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[Microsoft reveals how your old slate will get all of Windows 8's charms (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/microsoft-reveals-how-your-old-slate-will-get-all-of-windows-8s/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/microsoft-reveals-how-your-old-slate-will-get-all-of-windows-8s/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/microsoft-reveals-how-your-old-slate-will-get-all-of-windows-8s/#comments ImageBeing able to touch, click and press your way around an operating system with a variety of hardware configurations, while not alienating potential upgraders, is no mean feat. That said, Microsoft thinks it might have the solution. By introducing a new mode, a 20 pixel buffer will be designated to working with those edge swipes we've heard about. It'll also go towards preventing accidental hits around the, typically less sensitive, edges of older screens. It does mean that you'll be losing a little real estate, but perhaps a small trade-off for being able to keep your Windows 7 touchscreen device. Going forward, Microsoft will be working with hardware providers to ensure new gear really shows off the new features of Win 8, but for now, legacy users can look forward to a better experience. Hit the source below for the full rundown.

Continue reading Microsoft reveals how your old slate will get all of Windows 8's charms (video)

Microsoft reveals how your old slate will get all of Windows 8's charms (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerinputlegacymicrosofttouchscreenvideowindowswindows 7windows 7 tabletwindows 8 tabletwindows touchWindows7Windows7Tabletwindows8Windows8TabletWindowsTouchThu, 29 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon to stop allowing legacy Alltel devices to be activated on its network, starting today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/verizon-legacy-alltel-activations/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/verizon-legacy-alltel-activations/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/verizon-legacy-alltel-activations/#comments
It's been three years and two days since Verizon officially closed its acquisition of Alltel, and it looks like Big Red's finally putting the sledgehammer down on activating legacy devices from the purchased network. We just received official word from a Verizon spokesperson that effective today, the carrier will no longer allow you to bring over an Alltel device to a retail outlet and get it activated on their network. If you're currently using an Alltel-branded phone on Verizon, don't panic: this new policy change only applies to handsets that haven't already been activated. We can't imagine this will affect too many users at this point, but we imagine Chad's still feeling a little bummed out today regardless. Continue on below for Verizon's statement.

Continue reading Verizon to stop allowing legacy Alltel devices to be activated on its network, starting today

Verizon to stop allowing legacy Alltel devices to be activated on its network, starting today originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionactivationsalltellegacymergermobilepostminipolicypolicy changePolicyChangeverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 16 Jan 2012 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[John Opel, IBM CEO during onset of the PC era, dies at 86]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/john-opel-ibm-ceo-during-onset-of-the-pc-era-dies-at-86/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/john-opel-ibm-ceo-during-onset-of-the-pc-era-dies-at-86/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/john-opel-ibm-ceo-during-onset-of-the-pc-era-dies-at-86/#comments John Roberts Opel, the former IBM CEO who helped usher in the PC era, died last week at the age of 86. A native of Kansas City, MO, Opel received his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1949, after fighting in the Philippines and Okinawa during World War II. Upon graduating, he was presented with two job offers -- he could either re-write economics textbooks, or assume control of his father's hardware business in Missouri. Not particularly enthralled with either opportunity, Opel decided to think things over during a fishing trip with his father and a family friend. As fate would have it, that friend turned out to be Harry Strait, an IBM sales manager. Strait offered Opel a sales position at the company, fortuitously setting the young grad on a career path that would span 36 years. Opel's career, in fact, began and peaked at two inflection points that would come to define not only IBM, but the computing industry as a whole. When he came aboard, IBM was still producing typewriters and other accounting devices; but that would soon change, with the dawn of the computing era.

In 1959, he became assistant to then-chief executive Thomas J. Watson Jr. Just five years later, he oversaw the introduction of IBM's System 360 mainframe computer. He was appointed vice president in 1966, president in 1974 and, on January 1st, 1981, took over as IBM's fifth CEO, replacing Frank T. Cary. During his four-year tenure, Opel led IBM's push into the burgeoning PC market, overseeing the launch of IBM's first PC, the 5150, just seven months after taking the reins. He was also at the helm in 1982, when the Department of Justice dropped its 13-year antitrust suit against IBM, allowing the firm to expand its operations. Opel took full advantage. Under his stewardship, IBM's revenue nearly doubled and its corporate stature grew accordingly. In 1983, Opel made the cover of Time magazine, under a headline that read, "The Colossus That Works." He stepped down as CEO in 1985, served as chairman until 1986 and would remain on IBM's board until 1993. On Thursday, he passed away in Ft. Myers, FL, due to undisclosed causes. John Roberts Opel is survived by his wife of 56 years, five children, 15 grandchildren and a legacy that extends far beyond these 400 words.

John Opel, IBM CEO during onset of the PC era, dies at 86 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustbusinessCEOcomputingdeathdepartment of justiceDepartmentOfJusticeFrank T. CaryFrankT.CaryIBMIBM 5150ibm system 360Ibm5150IbmSystem360John OpelJohnOpellegacymainframemoneyobitobituaryPCpresidentrevenuesystem 360System360Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:25:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile customers would be able to keep rate plans on AT&T after contract expires]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/t-mobile-customers-would-be-able-to-keep-rate-plans-on-atandt-afte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/t-mobile-customers-would-be-able-to-keep-rate-plans-on-atandt-afte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/t-mobile-customers-would-be-able-to-keep-rate-plans-on-atandt-afte/#comments
The post-merger AT&T&T world is a mysterious one. Nobody knows what it looks like or what the rules will be, and it's quite likely we won't know all of the answers until the acquisition has been completed -- if it makes it that far. However, at least another piece has been added to the puzzle for now; according to an internal employee FAQ sent in to TmoNews, any customer in love with their current rate plan will be allowed to grandfather it into AT&T's system and keep it after their contract expires. Curiously enough, it doesn't say anything about what will happen if you'd like to upgrade your phone, which could be a completely different story. At least this little chunk of news serves to soothe nervous souls concerned about being forced to a higher-priced plan, which may keep a lot of people from suddenly jumping ship.

T-Mobile customers would be able to keep rate plans on AT&T after contract expires originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionATTATTTgrandfatheredgrandfathered plansGrandfatheredPlansgrandfatheringleakleakslegacylegacy plansLegacyPlansmergermobilepostminirate plansRatePlansrumorrumorst mobilet-mobiletmoTMobileTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/intel-vp-confirms-arm-versions-of-windows-8-will-offer-no-compat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/intel-vp-confirms-arm-versions-of-windows-8-will-offer-no-compat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/intel-vp-confirms-arm-versions-of-windows-8-will-offer-no-compat/#comments Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps We already knew that there would be multiple flavors of the next version of Windows. This is, after all, Microsoft, and if it isn't available in dozens of different SKUs, one for each rung on the ladder from student to corporate executive, then it isn't worth stamping to a disc and throwing in a box. However, thanks to Intel Senior Vice President Renee James, we now know for sure that there will be a decisive split between the various ARM and x86 editions. James confirmed yesterday that x86 versions will work just fine on Intel, AMD, and other compatible chips, running all your legacy applications with aplomb.

However, the ARM versions of the OS (which may number as many as six) won't include any sort of instruction emulation, James saying "Our competitors will not be running legacy applications. Not now. Not ever." That's something that Intel CEO Paul Otellini hinted at back at CES, which means Office running on ARM must have been a re-write -- or at least a re-compile. That's bad news for anyone hoping they'd be able to install Command & Conquer Collector's Edition on the Tegra-powered Windows 8 tablet of their dreams. James additionally indicated there will be four separate Windows 8 ARM SoCs, meaning someone has joined NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and TI since the CES unveil. Intrigue!

Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armbackwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilitychipsetcompatibilityemulationintellegacymicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemosrenee jamesReneeJamesWindowsWindows 7Windows 7 Modewindows 8Windows7Windows7ModeWindows8x86Wed, 18 May 2011 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[OQO founder lists prototype handheld PCs on eBay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/oqo-founder-lists-prototype-handheld-pcs-on-ebay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/oqo-founder-lists-prototype-handheld-pcs-on-ebay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/13/oqo-founder-lists-prototype-handheld-pcs-on-ebay/#comments
This is definitely one for hardcore fans only: company founder Jory Bell has listed two of the very first prototype OQO computers on eBay. Sadly, they may or may not be bootable (you'd have to break out the soldering gun to figure that one out), but both will definitely look great in the self-styled "Museum of Legacy Computer Hardware, discontinued AD&D Modules, and Heavy Metal T-Shirts" you have going in your parents basement. What will the lucky winner receive for his hard-earned dough? The Brazil PC dates back to 2000 or 2001, and is missing many of the things (batteries, CF card) that actually lets it function. Fun, huh? The other prototype, ATTO, apparently held the Guinness World Record at one time for smallest PC. It includes a capacitive touchscreen display, firewire, an integrated antenna for WiFi and Bluetooth, and more. Feel like going nuts? You've got about a week to bid as of this writing, with the lot currently going for just over $4.

[Thanks, Picasso]

OQO founder lists prototype handheld PCs on eBay originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attoawesomebrazildesktopebaylegacylegacy hardwareLegacyHardwareoqooqo attooqo brazilOqoAttoOqoBrazilPCprototypereally smallReallySmallWed, 13 Oct 2010 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to guide details PS/2 keyboard-to-iPhone mod, just for you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/how-to-guide-details-ps-2-keyboard-to-iphone-mod-just-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/how-to-guide-details-ps-2-keyboard-to-iphone-mod-just-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/how-to-guide-details-ps-2-keyboard-to-iphone-mod-just-for-you/#comments
Oh sure, we've seen hacker after hacker brag about their success in connecting some sort of keyboard to Apple's iPhone, but have any of them bothered to take the time to explain the process behind the magic? Exactly. The man behind AwghBlog, however, is a kinder, gentler soul, and he's found the time to detail in quite specific terms how he connected a legacy PS/2 keyboard (you know, the one you're not using any longer) to Apple's cash-cow of a smartphone. Best of all, the guide actually explains how to build a PS/2 keyboard-to-iPhone converter, so you're not necessarily tied to a certain board. Hit the read link if you're down for a weekend project.

[Via MAKE]

Filed under: ,

How-to guide details PS/2 keyboard-to-iPhone mod, just for you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applediyguidehackhow-toiphoneiphone keyboardIphoneKeyboardjailbreakjailbrokenkeyboardlegacymodps 2Ps2retroThu, 15 Oct 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to guide details PS/2 keyboard-to-iPhone mod, just for you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/how-to-guide-details-ps-2-keyboard-to-iphone-mod-just-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/how-to-guide-details-ps-2-keyboard-to-iphone-mod-just-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/how-to-guide-details-ps-2-keyboard-to-iphone-mod-just-for-you/#comments
Oh sure, we've seen hacker after hacker brag about their success in connecting some sort of keyboard to Apple's iPhone, but have any of them bothered to take the time to explain the process behind the magic? Exactly. The man behind AwghBlog, however, is a kinder, gentler soul, and he's found the time to detail in quite specific terms how he connected a legacy PS/2 keyboard (you know, the one you're not using any longer) to Apple's cash-cow of a smartphone. Best of all, the guide actually explains how to build a PS/2 keyboard-to-iPhone converter, so you're not necessarily tied to a certain board. Hit the read link if you're down for a weekend project.

[Via MAKE]

Filed under: ,

How-to guide details PS/2 keyboard-to-iPhone mod, just for you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applediyguidehackhow-toiphoneiphone keyboardIphoneKeyboardjailbreakjailbrokenkeyboardlegacymobilemodps 2Ps2retroThu, 15 Oct 2009 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[S-Video disappearing from AV receivers, few seem to notice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/25/s-video-disappearing-from-av-receivers-few-seem-to-notice/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/25/s-video-disappearing-from-av-receivers-few-seem-to-notice/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/25/s-video-disappearing-from-av-receivers-few-seem-to-notice/#comments
Not like it's any shock to see a legacy port slowly fade away as new technologies come along, but really, it's kind of amazing that S-Video has hung around as long as it has. So far as we can tell, the format has been in existence since at least 1987, and no matter the adoption rate, 22 years in the consumer electronics industry is a milestone to be proud of. CNET has a new piece up that points out just how many AV receivers are dropping S-Video connectors entirely, with Yamaha's new RX-V family among the latest to bid the port a fond farewell. Our question to you is this: do you mind? When's the last time you actually used an S-Video socket over component, HDMI, DVI, VGA or DisplayPort? We're guessing most of you won't even be able to recall.

Filed under: , ,

S-Video disappearing from AV receivers, few seem to notice originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>av receiveravrAvReceiverdeadhdlegacyportportsreceiverreceiversrips-videoWed, 25 Feb 2009 07:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Cingular slaps surcharge on TDMA accounts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/01/cingular-slaps-surcharge-on-tdma-accounts/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/01/cingular-slaps-surcharge-on-tdma-accounts/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/01/cingular-slaps-surcharge-on-tdma-accounts/#commentsWe trust folks frequenting Engadget Mobile don't fall into this category (do they?), but for the 4.7 million Cingular customers soldiering on with legacy AMPS and TDMA hardware, the pressure to upgrade is about to get kicked up a notch. Starting next month this, uh, very special contingent of users will find a new $4.99 monthly charge on their bill, having committed no crime other than failing to make the switch to GSM. What's more, Cingular seems to be offering little or no incentive for folks hoping to avoid the surcharge by getting a new handset, saying only that "some customers will qualify for discounts on their new phones." If anyone was still in doubt that Cingular was thumbing their nose at their pending TDMA class action suit, this pretty much seals the deal.

[Thanks, BeeRT and Tim UF]

Cingular slaps surcharge on TDMA accounts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampscingularclass actionClassActiongaitgsmlegacymobilesuitsurchargetdmaupgradeTue, 01 Aug 2006 16:05:00 EST