MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012
September 28, 2011 No Comment
The future of Meego has become a little clearer this morning, now that the Linux Foundation has announced that it’ll be replaced with Tizen — a new Linux -based, open-source OS. Samsung and Intel have been tapped to lead the development of the platform, in collaboration with the LiMo Foundation — a consortium of companies including Panasonic Mobile Communications, NTT DoCoMo and SK Telecom, among others. According to its stewards, Tizen will support HTML5- and WAC-based apps and will be designed to run across a wide spectrum of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, netbooks and in-car infotainment systems. The MeeGo project, for its part, already seems to be on board with the initiative, promising to “make sure that users of MeeGo can easily transition to Tizen,” while assisting MeeGo developers, as well. The new OS is slated for release during the first quarter of 2012, with the first Tizen-laced devices scheduled to hit the market around the middle of next year. For more details, hit up the source link below, or trek past the break for the full PR. Continue reading MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012 MeeGo to be folded into Linux-based Tizen OS, slated to arrive in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Kisai’s Rogue Touch watch displays dual timezones, is mildly confusing to read (video)
September 27, 2011 No Comment
Need to keep track of time for two locations at once? Fret not, because the Tokyoflash -designed Kisai Rogue Touch’s dual timezone watch has got your back (if you can read it, that is). Being a Rogue variant, you’ll notice a backlit-LED/LCD dial with a familiar multi-circle layout, but with more layers for the additional time. Aside from hours and minutes, it displays the current date and progression of seconds and notably, features an animation mode for showing it off to your buddies. Of course as the name implies, the readout is adjustable using four touch-sensitive hotspots for the alarm, date and time, or to simply light up the display. If you’re up to the task of using it, the Kisai Rogue Touch is available from Tokyoflash in a choice of four dial colors for $200. While you’re still here, peek the gallery, along with the video demo past the break below to get a better idea for how it works ( Pro tip: if you order in the next 48 hours, it’ll be 20 bucks less for that Starship Enterprise feel you’ll get with every glance ). Gallery: Tokyoflash Kisai Rogue Touch press photos Continue reading Kisai’s Rogue Touch watch displays dual timezones, is mildly confusing to read (video) Kisai’s Rogue Touch watch displays dual timezones, is mildly confusing to read (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Microsoft Research was founded way back in 1991 as a way of turning cutting edge concepts into products. Over the years, the division has been behind some of the most exciting ideas that have come out of Redmond, from fluffy mice to HIV / AIDS research. The department is celebrating its 20th anniversary by highlighting some of its favorite projects over the next four weeks, so we’re beating it to the punch with some of picks. Check out our list below. Continue reading Microsoft Research celebrates 20 years of crazy innovation Microsoft Research celebrates 20 years of crazy innovation originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Hitachi’s 4.5-inch IPS HD display delivers 329ppi on the cheap courtesy of amorphous silicon backplane
September 27, 2011 No Comment
It’s been awhile, but earlier this year Hitachi unveiled a beautiful new 4.5-inch IPS LCD sporting 1280 x 720 resolution, a 1,100:1 contrast ratio and a retina display -like 329ppi. Well, in the time since, Hitachi’s been hard at work on a virtually identical version of that screen that uses amorphous silicon instead of low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) as its backplane material. What’s the difference? Well, amorphous silicon’s much cheaper to produce than LTPS, and the company figured out a way to use it in its new panel with only a scant drop in performance — the new one’s got a lower 1,000:1 contrast ratio, but all the other specs are the same. So, the screen’s a comparative bargain while still providing 4.5 inches of 500-nit HD goodness. Thanks, Hitachi, we always did like eating our cake and having it too. Hitachi’s 4.5-inch IPS HD display delivers 329ppi on the cheap courtesy of amorphous silicon backplane originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Acer Aspire One 522 and 722 hit the gym with faster processors and beefier graphics
September 27, 2011 No Comment
Acer’s Aspire One 522 and 722 were among the first netbooks to pack AMD’s Fusion Ontario APU, debuting with the 1GHz C-50 model and its built-in Radeon HD 6250 graphics inside. However, Acer wanted to outfit both with some new silicon on the sly, and now each can be had with a 1GHz (with turbo boost up to 1.33GHz) C-60 APU packing upgraded Radeon 6290 graphics. The catch? Those aspiring for one with the upgraded internals must cross the pond to grand Europa, as the powered-up pair isn’t available in the US. What gives, Acer? Acer Aspire One 522 and 722 hit the gym with faster processors and beefier graphics originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Ben Heck cooks up proximity sensor for cyclists, still no substitute for keeping eyes open
September 27, 2011 No Comment
Ben Heck’s been busy — again . In the latest episode of his bi-weekly show he puts his considerable brain power to work on cycle safety. He uses Parallax ping sensors connected to an Arduino to measure whether you’re in any danger from nearby obstacles and traffic. The red and green LED indicators are hooked up to ambient light sensors so they don’t blind you while riding at night — looks like Mr. Heck’s thought of everything. This week’s episode also includes more secrets behind the prolific modder’s Android APK-based baby seat . Check out both projects after the break. Continue reading Ben Heck cooks up proximity sensor for cyclists, still no substitute for keeping eyes open Ben Heck cooks up proximity sensor for cyclists, still no substitute for keeping eyes open originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …TeamWin demos TWRP 2.0 recovery manager for Android, scoffs at your volume rocker (video)
September 27, 2011 No Comment
It’s pronounced “twerp,” but don’t mistake TeamWin’s Recovery Project for a run-of-the-mill chump. The software is intended as a touchscreen replacement for ROM managers such as TWRP 1.0 and ClockworkMod Recovery. In addition to the all-important backup, restore and install functions, the utility now provides a full GUI for touch input that’s fully customizable with XML themes. As a particular boon, developers will have the option to design custom installation processes unique to their particular ROMs, which is a lovely (though very metaphorical) cherry on top. As you’d expect, the software supports both phones and tabs, and if you’re interested to see more, just check the full demo video after the break. According to the developer, the utility still needs some work before it’s ready for prime time, but it’s rather nice to see the group stay productive as it matures. [Thanks, Ian] Continue reading TeamWin demos TWRP 2.0 recovery manager for Android, scoffs at your volume rocker (video) TeamWin demos TWRP 2.0 recovery manager for Android, scoffs at your volume rocker (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It looks like the AT200 isn’t the only Toshiba tablet poised to land in time for the holidays. The company just announced the Thrive 7″, a (surprise!) 7-inch version of the original . Like its big brother, it runs on Tegra 2 and packs twin 5 MP / 2 MP cameras, though this time around that textured, rubberized back isn’t removable, and the rear-facing camera comes paired with an LED flash. As you’d expect, in exchange for a smaller form factor (0.88 pounds, half an inch thick), you’ll be giving up the full-sized ports that made the original so unique. Instead, it offers a more typical selection, including mini-USB and micro-HDMI sockets, a headphone jack, docking connector and a microSD slot. Like pretty much every 7- and 8-incher trickling into the market, it runs Android 3.2, and Toshiba did us the favor of leaving it completely unskinned (it did include Swype as a keyboard option, though). No word yet on pricing or availability, though a Toshiba rep confirmed that 16GB and 32GB models will go on sale by early December with a starting price of “less than $400.” How low is Toshiba willing to go? Your guess is good as ours but until then, you can meet us past the break for some early impressions and a short vid, too. Gallery: Toshiba Thrive 7″ Gallery: Toshiba Thrive 7″ hands-on Continue reading Toshiba announces 7-inch Thrive tablet, we go hands-on (video) Toshiba announces 7-inch Thrive tablet, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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When is big not big enough? Apparently when it’s Sharp’s “spectacularge” 70-inch AQUOS LCD HDTVs that were introduced earlier this year, and have now been surpassed by a new 80-inch model the company showed off today. The LC-80LE632U isn’t an Elite branded model, but it brings all the features of its smaller brethren including full LED backlighting, 120Hz motion processing, built-in WiFi and access to services like Netflix and Vudu. All that is nice, but it’s standout feature is that extra viewing area, which can be yours for $5,499 (MSRP) when it starts shipping in early October. Preorders are already popping up for sub-$5k prices, if you need a big screen and can’t go the projection route (front or rear) this might be a good value — check out the details in the press release after the break. Continue reading Sharp’s biggest LCD HDTVs get even bigger with a new 80-inch model Sharp’s biggest LCD HDTVs get even bigger with a new 80-inch model originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …HTC, LG, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson to add Isis NFC tech in future phones
September 27, 2011 No Comment
Stacking the lineup against Google Wallet , manufacturers HTC, LG, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson have been drafted by team Isis, agreeing to implement its NFC technology standard into future phone offerings. By garnering multi-manufacturer support, the joint AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon venture is pulling a power move against Mountain View’s offering — currently only functional on Sprint’s Nexus S 4G (although that’s almost certainly bound to change). Finally gearing up for battle, the crew recently pumped $100 million into the initiative, helping to win support from the aforementioned hardware heavy hitters. For those who aren’t ready to buy a new phone just to jump on the NFC bandwagon, Isis says it’s working with DeviceFidelity to add the functionality to older models as well. The more devices that have the technology, the better the chance we’ll be ditching our leather wallets for the mobile variety. Or so they say . Check out the full PR after the break. Continue reading HTC, LG, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson to add Isis NFC tech in future phones HTC, LG, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and Sony Ericsson to add Isis NFC tech in future phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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