie-in with MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12
Where, oh where, is the Verizon Fascinate? We've been waiting for the final U.S. version of the Samsung Galaxy S to hit (and watching our hands-on with it over and over), and it looks like it might be in a couple short weeks. This screen from Verizon -- it actually has to do phones provided to Verizon employees -- shows "Device shipping around 9/6 based on a 9/9 launch." Add to that the fact that the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards -- taking place Sept. 12 -- are sponsored in part by the "Samsung Fascinate - A Galaxy Phone," (thanks, orcares) and it seems like we're getting pretty darn close.That could well just be a 9/9 "launch" for employees, but that's on odd term to use just for that, right? And with all that said, the usual caveat about not counting our chickens before they hatch, but the Fascinate can't get into our fat little fingers soon enough.(And, yes, that's the Microsoft KIN that's mentioned there. Verizon's trying to get it out of its employees' pockets, and we certainly can't blame them.)Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
The Sharper Image announces Literati color e-reader
The Sharper Image may not be quite the retail presence it once was, but it looks like it's still in good enough shape to hop on the latest trend -- it's just announced "The Literati by The Sharper Image," a $159 e-reader with a 7-inch color screen. That device actually comes courtesy of MerchSource, and relies on Kobo's ebook service to get books on the device (which can be downloaded via WiFi). Otherwise, things look to be fairly basic -- the screen is 800 x 480 (and not a touchscreen), and there's apparently no web browser or other types of apps on the device to be found. You will get 150 free public domain books with the device though, along with a free case, and your choice of a white or black / brushed metallic model (which actually look to be slightly different in design). It also looks like you'll be seeing a lot of it -- The Sharper Image says that it will have the "broadest retail footprint of any eReader," with it set to be available at more than 7,000 retail stores this October, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, JC Penney, Kohl's and Macy's. Full press release is after the break.Continue reading The Sharper Image announces Literati color e-readerThe Sharper Image announces Literati color e-reader originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink SlashGear | The Literati | Email this | Comments
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Acer LumiRead set for an IFA showing, October launch in Germany
Given how fast the new Kindle's been selling, we doubt many of you were keenly holding out for Acer's alternative -- but if you were, the wait is apparently nearing an end. An Acer spokesperson has confirmed that the barcode scanning-LumiRead will be shipping out to retail channels (in Germany, at least) this October, and early speculation on its price places it at around €250 ($316). That's an unconfirmed number, so don't freak out just yet, and Acer points to the fact it'll pack one of the widest German-language e-libraries on any e-reading device. Maybe prices will be somewhat more competitive in other territories, where the major attractions will be WiFi and 3G wireless capabilities, a 6-inch, 800 x 600 E Ink display, and a Barnes and Noble content partnership. And hey, maybe when we hit IFA in a couple of days they might finally let us take it out of the box as well, eh? We can only dream.Continue reading Acer LumiRead set for an IFA showing, October launch in GermanyAcer LumiRead set for an IFA showing, October launch in Germany originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | lesen.net | Email this | Comments
Mitsubishi debuts three full HD 3D televisions... coming to a sweet home theater near you
Mitsubishi Japan has announced three brand new, full HD tvs for your home theater-loving pleasure. Much like the Panasonics recently unleashed, all three boast the ability to record to their hard drives or Blu-ray. Spec-wise, they've got full HD, backlit LCDs, 1TB HDDs, a ten speaker Diatone system, USB and SD slots, and HDMI. The sets, which come in 40, 46, and 55-inches, also come with a pair of 3D glasses. They'll be available in Japan in October for roughly $3,500, $4,700 and $5,900, respectively. Mitsubishi debuts three full HD 3D televisions... coming to a sweet home theater near you originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CrunchGear | Mitsubishi Japan | Email this | Comments
QUALCOMM QUANTA COMPUTER RESEARCH IN MOTION ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS
Droid 2 root method finds its way online
The very first line of the forum post on xda-developers says it best -- proceed at your own risk -- but if you've been kept up at night waiting for root to be gained on Verizon's recently-released Droid 2, it looks like your day has come. The process involves tethering up to your PC and transferring a couple binaries, but seems straightforward enough and should open the door to surcharge-free tethering and other apps that require root access. We've no doubt Motorola will be looking to patch this up with the next OTA push, of course, so update carefully from here on out.
[Thanks, Jonathan]Droid 2 root method finds its way online originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | xda-developers | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Jonathan]Droid 2 root method finds its way online originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | xda-developers | Email this | Comments
ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL APPLE COMPUTER APPLIED MATERIALS ARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT
Wesley Snipes Was Almost Geordi La Forge, and Other Star Trek: TNG Casting Fun [What If]
In a strong argument for the existence of alternate realities, according to this purported 1987 Star Trek: The Next Generation casting sheet Wesley Snipes was once a front-runner to play Geordi La Forge. UPDATED: More »
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
iPADock overachieves in the best sort of way
Yeah, it's iPAD, not iPad, for this dock. PhotoFast's iPADock can be configured to handle dual iPads, four iPhones, or two iPhones and one iPad, thanks to its modular design. Of course, you have to thread your own iPad or iPhone charging cables through the dock, and then jack into one of the plentiful powered USB plugs in the back (three regular, four power-only), but that's only a minor detail. The back also harbors memory card slots galore and a stash for your iPad Camera Connection Kit dongles, so quit whining. You'll be able to score the iPADock in Japan at the end of next month for 5980 yen (about $71 US), and PhotoFast is on the hunt for a US distributor.iPADock overachieves in the best sort of way originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gearlog | PhotoFast | Email this | Comments
How iTV Will Kill Cable: The Long, Slow Way
I'm a big fan of sunshine and the outdoors, but I'm anxiously awaiting September and the indoor tech gadget screen time it now represents to me. Why? Since Apple first introduced the iPad nano in September of 2005, the company has delivered a new iPod and some raging new features to its iTunes ecosystem around that time every year. Big announcements. This September will be no different.
TELETECH HOLDINGS TECHNITROL TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE SYNTEL
Does Kanye's Twitter Mark the Death of Music Magazines? [Qotd]
There's an interesting conversation happening over on the music internets today about technology and the state of music magazines. The premise: Kanye West is Tweeting so prolifically and Ustreaming so earnestly that he's totally outmoded the standard magazine profile. More »
SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS SILICON LABORATORIES SI INTERNATIONAL SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY
Stephen Colbert's Internet Privacy Smackdown [Colbert]
The Colbert Report set its sights last night on internet privacy—skewering CEO Eric Schmidt, especially, for saying we'll all need name changes someday. More »
INTERDIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS INTEL INSIGHT ENTERPRISES INGRAM MICRO
5 must-have back-to-school apps for your computer and smartphone
Filed under: Productivity, Lists
Chances are good that you use more than one gadget to help with schoolwork. If you have a laptop or desktop computer and do-it-all smartphone at your disposal there are some great applications which can be a huge help at school regardless of which device you've got your hands on.
From taking notes in class to accessing files at home to staving off forgetfulness, these five highly-useful apps are ready to lend you a hand at all times!
Dropbox
Those of you who need to work on projects with other classmates should definitely check out Dropbox. A free 2GB account gives you plenty of space to store and share documents, images, lecture recordings, or just about anything else. DropBox offers desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux and mobile apps for Android, Blackberry, and iPhone -- plus there's a handy web interface. For anywhere, anytime access to files, Dropbox is an excellent choice.
Evernote
Like Dropbox, Evernote has apps for just about every device you'd want to use it on. Use it to record voice notes during class, scrawl important details just like you would in a paper notebook, clip items from relevant websites you visit... Put simply, it's one of the most versatile and powerful note-taking apps you'll find for any computer or phone.
Remember the Milk
When I was attending the University of Kentucky, my "reminder service" consisted of my forgetful roommate and an 8.5x11" whiteboard on the back of our door -- which was frequently covered by a hoody. Having a to-do app like Remember the Milk would have been an extremely handy way to stay on top of assignment deadlines. RTM can sync with just about any calendar software and alert you via email, SMS, Twitter, or just about any other method (apart from magical white owls).
You'll need a pro account for the best experience on your mobile, but it's well worth the $25 per year. That should be an easy sell to your parents if you don't want to pony up yourself.
Skype
The longtime standard for voice and video calling from a computer, Skype also offers a mobile app for iPhone, and Android and Blackberry apps are on the way. Free calls to your family and friends means more money for happy hour at the off-campus... er... book store. Yeah, that's it...
TeamViewer
At first blush, TeamViewer might seem like an odd choice for this list -- but hear me out. If you've got two computers and you're away from one, there's always a chance you'll need to access a file on it. It's happened to me a hundred times. TeamViewer lets you jump in remotely and transfer files or take control over your system no matter where you are. With iPhone and iPad apps and a browser-based client built with Flash (so you should be able to run it on an Android 2.2 phone), TeamViewer is an excellent way to make sure you can always get at your computer.
Got another great app for school which is just as useful on your phone as it is on your desktop or laptop? Share it in the comments!
Share Tweet5 must-have back-to-school apps for your computer and smartphone originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chances are good that you use more than one gadget to help with schoolwork. If you have a laptop or desktop computer and do-it-all smartphone at your disposal there are some great applications which can be a huge help at school regardless of which device you've got your hands on.
From taking notes in class to accessing files at home to staving off forgetfulness, these five highly-useful apps are ready to lend you a hand at all times!
Dropbox
Those of you who need to work on projects with other classmates should definitely check out Dropbox. A free 2GB account gives you plenty of space to store and share documents, images, lecture recordings, or just about anything else. DropBox offers desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux and mobile apps for Android, Blackberry, and iPhone -- plus there's a handy web interface. For anywhere, anytime access to files, Dropbox is an excellent choice.
Evernote
Like Dropbox, Evernote has apps for just about every device you'd want to use it on. Use it to record voice notes during class, scrawl important details just like you would in a paper notebook, clip items from relevant websites you visit... Put simply, it's one of the most versatile and powerful note-taking apps you'll find for any computer or phone.
Remember the Milk
When I was attending the University of Kentucky, my "reminder service" consisted of my forgetful roommate and an 8.5x11" whiteboard on the back of our door -- which was frequently covered by a hoody. Having a to-do app like Remember the Milk would have been an extremely handy way to stay on top of assignment deadlines. RTM can sync with just about any calendar software and alert you via email, SMS, Twitter, or just about any other method (apart from magical white owls).
You'll need a pro account for the best experience on your mobile, but it's well worth the $25 per year. That should be an easy sell to your parents if you don't want to pony up yourself.
Skype
The longtime standard for voice and video calling from a computer, Skype also offers a mobile app for iPhone, and Android and Blackberry apps are on the way. Free calls to your family and friends means more money for happy hour at the off-campus... er... book store. Yeah, that's it...
TeamViewer
At first blush, TeamViewer might seem like an odd choice for this list -- but hear me out. If you've got two computers and you're away from one, there's always a chance you'll need to access a file on it. It's happened to me a hundred times. TeamViewer lets you jump in remotely and transfer files or take control over your system no matter where you are. With iPhone and iPad apps and a browser-based client built with Flash (so you should be able to run it on an Android 2.2 phone), TeamViewer is an excellent way to make sure you can always get at your computer.
Got another great app for school which is just as useful on your phone as it is on your desktop or laptop? Share it in the comments!
Share Tweet5 must-have back-to-school apps for your computer and smartphone originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
SONUS NETWORKS SONIC AUTOMOTIVE SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS SILICON LABORATORIES
10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers
Filed under: Fun, Utilities, Windows, Education, Android
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
First up, let me congratulate you on buying an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone. You've just saved a few hundred dollars that could be better spent on beer, bitches/blokes and books. And if you have a little money left after that, you could buy a few Android apps too!
Having said that, most of the apps in this list are free with the option to pay some money if you want bonus features or you want to get rid of the ads. One or two only have paid versions, but there is almost always a free alternative.
I've broken them down into categories -- Study, Recreation and WTF?! -- just for your viewing pleasure.
Study
Yes, study comes first. You might disagree with me -- especially if you're starting your first year at university -- but I have to maintain some scruples. Remember, kids, school is all about learning! All the fun stuff begins after you graduate! In your office cubicle! For the next 40 years of your life!
Yeah right...
Note: to download an app you need to open Android Market on your phone and type in the app's name!
EverPaper (free)
EverPaper is like a glorious mix of both Evernote and Instapaper. Evernote has its own official app, but EverPaper works just fine, and it's nice to have access to both services from the same app. Both Instapaper and Evernote are 'read it later' tools, incidentally. If you're poring through Wikipedia on campus and want to save some interesting links for later, or if a lecturer gives you a link to read after class, EverPaper can help.
RepliGo Reader ($3.99) and GDocs (free)
Do you need to access your Google Docs on the move? Or perhaps your lecturer or classmate sent you a PDF attachment that you need to view? In either case, these two apps are great. Android PDF Viewer is a free alternative to RepliGo, but it's nowhere near as useful or responsive.
NewsRob (free, or $4.99)
Google Reader does have a mobile version of its website, but NewsRob is a far better solution. It's so good that you probably want to spend $4.99 on the pro version! Just type in your Google account details and watch as all of your unread RSS feeds synchronize. By default it downloads the body of stories too (including images), for offline use.
As an aside, does anyone know why this thing's called NewsRob? I bet it was developed by someone called Rob...
Barcode Scanner (free) and Document Scanner ($3.98)
Two different apps, but both equally awesome. Barcode Scanner lets you scan almost any barcode -- books, CDs, QR codes -- and then look up prices, reviews and so on. Really, download it and give it a go on a book you own; it's so, so cool. Imagine scanning a book at the university bookshop and finding out it's cheaper on Amazon...
Document Scanner converts photos of your paper documents into PDFs, which you can then email to wherever you like. It doesn't do text recognition though -- it's just a PDF with an image in, I think.
Swype (free, but closed beta) and SwiftKey (free)
If you're going to do any kind of data entry on your phone, you need Swype or SwiftKey. Swype is about 1000 times better than SwiftKey, but it's still in beta testing. SwiftKey is still a lot better than Android's default on-screen keyboard, though.
Swype is so fast that you could probably take notes in classes with your Android phone quite effectively. Who needs paper nowadays, anyway?
Fun & Recreation
Of course, after all that hard studying stuff, you need to unwind! Relax! Most students opt for the Xbox-and-beer method of unwinding, but what if you spent all your money on beer and forgot to buy the Xbox? Or maybe you like to go out and drink beer, or go to the cinema? Well, there are plenty of apps that can help you!
Fandango and IMDb (both free) (Flixster is pretty good, too)
Use Fandango to find out what films are on in your area, and IMDb to check if they're good or not! You can also book tickets with the Fandango app, which is rather handy. The IMDb app has exactly the same data as the free website, so if you ever find yourself in the pub or playground and need to break a tie, or wow your friends with an encyclopadic knowledge of film, this app's for you.
Incidentally, even if you're not into films, IMDb also does TV listings!
Yelp and Google's Places Directory (both free)
Both of these great apps can help you find somewhere to eat, drink or relax in your local vicinity -- and if Yelp doesn't return enough results, try the Places Directory! Generally you'll get the best results if you live in the USA, but most of western Europe also has good coverage.
Cab4me (free)
This app is as awesome as you think. No longer will you be tempted to drink and drive -- and no longer will one poor sod play the designated driver!
Cab4me works out either your network-based or GPS location, displays a pretty Google Map of your location, and then prompts you with the local taxi companies. For some companies it just shows a number (which you can dial directly), while for some it even shows which cars they have available and the tariffs. I've only tested it in south England, but I'm sure it's good for the entirety of America and western Europe.
Google Sky Map (free)
I wasn't sure if this one counted as educational, recreational or WTF -- to be honest, it depends if you find the sky interesting or not! Google Sky Map is new (it's still in beta), but it's one of those wondrous apps that makes the smartphone crusade a little more tolerable. If only there was a Sky Map for every app that takes photos of your friends and makes them look fat. It would all balance out...
Anyway, install Google Sky Map, go outside at night, and hold your phone up to the sky. Trust me, you'll make all sorts of odd, awed noises (or simply 'totally awweeesssome!!!', if you live on the West Coast).
WTF?!
Finally, when all's said and done, when you're laying semi-comatose on a friend's bed waiting for the sun to rise, or stuck at a bus stop in cold, driving rain, you instinctively reach for your phone and look for something to do. These apps don't really have a use, other than to put a smile on your face, or to waste a few minutes.
Twitter and Facebook (both free)
If by some divine tragedy you don't check Twitter and Facebook enough from your desktop computer, there are two very nice Android apps that you can use. They let you post updates (and pictures), or browse your friends' profiles (and pictures, in Facebook's case).
How better to while away half an hour at the bus stop than by posting 'I'm standing at a bus stop' on Facebook?
Bump (free)
The concept behind this app is great, and I can see how it might be really cool in a social setting like school or university. Basically, you just bump two phones together (both running the Bump app), and they then share some information -- a photo, your contact details, calendar events, etc. It works like a door knock -- the devices only send data out when both are knocked at the same time.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to try it out, but I can imagine it becoming the Next Big Thing at night clubs and bars. Don't shout your phone number like an enraged orangutan into his or her ear! Just bump your phones! (And later... your hips...)
Tricorder (free, of course!)
I leave you with one of the most-downloaded (250,000+!) and highest-rated (4.5 out of 5!) apps on the Market. The great thing is, it's not even a novelty app! It's a REAL APP! Tricorder actually uses real data from your phone's sensors to provide information about your acoustic environment, your location (and orientation), local cellular and Wi-Fi signals -- even solar radiation!
If that wasn't enough, it makes lots of original-series Star Trek noises. I'm not even a proper Star Trek nerd, yet Tricorder brought a huge, stupid grin to my face.
Share Tweet10+ invaluable Android apps for the freshmen and back-to-schoolers originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
FIRST SOLAR FINISAR FEI COMPANY FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL
M-Edge Method Portfolio for iPad
M-Edge has expanded their iPad offerings to include a leather portfolio that organizes your business and personal life. There’s a place in the back to hold your own�8.5X11-inch pad of paper. The front has an expandable pocket that holds standard file folders inside and has card slots and organizer pockets on the outside for your [...] Filed in categories: News, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: iPad caseM-Edge Method Portfolio for iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 25, 2010 at 7:00 am.
Hands-On: Simplenote 3 Stays Simple, Gets Powerful
Simplenote, our favorite note-taking application for iPhone, iPad, Android, the web and PC or Mac, has just seen a rather important update. Simplenote version 3 adds a treasure trove of new features, but don’t worry about that: If you don’t want them, you won’t even notice them.
Simplenote’s strength is its, well, simplicity. It launches instantly, [...]
Simplenote’s strength is its, well, simplicity. It launches instantly, [...]
ARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ARROW ELECTRONICS ASML HOLDING ASUSTEK COMPUTER
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Daily Crunch: Car Train Edition
Tokyo Hotel Offers Model Trains To the Tragically Lonely The Chinese Bus That Allows Traffic To Pass Underneath Google Books Determines That There Are 129,864,880 Books In The World (For Now) Lemur Driving Monitors Spy On Your Kids, Help You Drive Eco-Friendly Contest: Like Us. Please Like Us
Y Combinator?s Biggest Demo Day Yet Draws Throng Of Investors
It's that time of year again: dozens of Silicon Valley's top investors have packed Y Combinator's offices in Mountain View, CA for the eleventh Demo Day, where the latest batch of YC companies show off what they've built (and look to secure their next round of funding). This is the biggest Demo Day yet, with 36 companies presenting ? and the event has become so popular with investors that YC is now offering three different sessions spread across two days.
My notes on the presenting companies are below, along with links to any relevant stories we've already written about them. Note that some of the companies presenting today are off-the-record, so they aren't listed.
My notes on the presenting companies are below, along with links to any relevant stories we've already written about them. Note that some of the companies presenting today are off-the-record, so they aren't listed.
INFOSYS TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES INVENTEC KDDI
Sony Alpha A55 and A33 hands-on
You didn't expect us to let something as delicious as Sony's all-new Translucent Mirror Technology slide by without us playing with it, did you? The freshly announced and priced A55 and A33 Alpha DSLRs slipped out in Taipei this morning, where our crack Engadget Chinese reporters were at the ready with their own picture-taking equipment. Early feedback describes the electronic viewfinder on these shooters as beautiful and very bright, though some rainbow-effect artifacting starts to become apparent if you shift your viewpoint. The bodies of the two new cameras appeared identical in the hand, with the big differences contained within, such as the A55's faster 10fps burst mode. The A33 is still no slouch at 7fps, though, and video of it chewing through pictures at that rate can be seen after the break. We've also got a sample from the camera itself showing off that fast continuous autofocus. All in all, our Chinese brethren found themselves mildly disappointed that Sony didn't go for a radical physical redesign given the internal rearrangements, but the performance and feature sets were nothing to complain about.Gallery: Sony Alpha A55 and A33 hands-onContinue reading Sony Alpha A55 and A33 hands-onSony Alpha A55 and A33 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Engadget Chinese | Email this | Comments
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Iomega's Portable USB 3.0 Drives Cost the Same as USB 2.0 [Usb 3]
USB 3.0 adoption's been slow in a very chicken-and-egg way. Manufacturers don't want to increase costs without consumer interest, and there's little consumer interest without computers being able to use it. Iomega's solving the consumer half of the problem. More »
Incase iPad Travel Kit Plus
The iPad Travel Kit Plus from Incase has room for your iPad, the Apple wireless keyboard, cables, and other accessories in one zipper section.� There’s a second, fake fur-lined compartment for the iPad itself.� It even includes a stand for the iPad – that can be carried in the Incase along with your other accessories.� [...] Filed in categories: News, iPhone, iPad, iPod relatedTagged: iPad caseIncase iPad Travel Kit Plus originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 23, 2010 at 10:00 am.
Super Mega Worm iPhone Game Appears Full of Violent Fun [IPhone Apps]
Based on this video, it seems that the point of the Super Mega Worm iPhone game is to guide some angry-looking worms through a rampage and take out humans, planes, and entire cities. It also seems to be fun. More »
Froyo Shown Running on Samsung Galaxy Tab Along With Swype [Tablets]
It's beginning to look like the Galaxy Tab from Samsung is indeed sporting a 1024 x 600 AMOLED screen, judging by these latest leaked photos. Accompanying the snaps were some further details on what's definitely the leakiest tablet of all. More »
10 Reasons You Need An iPad For College
Tweet So you’ve heard about the Apple iPad and you’re heading back to school soon. Chances are you’re probably wondering if it’s a smart choice to invest your money towards purchasing an iPad for college. In this article we’ll help explain a few of the many benefits there are for college students who own, or [...]
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Mastering Places Privacy Can Be Tricky, Facebook Critics Charge
Facebook rolled out its Places feature this week to much fanfare -- so much, in fact, that the official Facebook Blog has an update note posted that users who are unable to access the service should try back soon to see if they can check in. The app allows people to indicate their location in the physical world to all their Facebook friends in the virtual world.
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Why Are You Still Subscribing to Cable Television? [Content]
Boxee. Google TV. Apple's iTV. BitTorrent. All this stuff is supposed to be killing cable television, but according to a New York Times/CBS News poll, 88% of respondents are still paying for cable. Fess up! What's keeping you cablin'? More »
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Monitor Security Cams From Anywhere With Your iPad
Tweet No matter where you are in the world you can easily monitor your security cameras from anywhere with your iPad using the uNetCams Multiple IP Camera Viewer app. This app streams MJPEG video feeds from your IP network cameras in real-time and has many useful features. Whether you have just one camera or hundreds [...]
$50 Allgo STAMP Prototype Continues the March of the Ultra Cheap Tablet [Tablets]
The $35 Android tablet we talked about the other day is only the beginning, it would seem, as yet another Indian tablet maker is preparing to unleash a purportedly low-cost, full featured device on the masses. Meet Allgo: More »
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Star Walk Goes To New Heights In Version 4.4
Tweet Astrology fans worldwide are going to love what Vito Technology has done with their latest Star Walk v4.4 update. They have taken their highly popular and award winning Star Walk app for the iPad and iPhone and made it even better. So let’s get down to business, what’s new in Star Walk 4.4? Arrow [...]
BlackBerry Bold R020 and 9670 Oxford flip outed?
It's felt almost as if the BlackBerry smartphone rumor mill has been a little too quiet -- dare we say burnt out -- since the Torch hit the scene (BlackPad notwithstanding, of course). That's all changed with a pair of interesting leaks care of Boy Genius Report. Behold a successor to the Bold 9700, the R020. The tri-band UMTS / quad-band EDGE device is gonna disappoint some with the same 624MHz clockspeed and 2.44-inch 480 x 360 screen, but it does have twice the RAM (512MB), a 5 megapixel camera with AF and flash, and of course runs on BlackBerry 6. If the purported leaked slides are correct, a device of such magnitude should be launching in the October timeframe. Looking to the CDMA side of things -- which means likely both Verizon and Sprint -- we've got a 9670 "Oxford" (at least by codename) flip phone with a full QWERTY keyboard, 5 megapixel camera, 360 x 400 internal display (240 x 320 for the external), usual amenities like WiFi and GPS, and the hip new BB6. No touchscreen on either phones, as far as we can tell, but perhaps that's a blessing for those that fret smudged screens.BlackBerry Bold R020 and 9670 Oxford flip outed? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Boy Genius Report (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
Simple hack turns the Magic Trackpad into a USB-powered affair
While many hacks we feature on these virtual pages are terrifyingly complex, this one is anything but. Even more surprising, it's actually useful. Mark Bog decided to tether his Magic Trackpad to the sweet, endless power supply of his computer over USB, instead of swapping out AAs endlessly. To do this he merely pulled out the black and red power wires of a USB cable and attached them to a battery-shaped dowel, which slots easily into the Trackpad. The best part is that this seems basically non-destructive to the trackpad (if the 5 volts coming from the USB cable isn't too much for its precious internals), so Mark shouldn't have much trouble switching back if he suddenly misses the wireless freedom for a stationary desktop object that so far seems lost on him.Simple hack turns the Magic Trackpad into a USB-powered affair originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TUAW | Mac Rumors Forums | Email this | Comments
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Best of Smartphone Experts, 22 Aug 2010
Motorola Droid 2 review Hands-on with the Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Hands-on with Android 2.2 on the Droid X Video: BlackBerry 6 running on BlackBerry Bold 9700 BlackBerry Tablet rumors firming up; featuring a new BlackBerry OS (built by QNX?) BlackBerry Bold 9780 caugh on video again Nokia N8 available for preorder Noka X3 Touch and Type S40 announced Nokia N9 peeks out Rumor: Palm Pre successor in October? QuickOffice coming to webOS HP confirms webOS Slate in early 2011 Facebook 2.3 brings Places to iPhone, plus 2.3.1 bug fixes and Jailbreak conflicts Jobs: Performance fix for iOS 4 on iPhone 3G coming soon New to iOS? Need help? Check out the iPhone Forum, iPad Forum, and Jailbreak Forum. Windows Phone 7 Gaming: Xbox Live LG to be 30% Windows Phone Tekken Resolute on Windows Mobile Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Deal of the Day ? Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 21.5? 1080p Core i3 All-in-one PC with WiFi, TV Tuner, Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse and Remote
The LogicBUY Deal for Thursday is a Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 21.5? 1080p all-in-one PC.� This is an update to the current A300 lineup.� This PC is only 0.75? thick.� It has an integrated webcam, 8-in-1 card reader, HDMI-in and ?out ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1394a FireWire, and WiFi.� There?s also a Bluetooth keyboard and [...] Filed in categories: NewsTagged: Deal of the DayDeal of the Day ? Lenovo IdeaCentre A310 21.5? 1080p Core i3 All-in-one PC with WiFi, TV Tuner, Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse and Remote originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 19, 2010 at 6:00 am.
Samsung Vibrant, Captivate SIM unlock codes are hidden on the phones
In the realm of GSM smartphones, there's a phenomenon known as "SIM unlocked," which is the ability to use any SIM card in a phone, meaning you can easily swap from carrier to carrier. And it's pretty rare in the United States. If you buy a myTouch 3G, it's locked to T-Mobile. Same goes for the Motorola Backflip on AT&T. They're both GSM phones and share radio frequencies, but they're locked to the carriers. (The Nexus One is one of the few SIM unlocked phones available -- erm, once available -- in the U.S.) In order to use one GSM phone on another's carrier, you'll need an unlock code. And obtaining that code (or cracking it) really isn't new. Been doing it for years on the Windows Mobile side of things, and there are websites that will unlock your phone for a small fee. (Or, if you're in good standing with your carrier, it may give you the unlock code.) Now let's turn to the AT&T Captivate and the T-Mobile Vibrant. Both Samsung Galaxy S-class phones are of the GSM variety and share radio frequencies. And it turns out that the unlock codes are stored on the phones themselves in a hex file, and the fine folks at XDA Developers -- mad props to dagentooboy, rbnet.it, marcopon, Bowsa2511, RazvanG, chcp0112345 and galaxysguy -- have made it dirt simple to extract your phone's code and SIM unlock the beast. And even better is that you can relock them for warranty reasons if need be. We've done both of our phones, and they worked just fine (though we're only getting EDGE on the Vibrant, for some reason). It's a pretty big step in the name of openness, since buying unlocked phones (which also would mean unsubsidized -- read: more expensive) is pretty much non-existent in the states. Hit up the XDA Developers link for all the details, read the instructions, and get to unlocking! [XDA Developers via Engadget]Posted originally at Android CentralSponsored by Android Cases and Accessories
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