What’s in a logo? These days, it’s everything — it’s one of the most recognizable symbols a company can have, and it appears Microsoft isn’t taking its emblems lightly . Over the course of the past week we’ve noticed an interesting trend: the Windows Phone branding has shed the circle-based icon in exchange for a square-shaped variant, appropriately reflecting the platform’s “tile” look and minimalist theme. We first thought this was a fluke when we peered at the new logo at Fujitsu’s IS12T event last week, as though it were a localized version made for Japan; as it turns out, however, this is indeed an official change across the board. If you need more proof than the source link below, yesterday’s press invite for Nokia’s Gamescom party features the new squared variant as well. We’re still holding out for a green robot-shaped logo, but this will have to do for now. Windows Phone changes logo, officially hip to be square originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Pandigital has added a new star to its growing galaxy of e-readers, with the Nova Digital Reader — a seven-inch, Android 2.3-powered slate that looks awfully similar to that eight-inch Super Nova we recently spotted at the FCC. The tablet, which just popped up at Best Buy, is powered by an 800MHz processor, offers 4GB of internal storage, and features an ActiveTouch display with 800×600 resolution. Much like its forerunners, the Novel and the Planet , the Nova also connects directly to the Barnes and Noble bookstore, and sports a pair of front- and rear-facing cameras. Aside from that, you’ll find the usual 802.11 b/g/n wireless capabilities, a built-in microSD card slot, and a micro HDMI port, all packed within a frame that’s half-an-inch thick. Persuaded? Grab your ‘scope and zoom in on the source link to purchase. [Thanks, Charlie] Pandigital’s Nova Android tablet hits Best Buy, explodes for $170 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Samsung has put out a distinctly unafraid-looking statement declaring that a “Galaxy Tab 10.1 for the Australian market will be released in the near future,” despite Apple’s attempt to halt sales through the Aussie Federal Court. It explains that Apple’s underlying patent complaints only relate to the US variant of the tablet, which Samsung had no plans to sell Down Under anyway. In a particularly emboldened finale, the missive adds that “Samsung will continue to actively defend and protect our intellectual property.” That’s the croc-fighting spirit. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Samsung will release Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia despite Apple complaint originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …GameStop brings digital download purchases to stores, thus completing the retail circle
August 2, 2011 No Comment
In some weird alternative universe, this is how retail is done: you walk into a store, buy a voucher for a digital product, and then download it. It’s a model that GameStop is embracing by offering digital PC game purchases through its retail locations. There are certain benefits to buying from a brick and mortar location — for one thing, customers can use trade-in credits for their purchases. And those who pre-order a digital copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution — the first game being offered through this model — will receive some extras including downloads of earlier entries in the series. Just be mindful of pop-ups — they’re way worse in real life. Continue reading GameStop brings digital download purchases to stores, thus completing the retail circle GameStop brings digital download purchases to stores, thus completing the retail circle originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Honeycomb beta update now available for Logitech Revue, only the intrepid need apply
August 1, 2011 No Comment
Logitech Revue users are waking up to some exciting news today, because they can finally run Honeycomb on their TVs — if they’re brave enough to try. As expected , the folks over at GTVHacker have leaked their Android 3.1 beta update for the recently discounted set-top box, now available for download and flash without even requiring a root . You can find all the requisite details and downloads at the source link, though you’ll have to register with the site to do so. It’s also worth noting that the update is still in a buggy, beta phase of development, and that once you upgrade, you may not be able to go back. If you’re willing to dance with danger, let us know how you fare. Honeycomb beta update now available for Logitech Revue, only the intrepid need apply originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Not depressed enough yet about the impending death of print ? This might help: Brewster Kahle, the fellow behind the Internet Archive, is in the process of gathering together every book ever published for safe storage against a future where the prevalence of digital media has utterly devalued physical texts — it’s a perhaps unreachable goal, he admits, but Kahle’s warehouse is currently at 500,000 books and growing fast. The Associated Press describes the undertaking as something more akin to The Svalbard Global Seed Vault than the Library of Congress — these books aren’t being saved for lending, they’re being stored for the future. If you’re reading this Brewster, we recommend signing up for an Amazon Prime account. Those shipping fees can really add up fast. Internet Archive founder wants to collect every book ever published originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Evatran’s Plugless Power wireless EV charger gets smaller, conscripts Chevy Volts for testing
August 1, 2011 No Comment
When it comes to technology, the old adage of “bigger is better” died a long time ago, so it’s not a surprise to see “smaller is smarter” thinking apply to products and prototypes across the board. Today’s (relatively) tiny wonder is Evatran’s Plugless Power electric vehicle charging system: now smaller, more efficient, and primed for its first trial phase. The last time we saw Plugless Power, the system’s wireless charging “station block” stretched nearly the length of a full vehicle and charged at 80 percent efficiency. Today the charge block is only slightly larger than an average hubcap, boasts a 97 percent charging efficiency, and is less picky about your car missing the wireless charger’s “sweet spot.” Evatran is now working on launching a test fleet of up to 12 Chevy Volts to put the system through its paces, and hopes to expand the tests to as many as 30 vehicles by January. Ready to ditch pumps and plugs forever? Start saving: a complete Plugless Power system (including vehicle retrofitting) will set you back as much as $5000 after production starts sometime in 2012. Don’t be too surprised, cool stuff rarely comes cheap — besides, that old adage has to apply to something, doesn’t it? Evatran’s Plugless Power wireless EV charger gets smaller, conscripts Chevy Volts for testing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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A native Skype app for the iPad has finally appeared, opening up your Apple slate for voice and video chatting with others on Macs, PCs or even TVs . It’s not listed as an update to the existing iOS app, but as a separate Skype for iPad download that’s only shown up in certain countries so far — at first we couldn’t find it on the US iTunes but it finally appeared after some searching. Just like Skype for iPhone , everything works over both WiFi and 3G, check after the break for the full release notes and demo video that leaked in June . Continue reading Skype for iPad is finally out, bringing voice and video over 3G, WiFi Skype for iPad is finally out, bringing voice and video over 3G, WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sony’s TV reform to begin ‘immediately,’ could involve partnering with other firms
August 1, 2011 No Comment
It’s been a year. Particularly if you’re Sony. The same company that’s staring at a $171 million price tag due to an unforgettable PSN breach and a gamut of bad news detailed in its most recent earnings report is now facing the daunting task of reforming its flagging TV division. ‘Course, Sony’s still moving gobs of panels, but according to Chief Financial Officer Masaru Kato, “markets are maturing and price competition is stiff” in advanced nations. Mr. Kato recently spoke candidly with The Nikkei (linked below; subscription required), noting that the company is aiming to turn its TV business “into one that can be profitable even if we do not pursue volume.” In order to do so, the entire platform is being looked at — “no stone will be left unturned” — and he even mentioned that partnerships with other companies will be considered. Oh, and if you thought you’d have to wait a quarter or two to see any changes, have a listen at this: “Even though we haven’t yet decided how to announce the plans, they’ll be implemented immediately.” Attaboy! Sony’s TV reform to begin ‘immediately,’ could involve partnering with other firms originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Come August 28, teachers and students in Missouri can no longer be friends — on Facebook. With a new law, Missouri has became the first in the nation to prohibit social networking between students and teachers. When Missouri Senate Bill 54, which was signed by the governor last week, takes effect later this month, teachers
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