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[How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/#comments Now that Google Music has finally clawed its way out of the realm of beta-ware, anybody in the US can sign up to play without an invitation. Of course, that leaves many folks out of the equation, so we thought it a good time to point out at least one other route to let you get involved in the service, no matter where you live. See, the rub seems to be that Google checks your IP address on your first attempt to log in, and accept its terms of use -- only the first time, and yeah, you're definitely going to be ignoring that doc by following this guide.

So, in essence all we need to do is find a way to gently tiptoe past that gatekeeper and we're home free. Keep in mind that while you can upload your music, buying new tracks isn't going to happen until it rolls out in your neck of the woods in a more official way -- but hey, most of a good thing is still a good thing. There are various means to get this done, and we've found a pretty straightforward route, and if you're up to it click on through to the guide.

Continue reading How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)

How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcanadaglobalgooglegoogle musicgoogle music canadagoogle music europegoogle music hackGoogleMusicGoogleMusicCanadaGoogleMusicEuropeGoogleMusicHackhackhow tohow-tohowtointernationalmobilepostcrossmusicproxyususavideoworkaroundSat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround brings Netflix to more (rooted) Android users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/workaround-brings-netflix-to-more-rooted-android-users/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/workaround-brings-netflix-to-more-rooted-android-users/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/workaround-brings-netflix-to-more-rooted-android-users/#comments We've already had some success getting Netflix for Android up and running on an officially unsupported phone (a Droid X), but those not able to get it to work simply by transferring and installing the .APK now have another option. As some folks on XDA and Reddit have discovered, you can apparently just edit a few system settings to make your phone (or Nook Color, for that matter) think it's actually an HTC G2, which is apparently all it takes to satisfy the Netflix app. It doesn't work with every phone, of course, but quite a few seem to have had success with it. Unfortunately for some, you'll also need to first root your phone in order to make those changes, but the steps are fairly simple once you've done that. Hit up the links below for all the details, and let us know how it worked out for you in the comments below. Just remember: when in doubt, back up.

Workaround brings Netflix to more (rooted) Android users originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapphacknetflixnetflix for androidNetflixForAndroidrootrootedworkaroundFri, 13 May 2011 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Netflix on your PS3 while PlayStation Network is down]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/watch-netflix-on-your-ps3-while-playstation-network-is-down/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/watch-netflix-on-your-ps3-while-playstation-network-is-down/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/watch-netflix-on-your-ps3-while-playstation-network-is-down/#comments As the PlayStation Network outage continues on with no word on a resolution, we can't get your PS3 online for Call of Duty: Black Ops but if all you want is a quick Netflix fix and haven't already figured it out, here's some help. A post on HackingNetflix points out that merely skipping through the login error screens (hitting the button to try to login and waiting worked best for us) is allowing many to access their queues and stream movies. We were able to get through to our Netflix queue a few days ago using this message, but we were stopped cold when we tried to actually stream a movie by an unskippable failure to connect to PSN screen that is probably due to our console's status as a rarely used streaming option. Unfortunately this method won't help with Hulu Plus and when it comes to Qriocity...was anyone ever using Qriocity?

Watch Netflix on your PS3 while PlayStation Network is down originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>error messageErrorMessagehdnetflixoutageplaysation 3Playsation3playstationplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkps3psnqriocitysonywatch instantlyWatchInstantlyworkaroundTue, 26 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexus S OTA 2.3.2 update rolling out now, your SMS relations will thank you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/nexus-s-ota-2-3-2-update-rolling-out-now-your-sms-relations-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/nexus-s-ota-2-3-2-update-rolling-out-now-your-sms-relations-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/nexus-s-ota-2-3-2-update-rolling-out-now-your-sms-relations-wil/#comments Embarrassing SMS misdirect bug on your Android device? Nexus S owners should start checking their phones now for an over-the-air update that's supposed to fix the problem. It's being rolled out gradually, so just be patient if it's not there yet. How will we know the problem's gone for good? We'll just assume so until we find out otherwise, in some unfortunate manner.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Nexus S OTA 2.3.2 update rolling out now, your SMS relations will thank you originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbreaking newsBreakingNewsbugcodefixgingerbreadgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidissuemessagingnexusnexus sNexusSproblemsamsungsmstexttext messagingTextMessagingwork aroundworkaroundFri, 21 Jan 2011 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Android text messaging bugs acknowledged, fixes detailed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/android-text-messaging-bugs-acknowledged-fixes-detailed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/android-text-messaging-bugs-acknowledged-fixes-detailed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/android-text-messaging-bugs-acknowledged-fixes-detailed/#commentsHear that thunderous roar off in the distance, growing louder (and more frightening) as it persists? That is the sound of excited Android users emailing us to inform their fave gadget site that Google has just sent users an update to that little embarrassing SMS bug that we reported a while back. There seem to be two distinct issues: users have reported both opening one message to have a completely different message appear, and / or sending an text message to one contact yet having it delivered to another contact entirely. We need only say one word: sexting, to highlight just how dangerous this could be! Google promises us that a fix for these two issues are in the works. In the meanwhile, check out the e-mail below to read their response and work-around.

[Thanks Jon, and thanks to everyone else who sent this in!]

Continue reading Android text messaging bugs acknowledged, fixes detailed

Android text messaging bugs acknowledged, fixes detailed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbugcodefixgoogleissuemessagingproblemsmstexttext messagingTextMessagingwork aroundworkaroundWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround for HTC Hero battery life issues discovered]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/workaround-for-htc-hero-battery-life-issues-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/workaround-for-htc-hero-battery-life-issues-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/workaround-for-htc-hero-battery-life-issues-discovered/#commentsWell, there still isn't a fix for the problem some people seem to be having with receiving text messages on their HTC Hero, but it looks like a workaround has been discovered for another pesky issue that can put a strain on the phone's battery life. Apparently, the phone has a bit of trouble going back into sleep mode after you send a text, or after you simply turn on the phone and immediately disable the screen without any activity. While some fairly elaborate fixes were tried by some users initially, it looks like the simplest actually works the best: just don't use the default SMS app to send texts. Instead, you can use a third-party app like ChompSMS or HandCent, which apparently have no problems letting the phone go back to sleep after you send a text. Of course, an official fix would still be the best but, in the meantime, you can hit up the link below for all the necessary details on making the (hopefully temporary) switch.

[Thanks, Sean]

Workaround for HTC Hero battery life issues discovered originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery lifeBatteryLifeherohtchtc heroHtcHeromobilesprintsprint herosprint htc heroSprintHeroSprintHtcHeroworkaroundThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround for HTC Hero battery life issues discovered]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/workaround-for-htc-hero-battery-life-issues-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/workaround-for-htc-hero-battery-life-issues-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/workaround-for-htc-hero-battery-life-issues-discovered/#commentsWell, there still isn't a fix for the problem some people seem to be having with receiving text messages on their HTC Hero, but it looks like a workaround has been discovered for another pesky issue that can put a strain on the phone's battery life. Apparently, the phone has a bit of trouble going back into sleep mode after you send a text, or after you simply turn on the phone and immediately disable the screen without any activity. While some fairly elaborate fixes were tried by some users initially, it looks like the simplest actually works the best: just don't use the default SMS app to send texts. Instead, you can use a third-party app like ChompSMS or HandCent, which apparently have no problems letting the phone go back to sleep after you send a text. Of course, an official fix would still be the best but, in the meantime, you can hit up the link below for all the necessary details on making the (hopefully temporary) switch.

[Thanks, Sean]

Filed under:

Workaround for HTC Hero battery life issues discovered originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery lifeBatteryLifeherohtchtc heroHtcHerosprintsprint herosprint htc heroSprintHeroSprintHtcHeroworkaroundThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround puts auto-playlist back on Zune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/workaround-puts-auto-playlists-back-on-zunes/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/workaround-puts-auto-playlists-back-on-zunes/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/workaround-puts-auto-playlists-back-on-zunes/#commentsJust days after a clever Zune owner figured out a way around the "three-play rule," another has found a method for restoring auto-playlist functionality -- sort of, anyway. As you know, this feature vanished with the introduction of Zune software v2.0, but apparently, getting some semblance of it back doesn't take a whole lot of effort. All you have to do is create an auto-playlist in Windows Media Player, save said playlist as an M3U file and watch your Zune handle the rest. Head on over to the read link for all the details, but don't uncross your fingers for Microsoft to bring the official version back in the not-too-distant future.

[Via Zunerama, image courtesy of SelfHack]

Filed under:

Workaround puts auto-playlist back on Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto playlistAutoPlaylisthackintelligent playlistIntelligentPlaylistmicrosoftplaylistportable audioportableaudiosmart playlistSmartPlaylistwindows media playerWindowsMediaPlayerworkaroundzuneThu, 13 Dec 2007 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround found for three-play rule on Zune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/workaround-found-for-three-play-rule-on-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/workaround-found-for-three-play-rule-on-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/workaround-found-for-three-play-rule-on-zune/#comments
Finding yourself unhealthily frustrated by that annoying "three-play rule" still included in the latest firmware update for the Zune? Fret not, as a solution easier than easy has been discovered. Apparently, users can simply accept a shared track, go into Windows and switch the genre to "Podcast," and play the tune over as many times as they'd like. Granted, any files which this trick is used for will show up in the Podcast section, but hey, you can't get everything, right?

[Thanks, Michael, image courtesy of Zune]

Filed under: ,

Workaround found for three-play rule on Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 play3Playdrmhackmicrosoftportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoworkaroundzuneSun, 09 Dec 2007 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[SoonR Talk workaround enables VoIP on your iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/soonr-talk-workaround-enables-voip-on-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/soonr-talk-workaround-enables-voip-on-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/soonr-talk-workaround-enables-voip-on-your-iphone/#comments
For those only interested in fielding VoIP calls on an iPhone, we're pretty sure Cisco could hook you up, but if you've been wondering how to utilize Skype on your Apple iPhone, this here workaround spills the beans. Admittedly, this method is far from seamless, but by installing the famed SoonR Talk application on your home PC and logging into the AJAX-enabled SoonR website on your handset, a new way of calling instantly emerges. As with other handsets that support AJAX interfaces, you can reportedly view and call Skype buddies through your iPhone, but you should be aware that SkypeOut credits will be used due to the PSTN leg needed to dial your mobile. Inelegant as it may be, VoIP has now invaded the (non-Cisco) iPhone.

Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

SoonR Talk workaround enables VoIP on your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ajaxappleatandtattcallingcallsedgegsmhackiphoneiphone osiphoneosmessagingmobileskypevoipworkaroundTue, 10 Jul 2007 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[SoonR Talk workaround enables VoIP on your iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/soonr-talk-workaround-enables-voip-on-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/soonr-talk-workaround-enables-voip-on-your-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/soonr-talk-workaround-enables-voip-on-your-iphone/#comments
For those only interested in fielding VoIP calls on an iPhone, we're pretty sure Cisco could hook you up, but if you've been wondering how to utilize Skype on your Apple iPhone, this here workaround spills the beans. Admittedly, this method is far from seamless, but by installing the famed SoonR Talk application on your home PC and logging into the AJAX-enabled SoonR website on your handset, a new way of calling instantly emerges. As with other handsets that support AJAX interfaces, you can reportedly view and call Skype buddies through your iPhone, but you should be aware that SkypeOut credits will be used due to the PSTN leg needed to dial your mobile. Inelegant as it may be, VoIP has now invaded the (non-Cisco) iPhone.

Filed under: ,

SoonR Talk workaround enables VoIP on your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ajaxapplecallingcallshackiphoneskypesoonrsoonr talkSoonrTalkvoipworkaroundTue, 10 Jul 2007 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[DirecTV now friendly with Viiv boxes, other PCs to come?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/15/directv-now-friendly-with-viiv-boxes-other-pcs-to-come/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/15/directv-now-friendly-with-viiv-boxes-other-pcs-to-come/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/15/directv-now-friendly-with-viiv-boxes-other-pcs-to-come/#commentsAfter DirecTV's long-awaited HR20 HD DVR finally got its rightful announcements and actually hit users' hands, it wasn't too long before folks were plugging and praying in hopes of getting their new toy to play nice with that HTPC beside it. While we knew the two firms had gone hand-in-hand awhile back, we finally got the thumbs-up that a new, Viiv-alicious DirecTV Plus HD DVR would be unveiled soon to interact out-of-the-box with Viiv-enabled systems, but more importantly, that a software update was coming to the plain ole HR20s to accomplish the same thing. The time has come, and users are reporting over at DBSTalk that the "0x108 software" has opened up the Ethernet port for use, and allows browsing / connections via a Viiv-certified machine, but definitely made things difficult for those not exactly keen on shelling out for a few new components. Nevertheless, there's already been somewhat of a workaround worked out, which allows PCs with just Windows MCE installed to "see" the HR20, but not "serve up files in a way that HR20 can work with," which we're all but certain will change as the wheels spin in owners' heads. Reportedly, DirecTV is establishing a dedicated website to getting folks up and running with the new connectivity options, and be sure to keep an eye on the linked thread for any "future developments" regarding non-Viiv-savvy PCs.

[Via PVRWire]

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DirecTV now friendly with Viiv boxes, other PCs to come? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessdbsdirectvdrmdvrethernethackhd dvrHdDvrhr20intelloopholemcemedia centermedia pcmedia pcsMediaCentermediapcmediapcsmodmusicphotospvrsatellitesoftwareupdateviivwindowsworkaroundFri, 15 Dec 2006 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360's HD DVD drive already functioning on PCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/12/xbox-360s-hd-dvd-drive-already-functioning-on-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/12/xbox-360s-hd-dvd-drive-already-functioning-on-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/12/xbox-360s-hd-dvd-drive-already-functioning-on-pcs/#comments In you haven't had enough Xbox 360 (let alone Wii and PlayStation 3) news lately, we've got one more tidbit for you. While we knew the device would sport USB connectivity, the recently released (and unboxed) HD DVD add-on drive has reportedly already been hacked to function on plain ole PCs, no Xbox 360 necessary. Utilizing Toshiba drivers, users have apparently been able to not only view the file contents of their HD DVD flicks directly within a Windows XP environment, but have been able to play back the film on PCs well-spec'd enough to handle the load. By enabling the computer to read the UDF (Universal Disc File system) v2.5 -- which is currently used by Toshiba's first generation HD DVD drives -- you can avoid throwing down the coin required for an Xbox 360 if you so choose. But as these roundabouts always go, we wouldn't count on things working out so smoothly for too much longer, especially with HDCP always lurking and waiting to pounce.

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Xbox 360's HD DVD drive already functioning on PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onconsoledriversexternalfixhackhdhd dvdhddvdmicrosoftpctoshibaworkaroundxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 12 Nov 2006 20:22:00 EST