Skip to content

Archive for

18
Jun

Google Fiber customers could get new TV boxes soon


Google Begins Installing Ultrafast Broadband Network

Even as Google is planing to bring its Fiber internet and TV service to more areas, it’s working on making it better. Dave Zatz points out an FCC listing for what looks like a second generation version of the Fiber TV set-top box. We’re still not sure what exactly is inside but the listing mentions 802.11 ac/n WiFi, 10/100 Ethernet, MoCA, Bluetooth and HDMI 1.4 connections. He also links to source code revealing a new Bluetooth LE-connected remote, the GFRM200. Google Fiber TV has added many new features and even a few services since it launched, and it will be interesting to see what else the Sage TV team can bring to the product this time around. Brent Evans of Geektonic mentions a recent update that added channel filtering to the guide, and HDMI-CEC control from the mobile apps popped up back in May.

[Image credit: Julie Denesha/Bloomberg via Getty Images]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Google

Comments

Source: Zatz Not Funny, FCC, Google Fiber source code

18
Jun

Video Compares 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Model to Samsung Galaxy Note 3


While there have been plenty of videos comparing the 4.7-inch version of the iPhone 6 to the Samsung Galaxy S5 and other smartphones, there haven’t been many comparing the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 to other devices.

However, YouTube channel TechSmartt (via AppleInsider) has acquired a dummy of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 and compared it to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, offering a look at Apple’s rumored “phablet” against its main competition.


When compared to the 5.7-inch Note 3, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 is slightly taller. This correlates with an earlier size comparison that found the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 was the same height or taller than leading Android smartphones that had slightly larger screens.

If believed, these dummy models signal that the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 could be taller than the Note 3′s height of 151.2mm. The extra height is largely due to a carryover of design decisions from previous iPhone models, which include identically sized top and bottom bezels. These bezels contain the FaceTime camera, the Touch ID Home button and numerous sensors.



18
Jun

The Big Picture: Creating technology with amphibious ambitions


Early Hovercraft

The first practical hovercraft, the Saunders Roe SRN1, was designed by Sir Christopher Cockerell. The first trials took place 55 years ago to the week, near the Isle of White, UK. The Saunders Roe SRN1 experimental hovercraft above is shown floating on the Thames near Westminster. The new transport technology was so unusual at the time, the BBC reports it was often referred to as a “man-made flying saucer.”

[Image credit: Getty Images]

Filed under: Transportation, Science

Comments

18
Jun

Engadget Daily: Lumia 630 review, the deal with laser-cut clothing and more!


Today, we dive into the realm of laser-cut clothing, review the Lumia 630, break down the benefits of the recent Xbox One update and take a look at Nike’s new Android Fuelband app. Read on for Engadget’s news highlights from the last 24 hours.

Nokia Lumia 630 review: An affordable phone you can live without

Say hello to the Lumia 630, one of Nokia’s last in-house handsets. This entry-level WP device is comfortable to hold and packs a decent camera, but really, that’s about it. And with an expected price of $200, there are plenty of better, cheaper options available.

Clarification: Does Xbox One have 10% more horsepower without Kinect?

Did the Xbox One June update actually provide developers with access to more CPU power? Yes. But as it turns out, that boost doesn’t come at the cost of your Kinect.

Catwalking

What you need to know about laser-cut clothing

What’s at the convergence of science and fashion? Laser-cut clothing, that’s what. Read on for everything you need to know about such intricately designed garments and their impact on the industry.

Nike finally introduces a Fuelband app for Android

Own a Fuelband and an Android handset? Listen up: you too can finally join the ranks with iPhone users and track fitness statistics on your mobile thanks to Nike’s newly released Android Fuelband app.

Filed under: Misc

Comments

18
Jun

Google search results now let you call stores from your PC


Hangouts calling option in Google search

While it’s easy to call a store if you find it through a Google search on your phone, it’s a bit more of a hassle on your computer — you frequently have to copy the number into your voice app of choice. However, Google is removing even that minor inconvenience. The company’s search results now include a Hangouts calling option that gets you in touch with any location right through your desktop web browser; if you see a big set of digits, one click will start the conversation. As with Google’s other internet calling services, you can reach out to any American or Canadian number for free. This isn’t the biggest time-saver in the world, to be sure, but you may appreciate it the next time you’re phoning in a reservation at your favorite eatery.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Source: Mayur Kamat (Google+)

18
Jun

Supposed Moto X+1 Boot Animation Leaks Out [Video]



moto-x-+-1-boot-animation

The Moto X+1 news has been quiet as of late, but TK Tech News has something special for anyone looking forward to the successor of the Moto X. Seems the news channel put out a $25,000 reward for anyone to dig up some legit video on the Moto X+1, and someone came through.


Below you will find the supposed boot animation of the Moto X+1, and apparently there is more to come. This is video 1 of 5, so TK Tech News is on top of anything Moto X+1. The head cheese of TK also confirmed  from his sources that there will be a september release for the new phone, and that the new phone is thinner with an amazing display. So if I were you, I would go subscribe to the channel right now, and be on top of any news that has to do with the Moto X+1.

Source: TK Tech News
Via: Phandroid


//<![CDATA[
ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16);
document.write('’);
//]]>

18
Jun

YouTube confirms music service, will block holdout labels’ videos within ‘days’


The XX at the SOS Festival

The cat’s (partly) out of the bag. After a string of rumors, YouTube has confirmed to the Financial Times that it’s launching a paid music service this summer. It’s not saying exactly how the service will work, but Reuters sources claim that it will work largely as rumors suggested back in November. While free videos will still hang around, a subscription will let you listen to songs ad-free, including whole albums. You should also get offline playback for those moments when streaming isn’t an option.

If you were expecting the company to budge on its negotiations with indie labels over royalty rates, though, you’ll be disappointed. YouTube’s Robert Kyncl doesn’t believe that getting licensing deals with everyone is an “achievable goal,” and warns that the video host will start blocking clips from holdouts within a “matter of days” so that all content on the new service falls under the same terms. He also rejects arguments that YouTube is strong-arming labels into deals they can’t afford. The provider is paying artists “fairly and consistently,” he says. In a statement to Reuters, YouTube even portrays itself as magnanimous — it contends that the paid service gives music partners “new revenue streams” on top of whatever they’re making.

It’s not a net positive to the music producers, however. A label exec speaking to the Times is worried that the terms let YouTube improve its free service enough that customers won’t bother paying for any service, whether it’s YouTube or a rival like Spotify. Kyncl disagrees, insisting that YouTube is doing its best to create “features that fans love” and offer an incentive to pay. Whatever the motivations, the impasse isn’t good news for viewers that may soon be denied videos from Adele, The XX and many other top-tier musicians.

[Image credit: Chema Helmet // Equipo Helmet, Flickr]

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Source: Financial Times, Reuters

18
Jun

Surface Pro 2 prices drop in the US by as much as $200


Microsoft Surface Pro 2 tablet

If you’ve been hoping to score a deal on the Surface Pro 2 knowing that the Pro 3 is on the way, it’s time to start spending. Much like it did in the UK, Microsoft has cut prices on its older Windows tablet, with the discount depending on the level of storage you crave. You’ll save $100 if you can make do with a the 64GB or 128GB models, which now cost a respective $799 and $899. Spring for the 256GB or 512GB editions and you’ll spend $200 less, with prices now sitting at $1,099 and $1,599. The cuts aren’t all that dramatic, but they may be enough to help you resist the temptation of a newer, shinier slate. It’s just as well — Microsoft is already seeing 10-day shipping delays on the Pro 3, so this may be your best shot at buying a high-end Surface for a little while.

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Via: ZDNet

Source: Microsoft Store

18
Jun

Mt. Gox Bitcoin exchange gets approval for US bankruptcy protection


Physical Bitcoins

The Mt. Gox Bitcoin exchange may still be reeling from the botnet discovery that ruined its business, but it just got a big reprieve. A US court has approved Mt. Gox’s Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection, preventing creditors who sued the company from seizing any American assets (including servers) or pressing for evidence. The exchange can also chase down any funds it needs to repay its debts and, if necessary, file lawsuits of its own.

Mt. Gox hasn’t issued an official response as we write this, but the US bankruptcy gives the firm some space to fulfill the terms of a settlement that includes distributing recovered Bitcoins. Its Japanese owners will certainly be happy, since they now have more chances to both focus on their own bankruptcy proceedings and devise a comeback strategy. This isn’t the end of the saga by a longshot — just ask those demanding their virtual money back from (recently active on Twitter again) CEO Mark Karpeles. However, the move should prevent an already bad situation from getting worse.

Filed under: Internet

Comments

Source: Reuters

18
Jun

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 9:30PM ET


It’s Tuesday, which is time for the Engadget HD Podcast and we hope you’ll join us for the live recording at 9:30PM. The non-stop onslaught of conferences are actually over, so we’re back to the regular topics; the FCC and new streaming options. There are a few other items of note we’ll be covering on the show tonight too, like a leaked Slingbox, IMAX 4K in 3D and a look back at the CGI that changed Cinema. Finally, we’ll finish the show by discussing what we’re watching this week, as usual. If you’ll be joining us, take a peek at the topics after the break and then get ready to participate in the live chat.

FCC demands that states get out of the way of municipal broadband
The FCC is looking into Netflix’s issues with Comcast and Verizon
Clarification: Does Xbox One have 10% more horsepower without Kinect?
Qplay’s video streaming service is now on Chromecast
Netflix is shutting down its API, but helpers like InstantWatcher aren’t going away
Netflix’s website is suddenly sporting a fresh logo and brighter background
This is the next Slingbox, with WiFi in a smaller (and probably cheaper) box
Like it or not, your Comcast Xfinity router may now be a WiFi hotspot
IMAX shows why its 4K camera could get you watching 3D movies again
A look at how ‘Jurassic Park’ and its CGI dinosaurs changed cinema
Amazon stops taking movie pre-orders in pricing battle with Warner Bros.
Amazon lines up a drama from writers behind Braveheart and Lost
‘Breaking Bad’ hits Netflix in 4K today
What’s on your HDTV this week: World Cup, ‘Fargo’ finale, ‘True Blood’ premiere

Online video chat by Ustream

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Comments