The largest GSM carrier in the country is popular amongst travelers because you can use nearly all of its phones anywhere in the world . Messaging whilst abroad, however, has always been an expensive headache since the best option on AT&T was a bundle of 50 SMS / MMS messages for $10. That’s a quaint number, to say the least, considering many of us can burn through that many messages in an hour. Beginning today, two more options are available for the more text-savvy roamers: you can get a package of 200 for $30, or 500 for $50. This number only reflects the number of messages you send, which means those received are counted against your US bucket of texts (if you’re on a pay-per-use messaging plan, they’ll cost 20 cents). Given the company’s recent history of streamlining , we applaud the additional choices global jetsetters now have. Enjoy the presser after the break. Continue reading AT&T launches new global messaging plans, lets you comfortably roam AT&T launches new global messaging plans, lets you comfortably roam originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Google Voice enters internal testing across Europe, international launch on the horizon?
September 21, 2011 No Comment
Lather up your vocal cords, Europe, because it looks like Google Voice is on its way over. That’s according to the company’s European Director of Business Development, Jens Redmer, who told The Next Web yesterday that Google is taking “concrete action” to expand the service to the Old World. Redmer later confirmed that he’s currently conducting internal tests with Voice, adding that its voicemail transcription feature has performed particularly well within Europe. He stopped short, however, of offering a precise launch date, saying only that the service’s release would hinge upon legal and regulatory issues, rather than any technical obstacles. Now that the train has rolled into the testing phase, though, it may only be a matter of time before it arrives at the station. Google Voice enters internal testing across Europe, international launch on the horizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets*
September 21, 2011 No Comment
A while back, you probably splurged for that insert – iPod – sound – system – here thinking you’d get some pretty good mileage out of it. If you also jumped ship at some point along the way (read: switched to Android), CableJive can help keep your bookshelf system cranking for a little while longer. The dockBoss+ adapter features micro-USB and audio plugs opposite a 30-pin connector, the latter of which fits nicely in one of the eight quadrillion iOS-compatible sound systems currently on the market. Now, you can port that valuable charging action to your existing handset — plus, the accessory also features a built-in charge converter for FireWire-enabled cables and docking stations, if needed. Not only that, but the dockBoss+ will also work in tandem with your iOS-centric car or home stereo — unless you’re still clinging to the factory head unit in your VW Beetle… bummer. Those looking to pick one up can do so starting September 28th for $30 ; a handful of Lincolns is much easier on the ol’ wallet than a brand new one of these , that’s for sure. * Assuming, of course, that you’re cool with a few cables hanging out, and that your handset actually uses micro-USB. [Thanks, Gregor] dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets* originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Nikon unveils V1 and J1 mirrorless cameras: 10.1MP CMOS, 1080p video, ships in October for $650+ (video)
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Rumors of a Nikon mirrorless camera have been floating around the web since the middle of last year , and recent leaks have made us wonder not if the company would release a compact ILC — only when such an announcement would be made. Well, we finally have our answer. We journeyed to a secret location in midtown Manhattan tonight, with nary a peep from Nikon about what to expect until just before the clock struck midnight — and only after more than two hours of laptop-free house arrest and live Counting Crows . Only the rumored mirrorless cam seemed worthy of such unusual precautions, so we were relieved to discover that Nikon had managed to justify this late night adventure. The company has finally announced not one, but a pair of compact “1 System” mirrorless cameras, and the company seems totally fine with putting the focus speed up against the self-proclaimed champ . Head on past the break for more details! Gallery: Nikon 1 System hands-on Continue reading Nikon unveils V1 and J1 mirrorless cameras: 10.1MP CMOS, 1080p video, ships in October for $650+ (video) Nikon unveils V1 and J1 mirrorless cameras: 10.1MP CMOS, 1080p video, ships in October for $650+ (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Switchable graphics solutions duel it out, AMD ends up looking like a chump
September 20, 2011 No Comment
At this point, NVIDIA’s Optimus switchable graphics are old hat, but AMD is relatively new to the game of packing dual GPUs in a single laptop. AnandTech decided to pit the two solutions against each other and, well, lets just say AMD doesn’t come out looking so great. The biggest problem appears to be stability. While performance is acceptable (though, not quite as good as it should be) the site had trouble getting four of the supposedly 16 supported games to switch between the integrated and discrete GPUs as advertised. Regular driver updates, not to mention a bit more testing, could solve the issues, but for now NVIDIA’s Optimus simply outclasses its AMD counterpart. Check out the video after the break and don’t forget to hit up the source link for all the details. Continue reading Switchable graphics solutions duel it out, AMD ends up looking like a chump Switchable graphics solutions duel it out, AMD ends up looking like a chump originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Hulu Plus for Android gets more plusses, adds compatibility to nine devices
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Do we want to live in a world where the Vizio Tablet actually has Hulu Plus before our beloved Motorola Droid Bionic or Droid 3 ? No matter your answer, the fortunate news is that we no longer have to, because the streaming video service is now readily available on eight more devices. The list includes the two mentioned above, as well as the HTC Droid Incredible 2 , LG Revolution and G2x , Motorola Droid X2 , HTC Sensation and EVO 3D. This is great news, though don’t forget that you’ll need to pony up $8 per month for the subscription. Still interested? Follow the source to download and install it on your device. Hulu Plus for Android gets more plusses, adds compatibility to nine devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …GeeXboX LiveUSB HTPC Linux distro hits v2.0, adds ARM support for multi-core video decoding
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Last time we heard about GeeXboX, Palm was ushering out its first webOS phone, Google was putting the traditional navigation model in the grave and unlimited Skype calling over LTE was but a figment of our imagination — two years later, and the aforesaid distro is finally reaching version two dot oh. Like version 1.2.2 , the HTPC-centric Linux distribution allows users to decode media on dual- and quad-core systems, with added support for devices running ARM SoCs (like the TI OMAP4 Pandaboard and Tegra 2). The new 72MB version ditches the unique ISO generator tool, legacy HDD installation, support for V4L Analog and DVB Digital TV cards (although the manufacturer promises the last digital feature “will come back shortly”). Check out the source for full upgrade deets, and save us a seat on the couch, will ya? GeeXboX LiveUSB HTPC Linux distro hits v2.0, adds ARM support for multi-core video decoding originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Comcast and FCC partner to give low-income families access to internet, Nyan Cats
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Like a giant warlock guarding the gates of the interwebs, financial barriers all too often block our young people from accessing the plethora of awesomeness found in front of those iconic triple-Ws-and-a-dot. In a bid to spread the love more evenly, the FCC and Comcast’s promised Internet Essentials platform is going live — giving low-income families $9.99 / month web access and “discounted” (read: $149.99) computers. The platform that we first heard about in August will also include a Norton Security Suite and computer training for youngsters and their parents alike. The cable provider is accepting participants until 2014, honoring the contract dependent on the child’s status and family income. Like other heavy hitters involved in similar initiatives, the goal is to bridge the education gap and to provide a more level playing field for kids. To get more details on the program, direct your attention to the source link. Continue reading Comcast and FCC partner to give low-income families access to internet, Nyan Cats Comcast and FCC partner to give low-income families access to internet, Nyan Cats originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Epic 4G Touch gets ‘experimental’ Windows-only root, overclockers and undervolters dance for joy
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Since you can’t upgrade the GPU or add more RAM to your smartphone, there’s really only one way to improve upon an already impressive handset like the Epic 4G Touch — root it. It hasn’t been on the market for very long, but the crafty hackers over at XDA forums have already figured out how to open up the phone to your every whim. The crack is “experimental” at this point, so proceed with caution. You’ll also need to have both Kies and Odin 3 up and running, which makes this a Windows-only treatment at the moment. Head on after the break for a pair of videos and hit up the source link for full instructions. Oh, and happy modding. Continue reading Epic 4G Touch gets ‘experimental’ Windows-only root, overclockers and undervolters dance for joy Epic 4G Touch gets ‘experimental’ Windows-only root, overclockers and undervolters dance for joy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Say hello to Engadget Distro. At its most molecular level, it’s nothing more than a series of ones and zeros, cobbled together in a compiler and made to look like words and images on Apple’s iPad. But in reality, it’s something far greater — something that the entire Engadget staff couldn’t be more proud to have their names on. Distro is the week in technology news, distilled down and reformatted into a beautiful, offline view that can be enjoyed anywhere. You know, like one of those regional jets still awaiting their rightful Gogo injection. We’ve got a team of designers and editors toiling around the clock to assemble our best long-form feature content and reviews, re-wrapping it in a fashion that takes full advantage of a little thing called “multitouch.” As of now, we’ve got plans to launch Distro on the iPad soon (as in, super soon!), but you can bet we’re already hammering away on versions for the other major tablet platforms. Rest assured, we’re as eager to finish them as anyone, and yes, they’ll all be absolutely free of charge. For those who find themselves a touch overwhelmed with the sheer torrent of news that occurs in this space each and every day, Distro offers a relaxing, peaceful alternative. Sort of like morphine, but available sans a prescription. We’ll be showing off a sneak peek during tonight’s live Engadget Show (tune in here !), and we’ll be sure to keep you abreast of our launch date as it draws closer. For now, have a look at what Distro will bring in the video after the break. We hope you enjoy. Gallery: Engadget Distro Continue reading Introducing Engadget Distro! Introducing Engadget Distro! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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