Verizon speaks up, confirms usage-based data plans are coming July 7th

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/verizon-speaks-up-confirms-usage-based-data-plans-are-coming-ju/

The leaks about Verizon's usage-based plans have become so abundant that it's been nearly impossible to shake off with any amount of skepticism, but one key ingredient's been missing from the saga: official word from the carrier itself regarding the exact date and specific pricing. A mere two days before DataGate's rumored debut, Verizon's finally cleared its throat to make a statement confirming the inevitable. The unlimited smartphone data plan will predictably make a sad and sudden departure from the company's brochures -- lingering only for those grandfathered into it -- and a tiered structure will enter in its place.

There were no surprises on pricing: for smartphone data, plans start at $30 for 2GB, $50 for 5GB, and $80 for 10GB. New customers can add mobile hotspot service for an extra $20, and Big Red will throw in a couple additional gigabytes as well. Customers currently using the unlimited LTE mobile hotspot will be given the option to retain that service for another $30. We've yet to receive confirmation from our spokesperson, but will keep you updated as soon as we get word. Knowing is half the battle, though, so take action -- interested parties only have two days left.

Verizon speaks up, confirms usage-based data plans are coming July 7th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/galaxytab-10-1-demo-video-shows-touchwiz-on-honeycomb-mini-app/

Surely by now you're mighty familiar with Samsung's Android-conquering Galaxy Tab 10.1, but we're still here waiting on that slate's promised TouchWiz update. Now it's on display, courtesy of an official video posted by the company. Whilst listening to some incredibly jazzy music that will make racing fans think they've accidentally booted into Gran Turismo 5, watch a disembodied hand show off some of the Honeycomb customizations that, for the most part, look fairly unobtrusive, including a bigger, friendlier settings screen. More interesting, though, is a look at the Mini Apps that are accessed by what looks to be a gesture from off the bottom of the display. Six proggies will be available at launch: a calendar, task manager, clock, note pad, calculator, and music player. We're still not sure just when the OTA update will filter out to enable these suckers, but more importantly we're not sure what to call them when it does. Mini Apps isn't doing it for us, and sadly Java already has "applets" locked up tight.

[Thanks, Marc]

Continue reading Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps

Galaxy Tab 10.1 demo video shows TouchWiz on Honeycomb, Mini Apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix bringing instant streaming Latin America, global domination plan on track

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/netflix-bringing-instant-streaming-latin-america-global-dominat/

Soon enough, most of the western hemisphere will be able to enjoy Netflix Watch Instantly without the need for proxies and work-arounds. Later this year the company will add 43 countries in Central and South America, and the Caribbean to its list of supported locales. It will also wrap up its North American expansion by streaming flicks into the heart of Mexico. When exactly folks in Brazil and Trinidad will be able to sign up, and how much it will cost when it launches are still up in the air at the moment. One thing is certain though -- while Hulu is striking deals with the likes of Miramax and the Criterion Collection to bolster its library of feature length films, Netflix is building a global empire.

Netflix bringing instant streaming Latin America, global domination plan on track originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qbo, the open-source robot, interacts with people, makes adorable mistakes (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/qbo-the-open-source-robot-interacts-with-people-makes-adorabl/

A while back we got a detailed look at the innards of Qbo, TheCorpora's open-source robot. But we haven't gotten to see the little guy in action -- until now. His handlers recently let him loose to run autonomously, guided by a pair of webcam eyes and voice recognition courtesy of Willow Garage's ROS software. The team soon noticed some unexpected behavior, though. Despite being programmed to follow humans at a specific distance, Qbo trailed uncomfortably near with taller people -- probably the first example of a robotic "close walker." Poring over the log files revealed why: proximity was calculated based on faces. The faces of taller people were farther away from the ground-hugging robot, which adjusted accordingly. Roll your way down the page to see more of our cute mechanized friend, and over to the source link for more musings on programming him.

Continue reading Qbo, the open-source robot, interacts with people, makes adorable mistakes (video)

Qbo, the open-source robot, interacts with people, makes adorable mistakes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/insert-coin-triggertrap-open-source-automatic-camera-release-v/

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.


Perhaps the simplest function on any camera, the shutter release is typically triggered using a dedicated button, or -- most often in the case of a professional rig -- using a wired or wireless remote. The Triggertrap falls into that latter category, completing the circuit necessary to capture an image after receiving commands from a virtually limitless array of sources. After pairing with your DSLR or ILC using a universal connector, you'll be able to trigger the device to snap a photo using a laser beam (thanks to the built-in photo transistor), sound (a hand clap, for example), or a timer -- typically most applicable to time-lapse photography. An auxiliary port will enable you to get even more creative -- you could release the shutter using a remote control, pressure trigger, or even a cell phone call, for example.

The Triggertrap is well on its way to a Kickstarter campaign goal of $25,000, but there's still time to pre-order a DIY kit for $70, or a turn-key version for five bucks more. As always, Kickstarter will issue a refund if the project isn't funded before the July 31st deadline. Both devices are Arduino based and open source, so you're free to make modifications as you wish -- assuming you don't mind getting your hands dirty with a bit of programming. Jump past the break for a quick demo video, and keep an eye out for the creator's Pringles can DIY macro lens, just past the 13 second mark.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video)

Insert Coin: Triggertrap open source automatic camera release (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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