We covered lots of ground at this year’s Computex , but here’s one gem that slipped past our radar: the new Zotac ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA’s latest dual-core processor. Measuring 12 x 12 x 4cm, this little beast runs on VIA’s low-power Nano X2 , which is available at speeds of either 1.2 or 1.6GHz, depending on your preference. It also comes equipped with native 64-bit software support, VIA’s PadLock data encryption engine and is compatible with the company’s other processors, including the Nano, C7, C7-M and Eden. Plus, there’s an SD card reader, two USB 3.0 ports and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Availability and pricing remain a mystery, though we’re certainly hoping it won’t be as exorbitant as some other bite-sized PCs we’ve seen in recent months. Steer past the break for the full PR. Continue reading Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA’s dual-core Nano X2 Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA’s dual-core Nano X2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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True to its word, Nintendo has released a system update for anxious 3DS owners. The free update over WiFi delivers an internet browser and the eShop digital store to your multidimensional handheld. As a bonus, Ninty’s offering the 3D-remastered NES game, Excitebike , for free until Tuesday with additional cash-money content coming to the store on Thursdays. We’ll be hearing more from Nintendo, much more we hope, on Tuesday morning where we’ll be bringing you live coverage of its next generation console announcements from E3. Join us, won’t you? Nintendo 3DS system update is live, grab your free copy of Excitebike now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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We knew you were dying to know what Sony was planning with those stereoscopic multiplayer display patents last year, so we took a look at Sony’s new PlayStation-branded 3D display , just for you. True to its schtick, the stereoscopic display simultaneously displays two separate full screen images, hidden behind the smoke and mirrors of active shutter 3D technology — while suffering only a minimal amount of ghosting. The dual-full-screen trick will only work with PlayStation 3 games specifically programmed to make use of the feature, and although none have been announced yet, we wouldn’t be surprised if pack-in title Resistance 3 is compatible. Staff couldn’t say if the games featured in the demo video, Motorstorm Apocalypse and Wipeout , would be updated to support this feature. While the demo units we saw performed their trick reasonably well, visible ghosting and flat, muted colors give us some reservations about that competitive $499 price tag. Gallery: Sony PlayStation 3D Display Sony’s 24-inch ‘PlayStation’ 3D display first hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sony sells 70 million PSP units worldwide, still firmly in DS’ rearview mirror
June 6, 2011 No Comment
Sony’s PlayStation Vita is obviously the company’s handheld of tomorrow, but it’s the PlayStation Portable that’s being credited with the assist. The PSP has been a flagship device for Sony since December 12, 2004, and during its time on the market, a grand total of 70 million have been moved globally. That’s the number belted out here at E3, which sounds downright ginormous at first listen. Unfortunately, that’s nowhere near the 100 million DS units that Nintendo had shipped… back in 2009. It’s worth mentioning that this tally includes the original PSP-1000, the slimmer / lighter PSP-2000, the not-too-different PSP-3000 and the critically panned PSP go, and we’re guessing the Vita will eventually be lumped in here as well at some point. So, Mario’s still laughing, but hey — at least Sony’s sold 298 million UMD units, right? Continue reading Sony sells 70 million PSP units worldwide, still firmly in DS’ rearview mirror Sony sells 70 million PSP units worldwide, still firmly in DS’ rearview mirror originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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iOS 5 won’t be ready for the masses until this Fall, but lucky developers — and eager tech bloggers — are able to get in on the action right now. We just got done downloading the 730MB BETA, and have decided to turn our iPhone 4 and iPad 2 into guinea pigs for all the newness. Apple says that there are over 200 new features baked into the updated OS, and we’ve run through the biggies from Notification Center to Twitter to that oh-so-convenient split keyboard for you — all you need to do is click after the break. Continue reading Apple iOS 5 hands-on preview Apple iOS 5 hands-on preview originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Sony introduces PlayStation-brand 3D monitor and 3D glasses, bundle available for $499
June 6, 2011 No Comment
Jack Tretton just announced PS3 gamers can get into the 3D game for much less this fall when the company launches a 24-inch monitor and active shutter LCD glasses under the PlayStation brand. $499 gets the monitor, a pair of glasses, an HDMI cable and a copy of Resistance , while additional pairs of glasses — which are compatible with TVs from other manufacturers and can be used to give two split-screen gamers their own full screen view — are $69. Gallery: PlayStation 3D Monitor Developing…follow along on the Sony E3 keynote liveblog . Sony introduces PlayStation-brand 3D monitor and 3D glasses, bundle available for $499 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Today, Steve Jobs revealed a great many things, but the biggest bombshell was this — Apple’s iCloud , which promises to sync all your content, automatically, even wirelessly, to Apple’s new server farms… for free. All that processing power in the picture above can’t have been cheap, and multiplied by the entirety of those data centers… well, let’s just say it’s a heck of a promise and we’ve got somewhat mixed feelings about how it’ll play out. Hit the break to see what we thought of Apple’s play for cloud storage. Continue reading Editorial: Engadget on iCloud and iTunes Match Editorial: Engadget on iCloud and iTunes Match originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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With Google’s fleet of Chromebooks making their way to market, Mozilla has decided to release a similarly browser-based desktop interface, known as the Webian Shell. As of now, the prototype app consists of a screen-encompassing web browser, which essentially replaces your desktop interface. There’s an address bar running across the top of the screen, a clock in the bottom right corner, and a tab button for all your web apps. Developed as part of the company’s Mozilla Chromeless project, the tool was written entirely in HTML, CSS and JavaScript and, unlike Chrome OS, is designed to run on top of existing operating systems, rather than replace them. For now, the Shell is still in an early phase of development, looks pretty spartan and can’t control a system’s hardware. Mozilla, however, says it has plans to incorporate multiple home screens, split screen views and an on-screen keyboard, among other features. Windows, Linux and Mac OS X users can download the Shell now, from the source link. Otherwise, you can just head past the break to see a brief demo video. Continue reading Mozilla’s Webian Shell interface will cloak your OS in a browser (video) Mozilla’s Webian Shell interface will cloak your OS in a browser (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Xbox Live adds cloud saves, ‘beacons’ that tell friends what you want to play
June 6, 2011 No Comment
These may not have made the cut to appear in Microsoft’s E3 keynote earlier today but gamers will probably appreciate two new features mentioned in a letter from Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten. “Cloud Storage for Game Saves and Live Profiles” is first up and provides access to ones profile and saves from any console, at any time with the option to save to XBL servers instead of a memory unit or hard drive. It all sounds very similar to the service offered for PlayStation Plus but as Joystiq notes, so far exact details are scant. The other feature mentioned is support for “Beacons” which go one step further than broadcasting what you’re playing or watching right now by allowing users to flag what they want to play, and lets friends on XBL or Facebook see that so they can meet you for a game. Check out the full letter after the break or over on the ‘stiq, we’ll sit back and dream of a future world where bringing our XBL profile by a friend’s house to keep track of our beatdowns is as easy as just logging in. Continue reading Xbox Live adds cloud saves, ‘beacons’ that tell friends what you want to play Xbox Live adds cloud saves, ‘beacons’ that tell friends what you want to play originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Nyko cures Kinect’s farsightedness, brings bountiful battery life and alarm clock capability to the 3DS
June 6, 2011 No Comment
E3 2011 is upon us, and you know what that means, a heaping helping of new gaming gear from Nyko . Zoom for Kinect is a set of clip-on specs that lets you get 40 percent closer to the sensor bar with no loss of function — so the studio apartment set can get in on the gesture gaming craze. Nyko’s Play Clock is a charging dock for Nintendo’s 3DS that doubles as an alarm clock, because you always wanted to turn your 3DS into an alarm clock. Nintendo’s new handheld could definitely use some longer battery life, however, so the company’s also rolling out three new extended battery packs for the 3DS. There’s the Shock n’ Rock that brings thrice the juice, “added vibration feedback,” and four speakers to your personal gaming party, while the Power Grip is an ergonomic external battery that also triples the 3DS’ battery life. Lastly, the Game Boost battery simply snaps on for an extra hour or two of gameplay. Prices and availability remain unsaid, but there’s eye candy in the gallery below and PR’s after the break. Gallery: Nyko Accessories at E3 2011 Continue reading Nyko cures Kinect’s farsightedness, brings bountiful battery life and alarm clock capability to the 3DS Nyko cures Kinect’s farsightedness, brings bountiful battery life and alarm clock capability to the 3DS originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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