That machine looming large at the top of this page is Fujitsu’s LifeBook T901 tablet PC and it’s now for sale in the US of A. Powered by an Intel Core i5-2520M processor, the T901 features a 13.3-inch, 1280 x 768 LCD that supports NVIDIA’s Optimus graphics. The display also rocks an active digitizer, though you’ll have to pay an additional $100 for the dual digitizer that enables five-finger capacitive multitouch. For those in need of some extra life, there’s a modular bay that allows you to swap in a second battery or hard drive, along with an integrated fingerprint sensor that’ll keep your kids away from your precious TPS reports. Prices start at $1899, so hit the source link if you’re interested in adding an yet another tactile dimension to your digital existence. [Thanks, Charles] Fujitsu’s LifeBook T901 tablet PC now on sale in the US, starting at $1899 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Toshiba’s Qosmio X500 gaming laptop got a modest update earlier this year in the form of the X505 , but it’s now getting a proper successor with the company’s new X770 model. In addition to boasting a more metallic enclosure, this one actually shrinks the display from 18.4 inches to a slightly more portable 17.3 inches (still 1920 x 1080), but it expectedly doesn’t compromise much in terms of other specs — the standard config offers a Core i7-2630QM processor, 8GB of RAM, 1.25TB of storage from a pair of hard drives, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M graphics. Also available is a separate X770 3D model, which adds a 3D webcam to the equation, along with a pair of active shutter glasses. Look for both to be available in the next few weeks, with prices starting at €1,300 (or roughly $1,850). Toshiba Qosmio X770 gaming laptop surfaces, 3D optional originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 14:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Android-powered LG P930 shows up in XML file with 1,280 x 720 display, we think it’s a tablet
May 18, 2011 No Comment
Typically, when tidbits about unannounced products start to trickle out, we begin our inquiry with general truths — say, “this is a smartphone” — and then work our way up to the nitty gritty. In the case of LG’s mysterious P930 device, though, our search for clues starts at the opposite end. According to an XML file on the company’s website, it’s cooking up an Android-powered device with 1,280 x 720 resolution and GPRS / EDGE / HSPDA / HSUPA connectivity. One question this string of code fails to answer: just what is this thing anyway ? A smartphone? A tablet? Given the information available, we’re inclined to say this will be a slab, joining the inaugural G-Slate . It’s not that handsets with 1,280 x 720 resolution are out of the question, but we do notice that the file mentions 15 x 13 character size. When you compare that to devices such as the HTC Sensation 4G , which has a 25 x 21 char size, you’d imagine this mystery device has a lower pixel density than a phone with the same resolution. Until LG comes clean, of course, your guess is as good as ours. [Thanks, FT] Android-powered LG P930 shows up in XML file with 1,280 x 720 display, we think it’s a tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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This isn’t as bad as it could have been — Sony’s PSN hasn’t exactly been hacked again — but what can only be described as a glaring oversight looks to have forced the company into hastily switching off PSN logins on its websites. The issue? If you legitimately forget your password and need to reset it, previously all you had to do was type in your e-mail address and date of birth, then choose a delightfully cunning new password. Sounds good? The problem is that if you were a PSN member before the hack then both your e-mail address and your date of birth (plus a lot of other frightening stuff ) is known to the hackers. So, whoever has the millions of rows of data that were exposed could, in theory, re-exploit any account. Sony was made aware of the issue and those pages are now offline again, which should make the Japanese government feel just a little big smug . PSN logins exploited again, Sony takes pages offline originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 10:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Lingodroid robots develop their own language, quietly begin plotting against mankind
May 18, 2011 No Comment
It’s one thing for a robot to learn English , Japanese , or any other language that we humans have already mastered. It’s quite another for a pair of bots to develop their own, entirely new lexicon, as these two apparently have. Created by Ruth Schulz and her team of researchers at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, each of these so-called Lingodroids constructed their special language after navigating their way through a labyrinthine space. As they wove around the maze, the Lingobots created spatial maps of their surroundings, with the help of on-board cameras, laser range finders and sonar equipment that helped them avoid walls. They also created words for each mapped location, using a database of syllables. With the mapping complete, the robots would reconvene and communicate their findings to each other, using mounted microphones and speakers. One bot, for example, would spit out a word it had created for the center of the maze (“jaya”), sending both of them off on a “race” to find that spot. If they ended up meeting at the center of the room, they would agree to call it “jaya.” From there, they could tell each other about the area they’d just come from, thereby spawning new words for direction and distance, as well. Schulz is now looking to teach her bots how to express more complex ideas, though her work is likely to hit a roadblock once these two develop a phrase for ” armed revolt .” Lingodroid robots develop their own language, quietly begin plotting against mankind originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 11:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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That latest WP7 update, the post-NoDo tweak dubbed 7392 , has apparently been giving some Samsung handsets fits. This time though, the company has taken matters into its own hands and has released a patch for the Omnia 7 that should solve any issues with applying the latest Windows Phone refresh (Focus owners will have to remain patient). The fix should work for all future updates as well, but considering the rather tumultuous history of WP7 and Samsung, we’re staying cautiously optimistic on that claim. Check out the source link for the Update Support Tool and the instructional PDF — and don’t forget to actually run the Zune software to score that sweet 7392 update when you’re done. [Thanks, jjr] Samsung Omnia 7 patch promises brick-free WP7 updates originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 10:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Motorola Droid X2 official at $200: launching online May 19th, in stores May 26th
May 18, 2011 No Comment
Motorola and Verizon have finally stopped teasing us and have made the Droid X2 official. This is a 4.3-inch Android (2.2, to be upgraded to 2.3) smartphone with a qHD screen resolution and a dual-core 1GHz processor. An 8 megapixel camera with continuous autofocus and HD video recording graces the back. The X2 will cost the usual $200 on contract and will be available to buy online tomorrow, May 19th, before making its way out to stores a week later, on May 26th. Leap past the break for the full PR. Interestingly, we’ve also spotted the close proximity of the USB and HDMI ports on the side of the new X2. That arrangement is reminiscent of the one on Motorola’s Atrix , where the two connectors served to hook that handset up to its laptop and multimedia docks. We don’t know whether the Droid X2 will fit into the accessories designed for the Atrix, but it looks sure to be strapping itself into a dock of some description in the near future. Continue reading Motorola Droid X2 official at $200: launching online May 19th, in stores May 26th Motorola Droid X2 official at $200: launching online May 19th, in stores May 26th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 08:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …ASUS ramping up Eee Pad Transformer production, says they’ll be easier to find in the ‘coming weeks’
May 18, 2011 No Comment
We couldn’t help but notice that a lot of you want to buy the Eee Pad Transformer; it’s just that your quest for one is turning up dry . We asked ASUS for an update on the shortage and the company said it’s cranking ‘em out at a furious pace to meet strong demand. Here’s what a PR rep had to say: We are ramping production every week to address the supply concerns, including almost daily air shipments into North America. We expect the supply line to improve significantly over the coming weeks. So there you have it: if you live on the North American continent, at least, you’ll soon be able to find an elusive Transformer — and just in time for a much-appreciated Android 3.1 update . ASUS ramping up Eee Pad Transformer production, says they’ll be easier to find in the ‘coming weeks’ originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 09:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps
May 18, 2011 No Comment
We already knew that there would be multiple flavors of the next version of Windows . This is, after all, Microsoft, and if it isn’t available in dozens of different SKUs, one for each rung on the ladder from student to corporate executive, then it isn’t worth stamping to a disc and throwing in a box. However, thanks to Intel Senior Vice President Renee James, we now know for sure that there will be a decisive split between the various ARM and x86 editions. James confirmed yesterday that x86 versions will work just fine on Intel, AMD, and other compatible chips, running all your legacy applications with aplomb. However, the ARM versions of the OS (which may number as many as six ) won’t include any sort of instruction emulation, James saying “Our competitors will not be running legacy applications. Not now. Not ever.” That’s something that Intel CEO Paul Otellini hinted at back at CES, which means Office running on ARM must have been a re-write — or at least a re-compile. That’s bad news for anyone hoping they’d be able to install Command & Conquer Collector’s Edition on the Tegra-powered Windows 8 tablet of their dreams. James additionally indicated there will be four separate Windows 8 ARM SoCs, meaning someone has joined NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and TI since the CES unveil. Intrigue! Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 07:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
Continue reading …Samsung and Nouvoyance show off power-sipping, pixel packed Pentile display (video)
May 18, 2011 No Comment
Samsung is seriously stepping up its slate screen game with its 10.1-inch 300ppi panel that we told you about last week. We just got to see the display in person at SID 2011, and can confirm that the presence of Pentile pixels should no longer be a cause of concern. Nouvoyance, who designed the display, told us that the panel’s RGBW pixel configuration makes your whites whiter and brights brighter (up to 600 nits worth), while consuming 40 percent less power than conventional LCDs. The company also told us the tech’s been around for awhile, but that market forces conspired to keep it concealed — though after seeing it in person, we can’t fathom why it didn’t make it into Sammy’s stellar new slate . Pixel-density people shouldn’t pout, however, as devices packing the display will drop by Q4 of this year or Q1 2012. Video explaining why you should join the RBGW revolution’s after the break. Gallery: Nouvoyance 10.1-inch PenTile RGBW prototype tablet display at SID 2011 Continue reading Samsung and Nouvoyance show off power-sipping, pixel packed Pentile display (video) Samsung and Nouvoyance show off power-sipping, pixel packed Pentile display (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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