Google working on video chat for Chrome, Skype cowers in fear

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/google-working-on-video-chat-for-chrome-skype-cowers-in-fear/

Watch out Skype, Google Chrome is comin' for ya. Not long after releasing WebRTC audio and video chat software as open-source, Google has started to integrate these capabilities into its prized browser. Looking to move past the played out features of Gmail and Google Voice, the company is planning for WebRTC to be a frontrunner for video conferencing and online chatting. The software was introduced as royalty-free, too, even promising to work with other browsers devs (namely Mozilla and Opera) to flesh out the project. This means that anyone building a site can make use of the new tech, and in theory, construct their own personal Skype battering ram. With the company being pro-web apps on all fronts, this is another step forward in its quest to bring the aforementioned technology up to par with native apps. Is this one of many dominoes to fall in the web-based app takeover, at least in terms of Chrome OS? It very well could be, especially if companies would rather see the traffic in-browser vs. within a native app. Now, if only Instagram could make use of that dusty webcam...

Filed under: Software

Google working on video chat for Chrome, Skype cowers in fear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:33:00 EDT. Please ! see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia claims N9 is 'the fastest image-capturing phone' yet

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/nokia-claims-n9-is-the-fastest-image-capturing-phone-yet/

We've already established that the N9 is a delight of a phone, both inside and out, but our hands-on time with Nokia's new flagship gave us only a brief look at its camera performance. Now the company is graciously filling that gap in our knowledge with some further disclosure about its new 8 megapixel imager, including the lofty claim that the N9 is the fastest phone yet when it comes to capturing an image -- ousting the likes of the iPhone 4, the Galaxy S II, and even the Canon S95, perhaps the best pocket camera around at the moment. Measuring the time taken from activating the camera app to the completion of the first shot, the N9 clocks in at 2.6 seconds, whereas Apple's latest does it in 3 seconds and Samsung's takes a split second more. Aside from its speed, the N9 has Carl Zeiss optics, a wide F2.2 max aperture, dual-LED flash, continuous autofocus, and a 720/30p video mode to boast about, but the benefits of those items will need to be experienced first hand. So Nokia, when are you shipping this thing?

Nokia claims N9 is 'the fastest image-capturing phone' yet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Xoom gets Android 3.1 update that activates microSD card support outside the US

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/motorola-xooms-in-android-3-1-update-that-activates-microsd-card/

You know that microSD card slot that's been laying dormant in your Motorola Xoom? Provided you don't reside in the US, that'll be getting activated soon as part of the tablet's Android 3.1 update, which is starting to roll out now and should have all of Europe covered within the next few weeks. Motorola explicitly identifies this as a firmware update for "non-US" Xooms, so Canadians would be well advised to check their software update utility, though the big question is why didn't the American 3.1 update include microSD support as well? What tangled web of intrigue lies behind this selective activation?

[Thanks, Alan]

Motorola Xoom gets Android 3.1 update that activates microSD card support outside the US originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung reveals 'premium accessory suite' for Galaxy Tab 10.1, includes premium prices

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/samsung-reveals-premium-accessory-suite-for-galaxy-tab-10-1-i/

Loving your Galaxy Tab 10.1 but just itching for some accessories? Samsung knows you are, and today helpfully unveiled a "premium accessory suite" to soothe your jones for both add-ons and premium prices. The collection (parts of which appeared earlier on Sammy's German site) includes a full-size keyboard dock ($70) and a multimedia dock ($35) enabling HDMI pass-through - you can have Tab video on your TV, as long as you buy the separate HDTV adapter ($30). You have your choice of cases, as well: a book cover model ($60) you can leave on while using the tablet, or a leather pouch edition ($30) that is, you guessed it, a leather pouch. A few miscellaneous items round out the collection, including various chargers, a conductive stylus and the already-released USB adapter. The company also promises a Bluetooth keyboard and SD card adapter to come "mid-summer," just in time to ease your next bout of premium-accessory fever.

Continue reading Samsung reveals 'premium accessory suite' for Galaxy Tab 10.1, includes premium prices

Samsung reveals 'premium accessory suite' for Galaxy Tab 10.1, includes premium prices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FL Studio Mobile lands on iOS, more indie rap albums to be produced while commuting

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/fl-studio-mobile-lands-on-ios-more-indie-rap-albums-to-be-produ/

Dream no longer friends, FL Studio Mobile is here for your iOS device of choice. The iPhone and iPod touch version is being offered for $15, while the more expansive HD edition for the iPad is fetching $20 -- but both will see their price climb another $5 after the introductory sale is over. As mentioned you'll be able to pass project files back and forth between the desktop and mobile apps, though the iDevices lack support (and the muscle power) for VST instruments. It also appears the scope of the sequencer had to be scaled back from 128 tracks to 99, but that should be more than enough to keep you tapping out beats like 9th Wonder while riding the train. Hit up the source links to download the portable production suite and check out the gallery below.

Gallery: FL Studio Mobile and FL Studio Mobile HD

FL Studio Mobile lands on iOS, more indie rap albums to be produced while commuting originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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