The next step in the most famous note-taking application of all starts on Android with a fully upgraded user interface in Evernote 4.0. This upgrade takes the full functionality of the application and adds on a much-improved set of graphics and organization so you’ll have the ability to make your notes, drawings, and all manner
Tag Archives: handson
Burritob0t hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on May 16, 2012
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ITP, or the Interactive Telecommunications Program at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU churns out some of the most reliably interesting tech-centric artists in the world. Every so often, the school opens its doors to the public and the press and, of course, we jumped at the chance to see what the grad students were cooking up… literally. Marko Manriquez took the opportunity to showcase his thesis project, the Burritob0t, a 3D printer the spits out edible piles of beans and cheese, instead of non-toxic (but, highly inedible) plastic. The base is built largely around a standard RepRap machine, with the Frostruder attachment from MakerBot. From there it’s pretty simple to plug in any 3D model and build your creation from highly-processed Mexican food — on a heated platform from the Thingomatic, of course.
Marko says that his creation not only seemed like a logical way to combine “edible bits and digital bytes” but also a way to address the increasingly mechanized food industry and our growing reliance on manufactured “food.” Sadly, we weren’t able to get a complete demo on the show floor. The current incarnation of the device relies on air pressure to push the ingredients through syringes, and firing up the compressor was not an option. A Kickstarter is forthcoming, however, and Marko plans to upgrade the components to ditch the bulky and loud compressor. He also hopes to actually serve food from his printer, perhaps by taking up residence in a park. But, we suspect it’ll be a while before you can get a Burritob0t burrito while you wait for your Concrete from Shake Shack. Check out the video after the break.
Gallery: Burritob0t hands-on
Continue reading Burritob0t hands-on (video)
Burritob0t hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung Galaxy S III accessories get early hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on May 14, 2012
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Right here in the early Summer of 2012, the Samsung Galaxy S III has been revealed to the world, its accessories getting an early hands-on in Russia before the actual handset gets it’s day in the sun. This device will be released soon, but its accessories have been made available in international markets first. What
Samsung Galaxy S III vs Galaxy Note hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on May 13, 2012
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This week at CTIA 2012 we caught up with Ryan Bidan, Director of Product Marketing for Samsung Mobile, who was glad to provide us with a hands-on comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Note, two titans for the modern Samsung smartphone line. What you’re about to see is that in addition
Thunderbolt on Windows gets hands-on, lacks Mac’s hot-swapping
Posted by Gsurface
on May 12, 2012
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Thunderbolt’s 10-gigabit interface is only just making its way to Windows after spending more than a year as a Mac-only feature, so it’s not surprising that a lot of questions surround how well the Apple- and Intel-developed connection works for those of a Microsoft persuasion. A thorough test at AnandTech of one of the first motherboards to support the spec on Windows PCs, an Ivy Bridge-ready board from MSI, has shown some positive signs along with a few flies in the high-speed ointment. The good news? Most general storage devices will work as expected with a minimum of fuss, and you can even get some features of Apple’s Thunderbolt Display working if you’re willing to accept a lack of pre-supplied software brightness controls and USB support. The bad news comes mostly in the absence of true hot-plugging like on the Mac: if a device isn’t plugged into the Thunderbolt port on boot, Windows won’t see it. Professionals who need everything to be just perfect will want to wait, then, but bandwidth lovers will still find something to like if they’re willing to build Thunderbolt-equipped PCs themselves.
Thunderbolt on Windows gets hands-on, lacks Mac’s hot-swapping originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 May 2012 01:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Jabra Supreme UC Bluetooth headset Hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on May 9, 2012
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EVO V 4G hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on May 8, 2012
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Does that handset above look familiar to you? It should because you’ve seen it once before when Sprint debuted it as the EVO 3D. This time, however, the phone that failed to ignite much consumer interest is back with a rebranded moniker — EVO V 4G — a new home on Virgin Mobile, a 2D-only screen and a $ 299 price. We managed to get some hands-on time with the device and for better or for worse, it’s still packing the same list of specs: 4.3-inch qHD display, 1.3 megapixel front-facing / dual 5 megapixel rear cameras, dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon S2 buffered by 1GB RAM and packing 4GB of internal storage with an additional 8GB furnished by an included microSD card.
Cosmetically, nothing has changed from its postpaid to prepaid journey, so you’re still getting that same bulky build, jarring button layout for the 3D to 2D slider and the three quarter grooved plastic back. What counts, however, is the software it runs, namely Android 4.0.3. Yes, right out of the gate the company intends to ship this 4G WiMAX device (sorry, it’s not future-proofed for LTE) with a Sense 3.6 skin running atop Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s not HTC’s latest lightweight 4.0 UX, but for the market it’s aimed at, it’ll do just fine. Check out our gallery below for additional shots of this fat smartphone ahead of its planned June launch.
Gallery: EVO V 4G hands-on
Myriam Joire contributed to this report.
EVO V 4G hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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OtterBox HTC One series and Incredible 4G LTE cases hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on May 8, 2012
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2012 Ford Focus Electric AT&T MyFord Mobile app Hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on May 8, 2012
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Today we had a chance to speak with a fellow named Dylan who was representing the Ford Motor Company and their soon to be released 2012 Ford Focus Electric car. Our first encounter included no less than an in-depth look at how the mobile application MyFord Mobile, made specifically for this vehicle, worked with and
Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video)
Posted by Gsurface
on May 7, 2012
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It’s the first night of action at CTIA Wireless 2012, and we’re not wasting any time finding the best of what New Orleans has to offer. To start things off properly, we got some time with the Samsung Focus 2, announced by AT&T earlier this morning as the latest addition to the network’s healthy Windows Phone lineup. Of course, the phone’s no stranger to being in front of the cameras — this is just the first time it’s occurred without any shroud of secrecy surrounding it. So what kind of specs come with the Focus 2? The $ 50 handset, due out on May 20th, offers a 4-inch Super AMOLED WVGA display, a 1.4GHz CPU with unspecified RAM, 5MP rear-facing camera capable of recording 720p HD video, a VGA cam on the front and LTE connectivity.
The Focus 2, without a doubt, feels completely tiny in our hands when compared to Nokia and HTC’s latest Windows Phone entries. And at 4.3 ounces, it’s incredibly light as well — sadly, the device’s 11.98mm thickness was a slight disappointment for us. Aside from the inclusion of LTE and a 1,750mAh user-removable battery, we’re not quite sure the reasoning behind it. With that said, anything with a display smaller than 4.3 inches these days seems immensely easy to grip, regardless. When handling the phone, we couldn’t help but think of the similarly-designed Galaxy Blaze 4G, as the two devices appear to have come from the same mold.
Overall, this isn’t a device meant for power users, and it faces some heavy competition against the Nokia Lumia 900 in price point (though the Focus 2 is slightly less expensive than the Lumia’s normal subsidized cost). But for anyone who enjoys a Windows Phone with a smaller display and was disappointed in the lack of LTE connectivity on the Focus Flash, this will be the ideal handset for you. If your curiosity is getting the best of you, go below to see the full gallery.
Update: Hit the break for our hands-on video.
Gallery: Samsung Focus 2 hands-on
Myriam Joire contributed to this report.
Continue reading Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video)
Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hands-on with Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
Posted by Gsurface
on May 1, 2012
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Logitech announced its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and iPad 2 a couple of weeks ago, and today we got our grubby mitts on the thing. In case you forgot, it attaches to your Apple tablet like a Smart Cover when not in use, but perhaps you didn’t know that those magnets secure the slate in stand mode as well. And secure is the operative word, once you slot your slate in, it takes a concerted effort to dislodge it — plus, there’s virtually no shaking of the screen while typing away on the keyboard. As for those chiclets, they have a predictably short throw, but aside from a hollow feeling when pressing the spacebar and shift keys, the rest of the grid gave a satisfying snick with each button press. Build quality of the keyboard was good, without any massive seam gaps or other glaring defects, and the aluminum back makes for quite an attractive package when attached to the iPad. The deck is, unfortunately, slathered in glossy black plastic — a customer preference, Logitech was quick to point out — which results in plenty of finger and palm prints when typing. Other than those niggles, however, it’s a compelling option for folks wanting to do some tactile tablet typing.
Hands-on with Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard Cover originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 19:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hands-On With the Jawbone Big Jambox: 2.7 Pounds of Audio Fury, Available May 15 for $299
Posted by Gsurface
on May 1, 2012
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Bigger isn’t necessarily better but in the case of Jawbone’s Jambox, it might actually work out. Typically known for their Bluetooth headsets and the ill-fated-but-not-quite-dead UP band, Jawbone has figured out what their “cool kids” product is and it happens to be a tiny portable speaker.
But for the second generation version, simply called Big Jambox, the company is cranking up the volume from 10 to 11. While it retains some portability, the Big Jambox is really meant for those instances where you have 20 people posted up near the bonfire or you’re looking for a no-fuss micro system for your home entertainment center. At less than three pounds — 2.7 pounds to be specific — it’s still portable but everything else is on steroids. Jawbone says the built-in battery will last up to 15 hours for continuous playback and 500 hours of standby.
TechCrunch
BlackBerry Music Gateway hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on May 1, 2012
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The music streaming accessory market is immensely saturated, but RIM is hoping to add its own flavor with its latest version of the BlackBerry Music Gateway. We took a brief look at this year’s BlackBerry World in Orlando, and were impressed by both its size and ease of use. A tiny dongle no larger than the Bold 9900′s display, the device easily pairs up with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, tablet or music player and lets you push your tunes into a home or car stereo — provided it offers ports for RCA cables, that is. NFC is also added into the mix this time around, which means you can impress friends by simply tapping your BlackBerry to the Gateway to initiate the pairing sequence. While it’s not bringing anything drastically new to the table, its $ 50 price tag makes it a tempting offer for anyone whose FM transmitter is picking up nothing but static in a densely populated city. If you fall into that category or are just looking for something to bedazzle close friends and relatives, don’t hesitate to check out our gallery below and video after the break.
Gallery: BlackBerry Music Gateway hands-on
Continue reading BlackBerry Music Gateway hands-on (video)
BlackBerry Music Gateway hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Twitter Update: Hands-on with push notifications galore
Posted by Gsurface
on April 26, 2012
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The omnipotent tiny-update application known as Twitter has had both its iPhone and Android apps updated with several fabulous changes. First and perhaps most important is the fact that you can now get push notifications on your device for Twitter Interactions. You’ve also got a brand new Search function that works better than ever for
Scalado Album launches for Android, we go hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on April 25, 2012
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Scalado just released Album, its first ever Android app to land in Google’s Play store. The company — which is best known for imaging technologies such as zero shutter lag, Rewind and Remove — usually provides software to device manufacturers instead of end users directly. Album is billed as “a simple to use, high performance, photo/video viewer with a clean and smooth user interface” that handles pictures up to 200 (!) megapixels in size. The app costs $ 0.99 and is available for both smartphones and tablets. It features some interesting touches, like the ability to browse geotagged images using a map view.
We had the opportunity to take Album for a spin before launch and the app offers an intuitive and responsive user experience. Beyond organizing photos into bins like the “camera roll” and the existing folders on your device, the main screen lets you browse content by time (monthly) and location (including nearby). Pictures can be deleted, shared, rotated in place, cropped and turned into wallpaper. Animated thumbnails are used for videos, and multiple items can be selected. Check the gallery below, and hit the break for Scalado’s demo video and PR.
Gallery: Scalado Album hands-on
Continue reading Scalado Album launches for Android, we go hands-on (video)
Scalado Album launches for Android, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC Media Link HD Hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on April 20, 2012
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Hands-on with Arqball Spin, the app that lets you create interactive 3D models
Posted by Gsurface
on April 19, 2012
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Sometimes, two dimensional photos, even those taken by a 41-megapixel sensor, simply aren’t enough to accurately depict a three dimensional object. Enter Arqball Spin, a free app that lets anyone with an iOS device create high-quality 3D models of whatever they like. Using the iPhone’s camera, the app takes a series of images and uses some software black magic to create the finished product. The model, or “spin”, can be cropped and adjusted (brightness, saturation and contrast) like a regular photograph, plus users can create custom annotations to identify or comment on specific parts of the “spin” as well. Viewers can then rotate the model 360 degrees and zoom in on any part that piques their interest. While it’s currently an Apple-centric affair, support for DSLRs and other hi-res cameras (by uploading videos to the company’s website for processing) and other mobile platforms is in the pipeline.
The app works best if the object is situated on Arqball’s stage, which rotates at an optimal three RPM — the stage isn’t available yet, but the company’s going the Kickstarter route to get the capital needed to start manufacturing. Those who pitch in now can grab a stage for $ 60, and it’ll cost $ 20 more if you want to wait until it’s on sale. Of course, the app still functions if you want to hold your iPhone or iPad and walk around your subject, but you won’t get near the quality result that you can when using the stage. Because the “spins” are hosted on Arqball’s servers, they can easily be embedded on any website via HTML.
By making photo-realistic 3D modeling so easy and accessible, Arqball sees this technology as a perfect fit for online retailers, educators, and, ahem, even gadget reviewers. While the app holds obvious commercial appeal, the company’s not counting out casual users, and hopes to see a future filled with user-created 3D content. We got to see the app in action, and walked away thoroughly impressed with both the speed of the app and the detailed models it produces — but you don’t have to take our word for it, see a sample spin and our hands-on video after the break.
Continue reading Hands-on with Arqball Spin, the app that lets you create interactive 3D models
Hands-on with Arqball Spin, the app that lets you create interactive 3D models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on April 17, 2012
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Well that’s a mouthful. Shenzhen-based DJI Innovations was on hand at NAB today to demonstrate its new hex-rotor aircraft, designed to provide photographers (and videographers) with a low-cost tool for capturing aerial images. The vehicle we saw today, coined Spreading Wings S800 (its rotors retract for storage) is a fairly straightforward multi-rotor aircraft, save for a couple pretty slick enhancements. Even more impressive, however, was DJI’s Ruling, a “ground control terminal” that enables you to adjust not only aircraft direction and elevation, but also the camera position, complete with a live video feed as captured by a Sony NEX-5N mounted on a multi-axis camera gimbal. The camera mount is designed to maintain a stable image regardless of the craft’s position — once it’s fixed on a subject, it will adjust to retain the pre-selected angle.
The Ruling controller is very much still a prototype, with a yet-unpolished military green plastic housing and a built-in LCD. There’s also dual joysticks — one on the left to adjust the camera platform, and a second on the right to control the aircraft itself, letting you climb, descend and turn in every which way with a flick. The duo was very responsive during a brief demonstration, making calculated movements with what looked to be precise accuracy. The video feed was interrupted slightly by the multitude of wireless connections littering the Las Vegas Convention Center airwaves, but reps were still able to verify framing and adjust position — the aircraft itself never faltered, with a maximum range of 10 kilometers (5km for the video feed, in ideal conditions). The Spreading Wings S800 is available for pre-order now and is expected to ship next month for roughly $ 8,500. That clever live video controller will cost you another pretty penny, however, with an estimated $ 5,000 price tag and a TBD ship date. You’ll want to take a closer look in the video after the break.
Continue reading DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video)
DJI multi-rotor aircraft with Ruling live video feed controller hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canon Cinema EOS-1D C 4K camera hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on April 16, 2012
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It’s been but half a year since Canon first entered the motion picture market, and the company is already back with its second and third professional video rigs. The Cinema EOS-1D C marks the most drastic departure from the C300, which launched last November at an elaborate Hollywood event at Paramount Studios. It was at this spectacle that we were first introduced to the 1D C, which was then but a glass-protected prototype. Now, far sooner than expected, the (relatively) compact camera is making its return to the spotlight, in more polished form. Like the 1D series bodies that bear similar monikers and appearances, including the yet-to-ship EOS- 1D X, the C model is a very capable still shooter, offering the same core functionality of the $ 6,800 X. It also brings 4K capture to the table, however, prompting Canon to price the camera far above its less-abled counterpart. At $ 15,000, we don’t expect to see red C logos popping up in many a photojournalist’s gear bag, but for deep-pocketed professionals with a need to capture 4K clips, this may be a worthwhile acquisition.
We took a closer look at the 1D C at Canon’s pre-NAB event in Las Vegas. As the pictures and spec sheet imply, it’s the 1D X’s clone in nearly every way. In fact, beyond the headphone jack and C logo, there’s not much distinguishing the pair externally. You’ll need to hop into the menu before you’ll really notice a difference, in the form of several unique 4K shooting modes, including 8-bit 4:2:2 24fps captures to a CF card or 8-bit 4:2:2 clips in an uncompressed format over HDMI. Otherwise, the C looks and feels just like the X — a model pro snapper that we’ve already managed to fondle on three continents under Canon’s watchful eye, but still has yet to ship. Both cameras are gorgeous externally, with slight design tweaks yet no drastic overhaul, dating back to the very first EOS-1D. If you haven’t had a chance to gawk at either model, you’ll at very least be able to check out the 1D C at Canon’s booth this week at NAB . We’re hoping to see both cameras hit the market sometime in 2012, and who knows — this Cinema EOS could even be the first next-gen 1D to ship. Take a closer look in the gallery below, and in our hands-on video after the break.
Gallery: Canon Cinema EOS-1D C hands-on
Continue reading Canon Cinema EOS-1D C 4K camera hands-on (video)
Canon Cinema EOS-1D C 4K camera hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Canon Cinema EOS C500 camera hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on April 16, 2012
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The familiar EOS-1D C isn’t the only Canon camera to make its public debut ahead of NAB. The Cinema EOS series welcomes a third model to the collection this week, with looks that nearly match last year’s C300. Unlike that model, which you can already pick up through e-tailers and at specialty shops, the C500 has a long way to go before it gets a shipping nod — it may not even make it to market in 2012. The $ 30,000 price tag may pose an even greater barrier to entry than its to-be-announced availability date, however, and may in need of some tweaking before it’s ready to compete with already established models, like the much less expensive RED Scarlet. Like the 1D C, the C500 can shoot 4K video — the most apparent upgrade from the $ 16,000 C300. To that end, boosting its price tag may be the only way for Canon to avoid cannibalizing that less-abled flavor, since many cinematographers would otherwise pay little attention to the C300, due in part to its 1080p-limited shooting capabilities.
It’s been a few months since we’ve last seen Canon’s first Cinema EOS model, but the C500 has a look and feel that seems to be only subtly different from the C300. It is noticeably heavier, likely due to the additional cooling gear on board to accommodate 4K shooting. Both flavors include dual CF card slots, which you’ll only be able to use for snapping 1080p video — 4K is fed to an external recorder through the dual 3G-SDI ports, which for obvious reasons you won’t find on the C300. There’s also a larger grip on board, now a permanent fixture on the C500, which should aid with bare-bones handheld shoots — but if you’re dropping 30 grand on a digital body, some sticks and a dolly shouldn’t be far behind. Like its sibling, this year’s model ships with either a Canon EOS or industry standard PL mount, so if you have a need for both, you’ll need two cameras. Overall, you’re looking at the same sleek, albeit slightly unconventional body design, with a price tag that’s likely to make amateurs weep and pros run for the rental house. As always, there’s a hands-on video waiting just past the break.
Gallery: Canon Cinema EOS C500 hands-on
Continue reading Canon Cinema EOS C500 camera hands-on (video)
Canon Cinema EOS C500 camera hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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HTC One S vs iPhone 4S Hands-on Part 1
Posted by Gsurface
on April 8, 2012
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HTC Titan II Hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on April 6, 2012
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We’re getting our first final-product hands-on experience with the HTC Titan II here at the end of the week, and with its seemingly large 16 megapixel camera, Windows 7.5 Mango, and 4.7-inch display, it appears we’ve got a beast in our fingers. To be sure, we’ve also got the iPhone 4S and the HTC One
HTC One X Hands-on with Tegra 3 Gaming
Posted by Gsurface
on April 5, 2012
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Review: Hands-on with the Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone
Posted by Gsurface
on April 5, 2012
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Hands-on with Smart Monitor’s SmartWatch, the seizure sensing wristwatch
Posted by Gsurface
on April 5, 2012
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Millions of people suffer from epileptic seizures, and the threat of such episodes is a constant concern for those with the condition, their families and caretakers. Smart Monitor knows that the freedom of folks with epilepsy is curtailed by trepidation caused by the unpredictability of seizures, so it’s created the SmartWatch. The device is a wristwatch, roughly the size of a WIMM One, that has a GPS module and a proprietary accelerometer/gyroscopic sensor inside to detect the excessive and repeated motions that occur during grand mal seizures. It then records the time, duration and location of the occurrences and sends that information via Bluetooth to the accompanying app on your Android smartphone (an iOS version is in the works). The app tracks and stores the info and automatically calls your designated caretakers to alert them of the seizure, thusly ensuring the safety of the watch wearer. The watch also has physical buttons on the side that allow users to cancel a false alert or manually send one out with a single press.
Gallery: Smart Monitor SmartWatch hands-on
Aside from the real-time safety net that comes with wearing the watch, it also provides valuable information to neurologists over the long term. When and where seizures take place is data that those who study and treat epilepsy find useful, and it can be quite difficult for folks to recall such info after a seizure. SmartWatch can give doctors an accurate long term look at a patient’s episodic history that they wouldn’t be able to obtain otherwise. Because it’s a motion detection unit, the device is only for those who suffer from tonic clonic, or grand mal seizures, so it’s not a universal seizure detector. However, the company’s clinical trials with the device are ongoing, and Smart Monitor will submit it for FDA approval as a tonic clonic seizure sensor later this year.
Hands-on with Smart Monitor’s SmartWatch, the seizure sensing wristwatch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on April 4, 2012
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People used to say that cars in the ’50s and ’60s had fins, giant wing-like protuberances that designers grafted on to capitalize on the fledgling concepts of aerodynamics. Your fist impression of the Terrafugia Transition is much the same as standing next to a 1959 Coupe de Ville — it’s huge, and the giant vertical stabilizers on the back have a distinctly Cadillac feel. This, however, is different. Sure, it too is made in the US, but it’s crafted of carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum, costs $ 279,000 and seats only two. Oh, and did we mention it can fly? It’s making its major auto show debut this week and we got a chance to check it out. Follow us after the break for some grounded impressions.
Gallery: Terrafugia Transition first eyes-on
Continue reading Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video)
Terrafugia Transition aircraft first hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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iPad 3rd Gen Hands-on vs Android: Part 1
Posted by Gsurface
on March 19, 2012
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Review: Hands-on with Apple’s new iPad
Posted by Gsurface
on March 15, 2012
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BMW launches Stitcher integration at SXSW (hands-on video)
Posted by Gsurface
on March 12, 2012
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BMW announced today at SXSW that it’s teaming up with Stitcher to integrate the popular iPhone app’s on-demand streaming functionality into vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps and Mini Connected technologies. We ran into BMW’s Robert Passaro in the halls of Austin’s Convention Center and he was kind enough to give us an exclusive demo of Stitcher inside a lovely BMW 650i convertible ahead of today’s launch. Most the iPhone app’s features are available using the vehicle’s infotainment system, including the ability to search, provide feedback (“More Like This” and “Listeners Also Like”), and create / remove custom stations — album art is even displayed in high-resolution alongside show information. Take a look at our gallery below, then watch us tune Stitcher into the Engadget Mobile Podcast right from the BMW’s center console in our hands-on video after the break.
Gallery: BMW and Stitcher at SXSW 2012
Continue reading BMW launches Stitcher integration at SXSW (hands-on video)
BMW launches Stitcher integration at SXSW (hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bell Canada Mobile TV service hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on March 8, 2012
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Bell Canada‘s updated its Mobile TV service to introduce a bevy of new features and content. The mobile TV service now offers 26 channels of live programming and a pile of on demand content thrown in for good measure. The interface has been tidied up, a programming guide has made an appearance, alerts are now here so you won’t miss shows and flipping to portrait mode from landscape lets you browse the new guide while your current show plays on. Bell’s Mobile TV service is priced at $ 5 a month for five hours of content; overages — measured in hours — cost an additional $ 1 per hour, though using the service with WiFi is thankfully free. Is it worth the $ 5 on top of your already potentially pricey phone bill? Follow on through while we take Bell’s TV offering for a quick spin with words and some pretty video, too.
Continue reading Bell Canada Mobile TV service hands-on
Bell Canada Mobile TV service hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Engadget
Apple new iPad hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on March 7, 2012
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Samsung Smart Touch Remote and keyboard (hands-on video)
Posted by Gsurface
on March 6, 2012
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Samsung would like to dispel the notion that it is “getting rid of the remote” by showing off two new touch-pad devices.
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CNET News
Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on March 6, 2012
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Remember that glasses-free 3D Qosmio F750 (aka F755 in the US) gaming laptop we saw last year? We’re not sure how many of them Toshiba has sold, but the company’s PR folks tell us they’ve been popular enough to justify a further 15.6-inch glasses-free model — a Satellite P855, which will have a more mainstream target audience. We’re looking at exactly the same lenticular technology, which uses a webcam to adjust the 3D effect to the user’s head movements, and which delivers effective results if you sit relatively still and give your eyes a chance to adapt. This time, however, the effect is delivered within a textured aluminum chassis that will likely appeal to a wider audience than the red-styled garishness of the Qosmio. The price tag has yet to be disclosed, but that should also be more appealing, since the Satellite range starts at £599 ($ 940). The P855 won’t arrive until Q2 and Toshiba wasn’t ready to reveal any concrete specs concerning the processor or graphics, other than saying this laptop is aimed at mainstream 3D gaming as well as Blu-Ray consumption. We asked about memory and storage too, but with no success — all we could glean is that there are four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI out, Intel WiDi for direct WiFi beaming of 1080 video to a bigger screen, plus Harmon Kardon speakers. C’mon Tosh, give us Ivy Bridge paired with a 28nm Kepler GPU and make the world happy. (Hands-on video right after the break.)
Continue reading Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop hands-on (video)
Toshiba Satellite P855 glasses-free 3D laptop hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Acer Aspire V3 notebook hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on March 6, 2012
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Hot off the tails of the Aspire V5 is another new release from Acer. This time it’s the Aspire V3 notebook, which comes in any one of three configurations, with 14, 15.6 and 17.3-inch screens in-tow. Each variation will be powered by an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor, with NVIDIA GeForce GT series graphics throwing up the visuals. As with the V5, specs are difficult to come by at this point, though Acer has confirmed that the 17.3-inch model will include a 1600 x 900 pixel display. There’s Blu-ray, HDMI, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 on board, as well as support for SSD and hard drive combos (17.3-inch model only). Aesthetically, it’ll launch in three colors (black, gold and gray) when it eventually debuts in Q2 of this year. Pricing starts at €400 (about $ 520) for the entry-level spec, rising to €900 (roughly $ 1180) at the top end.
Unlike the V5, we got to try out a fully-working model here at CeBIT. The V3 feels much larger and heftier when compared to its slimmer siblings, but the full-length speaker above the keyboard and generous LCD size tells you that Acer intended this model for a very different user. The finish may be plastic, but the gloss and matte combination looks nice enough. It feels relatively heavy in the hand, but it is carrying a reasonable amount of I/O baggage. Be sure to check out our video after the break for a more-detailed look.
Gallery: Acer Aspire V3 hands-on
Continue reading Acer Aspire V3 notebook hands-on (video)
Acer Aspire V3 notebook hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sony Tablet P hands-on unboxing [AT&T]
Posted by Gsurface
on March 3, 2012
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Sony is all set to release their latest Android tablet to the world. That comes in the form of the unique clamshell designed Sony Tablet P dual-screen Honeycomb tablet. Complete with Sony Playstation certification and plenty of games we wonder if it can compete with the PS Vita, or end up just another Android tablet [...]
SlashGear
ZTE PF 100 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on February 29, 2012
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ZTE’s been making some slow, but steady progress as it transitions from no name, white label manufacturer to more of a well-known brand. Aiding the company in that exact mission is one of its latest tablets, the PF 100, shown off by NVIDIA at this year’s Mobile World Congress. The apparently stock Android 4.0.3 slate packs a Tegra 3 CPU inside and 10.1-inch 1280 x 800 display. The unit we saw is far from a finished production model, given the fact that it was literally bursting apart at the seams and appeared as if it’d been roughly handled. We imagine the final product will be a bit more hardy than the one we had in-hand, but that shoddiness aside, it’s still a hulk of a tablet.
Indeed you won’t find the design at all charming; it’s rough, thick and inelegant with a chunky bezel on front and mix of hard, grooved rubber and plastic on back. All of the ports and hardware keys are relegated to the top edge of the device with slots for both SIM and microSD covered by a single flap. There’s also a dual camera setup, as well as stereo speakers and a proprietary dock connection on the base. As you might expect, performance on the tablet was incredibly fast thanks to its 1.5GHz quad-core processor and the one game we demoed loaded quickly, showcasing responsive controls. No further details about pricing, markets or availability have been announced at this time, but we expect those important tidbits to be forthcoming in the weeks ahead. You can check out a hardware tour of the tablet in the gallery below and be sure to jump past the break for a full video walkthrough.
Gallery: ZTE PF 100 hands-on
Continue reading ZTE PF 100 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video)
ZTE PF 100 hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2012 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on February 28, 2012
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If you thought the Ace 2′s compact design was charming, expect to be bowled over by the similarly-outfitted Mini 2. Stepping even further down the Galaxy food chain, this lilliputian Android handset retains the overall sensibilities of its slightly larger stablemate, but also tones down those already mid-range specs, accordingly. We were able to get some hands-on time with the 3.27-inch handset, so hop on past the break to see how it fared.
Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on
Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video)
Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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LG Optimus L-style series hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on February 28, 2012
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LG’s Optimus L-style family of (slightly more) affordable devices is here, packing a similar designer flavor to the Prada phone 3.0 alongside some reduced specifications. Three models made their debut here at MWC, from the 4.3-inch Optimus L7 to the dinkier 3.2-inch L3, with the 4-inch L5 offering a size and specification compromise right in the middle. Skip on past the break for some first impressions.
Continue reading LG Optimus L-style series hands-on
LG Optimus L-style series hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 03:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nokia Lumia 900 DC-HSPA with Nokia Transport hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on February 27, 2012
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Nokia’s Lumia 900 HSPA edition doesn’t break many new boundaries – we saw the LTE model at CES after all – aside from its DC-HSPA, but the new Nokia Transport app certainly promises to be useful. Another free preload in the fashion of Nokia Music and Nokia Drive, the app pulls in timetable directions for walking, trams, buses, [...]
SlashGear
Nokia announces 808 PureView: Belle OS, 4-inch display, 41-megapixel camera(!) — we go hands-on!
Posted by Gsurface
on February 27, 2012
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Remember that Nokia PureView tease from a few days ago? Well, suddenly it all makes sense. We are indeed looking at an imaging flagship phone and a true successor to the N8. It’s called the 808 PureView and it’s expected to reach Europe in the next quarter for a price of 450 Euros. Before we move on to its craziest feature — the camera, of course! — let’s run down the other key specs: The OS is Symbian Belle; the engine is a 1.3GHz single-core chip; the display is 4-inches corner to corner but its resolution is a Nokia-style 360 x 640 (nHD). There’s 512MB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage that is thankfully expandable via microSD. A Pentaband modem increases the chances of getting a signal while globe-trotting, while data speeds will top out at plain HSPA 14.4Mbps. Now that Carl Zeiss-lensed camera: it handles continuous-focus 1080p, but is claimed to have an incredible sensor resolution of over 41-megapixels when shooting stills — or 34-megapixels for 16:9 images. It’s achieved by some clever sub-pixel interpolation jiggery-pokery that basically entails five pixels being merged into one, but we’ll dig deeper very soon. It’s expected to arrive in May at a price of €450 and if you’re curious, we’ve got a gallery of hands-on images and video for your viewing pleasure.
Gallery: Nokia 808 PureView
Nokia announces 808 PureView: Belle OS, 4-inch display, 41-megapixel camera(!) — we go hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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TC@MWC: Hands-On With The HTC One X
Posted by Gsurface
on February 27, 2012
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Ah yes, the One X. It’s been shrouded by rumors and half-truths for so long now that it’s quite a thrill to get one in my hands.
While I like the One S’s build quality quite a bit, I found myself taking a shine to the One X’s industrial design almost immediately. It’s 9.7mm waistline is remarkably thin considering all that HTC managed to jam into it (Tegra 3 chipset, 1GB of RAM, killer camera, etc.), and the use of multiple materials adds a welcome bit of sensory contrast. The device’s back is made of a solid polycarbonate shell that becomes glossier along the device’s edges, while a glass plate stretches nearly from edge to edge on the One X’s face.
Though I’m sure many more will enjoy the One S’s slim metallic frame, there’s just something very alluring about the way the One X has been put together. Strange as it sounds, it’s a sort of visceral feeling that I haven’t felt since I first laid eyes on the iPhone 4. Kudos to HTC’s design team for this one.
TechCrunch
TC@MWC: Hands-On With The Sony Xperia U
Posted by Gsurface
on February 27, 2012
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Besides a fear of imminent conjunctivitis from handling the same phone as hundreds of others at the Sony Xperia Press Event at the GSMA Mobile World Congress…what else comes to mind?
This phone — a model marketed mostly toward a younger segment — is, to me, reminiscent in some minuscule way of the old Sony W series phones I loved so much (way back in the day). I think it’s the thickness that reminds me of its Cro-Magnon predecessor.
TechCrunch
TC@MWC: Hands-On With The HTC One S
Posted by Gsurface
on February 27, 2012
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The HTC One X is clearly the device everyone wants to see, which is why I decided to give its little brother a bit of spotlight first.
The One S is sort of a puzzle to me. Though it’s meant to be more of a mid-range device than the powerhouse that is the HTC One X, the One S arguably feels like the better phone. Unlike its polycarbonate-clad counterpart, the One S sports a frame made from single piece of aluminum, which imbues it with a more robust, premium feel despite its light weight and slim (7.9mm!) frame. Much as I like the One S, I think there’s a very real chance that the One S will ultimately be the real leader of the pack when it comes to popularity.
TechCrunch
Sony Xperia U hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on February 26, 2012
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Sony’s new Xperia U may be the baby of the NXT Series bunch, but – with Sony’s aesthetic almost universal across the line-up – you won’t be instantly taunted if spotted with the cheapest model. It’s also not the most inspiring designs, but it feels solid and reasonably responsive with its dual-core processor. More hands-on [...]
SlashGear
LG Optimus Vu Hands-On
Posted by Gsurface
on February 26, 2012
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This week LG’s Director of European Marketing Daniel Hernandez spoke of their brand new line of hero device including three pillars: speed, design, and display. The first and perhaps most important device they showed off in-hand that follows the design tenants they’ve laid out here is the LG Optimus Vu, a massive in-between device which [...]
SlashGear
Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on February 26, 2012
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Powermat may have a bright future, but the company’s products to date have been expensive, slightly clunky and a generally imperfect solution for bringing wireless power to mobile devices. That could all change with WiCC. The Wireless Charging Card (WiCC) is an IEEE Power Matters Alliance (PMA) standard, with the potential to integrate Duracell Powermat technology within every mobile gadget. The incredibly thin device resembles those wafer-like SmartMedia cards once used in early digital cameras, with a similar form factor, but significantly more practicality. Each WiCC includes all the PowerMat circuitry found in the company’s charging cases, while also doubling as an NFC antenna. The card’s success is of course contingent on cooperation from device manufacturers, who will need to add a slim connector above the battery leads, including two for power, two for NFC and two for data — an app will monitor charging. Powermat reps say that such a connector would cost pennies to implement, however, making it a potentially easy sell.
Powermat President Daniel Schreiber sees this as a major breakthrough for the smartphone industry, saying “we’re going to do for wireless power what the memory card did for storage in mobile phones.” We had a chance to take a look at a mock-up of the wireless card at MWC, which was resting just above the battery in a Samsung Galaxy S II. Because the phone’s battery is slightly recessed, both the card and battery fit below the device’s original backplate — the WiCC lies flush with the phone’s camera lens. Overall, we think there’s some serious potential here, assuming device manufacturers are game to come on board. Still, don’t expect to see these hitting stores anytime this year — the company expects its other products to come to market long before the Wireless Charging Card. So for now, jump past the break to take a closer look, but don’t make any plans to toss that power adapter just yet.
Gallery: Powermat WiCC hands-on
Duracell Powermat WiCC could bring wireless charging to any smartphone, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ubuntu for Android: more details and prototype hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on February 24, 2012
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Canonical’s announcement of Ubuntu for Android kicked up quite a stir, but it also left us with a few unknowns. The idea is that your phone becomes a mobile PC, switching from Android into full desktop Ubuntu mode when you dock it to a bigger display, keyboard and mouse. But just how well does it perform? When is it coming? How is it coming? And will tinkerers be able to install it for themselves? Canonical let us into its London office today to try out the software and pepper one of its engineers with questions. First, the good news: Ubuntu for Android is everything it’s been claimed to be. It’s a functional desktop OS that sits alongside Android, shares the same kernel and has full read / write access to everything on your phone (the connectivity hardware itself plus contacts, emails, videos, apps and pretty much everything else.). It’s also ready for ARM-compatible Ubuntu apps, potentially expanding the range of things your phone can do.
The bad news? It needs to be faster — a lot faster. The prototype we saw was running on a TI OMAP 4430-powered Motorola Atrix 2 that had primarily been chosen for its ready-made docking accessory. The software hadn’t been customized for that handset and neither Motorola nor TI have so far been involved in the project. Despite this, some tasks ran surprisingly well, like watching a video or adjusting a photo. However, surfing on the Chromium desktop browser suffered too much hanging and it was also clear that multi-tasking would be a serious burden. According to Canonical, better performance will come when manufacturers tailor the software to their newest handsets and offer it pre-installed. The company is doing everything it can to make that happen — meeting with big players at MWC next week and trying to persuade them that it’s not too late to offer Ubuntu on models scheduled for launch this year. We asked if Canonical would make the OS available to us ordinary folk sooner than that, so we can play with it and give our feedback, but that just isn’t part of the company’s game plan right now — everything hinges on manufacturers seeing the ‘differentiation’ value and climbing aboard. To tide you over in the meantime, click past the break for a hands-on video.
Continue reading Ubuntu for Android: more details and prototype hands-on (video)
Ubuntu for Android: more details and prototype hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sony PS Vita 3G Hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on February 19, 2012
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It’s time we got our hands on the PlayStation Vita 3G, also known as the PS Vita as it’s released this month in the United States and the UK. In addition to the UK release which will be handled starting with the UK Sony PS Vita 3G hands-on by Chris Davies, we’ll be taking a [...]
SlashGear
HP Z1 Workstation hands-on
Posted by Gsurface
on February 15, 2012
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HP rocked the stripey ties off the high-powered workstation world today when they unveiled the Z1 Workstation, the first all-in-one form factor computer that incorporates workstation-class hardware. This impressive machine targets corporate customers from small graphics shops to medical imaging customers to high-end Hollywood 3D rendering. SlashGear was on-hand to check out the hardware, and [...]
SlashGear
Scalado Remove clears up your photos, we go hands-on (video)
Posted by Gsurface
on February 14, 2012
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It’s a familar scenario. You’re traveling with a friend, she poses in front of a famous monument, you’re ready to take her picture with your phone, but there’s a constant stream of people and vehicles getting in and out of your shot. What are your options? You could wait for the right lull in traffic to press the shutter key or you could use Remove — Scalado‘s new object removal technology. Remove captures several images in a row, analyses them and automatically creates a composite photo devoid of unwanted objects. Better yet, it highlights potential unwanted details and lets you remove them after the fact. The folks at Scalado — best known for such camera innovations as zero shutter lag and Rewind — are planning to showcase Remove at Mobile World Congress later this month but, luckily for you, we got an exclusive first look at an early build of the Remove app for Android.
We installed the app (designed for Gingerbread) on two of Samsung’s flagship devices — our Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ and our global Galaxy S II. The primary UI is simple and looks pretty much like any other basic camera app. Just tap the on-screen shutter key and Remove quickly takes several pictures in a row (the Nexus is about twice as fast as the GS2 here, interestingly). You can touch a second time to stop capture or let the app finish on its own. Remove then magically displays the resulting composite shot which you can save to the gallery by tapping the checkbox at the top right corner of the screen. There’s also a slide switch in the same location which lets you switch to a secondary UI that allows you pick which details to remove (or keep) in each captured frame. We experienced occasional issues with the responsiveness of the UI and noticed a couple minors bugs, but Remove is relatively intuitive and works rather well for a prototype app.
Take a look at our gallery of sample images and screenshots below and hit the break for the full PR treatment, including Scalado’s concept video.
Gallery: Scalado Remove hands-on
Continue reading Scalado Remove clears up your photos, we go hands-on (video)
Scalado Remove clears up your photos, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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