Posts from Engadget for 05/07/2010

iPhone 3G gets an Android port to call its own (video)

May 07, 2010 04:49 am | Vladislav Savov

You'll recall, studious little gremlins that you are, that we recently saw the venerable first-gen iPhone prancing about with an unusual little green droid providing it with operational commands. Well, the coder behind that project, David Wang, has now stepped his game up to the iPhone 3G, which has been outfitted with an almost complete implementation of Android. Audio support is the last missing piece of the puzzle, but the groundwork has been laid and it too should be ready for some unholy Apple plus Google action within the next few days. Downloadable binaries are currently being prepared, so we thought we'd help you fill the time with a video demo of the port, which may be found just past the break.

[Thanks, Andrew]

Continue reading iPhone 3G gets an Android port to call its own (video)

iPhone 3G gets an Android port to call its own (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 03:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WD TV Live HD gets 'Play To' functionality, full Windows 7 compliance

May 07, 2010 03:43 am | Sean Hollister

This silvery-set top box above may look rather drab, but never fear: its next production run will sport a nice, colorful Windows 7 sticker. That's because Western Digital recently signed an agreement to make its WD TV Live HD network media players compatible with Microsoft's "Play To" feature, allowing you to push media right to your TV from a Windows Media Player 12-equipped PC. While the feature actually snuck its way into firmware revision 1.02.21 in late March, WD only just began trumpeting its inclusion today... possibly to let memories of its disastrous prior update fade. Whatever the reason, the box is not the "first network media player compatible with Windows 7" -- Denon has four recievers that predate it. Press release and an example of what 'Play To' looks like, right after the break.

Continue reading WD TV Live HD gets 'Play To' functionality, full Windows 7 compliance

WD TV Live HD gets 'Play To' functionality, full Windows 7 compliance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T Palm Pre Plus and 3G MicroCell available nationwide on May 16

May 07, 2010 02:36 am | Thomas Ricker

You've waited long enough AT&T customers. So long that the Palm Pre is now the Palm Pre Plus and Palm, well, isn't even Palm anymore. But you just never mind all that, what's important is that AT&T subscribers will finally have dibs on the Palm Pre Plus starting May 16th, nationwide. No mention of a free 3G mobile hotspot capability like that offered by Verizon, but you will have free access to AT&T's 20k-strong network of fixed hotspots. Now we just need a price -- an interesting dilemma after VZW lowered the PPP to just $30 on contract.

Our tipster also tells us that AT&T will be rolling out its 3G MicroCell from coast-to-coast on the same day. Makes sense since AT&T already gave us a mid-April date for its little signal boosting wonder.

[Thanks, D.]

AT&T Palm Pre Plus and 3G MicroCell available nationwide on May 16 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 01:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad Spirit jailbreak + Camera Connection Kit = external HDD support

May 07, 2010 12:59 am | Sean Hollister

Looks like that iPad Camera Connection Kit isn't as overpriced as we thought; not only does it have USB headset and keyboard support, but one enterprising user has hooked up an external hard drive using the dongle as well. Max Shay has an exhaustive walkthrough at his personal website, but the gist of the matter is that you'll need a jailbroken iPad, a split-USB cable to give that drive some extra juice, and a terminal of some sort (Max used his MacBook) to trick the iPad into mounting your external storage, after you use SSH to tunnel through. The result is an unwieldy wired assembly we wouldn't be caught dead with in public, but perhaps useful in a pinch -- or as the latest proof of what the iPad could do if only Apple would let it. Video after the break.

Continue reading iPad Spirit jailbreak + Camera Connection Kit = external HDD support

iPad Spirit jailbreak + Camera Connection Kit = external HDD support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: what's the best netbook out there now?

May 06, 2010 11:41 pm | Darren Murph

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Garrett, who needs a few sets of fresh eyes on the netbook lineup that's out there today. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"This past week my mom decided she would like to be able to use her computer on the patio. The problem is she only has a desktop, so my question is what would be the best netbook for a not-so-tech-savvy mom? All she really would need is WiFi, access to the internet, and Word. Doesn't have to be too fancy, but she would want it to look nice too. Any suggestions?"

Suggestions? Oh yeah, we're sure these fine folks have plenty of those. We've actually thrown this same question out in 2008 and 2009, but given all the changes since last decade, we figured the time was right to re-visit things. So, help a mother out, won't you?

Ask Engadget: what's the best netbook out there now? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study finds commercial-skipping DVRs don't affect purchases, 'TiVo effect' may not exist

May 06, 2010 10:19 pm | Sean Hollister

Two years back, consumer research told us the vast majority of DVR users skipped commercials; now, statisticians at Duke University say that's not the case. More importantly, even those who do hit that oh-so-tempting skip button aren't necessarily spending less on advertised products as a result. Pulling data from over 1,200 TiVo boxes over the course of three years, Professor Carl Mela and colleagues found that a staggering 95 percent of television was watched live instead of recorded, giving viewers no opportunity to skip, and even when there was an opportunity, users took it only 6.5 percent of the time.

Moreover, every attempt the researchers made to find a "TiVo effect" failed -- comparing those who had DVRs with those who didn't, they found no significant difference in the amount TV watchers spent on nine different goods (including cleaning and grooming products) advertised. This could be for a variety of reasons -- perhaps advertising doesn't work, period, or perhaps those without DVRs "skipped" commercials simply by walking out of the room -- but no matter the reason, it seems these days television advertisers don't have quite so much to fear.

Continue reading Study finds commercial-skipping DVRs don't affect purchases, 'TiVo effect' may not exist

Study finds commercial-skipping DVRs don't affect purchases, 'TiVo effect' may not exist originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Viewsonic rolls out 27-inch VX2739wm LCD monitor with 1ms response time

May 06, 2010 09:03 pm | Donald Melanson

If there's one thing LCD manufacturers live for it's "world's first" claims, and Viewsonic has now snagged yet another with its new VX2739wm monitor, which it claims is the world's first full HD 27-inch monitor with a 1ms response time. In addition to that standout spec, you'll also get a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, a pair of discreetly built-in speakers, an "anti-glare" panel, a four-port USB hub, and the usual trio of HDMI, DVI and VGA connectors -- not to mention a suitably slim design. Look for this one to be available from all the usual sources starting today for $349.

Viewsonic rolls out 27-inch VX2739wm LCD monitor with 1ms response time originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: A new spin on external hard drives, part one

May 06, 2010 07:47 pm | Ross Rubin

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Consumer hard disk connectors have been pretty stable for the past few years. Most internal drives use SATA connectors and most external drives connect via USB; there hasn't seemed to be much frustration with this other than the speed of USB 2.0, which is showing its age and is being superseded by the backward-compatible USB 3.0. Seagate, though, is betting big that a new series of breakaway connectors will bring the old usage model of floppy drives into the 21st Century and accommodate complete media libraries, as well as include a few new twists that take into account such modern tasks as media streaming, remote access and networked entertainment.

Continue reading Switched On: A new spin on external hard drives, part one

Switched On: A new spin on external hard drives, part one originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shocker: CEA's spending report finds Americans buying more technology

May 06, 2010 06:52 pm | Darren Murph

Guess what kiddos? That recession that harshed your mellow all last year is officially over and done with... according to the Consumer Electronics Association, anyway. Based on a new report put out today by the CEA (you know, that organization that sets up CES each year?), the average US household spent $1,380 on consumer electronics over the past dozen months, which represents an increase of $151 from last year. The report also found that the average household spent 12 percent more on CE devices over the past year, and individual consumer spending shot up 10 percent year-over-year. Other tidbits included: ladies spent more on CE wares than the did last year (but still trail the guys overall), and the average home reported owning 25 consumer electronic products, up from 23 in 2009. We're also told that 86 percent of all US households own at least one computer, making it the third most owned CE product behind TVs and DVD players. Oh, and as for those pesky netbooks? 12 percent of US households own one of those, while 58 percent own "laptops" of some sort. Head on past the break for the full skinny -- we hope you're in the mood for good news, 'cause that's all you're getting.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Continue reading Shocker: CEA's spending report finds Americans buying more technology

Shocker: CEA's spending report finds Americans buying more technology originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ExoPC Windows 7-based slate not coming until September, will play 1080p vids

May 06, 2010 06:17 pm | Joanna Stern

There's still no official word on whether HP's Slate has been canned, but the more we hear about ExoPC's slate, the more we think it could be a pretty stellar Win 7 tablet option. The company's founder just told us that the tablet is slated (pun intended, good sirs) for a September 7 launch date in the US, Canada and France, and that the 32GB version will retail for $599. As for the specs, the capacitive 11.6-inch tablet will still be using an Atom N450 processor, but will be paired with Broadcom's Crystal HD card to enable 1080p playback. And that's not all, they also sent us some more shots of the ExoPC UI Layer, and the interface appears to be incredibly sleek -- it looks like you can even save web shortcuts to a Connect Four type layout. There will also be an app store, and the dev kit will be available at the end of June. That's all beautiful, but hear us out, ExoPC: we're counting on you to put an end to the Win 7 tablet vaporware trend, okay?

Gallery: ExoPC UI Layer

ExoPC Windows 7-based slate not coming until September, will play 1080p vids originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Northeastern University students build web-syncing, home-automating DPAC alarm clock

May 06, 2010 05:51 pm | Donald Melanson

It may not actually be available for sale, but it looks like some students from Northeastern University are giving devices like the Chumby and Sony Dash a run for their money. They've built this so-called Dynamically Programmable Alarm Clock, or DPAC, which can sync up with your Google Calendar to automatically set alarms, get traffic, weather and other information, and even integrate with a home automation system to turn on the lights, open the blinds, and start your coffee maker as part of a wake-up cycle. What's more, the whole thing can also be configured using a web interface, and it of course packs a built-in FM radio and an iPod dock for good measure. Hit up the source link below for a look at the months-long build process, and head on past the break to check it out in action.

Continue reading Northeastern University students build web-syncing, home-automating DPAC alarm clock

Northeastern University students build web-syncing, home-automating DPAC alarm clock originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter for Android: the best apps reviewed

May 06, 2010 05:16 pm | Richard Lai

You know what's awesome? Cookie dough ice cream. But when it comes to the smartphone market, the 18-month-old, steadily-growing Android platform is equally wondrous. Sure, Google may have a tiny bit of catching up to do when compared with Apple's market share, but at least Android users are already spoiled with a handful of good Twitter apps. Better yet, Twitter has now thrown in its official app to spice up the competition, so we thought it'd be interesting to put it head-to-head against the third-party clients. Read on to find out if we have a winner.

Continue reading Twitter for Android: the best apps reviewed

Twitter for Android: the best apps reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanyo's slinky Xacti VPC-CS1 camcorder reviewed: form trumps function

May 06, 2010 04:48 pm | Tim Stevens

At CES this past January we were smitten by Sanyo's little VPC-CS1 camcorder and now, many moons later, it's coming to retail. Akihabara News has taken it for a test drive and, as you might expect from something only 29mm thin, it has some compromises. The most glaring issues appear to be related to image quality, with the review stating: "Shooting in low light will give you really crappy images." Also, it turns out the cam's touted 1920 x 1080 at 60fps mode is actually interlaced, meaning it's time for a return to scanline mountain. While 720p mode is said to be rather better looking, still shooting is said to be "simply useless." Despite all this the review has a positive conclusion, and we could see the same for users more interested in form than function. Those looking for image quality, however, will want to look at the sample videos and images on the other end of that source link below.

Sanyo's slinky Xacti VPC-CS1 camcorder reviewed: form trumps function originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Distributor roadmap shows super speedy 900GB, 2.5-inch HDD

May 06, 2010 04:19 pm | Sean Hollister

Got a hankering for smaller, faster, more capacious magnetic storage? Compellent says you'll get it soon, at long as you're buying for the IT market. According to The Register, the enterprise storage provider listed 900GB, 10,000RPM 2.5-inch hard drives on its product roadmap, as well as 300GB models that spin at 15,000RPM. Sure, we've seen smallish drives with those speeds or that capacity before, and you can get a 600GB, 10,000RPM Velociraptor even in the consumer marketplace, but it seems like the puzzle pieces are all coming together. Quick disclaimer: Compellent doesn't actually make hard drives, but it most certainly sells them, so we'd expect a company in their position to know what's what. That, or they could be making stuff up. Perhaps platter density makes those sizes and capacities inevitable, but we can't pretend that we're not jazzed about the possibilities.

Distributor roadmap shows super speedy 900GB, 2.5-inch HDD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visa and DeviceFidelity working to bring mobile payment functionality to iPhone

May 06, 2010 03:56 pm | Darren Murph

This ain't the first rodeo for Visa and DeviceFidelity, and if we had to guess, we suspect it won't be the last. Just a few short months after teaming up to bring contactless payments to any mobile with a microSD slot, the two are at it again -- this time aiming for the oh-so-tantalizing iPhone market. Reportedly, the tandem is toiling away in an effort to concoct a protective iPhone shell with a secure memory card that hosts Vista's contactless payment app, payWave. As it stands, the product would only function on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, leaving upcoming iPhone 4G / HD / Barhopper buyers out in the cold. As with any other payWave-enabled handset, this would allow users to simply tap and go when checking out, a process that our pals over in Japan have had down for centuries now. If all goes well, market trials of the payment-enabled iPhone are set to begin this summer, or approximately six months too late for anyone to seriously care.

Continue reading Visa and DeviceFidelity working to bring mobile payment functionality to iPhone

Visa and DeviceFidelity working to bring mobile payment functionality to iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Targus recalls half a million laptop power adapters due to burn hazard

May 06, 2010 03:25 pm | Donald Melanson

Have a Targus laptop power adapter? Then you'll likely want to take notice, as the company has just issued a recall of more than half a million of its adapters, which are actually made by Comarco Inc. The recall specifically affects the company's universal laptop power adapters with interchangeable tips, which can apparently overheat and pose a burn hazard to anyone that tries to unplug it -- there's been 518 reports of connector tips overheating so far, and eight incidents of consumers being burned. Anyone with one of the adapters is advised to stop using it immediately and get in touch with Comarco for a free replacement -- complete details are available at the source link below.

Targus recalls half a million laptop power adapters due to burn hazard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC outlines new 'third way' internet regulatory plan, will split access from content

May 06, 2010 02:53 pm | Nilay Patel

The FCC's plan to rework how it regulates the internet just got a lot more solid today, as the agency officially announced its "third way" approach to classifying broadband services and opened it up for public comment. We've broken the entire thing down for you -- we're not kidding when we say this will affect how the internet works for all of us in the future, so grab a snack and head past the break for the whole story.

Continue reading FCC outlines new 'third way' internet regulatory plan, will split access from content

FCC outlines new 'third way' internet regulatory plan, will split access from content originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Organic Light Emitting Transistors might make us forget all about OLED

May 06, 2010 02:41 pm | Tim Stevens

Still waiting on that big-screen OLED TV? Yeah, so are we, but here's some news that could mean they're coming soon: OLED tech has just been obsoleted. Seriously. We still can't even afford an 11-inch model and now we have to start pining for something new: OLET. That's Organic Light Emitting Transistor, tech that researcher Michele Muccini at the Institute of Nanustructured Materials has just proven can be between two and 100 times as efficient as OLED. OLETs rely on three layers of material, with the bottom layers carrying a charge, the middle layer (the meat in this high-tech sandwich) emitting photons when excited by the bottom, and the top layer selectively letting those photos through. All three combined are just 62nm thick. It's this separation of layers and horizontal flow of current that gives OLET its efficiency and it's believed that it could not only be used for (next) next-generation displays but also for on-chip optical interconnects. When will an OLET HDTV will hit the market? Don't even go there.

Organic Light Emitting Transistors might make us forget all about OLED originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SlingPlayer Mobile for Android goes to private beta?

May 06, 2010 02:16 pm | Chris Ziegler

Android's quickly becoming the elephant in the room for Sling Media, so we're delighted to hear today that the promised Android client of SlingPlayer Mobile is apparently entering a private beta period as we speak -- according to a tipster over at Phandroid, anyhow. It seems that some members that signed up to Sling's beta program have been contacted recently with a link to the download and a request that they not discuss the app or the beta program (so much for that), so if everything goes really, really well, we might see a release before too long. The thought of this thing running on the EVO 4G just blows minds, doesn't it?

SlingPlayer Mobile for Android goes to private beta? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opera wades into Flash debate, says it 'makes very little sense' for video

May 06, 2010 01:52 pm | Donald Melanson

Opera Software already caused quite a stir with the release of the iPhone version of its browser, and it looks like it's now starting to make itself heard in one of the biggest browser-related debates going. Speaking with Tech Radar, Opera's product analyst Phillip Grønvold started out with something of a diplomatic approach by saying that "today's internet content is dependent on Flash" and "if you remove Flash you do not have today's internet," and for that reason Opera needs to support Flash. Things get a bit more interesting from there, however, with Grønvold stating that while Flash has its place for things like dynamic content, it "makes very little sense" as a video container given the impact on processor and battery usage, adding that "you can cook an egg on [devices] once you start running Flash on them and there's a reason for that." Fried eggs, potatoes -- these browsers sure are making us hungry.

Opera wades into Flash debate, says it 'makes very little sense' for video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telekom Austria to turn phone booths into EV recharging stations, stave off obsolescence

May 06, 2010 01:27 pm | Vladislav Savov

For most Engadget readers, telephone booths rank somewhere up there with smoke signals in the annals of communication devices -- old, primitive, and bypassed by newer and better technology. Ah, but wait, what if we used all those cables we have wired into those boxes for something actually helpful? Telekom Austria's trying to do just that with its newly unveiled plan to roll out 30 electric vehicle recharging stations over the rest of this year. Attached to what are admittedly rather swish phone boxes, these stations will juice up one of the 3,782 currently registered electric or hybrid transporters in Austria at remarkably low prices. The testing phase will allow free recharging, and even after that it'd be a single-digit Euro cost to boost your battery back up. Ironically, the fastest way to pay will be via your mobile phone, but let's just get this project off the ground first, then we can worry about how to save the precious talker boxes from extinction.

Telekom Austria to turn phone booths into EV recharging stations, stave off obsolescence originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grace Digital Allegro review

May 06, 2010 01:05 pm | Sean Hollister

Dedicated internet radios have always been niche products; when you can get all the same content on your desktop, laptop or even smartphone, it's hard to see the point of relying on WiFi. Without a traditional FM antenna, they're many are chained to your network -- if not your wall -- and the lack of keyboard input for setup and channel search furthers their plight. Even so, there must be something to it, as this gadget category refuses to die, so we thought we'd give one promising newcomer a good, thorough try. The Grace Digital Allegro caught our attention with a packed feature list (including Pandora) and a clean, mobile design. Did it enthrall or disappoint? Find out after the break.

Gallery: Grace Digital Allegro WiFi Radio hands-on

Continue reading Grace Digital Allegro review

Grace Digital Allegro review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Goggles starts to get useful, adds text translation

May 06, 2010 12:43 pm | Chris Ziegler

In our experience, about the only thing Google Goggles is good for is telling you that your can of Coke looks like someone's face, but the company's just-released version 1.1 sounds like it might be on a whole new level of awesomeness. Basically, Goggles can now recognize text within the "region of interest" that you specify on the screen then give you the option to translate it to any language of your choosing. Between this and Google's already quite good Translate app, Android devices are getting dangerously close to letting monoglots (thanks for the great word, Google) travel safely and effectively in foreign lands. Other improvements in Goggles 1.1 include better barcode and image recognition (thank goodness), an improved UI, and the ability to initiate identification from your gallery, so it sounds like a must-download if you've got a phone running Android 1.6 or better. It's available now.

Google Goggles starts to get useful, adds text translation originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBoy's FixPix iPhone game is basically the greatest thing ever made

May 06, 2010 12:22 pm | Joshua Topolsky

Okay, so this isn't out yet, but it's hard to deny that the eBoy-designed Delicious Toys-developed game FixPix is probably the best idea anyone has ever had since the wheel or sliced bread. Maybe that's a little hyperbolic, but as you know, we are huge fans of eBoy and their mind-boggling pixel art. Now the design collective's cityscapes and fantastical scenes have been turned into an iPhone app where you can piece the 3D milieus back together by tilting your phone this way and that. As we said, the title isn't available, but there's an awesome demo site where you can play around with the concept, and it's likely FixPix could see Apple approval any day now. We can barely contain ourselves. Check out a video of the game in action after the break.

Continue reading eBoy's FixPix iPhone game is basically the greatest thing ever made

eBoy's FixPix iPhone game is basically the greatest thing ever made originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos 7 Home Tablet ships to Android lovers in June

May 06, 2010 12:00 pm | Joanna Stern

So you go and pre-order the Archos 7 Home Tablet, thinking it would ship by the end of April. Our deepest apologizes, but according to the official press release below, the 7-inch, Android 1.6 tablet won't be shipping in the US until early June -- though an Archos spokesperson told us that those who pre-ordered may get units before the end of May if they count their lucky stars. The rest of the release doesn't reveal much, but does confirms that the resistive touchscreen device won't have access to the Android Marketplace. Instead -- and as you can see in the unboxing pictures below -- it comes with Archos' AppsLib store and is preloaded with a few apps, including eBuddy and Aldiko's e-reader software. Still, we know the $199.99 tablet sounds tempting, but our review should be up in the next few days. In other words, you should probably hold off on sliding that credit card out -- after all, she ain't shipping 'til June.

Gallery: Archos 7 Home Tablet unboxing

Continue reading Archos 7 Home Tablet ships to Android lovers in June

Archos 7 Home Tablet ships to Android lovers in June originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia 'combining services with devices,' says the board approves

May 06, 2010 11:44 am | Darren Murph

Late last month, rumors began to swirl that Nokia's fearless leader may be closer than ever to grabbing hold of his golden parachute, and with the frustrations surrounding the company's inability to keep pace with other smartphone producers, it's certainly a believable whisper. Today, those sharks are still looking for answers, and CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo attempted to give some during today's address to shareholders. One choice quote came right off the top, with OPK stating the following:

"By combining services with devices, Nokia is in a stronger position to grow and create more value for our shareholders. We still have plenty of work to do, but we have built a solid foundation. We believe in our strategy."

He then went on to list some of the many, many fruitful things that the company has delivered over the past few months (sadly not elaborating on the business shift), noting that Ovi Mail now has eight million registered users, Life Tools would be headed to China "soon," and that his company shipped some 432 million devices globally last year -- more than its top three rivals combined. Of course, it's not the sum that investors are worried about, it's the apparent inability to seriously chase the Apples, HTCs, LGs and Samsungs of the world in the smartphone space. To that end, Kallasvuo asserted that in 2010, the company will "introduce a new generation of devices that is expected to help close the gap with the competition in high-end smartphones," and he continued by claiming that Nokia's approach "has been to concentrate on fewer, competitive products that bring the features of Symbian-based smartphones to more and more people around the world." The head-honcho certainly understands the rough position his outfit is in, confessing that Nokia is "working hard to reclaim leadership in high-end smartphones and mobile computers," and also informing the world that the company's next "mobile computer" will be humming along on MeeGo. Best of luck out there, OPK -- it's certainly going to take more than a snazzy Symbian^3 marketing campaign to regain the attention of these Android and iPhone OS loyalists.

Update: The full speech has now been posted [PDF], and unfortunately, there really aren't any juicy tidbits to extract. Typical corporate speak from top to bottom.

Continue reading Nokia 'combining services with devices,' says the board approves

Nokia 'combining services with devices,' says the board approves originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint and Virgin Mobile announces Beyond Talk $25 prepaid plan, new prepaid brand

May 06, 2010 11:23 am | Joseph L. Flatley

Sprint Nextel, through its Virgin Mobile brand, has announced a pretty big shift in its business model by offering new prepaid plans that begin at a mind-blowing $25 a month. Starting on May 12, three new Beyond Talk plans will include unlimited messaging, email, data, and web, as well as 300 minutes ($25), 1,200 minutes ($40), or unlimited minutes ($60) of talk time. And that ain't all -- BlackBerry data service can be added for an additional $10. Of course, you'll be paying full price for your phone, but at least the selection is indeed better than the usual pre-paid fare, including the Blackberry Curve 8530 ($300) and LG Rumor Touch ($150). We don't know how the other carriers are going to respond, but this does prompt the question: would you put up with Sprint's handset selection for a plan this cheap? PR after the break.

Update: The Wall Street Journal has it that Sprint is also fixing to launch an entirely new prepaid brand, and while it declined to share a name for the new branch, it did confess that it "will let customers pay upfront for cell service by the minute rather than signing up for a month at a time." As you may expect, it'll be aimed at "middle-aged Americans who only use cellphones occasionally to make calls," and it'll join Boost Mobile, Assurance Wireless and Virgin Mobile in Sprint's rapidly expanding stable of prepaid sub-brands. Is it difficult to tell these guys love the prepaid and can't quite figure out how to make ends meet on the postpaid side? Nah...

Continue reading Sprint and Virgin Mobile announces Beyond Talk $25 prepaid plan, new prepaid brand

Sprint and Virgin Mobile announces Beyond Talk $25 prepaid plan, new prepaid brand originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy breaks opening weekend sales volume record with UK debut

May 06, 2010 10:57 am | Vladislav Savov

As it turns out, last weekend wasn't just momentous for the fact it put Thurrock on the map (any map!). Best Buy got in touch with us today to tell us its first UK store has racked up the highest number of opening weekend sales in the company's history. During our own visit to the store, we saw thousands flooding in and out, no doubt attracted by the novelty and deep discounts on offer from Best Buy. Notably, while this is a record in terms of volume, no such claims are mentioned relative to revenue or profit, suggesting the company was shooting to attract as many customers as possible, in hopes of recouping any opening day losses in repeat custom down the line. Given the feedback from one shopper, who came in for an Avatar Blu-ray disc and left with a pair of Wii consoles and a hard drive, that might not be such a bad strategy. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Best Buy breaks opening weekend sales volume record with UK debut

Best Buy breaks opening weekend sales volume record with UK debut originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Touch Bionics i-LIMB Pulse, the Bluetooth bionic hand, makes your meaty one obsolete

May 06, 2010 10:32 am | Tim Stevens

Let's say you got in a fight with your dad. You said some things, he said some things, and then he cut your hand off. Don't go all emo: Touch Bionics has a new product that will have you overthrowing empires again in no time. A successor to the company's revolutionary i-LIMB Hand, the i-LIMB Pulse is a more streamlined version meant to look more natural, also offered in two sizes, and comes complete with Bluetooth that allows prosthetists and users to tweak settings easily. The device's name comes from its "pulsing technology" that boosts strength, enabling it to handle up to 90kg (about 200lbs), which is a lot more than our crippled carpal tunnels can manage these days. The Pulse starts shipping to would-be chosen ones on June 1 -- just in time for Father's Day.

Gallery: Touch Bionics i-LIMB Pulse

Continue reading Touch Bionics i-LIMB Pulse, the Bluetooth bionic hand, makes your meaty one obsolete

Touch Bionics i-LIMB Pulse, the Bluetooth bionic hand, makes your meaty one obsolete originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lower Merion, PA school district denouement nears: report denies spying charges

May 06, 2010 10:08 am | Laura June

The long, intense saga over in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania -- in which lawsuits were filed alleging that the school district used students' laptops to spy on them -- may be nearing its end. The class action suit was filed back in February claiming that the school district had made use of "unauthorized, inappropriate and indiscriminate remote activation" of webcams in laptops issued to students," with the school countering that it had some security features that allowed the laptops to be tracked in case of loss or theft, but that those features hadn't been used to track students in any way. The case got more complicated of course, with webcam usage allegations, as well as evidence that plenty of photos had been captured by the spy-crazy school district. Well, now an attorney hired by the school district says a report's been released that says there is no evidence of spying on the part of the school district, after all. It's all pretty boring after all the hubbub, and it turns out to be likely that the school was just tracking the laptop (which wasn't actually a school-issued laptop, but a loaner given to a student while his actual unit was repaired) in order to get it back over outstanding insurance fees. Nothing too exciting here, but if you're interested in the rest of the story, hit up those source links.

Lower Merion, PA school district denouement nears: report denies spying charges originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to create your own Micro SIM card using a chef knife and some scissors

May 06, 2010 09:42 am | Vladislav Savov

We told you you could shave down your old and busted SIM cards and turn them into minty fresh Micro SIMs, didn't we? An industrious Londoner by the name of John Benson has gone and proven that concept with the help of some cutting implements and an original Micro SIM to use as a reference. His saintly patience resulted in his being able to negotiate the Vodafone SIM you see above into his iPad 3G (imported from the USA) and riding the waves of Voda's network as if Apple never decided to encumber its portable device with a silly new standard. The 3FF (Micro) SIMs and the bulkier original ones are electrically identical, so there's no threat of harm by using them interchangeably, though we can't say the same thing about the tools that get you there. As always, we advise trying to rope someone else into doing the work for you -- less chance of hurting yourself that way. Hit the source for more.

[Thanks, Brandon]

How to create your own Micro SIM card using a chef knife and some scissors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clearwire WiMAX to cover 120 million prospective HTC EVO 4G owners by end of year

May 06, 2010 09:13 am | Thomas Ricker

With the HTC EVO dual-mode 3G/4G handset launching this summer (and nearly ready for pre-order) with built-in hotspot capability, we've got a pretty good idea what all you US Americans are wondering: is WiMAX available in my city? Well, buried inside the Clearwire financials is mention of the 19 additional cities scheduled for WiMAXing this summer, joining the 32 markets (pictured above) and 41 million people already served by its 4G network offering 3Mbps to 6Mbps average downloads with an occasional 10Mbps peak:

Clearwire also today announced plans to launch 4G mobile broadband service in 19 additional cities this summer, including previously announced markets Kansas City, KS; St. Louis, MO; Salt Lake City, UT, and the core area of Washington, D.C. and newly announced markets Nashville, TN; Daytona, Orlando and Tampa, FL; Rochester and Syracuse, NY; Merced, Modesto, Stockton, and Visalia, CA; Wilmington, DE; Grand Rapids, MI; Eugene, OR; and Yakima and Tri-Cities, WA.

Things will get really interesting later in 2010 when Clearwire and Sprint take their 4G mobile broadband network to New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, the San Francisco Bay Area, Miami, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh for a 120 million person strong data footprint. LTE who?

Clearwire WiMAX to cover 120 million prospective HTC EVO 4G owners by end of year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor could turn the iPhone into a new-age mood ring

May 06, 2010 08:44 am | Tim Stevens

Nike is making millions from its Apple-friendly wares, designed to turned technophiles into fitness freaks. Imagine the possibilities if the iPhone could not only track your running stride but also monitor your heart rate while doing it. That's one of a suite of potential uses for this patent app from Apple, a Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor. The design is for a series of electrodes that are, well, seamlessly embedded into the shell of a given device in such a way that they are "not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device." The device could then, with a touch, measure heart-rate, uniquely identify a user, and even "determine the user's mood from the cardiac signals." Just imagine the new flood of EKG-related apps: iPalpitate, Murmur Maker, Cardiac Arrest... the possibilities are endless.

[Thanks, Staska]

Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor could turn the iPhone into a new-age mood ring originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Aero slips though the FCC, ready for Q2 launch

May 06, 2010 08:11 am | Thomas Ricker

With FCC approval out of the way it looks like the Dell Aero is all set to meet the leaked Q2 launch goal. Sure, we've already seen a generic Dell Mini 3iX (model V02B) pass through the FCC with AT&T (Canadian Bell Mobility, Telus, Rogers) bands back in November. But today's Mini 3iG (model V01B) sports 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, UMTS 1900 / 850 support, and the undeniable "Aero" marketing name destined to grace the first of many Android handsets made by Dell (uh hem, Foxconn) to be sold Stateside. For whatever that's worth.

Dell Aero slips though the FCC, ready for Q2 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo net profit declines for first time in six years, panic remains inadvisable

May 06, 2010 07:42 am | Vladislav Savov

Nintendo's 2009 financial results have just been released and, shockingly enough, the company hasn't been able to break its profit record yet again. In fact, annual net profit dipped -- for the first time in six tenths of a decade -- to $2.44 billion, a 12 percent drop from the previous fiscal year's $2.79 billion. Sales of the Wii were down 21 percent year-on-year, but Nintendo still managed to shift 20 million units globally, so it's not exactly all doom and gloom at Mario HQ. And while Microsoft and Sony are working on their own motion-sensing offerings, Ninty is reloading the only way it knows how -- bringing the noir Wii to fashion-conscious Americans, and an all-new 3D portable console for the rest of us. Anyone willing to bet against Nintendo's income sheet improving next year?

[Original image courtesy of Anarkyman]

Nintendo net profit declines for first time in six years, panic remains inadvisable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayOn wants you to PayOn, jumping into Premium price class on May 15

May 06, 2010 06:51 am | Vladislav Savov

This world needs a better class of network streamer, and PlayOn wants to give it to you. In exchange for more greenbacks, of course. The media server software -- known for bringing Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and a bunch of other online video repositories to networked devices within the home -- is making the move up in price class from its current one-off $20 fee to a $39.99 upfront charge followed by annual recurring payments of $19.99. How does MediaMall justify such a splurge? It'll be offering a new Comedy Central channel, along with NHL, TV.com and PBS content in an ongoing effort to expand its library of media sources. If the extra choice doesn't sound like the kind of thing you'd want to pony up two Hamiltons for every year, you've got until the 15th to grab the Basic version, which will continue to be supported without further fees, but won't be available to new subscribers after that cutoff date. So, better get decidin' soon.

PlayOn wants you to PayOn, jumping into Premium price class on May 15 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Milestone gets Android 2.1 update in UK, available to download now

May 06, 2010 06:09 am | Vladislav Savov

The saga of the Milestone's firmware update to Android 2.1 is finally over for one more territory. The United Kingdom is today awaking to the news that Motorola has made the freshest Eclair available to its loyal British users, with the download already awaiting those eager to be surfing along the cutting edge of Android innovation. What else do you need to know, it's the finest software Google has to offer for your phone and it's downloadable at the source link -- get going!

Milestone gets Android 2.1 update in UK, available to download now originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI launches Radeon HD 545V-boasting CX705MX laptop

May 06, 2010 05:37 am | Laura June

MSI's just outed a new 17.5-inch (1600x900 resolution) laptop, the beautifully named CX705MX. This one's got an Intel Core 2 Duo under the hood, an up to 500GB hard drive, a 4-in-1 card reader, HDMI and VGA output, three USB ports and an Ethernet port and Windows 7 Home Premium. Most notably, of course, is that it's packing ATI's brand new Radeon HD 545V discrete graphics chipset, giving this bad boy HD video capabilities. We don't have specific information about availability or pricing yet, but we'll let you know when we do.

Continue reading MSI launches Radeon HD 545V-boasting CX705MX laptop

MSI launches Radeon HD 545V-boasting CX705MX laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TomTom strikes back with Darth Vader voice pack (video)

May 06, 2010 04:28 am | Vladislav Savov

We guess TomTom was listening when we said it had to respond to Nokia's Own Voice app for custom turn-by-turn navigation instructions, as the Dutch company has announced a new Darth Vader voice pack. Following in the footsteps of such luminaries as Homer Simpson and Burt Reynolds, the Sith Lord has contributed his vocal stylings to the cause of guiding the lost and confused down the right path. Though it wasn't without hiccups -- check out the video after the break for the recording session -- the pack is now complete and ready for download, provided you have $13 handy to smooth the transaction. Yoda, C3PO and Han Solo packs are set to follow in the coming months. May the farce be with you.

Continue reading TomTom strikes back with Darth Vader voice pack (video)

TomTom strikes back with Darth Vader voice pack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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