The wait is over for BlackBerry fans from coast to coast who happen to use Ma Bell, as the BlackBerry Torch 9810 — the first of three devices in RIM’s fall lineup — is now available at AT&T stores. All it’ll set you back is a respectable $50 (with a two-year commitment, of course), and you’ll then be ready to get your OS 7 on along with Liquid Graphics, a full QWERTY keyboard, a 1.2GHz CPU, and more than plenty of the usual RIM features you’ve come to love or hate. If this phone’s flame burns within you , it may be time to head to the source link below. BlackBerry Torch 9810 available on AT&T today for $50 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Inhabitat’s Week in Green: space pod hotel, Lego LED lamps and the world’s largest solar-powered boat
August 21, 2011 No Comment
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week’s most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us — it’s the Week in Green. Incredible green architecture projects lifted off to the stars and charted the seas this week as Inhabitat showcased a solar-powered space pod hotel that could launch in 2016 and PayPal founder Peter Thiel invested $1.25 million to create a chain of floating micro-countries . Meanwhile, Apple unveiled new images of its spaceship-shaped headquarters and its Grand Central Terminal store , and OPEN Architecture floated plans to transform a Zeppelin hangar into a green-roofed extreme sports center . Living green building projects also got a boost as Mexico unveiled plans to develop the world’s largest urban park and an incredible crop of grass-covered cubicles sprung up in downtown Denver. It was also an epic week for electric vehicles as Germany’s “Schluckspecht” car set a world record for driving over 1,000 miles on a single charge , Lightning Motorcycles broke the 200 MPH electric bike speed record , and Stanford unveiled what could very well be the fastest solar car ever built . We also watched the world’s largest solar-powered boat arrive in Hong Kong as it continues its trip around the world, while Google Street View began mapping the Amazon using cameras set on canoes and trikes. Solar Roadways also received a $750,000 grant to develop a large-scale installation and Zero2Infinity proposed a cheaper way to travel to space via an immense helium-filled balloon . In other news, the past week was charged with renewable energy developments as a 13-year-old kid harnessed the Fibonacci sequence to make a solar power breakthrough and researchers developed an energy-harvesting LCD screen that could one day power our gadgets. We also learned that deep-sea mussels can convert hydrogen into energy , we were shocked to see another shiny slick of oil turn up near a BP well in the Gulf of Mexico, and we saw Australia outfit its soldiers with photovoltaic systems . Finally, on the home front we brought you a set of fun LEGO LED lamps perfect for illuminating any room, and we shared five tips for greening your finances . Inhabitat’s Week in Green: space pod hotel, Lego LED lamps and the world’s largest solar-powered boat originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It’s August 21st , which equates to good news for hopeful buyers of the Samsung Conquer 4G . The latest device cranking out the WiMAX is available for a Benjamin starting today, both online and at Sprint stores. As a refresher, the Conquer brings a 1GHz CPU with Android 2.3.4 and 512MB of RAM, and does so using a 3.5-inch HVGA display. So no more rumors , no more Blurrycam shots , and definitely no more presales — it’s time for the real deal, if you’re so inclined to make the two-year commitment. Samsung Conquer 4G now ready for your purchase on Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Razer teaser reminds us that ‘PC gaming is not dead,’ neither are viral videos
August 21, 2011 No Comment
Looks like Razer’s not buying the whole “console > PC” argument. The company just went live with a new website that couldn’t possibly be more esoteric. Aside from telling us that “there’s something terribly wrong with gaming today,” we aren’t given much to go regarding its impending announcement. Apparently, something “big” is coming on the 26th of August, and whatever it is ( Switchblade , perhaps?), it’ll remind the world that PC gaming is, in fact, not dead. Hit the source link to sign up for more, or head on past the break for a look at the ominous teaser vid. Continue reading Razer teaser reminds us that ‘PC gaming is not dead,’ neither are viral videos Razer teaser reminds us that ‘PC gaming is not dead,’ neither are viral videos originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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So, you’ve done the deed. You’ve purchased an HP TouchPad , despite having no intentions whatsoever to do so just a week ago. But hey — a $400 discount can change perceptions. Now that you’ve got one (or have one en route), we’re curious to know what you plan on doing with it. We’ve heard such far-flung ideas as using it as a digital photo frame, keeping it wrapped up for eBaying in 2049 or just stashing it nearby for those late-night couch surfing sessions. The future of webOS development may be lost (at least on these consumer devices), but there’s still fun to be had with a hundred-dollar tablet. Share amongst yourselves in comments below — we could all stand to hear a tip or two! View Poll Poll: If you snagged a TouchPad on closeout, what are you using it for? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On , a column about consumer technology. HP’s decision to discontinue production of webOS devices has been widely seen as the final nail in the promising operating system’s coffin. Statements from HP on the future of webOS app development sound absurd in the current context. How can, for example, HP continue to promote the webOS app catalog as it has pledged to do when there are no ongoing devices on which those apps can run? How would developers even test apps? The answer may lie in a complex ongoing reorientation of the webOS triangle consisting of the HP corporate entity, PSG (Personal Systems Group, HP’s PC business) and webOS. HP hasn’t said exactly what it is doing with webOS. However, the combination of publicly expressing commitment to the operating system while dismantling its own devices points strongly to licensing. In fact, it’s highly consistent with it; if HP simply wanted to wage war with (or sell) Palm’s patent pool, it wouldn’t need webOS developers any more. HP made no secret of its interest in licensing webOS while it was still producing devices based on that operating system. As Switched On discussed last month , though, there is a long, bleak history chronicling the difficulty in building devices based on an OS that a company is licensing. In other words, pursuing both of the contrasting business models of Apple and Microsoft results in inherent conflict. Continue reading Switched On: The webOS triangle Switched On: The webOS triangle originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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As if Apple needed further incentive to take a victory lap around its billion dollar war chest, the company can now add greater China to its list of top performing markets. According to the Financial Times , Apple’s third quarter China sales outstripped Lenovo’s $2.8 billion first quarter results , racking up a commanding $3.8 billion lead in the PC maker’s own backyard. Lenovo’s CEO, Yang Yuanqing, was quick to dismiss the ‘apples to oranges’ financial comparison, citing his company’s inability to compete in the mobile phone segment, and continued strong focus on personal computing. For what it’s worth, Lenovo does separate out both Hong Kong and Taiwan sales from its mainland report, putting the company on unequal footing with Cupertino which includes the two markets in its total Chinese earnings. Still, Lenovo has plenty of reason to keep its chin up. It does, after all, have that dominating 31.7 percent market share to lord over Mr. Steve Jobs. Apple eclipses Lenovo’s sales in emerging Chinese market originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed ] Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company’s fancy new dev site . Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile’s HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved “device reboots.” Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews ] If you’re using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you’ll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It’ll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup ] The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that’s Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral ] Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It’s a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral ] HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life ] In time for today’s launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it — you’ll know what to do after that. [via Android Police ] For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it’s supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed ] Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery This was fast — the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life ] The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you’re interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips ] We’ve seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an “official” update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It’s been told that this is not yet the final build, so it’s bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral ] Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral ] The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary . [via AndroidCentral ] Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It’s August 21st, and that means that the first batch of AT&T’s dedicated LTE devices are officially here. The Momentum 4G and Elevate 4G are now on sale at the carrier’s site and in stores for $50 and $70 (with a two year contract, of course) respectively. Both the USB modem Momentum and mobile hotspot Elevate will have to settle for an HSPA+ connection for the time being, as Ma Bell has yet to flip the switch on its LTE network — but we wouldn’t expect the company to wait much longer before making the move. Picking up either of these 4G data devices would be useless without the DataConnect plan, which nets you 5GB for $50 with a $10-per-GB overage charge. Now it’s just about waiting for someone to push the button in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and San Antonio to light up those first LTE markets. Momentum and Elevate 4G on sale now, pushes AT&T closer to the LTE era originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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We’re 100. 100 ! If you’re like us, you totally can’t believe it’s been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that’s just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we’ve brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And…a couple of other things. We’re old. It’s a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don’t sleep on it: before you know it we’ll be 200. Hosts: Myriam Joire ( tnkgrl ), Brad Molen Guests: Richard Lai, Noah Kravitz Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Daestro – Light Powered ( Ghostly International ) 00:02:45 – HP will ‘discontinue operations for webOS devices’, may spin off Personal Systems Group 00:21:55 – Google acquiring Motorola Mobility 00:42:45 – Motorola’s new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic 01:04:30 – BlackBerry Bold 9930 review 01:05:43 – AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor 01:15:00 – Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video) 01:25:40 – Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-01 01:26:30 – Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm) 01:30:57 – CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service 01:32:50 – Motorola Photon 4G review 01:36:53 – Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th? 01:38:56 – Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots 01:39:38 – HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound) 01:45:55 – Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store? Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [ iTunes ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes [ RSS MP3 ] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically [ RSS AAC ] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator [ Zune ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com. Follow us on Twitter @tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 – 08.21.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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