Researchers convert soundwaves into electromagnetic energy, silence no longer golden
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Researchers in Japan and Germany have converted energy from soundwaves into electromagnetic energy, trapping a magnetic “spin current” between metal layers. In the experiment, when sound waves are directed at an interface between the thin metal layer and magnetic material, electrical signals are generated at a pair of electrodes attached above. When the soundwaves reach the magnetic material, this creates a spin current that gets picked up by three layers of metal. This is where the exercise class-sounding reverse spin Hall effect kicks in, transforming it into an electrical voltage. Not to be confused with Orange’s Sound Charge T-Shirt , scientists believe that it should be possible to generate that mystical electromagnetic energy from any material in the future. At the moment, the project is looking into materials that are able to eke out more voltage from the process — perhaps a few years later screaming at our phones will give their batteries a boost? Watch the video after the break for more technical details and close-ups of the equipment. Continue reading Researchers convert soundwaves into electromagnetic energy, silence no longer golden Researchers convert soundwaves into electromagnetic energy, silence no longer golden originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …HTC Rhyme preorders said to begin September 22, Plum-colored exclusive at Target?
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Ahead of HTC’s big announcement , a tipster has leaked this screen-grab from Target Mobile showing the HTC Rhyme (formerly the Bliss ), ready for eager fans to pre-order from September 22nd — apparently the official launch date. Target Mobile looks to have exclusive rights on a plum-colored version of the Verizon handset, previously seen in white and green. The leak also adds some early details on the rumored charm notifier, which lights up to announce incoming calls and messages. It appears to connect to the headphone jack and will apparently work “outside of clothing.” In-ear buds appear to be included and, while it’s still unclear whether these will also be Beats Audio offerings , it certainly would be name-appropriate. Handset details sound pretty concrete, seemingly confirmed by another leak at Unwired View , with a 3.7-inch WVGA Super LCD screen (matching that on the HTC Desire S ), Android Gingerbread and a rear-facing five megapixel camera. According to the leaks — and even the official-looking renders — it will be one of the first phones to arrive with HTC’s refreshed Sense 3.5 UI. The smart money is on an appearance at HTC’s soiree later today, and we’ll be there to find out for sure. HTC Rhyme preorders said to begin September 22, Plum-colored exclusive at Target? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Magisto edits videos automagically, deluges the interwebs with idiot auteur savancy
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Oh, the plague of social media and its irrational empowerment of at-home, amateur media moguls. Well, truth be told, not everyone has the tenacity to sit and slog through hours of footage to create a skillfully made, ready-for-prime time upload . Not to worry you talentless hacks, Magisto’s got a web-based tool that’ll automate your lack of editing expertise, and churn out YouTube-worthy , ADD-style clips replete with background music and fancy multi-window effects. The service, which makes use of an algorithm to recognize “people, pets and landscapes and can even…[analyze] sounds and images,” had formerly been available in a private beta, but is now open and free to anyone with a camera, a computer and a decent internet connection. We’ve seen the results of the company’s handiwork and it’s all pretty much the same thing — an incoherent, tune-laden mashup. Which is to say, ideal for the Twitter and Facebook IV drips we’ve come to subsist upon. Go ahead and test the hyper-editing software out at the source below — it’s not like you actually have to do anything , anyway. Just click. Continue reading Magisto edits videos automagically, deluges the interwebs with idiot auteur savancy Magisto edits videos automagically, deluges the interwebs with idiot auteur savancy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Just over four months after the unique device hit Verizon stores, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G has now made it past AT&T’s front door and onto shelves nationwide. The unique factor on this particular version of the ” PlayStation Phone ” is the inclusion of 14.4Mbps HSPA+ — with enhanced backhaul, naturally — and will be the first PlayStation-Certified smartphone on AT&T’s network. At $50, the pricing is certainly competitive since it ships with Android 2.3.3, a 1GHz single-core CPU, Adreno 205 GPU, 4-inch 854 x 480 display, and seven pre-loaded games. At a full $150 less than Big Red’s launch price , the carrier may move a few units. If you’re one of those that could be persuaded, head to the source link and get your shopping on. Game on: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G ready at AT&T for $50 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Windows Phone Starter Kit for WordPress hopes to lure developers, beef up marketplace offerings
September 20, 2011 No Comment
There’s nothing worse than that “womp womp” moment for Windows Phone users when they find out a favorite website doesn’t have an optimized mobile app. Seriously. It’s proven. Now, however, Wordpress aficionados can spread the love with the Windows Phone Starter Kit — a package that promises quick and easy development for Microsoft’s mobile marktplace. With the included skeleton code, admins only need to replace one line, insert the blog URL and tweak some settings in the CMS until presto — the app’s finito . Like other Wordpress dev kits, this one allows users to view posts and moderate comments. Hopefully, the promise of a super simple platform will be enough to entice developers to sit at Ballmer’s table and fatten up the app store , particularly with Mango positioned as the next course. Windows Phone Starter Kit for Wordpress hopes to lure developers, beef up marketplace offerings originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …LG LU6200 spotted in the wild, with 720p HD display taking center stage
September 20, 2011 No Comment
If LG’s tease routine didn’t whet your appetite for the LU6200 , these freshly leaked pics might do the trick. Obtained by Korean site Money Today , these in-the-wild images appear to corroborate many of the specs we’ve already heard about, including that 4.5-inch AH-IPS display at 720p resolution, eight megapixel camera and 1.3 megapixel front-facing shooter. This device is also rumored to feature a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of built-in storage and will reportedly ship with Android 2.3.5, though it’ll be ready to update to the forthcoming Ice Cream Sandwich , as well. The LU6200 is expected to hit the Korean market sometime next month, where it’ll run on LG Telecom’s U+ LTE network, but you can check out an extra image of its commodious display after the break. Continue reading LG LU6200 spotted in the wild, with 720p HD display taking center stage LG LU6200 spotted in the wild, with 720p HD display taking center stage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Logitech’s Harmony Link transforms your iOS device or Android phone into a universal remote (video)
September 20, 2011 No Comment
Logitech isn’t exactly a stranger to universal remotes, and if you’ve been yearning for an Android or iOS aimed solution from the Swiss company, its new $100 Harmony Link should have you covered. The Link is a WiFi-enabled infrared puck and app combo, that allows you to control up to eight devices in your home theater from the comfort of your touchscreen sans pesky dongles or cases . After downloading a free app, pocket-sized iDevices and Android smartphones can act as universal remotes over your home network, while iPad users also get the benefit of personalized TV listings from Rovi . It’s similar in price and function to Peel’s Fruit , but drops the extra wireless dongle and adds a native iPad app. Notably, the Link can interface with multiple iPads at once, and Logitech’s also thrown in a mini IR blaster to make controlling your AV gear that much easier. If another one of your home theater dreams just came true, the Harmony Link is up for pre-order now from Logitech and due out in October. While your still here, there’s quick video overview past the break along with the the usual PR spiel. Continue reading Logitech’s Harmony Link transforms your iOS device or Android phone into a universal remote (video) Logitech’s Harmony Link transforms your iOS device or Android phone into a universal remote (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Samsung invited the world to adventure with its own smartphone OS, Bada , almost two years ago and so far most of us have turned down the offer. Of course, that trip could look more appealing if a Wall Street Journal rumor is true and the company is planning to open source it for use by developers and other manufacturers alike next year. Citing the usual “person familiar with the situation”, Samsung apparently isn’t interested in snagging any outside companies like, say, webOS , but wants to strengthen its independence from Android after Google announced it will purchase Motorola. Right now, it feels like we’ve already seen this story play out for the still-kicking Symbian . On the other hand, maybe Samsung, with its massive manufacturing capabilities and current hit-making prowess , can strike the right balance of hardware, software and apps to make it worthwhile . If it tries and fails, well, maybe the folks in Redmond will be looking for another close friend. Samsung taking Bada open source in 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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For those who like a good dose of irony with their Cheerios, there’s the LG Optimus Black — now available in white. Like its darker cousin released in Canada earlier this summer , the Black in white (seriously…), will feature the same specs as the original (a 5 megapixel camera, unlimited Skype-to-Skype calling and a 4-inch IPS display) as well as an identical contract-dependant price tag. Starting tomorrow, the phone will be available on the Telus network , but there’s no word yet whether its American twin will get the same whitewash treatment. This latest pair of handsets now joins a distinguished list of ebony and ivory favorites: Oreos, tuxedos and Michael Jackson songs (video after the break). Continue reading Telus launches Optimus Black in white, doesn’t believe in paradoxes Telus launches Optimus Black in white, doesn’t believe in paradoxes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Aperion Audio’s second-gen Zona Home Audio Link cuts the musical tether for $150
September 19, 2011 No Comment
No need for the bookshelf speakers ? No problem. Aperion Audio just introduced the second-generation Zona Home Audio Link system, enabling cable detesters to send music from any USB / 3.5mm-enabled source to, well… just about anything. The basic HAL package is comprised of a compact wireless transmitter and receiver, and since there’s no proprietary shenanigans going on, it’s about as universal in nature as you’ll find. Needless to say, folks who’ve been trying to find an easy(ish) way to convert their existing indoor / outdoor speakers into wireless speakers should certainly have a gander, and given that it’ll stream uncompressed 16 bit/48 kHz CD-quality audio to up to three simultaneous zones, the $149 price tag just might be justified. Hit the source to learn more (or place your order, if you’ve heard enough). Continue reading Aperion Audio’s second-gen Zona Home Audio Link cuts the musical tether for $150 Aperion Audio’s second-gen Zona Home Audio Link cuts the musical tether for $150 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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