Google tests Flight Explorer tool, offers more visual and powerful ticket searches

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/google-flight-explorer/

Google may have updated its flight search tool for tablets just a couple of months back, but it's been a while since its desktop counterpart saw a refresh. Currently being tested under the call sign "Flight Explorer", the outfit has a new offering that provides a more customizable and visual interface to help root out a suitable plane ticket. While the filters are pretty much the same as the existing Google Flights search engine, there's a new slider to choose trip length, an upfront indication of the best available ticket price for the selected timeframe, along with handy graphs that show price over time, and which yield up specifics when you hover over them with your mouse pointer. There's every chance that these new additions will be merged into Google Flights once any crinkles have been ironed out, but in the meantime there's nothing to stop you using it at the link below. And hey, send us a postcard!

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Via: WebProNe! ws, The Next Web

Source: Google Flight Explorer

Lava Xolo A800 reaches India, delivers big screen and dual SIMs on a budget

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/lava-xolo-a800-reaches-india-delivers-big-screen-and-dual-sims/

Most of us who know Lava's Xolo badge will associate it with one of the first Atom-based smartphones, the Xolo X900, but it's branching out to models that don't require an Intel Inside label. Its just-launched, India-oriented Xolo A800 is all about keeping the cost of a big-screened phone down through a low-cost ARM processor: the Android 4.0 smartphone combines a 1GHz, dual-core MediaTek MT6577 chip with a 4.5-inch, 960 x 540 IPS display that you won't often find in this device class. There's a few other surprises in store. While the dual 2G and 3G SIM slots aren't unusual given local market tastes, the A800 also stuffs in a very modern backside-illuminated 8-megapixel rear camera, a front VGA camera and a total of 12GB of storage out of the box. The grand total for Indians buying today is just 11,999 rupees ($220) off-contract -- a good deal that makes us hope Lava takes the A800 abroad.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: Infibeam

Free online tool creates images with adjustable depth of field from standard DSLR video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/dof-changeable-images-using-DSLR/

We've seen a couple of ways to change the depth of field (DOF) in pictures after they've been shot, but those methods have all featured specific hardware for the job. Knowing that most aren't inclined to fork over the notes for such luxuries, online auteurists The Choas Collective have released a free online tool for creating DOF-changeable images -- and all you need is a basic DSLR that shoots video. Instead of fancy in-camera tech that captures all the focal range data in one instance, their method requires you to shoot a short, steady video of the subject scene while you manually change the focus from one extreme to another. Upload the clip, and the Collective's neat tool cuts each frame into a 20 x 20 grid and works out what's in focus. The result is an embeddable image which allows you to play around with depth of field on the fly. We know you're probably eager to try this out right now, but before you go looking for your camera, head to the source link for full instructions and tips for shooting the clip. Alternatively, if you're sans DSLR, check out the example of a DOF-changeable image we've hidden below the fold.

Continue reading Free online tool creates images with adjustable depth of field from standard DSLR video

Filed under: Cameras, Internet, Software

Comments

Source: The Chaos Collective

Acer Iconia W700 review: a Core i5 Windows 8 slate that doesn't skimp on battery life

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/acer-iconia-w700-review/

Until PC makers figure out what consumers want in their Windows 8 PCs, they'll be throwing different designs at the proverbial wall to see what sticks. One thing's for sure, though: laptop / tablet hybrids have already made it. So far, we've seen a mix of models, some with low-power Atom processors, and others with laptop-grade Core i5 CPUs inside. Basically, a choice between amazing horsepower and long battery life.

In Acer's lineup, specifically, we've already had a chance to play with the Iconia W510, an Atom-powered device with a keyboard dock. Now we're taking a look at the Iconia W700 ($800 and up), an 11-inch tablet that's essentially an Ultrabook with no keyboard attached. Based on that brief summary you'd think it had the same form factor as the smaller W510, but you'd be wrong. Whereas the W510 has a keyboard dock with a built-in battery, the W700 has a cradle with a modular kickstand you can use you to prop up the tablet in landscape or portrait mode. There's no battery inside the dock, and the keyboard is a standalone product; you'll have to pack it separately if you decide you need it on a trip. So is there any advantage to having a design with so many different pieces? And how does that Core i5 processor fare, anyway? Let's see.

Gallery: Acer Iconia W700 review

Continue reading Acer Iconia W700 review: a Core i5 Windows 8 slate that doesn't skimp on battery life

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Acer

Comments

Facebook for Android 2.0 arrives with much faster load times, in-feed photo browsing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/facebook-for-android-2-0-arrives-with-much-faster-load-times/

Facebook users running Android have been clamoring for speed updates, and it looks like they'll at least get some of what they desire today. A version 2.0 revamp moves partly to native code and is purportedly twice as fast at loading the Timeline and photos, on top of simply being faster to start. The upgrade also lets us quickly flip through photos without having to shift attention away from the news feed. Google Play isn't yet carrying Facebook 2.0 as of this writing, but it's promised within hours -- check the source link at the right time and you may get a speed kick that many have been craving for months.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile, Facebook

Comments

Via: Facebook (1), (2)

Source: Google Play

Microsoft may turn to mobile gaming for crowdsourced mapping data

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/microsoft-mobile-gaming-crowdsourced-mapping-data/

Keeping map data relevant's a full-time job -- just ask Nokia, Google and, yes, even Apple. Which is why Microsoft may be gearing up to offload some of that heavy lifting to users in the augmented reality guise of mobile gaming. Or at least that's one possible future outlined by a recently surfaced patent application. The USPTO doc, filed back in June of 2011, clearly lays out a crowdsourced "data collection system" whereby users sent on virtual missions to specific real-world targets would aid in the gathering of up-to-date geo-location data. With its thriving Xbox gaming arm and reinvigorated inroads into the mobile space, it wouldn't be much of a stretch for Microsoft to leverage a bit of corporate synergy to make its own mapping service more accurate, or simply license the data. Whatever the case may be, it's all up in legal limbo for the time being. So, for now, you'll have to content yourselves with AR missions of the Ingress kind.

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft

Comments

Source: USPTO

University of Bath develops efficient vector-based video, says pixels are old hat

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/university-of-bath-develops-efficient-vector-based-video/

The pixel does the job for most digital imagery -- it sure makes for a fine shirt -- but it's not so hot for video, where growing resolutions chew up gobs of bandwidth. There may be a wiser strategy coming from the University of Bath, whose researchers have developed a more efficient approach to movie codecs. Their new format uses vectors to render footage with colored contours that demand fewer resources than a dot-by-dot approach. While vector-based rendering isn't original in itself, the researchers' method is supposedly unique in filling the gaps between the contours with the kind of visual quality a pro videographer would crave. The university team is confident enough that it's talking to major companies about using the codec for post-production tools, and sees it spreading to mobile devices where connection speeds and storage are at a premium. It could take years for vector-based video to catch on; if the technology ever upsets the pixel's reign, though, more than a few Vectrex owners may see it as poetic justice.

Filed under: Science, Software

Comments

Via: Popular Science

Source: University of Bath

Amazon Cloud Player arrives for Roku boxes, Samsung Smart TVs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/13/amazon-cloud-player-arrives-for-roku-boxes-samsung-smart-tvs/

So you've embraced Amazon Cloud Player to the point where you want it at the center of your living room. Amazon is more than happy to oblige with newly launched apps for both Roku media hubs as well as Samsung Smart TVs. The two apps will stream Amazon MP3 purchases and uploaded songs for everyone in the living room, although they share the same limitations: uploading music is clearly off the table given the lack of local storage, and we'll have to manage that party playlist elsewhere. When both apps are free perks of an existing service, though, we won't grouse too loudly.

Continue reading Amazon Cloud Player arrives for Roku boxes, Samsung Smart TVs

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung, Amazon

Comments

Source: Amazon (1), (2)

Make a Raspberry Pi Solar-Powered FTP Server

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5967840/make-a-raspberry-pi-solar+powered-ftp-server

There are lots of great #Raspberry Pi projects you can make. Add to the growing list using the small computer as an FTP server—a solar-powered one, no less.

CNET has the instructions for setting up your mini FTP server. With it, you can access your digital files from anywhere 24/7—and the solar panel means your electricity bill won't be affected at all.

Basically you just need a solar panel with a rechargeable battery pack in a case. You can buy the parts from Cottonpickers (based in the UK, but shipping worldwide).

Once you've got your sun bed set up, follow CNET's straightforward instructions for setting up the static IP, VNC, and so on. You can hook up an external hard drive for file sharing.

In theory, you could use the solar panel case for any Raspberry Pi project, including setting up a personal web server.

How to make a Raspberry Pi solar-powered FTP server | CNET UK viaTechCrunch

Verizon Galaxy Note II bootloader unlocked, ready for flashing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/verizon-galaxy-note-ii-bootloader-unlocked/

Well, that didn't take long. The talented folks over the XDA Developers forums have cracked the Verizon version of the Galaxy Note II. The bootloader has been fully unlocked and the giant phone is ready to be hacked, modded and flashed with custom ROMs. The steps are pretty simple, though, we'll still give you the perquisite warning that messing with your phones bootloader could lead to irreparable damage. But,, if the risk of bricking your handset doesn't phase you, just download a few packages, including the leaked Odin3 tool from Samsung and get cracking. Sadly, unlocking the bootloader can't strip all of the terrible Big Red branding from the device -- you'll need some sandpaper for that. Some users are reporting issues with the unlocking process related to root and the dev has promised an update addressing the bug soon. Complete instructions await you at the source and there's a video walk through after the break.

Continue reading Verizon Galaxy Note II bootloader unlocked, ready for flashing

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile

Comments

Source: XDA Developers

JVC launches five Everio camcorders in Japan, two with Android remote control

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/jvc-launches-five-everio-camcorders-in-japan-two-with-android-control/

JVC occasionally drops hints as to what we'll see at CES through launches in Japan late in the year; if that's true with its new Everio camcorder launch, we'll face a small avalanche in Las Vegas. Five models are shipping in late December that include two with remote control: WiFi on the 16GB GZ-EX350 and 32GB GZ-EX370 lets a nearby Android phone or tablet steer the camera from a distance, and the camera itself can wirelessly back up its footage as well as share media through WiFi Direct. Springing for one of these or the strictly-offline GZ-E325 (8GB) and GZ-E345 (16GB) cameras will still net you a just-the-highlights playback mode that looks for smiles and tagged scenes. While the entry-level GZ-E320 misses out on the highlight mode, all five models share a 40X optical zoom, 1080p shooting from a BSI CMOS sensor, an SDXC card slot and a 3-inch touchscreen for previewing any would-be masterpieces. Although JVC hasn't mentioned any US plans, we wouldn't be surprised to see at least one or two of the new Everios cross the Pacific.

Filed under: Cameras

Comments

Via: Akihabara News

Source: JVC (1), (2)

Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ review: a high-def 9-inch tablet at an entry-level price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/nook-hd-plus-review/

More Info

• Barnes & Noble announces Nook HD+ 9-inch tablet, we go hands-on
• Nook HD review: a high-def tablet with the heart of a reader
• Amazon Kindle Fire HD review

A couple of weeks back, we referred to the Nook HD as a "tablet with the heart of a reader." And given Barnes & Noble's roots in brick-and-mortar bookstores, the sentiment makes sense; the company has given the world a product that felt a bit like an LCD reader with some solid tricks up its sleeve. While it shares the same core operating system as the HD, the HD+ brings a bit more to the hardware party -- namely, a high-def, 9-inch HD display. The change shifts some of the product's focus toward multimedia, with a particular emphasis on the recently announced Nook Video service. That, coupled with a $269 price tag, makes for a pretty compelling combination. But is it enough to ensure that Barnes & Noble will have a winner on its hands for the holiday? Find out after the break.

Gallery: Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ review: a high-def nine-inch tablet at an entry level price

Continue reading Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ review: a high-def 9-inch tablet at an entry-level price

Filed under: Tablets

Comments

This Dual LCD and E-Ink Phone Will Be Available in 2013

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5967746/this-dual-lcd-and-e+ink-phone-will-be-available-in-2013

Earlier this year, a prototype of a dual e-ink and LCD phone was floating around. Turns out it's much further down the development road than that, though—and in fact it should be available next year.

Manufactured by a Russian company called Yota Devices, this is an Android phone at heart. But unlike other phones, into its frame is crammed both a 4.3-inch 720 x 1,280 LCD display on the front and a 200 dpi e-ink display of the same size on the rear.

Elsewhere, Yota has released details of the guts that lurk inside, too: a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, at least 32GB of storage, LTE, a 12-megapixel rear camera, and a 720p front-facing camera. Despite having two screens, Yota claims it's less than 10mm thick. This things sounds none too shabby.

Yota also claims to be planning to make more use of the e-ink display than reading. It explains that it will route data to the second screen whenever it makes sense in an attempt to increase battery life—by up to 50 percent, or so it claims. How well that will work in practice—and how much users will appreciate it—is another question entirely.

Which brings us to a couple of major question marks. First, it's unclear who exactly would want a dual display phone like this: reading's a very specific application, after all, usually best done on a slightly-larger-than-phone-size screen. Second, Yota hardly has a track record in device manufacturing, so if it's selling a phone based on a dual-screen gimmick, it's not necessarily clear that the rest of device will be up to scratch.

But! Only time—and a play with the thing—will tell as far as that final point's concerned. Yota is aiming for a launch in the third quarter of 2013. [Engadget]

Verizon and Redbox's Streaming Service Is Really Real and Only $6

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5967801/verizon-and-redboxs-streaming-service-is-really-real-and-only-6

Verizon and Redbox are officially kicking off a streaming movie service. Sort of. Redbox Instant by Verizon goes into beta this month, and you have to have an invitation to get behind the velvet rope for now.

Later in 2013, however, will be the wider launch. For now, the details are that the Redbox Instant will give you streaming video and some mail-order DVDs, as well as the ability to buy online. It sounds like a pretty decent deal—$8/month gets you streaming plus four DVDs from Redbox kiosks and access to the online store. The same option with Blu-ray is $9/month. And if you don't give a hoot about DVDs, you'll pay just $6/month for streaming only. And now you have even more reason to never leave your apartment, ever. [Redbox Instant via AllThingsD]

Fuhu announces the $250 Nabi XD for tweens: 10.1-inch display, Jelly Bean on offer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/fuhu-announces-nabi-xd/

Fuhu's latest attempt at a tablet for youngsters is the Nabi XD, this time promising to help keep your tween's hands off your shiny new slate and also eschew sibling rivalry. It's packing specs that match its grown-up approach -- a 10.1-inch, 1,366 x 768 IPS display, quad-core Tegra 3 innards, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, dual snappers, and NFC. The customizable wrapper atop the OS boasts a "gadget-based", rule-governed interface that changes depending on time and location. Concerned parents can take solace in its kid-friendly browsing, and fool themselves by springing for the optional silicone keyboard cover -- an accessory that should, in theory, assist with homework, but one that might just be relegated to the side in favor of the device's more enticing gaming capabilities. The tablet will set you back $249 for 16GB and $349 for the 32GB iterations when it lands late December, but ask yourselves first -- is this really what your kid wants?

Continue reading Fuhu announces the $250 Nabi XD for tweens: 10.1-inch display, Jelly Bean on offer

Filed under: Tablets

Comments

Insert Coin: PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/insert-coin-pipa-touch-fingerprint-reader/

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Mobile security beyond PIN codes and passwords is usually a tentative affair. There's fingerprint readers, but they're often specific to the device or the platform, and sometimes limited to just a handful of tasks. Team PIPA wants to raise funds for a more universal solution. Its PIPA Touch scanner can add biometric authentication to phones' lock screens, websites and other tasks through a developer kit, and a modular design lets it slip into cases for the Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices that should receive support. Security goes beyond most fingerprint readers, as well: while a basic swipe-and-done scan is an option, the truly cautious can require a multi-scan sequence that fends off just about any intruder.

Continue reading Insert Coin: PIPA Touch fingerprint reader lets phone owners authenticate most anything

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Mobile

Comments

Source: PIPA Touch (Indiegogo)

FreedomPop brings free wireless internet to the home with Hub Burst modem and router

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/freedompop-hub-burst-free-wireless-internet/

If you happen to live in an area that's served by Clearwire's WiMAX network, then you may be interested to learn of a new home internet service that's very aggressive on the pricing front. FreedomPop has announced a free broadband service that'll offer 1GB of data consumption per month. Not to stop there, heavier users can sign up for a $9.99 monthly subscription that provides 10GB of data usage, or take advantage of a pay-as-you-go option that costs $0.005 per megabyte ($5/GB). Also of note, free users will be able to earn additional data by engaging friends and participating in promotions.

FreedomPop's service will launch in conjunction with the Hub Burst, a 4G modem and router that costs $89, which is available for pre-order now and is set to ship next month. The Hub Burst offers two Ethernet jacks -- useful for your desktop or home entertainment setup -- along with support for 802.11b/g/n (WiFi). While WiMAX is a bit pokey by modern standards, if you're looking to lighten your monthly bills, this alternative to Clear and NetZero may be the ticket, indeed.

Continue reading FreedomPop brings free wireless internet to the home with Hub Burst modem and router

Filed under: Wireless, Internet, Mobile

Comments

Source: FreedomPop

Flickr for iOS gets a major overhaul, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/flickr-for-ios-hands-on/

Just like Marissa Mayer promised, Yahoo has revamped its Flickr app for iOS to bring it back in line with the oh-so-social modern era. Whereas the Android app was updated back in August, the iPhone version has had only minor improvements over the last few years and was starting to look seriously dusty compared to the competition. In terms of individual features, the new app doesn't do much that various other third-party apps can't do already, but it does bunch them all into one polished package that is happy to work across multiple networks. In addition to Flickr, for instance, you can readily share your snaps with Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. You might also dig the camera app, which separates exposure and focus points to give you more creative control over your images -- and yes, there are the obligatory filters too. The app is live on the App Store right now, but check out our brief hands-on after the break for a preview of its strong points.

Gallery: Flickr app for iOS screenshots

Continue reading Flickr for iOS gets a major overhaul, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Internet, Software, Mobile

Comments

Oppo launches Find 5, touts 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core and 13MP camera

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/oppo-find-5-launch/

At last, the wait is over for Oppo's latest flagship device. Launched in Beijing earlier, the Find 5 comes with pretty much all the top ingredients in the current market -- many of which had been teased by the company multiple times already: 5-inch 1080p display, Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064 chip with 2GB RAM, a 2,500mAh battery and Android 4.1.2. There's also NFC, and on top of that, the Find 5 comes with a special version of Sina Weibo that uses the phone's NFC to let users instantly follow each other. The 13-megapixel, 5fps camera on the back isn't just about numbers, as it also packs fast hardware-enabled HDR for both photos and video! Oppo claims it's the first in the mobile industry to carry this awesome feature. Additionally, the main camera can capture slow motion of up to 120fps, though it isn't clear whether the resolution is reduced to achieve this. On the other side of the device there's also a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera, which beats most phones these days. Audio-wise the Find 5 features Dirac HD, a technology that's embraced by the likes of BMW, Bentley, Rolls Royce and Datasat; making Oppo the first mobile phone brand to join the party. The included earphones are fine-tuned for Dirac, naturally.

Alas, much like the Droid DNA, this Chinese superphone also suffers from the lack of microSD expansion, so users may struggle to fully appreciate the 441ppi screen with just 16GB of built-in storage. As for pricing, we already know that the US will offer the Find 5 for $499, and luckily, it'll just ¥2,998 or about $480 in China, but it'll be about a month before the phone reaches its various markets, including the US. Stay tuned for our hands-on, and there's also a press release after the break for the time being.

Update: Our hands-on is up!

Gallery: Oppo Find 5 product shots

Gallery: Oppo Find 5 launch event

Continue reading Oppo launches Find 5, touts 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core and 13MP camera

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: Oppo

Oppo Find 5 hands-on (updated with video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/oppo-find-5-hands-on/

Being our first time at an Oppo launch event, we were truly blown away by the efforts put into the quality show. And luckily, we can say the same for the phone itself. The Find 5 uses the same gorgeous five-inch 1080p screen as HTC's Droid DNA and Butterfly, but what really blew us away was the new phone's solid build quality -- a huge improvement from the older Finder we brought along, though the latter did achieve a 6.65mm thickness, whereas the new one comes in at 8.8mm thick. The Find 5's shape and feel also reminded us of Sony's Xperia S. It'll be about a month before Oppo pushes its new phone into various markets, so it'll be awhile before we get a review unit to test the various features. For now, enjoy our hands-on photos below.

Update: Check out our hands-on video after the break!

Gallery: Oppo Find 5 hands-on

Continue reading Oppo Find 5 hands-on (updated with video)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments