Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/google-voice-update-for-android-brings-design-refresh-and-asynch/

A new version of Google Voice has just crawled out of the woodwork, and while the changes are minor, we think most users will like what's in store. First and foremost, we were greeted with a new, darker interface that better matches Honeycomb's design philosophy, along with a refreshed icon that more closely resembles the messaging app in Ice Cream Sandwich. There's also a curious new feature known as asynchronous SMS, which allows you to queue up messages for later delivery when you happen to be without signal. To test this out, we put our handset into airplane mode, fired off a few texts -- which showed up as queued -- and then took our phone back onto the network. Once back online, the messages were delivered as expected. And hey, it can't get much better than that, really.

Google Voice update for Android brings design refresh and asynchronous SMS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-review-international-edition/

Within an 11-day period last fall, Engadget published reviews of two different Samsung Galaxy tablets. At the time, we felt the company was turning into a caricature of itself, with slates in every conceivable size, including 10.1, 8.9 and 7 inches. Mostly, though, if we sounded exasperated with Sammy's "see what sticks" strategy, it was because the outfit unveiled not one, but two 7-inchers over the course of a month. One of these, the 7.0 Plus, went on sale in the US back in November, with mid-range specs and a mid-range price to match its in-between size. But that tablet always felt like a consolation prize next to our second contender, the Galaxy Tab 7.7, which brings a brushed metal back, 10-hour battery and Super AMOLED Plus, 1280 x 800 display. Even on paper, it always seemed promising. Special.

Maddeningly, though, those of us here in the states still can't buy one through the likes of Best Buy and Amazon, and though Verizon Wireless plans to sell an LTE-enabled version, we know scant few details about when it will arrive, how much it will cost or ! whether there will be an off-contract option. Luckily for us, our friends over at Negri Electronics hooked us up with an international model, one with 16GB of internal storage and WiFi, HSPA+ and EDGE / GPRS radios -- a doozy of a tablet that would cost you $668.50 if you were to import it to the US. (You can buy it domestically if you live in select markets like the UK.) So is the product novel enough to warrant that novelty price? Find the answer to that question and more after the break.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review (international edition) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/olympus-om-d-e-m5-camera-details-leaked/

A certain purported Olympus Micro Four Thirds shooter has been anything but shy prior to its official unveiling (whenever that happens). Now, 43 Rumors is keeping the intel flowing with tidbits it received from a "super European source." The fresh bits suggest the E-M5 could sport a "super fast" autofocus and 3D tracking system, an external "weather-sealed" GN10 flash and additional filters. And, if rumors are to be believed, you'll be able to see the effects of the image stabilization through the electronic viewfinder. Though your skep-alarm should be on high alert, we can't keep you from believing, so hit up that source link to find the rest of the alleged details.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/hasbro-reinvents-lazer-tag-for-the-smartphone-generation/

Xappr and appBlaster are fine weaponizers for your smartphone, provided you don't care to share your violent tendencies with your friends. Thankfully, Hasbro is bridging the gap between new-school AR shooter and that teenage classic -- laser tag. The NERF Lazer Tag system is getting an update for 2012 that lets you pair your blaster with an iPhone or iPod touch. The top of the plastic guns now sport a slot for your iDevice which, when loaded with the Lazer Tag app, provides you with an augmented HUD view. While you can play against purely virtual opponents, the real fun is in using to track your battles with fleshy foes. The app will display your gear and power level, and update your progress on a global Lazer Tag leaderboard. As you play, new attacks and gear will be unlocked for you to enhance your gaming experience. The app will even actually show your blasts' trajectory, letting you see exactly where you shot your former friend. The 2012 edition of Lazer Tag will hit shelves on August 1st with individual blasters costing $40 and sets of two $70. Check out the PR and a screen shot of the app after the break.

Continue reading Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies

Hasbro reinvents Lazer Tag for the smartphone generation, lets you live out your Doom-fueled fantasies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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c u @ OMMA Metrics Feb 21 NYC: Trending the Analytics Business: Recurring Strategic, Tactical and Technical Themes - http://bit.ly/w9KNq9

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