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The Google TV update that rolled out to Sony units earlier this week (no word on the Revue, yet) brought tweaks to Chrome and support for Blu-ray 3D playback on the player, but that's not all. The bump to Android 3.2 also improved hooks for developers to access channel listings in their apps, enabled hardware acceleration and last but not least, improved support for HTTP Live Streaming. That last detail is particularly important to those streaming video from their PCs using Plex, since additional HLS tweaks were necessary to allow viewing of files transcoded from otherwise-Google TV unfriendly formats. Also supported as in the Plex update is selection of alternate audio streams, subtitles, more channels and a few other fixes. Check out a Google+ post from Les Vogel of the Google TV team for all the Honeycomb 3.2 (API Level 13) details you can stomach, the Plex blog for more info on its software, or just make sure you're running the latest updates and take look around yourself.Google TV 3.2 update enhances HLS video streaming support, Plex update takes advantage originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Les Vogel (Google+), Plex | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 9:52pm
All of these wrist-mounted fitness gizmos are pretty nifty, but we always wonder how they get those rigid circuit boards into such an unsuitable form-factor. Well, thanks to those scalpel-happy boffins at the FCC's underground bunker, wonder no more. Nike's FuelBand was wheeled in on a trolley and torn (quite literally) to pieces, and we felt we just had to share the pictures with you. A long peruse of the user manual revealed that the two metal extender links (for bigger-wristed enthusiasts) have to be swapped out using a sizing tool -- but the manual notes that if one isn't to hand, a bent paperclip will suffice. The documents also revealed that it's using a TI CC2564 Bluetooth radio and a stack provided by Stonestreet One. The monopole antenna is etched directly into the substrate of the flexible circuit board -- ensuring it'll bend around your bones and still operate. We also learned that once connected to your cellphone, it'll sit in a low-power "sniff mode," for two minutes and if there's no further activity it'll shut down. Of course, what's interesting to you (and us, honestly) is all the pictures in the second gallery, so get looking! Gallery: Nike+ Fuelband External Images
Gallery: Nike+ Fuelband Internal Images Nike+ FuelBand's internals get splayed at the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 8:37pm
Kicking up a fuss about Netflix hogging all your bandwidth? Perhaps the company's latest partnership could induce a rapid change of heart. The streaming service has paired up with eyeIO in hopes of keeping bandwidth usage during streams to a minimum, which they claim won't affect the content's overall quality. While the joint venture just became official, the startup's "ultra-low-bandwidth" encoding technology -- that allegedly can reduce usage on a 720p HD stream by more than 50 percent -- began its testing phase on the streaming-giant's offerings months ago. Although eyeIO's service has already been implemented by Netflix, it's worth mentioning this isn't an exclusive deal, thus it's possible for its competition to jump on the bandwidth conservation bandwagon in the future. More importantly, we're interested to find out if you have noticed any difference in your streams lately, so drop us a line in the comments below.Continue reading Netflix teams with eyeIO to lower bandwith use on movie night Netflix teams with eyeIO to lower bandwith use on movie night originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Techland | eyeIO | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 7:44pm
Usually, when passwords and personal information are exposed, it's because someone hacked a company's not-so-secure system. Motorola, however, managed to put people's info at risk without such malfeasance when it failed to wipe the memory of a batch of refurbished Xooms. The tablets in question were sold by Woot.com between October and December of last year, and Moto is claiming that it made the mistake on only small number of slates. Of course, we don't know exactly how many Xooms were shipped with previous owners' data onboard, but we do know that the company is actively attempting to make amends. Moto's offering two years of Experian identification protection services to those whose info was exposed and owners of affected Xooms are getting a little something too. Just send the device back to Motorola on the company's dime -- where it'll be properly reset and sent back to you, along with a $100 American Express gift card for your efforts. Wondering if you're among the unlucky? Hit the PR after the break for more info, and those with Wooted Xooms can plug in their slate's serial number at the source link below to find out for sure.
[Thanks, Scott]Continue reading Oops! Motorola sold refurbished Xooms without deleting previous owners' data Oops! Motorola sold refurbished Xooms without deleting previous owners' data originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Chicago Business | Motorola | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 6:52pm
The latest report is in from ComScore, and as you might expect, the news is sunshine and roses for the crews at Google and Apple. Both companies platforms charted some worthwhile month-over-month gains, as Android is estimated to account for 47.3 percent of smartphones in the US, while iOS runs a strong second with 26.9 percent. Meanwhile, former BlackBerry fans continue to scatter, as the platform now accounts for 16 percent of smartphone users. Similarly, Windows Phone (and whatever's left of Windows Mobile) have taken it on the chin, and have fallen to just 4.7 percent market share. Without ever gaining much traction in the US, Symbian now makes up 1.4 percent of the smartphone pie. You'll find a quick look at the manufacturing side of the equation, along with the full ComScore press release, after the break.Continue reading ComScore: Android and iOS gallop ahead, US smartphone usage approaches 100 million ComScore: Android and iOS gallop ahead, US smartphone usage approaches 100 million originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink TechFlash | ComScore | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 6:03pm
HP's Enyo framework is an essential ingredient for allowing new apps to work on webOS devices with different resolutions, but due to some sort of ethnocentric hiccup, v1.0 hasn't officially reached all international webOS phones and tablets. Fortunately, WebOS Internals has prepared a nice little Preware install package that anyone, anywhere can enjoy. At this point, adding Enyo will only provide access to a few extra apps, but at least the world will be reunited in its preparedness for a glistening future, right?webOS Enyo 1.0 now available to all, just requires patch and patience originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink webOSNation | webOS Internals (Twitter) | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 5:18pm
You know the saying, second place is the first loser? Well, it looks like AT&T, which recently saw its attempt to absorb T-Mobile thwarted, is living up to that adage by petitioning the FCC to impose an "overly aggressive buildout" of Dish's planned mobile network. In a recent filing to the Commission, the satco countered this request for "LightSquared-like" requirements, defining its operation as a strictly retail endeavor, one that faces entirely different hurdles than that of its wholesale competitor. If granted, however, these conditions could see the fledgling network rushed to the marketplace before the completion of an LTE-Advanced standard and widespread availability of compatible devices -- both key elements of the MVPD's service strategy. The company also goes on to contest interference issues surrounding its 700MHz holdings, stating that it has no current plans to repurpose the spectrum for mobile broadband use, despite AT&T's claims to that effect. We'll keep you posted as this wireless battle plays out. In the meantime, hit up the source below to peruse the dense legalese.AT&T seeks to impose conditions on Dish LTE network, FCC to settle wireless squabble originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink dailywireless, FierceWireless | FCC | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 4:44pm
Ever since Amazon unveiled its cheap-as-chips Kindle Touch, the thing's been selling like mad here in the US. However, our friends on other continents haven't been able to enjoy swiping and tapping its multitouch E Ink display -- until now, that is. Amazon failed to alert the masses with a press release, but a quick gander at the WiFi Touch's product page shows there's an option to ship one just about anywhere on the globe. Unfortunately, people in parts of the world with country-specific Amazon portals like Germany, France and the UK must still settle for the button-dependent Kindle 4. We're glad to see Bezos broadening his touchscreen e-reader's horizons, but let's not keep our friends across the pond Kindle Touch-free for much longer, OK?WiFi Kindle Touch gets its passport, now available internationally originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink The eBook Reader | Amazon | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 4:21pm
We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!Continue reading FCC Fridays: February 3, 2012 FCC Fridays: February 3, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 4:00pm
A new mobile gaming startup that's yet to release a single game isn't the sort of thing we'd normally cover 'round here, but the story behind Los Angeles-based Innovative Leisure is anything but ordinary. The man behind the company is the co-creator of the Xbox, Seamus Blackley, and he's brought with him eleven industry veterans that he calls "the dream team from Atari," including the likes of Van Burnham, Ed Logg, Rich Adam, Tim Skelly, Owen Rubin, and Ed Rotberg. While those names may not be familiar to everyone, you'll surely recognize some of the games they were responsible for: Asteroids, Centipede, Gauntlet, Missile Command, Battlezone, S.T.U.N. Runner, Major Havoc and Space Duel, to name a few.
Speaking with VentureBeat, Blackley describes mobile devices as "the new arcade" and 99 cent games as the "new quarter," adding that he's aiming to carry on where Atari left off, "focusing on innovation in gameplay." To help with that, the company has secured backing from THQ, which has reportedly agreed to an initial slate of ten games, seven of which are now in development (with only the iPhone and iPad mentioned as supported platforms so far). Unfortunately, details remain light beyond that, with Blackley only offering late summer or fall as an estimated release date for the first titles. In the meantime, you can find more of the backstory at the links below (THQ's press release can also be found after the break).Continue reading Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup Xbox co-creator brings together Atari 'dream team' for mobile gaming startup originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | VentureBeat | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 3:38pm
Some of you may have noticed that the Verizon version of the Galaxy Nexus is no longer listed as a supported, official developer device by Google. Despite rumors to the contrary, it doesn't appear this has anything to do with the kerfuffle over Wallet, but instead centers around technical issues relating to the APK files required for CDMA connectivity and the signing of those libraries. Other devices have also disappeared from the support pages, including the Nexus S 4G and the Verizon-branded Xoom. Google has posted an update explaining that, "for various technical reasons" CDMA telephony is handled by binaries provided by the carrier in newer devices. The result is different signatures being associated with those APKs than a pure AOSP builds and, thus, those essential components don't function properly.
Google explained the disappearance by saying "we aim to make sure that we are as clear as possible about the degree of support that devices have," before going on to promise all Nexus devices would continue to have unlockable bootloaders and that as many of the closed-source binaries as possible would be made available. For the complete statement hit up the source link.Galaxy Nexus and other CDMA devices removed from Google Support pages originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Android Contributors (Google Groups) | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 3:16pm
Do you wish you had your own personal Jetpack? Well, you may not have to wait much longer for ZTE's version -- the EuFi I890, announced at CES last month -- to come out, if its entry into the records of the FCC are any indication. It may not be the kind that you strap onto your back, but at least this one takes advantage of Verizon's LTE, and it happens to add in CDMA / EVDO and AT&T-compatible 3G radios. We knew the 4G-packing MiFi was going to hit stores in "the coming weeks," so this is essentially just one step closer to achieving that goal -- unfortunately, we still don't have a solid date yet. Hit the source link if you're into digging through government documents.Verizon's ZTE Jetpack flies through FCC, arrival time still unknown originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 3:01pm
This is the end, dear PlayBook-admiring friends. That is to say, it's the end-of-life for RIM's first unsuccessful stab at tablet computing. Unsurprisingly, the marketing blitzkrieg that saw J.Lo and the Flash Gordon theme awkwardly peddle the flailing tab hasn't done much to elevate sales or consumer interest, forcing its Canadian overlords to issue Telus an EOL notice. This not unexpected bit of news comes right on the heels of the BB maker's recently leaked device roadmap, in which a spring bow for a higher-specced, 3G+ enabled iteration is clearly denoted. Whatever Waterloo's near future plans for the category are, we know for sure they won't include BB 10 until much later this year. Chin up though, folks. At least we have OS 2.0 to soothe our fraught nerves in the interim.
[Thanks, Jaimie]Continue reading All PlayBooks go to heaven: Telus leak points to end-of-life status All PlayBooks go to heaven: Telus leak points to end-of-life status originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | MobileSyrup | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 2:39pm
Sad news to report this Friday. Steve Appleton, the CEO and Chairman of Micron, died this morning in an airplane crash shortly after takeoff from the Boise, Idaho airport. He was the only one aboard, and was piloting a fixed wing, single engine kit aircraft. Appleton started working at Micron in 1983 shortly after graduating from Boise State University, first working the production line and eventually rising through the ranks to become the company's COO in 1991. He took the reins of Micron in 1994. The plane crash wasn't Appleton's first. In 2004, he and a flying partner walked away from an accident, having sustained only scrapes and bruises. He later commented on his life's passions, which included aircraft aerobatics, "I'm very fortunate, lucky to be able to experience the kinds of things that I do. If my life were to end tomorrow, I've had a full life." Steve Appleton leaves behind a wife and four children. Comments from Micron's Board of Directors, as well as Boise's mayor, Dave Bieter, can be found after the break.
[Thanks, Fazzitron]Continue reading Steve Appleton, CEO of Micron, dies in plane crash at 51 Steve Appleton, CEO of Micron, dies in plane crash at 51 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | KTVB, KBOI | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 2:18pm
Myriam Joire, Brad Molen, Joseph Volpe and Dante Cesa are all armed with mics this week, and they're ready to use and abuse them. While the podcast could go any direction, we promise one thing: we won't be talking about RIM for a full hour and twenty minutes this week. However, we've heard that Joseph has a very interesting story to tell. Are you on pins and needles? Us too. Join us at the same bat time, same bat channel (that's 5PM ET, and the chat room's under the break) for this week's mobile news!
February 3, 2012 5:00 PM ESTListen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments
3 Feb 2012 at 2:00pm
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An in-depth look at Facebook user behavior reveals some interesting trends among this more than 800- million constituency: One, Facebook users tend to receive more from the Facebook friends than they give out; two, there is a solid core of users that are very active on the site.
3 Feb 2012 at 5:07pm
Microsoft is overhauling Windows Phone 8, which is still in development, to make it more competitive with market leaders iOS and Android, according to leaked information. The mobile OS will add support for multicore processors, up to four new screen resolutions, and removable microSD card storage. It will also support near-field communications, the technology that enables mobile wallets.
3 Feb 2012 at 4:22pm
The hacker community Anonymous on Friday landed another blow in its war with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It posted an internal memo from the law enforcement agency about an upcoming international call to discuss hackers. Anonymous also put up a recording of the call itself on YouTube.
3 Feb 2012 at 1:51pm
Google announced a new layer of security for its Android Market on Thursday, unveiling a program called "Bouncer" that will automatically scan apps for malware. Bouncer works by analyzing each app as it's uploaded to the Market, scanning for threats, spyware and trojans.
3 Feb 2012 at 12:49pm
Vizio has unveiled a 58-inch 3D widescreen HDTV with a 21:9 aspect ratio -- far more than the standard 16:9 ratio HDTVs use. Users can set the TV to upscale 16:9 content to fill the screen. The sale price for this set will start at US$3,500 -- that includes four pairs of 3D glasses.
3 Feb 2012 at 7:00am
Avid is well-known for its chops as a maker of professional video editing suites, but on Thursday it grabbed some notice in consumer circles with a new offering for Apple's iPad 2. Avid Studio, available from Apple's App Store for a limited time at $4.99, brings a solid set of video editing tools to the iPad.
3 Feb 2012 at 7:00am
The recently announced Spark tablet might prove to be the first Linux-running open source tablet fully capable of being modded by users. It has an open Linux stack on unlocked hardware, and it will come with an open content and services market. The Spark will come under the GNU General Public License from its inception.
3 Feb 2012 at 7:00am
A change to the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act recently sailed through the House of Representatives without a hitch. The bill would allow a provider of rental DVDs or videos to get consent to share their customers' title selections, as long as users were provided with an opportunity to withdraw that consent. That smooth ride ended in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law.
2 Feb 2012 at 5:53pm
Twilio's cloud-based communications platform allows anyone with rudimentary Web-development knowledge to build a voice and SMS text application. An API, client, and various XML and other helper code is available that lets you build in PHP, C# and more. Applications can include transcription, conferencing, voice calls confirming orders, appointment reminders, customer support and so on.
2 Feb 2012 at 7:00am
When HP announced late last year that it would open source webOS, it was hard not to be skeptical. After all, it would be all too easy for a company to whitewash its own abandonment of a project by grandly "donating it to the community." However, that pessimistic view is beginning to fade, thanks to HP's publication last month of an official road map for its webOS plans.
2 Feb 2012 at 7:00am
Someday, people whose ability to speak has been damaged by illness or injury may be able to vocalize anyway with the help of technology. Researchers at UC Berkeley have made strides toward translating the words a person thinks into real speech. The researchers used 15 patients undergoing neurosurgery as subjects.
1 Feb 2012 at 2:12pm
Twitter is on the defensive over its new tweet-filtering policy, which it considers a progressive, forward-looking approach to complying with local laws around the globe. Speaking at Dive Into Media Monday night, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo characterized the changes as a way to ensure that more people see tweets.
1 Feb 2012 at 7:00am
Gizmodo: Gadgets
#desired
The Vessell shower bag from Quirky is ostensibly for travelers and folks who need to be able to lug their toiletries around with them, but might actually be an incredible way to deal with the disgusting showers in dorms and college houses. More »
3 Feb 2012 at 12:40pm
#massager
This reflexology massager promises to reduce stress and discomfort from prolonged typing, but I'd be a little hesitant about sticking my hand inside its mysterious dark opening. Five fingers go in, but who knows how many will come out? More »
2 Feb 2012 at 8:20pm
#bestmodo
Ah February, the month of romance and nightmarish sex injuries. But if you want to skip the chocolate mousse and hospital bills this year, you might think about giving your Valentine a gadget. Here's the best of the past month (or so): More »
2 Feb 2012 at 8:00am
#design
The Nikon Coolpix P310 is another point and shoot—except it's completely gorgeous. The boxy design is a matte slate of black perfection. Everyone line is clean, every centimeter accounted for, every button well-placed. Make more things like this. More »
1 Feb 2012 at 10:07am
#iphone
Call it tacky. Call it garish. Call it naff, if you must. Call it whatever you want, but this is the most unnecessarily amazing charger for iPhone and iPad ever created by humankind. It glows with electric blue light and it is animated! More »
31 Jan 2012 at 11:40am
#harddrives
The Little Big Disk is simply the fastest way to backup your data you've ever used. But it's also, finally, a delivery on Apple's promise that Thunderbolt would do crazy things to our tech lives. That promise came true. More »
30 Jan 2012 at 3:00pm
#concepts
It is a crime against humanity, at least those who cook, that Meike Harde's beautiful Quix handheld mixer only exists as a concept prototype. Because it somehow improves upon every one I've ever used with a design that's actually simpler. More »
28 Jan 2012 at 7:00pm
#rumors
The hugely-anticipated Nikon D800 might be hitting soon—like a week and a half soon. Nikon Rumors claims the impending mega-DSLR will shoot 36 megapixels, confirming earlier speculation. And it'll kick off on February 7th. More »
27 Jan 2012 at 8:13am
#audio
Mackie's compact mixers can be found in recording studios across the country, but the company's new iPad-controlled DL1608 is sure to be a hit for live performances since it allows engineers to wander the venue, fine tuning the mix from every corner. More »
26 Jan 2012 at 2:20pm
#fireplaces
You already have a remote for controlling your TV, one of the focal points in your living room, so why not your fireplace as well? Escea asked the same question, but then went ahead and answered it with their new DX5100 model. More »
25 Jan 2012 at 8:20pm
#design
If you can ever have one thing where you used to have many things, you've accomplished good design. The Lexon Mini Totem does just that, curbing desktop sprawl with stackable items you can arrange how you want. More »
23 Jan 2012 at 10:20am
#diy
Yes, that shiny Bose dock does look out of place in your workshop. But you know what would look awesome? A homebuilt blaster made out of a shiny red toolbox. This video shows you how to do it. More »
23 Jan 2012 at 10:00am
#music
While talent isn't required to play Alkex Instruments unique eight-step sequencer, you will need a set of steel balls to lay down the beats. Forty-eight steel balls, to be exact, which trigger the optical sensors the machine uses in place of physical buttons. More »
23 Jan 2012 at 9:40am
#audio
When I was in college a microcassette recorder was the state-of-the-art way to record a lecture. But now, this novelty digital recorder that's only made to look like a microcassette makes me feel terribly old and dated. More »
18 Jan 2012 at 11:20am
#storage
USB thumb drives that are bigger than my hard drive circa 2001 are great. Waiting 5, 10, 15 minutes for the files to move to that USB 2.0 drive isn't so great. Now that USB 3.0 is becoming a common thing in laptops and devices, we can finally get faster flash drives as well. More »
17 Jan 2012 at 11:00am
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