Saturday, June 02, 2012

ITU lays out recommendations on 3DTV, Ultra High Definition TV standards (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/itu-ultra-hdtv-3d-tv-standards/

ITU lays out recommendations on 3DTV, Ultra High Definition TV standards video

The ITU has stayed busy, as we mentioned earlier it met to hammer out standards for UHDTV (Ultra High Definition TV), and also recently announced a new set of recommendations for 3DTV. On the 3D front it focused on standardization for delivering video in both 720 and 1080 line formats, digital interfaces used for studio production and methods to evaluate quality based on picture quality, depth and comfort levels. As far as UHDTV which is still quite a bit further off, the group has decided the term will cover both 4K and 8K (aka Super Hi-Vision) resolution video, as multiples of the existing 1080p standard. That means Quad Full HD (QFHD, or 3840x2160 resolution) and Digital Cinema 4K resolution (4096x2160) both fall under the umbrella of 4K (check the aspect ratios to see where the "missing" pixels went, or have a listen to this week's podcast. After the break we've got a video with Study Group Chairman Christoph Dosch discussing the future possibilities of both 3DTV and UHDTV, as well as press releases with a few extra details.

Continue reading ITU lays out recommendations on 3DTV, Ultra High Definition TV standards (video)

ITU lays out recommendations on 3DTV, Ultra High Definition TV standards (video) originally appeared! on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ComScore: Android's US share dips ever so slightly, iPhone slowly marching up

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/comscore-android-us-share-dips-ever-so-slightly-in-april/

ComScore Android's US share dips ever so slightly, iPhone slowly marching up

Here's a minor surprise: Android slipping at all in US market share. Although it saw just a tiny drop of two tenths of a point from where it was in March, and still saw a gain over January, Google's platform was down to 50.8 percent in April. Nothing dramatic enough to make Mountain View worry, as such, but definitely a sharp break from the rapid growth of last year. Apple could meanwhile claim a small victory for the month as a result by continuing to grow -- even if we wouldn't call its 31.4 percent iPhone share a revolution. Of the other platforms, only Microsoft had anything to crow about, as the Lumia 900 launch brought Windows Phone back just over the four percent mark.

The positions among individual cellphone makers as a whole didn't budge in April, and whatever losses came to Android's partners in that area were spread evenly across top-dog Samsung as well as LG and Motorola. Perhaps the biggest twist was HTC holding its ground at a steady six percent, which hints that the HTC One S' arrival at T-Mobile might have been just the ticket to keeping Taiwan in the fight.

ComScore: Android's US share dips ever so slightly, iPhone slowly mar! ching up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chipworks, iFixit tear down the Galaxy S III for all to see, spot iPhone 4S' camera sensor hanging around

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/chipworks-ifixit-tear-down-samsung-galaxy-s-iii/

Chipworks, iFixit tear down the Galaxy S III for all to see, spot iPhone 4S' camera sensor hanging around

You've picked up the Galaxy S III. You've grabbed the source code. But you probably like the quad-core monster too much to tear it down, which is why Chipworks and iFixit have taken to disassembling the phone for themselves to look fro any surprises. We certainly knew to expect the Exynos 4 Quad and 2,100mAh battery, but we now know how Samsung is claiming a boost to speed and image quality for the 8-megapixel camera: it's using the same Sony-made, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that we've seen since the Xperia Arc and made its biggest splash in the iPhone 4S. Just don't anticipate replacing many components yourself. That 4.8-inch screen is not only permanently attached to the glass, but to the phone frame, leaving any face-first accidents a dicey fix. We're expecting a few more discoveries once iFixit gives the Galaxy S III a second scan, but the source will give you everything there is to know right now.

Chipworks, iFixit tear down the Galaxy S III for all to see, spot iPhone 4S' camera sensor hanging around orig inally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corsair Force GT SSDs put through their paces, have graphs to prove it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/02/corsair-force-gt-SSD-family-benchmarks/

Corsair Force GT SSDs put through their paces, have graphs to prove it

Instead of singling out one of Corsair's latest SandForce-equipped SSDs, the folks at StorageReview sussed out performance differences by putting each drive through the wringer. Though read / write specs are relatively uniform across the line, barring some slight dips in speed, they dug up a few juicy morsels of info that could benefit both frugal and performance-minded shoppers. In a read intensive gaming test, the 60GB entry drive performed similarly to the 480GB behemoth. Another notable result was a 60% jump in throughput between the 120GB and 180GB models. Keen on eking out the most performance-bang for your buck? Hop over to the source for the full skinny and a bevy of charts.

Corsair Force GT SSDs put through their paces, have graphs to prove it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 05:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Vizio's Beautiful Computers Arrive This Month [PCs]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5914844/confirmed-vizios-beautiful-computers-arrive-this-month

Confirmed: Vizio's Beautiful Computers Arrive This MonthYesterday we got a tip that a couple of Vizio's gorgeous computers would land on Walmart shelves by the middle of this month. Now we've heard back from Vizio, and the company confirmed that the computers are coming. Sweet!

Here's the comment fresh from Vizio:

We are excited about the official VIZIO PC launch this month. We will be withholding any comments regarding previously unannounced product specs and retail channels until our official launch. At that time, we will be announcing all of the exciting details around these highly anticipated PCs.

Another tipster familiar with the inner workings of the upcoming Walmart/Vizio launch confirmed that an all-in-one PC and a notebook were on their way to the retailer. Based on the official comment, it looks like we should have more details soon.

Here's a Closer Look at the Ikea TV That Shows It's Even More Awesome [Video]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5914860/heres-a-closer-look-at-the-ikea-tv-that-makes-it-look-even-more-awesome

The nice thing about the upcoming Ikea TV, other than being smart and cheap, is that it blends the television into your furniture to completely banish unsightly cables from your living room. Here's how it would look like in a "real life" setting.

That "real life" setting is of course, a mock Ikea store but in the video, you get to see the Ikea TV and all its different versions be customized to the room. Ikea shows off the UPPLEVA TV's sliding remote, the integration of Blu-ray players and set top boxes within the furniture, how the cables can be cleverly hidden from view and how people react to the big box. It's the cleanest TV solution for a very affordable price (around $950). [YouTube via GigaOM]

Sharp shows off IGZO LCD and OLEDs including a 13.5-inch QFHD screen

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/sharp-igzo-oled-lcd-sid-2012/

Sharp shows off IGZO LCD and OLEDs including a 13.5-inch QFHD screen

Sharp announced earlier this year that it was starting to crank out LCD panels based on new indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) technology and now it's ready to show some off at the Society for Information Display show in Boston. Currently sized for phones and tablets, the first prototypes include a pair of LCDs, one a 4.9-inch 720x1280 display, and the other coming at 6.1-inches with a resolution of 2560x1600. As an example of what will be possible further down the line, it also has a pair of OLED panels, one 13.5-inch 3840x2160 QFHD panel based on White OLEDs with RGB color filters (similar to the LG HDTV recently introduced), and a flexible 3.4-inch 540x960 screen (shown above). According to Sharp the new tech means screens with higher resolutions, lower power consumption, narrower bezels and higher performance touch screens because it enables even smaller thin-film transistors than the ones currently in use. The Associated Press reports it expects to apply the upgrade to production lines in this fiscal year, for now you can hit the source link for a few diagrams and examples of crystalline structures or check the gallery for pics of the other displays.

Sharp shows off IGZO LCD and OLEDs including a 13.5-inch QFHD screen originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 03:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Low-Res Screens Can Transform into Better-Looking Hi-Res Displays With Simple Vibration [Video]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5914718/researchers-turn-low+res-screens-into-retina-displays-by-simply-vibrating-them

Low-Res Screens Can Transform into Better-Looking Hi-Res Displays With Simple VibrationWell this is fantastic news for anyone who's ever wanted a device with a high-res display, but can't afford fancy hardware like the iPhone or iPad. Floraine Berthouzoz and Raanan Fattal, a couple of graphics researchers, have found a way to make crappy low-res displays show high-res imagery.

And the secret is to simply just vibrate them.

Ok, so there's a lot more to it than that, but the clever discovery basically takes advantage of the way our eyes will blend multiple moving images together. To display a high-res image on a screen with significantly less resolution, the image is first broken down into several smaller images matching the display's native res. These images are then flashed in quick succession while the screen is rapidly, but subtlety, vibrated. Not enough vibration that the viewer gets dizzy, but enough motion so that the multiple images are never displayed in exactly the same position.

When the viewer's mind automatically blends all of the images together, they end up seeing an image that has considerably more resolution and detail than the display is capable of showing. So one day all smartphone screens might be just as capable as the iPhone's, without actually requiring that fancy Retina display. [Floraine Berthouzoz]

The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World [Computers]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5914561/the-8-cheapest-computers-in-the-world

The 8 Cheapest Computers in the WorldComputers are more affordable these days than they ever have been. But what if affordable ain't affordable enough—what if you need absolute, rock-bottomest, dirt cheap? Our friends at Laptop Mag rounded up the 8 cheapest computers in the world, just for you.

When the PC era began in the early 1980s, you'd be lucky to find a computer for under $3,000. Today, you can buy a notebook that's hundreds of times more powerful than the original IBM PC for well under $400, but for many people around the world, even that is too much. A new generation of low-cost tablets, USB-sized computers and miniature motherboards can put an entire world of computing power in the palm of your hand for as little as $25.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

Raspberry Pi ($25)

More than just a machine with a cute little name, the Raspberry Pi flaunts high-performance video and graphics on a single-board computer. It can even run popular video game Quake III and play back full HD video using HDMI. Developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, this "system on a chip" was originally built to help teach basic computer science in school. Today, the Foundation offers two flavors of Raspberry Pi, priced at $25 or $35.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

DataWind Ubislate 7 ($60)

Late last year, India announced a noble project to the world: The country would create the "world's cheapest tablet computer," intended for students and offered at the lowered price of $35, and later on in stores for $60. Available as of October 2011, the Aakash — eventually called the Datawind Ubislate 7 on retail availability — features a 366 MHz Connexant CPU, 256 MB of RAM and 2GB of storage (expandable via microSD).

Instead of a capacitive touch screen, however, the tablet has a 7-inch resistive LCD display, runs on the Android 2.2 operating system and has access to the Getjar market instead of the traditional Android Market. Though it notches a rather short battery life of three hours — and even shorter when you're playing HD video — the endeavor is still an altogether laudable one for a population where most commercial tablets have simply been out of reach.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

Aakash 2 ($40)

The Aakash education-focused tablet from India later gave rise to a predecessor, the Aakash 2. Both tablets are technically tweaks on the Datawind Ubislate, but the Aakash 2 is a more ramped up version with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen, a 700 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor and a 3200 mAh battery — notably, specs that are almost twice as good as the original project blueprint. In terms of software, the Aakash 2 is surprisingly set to get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and finally gives users access to the beefier Android Market apps ecosystem. Connection methods include WiFi and GPRS. Picking up this slate will run you either $40 or $60, according to a couple of different sources.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

Mele A1000 ($70)

Aside from garnering a cult following, the Raspberry Pi also inspired a wave of imitators — and it's easy to see why. These thumb-sized, cheap and Linux-powered devices gave a new population access to technology and innovation, and the (relatively new) Mele A1000 doesn't stray from this philosophy.

Already out in the market for $70, the Mele A1000 is an ARM PC that runs Android 2.3 originally, but can be tweaked to run Ubuntu Linux as well. It's powered by the ARM-based Allwinner A10 chip and a 1.2 GHz Cortex A8 ARM core processor. Graphics-wise, a MALI400MP OpenGL ES 2.0 GPU is onboard, and if you ever get the itch to run apps on a TV, the Mele A1000 can handle this task with aplomb. The device also features an SD card slot and USB ports for additional attachments, along with an external SATA port and Ethernet. Computer tweakers, start using your imagination.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

MK802 ($74)

Sneakily stuffed into a package that resembles a USB flash drive, the $74 MK802 is a mini PC that vaunts a 1.5 GHz Allwinner A10 processor, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of storage and runs Android 4.0. Not bad for a little stick that weighs just 7 ounces and measures a diminutive 3.5 x 1.4 x 0.5 inches. If you've been lusting after FXITech's $200 Cotton Candy, but weren't feeling partial to its heftier price tag, this is the alternative to consider.

It's worth noting that this competitor doesn't have an HDMI connector, only an HDMI port, and you're only getting a single core processor instead of Cotton Candy's 1.2 GHz Samsung Exynos dual core chip. But for less than half the price, the Chinese-manufactured MK802 — with free shipping to the US from AliExpress.com — is worth a serious look.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

Intel NUC (>$100)

Pricing details are scant on Intel's NUC or "Next Unit of Computing," slated for release in the second half of 2012, but if the advertised specs are anything to go by, it's worth keeping a close watch on the product. Inside the 10 x 10 cm demo box, you've got a choice of either a Core i3 or Core i5 Sandy Bridge processor, with connection options that include Thunderbolt, HDMI and USB, all wrapped up in a 10 x 10 cm box. In terms of graphics, you'll see the decent integrated Intel HD 3000 onboard.

Apparently Intel told press outlet Just Press Start that the NUC will "not be in the hundreds or thousands range," and that different SKUs would likely be available — that's good news for the mainstream public, although it has never been made clear where the product will ship. But either way, with one of the biggest names in the industry behind the endeavor, we're interested to see how this project takes shape.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

Aionol Novo 7 ($120)

It's usually a safe bet to write off a $120 Android tablet as a flop, but the Ainol Novo 7 is actually worth considering. The slate features a 1024x600 IPS display, 8GB of Flash memory (expandable up to 16GB via microSD) and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi. Even better, it's run by a 1.2-GHz ARM Cortex processor and comes dripping in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, so you should be able to watch movies, play popular casual games and surf the Internet with ease — up to its rated battery life of 8 hours, to boot.


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the World

VIA APC 8750 ($49)

If you're not averse to having a naked motherboard on your desk and you're attracted to extremely cheap price tags, the VIA Technologies' APC 8750 could be the Raspberry Pi alternative of your dreams. This tiny, barebones PC measures 17 x 8.5 cm and can be plugged directly into a TV or monitor, or stuffed into the undersized chassis of your choice (a standard Mini-ITX or microATX, for instance).

The device runs Google Android 2.3 (for mouse and keyboard input), and is powered by an 800MHz clock processor with 512MB of RAM and 2GB of NAND Flash graphics. You also get VGA and HDMI display ports, HDTV support, four USB 2.0 ports and a microSD slot for expandable storage on the undersized device.

Related Links:
Top 10 Tablets Now
USB Stick Contains Dual-Core Computer, Turns Any Screen Into an Android Station
Top Laptops Under $500


The 8 Cheapest Computers in the WorldLaptopmag.com brings you in-depth reviews of the hottest mobile products, the latest tech news, helpful how-to advice, and expert analysis of the latest tech trends.

Will Vizio's Hot New Computers Be Available Next Month at Walmart? [PCs]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5914643/will-vizios-hot-new-computers-be-available-next-month-at-walmart

Will Vizio's Hot New Computers Be Available Next Month at Walmart?An anonymous tipster sent us apparent photos of Walmart's inventory supply system, complete with listings for two upcoming Vizio computers. (Presumably this tipster is a Walmart employee.) It looks like the gorgeous machines we first saw at CES could hit the big box giant's stores in mid-June.

There are references to a "27 All-In-One PC" for $1100 and a "14 T L Notebook" for $900, which line up with Vizio's plans for a 27-inch all-in-one and a 14-inch notebook. The also inventory shows that the products are on order. However, there's no information about when we might see 24-inch all-in-one or the 10-inch and 15.6-inch notebooks, we've also heard about.

Will Vizio's Hot New Computers Be Available Next Month at Walmart?

If true, this is fantastic news. We were very excited when we learned about Vizio plans to move into computers, but we also feared that as with many great plans, the products might never show up in the real world.

We reached out to Vizio reps for comment, but have yet to hear back. If any of you out there have additional information, let us know.

Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/vimeo-provides-the-soundtrack-of-our-lives-with-new-tools/

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What's Wes Anderson without the Kinks, Pulp Fiction without Dick Dale or Benny Hill without "Yakkity Sax?" Vimeo knows the power of a good soundtrack, so it's adding a couple of tools to its arsenal. The Enhancer lets users choose from some 50,000-plus tracks from the Vimeo Music Store, adding them directly to videos, adjusting audio levels and shifting the beginning and end of the song. A partnership with SmartSound, meanwhile, offers up access to 4,000 songs that can be customized by adjusting length, instrumental mix and musical arrangement. Tracks from the latter service will run $1.99 for non-commercial use and $20 for commercial licenses. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools

Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Outspoken Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain to head FCC's open internet advisory panel

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/

http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/jonathan-zittrain-harvard-fcc-net-neutrality/

The FCC has created a new forum for corporations, experts and activists to scrap over web laws: The Net Neutrality Advisory Committee. Members have been tasked with "tracking and evaluating the effects of the FCC's Open Internet rules," as well as making policy recommendations. The new group is to be led by Harvard professor and long-time defender of an open internet, Jonathan Zittrain, whose appointment echoes that of Tim Wu -- another expert in a senior advisory position over at the FTC. Harvard University is no stranger to what can go wrong when open access is stifled, so perhaps the good professor can shake things up a bit.

Outspoken Harvard professor Jonathan Zittrain to head FCC's open internet advisory panel originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 10:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IK Multimedia's iRig MIC Cast is now shipping for iOS devices, we go hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/irig-mic-cast-hands-on/

IK Multimedia's iRing MIC Cast is now shipping for iOS devices, we go hands-on

Back at CES, IK Multimedia unveiled a trio of music / recording accessories for iDevices. One of which was the diminutive iRig MIC Cast to handle those on-the-go podcasting and voice recording duties. The outfit has announced that the ultra-compact microphone that plays nice with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is now shipping. Let's have a quick refresher, shall we? The kit plugs into your Apple device's 3.5mm audio jack and sports a headphone output of its own for monitoring purposes. Inside the kit, a unidirectional condenser capsule goes to work to isolate the audio you want recorded instead that pesky background chatter. If you're looking to snag one, it'll set you back $40 (€29.99) and includes a stand for your handheld inside the box. But before you take the leap, head on past the break for some of our hands-on impressions of the device.

Continue reading IK Multimedia's iRig MIC Cast is now shipping for iOS devices, we go hands-on

IK Multimedia's iRig MIC Cast is now shipping for iOS devices, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 13:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC EVO 4G LTE hitting Sprint stores on June 2nd

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/htc-evo-4g-lte-sprint/

HTC EVO 4G LTE hitting Sprint stores on June 2nd

With the phones no longer locked up in customs, the HTC EVO 4G LTE has already shipped out to pre-orderers last week, but it still hasn't been made available in your local Sprint store or third-party affiliate. That will all change this Saturday, June 2nd, as the Now Network has announced that the device will launch "in most retail channels." If you're hoping to grab one, just make sure you get to sleep early on Friday night so you can enjoy your new toy well-rested.

HTC EVO 4G LTE hitting Sprint stores on June 2nd originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This All-Carbon Fiber Ultrabook Weighs Just 2.1 Pounds [Laptops]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5914500/this-all+carbon-fiber-notebook-weighs-just-21-pounds

This All-Carbon Fiber Ultrabook Weighs Just 2.1 PoundsCarbon fiber has, without doubt, got to be one of the most exotic materials you can choose to build things out of: race cars, road bikes and, umm, laptops? It seems that the Dell XPS 13 has started a trend because now Gigabyte is hot on its heels with an all-carbon fiber notebook which is, as you'd expect, insanely light.

This is the Gigabyte X11. As you may have guessed it features a 1366 x 768 resolution 11.6-inch screen, which is packed into a frame that tapers from 0.65-inches to 0.19-inches thick and is made exclusively from carbon fiber. Expect the hinge: that's aluminum. Most importantly, it weighs just 2.1 pounds. Or 34.4 ounces. That's 4 ounces less than the equivalent MacBook Air.

Inside, the spec list reads like any other ultrabook: a choice of Ivy Bridge processor, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 128GB SSD, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, mini DisplayPort, 1.3 megapixel webcam, blah blah, yawn yawn. Oh, and it's made from carbon fiber.

Currently there's no availability date announced, but we do know that prices will range from $999 to $1299, and for now it will come with Windows 7 Home Premium. Did I mention it was made from carbon fiber? [Engadget]

Intel teams up with DeviceScape for automatic public WiFi, will hook up your Ultrabook in the background

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/intel-teams-up-with-devicescape-for-automatic-public-wifi/

Intel Ivy Bridge touchscreen Ultrabook reference model

We all know the coffee shop WiFi routine: crack open the laptop, visit a splash page, and dutifully wait until you're logged in before you get to Twitter. Through a new deal between Intel and DeviceScape, you won't even have to think about it. Intel's Smart Connect tool will soon automatically sign in your Ultrabook to a curated list of quality, open WiFi hotspots, even if the PC is fast asleep. This last trick might need Windows 8's Connected Standby mode to live up to Intel's expectations, but the dream is to have your email and social feeds updated and waiting before that laptop or tablet screen has even blinked into life. Intel is leaving some gaps in the story, such as whether or not gadget owners will pay a premium for the fast access. We'd guess that Intel is counting on higher computer (and more importantly, processor) sales to make up the difference.

Intel teams up with DeviceScape for automatic public WiFi, will hook up your Ultrabook in the background originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second-gen IOIO in the works: embraces the wireless revolution, cuts cost

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/second-gen-ioio-in-the-works/

Second-gen IOIO in the works, embraces the wireless revolution

Ytai Ben-Tsvi's IOIO board is quite the hit with the Android-hacking DIY crowd. But, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement on the $50 dev board. A second-gen version is in the works that adds the ability to connect to a computer as a USB device (not just as a host) or via Bluetooth, without the need for a intermediary controller like an Arduino. Perhaps most exciting for those interested in tinkering with DIY Android phone accessories, is the plan to cut the price of the new IOIO. How much less the next version will cost isn't clear yet, but even just $5 could make a major difference. For more details check out Ytai's blog post at the source link.

Second-gen IOIO in the works: embraces the wireless revolution, cuts cost originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ADATA lets the sun shine on its new range of Premier Pro microSD cards

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/adata-premier-pro/

ADATA lets the sun shine on its new range of Premier Pro microSD cards

ADATA's trio of new Premier Pro microSD cards have escaped from the company's headquarters. Aimed at professionals and demanding consumers, the 16GB and 32GB editions come with a 45MB/s read and 40MB/s write speeds and support the latest SD 3.0 standard. The company isn't mentioning how well the 8GB card runs, so we'll just presume it's a little less speedy than either of its larger brothers. We've reached out to the company to find out when we can expect to see these hitting shelves (and how much they'll cost) and we will update if they tell us.

Continue reading ADATA lets the sun shine on its new range of Premier Pro microSD cards

ADATA lets the sun shine on its new range of Premier Pro microSD cards originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 21:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel details 14 dual-core Ivy Bridge processors ahead of Computex

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/intel-dual-core-ivy-bridge/

Intel details 14 dual-core Ivy Bridge processors ahead of Computex

Intel announced its quad-core Ivy Bridge processors in April, but we've known that dual-core CPUs must be on the way too. And alas, the chip maker does have some up its sleeve -- 14, to be exact. Core i5 and Core i7 versions will be the first to ship, with Core i3 processors launching later this year along with new Pentiums and Celerons. Of the 14 dual-core processors, six are desktop-grade. The rest are mobile, though four are ultra-low voltage (which will be denoted by a U at the end of their name). Computex is just around the corner, and we expect to see plenty of Ivy Bridge systems -- especially Ultrabooks with ultra-low voltage CPUs -- there next week. In the meantime, we've already reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad x230, a system running a dual-core 2.6GHz Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor. If you're into the nitty-gritty details, you'll find plenty to love in the Intel slides below the break.

Continue reading Intel details 14 dual-core Ivy Bridge processors ahead of Computex

Intel details 14 dual-core Ivy Bridge processors ahead of Computex originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel to show third-gen Ultrabooks at Computex, makes USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt a necessity

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/intel-to-show-third-gen-ultrabooks-requires-usb-3-or-thunderbolt/

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When Intel first unveiled its grand plans for Ultrabooks at last year's Computex, many of the fireworks were consciously reserved for Ivy Bridge-based variants in 2012 -- well, they're here. This year's show in Taipei will show off the third generation of the skinny, MacBook Air-inspired platform, and Intel is toughening up the design requirements in the process. The thickness requirements are the same as last year, at 18mm for systems with screens under 14 inches and 21mm for bigger machines, but high-speed ports are now mandatory to get that coveted "Ultrabook" label and the full marketing weight of Intel's $300 million Ultrabook Fund: if a PC doesn't have either USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt, it's out of the running. Intel also wants security built-in, rather than optional, as well as guarantees that a system is quick and responsive when it's fully awake. Not that this would be terribly hard with the low-voltage Ivy Bridge processors launching at the same time, mind you.

Just to reinforce the importance of it all, Intel is noting that the flood of Ultrabooks is about to pick up in a big way as the category hits the mainstream. We were promised 75 Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks this year in a presentation back at CES; that number's now up to 110, 30 of which will be Windows 8-friendly touchscreen models and another 10 opting for the convertible tablet route. At least some of those lightweight portables should pop up at Computex next week, and you can be sure we'll be investigating as many of them as we can to see just how well Intel's partners have advanced the game.

Intel to show third-gen Ultrabooks at Computex, makes USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt a necessity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OmniVision's 12.7-megapixel OV12830 can shoot 24 fps photo bursts from your smartphone

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/omnivisions-12-7-megapixel-ov12830-can-shoot-24-fps-photo-burst/

ImageOmniVision has been on a bit of a tear introducing new mobile camera sensors this week, and its newest could well have the biggest impact on smartphones in the next year. The OV12830's 12.7 megapixels don't make it as dense as the 16-megapixel sensors we've seen, but it makes up for that with some mighty fast still photography. As long as the attached phone can handle it, the CMOS sensor can snap full-resolution photos at 24 frames per second, or the kind of relentless shooting speed that would make One X and Galaxy S III fans happy. The same briskness musters 1080p video at 60 fps, even with stabilization thrown in. Production won't start until the fall and likely rules out a flood of 12.7-megapixel phones and tablets until 2013, but the OV12830's dead-on match for the size of current 8-megapixel sensors gives it a good shot at becoming ubiquitous -- and guarantees that phones won't need a giant hump on the back for a higher resolution.

Continue reading OmniVision's 12.7-m! egapixel OV12830 can shoot 24 fps photo bursts from your smartphone

OmniVision's 12.7-megapixel OV12830 can shoot 24 fps photo bursts from your smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 01:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gigabyte makes 975g X11 official, claims 'world's lightest' 11.6-inch notebook (update: hands-on video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/gigabyte-makes-975g-x11-official-claims-worlds-lightest-11-6/

Gigabyte makes 975g X11 official, claims 'world's lightest' 11.6-inch notebook

Well hello there again, Gigabyte X11. Hot on the heels of yesterday's leak, Gigabyte's just made its 11.6-inch X11 laptop (or is that an Ultrabook?) official. At 975g (2.15 pounds) it claims the title of "lightest notebook on earth" -- and weighs even less on Mars. Design-wise, you're looking at a 16.5mm (0.65 inches) to 3mm (0.19 inches) thin Macbook Air-like body made of real carbon fiber (!) with an aluminum hinge. Under the hood you'll find unspecified third generation Intel Core processors (read Ivy Bridge), 4GB of DDR3 RAM, Mobile Intel HM77 Express chipset with Intel HD Graphics 4000, a 128GB SSD, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0.

Ports include power, USB 2.0 and mini DisplayPort on the left side plus microSD, combo audio and USB 3.0 on the right. While the specs also mention gigabit Ethernet, there's no sign of it anywhere in the press shots. The display is a 1366x768-pixel LED-backlit affair dotted with a 1.3 megapixel webcam. A chiclet keyboard, buttonless trackpad and 4730mAh 7.4V Li-ion polymer battery (likely sealed) complete the package. There's no word on availability, but prices will range from $999 to $1299 with Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional in tow. Expect more information when we get our hands on this sexy beast at Computex next week.

Update: Our colleagues over at Engadget Chinese just got to spend some time with this svelte black slab. Take a look at the gallery below and hit the break for the hands-on video.

In addition, Gigabyte's announcing two 14-inch laptops -- the U2442 and U2440 -- which feature third generation Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce graphics. Unfortunately, we're still busy drooling all over the X11 gallery, so we'll direct you to the full PR after the break for the complete details.

Andy Yang contributed to this report.

Continue reading Gigabyte makes 975g X11 official, claims 'world's lightest' 11.6-inch notebook (update: hands-on video)

Gigabyte makes 975g X11 official, claims 'world's lightest' 11.6-inch notebook (update: hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 03:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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