Aug/100
Meijer deploys indoor positioning trial, helps you find the Morton Salt faster
Indoor positioning systems have long been a holy grail for malls and big-box retailers where labyrinthine aisles and massive floorplans that rival small towns often leave customers begging for mercy, but the obstacles to deploying them are many: you’ve got to create detailed maps for every facility where you want it to work, and you need some sort of system for locating users with a reasonable level of precision since GPS is out of the picture. Start-up Point Inside has been hard at work on IPS for some time now, figuring that modern stores and malls teeming with WiFi access points and reliable AGPS are good enough to make it work, and now they’ve hooked up with Midwestern superstore chain Meijer to trial a system in four Michigan locations that will let users locate “more than” 100,000 items in store along with facilities like bathrooms and customer service. Conveniently, these stores have some 26 WiFi nodes deployed, which helps triangulate users down to a reasonable level of precision — though it’s probably not going to be able to tell if you’re standing in front of the Frosted Flakes or the Raisin Bran. It’s a free download for iPhone and Android users, and if you’re close to one of the trial stores, be sure to let us know how well it works. Follow the break for the full press release.
Continue reading Meijer deploys indoor positioning trial, helps you find the Morton Salt faster
Meijer deploys indoor positioning trial, helps you find the Morton Salt faster originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
App review: The Incident
Like its contemporary, Canabalt, The Incident is a game that knows exactly what it is — and is not — and plays to those strengths to a T. The basic premise of this iPhone title is simple enough, and in that simplicity (as with many great games) lies its power. You are Frank Solway, a lone man involved in a day that has gone completely out of whack — namely, objects have begun falling from the sky, and you need to get out of the way. That’s it. That’s the whole game. You dash and jump while all manner of items come hurtling towards you from above; Mini Coopers, Ikea bookshelves, bikes, fences, arcade cabinets… really just about anything you can think of. Your goal is to avoid what’s coming next (teased by a flashing white strip along the top of the screen), grab the variety of power-ups that happen by, and keep getting as high as you can to reach checkpoints. It’s amazingly fun, and the charm of the game is doubled by developer Big Bucket’s use of retro, 8-bit graphics along with a pitch-perfect chiptune soundtrack. The effect is terrific, blending the best of what we love from our NES years with the kind of gaming that’s perfectly suited to a mobile device. We can’t overstate how polished The Incident seems — the developers have made all the right decisions, and the result is a game you pick up quickly, but can’t put back down. If you’ve got $1.99 to spare, why are you still reading this?
Continue reading App review: The Incident
App review: The Incident originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Lumigon T1 gets Froyo and a major facelift, makes glamorous appearance on Facebook
Looks like there are at least two things that the Danes can get right: butter cookies, and hyping it up for a delayed Android handset. According to Lumigon’s Facebook page, what we’re looking at here is the first official rendering of the T1’s redesign — quite a radical change here, especially with the new navigation pad and the now externally-accessible microSD slot. Apart from an earlier statement confirming Froyo for said device, this picture alone is literally all we’re being teased with right now, so feel free to “like” the Danish company’s Facebook page for some more forthcoming gadget porn.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Lumigon T1 gets Froyo and a major facelift, makes glamorous appearance on Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 03:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Droid Incredible getting a spoonful of Froyo on August 18th?
The Droid’s slated for a second helping of Froyo, the Droid 2 came with one, the Droid X will see Android 2.2 by early September — when’s Droid number four getting its due? According to Mashable’s anonymous sources, August 18th will be the day Verizon begins the Droid Incredible’s OTA rollout — which lines up pretty well with what we heard a couple weeks back, not to mention the fact that HTC just released the handset’s Android 2.2 source code. As always, dates slip and Verizon often dishes out small batches at a time, but now you’ve got a ballpark estimate to assuage your troubled mind. And hey, you can always go shoot something in 720p if you get tired of waiting.
Droid Incredible getting a spoonful of Froyo on August 18th? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Slingbox account server problems cutting off web players, apps
If you’re trying to watch some TV via Slingbox right now and can’t, don’t worry, you’re not alone. A support thread on Slingbox.com lays out the problems: Trying to access watch.slingbox.com directly, logging in to the Sling site, or trying SlingPlayer via computer or a mobile device results in a page that doesn’t load. Luckily, there are a few workarounds available like switching networks (some have said going from WiFi to 3G on their mobiles works) or using an older version of SlingPlayer that connects directly to your box and bypasses Sling servers. Obviously Sling technicians are working on the issue, but without any ETA on a fix, it’s probably a good idea to check the thread and make sure your setup is foolproof before taking off for the weekend.
[Thanks, James & Dave Zatz]
Slingbox account server problems cutting off web players, apps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Best Buy CTO tweets RocketFish-branded tablet pics
Continue reading Best Buy CTO tweets RocketFish-branded tablet pics
Best Buy CTO tweets RocketFish-branded tablet pics originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Apple patent application details iPod / iPhone bike integration system
Apple patent applications can be a little out there sometimes, but this one makes so much sense we have to wonder why it’s not a product already. Described as “Systems and Methods for Integrating a Portable Electronic Device with a Bicycle,” the application details what basically amounts to Nike+ for bikes. That includes the ability to relay data from bike sensors to your iPhone or iPod, which you’d be able to view on the device itself or on an external display of some sort — the application even goes so far as to mention the possibility of a heads-up display, although we wouldn’t get our hopes up for that. What’s more, the application also suggests that the system could communicate and share information with other nearby cyclists, and it would apparently include some fairly extensive GPS capabilities (on the iPhone, at least), including turn-by-turn directions to help you find a specific bike route, and maps complete with reviews from other cyclists.
Apple patent application details iPod / iPhone bike integration system originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Samsung’s Cetus SGH-i917 sashays into FCC database, winks seductively at AT&T
AT&T came right out and confessed that it would be “the premiere carrier” for Windows Phone 7, and while it’s obviously far too early to say if that’ll be the case, this ain’t a bad way to start proving one’s point. Samsung’s Cetus (SGH-i917) was just recently confirmed to be one of the first commercial Windows Phone 7 devices last week, and now the always-disclosing FCC database has shed even more light on the phone’s intentions. Based on the mention of 850 / 1,900MHz frequency support — and that whole “SGH-i917 (ATT)” marking on the label — it’s pretty safe to assume that this 4-inch, AMOLED-packin’ superphone will soon be fighting with the iPhone 4 for shelf space. There’s obviously no indication of when Ma Bell plans on releasing this one to the wilds, but it’s typically not too far out after hitting this milestone. Giddy yet?
Samsung’s Cetus SGH-i917 sashays into FCC database, winks seductively at AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
BlackBerry messaging shut down in Saudi Arabia, users feel early withdrawl pains
We can’t say this is exactly a surprise, but we are rather saddened to learn that Saudi Arabia has apparently carried through on its threats to shut down all BlackBerry messaging services functionality due to “security concerns.” Users there are reporting that they are no longer able to use their keyboards for the jobs they were intended, forcing them to actually call friends — with their voices. Saudi Arabia has threatened $1.3 million fines for any wireless provider that does not play nicely and, until those threats are lifted, we’re thinking BBM is down for the count out there.
BlackBerry messaging shut down in Saudi Arabia, users feel early withdrawl pains originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 07:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
North America’s first public-use quick-charge station opens in Portland: 3-handed politician not included
What’s being hailed as North America’s first public-use quick-charge station for electric vehicles has just been unveiled in Portland. The station, built by NEC subsidiary Takasago, is installed in a PGE headquarters parking garage and will charge electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries to 80% in about 20 to 30 minutes. So yeah, it’s public, as long as you’ve got a PGE badge apparently. Anyway, the grand opening was led by Governor Ted Kulongoski, pictured above carefully maintaining a safe distance while charging a Nissan Leaf. Guess you can never be too careful when pumping 50kW into a pre-production vehicle. Click through to see a video demonstration of the future, if we’re lucky.
North America’s first public-use quick-charge station opens in Portland: 3-handed politician not included originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Apple iPod touch LCD screen with front-facing camera slot spied?
You may or may not be aware, but Apple has a penchant for announcing new iPods in early September, as it has for years. With just over four weeks to go before the most likely (but nigh confirmed) press event week is upon us, expect the rumor mill to ratchet up appropriately. Here’s one care of Mac Rumors; the gang’s been sent some pictures from parts supplier iPhonerevivers that allegedly show a new iPod touch LCD screen And sure enough, in place of an earpiece is a slot perfectly suited for that oft-rumored (and possibly email-based) front-facing camera. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this piece — the resemblance to early July’s leak doesn’t escape us — but these photos are decidedly fresh and from a different source. Mounting evidence… or are we all just being had? Wouldn’t surprise us if we found out for sure before ides of September.
Apple iPod touch LCD screen with front-facing camera slot spied? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Sanyo’s VPC-CA102YL waterproof HD camcorder, your perfect accessory for visiting Sealab 2020
Sanyo isn’t breaking out the hyperbole with this water-resistant full HD pocket camcorder — that honor went to the DMX-CA100 back in May — but the VPC-CA102YL does boast a spec sheet as impressive as its product name. Full HD 1920 x 1080 / 60i video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format, 14 megapixel stills, an articulating 2.7-inch wide LCD, 12x dual dual range zoom on video, and 5x optical zoom on photos… and did we mention it’s waterproof up to 10 feet under? Connectivity options include USB, mini HDMI for TV sets, and a SDXC card slot. Due out this month — perfect for capturing the very last bit of Summer — for a penny under $350. Product shots below, press release after the break.
Sanyo’s VPC-CA102YL waterproof HD camcorder, your perfect accessory for visiting Sealab 2020 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
EVGA’s dual-CPU Classified SR-2 motherboard put to the test: worth the money if you know what you’re doing
You know things are changing when cooling units that could once stave off overheating on top-tier graphics cards are starting to show up on motherboards. EVGA’s Classified SR-2 is a supersized, dual-socket desktop building block that tries to do it all, and — unusually for dual-CPU logic boards — it’s targeted at enthusiasts rather than buttoned-down business types. Four PCI-Express x16 slots, room for a dozen memory sticks (up to 48GB of RAM), and two USB 3.0 ports add some spec sheet glamor, but you’ll likely be wanting to know how much performance you can wring out of two 3.33GHz Intel Xeon 5680 chips working in tandem. The short answer is a lot. The long answer is, of course, that you’ll need to apply those 24 threads of power to applications that can really utilize them, such as the predictable video processing and 3D rendering. That’s where the multithreaded, multicore, multiprocessor rig really shone in this review, and the EVGA board underpinning it also acquitted itself with distinction. Hit the source for the benchmark results and more photography of exposed circuitry.
EVGA’s dual-CPU Classified SR-2 motherboard put to the test: worth the money if you know what you’re doing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
German designer brings Wipeout racing game to life, burns up cardboard tracks with an R/C car (video)
The intersection of video games and real life is a fantastic place to play, as evidenced by Roombas, Halo and the occasional six-string guitar, but all you really need to blur reality is a webcam, an R/C car and a studio filled with cardboard. That’s what Malte Jehmlich and company used to create this rendition of Wipeout, which moves practically as fast as the PlayStation original due to the blinding scale speed of its 1/28 model cars. It’s all controlled by an arcade racing cabinet complete with steering wheel and on-screen display wirelessly connected to an Arduino board. Originally a two-month hobby project, the designers are presently working towards an advanced version with force feedback and powerups (including boost!) using sensors built right into the track — and hopefully a forklift to lug all that corrugated wood pulp around. See it in action after the break.
German designer brings Wipeout racing game to life, burns up cardboard tracks with an R/C car (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
ASUS Eee 30GB external hard drive fits the mold, may just be cuter than a button
It’s easy to give ASUS a hard time about the million billion different Eee PC flavors floating around out there, but darn if we are awestruck here. In a product introduction that’ll probably be tops for the week in terms of cuteness, the company’s diminutive Eee 30GB external hard drive has surfaced, and while we won’t deny lusting for more space, it’s hard to gripe about the value proposition. Turns out, this little bugger was actually making (gentle) waves a couple of months ago, but it’s just now found time to hit the mainstream and tease us all with a $31 price tag. Of course, $1 per gigabyte isn’t exactly a steal these days (when referring to HDDs, anyway), but it’s far more capacious than whatever USB drive you could snag for that same tally. There’s no mention of a US release, but frankly, this thing is screaming “stocking stuffer.” Make it happen, ASUS.
ASUS Eee 30GB external hard drive fits the mold, may just be cuter than a button originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Logitech’s G700 mouse and G930 headset cut the cords, G510 chops price tag of primo keyboard parts
If you’ve already got a headset, mouse or keyboard, here’s hoping they suit you just fine, because if they don’t you’ll be tempted to blow oodles of money on Logitech’s latest gaming peripheral lineup. Today, the company revealed (and is launching) the G510 keyboard, the G930 headset and G700 mouse, and while the first is merely an amalgamation of solid peripherals that have come before (customizable RGB backlighting, USB audio, 18 programmable buttons, the whole nine yards) the latter two are premium wireless products. That’s right, Logitech finally has an answer to Razer’s Mamba and Microsoft’s Sidewinder X8 with its own 2.4GHz, 1000 report-per-second hybrid wireless mouse (with thirteen programmable buttons on tap) and they’ve ripped the wires right out of the G35 surround sound headset to stuff a play n’ charge battery and two 2.4GHz radios on board. They’ll run you a pretty penny, of course, at $160 for the headset, $120 for the keyboard and $100 for the mouse, but you’ll find out if two of the three are worth your while later today when we publish our full review. We’ll let you guess which two. Press release after the break.
Logitech’s G700 mouse and G930 headset cut the cords, G510 chops price tag of primo keyboard parts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
The Engadget Show Live! with Peter Molyneux, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry Torch, and more!
Keep your eyes tuned to this post — because at 8:00 PM ET, we’ll be starting The Engadget Show live, with Peter Molyneux! Josh, Nilay, and Paul are back of course, plus we’ll have music from Zen Albatross and visuals from invaderbacca and much, much, more! You seriously don’t want to miss it! Check out the live stream after the break!
The Engadget Show Live! with Peter Molyneux, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry Torch, and more! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Apple: PDF security hole fix is already ready to go
JailbreakMe brought root to the iPhone 4-wielding masses, but also unearthed a nasty exploit in a PDF font. Thankfully for the rooted and those who never intended to root, Cupertino claims it has already patched the hole. “We’re aware of the reported issue, we have already developed a fix and it will be available to customers in an upcoming software update,” an Apple spokeswoman told CNET. We’re not sure exactly when it will arrive, but we’d lay odds on soon — in the meantime, don’t open any PDFs you don’t trust, don’t do anything illegal or immoral, and hit up Comex’s hack ASAP if your heart’s still set on that shiny new unlock.
Apple: PDF security hole fix is already ready to go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Nikon D3100 shooting around Page, Arizona in run-up to August 19th press events?
Nikon Rumors does its best to keep an ear to the ground on DSLR whispers of a certain company. This time, however, the whispers might resonate a bit louder as they bounce off the rocky walls of Page, Arizona-based Canyons. It’s here that the site claims commercial shots are or have been taken related to the Nikon D3100, an oft-rumored memory-capturing device (at one time apparently was called the D4000) for the company that might include 1080p video with a continuous autofocus mode. NR seems pretty certain this camera will rear its interchangeable head for at least one of the multiple press events across Europe that Nikon has scheduled for August 19th. Then again, if it’s not the D3100, we wonder what the camera maker does have in store for then.
Nikon D3100 shooting around Page, Arizona in run-up to August 19th press events? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug/100
Be the first to show up at the Engadget Show with Lucky Charms and Peter Molyneux will put you in Fable III! (We’ve got winners!)
Hey, Peter Molyneux is here at the Engadget Show, and his Fable III demo assistant Dimitri mentioned that he’s looking for a box of Lucky Charms, since he can’t get it in England. That prompted Peter to make an insane crowd-sourcing offer: the first person to bring a box of Lucky Charms to the Engadget Show will become a character in Fable III. Insane, right? What’s more, everyone else who brings a box will get a free signed copy of the game, which is some seriously serious cereal. The show starts in 30 minutes — we’ll see you soon!
Updated: See that lucky guy and girl right up there?! Yep, they’re going to be characters in Fable III. Congrats, Monica and Jay — we’ll see you in the game.
Be the first to show up at the Engadget Show with Lucky Charms and Peter Molyneux will put you in Fable III! (We’ve got winners!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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