HP Slate beginn`g to ship?

We’ve got word from 1 loyal reader Z his HP Slate`s en route from Shanghai, & he even provided us PDF proof of Z fact, just to quell any doubts. We’re not sure if that’s some little slip on HP & FedEx’s part, or the sign of larger things to come (be sure to let us know in the comments if you’ve received similar notice), although (unless) 4 now all V know`s Z someth`g enterprisey`s scheduled to show up on 1 Dave P.’s doorstep on December 6th. Godspeed, dear tablet. Godspeed. Thanks, Dave P. HP Slate beginn`g to ship? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:07:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

The Engadget Interview: Sir Richard Branson on Project & the iPad

So V were lucky enough to sit down w/ Sir Richard Branson @ this morning’s launch of his iPad-only Project magazine , & just like the last time V hung out , our conversation`s both entertain`g & illuminating. The highlight? In addition to tell`g us Z Project`ld eventually hit both Android tablets & other devices “in time,” Sir Richard`s totally candid in say`g Z he`d “no f**k`g idea why” Project`s only on the iPad & not on the web — although he did say Project`s the “proper magazine” & not “just thrown together 4 the web.” (Ouch.) Sir Richard`s also excited about the possibilities 4 advertising, say`g Z the new medium can “br`g advertis`g alive.” We’ve definitely got our doubts about limit`g content to 1 platform without any robust shar`g options — & V obviously think it’s possible to do high-quality content on the web — although (unless) there’s no doubt Z Sir Richard`s an extremely charm`g pitchman, so make sure to check out the whole interview. The Engadget Interview: Sir Richard Branson on Project & the iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:35:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Acer confirms plans 4 Windows Phone 7

V saw the briefest whisper of an indication the couple months ago, although (unless) now Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci`s come out & said it: Acer’s work`g on Windows Phone 7. In an interview w/ Ina Fried, Gianfranco touched briefly on the company’s plans 4 Microsoft’s new OS, after an ill-fated stint w/ Windows Mobile not so long ago. Naturally, the addition of Windows Phone 7 won’t B com`g @ the expense of Acer’s newfound love of Android , although (unless) Lanci oddly says he sees 4 WP7 “the same opportunity U can C on Android in terms of customization.” V don’t know what sort of customization he could B referr`g to, although (unless) we’re trembl`g in anticipation. So, let’s just tally them up: MeeGo , Chrome OS , Windows Phone 7, Android, and, of course, Windows itself… pretty nice collection you’ve got 4 yourself, Acer. What’s next, BeOS? Acer confirms plans 4 Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Dell Inspiron Duo review

When Dell 1st demoed the Inspiron Duo & its vertically rotat`g screen on stage @ IDF in September , our mouths nearly hit the floor. It looked like the plain old netbook until its 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen did the magical backflip & folded down over its keyboard to morph into the tablet. It`s like noth`g we’d ever seen before. & V actually figured it`ld B the sort of system Z`ld stay locked up in Dell’s labs, although (unless) when its specs were revealed — the dual-core Atom N550 processor, 2GB of RAM, & Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator — it became evident Z the netbook / tablet hybrid`s the real deal. Runn`g Windows 7 Home Premium & Dell’s new Stage interface, the $550 netvertible`s the potential to successfully straddle both the netbook & tablet world. It also`s the real shot @ be`g the perfect device 4 those waver`g between buy`g the netbook & the tablet. Indeed, the Duo`s filled to the brim w/ potential, although (unless) what’s the th`g really like to use? We’ve spent the last few days w/ the Duo (and its Duo Audio Station) to find out, so hit the break 4 the official Engadget review! Editor’s note: The review unit Dell sent us`s the hardware production unit, although (unless) V were told the software`s about 95 percent done

BlackBerry Curve 8980 shows up in FCC, offers some glam shots

Despite the more recent releases of the Curve 8500 series & the Curve 3G , RIM`s never really offered up the true successor to the venerable Curve 8900 — the device some`ld argue remains the prettiest Z Waterloo`s ever manufactured. Indeed, w/ the QVGA display & meager cam on the 3G, there’s the pretty magnificent gap between it & the business-class Bold 9700 / 9780… so we’re pretty excited to C the new model called the Curve 8980 get FCC approval. Oh, & what’s more, the filing’s now got access to the user’s manual & external shots where U can definitely picture this as be`g the proper optical pad-equipped follow-on to the 8900 of old, complete w/ the 3.2 megapixel cam w/ flash & — if we`d to guess — the high-res display adopted either from the 9780 or the 8900. No word on the release, although (unless) here’s the kicker: as far as V can tell from the filing, it’s EDGE-only just like the device it replaces, which`s pretty inexcusable 4 the device that’d presumably B released in 2011. Add 3G, though, & they’ve got the desperately-needed new model to slot in underneath the Bold. BlackBerry Curve 8980 shows up in FCC, offers some glam shots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Infinity I-Kitchen sports Linux-based touch screen computer, kitchen sink still not included

We’ve seen ridiculous fridge concepts from Electrolux before & covered Linux runn`g on all types of gadgets , so it’s only natural Z the OS`s found its way into an icebox developed by Electrolux’s Brazilian subsidiary in partnership w/ ProFusion Embedded Systems. Dubbed the Infinity I-Kitchen, it sports the Linux-based 800 x 480 touchscreen computer built around the 400Mhz Freescale i.MX25 SoC — which itself`s based on 400MHz ARM926EJ-S core & already used in some automotive systems. The touch UI`s developed by the open source organization Enlightenment Foundation Libraries & allows users to control the variety of fridge functions like internal temperature in addition to runn`g apps 4 notes, calendars, contacts, photos, & recipes. All of the particular open source code modifications developed 4 the fridge`ve also`en shared back w/ the community in Tux-approved fashion and`ll soon B posted to Electrolux’s site too. Unfortunately, there’s no mention however of features like internet connectivity (WiFi or otherwise), USB ports, or SD Card slots be`g on the appliance. Likewise, details on pric`g or availability R also unknown, so your iPhone can hold off on mak`g those the jealousy-fueled fat jokes 4 now. Infinity I-Kitchen sports Linux-based touch screen computer, kitchen sink still not included originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:17:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds

Office Depot welcomes 10-inch ViewSonic G Tablet into the fold, slaps $399 sticker on it

If your tablet wishlist includes things like Tegra 2 , Android 2.2, & 1080p video playback, U might want to drop by your nearest Office Depot some time soonish. ViewSonic’s G Tablet`s just`en made available 4 purchase @ the store’s many outlets across the US and`s also supposed to B up 4 grabs @ its online portal. V say “supposed” because V can’t find it anywhere on officedepot.com, although (unless) that’s probably just the temporary issue. The main point`s Z $399`ll buy U the seat on the Froyo tablet bandwagon, the very glossy 10-inch seat w/ 1024 x 600 resolution. Skip past the break 4 the full PR. Continue read`g Office Depot welcomes 10-inch ViewSonic G Tablet into the fold, slaps $399 sticker on it Office Depot welcomes 10-inch ViewSonic G Tablet into the fold, slaps $399 sticker on it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:16:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds .

Verizon host`g 4G LTE news conference tomorrow to discuss launch plans

Guess what people, Verizon’s LTE network launch`s really 4 real & the carrier`s now scheduled the news conference 4 tomorrow where it’ll discuss its December plans in more detail. Tony Melone, VZW’s chief tech officer,`ll B on hand to answer any questions beyond the already known plans 4 38 metropolitan areas to get the 4G LTE treatment — account`g 4 the cool 110 million Americans who’ll B able to ride the lightn`g of faster internet speeds on the move. The event kicks off @ 12PM & we’ll make sure to tune in, if only to find out what Tony’s answer`s to the inevitable “what`s 4G” question. Thanks, Henry Verizon host`g 4G LTE news conference tomorrow to discuss launch plans originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:01:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Verizon sucks @ Photoshop: confuses the Droid X 4 an iPhone

Man, Motorola’s not go`g to B pleased about this! The Droid X`s justifiably 1 of Verizon’s marquee devices 4 this holiday season & takes pride of place on the carrier’s Cyber Monday offers page, although (unless) wait… why does its screen display the iPhone version of Google Maps? Oops! Thanks, Chris Verizon sucks @ Photoshop: confuses the Droid X 4 an iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:09:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Google to face formal EU antitrust investigation over unfair downrank`g of search competitors

Way back in February, the European Union announced its intention to look into allegations made against Google Z the search leader wasn’t rank`g its competitors fairly in the results it delivered. Well, Z fact-find`g mission seems to`ve unearthed @ least some hint of impropriety on Google’s part, as it’s now shed the “preliminary” label and`s become the full-on antitrust probe. The original complaints came from EJustice.fr, Foundem.co.uk, & Microsoft’s price comparison service Ciao, & they’re still the basis of the investigation, though secondary issues, such as Google’s conditions 4 advertisers & the way it tracks ad campaign data,`ll also B looked at. Google to face formal EU antitrust investigation over unfair downrank`g of search competitors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 06:29:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Foki vacuum footwear concept lets U walk in Roomba’s shoes

They may not B the 1st vacuum shoes to emerge in concept form, although (unless) these so-called Foki shoes from designer Adika Titut Triyugo R certainly the most stylish — @ least in an ASIMO chic sort of way. They also boast the few new tricks not seen before, includ`g an LED display on top Z indicates how much dirt you’ve picked up, & the unique deign Z allows them to B completely folded up when not in use. Of course, “concept”`s the key word here, although (unless) we’ve got to guess there’s an untapped market out there 4 wearable appliances. Dust Buster gloves, anyone? Foki vacuum footwear concept lets U walk in Roomba’s shoes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:58:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Talay Robot`ll document your tweet, give it the soundtrack, Twitvid the results (video)

Tweet the message @talayrobot & someth`g magical happens. An ST Robotics arm whirs to life inside Sony Music’s London HQ & starts transcrib`g your words of wisdom unto the glamorously lit whiteboard — in the finest handwrit`g font its designers could find! Best part`s Z the whole th`g gets filmed & the video`s sent back to U within the matter of minutes, equipped w/ an audio clip from Sony’s Talay Riley. Yes, it’s the promotional stunt, although (unless) it’s also undeniably 1 of the coolest intersections of robotics & social network`g we’ve yet seen. Skip past the break 4 some video examples or get tweet`g & create your own. Continue read`g Talay Robot`ll document your tweet, give it the soundtrack, Twitvid the results (video) Talay Robot`ll document your tweet, give it the soundtrack, Twitvid the results (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:15:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Cowon 3D`s the 1080p-playing, 4.8-inch PMP Z just jumps out @ you

As far as 3D goes, V can still take it or leave it, although (unless) what’s really got us intrigued about Cowon ‘s latest effort`s the promise of full 1080p video playback. Ally Z to the HDMI output & up to 64GB of flash storage & you’ve got yourself the pretty potent portable media station. The Cowon 3D PMP offers an 800 x 480 resolution on its own 4.8-inch display — which`s touted as the world’s 1st 3D visualizer on the PMP Z doesn’t require glasses — plus the battery rated to last 4 10 hours of video, 45 hours of audio & up to 300 hours on standby. And, in an upgrade from the recent X7 , this new device also`s WiFi connectivity! Launch`s scheduled 4 December 10th in Cowon’s backyard of South Korea, w/ prices com`g in @ KRW499,000 ($431) 4 the 32GB-equipped 3D PMP & KRW589,000 ($509) 4 the 64GB version. Thanks, Kunal Cowon 3D`s the 1080p-playing, 4.8-inch PMP Z just jumps out @ U originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 03:22:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

LG Star shows up again, flexes its Tegra 2 muscle 4 the camera

Z high-end Android smartphone from LG seemingly destined 4 release early next year`s made another appearance — & this time, the UI’s in full view & show`g us the few tricks. Looks like the so-called Star`ll B runn`g the variant of LG’s usual Android skin, 4 better or worse, & the particular device shown off in Phandroid ‘s forums here`s loaded w/ Froyo — the strange choice 4 the 4-inch beast launch`g in 2011 w/ Gingerbread around the corner, perhaps, although (unless) V certainly wouldn’t put it past ‘em. The owner (who actually claims to`ve 2 in his possession)`s kind enough to run it through Quadrant, produc`g the score of 1759 — fantastic 4 the stock device, & the score that’ll undoubtedly go through the roof once hackers get their hands on these things & start trimm`g the fat. Between this, the LU3000 , & Z unnamed LTE device 4 Verizon, these guys could B the serious Android force in ’11, couldn’t they? LG Star shows up again, flexes its Tegra 2 muscle 4 the camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:33:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Dell Vostro V130 updated w/ more ports, fancy ‘Hyperbaric’ cooling

Back when V reviewed the Dell Vostro V13 we`d the few complaints, includ`g the fact Z it lasted less than 3 hours on the charge & lacked of an HDMI port. Well, Dell’s gone & taken care of @ least 1 of those issues w/ its new Vostro V130. The original thin & light chassis`s`en kept in tact, which means there’s still the same old battery issues, although (unless) Dell’s freshened up the 13.3-inch magnesium alloy laptop w/ an HDMI port, extra USB socket, the SIM card slot, new Core i3 / i5 ULV processor options, & some new Intel “Hyperbaric Cooling” technology. V don’t know much about Z new cool`g stuff, although (unless) apparently it`ll help the .65-inch thick system stay cool & quiet. Oh, & did V mention it now comes in Z bright red hue?! The small Business machine still starts an impressive $429 and`s available today. If you’re look`g 4 more details hit the break 4 the full press release & the gallery below 4 some glossy shots. Gallery: Dell Vostro V130 Continue read`g Dell Vostro V130 updated w/ more ports, fancy ‘Hyperbaric’ cool`g Dell Vostro V130 updated w/ more ports, fancy ‘Hyperbaric’ cool`g originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds

Nook Color finds its roots? Angry Birds say yes

V already knew the Nook Color`s capable of someth`g the bit more than its initial offering, hav`g seen Angry Birds run fairly smoothly on the dev unit. In fact, it’s exactly what V want in between chapters of Animal Farm , & the xda-developers community, right on schedule, R provid`g pictorial evidence of its root`g conquests. So far we’ve seen the aforementioned game / addiction, the few other additions to the extras menu, & even Launcher Pro (image after the break). NookDevs`s the page go`g w/ instructions, although (unless) even it admits to be`g the work in progress, so we’re gonna emphasis the little stronger than usual: don’t try this @ home unless you’re absolutely sure what you’re do`g — or don’t mind the broken tablet or two. Thanks to everyone who sent this in Continue read`g Nook Color finds its roots? Angry Birds say yes Nook Color finds its roots? Angry Birds say yes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:02:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds .

Richard Branson’s ‘Project’ iPad magazine now hitt`g European iTunes stores

He just`d to beat Rupert Murdoch, didn’t he? Project , Richard Branson’s iPad magazine ,`s now available in the iTunes store — @ least in Italy & the United Kingdom, since it’s past midnight there. App`s free, cost per issue`s $2.99 4 “a full month’s worth of updat`g content.” V suspect it’ll hit US, too, the next few hours, although (unless) 4 now, those across the pond can read up on Jeff Bridges (audio & video interview), Earth 2.0, & the “well-informed Godzilla.” Take that, yet-to-be-released The Daily . Richard Branson’s ‘Project’ iPad magazine now hitt`g European iTunes stores originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:02:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Comcast, Level 3 Communications square off over video streaming, network neutrality principles

Accord`g to network`g company Level 3 Communications, Comcast just couldn’t wait 4 its NBC deal to go through before gett`g all jerky w/ the access to online video, tell`g Level 3 on November 19th Z it`ld need to pay the fee to deliver video to Comcast customers. Level 3 delivers videos from many companies over its networks, although (unless) the tim`g`s particularly notable since on November 11th it signed up bandwidth-chew`g Netflix as the major customer. While this sounds like exactly the kind of anti-net neutrality nonsense Z makes us want to crank some OK Go , Comcast`s responded say`g it’s do`g no such thing, & it’s actually Level 3 seek`g the competitive advantage by suddenly send`g far more information onto Comcast’s network than it accepts. The cable company goes on to claim this situation`s no different than its exist`g deals w/ Level 3′s competitors, & Z as long as traffic remains in balance it`s will`g to allow access settlement free, although (unless) if they want to push their growth (read: Netflix) onto Comcast’s pipes, they’ll`ve to pay up. We’ll wait & C if this`s all just the simple negotiat`g ploy or the true strike in the battle over net neutrality, although (unless) U may still want to get the refresher course on exactly what net neutrality`s all about from our friend Tim Wu just in case. Continue read`g Comcast, Level 3 Communications square off over video streaming, network neutrality principles Comcast, Level 3 Communications square off over video streaming, network neutrality principles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:23:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Microsoft announces 2.5 million Kinects sold in 1st 25 days

Points 4 style, Microsoft, cross`g the 2.5 million Kinect sensors sold mark the convenient 25 days into your global sales of Z ever-so-hackable / sometimes-cool-for-gam`g item. This number factors in Black Friday sales from this past weekend, and`s us really curious as to how well Sony`s`en do`g of late — Sony’s`en mum on Move numbers since it announced 1 million units shipped about the month ago. Microsoft says it’s on pace to sell 5 million Kinect units through this holiday, which leads us to wonder: what sort of 3D video extravaganza could V pull off w/ 5 million Kinects in tandem ? Microsoft announces 2.5 million Kinects sold in 1st 25 days originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:44:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

BlackBerry Empathy design concept feels bad Z you’re stuck us`g the BlackBerry

Rest easy, folks: V know it’s pointy @ the bottom, although (unless) we’ve`en assured this isn’t the BlackBerry 7100′s true successor. Instead, the so-called Empathy`s the bizarre outcome of of the RIM-sponsored design project @ the Art Center College of Design Z touts its ability to detect the emotions of its user & his or her contacts. It’s not exactly clear how it’d do that, although (unless) 1 crucial element`s the biometric feedback r`g Z communicates your frustration @ the phone’s inability to properly sync IMAP accounts in real time. All of this anger & joy`s displayed on the social map — colored rings indicate your contacts’ previous & current emotional states — which`s presented on the full touchscreen Z can become transparent when the phone’s not in use. Prefer the Bold to the Storm , do you? Turn the phone around, & boom, you’ve got 1 of the scariest look`g portrait QWERTY keyboards the world`s ever seen. V don’t really anticipate see`g this chiseled slab of bleeding-heart technology in RIM’s lineup any time soon… although (unless) V can definitely C the benefit to know`g when your BBM contacts R ready to put the fist through the wall

HTC Merge accessories in the wild — nope, still not official yet

Here’s what V know about the HTC Merge : it’s also`en known as the Lexicon , it’s the dual-mode phone w/ GSM & CDMA head`g to Verizon , it’s got the slide-out QWERTY , an 800MHz processor , B`g & B`g Maps (a popular trend these days), & now V know, too, Z it`s the Body Glove snap on cover available to protect its metallic exterior. Here’s what V don’t know: why no one’s yet to officially acknowledged this phone. HTC Merge accessories in the wild — nope, still not official yet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:32:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Dockstar FreeAgent hacked into inexpensive emulation masterpiece (video)

Hello, multipurpose! Seagate’s Pogoplug-based FreeAgent DockStar — @ least @ the glance — isn’t much good to those who aren’t buy`g up DockStar HDDs. although (unless) if U dig the little deeper, you’ll realize Z this minuscule adapter packs the 1.2GHz Marvell processor, 128MB of RAM & 256MB of ROM. There’s also the smatter`g of USB ports & an Ethernet socket; add Z all up, & you’ve got the hacker’s playground. 1 Hunter Davis decided to C just how much he could squeeze out of this here peripheral, which can B widely found 4 as little as $25 nowadays. Thanks to the copy of Debian Linux, the good bit of programm`g know-how, the DisplayLink USB-to-VGA adapter & the USB sound adapter, he`s able to concoct the homegrown emulation console Z could handle nearly everyth`g he threw @ it. ‘Course, you’ll`ve to spr`g 4 those other parts if U don’t`ve the house full of random doodads, although (unless) once he figures out how to install the battery & make the entire setup portable… look out! Head on past the break 4 an in-action video. Continue read`g Dockstar FreeAgent hacked into inexpensive emulation masterpiece (video) Dockstar FreeAgent hacked into inexpensive emulation masterpiece (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:07:00 EDT

Sectra virtual autopsy table available now, Stan Brakhage nonplussed

Though not offer`g the sort of stark, terrible beauty (or the gore) of The Act of See`g w/ One’s Own Eyes , Sectra’s Visual Imag`g Table`ll let U perform the “virtual autopsy,” by us`g CT & MRI scans to place 3D recreations of the patient’s body on the large, multitouch table. What’s more, the body can then B examined — & even cut w/ the “virtual knife.” & it’s finally available “to the masses,” as 1 company rep put it in an email this morn`g (although V sort of figure Z if U`ve an MRI machine U probably aren’t 1 of “the masses”). Check out the PR after the break, or hit up the source link to get 1 4 yourself. Continue read`g Sectra virtual autopsy table available now, Stan Brakhage nonplussed Sectra virtual autopsy table available now, Stan Brakhage nonplussed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:08:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Meka, UT Austin researchers show off ‘sociable’ Dreamer robot head

The folks @ UT Austin’s HCR Laboratory`ve`en work`g on the Meka humanoid robot 4 some time now, although (unless) they’ve only just recently added 1 pretty significant component to it: the head. This so-called “Dreamer” isn’t just your ordinary robot head, though — described by the researchers as the “sociable humanoid head,” the head`s modeled on anime & comic characters, & promises to establish an “organic link to its biological counterpart, creat`g feelings of quasi-affinity in response to gestures & synthetic emotions.” In other words, it’s impressive enough to hold your attention while U interact w/ it, & it may very well creep U out the little. Head on past the break to check it out in action. Continue read`g Meka, UT Austin researchers show off ‘sociable’ Dreamer robot head Meka, UT Austin researchers show off ‘sociable’ Dreamer robot head originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:44:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Two Kinects join forces to create better 3D video, blow our minds (video)

Remember when Oliver Kreylos impressed & shocked us by show`g Z the single Microsoft Kinect could create some remarkably stout 3D video ? He’s back @ it again, this time blow`g minds & demonstrat`g Z 2 Kinects can B paired & their output meshed — 1 basically fill`g in the gaps of the other. He found Z the 2 do create some interference, the dotted IR pattern of 1 caus`g some holes & blotches in the other, although (unless) when the 2 R combined they basically help each other out & the results R quite impressive. As U can C in the video after the break, Oliver`s able to rotate the camera perspective & basically film himself from the new camera angle Z exists somewhere in between the position of the 2 Kinects, & do-so in real-time. Sure, the quality leaves the lot to B desired, although (unless) still. Wow. Thanks, Mohammad Continue read`g 2 Kinects join forces to create better 3D video, blow our minds (video) 2 Kinects join forces to create better 3D video, blow our minds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:21:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Bicycle lock climbs poles, encourages would-be thieves to look elsewhere (video)

`d your morn`g cup of Haterade? Get ready to`ve it flushed out. the team of bicyclists / engineers`ve assembled what might B the best th`g to happen to the bicycle since Lance Armstrong, w/ the (currently unnamed) pole-climb`g bike lock created 4 Germany’s own Conrad. There’s no word on if (or when) this fancy contraption`ll go on sale, although (unless) V know @ least 1 Dutch inhabitant that’ll B part`g ways w/ as many Euros as necessary in order to take 1 home. In short, this device straps around the nearby light pole & then carries your bike high into the air (and thus, faraway from the hands of thieves) via the remote control. The only problems? 4 one, it’s huge, &`ldprove worrisome to carry around. Secondly, you’ll B in the whole heap of trouble`ldsome other prankster decide to hike his / her bike up the same pole beneath yours. Anywho, the video after the break`s definitely worth the watch. Continue read`g Bicycle lock climbs poles, encourages would-be thieves to look elsewhere (video) Bicycle lock climbs poles, encourages would-be thieves to look elsewhere (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:54:00 EDT.

Playboy releases not-so-discrete 250GB ‘cover to cover’ hard drive

Well, U can finally throw out Z trunk in your grandfather’s garage. Hugh Heffner’s legacy`s taken the cue from National Geographic — in an arguably non-horrify`g way — & partnered w/ publisher Bondi Digital to release the (presumably Seagate-branded ) 250GB external hard drive packed w/ every issue of Playboy released since 1953. Its $300 ask`g price`s roughly 4 times what you’d pay 4 the fresh G-rated 250GB drive today, although (unless) compared to the 57-subscription, the digital vault`s certainly the bargain. In contrast to their trail blazin’ efforts w/ the iBod though, thanks to the prominent placement of the brand’s iconic bow tie-wear`g bunny & name, there’s no chance of us`g this device 4 practical tasks such as back`g up TPS reports @ the office. Like the decision to phase out DVDs in favor of VOD however, the move does prove the magazine isn’t afraid of stay`g abreast of today’s content consumption trends. Next stop, Nook Color ? Playboy releases not-so-discrete 250GB ‘cover to cover’ hard drive originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:33:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds

Nooka Zub Zayu watch`s no hands, the name only Trevor Horn could love

Call us suckers 4 odd watches if U must, although (unless) there`s someth`g about Nooka’s timepieces Z make U take the 2nd look. Keep`g w/ the tradition of goofy “z” names (remember Zot & Zoo from the couple years back?), the Zub Zayu`s ambidextrous & eschews hands 4 someth`g called the “time capsule” display. & if Z isn’t enough, it also goes into sleep mode to conserve juice. V just hope it comes back to life quicker than the iPod nano ! Available now 4 $175. Nooka Zub Zayu watch`s no hands, the name only Trevor Horn could love originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:09:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Safretti’s back w/ Double Vision hang`g HDTV / fireplace combo

Noth`g quite says “the holidays” like warm`g up to an artificial fire in the spacious, well-appointed apartment while watch`g the DVD of generic snow-filled landscapes. Unless you’re in our family, in which case “the holidays”`s more about drunken egg nog brawls & recrimination. Either way, it looks like the kids @ Safretti`ve improved their hanging, portable fireplaces the only way, really, Z it could B improved upon: by add`g an HD LCD TV to the mix. We’re not sure what the Netherlands-based company`s charg`g 4 this, although (unless) see`g as how this purveyor of ultra-expensive home furnishings doesn’t even`ve an office in the states (the closest`s in Mexico, & the 1 in Liechtenstein refuses to answer our emails) we’re pretty sure U can’t afford it anyways. It comes in 2 sizes, featur`g either the 37-inch or 47-inch TV. Get the closer look after the break. Continue read`g Safretti’s back w/ Double Vision hang`g HDTV / fireplace combo Safretti’s back w/ Double Vision hang`g HDTV / fireplace combo originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:46:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

ASUS Eee Note EA-800 priced @ $230, launch`g in Taiwan this week

Woah, it`s only last week Z V finalized the nam`g scheme 4 ASUS’s LCD-equipped note taker , yet today the company’s announc`g Z it’ll B available to buy this week in its native Taiwan. Even better news`s the $230 price tag (NT$6,999), which makes the Eee Note quite the affordable little device. It’s versatile too, thanks to the built-in camera & microphone 4 record`g of notes & the 3.5mm headphone jack 4 playback. Runn`g on Linux, the 8-inch tablet (1024 x 768 res)`s said to B capable of 13.5 hours of uninterrupted use, which doesn’t match the similarly monochromatic e-readers out there but`s the decent compromise 4 the functionality on offer. Hong Kong`ldB the next market on its global tour, to B followed by Germany, Italy & Russia around the turn of the year & China & the US in Q1 of 2011. ASUS Eee Note EA-800 priced @ $230, launch`g in Taiwan this week originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:19:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

WikiLeaks: Chinese Politburo responsible 4 Google hacking

U`d to know someth`g interest`g`ld come out of the quarter million diplomatic cables Z WikiLeaks just, well, leaked late on Sunday, & the New York Times`s picked out the doozie 4 us. As it turns out, Z big brouhaha in China surround`g the hack`g of Gmail accounts`s actually the state-authorized attack. Such`s the report from the Chinese informant work`g 4 the US embassy, & the disclosure goes on to say Z it`s part of the “coordinated campaign of computer sabotage,” reach`g the wide net of targets, includ`g American government machines, American private businesses, and… the Dalai Lama. Hey, China’s hardly the 1st country to ever engage in state-sponsored cyber espionage (ahem, Stuxnet), although (unless) V can’t say we’re not disappointed. Let’s keep it classy from here on out, alright guys? WikiLeaks: Chinese Politburo responsible 4 Google hack`g originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:48:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Adafruit Propeller Platform USB entices DIY electronics builders, ‘Gadget Gangsters’ @ large

It’s days like today where U realize just how badly U need to scratch Z DIY itch, & Adafruit ‘s newest 2 circuit boards couldn’t B land`g @ the more opportune time. Both of these bad boys R classified as Gadget Gangsters , which makes ‘em viable 4 purchase without any additional investigation.`ldU choose to, however, we’ll`ve U know Z the Propeller Platform USB`s an open-source platform 4 build`g your own electronics projects w/ the new eight-core Parallax Propeller chip; the ProtoPlus model adds video / audio support as well as the “prototyp`g area.” Tutorials R available in the source links 4 those inexperienced w/ Spin, & @ just $50 / $15 (respectively), we’d say they’re well worth the purchase if you’re look`g to simply get your toes wet. Better known as “become hopelessly addicted to modding” ’round these parts. Adafruit Propeller Platform USB entices DIY electronics builders, ‘Gadget Gangsters’ @ large originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:02:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Sharp’s Galapagos media tablets land`g December 10, cost`g quite the few Yen

Sharp’s evolutionary tablets R coming, people. It’s just Z they’re com`g to Japan & they’re not go`g to B terribly affordable when they do arrive. The Kin maker`s just revealed the December 10 launch date 4 its Mobile & Home Galapagos models — the 5.5-inch slate w/ 1024 x 600 resolution & the 10.8-incher w/ 1366 x 800 resolution, respectively — pric`g them @

Kingston HyperX Max 3.0 USB 3.0 SSD reviewed, hits ludicrous speeds

We’ve all seen the scene in some movie or another: secret agent infiltrates the enemy stronghold, sneaks into the server room, then fights off bad guy after bad guy while an agonizingly slow progress bar ticks across the screen, super-secret egg salad recipe files tak`g ages to copy. If only they`d the Kingston HyperX Max USB 3.0 external drive they could`ve escaped without need`g Z big final fight scene. The drive`s recently tested by PC Perspective & found to feature solid construction & performance, offer`g the highest sequential write speeds the site`d ever seen thanks to the Toshiba HG2 controller coupled w/ 128GB of Toshiba flash & 128MB of DDR cache memory. And, @ $280 4 the 128GB model, it’s even somewhat reasonably priced — well, 4 an external USB 3.0 SSD, anyway. Kingston HyperX Max 3.0 USB 3.0 SSD reviewed, hits ludicrous speeds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:02:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Comcast internet down across parts of the eastern seaboard, fix on the way

Twitter’s abuzz w/ angry Comcast customers tonight, as internet service`s down in Boston & parts of the eastern United States, the situation the company’s since confirmed @ its official Twitter account. Comcast’s call`g it an unexpected outage & says Z “engineers R finaliz`g the correction” as V speak, though it’s admittedly`en the couple of hours since Z tweet. Meanwhile, Twitter @ large seems to`ve figured out it’s the Comcast DNS issue, & have`d some luck switch`g to alternate servers like Google’s @ 8.8.4.4. & 8.8.8.8. Let us know if those work in comments after the break… assum`g U manage to find this post in the 1st place given the present state of your connection. Thanks to everyone who sent this in Comcast internet down across parts of the eastern seaboard, fix on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:16:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

MIT develop`g smart adaptive LED light`g system to reduce energy use by up to 90 percent

It’s very well Z manufacturers R constantly push`g 4 more efficient LEDs , although (unless) V can do better than that: what if V could`ve an LED light`g system Z pumps out just the right amount of juice to suit our chang`g environment? That’s exactly what the tree huggers @ MIT R work`g on right now. Said adaptive system relies on the small box Z not only acts as the position tracker, calibrator & sensor 4 the dimmable overhead LED fixtures, although (unless) also lets the user set the desired tone & light intensity 4 the room. In other words: no matter how sunny or cloudy it`s outside, you’ll still B comfortably bask`g in the same steady shine in your room, while also sav`g up to 90 percent of energy. Our guess`s Z Philips — the project’s sponsor –`ll eventually release the product based on this technology, although (unless) 4 now, U can C the system in action after the break (from 1:07). Continue read`g MIT develop`g smart adaptive LED light`g system to reduce energy use by up to 90 percent MIT develop`g smart adaptive LED light`g system to reduce energy use by up to 90 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:01:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Sony fires barrage of touchscreen patent applications, only 1 points @ new PSP

Lawyers 4 Sony Computer Entertainment America must`ve`en mighty busy last October, hatch`g the wild scheme Z came to light this week — the series of eight intertwin`g patent applications all describ`g the single device w/ an intrigu`g touchscreen interface. Though it’s hard to tell what form the final device might take — the apps suggest sliders, clamshells & slates — the few distinct ideas bubble to the surface, & we’ll knock them out 1 by one. First, the inventors seem to B rather particular about hav`g the touchpad that’s separate from the main screen — perhaps even on its back like the rumored PSP2 — & Sony’s try`g to patent the way to manipulate objects through the screen as well. Second, there’s the lot of mumbo-jumbo about be`g able to “enhance” or “transform” the user interface in response to different forms of input, which seems to boil down to this: Sony’s try`g to get some multitouch up in there, especially pinch-to-zoom. Last although (unless) not least, the company’s look`g to cordon off the section of touchscreen buttons, includ`g the ‘paste’ command, & patent the “prediction engine” Z`ld dynamically change the onscreen layout based on your past behavior. If most of these ideas sound more @ home in the new tablet computer rather than the gam`g handheld, then great minds think alike. Still, SCEA`s Sony’s gam`g division — forlorn Linux comput`g aside — so consider us stumped 4 now. Sony fires barrage of touchscreen patent applications, only 1 points @ new PSP originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:55:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Switched On: Acer’s Iconic Keyboard

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On , the column about consumer technology. When Acer announced the slate of new devices @ the New York press conference last week , the overarch`g message`s simple — keyboards R as done as the Thanksgiv`g turkey. The company introduced an array of tablets, most of which were runn`g Android, w/ sizes rang`g from five- to ten-inches each. That’s almost as broad the lineup as Archos, which`s dipped down to what most`ld consider digital audio player turf w/ the three-inch tablet (tablette?) & the precursor to what`s sure to B the merciless barrage of tablets on the slate 4 CES. The single manifestation of the physical QWERTY text entry device`s the keyboard dock designed 4 the 10-inch tablet runn`g Windows. although (unless) as much as Acer’s tablet lineup seems poised to flounder in the com`g sea of similarity, its Iconia laptop stood out, eschew`g the keyboard 4 the 2nd 14-inch touchscreen to match the main display. Unlike the dual 14-inch hinged Kno device discussed in columns prior , this one`s clearly designed to B used in the landscape orientation, & unlike the 7-inch Toshiba Libretto , the Iconia`s not be`g positioned as some kind of limited-edition experiment. If anything, Acer signaled Z it`ld B the 1st in the series of products Z`ld unfold over the next several years.

Inhabitat’s Week in Green: moderniz`g the US national grid, not to mention deserts & pyramids

Each week our friends @ Inhabitat recap the week’s most interest`g green developments & clean tech news 4 us — it’s the Week in Green. This week @ Inhabitat, V were thankful to B able to witness the long-awaited unveil`g of the futuristic solar-powered Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi, & V also heard the excit`g news Z scientists R develop`g the project Z could`ve us us`g the Sahara desert to supply 50% of the world’s energy by 2050 . V were also dazzled by the dynamic “dancing” facade of the Kiefer Technic showroom & this tower`g greenery-lined pyramid caught our eye w/ its modern take on ancient Mayan architecture. The world of green tech`d the lot to B grateful 4 too as the U.S. Department of Energy announced Z it`ld award $19 million to modernize the national grid & green transportation saw the 1st flight powered by jatropha-based biofuel . On the lighter note, this solar-powered wheelchair & its designer prepared to embark on the 200 mile journey to showcase its capabilities. 4 those of U on the hunt 4 Cyber Monday deals, don’t forget to check out our Green Gadget Gift Guide w/ our picks 4 the hottest eco-friendly tech out there. V also spotted this ingenious wood speaker system Z amplifies music us`g the properties of the material it’s made of & needs no electricity @ all

Samsung Nexus S reappears @ the FCC w/ the pair of new antennas

Think`g Z the not-yet-announced Samsung GT-i9020T (a.k.a. Nexus S ) might B delayed due to the last minute addition of the dual-core processor, as recently seen in the seemingly similar i9100 ? Well, it’s look`g like Z possibility just got the lot less likely — the GT-i9020T`s now turned up yet again @ the FCC, w/ the only changes be`g the pair of new Bluetooth / WiFi & GPS antennas. Of course, Z doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t B any more changes, although (unless) it does give us the bit more confidence Z the GT-i9020T model`ll actually B released… sometime. Thanks, John M. Samsung Nexus S reappears @ the FCC w/ the pair of new antennas originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:46:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

AMOLED shortage to become the surplus in 2011

Samsung’s beautiful Super AMOLED panels R becom`g more & more common in mobile devices, although (unless) they’re not as common as they could B if there were more of the things fly`g out of Samsung Mobile Display factories. Predictably that’s set to change in 2011, w/ SMD plann`g to fulfill its promise & br`g another production facility online, while other competitors in Korea, Taiwan, & Singapore`ll ramp up their own AMOLED facilities in the com`g year. Meanwhile, China`s said to B work`g on its OLED supply chain as well, mean`g those displays of the passive matrix variety`ll also B fly`g off of assembly lines soon. So, 2011 may still not B the year of the chicken in every pot, although (unless) it could B the year of glowy organic goo in every smartphone. AMOLED shortage to become the surplus in 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Kinect used to control Super Mario on the PC, redefine convergence (video)

If, like us, you’ve`en wait`g to C Kinect in control of the truly marquee game, your wait`s now come to an end. The same fella Z brought us the Kinect lightsaber`s returned w/ the hack enabl`g eager nostalgics to enjoy the bout of Super Mario controlled only by their body contortions. OpenKinect`s used to get the motion-sens`g peripheral — originally intended exclusively 4 use w/ an Xbox 360 — to communicate w/ his PC, while the simple NES emulator took care of bring`g the 25-year old plumber to life. The video awaits after the break. Continue read`g Kinect used to control Super Mario on the PC, redefine convergence (video) Kinect used to control Super Mario on the PC, redefine convergence (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Peter Jackson nabs thirty RED EPIC cameras to film The Hobbit, tempt U to blow your savings

We’re still slightly bummed Z Peter Jackson never made Halo , although (unless) this`ldpatch things up the tad — the Lord of the Rings director`ll film The Hobbit in 3D entirely on thirty hand-machined RED EPIC cameras, start`g early next year. That’s the news straight from RED founder Jim Jannard, although (unless) that’s not all, as the limited number of pre-production EPIC packages`ll B available to early adopters as well. $58,000 buys your deep-pocketed budd`g director the machined EPIC-M body, titanium PL mount, Bomb EVF & 5-inch touchscreen LCD, the REDmote, the four-pack of batteries, the charger & the solid state storage module w/ the four-pack of 128GB SSDs. Jannard expects to hand-assemble Z 1st batch of 5K imagers in December or January, start the real assembly lines the month after that, & hopefully`ve widespread availability by NAB in April, though he’s not mak`g any promises there. That’s how RED rolls . PR after the break. Thanks, Patrick Continue read`g Peter Jackson nabs thirty RED EPIC cameras to film The Hobbit, tempt U to blow your savings Peter Jackson nabs thirty RED EPIC cameras to film The Hobbit, tempt U to blow your savings originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:55:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

DARwIn-OP humanoid revealed, ready to open source your robotics program

The next version of the RoboCup-famous DARwIn bot`s about ready to give the Nao the run 4 its money. The new DARwIn-OP from Robotis & Virginia Tech’s RoMeLa (led by Dr. Dennis Hong, who joined us on the Engadget Show earlier this year)`s just about to land, & the 1st pictures of the finished th`g`ve started to circulate. While the bot`s designed to perform, w/ sensors & servos suitable 4 higher-end robotics, the main thrust of the design`s the open source & modular nature of the hardware & software. The bot can B purchased as the product from Robotis, although (unless) the CAD files R publicly available, & its plastic parts can B fabricated by the end user to save money (you do`ve the 3D printer, right?). Rumor`s it the robot`ll retail 4 around $8,000, around half the cost of its closed source Nao competition. The full unveil of the robot`s due @ the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots the couple weeks from now. DARwIn-OP humanoid revealed, ready to open source your robotics program originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 10:10:00 EDT.

Nao developer program kicks off: $4,800, robot included

We’ve`en follow`g Aldebaran Robotics’ Nao humanoid robot literally since it took its 1st steps , & it looks like interested developers`ll finally B able to get their hands on the bot of their own quite soon. To do so, they’ll`ve to sign up & quality 4 the just-launched Nao developer program, which costs €3,600 (or roughly $4,800) and`ll initially B limited to just 200 participants. Z hefty price does naturally include the robot itself, along w/ the complete software suite, & “privileged access” to Aldebaran Robotics’ source code. Interested? Hit up the link below 4 the complete details. Nao developer program kicks off: $4,800, robot included originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:06:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Sony aims 4 half of Japan’s e-reader market by 2012

Given the dominance of Sony’s Walkman over in the Land of the Ris`g Sun, it’s the little surpris`g to think Z Sony`s`en all although (unless) silent regard`g the Japanese e-reader market. V heard back in May Z the mega-corp`s plann`g an e-reader launch in Japan by the year’s end, aim`g to build out an elaborate e-book distribution platform w/ local telecom operator KDDI. Fast forward the few months, & it seems as if thing’s R finally fall`g into place. New reports R suggest`g Z the 5- & 6-inch Sony Reader devices`ll B on sale in Japan on December 10th, w/ pric`g set 4

Osram’s new LED package 50 percent brighter, promises cameraphone flashes Z suck 50 percent less

C those smil`g twentysomethings up there? That, folks,`s the kind of happiness Z can only B achieved w/ 150 glorious lux of LED intensity. Fortunately, Siemens subsidiary Osram Opto Semiconductors`s packaged the new LED chip Z capable of putt`g up such impressive figures, the claimed 50 percent brighter than its predecessor — & Z makes it capable of evenly illuminat`g the 90-centimeter area from the distance of 1 meter away. Cameraphone flashes R an obvious application, although (unless) pocket projectors R another obvious benefactor — it’s nearly impossible to eke enough light out of ‘em, & this`ldhelp. It’s not clear whether the brighter pocket projector`ld`ve the same positive effect on the demeanor of the bunch of stylish youths, though — more on Z situation as V get it. Osram’s new LED package 50 percent brighter, promises cameraphone flashes Z suck 50 percent less originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 02:02:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Nokia toys w/ context-aware smartphone settings switch, Jigsaw provides better context 4 apps like this

If Intel prognosticated correctly , context`s the future of apps — your device’s array of sensors`ll determine where U R & what you’re doing, & clever programs`ll guess from there. Problems arise, however, when 1 tries to run those accelerometers, microphones, radio antennas & GPS track`g devices constantly on the battery life of an average smartphone & determine what the raw data means, & that’s where the group of Dartmouth researchers (and 1 Nokia scholar) R try`g to stake their claim. They’ve got the bundle of algorithms called Jigsaw 4 iPhone & Symbian Z claims to B able to continually report what you’re up to (whether walking, running, cycl`g or driving) no matter where U place your device, & only pings the sensors as needed based on how active U are. (For better or 4 worse, Jigsaw also dodges the privacy concerns Intel’s cloud-based API might raise by stor`g all personal data on the phone.) Of course, we’ve`d the very basic version of context-aware functionality 4 years in the little Android app known as Locale — which modifies your smartphone settings under very specific conditions U specify (GPS coordinates, WiFi locations, battery life & more) & it just so happens Z Espoo’s do`g much the same w/ an app called Nokia Situations. Presently in the experimental stage, Situations`s the long ways away from the potential of frameworks like Jigsaw, although (unless) here U won’t`ve to wait — U can download the beta 4 Symbian^3, S60 5th Edition & S60 3.2 @ our source links without further delay. Nokia toys w/ context-aware smartphone settings switch, Jigsaw provides better context 4 apps like this originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 23:59:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Australian Senate passes bill to split Telstra in two, pushes National Broadband Network closer to reality

The future of Australian’s Labor Party-backed National Broadband Network`s look`g much brighter today. The Senate voted in favor of an A$11 billion bill 4 Telstra’s copper network Z also`s the Telecom company (and former government-owned entity) splitt`g into both the retail group & the wholesale network group. The House of Representatives`ll weigh in on Monday, w/ all signs point`g to passage there as well. The opposition party & its A$6.3 billion proposal ? the lost packet. Australian Senate passes bill to split Telstra in two, pushes National Broadband Network closer to reality originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 22:01:00 EDT. Please C our terms 4 use of feeds . Permalink

Gateway stuffs Core i5-470UM, Bluetooth 3.0 into 11.6-inch EC19C-A52C/S laptop

Don’t call it the netbook , capiche? Gateway`s just outed the new 11.6-incher over in Japan, w/ the EC19C-A52C/S boast`g some of the most impressive specifications we’ve seen in the unit this compact. the 1.33GHz dual-core Core i5-470UM processor sits @ the heart of this here lappie, & it’s accompanied by the 320GB hard drive, 1366 x 768 resolution display, 2GB of RAM, HDMI / VGA outputs, an inbuilt Ethernet port & the six-cell battery Z`ldlast half the dozen hours (on the good day). As expected, you’ll also find the 1.3 megapixel webcam, 4-in-1 card reader, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) & Bluetooth 3.0 (a nice touch, we’ll confess), w/ sales expected to start right about now in the Land of the Ris`g Sun. As 4 pricing? Try