Google Is Selling Hardware Again [Google]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5904678/google-is-selling-hardware

Even though Google failed miserably and shut down the old Google phone store, it looks like they're giving it one more go. Right now, Google is selling an unlocked Galaxy Nexus that works on both AT&T and T-Mobile for $400 on Google Play.

It's being sold in the new 'Devices' section of Google Play. You can totally imagine the store becoming more robust if the rumors of the Nexus tablet are true. It'd be interesting to see if Google will promote other devices on the Play store as well.

Other than not being locked to a contract and having an unlocked phone, the big benefit of buying the unlocked version of the Galaxy Nexus is you get the unadulterated Android experience, what Google wants Android to be, pretty much. Google specifically mentions that the Galaxy Nexus on Google Play comes with Google Wallet (and a free $10 credit). [Google Play via Google Mobile Blog]

Read More...

Summary only...

Flexible Solar Panels Stack Cells on Sheets Printed Like OLEDs [Monster Machines]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5904557/flexible-solar-panels-stack-cells-on-sheets-printed-like-oleds

Solar panels are finicky devices—they have to be specially mounted, angled, and presented with the precisely correct environmental conditions to function at capacity. The complexities make it hard for the technology to gain mainstream appeal. A German startup could change all that with flexible solar cells built using OLED production techniques.

Developed by Heliatek in Germany, the panels are composed of organic modules embedded on a polyester sheet. They're made in a way similar to the process by which OLED displays are printed. The technique results in a panel that's more flexible, lightweight, and versatile than a conventional, rigid panel.

The panels use two stacked layers of solar cells arranged in a patented tandem cell construction, which can absorb a broad spectrum without relying on thick wafers of silicon. And, under less-than-ideal conditions, the panels can generate as much electricity conventional solar panels. Heliatek's product can be deposited on a single continuous roll of film, which eliminates the need for clean rooms. This, and the fact that the panels can be cut to size, reduces production costs.

The technology is still more expensive per watt than current solar technologies, though costs could drop as production ramps up. One long-term plan is for Heliatek to work with window manufacturers to integrate solar films as power-generating tints. In another concept, Heliatek could build the panels directly into a building's roof and facade, so that the whole of the structure produces electricity. The end result could provide plenty of fuel to charge those intriguing whole-house batteries. [Heliatek - Technology Review - Image: Heliatek]

Read More...

Summary only...

AMD announces Radeon HD 7000M series with Enduro graphics-switching technology

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/amd-announces-radeon-hd-7000m-series-graphics/

AMD kicked off 2012 by refreshing its desktop graphics, and now it's back, giving its mobile GPUs the same treatment. The company just announced its third generation of DirectX 11 mobile chips, the Radeon HD 7000 family. All told, the collection includes three 28nm GPUs: the high-end 7900M, the mainstream 7800M and, last but not least, the 7700M, a darling little chip intended for AMD's thin and light Ultrabook competitors. Across the board, the series ushers in a new feature AMD is calling Enduro, a graphics-switching technology that takes direct aim at NVIDIA Optimus. Building on older AMD technologies like PowerXpress, it doesn't require you to close apps, reboot your system or manually specify which apps will trigger the GPU. Additionally, it's designed to work with both Intel CPUs and AMD's own application processing units, so presumably you'll find this inside some Ivy Bridge machines too. With this generation, too, the two higher-end chips support the PCI Express 3.0 interface, and all three make use of AMD's existing ZeroCore Power and Power Gating battery-saving features. That's the abridged version, but we also have a full breakdown of the specs awaiting you past the break.

Continue reading AMD announces Radeon HD 7000M series with Enduro graphics-switching technology

AMD announces Radeon HD 7000M series with Enduro graphics-switching technology originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Read More...

Summary only...

Google back in the smartphone sales game: unlocked Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ (GSM) available for $399

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/google-galaxy-nexus-unlocked-on-sale-gsm-hspa/

Hang on to your kneecaps, folks. Google's just announced that it's making the Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ available in its Play web store for $399 contract-free. That's right: the unlocked, unbranded, pure Google, 16GB GSM version everyone's been importing from foreign lands far and near is now officially available in the US -- booyah! The handset ships with Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and comes with Google Wallet pre-installed (including a $10 credit to get you started with the company's mobile payment service).

As a refresher, it's not Google's first time in the smartphone sales game. The company made the Nexus One available on its own website in 2010 before pulling the plug and then partnering with Best Buy to sell the Nexus S later that year. One of the problems with the Nexus One was support -- or lack thereof. Google's assured us things will be different this time and it will be offering proper support for its Nexus flagship. W! e sure h ope so.

The Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ is on sale now for $399 (plus taxes and two-day shipping) in the new Devices section of the Play web store. It's a phenomenal deal for one of the best Android phones on the market today -- especially when you consider it provides 21Mbps HSPA+ with great battery life (unlike the "fake" Nexus) and no commitment on your choice of AT&T or T-Mobile. So go ahead, stick it to the carriers and get a taste of dumb-pipe utopia -- delicious, isn't it?

Google back in the smartphone sales game: unlocked Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ (GSM) available for $399 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Google Mobile Blog, Google Play store  | Email this | Comments

Read More...

Summary only...

HTC One X sold early at AT&T, spotted in the wild

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/htc-one-x-sold-early-at-att-spotted-in-the-wild/

HTC's hotly anticipated One X isn't supposed to ship to AT&T customers until May 6th, but there's a reason we're emphasizing the whole "supposed" thing. One lucky reader has managed to convince one particular store to sell them a handset early, with $199 (and a new two-year agreement) being all it took to grab hold of what'll undoubtedly be one of 2012's strongest Android phones. There's a gallery of shots below as proof, and if you'd like to try your luck at a local outfit, we certainly won't step up to stop you. (But look, you'll probably be waiting a few more weeks -- just sayin'.)

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: HTC One X sold early through AT&T

HTC One X sold early at AT&T, spotted in the wild originally appeared on ! Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Read More...

Summary only...