Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Microsoft updates its Windows Phone web demo for WP8, hopes you'll update your phone too]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/14/microsoft-updates-its-windows-phone-web-demo-for-wp8/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/14/microsoft-updates-its-windows-phone-web-demo-for-wp8/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/14/microsoft-updates-its-windows-phone-web-demo-for-wp8/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Microsoft updates its Windows Phone web demo for WP8

Microsoft remains convinced that you'll like Windows Phone if you only give it a try. Accordingly, it just recently updated its web-based demo to reflect all the changes in Windows Phone 8. If you let the web app access Facebook, you'll get a personalized sample of the OS on your desktop or mobile browser that includes resizable home tiles, Kid's Corner and other newer additions. No, it's not a full-fledged simulator, but it does give about as good a taste as you'll get without the real hardware in your hands. We also can't say that everyone will be sold on the concept -- still, it's worth a spin for anyone keeping their smartphone options open.

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Via: Windows Phone Blog

Source: Windows Phone

]]> browserdemomicrosoftminipostmobilepostcrossmobilepostminismartphonewebwebappwindowsphonewindowsphone8 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:48:00 -0400 21|20501692 <![CDATA[Sky broadcasts Barcelona Grand Prix testing in 3D, we go take a look]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/28/f1-3d-eyes-on/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/28/f1-3d-eyes-on/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/28/f1-3d-eyes-on/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

Geeks who are into fast cars and stereoscopic displays must think that watching F1 races in 3D is the bees-knees. However, FIA, the sport's governing body, has often been resistant to new technology -- only adopting HD a few years ago. That's why when the FIA asked Sky to produce a test-broadcast of the practice testing laps in the run up to the Barcelona Grand Prix, the British broadcaster jumped at the chance. Naturally, BSkyB wanted to show off its technical marvel, and so invited us to come and see what it was like. Of course, like the good geeks that we are, our attention was focused on keeping Sky's chief engineer Chris Johns in a corner and needling him with questions. Curious to find out what he said (apart from "please go away," of course)? After the break is where all the cool kids are at.

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]]> 3DDemoF1hands-onHDhdpostcrossSky Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:48:00 -0500 21|20483017 <![CDATA[RIM is taking two BlackBerry 10 beta units on tour soon for carrier previews]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/14/blackberry-10-carrier-preview/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/14/blackberry-10-carrier-preview/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/14/blackberry-10-carrier-preview/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

As the world awaits the arrival of BlackBerry 10 hardware, the Wall Street Journal has a report from RIM CEO Thorsten Heins that the company is ready to start showing off the "nearly complete" devices to carriers next week. Separately, CrackBerry has heard the same from its sources, along with word that more internal employees are becoming a part of the beta test group (already plugging away since May on alpha dev units like the one shown above) as well. As RIM is preparing to ramp up production of test devices, the CEO was also ready to confirm more details about the hardware, including that two devices are due at launch -- one all-touchscreen and one QWERTY / touchscreen combo -- with plans to expand to six models evenly split between the two options, and that it will stick with removable batteries.

Before RIM tries to convince end users early next year that its new OS was worth the wait, it will have to persuade potential carrier partners. Fortunately, if you believe one unnamed WSJ source, it's already showing a "marked improvement" over existing phones that makes BlackBerry more competitive with Android. We're not sure if that will keep BBM addicts on the hook until new hardware launches, but with the roadshow about to commence we should hear more concrete details soon.

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Via: CrackBerry

Source: Wall Street Journal

]]> bb10bbosblackberryblackberry 10Blackberry10carriersdemominipostmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiqwertyResearch In MotionResearchInMotionrimThorsten HeinsThorstenHeinstouchscreen Tue, 14 Aug 2012 22:45:00 -0400 21|20301037 <![CDATA[Sergey Brin demos Project Glass onstage at Google I/O (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/sergey-brin-demos-project-glass-on-stage-at-google-i-o/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/sergey-brin-demos-project-glass-on-stage-at-google-i-o/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/27/sergey-brin-demos-project-glass-on-stage-at-google-i-o/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Sergey Brin demos Project Glass on stage at Google IO

It's hard to ignore Google's X Lab-born Project Glass. News of the slim-lined, sci-fi goggles' existence first surfaced this past February and it wasn't long after that Mountain View's own elite began to flaunt the heads-up display in public. While little of the device's true purpose and functionality is known, we have been privy to certain features over the past few months, like photo sharing to Google+ and even its ability to overlay Maps. Though product lead Steve Lee shrugged off rumors of a late 2012 launch, it does appear the company's itching to spill a few more (jelly) beans at today's I/O conference.

To do that, Sergey Brin rushed onstage at Google I/O wearing the glass units to give us a brief live action demo courtesy of a skydive over San Francisco. Video of the jump, performed by four divers in a blimp, was streamed live through Google Hangouts to attendees at the Moscone Center. In keeping with the extreme vibe of this demonstration, the showcase was handed off to bikers on the rooftop, also outfitted with the lenses, who jumped from building to building via ramp and then eventually cycled into the arena and right up to Sergey, himself. As a finishing touch, Brin also snapped a shot of the team using his own headset. All told, it's a pretty incredible way to once again officially tease this forward-looking tech.

Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub!

Update: Google's posted the entire segment by itself, it's embedded after the break if you want to relive every step (stage to blimp and back to stage, with a few handoffs in between) as it happened.

Gallery: Project Glass Demo

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]]> demoGooglegoogle iogoogle io 2012GoogleIoGoogleIo2012heads-up displayHeads-upDisplayproject glassProjectGlassvideo Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:05:00 -0400 21|20267327 <![CDATA[Next 3DMark teased, who says benchmarks don't need trailers? (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/next-3dmark-teased/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/next-3dmark-teased/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/next-3dmark-teased/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Next 3DMark teased, who says benchmarks don't need trailers? (video)

Futuremark, one of the preeminent benchmark companies out there, is gearing up to let loose a new version of its 3DMark gaming test. The new suite will hammer GPUs with a DirectX 11-based scene designed to push a system to its limits. Now, benchmarks are hardly the sort of thing that people get excited for... usually. But Futuremark still sees a need to drum up interest for its Windows-only program in a landscape increasingly focused on mobile gaming and power-sipping GPUs. Hence the trailer (which you'll find after the break) that shows off just what 3DMark will demand of your next gaming rig. Its visuals aren't quite as jaw-dropping as Epic's Unreal Engine 4 demo, or as over-dramatic as the Samaritan demo NVIDIA has been running for the last few years. But, it's still an impressive showcase of dynamic lighting techniques, particle effects and fluid dynamic simulation. In particular the subtlety of the smoke is eye catching. For more info hit up the PR after the break.

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]]> 3dmarkbenchmarkdemodirectx 11Directx11futuremarkgpugraphicsteasertech demoTechDemotrailervideo Thu, 21 Jun 2012 21:37:00 -0400 21|20263359 <![CDATA[Amazon Appstore's Test Drive try before you buy feature now available on Android phones]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/amazon-appstores-test-drive-try-before-you-buy-feature-now-avai/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/amazon-appstores-test-drive-try-before-you-buy-feature-now-avai/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/amazon-appstores-test-drive-try-before-you-buy-feature-now-avai/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

When Amazon's Appstore initially appeared on the Android scene last year, one of its most innovative features was a Test Drive virtual machine that let users try out apps for free from their desktop, and now that technology has come back to the handset. In the newest update pushed today and pictured above, release-2.6.53 adds beta support for the cloud-based Test Drive feature to let users try out new software within the Appstore app itself. According to the description the feature is enabled on "select" Android phones and apps, although we didn't find any to try it out with on our Galaxy S II. Check for an update within the app to try it out for yourself or click the Appstore link below from your phone to snag the latest version.

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]]> amazonamazon silkAmazonSilkandroidappsappstoreclouddemoec3emulatormobilepostminitesttest driveTestDrivetrialvirtual machineVirtualMachinevm Mon, 21 May 2012 22:43:00 -0400 21|20242277 <![CDATA[Google demos Coreboot on Chromebook prototype, hints at Ivy Bridge support (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/google-demos-coreboot-on-chromebook-prototype-hints-at-ivy-brid/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/google-demos-coreboot-on-chromebook-prototype-hints-at-ivy-brid/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/google-demos-coreboot-on-chromebook-prototype-hints-at-ivy-brid/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Google demos Coreboot on Chromebook prototype, hints at Ivy Bridge support (video)Well what do we have here? Our friends over at Netbooknews spotted this Samsung Chromebook prototype at IDF Beijing 2012. Better yet, Google was using the machine to demo Coreboot -- a fast boot open source BIOS replacement for Linux systems -- after recently adding support for Intel's Ivy Bridge platform to the project. Are Coreboot-enabled Ivy Bridge-based Chromebooks on the way? We'll have to wait until Google I/O to find out. In the meantime, there's a video waiting for you after the break -- come on, we know you're secretly big Chromebook fans just like us!

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]]> BIOSChromeChromebookCorebootdemoGoogleGoogle ChromeGoogleChromeIDFIntelIntel Ivy BridgeIntelIvyBridgeIvy BridgeIvyBridgeLinuxprototypeSamsungSamsung ChromebookSamsungChromebookvideo Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:02:00 -0400 21|20214893 <![CDATA[Intuit shows off MicroMint concept app for the WIMM One smartwatch, we go hands-on]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/intuit-micromint-wimm-one-concept-app-hands-on/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/intuit-micromint-wimm-one-concept-app-hands-on/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/intuit-micromint-wimm-one-concept-app-hands-on/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Given the amount of time we spent with the WIMM One smartwatch, you'd think we would have had enough fodder for a full-blown review. Alas, though, one critical piece was missing: apps. Not test apps, like a balance ball game, but honest to goodness apps from major third-party developers. Well, we got a chance to check out a concept app from Intuit, the company behind Mint.com (no TurboTax for this 1.41-inch display, sorry).

What can we say? When a device has a screen this tiny, the elevator pitch is going to be mighty brief. Here's how MicroMint works: just swipe left to right to see your balances for different accounts. There's no limit to how many it can display, and when you reach the end of the list, the app will just start cycling through again. As you can see in the video demo below, the app's performance is limited by the watch's 667MHz ARM11 CPU and 256MB RAM, which is to say you'll notice some lag as you swipe from one bank balance to another. And that's it. This is all the app does; don't expect to take advantage of Mint's other features, like budget-planning and mapping out savings goals (not that you'd want any graphs or itemized lists crammed onto that 160x160 screen).

For now, of course, this concept app is just that, a prototype. Intuit won't commit to releasing it, much less share any sort of timeline. Interestingly, though, David Siegel on Intuit's development team suggested to us that the app might be of more use when WIMM releases its next-gen watch with NFC. With that radio on board, he says, the app could potentially allow not just for balance-checking, but credit card payments as well. Additionally, the outfit is mulling a similar app for the Sony SmartWatch, which also runs Android and supports Java-based apps. The only development hiccup, he says, would be adapting the app for Sony-specific APIs. That's a whole lot of ifs for one paragraph, though, so for now we'll leave you with a super quick hands-on video, just past the break.

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Gallery: MicroMint concept app hands-on

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]]> androidandroid appandroid appsAndroidAppAndroidAppsconceptconceptsDavid SiegelDavidSiegeldemohands-onIntuitMicrMintMintprototypeprototypesSmart Watchsmartwatchvideowatchwatcheswimm oneWimmOne Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:01:00 -0400 21|20204394 <![CDATA[Raspberry Pi demos Model B computer's AirPlay capabilities (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/raspberry-pi-demos-model-b-computers-airplay-capabilities-vide/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/raspberry-pi-demos-model-b-computers-airplay-capabilities-vide/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/raspberry-pi-demos-model-b-computers-airplay-capabilities-vide/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Just a few days after announcing that production of its Model B Linux computer is underway, Raspberry Pi has now unveiled a preview of what its single board device can do when combined with AirPlay. In a video published this week, a Raspberry Pi developer demonstrated how to stream content from an iPad to the ARM-based Model B, using only an HDMI-equipped TV and an AirPlay app. It's as seamless as dancing cows are beautiful. Still no word yet on when this $35 will begin shipping, but in the meantime, be sure to check out the demo video, after the break.

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]]> airplaybetabeta boardBetaBoarddemodeveloperipadlinuxmodel BModelBraspberry piraspberry pi model bRaspberryPiRaspberryPiModelBsingle boardSingleBoardvideo Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:40:00 -0500 21|20152830 <![CDATA[Apple iBooks 2 textbooks video walkthrough and screenshots (hands-on)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2-textbooks-video-walkthrough-and-screenshots-hand/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2-textbooks-video-walkthrough-and-screenshots-hand/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-2-textbooks-video-walkthrough-and-screenshots-hand/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We had a few minutes to browse through iBooks 2 textbooks following Apple's press conference this morning, but now we have a fully-loaded iPad 2 to play with, so we decided to spend some more time getting educated in the comfort of our in-house studio. You already had a chance to get familiar with the new app and associated media earlier today, so this time it's all about the visuals. Browse through the galley below as we explore Life on Earth before taking a front seat in Biology and getting our hands dirty with Frog Dissection. And if you're feeling brave, there's a juicy video walkthrough just past the break.

Gallery: Apple iBooks 2 screenshots

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]]> AppappleApple EducationApple StoreAppleEducationAppleStoredemoe booke bookse readere readerse-Booke-Bookse-readere-readerse-Textbooke-TextbooksEBookEBookseducationEReaderEReaderseTextbookeTextbookshands-oniBookibooksibooks 2Ibooks2iOSios 5Ios5iPadlearninglionmacMac AppMacAppTextbooktextbooksvideo Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:29:00 -0500 21|20152587 <![CDATA[Apple iBooks 2 textbook hands-on (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-textbook-hands-on-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-textbook-hands-on-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/apple-ibooks-textbook-hands-on-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We just got our first opportunity to get our hands on one of Apple's new interactive textbooks and we have to say, they're as good as they looked during the live event. We tried a few titles, ranging from steady textbooks to more exotic stuffs, but by far the best is the selection from E.O. Wilson called Life on Earth. Join us for full details and video demonstration of the future of learning after the break.

Gallery: Apple iBooks 2 demo in NYC - 01.19.2012

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]]> appledemoeducationhands-onibooksibooks 2Ibooks2ios 5Ios5learninglionmacnew york cityNewYorkCitynyctextbooksvideo Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:51:00 -0500 21|20152184 <![CDATA[Sony demos 24- and 46-inch glasses-free 3DTVs, we go eyes-on (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/sony-demos-24-and-46-inch-glasses-free-3dtvs-we-go-eyes-on-vi/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/sony-demos-24-and-46-inch-glasses-free-3dtvs-we-go-eyes-on-vi/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/sony-demos-24-and-46-inch-glasses-free-3dtvs-we-go-eyes-on-vi/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Take a quick tour of the showroom floor here at CES and you'll certainly see, 3D days are here again -- at least, where flat panel manufacturers are concerned. And while the industry continues to pump out mass market iterations of the living room tech that hinge upon hideous eyewear, companies like Sony are hard at work behind-the-scenes refining displays that won't make you look a fool. The autostereoscopic panels, shown off at the company's booth in 24- and 46-inch models, employ a subtle 3D effect that isn't immediately noticeable. In fact, we found the visual pizzazz was best enjoyed when experienced from the side -- a feat possible due to the incorporation of multi-point viewing angles -- lending much needed depth to the onscreen image. Of the two, only the larger set can deliver full HD, owing to its beastly 4K resolution, whereas the 1080p panel on its lil' bro suffers when halved. Distance also plays a major role in the intensity of the 3D visuals, with effects holding up at a range of up to 2ft for the smaller screen and 10ft for the 46-incher. Normally, we'd recommend you skip on past the break to sample the in-development eye candy, but be warned -- you won't see much. These are truly TVs that need to be seen to be believed.

Gallery: Sony glasses-free 3DTV eyes-on

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]]> 1080p3DTV3dtvs4KAutostereoscopicautostereoscopic 3dAutostereoscopic3dCESCES 2012Ces2012demoglasses-freehands-onhdpostcrossLCDSonyvideo Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:04:00 -0500 21|20146867 <![CDATA[TOSY and Justin Bieber announce mRobo: we go hands-on, dance-off (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/tosy-justin-bieber-announce-mrobo-we-go-hands-on-dance-off-v/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/tosy-justin-bieber-announce-mrobo-we-go-hands-on-dance-off-v/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/tosy-justin-bieber-announce-mrobo-we-go-hands-on-dance-off-v/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Beethoven's Fifth. Michelangelo's Pietà. Plato's Republic. Cornerstones of human civilization, to be sure, but they all pale in comparison to what we saw today at CES: TOSY's new mRobo robot, inspired by none other than the Cultural Colossus of our time, Justin Bieber. The Vietnamese manufacturer and pubescent Prince have just taken the wraps off their latest collaboration: a petite, portable speaker-robot that dances -- nay, transcends -- just like his only slightly larger progenitor counterpart. When in speaker mode, the mRobo weighs in at just 3.3 pounds, stands a little under eight inches tall, and boasts 2GB of internal memory. Its integrated speaker pumps out the jams at bass levels of 40Hz, but the real magic happens once the music starts playing, automatically prompting the system to transform into an 18-inch tall robot and start dancing. Unfortunately, the bot is still in prototype mode, but it's expected to retail for about $200 when it launches during the fall of 2012.

Today, though, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the mRobo, courtesy of a mic'd-up Messiah with sweepy bangs and a leather jacket. Upon taking the stage to roars of applause and Jelly Bean sunshowers, Bieber went on to do a brief demo of the bot, displaying its ability to sync its dance moves to whatever tunes blare out of its abdomen speaker -- in this case, Billie Jean. The mRobo looked admittedly clumsy at times, and was especially awkward when onstage with the teen phenom, but, as TOSY repeatedly reminded us, it's still in prototype phase. (Bieber, for his part, did a good job of looking completely awestruck throughout much of the experience.) Before descending from his bubblegum pulpit, Bieber reminded his acolytes to "follow your dreams." Ours, at least, have just been realized. Follow yours past the break, straight to our hands-on video.

Mat Smith contracted Bieber Fever from this report.

Gallery: Tosy mRobo launch with Justin Bieber

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]]> audiobaby baby babyBabyBabyBabybassbelieberbieber feverBieberFeverbotcesces 2012Ces2012dancedancingdemodreamsjustin bieberJustinBiebermrobotmusicOMGOMGOMGportable speakerPortableSpeakerprototyperobotsoftwarespeakertosytruthvideowisdom Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:18:00 -0500 21|20146536 <![CDATA[Flex Lighting's LED film will brighten your e-reader, mood (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/flex-lightings-led-film-will-brighten-your-e-reader-mood-vide/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/flex-lightings-led-film-will-brighten-your-e-reader-mood-vide/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/flex-lightings-led-film-will-brighten-your-e-reader-mood-vide/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
The slogan pretty much says it all: Flex Lighting has developed a new front light LED film that could drastically change the way you interact with your e-reader. According to the Chicago-based company, this film is part of a new lighting system that promises to bring smooth, nighttime reading to E Ink displays everywhere. Flex Lighting's setup is rather simple, consisting of nothing more than a single LED and a thin layer of film, laminated onto a device's reflective screen. At a thickness of just 50 micron, the film essentially acts as a light guide, spreading the LED's beams across a reader's display and creating a "soft glow" that many predecessors have thus far failed to replicate. The folks over at the eBook Reader managed to get their hands on a brief demo video, in which the system performs rather impressively. See it in action for yourself, after the break.

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]]> 50 micron50Micronbookdarkdemodemo videoDemoVideodisplaye booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersebookfilmFlex LightingFlexLightingLEDlightlight guideLightGuidelightingnightreadingvideo Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:21:00 -0500 21|20127623 <![CDATA[SiriProxy enables voice control of third-party apps (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/siriproxy-enables-voice-control-of-third-party-apps-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/siriproxy-enables-voice-control-of-third-party-apps-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/siriproxy-enables-voice-control-of-third-party-apps-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments If you'll rewind your mind in time to earlier this week, you might remember a clever proxy server from @plamoni that enabled Siri's control of a thermostat through spoken commands. Now, the same bit of engineering has been exploited to enable voice control of third-party applications. In this example, FastPdfKit Reader is manipulated by various commands with SiriProxy acting in the middle. A plugin is used to add new commands to the ones recognized by Siri, and finally, the proxy then sends the final commands to the app. Those hoping to get hacking will find a complete list of instructions from the source link below. For everyone else, you'll find the true magic after the break.

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]]> appappleappsdemodeveloperdevelopersdevelopmenthackhackediosios 5Ios5mobilepostcrossplamoniproxyproxy serverProxyServersiriSiriProxyvideovoicevoice controlVoiceControl Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:07:00 -0500 21|20113674 <![CDATA[Developer creates proxy server for Siri, controls thermostat with his voice (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/developer-creates-third-party-proxy-server-for-siri-controls-th/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/developer-creates-third-party-proxy-server-for-siri-controls-th/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/developer-creates-third-party-proxy-server-for-siri-controls-th/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Now that Siri's protocol has been freshly dissected and laid bare for the world to behold, hackers have been busy finding ways to move Apple's personal assistant beyond the realm of the iPhone 4S. That task may be getting easier, however, now that a developer has created his very own third-party proxy server, designed specifically for Siri. The dev, known by his Twitter handle @plamoni, demonstrated his brainchild in a recent video clip, using a plug-in to control a WiFi thermostat with only voice commands. As @plamoni explains, the hack won't require users to jailbreak their iPhone 4S, but it won't let them port Siri over to earlier iPhones or iPod Touch models, either -- not yet, at least. The idea, according to the developer, is to make it easier for other hackers to experiment with and build upon Siri's functionality. Head past the break to see the demo video for yourself, or if you're up for it, grab the source code and instructions on how to create your own server, at the source link below.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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]]> appledemodeveloperdevelopmentgithubhackiOSiphoneiphone 4SIphone4sipod touchIpodTouchjailbreakmobilepostcrosspersonal assistantPersonalAssistantplamoniproxyproxy serverProxyServerserversirisource codeSourceCodethermostatthird party proxy serverThirdPartyProxyServervideovoicevoice controlVoiceControlwifi thermostateWifiThermostate Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:37:00 -0500 21|20110998 <![CDATA[Kinect hack lets you manage your bank account with gestures, will occupy your living room (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/17/kinect-hack-lets-you-manage-your-bank-account-with-gestures-wil/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
You know all those convoluted gestures and hate-infused fist pumps you make every time you look at your bank account? Well, you can now put them to good use, thanks to a new Kinect hack from Lithuania-based Etronika. The company's software, which made its debut at last week's CTIA E&A event, effectively brings motion-controlled banking directly to your living room. All you have to do is stand in front of your display, clap your hands to choose an icon, or wave your hand back and forth to navigate across the app's carousel menu. This means you can pay your bills, check your balance and return to fetal position without even touching a sharp object. "A lot of banking software apps are filled with boring crap," Etronika CEO Kestutis Gardziulis explained with refreshing candor. "With our software, you could be on the couch at home, having a beer, all while dealing with your bank account and kicking back." Beer, banking and body language -- sounds scandalous! Head past the break to watch a demo video, starring Pam Beesly's doppelgänger.

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]]> appapplicationbankbankingctiaCtiaEa2011demodisplayEtronikafinancegestureinterfacekinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmoneymotion controlmotion controlledmotion sensorMotionControlMotionControlledMotionSensormovementonline bankingOnlineBankingpaymentpersonal bankingpersonal financePersonalBankingPersonalFinancesensorUI Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:04:00 -0400 21|20082964 <![CDATA[CyanogenMod for TouchPad alpha released, is surprisingly functional (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/cyanogenmod-for-touchpad-alpha-released-is-surprisingly-functio/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/cyanogenmod-for-touchpad-alpha-released-is-surprisingly-functio/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/cyanogenmod-for-touchpad-alpha-released-is-surprisingly-functio/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments


Tired of seeing TouchPad Android demos that you can't quite get your hands on? Buck up buttercup, CyanogenMod 7.1.0's unique flavor of Gingerbread has finally made its way to HP's disowned slate; but beware -- they're calling this one the "lower your expectations" edition for a reason. A new video and forum update belabors the point that the alpha is an early, buggy build that is not intended for the general public. However, if you're brave enough to install CyanogenMod anyway, you'll wind up with a neat assortment of usable features, including multiboot support, ten-point multitouch, functional WiFi, camera support for video chat, limited GPU acceleration and a ton of other features that are either working now, or are near completion. The team says there are too many nonfunctional features to properly list at the moment, but advise brave testers to expect app incompatibility and poorly optimized power consumption. Ready to throw caution to the wind? Hit the source link below, as it's chock full of cautionary tales, installation instructions, and download links.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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]]> 10-finger multitouch10-fingerMultitouchandroidandroid 2.3android on touchpadAndroid2.3AndroidOnTouchpadcm7CyanogenModCyanogenMod 7Cyanogenmod7demodiydriverdriversgingerbreadgoogle androidGoogleAndroidhackhackinghackshphp touchpadHpTouchpadmodmultitouchportslatetablettouchdroidTouchPadvideoweboswifi Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:20:00 -0400 21|20080527 <![CDATA[KDDI shows off sensory enhancements for smartphone users, throws a free-viewpoint virtual concert]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/kddi-shows-off-sensory-enhancements-for-smartphone-users-throws/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/kddi-shows-off-sensory-enhancements-for-smartphone-users-throws/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/04/kddi-shows-off-sensory-enhancements-for-smartphone-users-throws/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments KDDI shows off sensory enhancements for smartphone users, throws a free-viewpoint virtual concert Japanese carrier KDDI's never been shy about showing off its latest and greatest from its lab, and here at CEATEC 2011 we got to lay our fingers on a couple of its in-development smartphone sensory enhancements, along with a free-viewpoint concert concept that's being researched on. The first demo we saw was actually the same haptic smartphone prototype that was unveiled back in May, but we thought it'd be nice to give it a go with our very own hands -- read on to find out how well it performed.

Gallery: KDDI shows off sensory enhancements for smartphone users, throws a free-viewpoint virtual concert

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]]> Androidaudio enhancementAudioEnhancementCEATECCEATEC 2011Ceatec2011conceptdemoenhancementfeaturedfeaturesfree-viewing concertFree-viewingConcerthands-onhaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackJapanKDDIKyoceralabnew touch feeling smartphoneNewTouchFeelingSmartphoneresearchsmartphonetabletvideovirtual concertVirtualConcert Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:46:00 -0400 21|20072940 <![CDATA[Toyota demos Prius' proximity notification system, touts 'futuristic' purr (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notification-system-touts-futuri/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notification-system-touts-futuri/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/toyota-demos-prius-proximity-notification-system-touts-futuri/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Silence may be a virtue under most circumstances, but not when you're driving around a leafy, residential neighborhood in your Toyota Prius. That's why the manufacturer came out with its very own vehicle proximity notification system last year -- a "futuristic," underhood noisemaker designed to alert pedestrians and the visually impaired to the plug-in's presence. Now, Toyota has offered more details on its safety system, in a freshly released demo video starring the 2012 Prius V. The car's artificial engine noise, as the company explains, only kicks in at speeds below 15 miles per hour, allowing it to broadcast its audible heads-up across parking lots or other low-speed zones. The sound itself, meanwhile, emanates from external speakers and consists of a blend of high and low frequencies that won't be by muffled by background noise or physical obstacles. The vehicle's pitch shift technology also enables the tone to rise in pitch as the car speeds up and to fall as it slows down, giving others an idea of how fast it's approaching. Accelerate past the break to see the full video for yourself, while John Kerry nods in silent approval.

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]]> 2012 toyota prius2012 toyota prius v2012ToyotaPrius2012ToyotaPriusValertautoblindcardemoelectric vehicleElectricVehicleengineevfrequencyfuturistichoverboardhybridhybrid carhybrid plug inHybridCarHybridPlugInnotificationpedestrianpedestrian safetyPedestrian Safety Enhancement Act 2010PedestrianSafetyPedestrianSafetyEnhancementAct2010plug inPlugInpriusproximityproximity notification systemProximityNotificationSystemsafetysoundspeakertoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusunderhoodvideovisually impairedVisuallyImpaired Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:29:00 -0400 21|20050282 <![CDATA[CyanogenMod 7 update brings WiFi, sound and accelerometer support to TouchPad (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/cyanogenmod-7-update-brings-wifi-sound-and-accelerometer-suppor/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/cyanogenmod-7-update-brings-wifi-sound-and-accelerometer-suppor/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/cyanogenmod-7-update-brings-wifi-sound-and-accelerometer-suppor/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Oh, sure -- HP's webOS may be one of the most sophisticated tablet operating systems in existence, but with a permanently stagnant market, The CM Team has decided that your fire sale TouchPad may be better off running Android. You know, from a long-term perspective. All jesting aside, the crew has been pounding the pavement on a new (and vastly improved) CyanogenMod 7 for Android, with this build providing functional WiFi, access to the Android Market, audio (albeit a bit fast) and an operational accelerometer. There's no code being released just yet -- the team's still working to cull the aforesaid Hamsterdance effect -- but you can catch a sneak peek of everything in action just above.

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]]> androidcm7CyanogenModCyanogenMod 7Cyanogenmod7demodiygoogle androidGoogleAndroidhackhoneycombhphp touchpadHpTouchpadmodportslatetablettouchdroidvideoweboswifi Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:19:00 -0400 21|20045731 <![CDATA[Eyes-on with Thunderbolt on Windows at IDF 2011 (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/eyes-on-with-thunderbolt-on-windows-at-idf-2011-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/eyes-on-with-thunderbolt-on-windows-at-idf-2011-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/eyes-on-with-thunderbolt-on-windows-at-idf-2011-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Sure, you've seen the announcement of Thunderbolt on the PC, the chips that'll power it and a bevy of compatible accessories, but how about actual proof of Thunderbolt working on Windows? Hidden deep in the recesses of IDF's technical showcase, we found just that and immortalized it on video for all to see. Essentially the same Chipzilla demo as when we first witnessed the interconnect on Macs, we watched the playback of four 1080p streams devour over 700MB of throughput off a PCIe attached SSD. You know the drill, serious bit slinging awaits in the gallery below and video after the break.

Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

Gallery: Eyes-on with Thunderbolt on Windows at IDF 2011

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]]> demodemonstrationhands onhands-onHandsOnidfidf 2011Idf2011intelintel idfIntelIdflightpeakmicrosoft windowsMicrosoftWindowspcPCIethunderboltthunderbolt windowsThunderboltWindowsvideowindows Sat, 17 Sep 2011 11:04:00 -0400 21|20045165 <![CDATA[Droid Bionic gets a silent walkthrough (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/droid-bionic-gets-a-silent-walkthrough-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/droid-bionic-gets-a-silent-walkthrough-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/droid-bionic-gets-a-silent-walkthrough-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Sure, there's no sword-wielding lady in a leather blouse, but this silent hands-on walkthrough will no doubt prove exciting in its own right for anyone who has been aching to get their hands on the forthcoming Droid Bionic. It's four minutes and change of scrolling through the Verizon phone's fancy animations, with a speed test thrown in for good measure. Overall, there's nothing too earthshaking, but it's one of the most in-depth walkthroughs we've seen of the anticipated and long-delayed device in its current form, adding to that start up video we spotted the other day -- and unlike those Verizon ads, it actually has a phone in it.

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]]> animationsbionicdemodroiddroid bionicDroidBionicmobilepostcrossmobilepostminimotorolamotorola droid bionicMotorolaDroidBionicscrollingverizonvideowalkthroughwallpapers Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:01:00 -0400 21|20027772 <![CDATA[Microsoft showcases new copy, move, rename functions in Windows 8 (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/microsoft-showcases-new-copy-move-rename-functions-in-windows/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/microsoft-showcases-new-copy-move-rename-functions-in-windows/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/microsoft-showcases-new-copy-move-rename-functions-in-windows/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Windows 8 has yet to see the light of day, but new details on the forthcoming OS continue to emerge. The most recent preview once again comes courtesy of Microsoft's Building Windows 8 blog, where the company has posted new information on the software's copy, move, rename and delete functions. With the new system, all pending copy operations will appear in one dialog, where users can pause, stop and resume any job, while monitoring data transfer rates on a real-time throughput graph (pictured above). Redmond's developers have also made it easier to resolve file name collisions, with a new dialog that displays thumbnail images of source files directly alongside preexisting documents of the same name. This allows users to decide which files they'd like to copy or replace by simply hovering their mouse over the image to see its file path, or double clicking it to open in full view. For more information, check out the demo video that's waiting for you after the break.

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]]> conflictcopydeletedemodeveloperdialogfilefile name collisionFileNameCollisionfunctionimagemicrosoftmoveMSoperating systemOperatingSystemOSpreviewrenamethumbnailUIuser interfaceUserInterfacevideowin 8win8windows 8Windows8 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:43:00 -0400 21|20025262 <![CDATA[Netflix dons its square pants with 'Just for Kids' section trial]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/netflix-dons-its-square-pants-with-just-for-kids-section-trial/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/netflix-dons-its-square-pants-with-just-for-kids-section-trial/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/netflix-dons-its-square-pants-with-just-for-kids-section-trial/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Worried that Netflix isn't doing enough to appeal to the under-10 set? Good news, the movie rental giant has begun testing a "Just for Kids" section, rolling out the feature to a limited number of subscribers. Eligible users will find a tab just to the right of the Watch Instantly button. At the top of the new page is a series of familiar children's characters, including the likes of Spongebob, Popeye, and, yep, the Jonas Brothers. Each character has its own landing page with easily accessible content. We reached out to Netflix for more information on the matter, and the company would only confirm that the feature is still in testing mode. Given the amount of nostalgia currently available, we suspect that kids of all ages will be pitching in with the trial.

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]]> childrendemohdpostcrossjust for kidsJustForKidskidsnetflixstreamingtesttrialwatch instantlyWatchInstantly Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:17:00 -0400 21|20016752