Microsoft put on its nicest suit when it invited Samsung to the patent-licensing barn dance . Whatever it whispered as the two snuggled close during the slow jams about rescuing the Korean giant from the quagmire of Android litigation , it worked. Sammy has entered into a deal to license Redmond’s vast patent archive and, if the rumors are to be believed, it will pay $15 per handset sold for the privilege. (No word on if that includes the $45 million in fees that would just cover sales of the Galaxy S II. ) This seems like it could be an implicit vote of no-confidence concerning Google’s promises that its acquisition of Motorola would make courtroom drama a thing of the past. There’s also a strong reference to the pair collaborating on Mango , and we can only assume that it comes with a significantly less punitive licensing charge in place. Between Android , Windows Phone , Bada and Tizen , it’s clear Samsung is hedging its operating system bets. There’s a press release after the break, but take our word on it, at no point does it mention Steve Ballmer, lying naked on a bed of money, laughing to himself. Continue reading Microsoft and Samsung sitting in a tree, patent s-h-a-r-i-n-g Microsoft and Samsung sitting in a tree, patent s-h-a-r-i-n-g originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Okay, so we don’t know that we’ll be seeing a tablet ( or two ) today, but that’s what we’re expecting, and regardless we’re eager to see what the company has in store for us. We’re getting settled in at Stage 37 here in New York City (a place we’re very familiar with) and the event begins soon. Join us as we find out what’s next. Continue reading Live from Amazon’s tablet event in NYC! Live from Amazon’s tablet event in NYC! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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LightSquared added another name to its list of allies yesterday, with a wholesale agreement allowing AirTouch products to dabble in the world of wireless. The phone manufacturer, which makes telecom devices that work with voice, data and video, looks set to become the first newly created MVNO to use LightSquared’s 4G goodness. Of course, all this is assuming that the nascent network actually gets off the ground. But now that it’s supposedly solved that pesky GPS interference problem, what could possibly stop it? Continue reading Lightsquared signs deal with AirTouch, creates its first MVNO Lightsquared signs deal with AirTouch, creates its first MVNO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Bose’s CineMate 1 SR and Lifestyle 135 soundbar systems are slim, sleek, not particularly cheap
September 28, 2011 No Comment
Bose is offering up two new soundbar systems for folks with a few extra bucks in their bank accounts. The Lifestyle 135 is a single speaker system with a soundbar that can either be laid on a flat surface or mounted on a wall. The system also features a control console with six HMDI inputs, an iPod dock, AM/FM radio, a wireless Acoustimass module and a universal remote, all for $2,500. The 1 SR features only the soundbar, remote and Acoustimass for $1,500. Info on both systems can be found in the source link below. [Thanks, Anders] Bose’s CineMate 1 SR and Lifestyle 135 soundbar systems are slim, sleek, not particularly cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Ferroelectric transistor memory could run on 99% less power than flash
September 28, 2011 No Comment
We’ve been keeping an optimistic eye on the progress of Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FeRAM) for a few years now, not least because it offers the tantalizing promise of 1.6GB/s read and write speeds and crazy data densities . But researchers at Purdue University reckon we’ve been looking in the wrong place this whole time: the real action is with their development of FeTRAM, which adds an all-important ‘T’ for ‘Transistor’. Made by combining silicon nanowires with a ferroelectric polymer, Purdue’s material holds onto its 0 or 1 polarity even after being read, whereas readouts from capacitor-based FeRAM are destructive. Although still at the experimental stage, this new type of memory could boost speeds while also reducing power consumption by 99 percent. Quick, somebody file a patent. Oh, they already did. Ferroelectric transistor memory could run on 99% less power than flash originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of
September 28, 2011 No Comment
We’ve seen all shapes and sizes of iPad cases , with varying degrees of utility. But, if you have use for a desktop PC-style dock / keyboard combo, you may want to check out some of the new offerings in iLuv’s WorkStation Series. First up is the iMM737, featuring a wired keyboard with iOS function keys that can be stowed in the dock’s base when you’re not typing away, a tilting / rotating bracket for easy customization and built-in speakers. Next, the iMM517 boasts an adjustable slate holder of its own, a Bluetooth keypad and jAura Sound technology. Need something a wee bit more portable ? Perhaps the iCK826 or the iSK912 Professional WorkStation Portfolio cases will suit your workflow. Both offer a wireless set of keys that are detachable, should the need arise. Only looking for a keyboard ? That’s an option too with the iBTKB20. You can grab any one of these you’d like for $180 to $50, from top to bottom. You’ll have to wait until November to pick up the iMM737, though — everything else will be hitting stores this month. Check out the gallery below for a look at all the above mentioned add-ons, or peep the full PR after the break. Gallery: iLuv WorkStation Series Continue reading iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of iLuv unveils WorkStation docks, turns your iPad 2 / Galaxy Tab into a PC, sort of originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 06:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Creating apps for Ubuntu is about to get a lot easier, now that the folks over at Canonical have launched the Ubuntu App Developer platform. On the new site, developers will find guides, tutorials and other resources to help them create apps specifically for the Linux OS , or to port other apps to the platform. Once finalized, these apps can then be published on the Ubuntu Software Centre, where developers can choose to either offer them for free, or at a price. In announcing the new platform, community member David Planella predicted that it will offer a “unified and consistent journey for both open-source, non-commercial and commercial app authors.” He went on to acknowledge, however, that there’s still plenty of work to be done: “For all its current awesomeness, we are aware that the site needs to pass the test of a wider audience, adapt to their needs, and grow.” Find out more at the source link, below. Canonical launches Ubuntu App Developer platform for curious coders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Creating apps for Ubuntu is about to get a lot easier, now that the folks over at Canonical have launched the Ubuntu App Developer platform. On the new site, developers will find guides, tutorials and other resources to help them create apps specifically for the Linux OS , or to port other apps to the platform. Once finalized, these apps can then be published on the Ubuntu Software Centre, where developers can choose to either offer them for free, or at a price. In announcing the new platform, community member David Planella predicted that it will offer a “unified and consistent journey for both open-source, non-commercial and commercial app authors.” He went on to acknowledge, however, that there’s still plenty of work to be done: “For all its current awesomeness, we are aware that the site needs to pass the test of a wider audience, adapt to their needs, and grow.” Find out more at the source link, below. Canonical launches Ubuntu App Developer platform for curious coders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …OnStar abandons plans to keep tracking vehicles after service cancelation
September 28, 2011 No Comment
OnStar found itself at the center of a firestorm after it sent out an e-mail notifying customers that it planned to collect data from vehicles even after service had expired or been terminated. That is, unless the (soon to be former) users specifically opted out. Well, in a statement today, President Linda Marshall changed course and announced the post-subscription data collection would be opt-in only. The company still hoped some departing customers would volunteer to maintain a connection so that it can “provide former customers with urgent information about natural disasters and recalls affecting their vehicles.” (They’re just looking out for you buddy.) Even if OnStar loses out on boatloads of valuable data, at least the company won’t have to listen to Chuck Schumer’s public chastising any more — that man lays a better guilt trip than your mother and grandmother combined. Check out the full announcement after the break. Continue reading OnStar abandons plans to keep tracking vehicles after service cancelation OnStar abandons plans to keep tracking vehicles after service cancelation originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Of all the “TV-like” all-in-one PCs we’ve seen, this Toshiba is perhaps the most convincing. Something about its glossy black, consumer electronic packaging and Onkyo soundbar just screams (tiny) HDTV. But, behind that 23-inch 1080p, multitouch panel is a Windows 7 PC powered by a Core i5 or i7 and 4GB of RAM. You also get a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a 1TB hard drive, a DVD drive and a lone USB 3.0 port. There’s also an HDMI in jack for use with a game console or cable box — not bad for the oddly specific starting price of $957. When the DX735 starts shipping exclusively from Best Buy on October 2nd you’ll also have the option of adding on a TV tuner for a truly all-in-one entertainment solution. Check out the gallery below, as well as the PR after the break. Gallery: Toshiba DX735 multitouch all-in-one Continue reading Toshiba adds 23-inch DX735 to its multitouch all-in-one family Toshiba adds 23-inch DX735 to its multitouch all-in-one family originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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