Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/mit-media-lab-droplet-stackar-hands-on/#comments Image

Light-based communication seems to wind throughout the MIT Media Lab -- it is a universal language, after all, since many devices output light, be it with a dedicated LED or a standard LCD, and have the capacity to view and interpret it. One such device, coined Droplet, essentially redirects light from one source to another, while also serving as a physical interface for tablet-based tasks. Rob Hemsley, a research assistant at the Media Lab, was on hand to demonstrate two of his projects. Droplet is a compact self-contained module with an integrated RGB LED, a photodiode and a CR1216 lithium coin battery -- which provides roughly one day of power in the gadget's current early prototype status. Today's demo used a computer-connected HDTV and a capacitive-touch-enabled tablet. Using the TV to pull up a custom Google Calendar module, Hemsley held the Droplet up to a defined area on the display, which then output a series of colors, transmitting data to the module. Then, that data was pushed to a tablet after placing the Droplet on the display, pulling up the same calendar appointment and providing a physical interface for adjusting the date and time, which is retained in the cloud and the module itself, which also outputs pulsing light as it counts down to the appointment time.

StackAR, the second project, functions in much the same way, but instead of outputting a countdown indicator, it displays schematics for a LilyPad Arduino when placed on the tablet, identifying connectors based on a pre-selected program. The capacitive display can recognize orientation, letting you drop the controller in any position throughout the surface, then outputting a map to match. Like the Droplet, StackAR can also recognize light input, even letting you program the Arduino directly from the tablet by outputting light, effectively simplifying the interface creation process even further. You can also add software control to the board, which will work in conjunction with the hardware, bringing universal control interfaces to the otherwise space-limited Arduino. Both projects appear to have incredible potential, but they're clearly not ready for production just yet. For now, you can get a better feel for Droplet and StackAR in our hands-on video just past the break.

Gallery: MIT Media Lab: Droplet and StackAR hands-on

Continue reading Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on)

Droplet and StackAR bring physical interface to virtual experiences, communicate through light (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arduinocalendarcapacitivecapacitive touchcapacitive touchscreenCapacitiveTouchCapacitiveTouchscreencontrolcontrollerdisplaydisplaysdropletgoogleGoogle CalendarGoogleCalendarhands-onLEDLEDsLilypadLilypad ArduinoLilypadArduinomediamedia labMediaLabmitmit media labMitMediaLabperipheralsprogramprogrammingRob HemsleyRobHemsleyStackARtouchvideoTue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7.5 gets multiple Google Calendar sync, additional Gmail features]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/windows-phone-7-5-multiple-google-calendar-sync-gmail-features/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/windows-phone-7-5-multiple-google-calendar-sync-gmail-features/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/windows-phone-7-5-multiple-google-calendar-sync-gmail-features/#comments Windows Phone 7.5 gets multiple Google Calendar sync, additional Gmail features

Google's improved how its calendar and email services interact with Windows Phones running the Mango update. Users can now cram up to 25 different calendars into the Metro OS's built-in calendar app. The setup's not exactly seamless; you need to navigate your Windows Phone to the Google Sync page, login and check the boxes found there. While testing on our phones, although one device was able to immediately sync, the other couldn't pick up on our multiple calendars. We had to delete and re-assign our Google account to the phone in order to get it working. However, once we did, the Metro styling lent itself well to multiple calendar listings, with the ability (like the web-based Google Calendar) to assign colors to each.

At the same Google Sync page, you can now choose to enable the "send mail as" feature if you're using multiple addresses, with the option to delete unwanted emails instead of archiving. However, aside from replying from the same address that you received emails to, we haven't discovered a way to assign new mails to our multiple guises. We were able to send messages through our own Engadget mail account, although that's then used on all future missives. Despite these rough edges, it remains a welcome bit of extra functionality. Are we still longing for a dedicated Gmail app? Definitely. We just hope those devs don't drop the ball.

Gallery: Windows Phone Google Calendar update

Windows Phone 7.5 gets multiple Google Calendar sync, additional Gmail features originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendargmailGooglegoogle calendargoogle syncGoogleCalendarGoogleSynchands-onMicrosoftmobilepostminisyncWindows Phonewindows phone 7Windows Phone MangoWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhoneMangoFri, 27 Jan 2012 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayBook native email, calendar and contacts finally get peeked, look ready for their close-up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/playbook-native-email-calendar-and-contacts-finally-get-peeked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/playbook-native-email-calendar-and-contacts-finally-get-peeked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/playbook-native-email-calendar-and-contacts-finally-get-peeked/#comments PlayBook Calendar We've been waiting very, very patiently, for RIM to make good on its promise to deliver a native email and calendaring experience to the PlayBook. So far, we've been sorely disappointed. Supposedly the essential productivity and contact management tools will be coming with the update to version 2.0 of the OS in February, but until now we've seen neither hide nor pixelated hair of the apps. At the BlackBerry Innovation Forum RIM finally took the wraps off and demoed the email, contacts and calendar suite for a presumably relieved audience of QNX fans. The photos snagged by BlackBerry Cool aren't the greatest, but you can see the experience has been carefully crafted for a tablet, and the smartphone apps have simply been blown up to fill seven diagonal inches. A particularly interesting feature is, as the number of appointments you have scheduled on a particular day increases, the date grows and becomes bolder to alert you to your hectic schedule (above). For a bunch more pics and few more details check out the source link.

PlayBook native email, calendar and contacts finally get peeked, look ready for their close-up originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerryblackberry innovation forumBlackBerry PlayBookBlackBerry PlayBook 2.0BlackberryInnovationForumBlackberryPlaybookBlackberryPlaybook2.0calendarcontactsemailnative appsnative calendarnative emailNativeAppsNativeCalendarNativeEmailPlayBookPlaybook OS 2.0PlaybookOs2.0research in motionResearchInMotionRIMTue, 22 Nov 2011 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich now official, includes revamped design, enhancements galore]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-now-official/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-now-official/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/18/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-now-official/#comments
Google has taken the stage in Hong Kong to make the next version of Android OS, nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich, a thing of reality. Better known as Android 4.0, the update offers a massive redesign to the user interface and adds a plethora of new features. Some of the highlights include an NFC-enabled feature called Android Beam, offline search in Gmail, new lock screen features and a fancy unlocking method called "Face Unlock," which uses facial recognition to ensure strangers can't use your phone without permission. Ice Cream Sandwich also includes enhancements in almost every native app within Android itself. The SDK is already available for Android 4.0, and the update itself will make its first public appearance on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, also unveiled tonight. After the break, we'll cover all of the nitty gritty details, along with some excellent screenshots below. So come along, why won't you?

Gallery: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich now official


Gallery: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Screenshots

Continue reading Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich now official, includes revamped design, enhancements galore

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich now official, includes revamped design, enhancements galore originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0android icsAndroid4.0AndroidIcsbreaking newscalendarface unlockFaceUnlockgalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgmailgoogleice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmobilepostcrossnative screenshotsNativeScreenshotsrobotoTue, 18 Oct 2011 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Google 'winding down' Labs, likely due to meddling older sister]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/google-winding-down-labs-likely-due-to-meddling-older-sister/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/google-winding-down-labs-likely-due-to-meddling-older-sister/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/google-winding-down-labs-likely-due-to-meddling-older-sister/#comments
Google Labs, that breeding ground for the wacky, sublime, and sometimes useful experiments that Mountain View's scooter-loving employees are so fond of, is getting ready to "wind down." The software giant announced today that the experimental forum for testing out potential features is being sidelined, in order for the company to focus on bigger picture ideas. Some of the more useful experimentation for properties like Calendar and Gmail will stick around, as will the Labs experiments that eventually made their way into the Android market. Google has promised to keep us all in the loop during the transition, so perhaps we can pick up a few secondhand test tubes for our own collections.

Google 'winding down' Labs, likely due to meddling older sister originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketcalendarexperimentexperimentsgmailgooglegoogle calendargoogle labsGoogleCalendarGoogleLabslabstestingThu, 21 Jul 2011 02:09:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T to enable BlackBerry Bridge support before sundown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/atandt-to-enable-blackberry-bridge-support-before-sundown/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/atandt-to-enable-blackberry-bridge-support-before-sundown/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/atandt-to-enable-blackberry-bridge-support-before-sundown/#comments Most tablets function just fine on their own, but RIM's BlackBerry Playbook introduced a unique, yet restrictive interface that limits Bluetooth tethering to a similarly-branded handset. This feature, called BlackBerry Bridge, lets your tablet piggyback on a handset's 3G data connection, also enabling access to productivity apps like email and calendar, which are still otherwise unavailable on the PlayBook. Unfortunately, this option hasn't been made available for AT&T users, but that's about to change, as the feature will be added to App World today. While the Bridge suite is totally gratis, enabling the AT&T 3G data connection requires a monthly tethering plan of $45, which means anyone grandfathered into the unlimited data feature will need to decide if it's worth the jump. Bridge not sounding like your cup of tea? Don't worry -- at least you can take comfort in knowing that the days of pining for native email are numbered.

AT&T to enable BlackBerry Bridge support before sundown originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp worldappsAppWorldATTBlackBerryBlackBerry BridgeBlackBerry PlayBookBlackberryBridgeBlackberryPlaybookbluetoothBridgecalendardata planDataPlanemailmailmobile appsMobileAppsnative emailNativeEmailPlayBookresearch in motionResearchInMotionRIMsoftwaretablettethertetheredtetheringunlimited dataunlimited planUnlimitedDataUnlimitedPlanFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Sync adds mail server search, appointment confirmation to native iOS apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/google-sync-adds-mail-server-search-appointment-confirmation-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/google-sync-adds-mail-server-search-appointment-confirmation-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/google-sync-adds-mail-server-search-appointment-confirmation-to/#comments
Google Sync has pushed Gmail messages, calendar updates, and contacts to iOS since its launch in 2009, but this half-baked solution previously lacked some key functionality. Beginning today, users can finally perform mail server searches and confirm appointment requests from their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. This means that you'll be able to search for messages in your entire mailbox, not just for emails stored on your device -- a feature that first appeared with iPhone OS 3, but without Google Sync support. You can also respond to calendar invites from within the Calendar app. Fancy that! A third update brings support for sending messages from other addresses listed in your Gmail account, though only the first two features worked when we took Sync for a spin this afternoon. (Curiously, Google omitted a "Send Mail as" screenshot on its blog, so this last update may not actually be available yet.) This latest trio of updates is available for both gratis and Google Apps accounts, so head to the source link for set up instructions and the full feature rundown.

Google Sync adds mail server search, appointment confirmation to native iOS apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple iPhoneAppleIphonecalendaremailGmailgooglegoogle calendargoogle syncGoogleCalendarGoogleSyncIOSiOS 4iOS 5Ios4Ios5ipadipad 2Ipad2iphoneiphone 4Iphone4mobileWed, 15 Jun 2011 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM acquires Tungle, might soon bridge your calendar across platforms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/rim-acquires-tungle-might-soon-bridge-your-calendar-across-plat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/rim-acquires-tungle-might-soon-bridge-your-calendar-across-plat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/rim-acquires-tungle-might-soon-bridge-your-calendar-across-plat/#comments The BlackBerry PlayBook may be noticeably lacking a calendar app of its own (at least for now), but it looks like RIM could soon have more scheduling options than ever -- it's just acquired fellow Canadian company Tungle, which specializes in syncing your calendar across platforms. At the moment, that's done with either the company's web application, or its iOS or BlackBerry app (an Android version has also been promised), which also let you share your calendar with folks inside or outside your company and, of course, tie it into your various social networks -- so you can learn about the person you're having a meeting with, for instance. As you might expect, however, RIM is staying mum on exactly what it has in mind for the company, and it also isn't divulging any specific terms of the acquisition. Head on past the break for a video demonstrating how the current service works.

Continue reading RIM acquires Tungle, might soon bridge your calendar across platforms

RIM acquires Tungle, might soon bridge your calendar across platforms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquistionblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookcalendarplaybookrimschedulingsyncingtungletungle.mevideoWed, 27 Apr 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Earbud / alarm clock takes the comfort out of sleeping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/earbud-alarm-clock-takes-the-comfort-out-of-sleeping/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/earbud-alarm-clock-takes-the-comfort-out-of-sleeping/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/earbud-alarm-clock-takes-the-comfort-out-of-sleeping/#comments Love sleeping with earbuds in? Hate setting your smartphone in its alarm dock before you go to bed? The folks at Thanko have unveiled a little something called EARINALM which may be right up your alley. The premise is pretty straightforward: it's a set of earbuds that contains an alarm clock, stopwatch, and a calendar. The package includes a USB adapter of charging. Yours now for a mere ¥2,980, or roughly $35. The As Seen On TV infomercials practically write themselves.

Earbud / alarm clock takes the comfort out of sleeping originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarm clockAlarmClockcalendarcrapgadgetearbudsEARINALMearphonesjapanstopwatchthankoSat, 05 Mar 2011 22:16:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC EVO 4G suffering new calendar bug, cracked shells, broken dreams?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/htc-evo-4g-suffering-new-calendar-bug-cracked-shells-broken-dr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/htc-evo-4g-suffering-new-calendar-bug-cracked-shells-broken-dr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/htc-evo-4g-suffering-new-calendar-bug-cracked-shells-broken-dr/#comments It wouldn't be the first time the EVO's been dinged for a manufacturing defect, but it seems that at least a few owners are reporting cracks near the power button. Fortunately, these cracks seem to be purely cosmetic without any effect on feel or any real danger of the case falling apart -- and seeing how other high-profile devices have suffered similar fates, we can certainly buy that there are high-stress points in the phone's case where this is prone to happen. We'll wait a moment to continue the story while you pull your EVO out of your pocket and check yours.

Alright, now that we have you back, the second issue is purely software -- and arguably quite a bit more troublesome than a tiny, harmless crack. Apparently, the recent Android 2.2 upgrade has introduced a bug whereby event descriptions are being overwritten by their locations when you open them, which basically means this is a legit data loss problem. No ETA yet on a fix, but considering that it's been filed and verified in Android's official tracking system, we're hopeful it's going to get patched up sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Lee H. and Andrew]

HTC EVO 4G suffering new calendar bug, cracked shells, broken dreams? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2Android2.2bugcalendarcrackevoevo 4gEvo4gfroyogooglehtcmobilesprintMon, 16 Aug 2010 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's MobileMe iDisk App updated for iPad, redesigned Calendar goes beta]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/apples-mobileme-idisk-app-updated-for-ipad-redesigned-calendar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/apples-mobileme-idisk-app-updated-for-ipad-redesigned-calendar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/apples-mobileme-idisk-app-updated-for-ipad-redesigned-calendar/#comments Too lazy to cancel your $99 MobileMe automatic subscription renewal and make the jump to one of the many free alternatives? Don't worry, your lethargy has paid off this morning as Apple introduces its new MobileMe iDisk 1.2 app and a beta version of its new MobileMe Calendar. iDisk is pretty much the same app you know and ignore only now it's optimized for the bigger iPad screen, tweaked to support iOS 4 multitasking, and offers the option to open iDisk documents in compatible apps -- like using iBooks for PDFs for example. The faster loading MobileMe Calendar beta (login to MobileMe to request an invite) features redesigned day, week, and month views; calendar sharing amongst friends, family, and predators (if you like); the ability to publish a calendar to a team or group; and event invitations to anyone holding an email address (me.com or not) with RSVP support and automatic change notifications. Best of all, the Calendar beta uses the CalDAV standard, you know, just like that free Calendar from the company that rhymes with frugal.

Apple's MobileMe iDisk App updated for iPad, redesigned Calendar goes beta originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleapplicationbetacaldavcalendaridiskmobilememobileme calendarmobileme idiskMobilemeCalendarMobilemeIdiskrsvpsoftwareweb applicationWebApplicationWed, 07 Jul 2010 04:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Stihl's autumn calendar automatically rips through to tomorrow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/stihls-autumn-calendar-automatically-rips-through-to-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/stihls-autumn-calendar-automatically-rips-through-to-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/stihls-autumn-calendar-automatically-rips-through-to-tomorrow/#comments Unless they're incredibly quiet or potentially explosive, you won't find us waxing poetic (or even prosaic) about leaf blowers. But if a company that produced leaf blowers made a motorized calendar that tore off its own pages? We'd tell you about that in a heartbeat -- even if the wonderfully wasteful contraption turned out to be a viral ad by agency Euro RSCG rather than an actual household organizer, and even if its pages aren't nearly as saucy as Stihl's usual NSFW fare. Believe it or not, there's no blade inside that brushed aluminum shell; the process works by ripping out the bookbinding thread along the calendar's spine using a motorized reel. Join us in celebrating the wonder of pressed dead wood floating to earth all by its lonesome with a short video after the break.

Continue reading Stihl's autumn calendar automatically rips through to tomorrow

Stihl's autumn calendar automatically rips through to tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingautomaticcalendarcalendarsEuro RSCGEuro RSCG DusseldorfEuroRscgEuroRscgDusseldorfstihlviralviral videoViralVideoThu, 11 Mar 2010 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/google-sync-debuts-for-iphone-windows-mobile-and-syncml-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/google-sync-debuts-for-iphone-windows-mobile-and-syncml-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/google-sync-debuts-for-iphone-windows-mobile-and-syncml-devices/#comments
Google just announced a new service for pushing Gmail contacts and Google Calendar updates to mobile devices. For iPhone and Windows Mobile devices Google is using Exchange ActiveSync with some limitations due to the beta nature of the service, but it'll also work on many other devices that support SyncML (a vendor list is here). Google Sync works automatically, and replaces all existing contact and calendar information on the device, so sync-er beware -- we wouldn't let Google get close to our contacts without some serious preflight cleanup and maintenance. Google Apps users can enable the service per domain. There's an explanatory video after the break.

Continue reading Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices

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Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarcontactsgooglegoogle syncGoogleSynciphoneiphone osiphoneosmobilepushpush dataPushDatasyncsyncmlwindows mobileWindowsMobileMon, 09 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/google-sync-debuts-for-iphone-windows-mobile-and-syncml-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/google-sync-debuts-for-iphone-windows-mobile-and-syncml-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/09/google-sync-debuts-for-iphone-windows-mobile-and-syncml-devices/#comments
Google just announced a new service for pushing Gmail contacts and Google Calendar updates to mobile devices. For iPhone and Windows Mobile devices Google is using Exchange ActiveSync with some limitations due to the beta nature of the service, but it'll also work on many other devices that support SyncML (a vendor list is here). Google Sync works automatically, and replaces all existing contact and calendar information on the device, so sync-er beware -- we wouldn't let Google get close to our contacts without some serious preflight cleanup and maintenance. Google Apps users can enable the service per domain. There's an explanatory video after the break.

Update: SyncML doesn't "officially" support calendar sync, though experimental types can add "calendar" as a remote database. Sounds like a thrill ride! [Thanks, Nikolay]

Continue reading Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices

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Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarcontactsgooglegoogle syncGoogleSynciphonepushpush dataPushDatasyncsyncmlwindows mobileWindowsMobileMon, 09 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Really affordable camera lens calendar is just what your layoff asked for]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/really-affordable-camera-lens-calendar-is-just-what-your-layoff/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/really-affordable-camera-lens-calendar-is-just-what-your-layoff/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/really-affordable-camera-lens-calendar-is-just-what-your-layoff/#comments
It's a camera lens... no, wait. It's not. It's actually a calendar to goes up to the year 2032, designed by artist Sharad Haksar. It's apparently made from a solid piece of aluminum, though nobody seems sure if this is a manual calendar or one that is powered and self-updating. That's about it for details, but we hear they're going to be available on the artist's website for two grand -- according to a commenter on Yanko Design -- and the calendars will be ready to ship about two weeks from the time of the order.

[Via SlashGear]

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Really affordable camera lens calendar is just what your layoff asked for originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarcamera lensCameraLensconceptsharad haksarSharadHaksarMon, 02 Feb 2009 22:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's Samsung Instinct offers corporate calendar access, likely mocked by BlackBerry-toting coworkers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/sprints-samsung-instinct-offers-corporate-calendar-access-like/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/sprints-samsung-instinct-offers-corporate-calendar-access-like/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/sprints-samsung-instinct-offers-corporate-calendar-access-like/#comments
As part of an upgrade to Sprint's Mobile Email Work package -- which already offers corporate email access for those who refuse to capitulate and buy a stuffy BlackBerry or Windows Mobile device -- the Instinct is now capable of synchronizing work calendars with Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino servers. It's pretty comprehensive, too; users can accept or decline invitations, shuffle appointments around, change details, and delete stuff when that 7AM "status meeting" just feels totally unnecessary. The support is included at no charge for Instinct users, though a software upgrade is required -- which, because you're not at the mercy of Tommy the power-tripping BES admin, you can download and install at will. Imagine that! Oh, and if you don't own an Instinct, Sprint plans on filtering the support down to some of its "non-PDA" phones down the road, so hang tight.

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Sprint's Samsung Instinct offers corporate calendar access, likely mocked by BlackBerry-toting coworkers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarexchangeinstinctmobilenotessamsungsprintsyncwireless syncWirelessSyncThu, 04 Dec 2008 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple apologizes for its MobileMe mess, admits bungle on "push," offers 30-days free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/apple-apologizes-for-its-mobileme-mess-admits-bungle-on-push/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/apple-apologizes-for-its-mobileme-mess-admits-bungle-on-push/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/apple-apologizes-for-its-mobileme-mess-admits-bungle-on-push/#comments
After six long days, Apple has issued an official statement on the debacle that was / is the MobileMe transition, and has offered a 30-day extension to contracts as an olive branch to disgruntled users. According to a form letter being sent to subscribers, the company openly admits that the switch to MobileMe was "a lot rockier than hoped," and claims that the service is now running smoothly. Additionally (and somewhat surprisingly) Apple rescinded its use of the word "push" to cover all of its services, conceding that while there is indeed push to-and-from iPhones and the "cloud," computers are still being polled every 15 minutes... which is the same as .Mac (and honestly Apple, you didn't know that wasn't technically push?). We suppose this would be all well and good provided that MobileMe was actually functioning as advertised, but indications from readers -- and our own testing -- suggest otherwise. Customers are still having difficulties with email and syncing between iPhones and the cloud (duplicate messages, deleted messages that don't leave the inbox, etc.), the advertised "auto-complete" on mail addressing doesn't function at all, and calendars are plagued with small moving / deletion problems, as well as being unable to sync subscriptions... and that's just off the top of our head (see the company's support forums for more). The 30-day extension is a nice gesture Apple, but we're thinking customers would prefer a service that works as advertised.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Apple apologizes for its MobileMe mess, admits bungle on "push," offers 30-days free originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.macapplecalendarcalendarscontactsemailiphoneiphone 3gIphone3glaunchmobilemepushsynctransitionwebmailWed, 16 Jul 2008 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Add/Edit calendar functionality coming to the iPod touch?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/07/add-edit-calendar-functionality-coming-to-the-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/07/add-edit-calendar-functionality-coming-to-the-ipod-touch/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/07/add-edit-calendar-functionality-coming-to-the-ipod-touch/#commentsCome on, you expect us to believe someone on a forum thread saying that Steve Jobs emailed him directly to say that they'd be adding a feature to one of Apple's products? Well, if that's all it takes, we'll get to it next time. With the evidence being a screengrab of an email from "sjobs@apple.com," David Jearly at the MacRumors forum claims to have definitive proof that the lack of user editing of calendars on the iPod touch is a "bug" that will be fixed in the next update. To us, the absence of an editing option is more than a simple bug, but if it's getting added, then who cares why it wasn't there in the first place. Of course, David Jearly's gonna get himself well and truly stuck in the dunce corner if this doesn't come to fruition.

[Thanks, David and Mike]

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Add/Edit calendar functionality coming to the iPod touch? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 05:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CalendarEditingiPod TouchIpodTouchportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoSun, 07 Oct 2007 05:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft rolls out Windows Live services for Nokia S60 devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-live-services-for-nokia-s60-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-live-services-for-nokia-s60-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-live-services-for-nokia-s60-devices/#comments
Wait, what? File this one at the very top of the "strange bedfellows" category: Nokia and Microsoft have stopped scrapping for smartphone supremacy long enough to bring a full suite Windows Live services to a number of Nokia's S60 devices -- devices, may we add, that do direct battle with Windows Mobile hardware. Specifically, Hotmail, Messenger, Contacts, and Spaces are all available immediately as downloads for N73, N76, N80 Internet Edition, N93i, and N95 in select European and Middle Eastern countries (no US love for the time being); Microsoft's saying that the services are free for now, but users may be looking at a subscription fee down the road. To be fair, this isn't the first time Microsoft has extended a Windows Live olive branch to Espoo, but it's the first time the partnership has been this broad. It's gonna get even broader, too; look for Windows Live to find its way into Nokia's Series 40 platform some time next year.

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Microsoft rolls out Windows Live services for Nokia S60 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscalendarhotmailmessengermicrosoftmobilenokiaspaceswindows liveWindowsLiveWed, 22 Aug 2007 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony launches Blu-ray disc releases iCalendar]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/06/sony-launches--blu-ray-disc-releases-icalendar/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/06/sony-launches--blu-ray-disc-releases-icalendar/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/06/sony-launches--blu-ray-disc-releases-icalendar/#commentsJust in case a dedicated tracking site wasn't proactive enough for you, Sony has just unleashed its own Blu-ray disc releases iCalendar, which as you may expect, automatically updates your calendar of choice with the most recent details regarding future BD release dates. The free application incorporates data from Buena Vista, Disney, EIV, Entertainment UK, and Fox, and will be supported by iCal, Google Calendar, Windows Calendar, Outlook 2007, Lotus Notes 6+, Mozilla Sunbird & Lighting, and Entourage. So if you're interested in cramming one more reminder in that overloaded planner of yours, go on and hit the read link to get your download on.

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Sony launches Blu-ray disc releases iCalendar originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblurayCalendarhdicaliCalendarmacos xOsXreleasessonyMon, 06 Aug 2007 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Calendar rolls out for mobiles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/25/google-calendar-rolls-out-for-mobiles/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/25/google-calendar-rolls-out-for-mobiles/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/25/google-calendar-rolls-out-for-mobiles/#commentsGoogle's rumored and real romp through mobile space continues with the announcement of its Google Calendar application's support for mobiles. The calendar seems to work perfectly, displaying a day by day view of your world and your plans for it, though, sadly, we couldn't find any way to remove events one they were added. Events can be added by typing a description of your appointment in the "Quick Add" box at the bottom of the screen. For example, typing "Pause for dinner today 16:00" (or 4 pm) adds that event to your calendar. This is a pretty handy tool if you rely heavily on your Google calendar or aren't into all that Windows Mobile Calendar syncin' business. Follow the read link to get to the goods!

[Via Mauricio Freitas]

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Google Calendar rolls out for mobiles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2007 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendargcalgooglegoogle calendargoogle mobileGoogleCalendarGoogleMobilemobileFri, 25 May 2007 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Toffa unveils GooSync: Google Calendar on your mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/toffa-unveils-goosync-google-calendar-on-your-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/toffa-unveils-goosync-google-calendar-on-your-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/toffa-unveils-goosync-google-calendar-on-your-mobile/#comments Google has done quite a swell job tunneling its variety of niceties into mobile form, but syncing your online Google Calendar with that already-crowded version on your mobile / PDA isn't happening without some help from a generous third party. Toffa has unveiled GooSync beta, which "will seamlessly synchronize almost any mobile device with your Google Calendar" without charging you a dime. The seemingly impressive system starts by logging on and initiating a sync to GooSync's website from your handheld, which channels the info on your Google Calendar directly onto your cellphone, all without plugging a single cord into your device. While the list of supported phones is entirely too lengthy to list, be sure to hit the read link to find out if you can be a lucky guinea pig, and stop fiddling with two calendars at once, yeah?

[Thanks, Travis]

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Toffa unveils GooSync: Google Calendar on your mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 22:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarfreegooglegoogle calendarGoogleCalendargoosyncmobilepdasyncsyncingtoffaSun, 05 Nov 2006 22:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Ambient Clock combines Google Calendar and analog timekeeping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/23/ambient-clock-combines-google-calendar-and-analog-timekeeping/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/23/ambient-clock-combines-google-calendar-and-analog-timekeeping/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/23/ambient-clock-combines-google-calendar-and-analog-timekeeping/#comments Yes, we've seen the projection clock, the pong clock and the venerable atomic clock, but leave it to our pals at Ambient Devices to come up with a way to combine a chronometer with a glanceable display, not unlike their previous orb and analog dial panel. Assuming that you keep your schedule in Google Calendar (and really, who doesn't these days?), you can link it up the Ambient Clock (via Ambient's "nationwide wireless network") to find out what your schedule is. Meaning, a quick glance will help determine when you have scheduled events (the block rectangles on the clock) and the clock itself will change color if you have an upcoming appointment. As of right now the Ambient Clock isn't actually in production, although there is an online beta so you can get a feel for the features and help the engineers decide certain aspects of the build. Still, we're not convinced that this will revolutionize time management, but if you have a penchant for post-modern analog clocks, then maybe you'll appreciate it.

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Ambient Clock combines Google Calendar and analog timekeeping originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambientanalog clockAnalogClockcalendarclockgoogle calendarGoogleCalendartime managementTimeManagementMon, 23 Oct 2006 21:41:00 EST<![CDATA[More Blu-ray title release info]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/04/more-blu-ray-title-release-info/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/04/more-blu-ray-title-release-info/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/04/more-blu-ray-title-release-info/#commentsMore news from the Blu-ray studios about the release dates and titles for more movies on that "other" high-definition format, with Sony announcing details about the Blu-ray edition of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Paramount revealing the dates for The Manchurian Candidate (2004) and We Were Soldiers. Not much detail about the latter two except for their street date of January 23, 2007, although we expect them to have similar extras to the other Paramount releases, which has only these two titles unreleased in their catalog of movies released for both Blu-ray and HD DVD.

Talladega Nights, on the other hand, will be a day-and-date release with the standard-def DVD and UMD formats, and will be in 2.40:1 widescreen and with a PCM 5.1 soundtrack. There will be an extra 13 minutes in the unrated edition for DVD and Blu-ray, with some additional commercials, commentary, and interviews with the cast. Those fans of Borat Ali G Sacha Cohen will be pleased to note he also has some special features devoted to his character in the movie.

All in all, good news for next-gen fans, as the studios continue to release titles for both formats, and the spread between title counts continues to... erm, stay about the same. As always, check out the Google Calendars for continuing updates on releases and titles:

Blu-ray Release Calendar
Google Calendar button

HD DVD Release Calendar
Google Calendar button

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More Blu-ray title release info originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-raybluraycalendarhdreleasesWed, 04 Oct 2006 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Treo 700w daylight savings time bug?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/01/treo-700w-daylight-savings-time-bug/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/01/treo-700w-daylight-savings-time-bug/http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/01/treo-700w-daylight-savings-time-bug/#commentsNope, this ain't no April Fool's joke, people, this is the real deal: when everybody's clocks skip forward an hour for Daylight Savings Time this year (at 2:00AM on the first Sunday in April -- i.e. early tomorrow morning), your Treo 700w's calendar appointments may not. Like putting your WinMo phone in travel mode to another time zone, apparently a bug in the 700w may cause your appointments to time-shift back one hour -- so your noon appointment will stay put, so to speak, at 11:00AM. Palm's got some workarounds on their site so you shouldn't be too put out, so make sure you sort it out soon before Monday morning when you're an hour early to all your meetings. Of course, this wouldn't be a problem if America would just get rid of DST -- Arizona, Hawaii, and portions of Indiana excepted, of course.

[Via TreoCentral]

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Treo 700w daylight savings time bug? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Apr 2006 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>700wappointmentbugcalendardaylight savings timeDaylightSavingsTimeerrorissuemobilepalmproblemtreoverizon wirelessverizonwirelesswidows mobileWidowsMobilewindows mobilewindowsmobileSat, 01 Apr 2006 13:56:00 EST