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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Apple TV review (2010)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/apple-tv-review-2010/

You've been waiting, and it's finally here: the Apple TV review. Months before Steve Jobs announced the new set top box at Apple's annual fall event, we had been reporting on news that the company would strike out again into the TV market, offering a small, low-cost box that had more in common with the iPhone than the iMac. When those rumors came to fruition, we were presented with the completely revamped Apple TV -- a tiny black puck of a device priced at a staggering $99, and centered around a handful of completely new ideas (for the folks in Cupertino at least) about getting content onto your TV screen. The first is a new rental system which allows you to nab brand new TV shows at $0.99 a rental, and HD movies for $4.99 a go (or $3.99 for older titles). And that includes new releases the same day DVDs hit shelves (or Netflix distribution centers). Speaking of Netflix, the new Apple TV also features the rental service's "Watch Instantly" as a wholly integrated component of its offerings, alongside a new function the company calls AirPlay which will allow you to "push" video and audio content from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch with the tap of a button. On top of that, the new ATV streamlines sharing from your home computers or laptops, making getting content you own onto your TV dead simple. So, has Apple finally solved the "second box" problem, or are they still struggling to turn this hobby into a real business? Follow along after the break for those answers (and more) in our full review of the Apple TV!

Gallery: Apple TV review (2010)

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Apple TV review (2010) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six Android browsers enter the ring, only one reigns supreme

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/six-android-browsers-enter-the-ring-only-one-reigns-supreme/

Choice is a good thing, and Android users certainly have a lot of choices. Default launcher or Launcher Pro? Fancy animated live wallpaper or static picture of adorable puppies? Stock browser or alternative? It's that last question that has plagued so many, and to offer some guidance PC World pitted six of the Market's top choices against each other. The 2.1 and 2.2 stock browsers entered, along with Skyfire 2.0, Opera Mini, Dolphin HD, and Mozilla Fennec (the pre-beta release of what could bring Firefox to your phone). The winner? Well, you can see the ultimate speed results above, with SkyFire surprisingly trumping Opera Mini, though that one seemingly has 'em beat when it comes to repeat-visits. However, the full story when it comes to things like page rendering and Flash compatibility is naturally a good bit more complex. For those details you'll need to click on through.

[Thanks, Tim]

Six Android browsers enter the ring, only one reigns supreme originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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QNAP intros 1080p-capable NMP-1000P network multimedia player

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/qnap-intros-1080p-capable-nmp-1000p-network-multimedia-player/

It's a minor refresh, but a refresh nonetheless. If you'll recall, we saw the original NMP-1000 break cover at CeBIT 2009, and now that we're 1.5 years in the future, the QNAP NMP-1000P is making its debut for those who crave 1080p. Judging from the exterior, little has changed from then until now, but the revamped innards may be of interest -- there's a Sigma Designs SMP8643 SoC, a 667MHz CPU with floating point processor, support for 1080/24p playback and WiFi integration if you spring for an optional adapter. You'll also get a revised user interface, local and internet-based content streaming and room for a user-supplied 3.5-inch SATA hard drive, not to mention compatibility with just about every file format under the sun. Mum's the word on pricing and availability, but we're guessing it'll be out on shelves somewhere prior to the holidays.

Continue reading QNAP intros 1080p-capable NMP-1000P network multimedia player

QNAP intros 1080p-capable NMP-1000P network multimedia player originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 06:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

CHART OF THE DAY: Can Apple Become The Most Valuable Company In The World? (AAPL, XOM)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-market-cap-apple-exxon-2010-9

Apple could become the most valuable company in the world, but first it will have to gain $47 billion in market cap value versus Exxon.

Sounds daunting, but last November Apple's market cap was $79 billion less than Microsoft. Today it's $52 billion greater.

Of course, the growth of Apple's value can contribute to the decline in Microsoft's value. The two are rivals. What's good for Apple is bad for Microsoft.

Exxon, on the other hand, does not get hurt if Apple is doing well. For Apple to beat Exxon then, Exxon will have to tank on its own, and Apple will have to grow on its own.

What are the odds of it happening? Pretty good, actually.

For the year Exxon's stock is down approximately 10%, and famed hedge fund trader Jim Chanos is short Exxon's stock, thinking its due for a collapse. Meanwhile, analysts can't raise their price targets on Apple high enough.

chart of the day, market cap, apple, exxon, sept 2010