Tim’s hanging out on a boat somewhere this weekend, and we know that if he were here he’d try to get us to not make any “inmates running the asylum” jokes, but he’s not, so here we go! We’re going pod CRAZY this week, waging patent warfare against the orderlies (happens more often than you’d think), taking all our medications in tablet form (that’s right), and Skyping our bad influences from our iPads because we just don’t care . It’s the Engadget Podcast… unhinged (and italicized ). Host: Brian Heater, Darren Murph Guests: Dana Wollman, Richard Lawler Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: You’re My Best Friend 05:26 – Google slams Apple and Microsoft, claims ‘hostile, organized campaign’ against Android waged through ‘bogus patents’ (update: Microsoft responds!) 17:50 – Samsung reveals new Galaxy Tab 10.1 accessories: multimedia dock, HDTV adapter, case, and more 20:07 – Hands-on with TouchWiz UX for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 28:50 – Lenovo IdeaPad K1 review 38:30 – RIM launches BlackBerry Torch 9810, Torch 9860 and Bold 9900, we go hands-on! 52:26 – Westone 4 earphones review 53:53 – Skype for iPad is finally out (hands-on!) Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [ iTunes ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [ RSS MP3 ] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [ RSS AAC ] Add the Engadget 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 Send your questions to @tim_stevens . Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @bheater @danawollman @rjcc @darrenmurph Filed under: Podcasts Engadget Podcast 251 – 08.05.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Gmail’s Preview Pane brings ‘tablet-like’ layout to your browser, but kills Multiple Inboxes
August 5, 2011 No Comment
Google’s still doing a fine job of ignoring Gcal’s inability to routinely provide alerts and notifications to select users (nah, we’re not bitter), but at least the Gmail team seems to be firing on all cylinders. Just this week, the outfit revealed its newest Labs feature — Preview Pane. As you’ve probably gleaned from the title, it provides a “tablet-like” layout that’s actually similar to standalone mail clients from yesteryear, and for those with more vertical space than horizontal, there’s even an option to split the divider in that manner. In practice, we found it drop-dead simple to use, and it’s largely an improvement over the stock Gmail layout. The only issue? It nukes Multiple Inboxes, so those accustomed to scrolling down and easily clicking into their Starred emails (for example) will likely be reverting back with dreams dashed. See if it’s in your Settings pane and give it a go — who knows, it might be love. Gmail’s Preview Pane brings ‘tablet-like’ layout to your browser, but kills Multiple Inboxes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sirius XM 2.0 launching later this year, bringing on-demand Howard Stern to your car in 2013
August 5, 2011 No Comment
During its quarterly earnings call, Sirius finally gave the world some info about its upcoming Sirius XM Satellite 2.0 service. For those of you who can’t get enough Underground Garage and Howard Stern, version 2.0 will pack more programing and you’ll be able to pause and rewind broadcasts. Starting next year, the company will offer personalized music stations, similar to Pandora, and on-demand listening, in case you missed a particularly juvenile funny Opie & Anthony bit. The first two pieces of hardware will be landing before the end of the year, but don’t expect to find a Sirius XM 2.0 option at your car dealership for a while — vehicles won’t be getting the upgraded hardware until 2013. Sirius XM 2.0 launching later this year, bringing on-demand Howard Stern to your car in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Nissan’s Android app lets you charge your Leaf from afar, puts the ‘ease’ in EV
August 5, 2011 No Comment
If you happen to be both a Nissan Leaf owner and an Android user, you’re in luck today, because the automaker has just released an official app that could make your life a little easier. With Nissan’s tool, you’ll be able to monitor your electric vehicle’s battery life and estimated driving range directly from your smartphone, which you can also use to remotely charge your Leaf, or start its air conditioning. It may not be the most groundbreaking app ever, but it definitely offers some welcomed convenience to Nissan’s growing base of EV drivers. Yesterday, the company confirmed to Autoblog Green that Leaf sales “crossed the 10,000 mark a couple weeks ago.” Exact figures are hard to come by, due to Japan’s summer holiday, but Nissan says it’s 100 percent certain that the milestone was crossed. Next up: world domination. Nissan’s Android app lets you charge your Leaf from afar, puts the ‘ease’ in EV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …NASA’s solar-powered Juno mission heads to Jupiter today, Orbiter finds water on Mars? (video)
August 5, 2011 No Comment
NASA’s Juno mission has been beset by delays for a while now, but the solar-powered excursion is finally scheduled to take off for Jupiter today, in the hopes of making history. Throughout the course of its five-year journey, the “armored tank” spacecraft will be powered exclusively by a trio of solar panels, each measuring nine feet wide and 30 feet long. Close to Earth, these panels will be able to generate 14 kilowatts of electricity, but as Juno ventures deeper into space, they’ll crank out only 400 watts. Power, however, shouldn’t be an issue, as NASA has outfitted the craft with energy efficient onboard computers, and has drawn out a route that will maximize its exposure to the sun. Juno should arrive at Jupiter by 2016 and, if all goes to plan, will ultimately travel farther than any solar-powered craft ever has. The agency expects their creation to set the record in April 2017, when it should be about 507 million miles away from the sun, eclipsing the 492 million mile mark likely to be set by Russia’s sun-juiced Rosetta craft, in 2012. Meanwhile, closer to home, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has just delivered new imagery of the Red Planet’s mountains, providing perhaps the strongest evidence that water still flows there. The images reveal long, finger-like tendrils that extend down steep slopes, including the rims of craters. They appear during the summer and fade away once winter arrives, suggesting the presence of a volatile material. Researchers failed to identify water above ground, but speculate that briny water may be flowing underground. Launch past the break to see the images, in all their eight seconds of glory. Continue reading NASA’s solar-powered Juno mission heads to Jupiter today, Orbiter finds water on Mars? (video) NASA’s solar-powered Juno mission heads to Jupiter today, Orbiter finds water on Mars? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Pierre Cardin PC-7006 touts itself as UK’s first ‘designer tablet,’ wears last season’s Android
August 5, 2011 No Comment
It was bad enough when Pierre Cardin’s first tablet waltzed into CeBIT 2010 flaunting an outdated processor, but now its little sister is hitting the scene wearing a d
Continue reading …Lenovo targets businesses with LS2221 and LS2421p monitors, ThinkCentre Edge 71
August 5, 2011 No Comment
It’s surprising how many small stores and offices take good care of their shopfront and interior decor, then spoil it by putting a bunch of dusty old PCs and monitors on show amid a jumble of cables. That’s exactly the kind of business Lenovo hopes to entice with its latest range of kit. The 21.5-inch LS2221 and 23.6-inch LS2421p monitors cost $229 and $299 respectively, and come with LED-backlit panels, a claimed “10 million to one” dynamic contrast ratio, and power efficiency that exceeds Energy Star requirements. The larger model has generally better specs, with 300nits of brightness, HDMI out and an inbuilt four-port USB hub to reduce clutter. Meanwhile, the ThinkCentre Edge 71 desktop comes in both tower and SFF versions to suit different locations, and sacrifices “legacy ports” for a cleaner appearance. It should be available from October starting at $369, while the monitors are due this month. Further details in the PR after the break. Continue reading Lenovo targets businesses with LS2221 and LS2421p monitors, ThinkCentre Edge 71 Lenovo targets businesses with LS2221 and LS2421p monitors, ThinkCentre Edge 71 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you’re riding dolphins
August 5, 2011 No Comment
When we’re out on the water, we’re constantly longing to take our phones and mp3 players for a swim with us… aren’t you? Now we can enjoy a little “I’m on a Boat” when we’re actually on a boat — thanks to Grace Digital Audio’s Eco Pod — without worrying about our handheld’s survival. The company announced today that its latest sand, shock and waterproof enclosure is now available — and it even comes with a set of waterproof earbuds. While the added protection will set you back $50, the ability to bump Katy Perry while exploring a coral reef is, indeed, priceless. Scope out the full PR after the break for all the specifics, and get your white water rafting playlists ready. Continue reading Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you’re riding dolphins Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you’re riding dolphins originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Vivitar may have bad-mouthed newfangled digital cameras last year, but that hasn’t stopped it from selling them. The company’s latest is the 690 HD, a compact, Flip -like camcorder that records 720p video and is rated for use up to ten feet underwater. You’ll also get an SD card slot for storage and a 2-inch LCD ’round back, but you’ll have to make do without other niceties like an optical zoom or HDMI port — compromises that shouldn’t be too hard to take considering the $60 price tag. Continue reading Vivitar rolls out 690 HD camcorder: waterproof, 720p, $60 Vivitar rolls out 690 HD camcorder: waterproof, 720p, $60 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …IOGEAR USB Sharing Station connects to WiFi, cuts the cord on four of your devices
August 5, 2011 No Comment
You’re so over corded gadgets, but you can’t justify replacing every device in the house with a pricier wireless version just because being leashed to a USB printer or external hard drive is a slight inconvenience. We get it, and it looks like IOGEAR does too. The peripheral company’s Wireless 4-port USB Sharing Station makes any connected gadget WiFi-enabled, letting you wander far away from those desktop devices without dropping your connection. The compact hub includes one USB 2.0 port on the front and three on the rear, along with an Ethernet port and wireless antenna, and it’s compatible with a variety of USB gadgets, including printers, hard drives, memory card readers, scanners, and webcams. Oh, but why would you want to wander far from your webcam, you ask? A remote webcam can be used as an instant, inexpensive home security system, providing access from anywhere within your wireless network. Sure, $100 may seem like a lot to spend on a wireless USB hub, but considering the cost of WiFi-enabling four individual devices, it’s probably the way to go. IOGEAR USB Sharing Station connects to WiFi, cuts the cord on four of your devices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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