LG’s Optimus 3D officially launched, debuting in Europe with dual lens and dual core CPU
June 18, 2011 No Comment
The long wait is finally over! Joining the likes of HTC EVO 3D and Sharp SH-12C is LG’s very own Optimus 3D aka Thrill 4G for AT&T, which we first got our hands on back in February and again in March. The specs for this Android 2.2 device (yeah, we know) have remained untouched since we last checked: here we have a 4.3-inch glasses-less 3D LCD with 800 x 480 resolution, a 1GHz dual core TI OMAP4430 processor, 512MB of speedy dual channel RAM, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and a couple of 5 megapixel cameras on the back that can capture 3D 1080p video at 24fps, or 3D 720p at 30fps. Other tidbits include 14.4Mbps HSPA+ connection, an HDMI-out port, and a removable 1500mAh battery, all inside a 5.93 ounce package. Alas, no date’s been mentioned for the phone’s US launch, but the lucky Europeans will get to pick up this phone first, followed by the rest of the world “over the next several weeks.” Stay tuned while we keep our eyes peeled open for further news. Continue reading LG’s Optimus 3D officially launched, debuting in Europe with dual lens and dual core CPU LG’s Optimus 3D officially launched, debuting in Europe with dual lens and dual core CPU originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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It’s an Orochi, but with 100 percent more gloss. Typically, a new hue on an old critter wouldn’t do much for us, but given that Razer’s oh-so-diminutive Orochi still remains our favorite travel mouse to date (for gaming, at least), we couldn’t help but notice the striking young fellow above. The Orochi Black Chrome Edition is the exact same mouse that shipped last fall, but with a much more vivacious set of duds. Aside from being fully capable of sneaking into either of your front pockets, this Bluetooth-enabled unit also touts an ambidextrous design, a 4000DPI laser sensor (with tracking at up to 100 inches per second), on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments and a gold-plated USB connector for those who’d prefer to roll wired. If you’ve been looking to treat yourself, she’s in stock now for $79.99. Gallery: Razer Orochi Black Chrome Edition mobile gaming mouse Razer ships $80 Orochi Black Chrome Edition mobile gaming mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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The Samsung Galaxy S II has yet to make its US debut, but it looks like our neighbors to the north will be getting it as early as next month. Yesterday, Canada’s SaskTel announced via Twitter that it would launch the phone “within the next month,” making it the first North American carrier to confirm the S II. Earlier this month, it looked as if Verizon would be the first to bring the device to the New World, but our hopes were crushed when the carrier debunked rumors of a July launch. It remains to be seen whether Sasktel’s announcement will pave the way for a wider North American release, but we’ll let you know as soon as we hear more. Galaxy S II coming to SaskTel next month, we embark on northward migration originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Right before our interview with Ron Howard, we talk about eReader evolution, gaming execution, and a 3D phone revolutions. Was that a haiku? We’re not sure because we forgot how to count, but we hope you caught the part about there being an interview with Ron Howard toward the end. We’re all “really? really!” about it, and we think you might be too. Listen all the way to the end for a red-headed dessert on an already nutritious and fulfilling episode of the Engadget Podcast. Host: Tim Stevens Guests: Brian Heater, Myriam Joire Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: My Sharona 00:03:40 – Console vs. PC redux: how mobile gaming will reshape the industry (again) 00:07:21 – Nintendo’s Iwata talks about Wii U’s place in the living room 00:16:15 – Kobo eReader Touch Edition review 00:22:13 – Kobo eReader Touch does more than words, handles Sudoku and web browsing on the side (video) 00:23:45 – HTC EVO 3D review 00:39:20 – Apple starts selling unlocked iPhone 4 for $649 00:43:51 – More iOS 5 features get their moment in the beta testing sun 00:46:40 – HTC pulls a 180, now says Gingerbread is coming to Desire (updated) 00:51:36 – MOTOBLUR name phased out due to public feedback 00:55:43 – Kinect for Windows SDK beta launches, wants PC users to get a move on 00:57:08 – Ron Howard interview 01:12:30 – Listener questions Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [ iTunes ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [ RSS MP3 ] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [ RSS AAC ] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [ Zune ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens . Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @tim_stevens @bheater @tnkgrl Filed under: Podcasts Engadget Podcast 244 – 06.17.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Netflix’s day: Sony pulls movies, new bandwidth options, no more DVD API access and a lawsuit
June 18, 2011 No Comment
In an apparent ode to Rebecca Black, Ice Cube and any number of body switch movies, Netflix has had an incredibly active Friday, so sit back while we get you up to speed. Sony Pictures movies from Starz Play are no longer available (on any device, not just the Xbox 360 this time) due to a “temporary contract issue” according to the official blog. According to NewTeeVee, the problem is an “IP distribution cap” that was reached due to Netflix’s explosive growth, but with no word on when the movies will be back, you’ll be missing The Other Guys . Up next was the National Association of the Deaf, which has filed a lawsuit in Springfield, MA against Netflix, claiming that its failure to provide closed captions on all streaming content puts it in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Netflix last claimed 30 percent of titles were subbed with plans to reach 80 percent by the end of the year, but the press release (and captioned YouTube video) make the case that as a leader in streaming video, it should do better. Netflix also quietly gave US subscribers access to the same bandwidth management options provided to Canadians a few months ago. The new Manage Video Quality settings (shown above) can be found in the Your Account section, and if you’re trying to stay under bandwidth caps or just keep seeing buffering, they should help you out at the cost of a few pixels. As if that wasn’t enough, the Netflix Tech Blog squeezed in news that it was ending access to “DVD-related features” for apps using its Open API later this year. The move is apparently preparation for expanded international streaming, so if you’re trying to manage discs through a third party things may change soon. Netflix’s day: Sony pulls movies, new bandwidth options, no more DVD API access and a lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Governments cram all manner of bizarre imagery onto the back of currency, so really, what’s a few little QR codes between treasury departments? And heck, who are we to suggest that these new coins from the Royal Dutch Mint aren’t the beginning of a larger barcoded money trend? The mint is celebrating its centennial with two new QR-packing coins, a silver €5 and gold €10. The codes bring their owners to the mint’s website, which promises a “surprise,” once the money is officially available later this month. Some sort of cloud-based vending machine, perhaps? Dutch coins feature QR codes, promise ‘surprises’ originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 01:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Microsoft gets antitrust okay for Skype purchase, readies shockingly large wire transfer
June 17, 2011 No Comment
Look out, world — Microsoft just crossed another hurdle in its bid to swallow Skype whole . Earlier today, US antitrust approval was given on Microsoft’s largest (proposed) acquisition, clearing the path for all sorts of Windows / Xbox / WP7-related VoIP shenanigans. While many are still questioning the logic here, Skype continually brought around 145 million users to the table per month even while it constantly bled money. Whatever the case, it looks as if the accountants in Redmond just got FTC permission to move $8.5b from one column to the next, and with an initial investment like that, we’re hoping for a number of updated features as the attack plan unfolds. Microsoft gets antitrust okay for Skype purchase, readies shockingly large wire transfer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Vizio tablet fits Walmart into its hectic schedule, shipping in just six weeks
June 17, 2011 No Comment
Looks like Blake Griffin will have to find some other unreleased gadget to wave in front of our noses, because his beloved Vizio tablet will soon be available to all the little people who shop at Walmart. An internal schedule just faxed itself to our tin foil caps declaring that the Android 8-incher will start shipping in “week 26″, which is Walmartish for six weeks from now. That might seem a long wait considering Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 is already giving us doe-eyes from the shelves at Best Buy, but the Vizio hits a friendlier price bracket (recently leaked at $349) and has its own set of tricks. The SRS speakers and universal remote function impressed us back in January, and there’s also the Via Plus ecosystem that should integrate the tablet with Vizio TV apps and the upcoming Vizio Phone . Of course, Vizio is more than welcome to come over and pimp the rest of our home entertainment system like it did for Blake. [Thanks, FiZiX] Vizio tablet fits Walmart into its hectic schedule, shipping in just six weeks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Verizon said otherwise earlier this week , but Motorola has now finally chimed in to say that a Gingerbread update for the Droid 2 Global is not, in fact, rolling out at the moment — as Droid 2 Global owners have probably noticed. Unfortunately, it’s not provided any indication as to when such an update will start rolling out, but it does seem like you can rest assured that it’s still a question of “when” not “if.” Motorola says Droid 2 Global Gingerbread update isn’t ready after all originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 experiencing shipping delays, unavailable at some outlets
June 17, 2011 No Comment
So, we knew the Galaxy Tab 10.1 was coming , but it looks like some shoppers eagerly anticipating the tablet’s arrival will go home empty handed today. We just received word from a Samsung rep that there have been “shipping delays to some stores in certain regions.” They went on to say, “We expect most retail locations to have inventory by tomorrow while supplies last.” That’s all we have at the moment, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 experiencing shipping delays, unavailable at some outlets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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