Well, what do we have here? Looks like a Logitech beta user was kind ample to (potentially break his NDA and) show off his early grab: the Google TV-infused Revue. What pursues is a series of blurred photos that’d make the FCC weep, but all the same, who are we to critique news? The little unassuming box has HDMI in and out ports, a couple of USB inputs, ethernet, and SPDIF. According to the handler, installation was a “12-step process includes asking the details of your Google detail, your physical location, TV, cable box, amp, and more.” It works with any Harmony remote, an Android device (in that case, a Droid Incredible), or the packaged keyboard. That latter input we last heard was still in development, but it seems to be working fine right here: full QWERTY, a trackpad, all the essential keys for GTV navigation. One more pic of the keyboard after the break, as well a video walkthrough.

[Thanks, Craig]

Continue reading Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions

Logitech Revue and Google TV get very early blurrycam impressions originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re still trying to figure out precisely what Apple’s new Ping social network is good for, but apparently quite a few society are curious about it: it’s already racked up a million users in its first two days. That’s just a third of the citizens who’ve downloaded iTunes 10, so we’re certain the numbers are will grow even faster as more society snag iTunes and the network effect starts to kick in — and things will get really crazy whether Apple and Facebook ever work out their little tiff. Just remember: it’s a social network… for music.

Apple’s Ping gains a million users in first two days originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researchers at Cambridge University have recently published a paper on their new type of WORM (write once read many) memory which is even more low powered than the ones that came before it. The new electron-only design of the memory is solution processed, making it low cost as well as it requires no lithography. The device, using ZnO semiconductor nanoparticles to inject electrons into a polymer which is capable of conducting. The electrons are soon after used to program the memory by permanently lowering the conductivity of the polymer, producing insulation. that aftermath is far lower potential densities than previously recorded, by orders of magnitude. The research team believes that it can manufacture further improvements to the device as they continue to work.

Cambridge scientists develop lower-than-low potential WORM memory originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That “leaked” low-end LG Android device from a few days back? Turns out it was nothing more than the Optimus Chic, one of two Google-powered phones that the company announced back in early July. They’re still not ready to let us touch the damned things here at IFA — apparently on detail of the fact that they’re not commercially available yet — but we got close adequate to conclude that you definitely won’t be fooling anyone into thinking that you’ve dropped many hundreds of euros on your phone. You could argue that Huawei set the tone for IFA’s small-but-notable mobile presence that year with its introduction of the Ideos — in other words, cheap Android gear — and both of these LGs look primed to go head-to-head with the Ideos in that arena. Nokia had distant been hoping to totally own the smartphone industry in emerging markets by driving S60 into the bargain basement — but with that latest round of Android releases coming dangerously close to the same price points, we could have an interesting battle on our hands.

LG Optimus One and Optimus Chic eyes-on originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s been awhile since we sashayed through Klipsch’s world headquarters back in December of last year, but the company certainly hasn’t let off of the pedal. Today at IFA, it managed to introduce no fewer than three new headphones, including the outfit’s very first on-ear set. The Image One was built to bring Klipsch’s signature sound to folks who’d prefer cans by ‘buds, and it’s additionally amongst the first to have an Apple-centric mic and three-button remote for controlling music playback on iPods, iPads and iPhones. Travelers will be pleased to take in that the ear cups fold flat for portability, but you’ll need $149.99 to signal ‘em yours when they ship that November. Moving on, there’s the Image S5i Rugged (shown above) — essentially, you’re looking at the same sound quality we lauded last year, but with a rugged slant. These feature the aforesaid three-button remote / mic as well as a “safety case” that touts a built-in flashlight. We’re expecting a demonstration of their toughness at IFA tomorrow, but in the meanwhile you can start sacking away $129.99 for their November debut. Finally, the October-bound Image S3 is the company’s new low-end set, priced at just $49.99 but still shipping with a trio of oval ear tips, a carrying case and a choice of gray, red, pink or green hues. The full presser is after the break, whether you’re into that type of thing.

Continue reading Klipsch issues first on-ear headphones, Image S5i Rugged and bargain Image S3 earbuds

Klipsch issues first on-ear headphones, Image S5i Rugged and bargain Image S3 earbuds originally presented on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SD Card organization: flash card speeds to triple by 2012 originally presented on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When we first caught wind of LG’s “180-inch plasma” we were understandably enthused (and just a little skeptical), but our excitement was quickly ruined with word that LG was merely sticking nine 600Hz 60-inch plasmas next to each other and calling it a day. We got a glimpse at the “multi-vision display” (LG shorthand for “a bunch of screens next to each other”) today, and it’s still decently impressive in its own right. LG’s managed to get the seams amidst the screens down to a mere 1.5mm, and while the lines are still noticeable, they could be a lot worse. While they lines certainly get in the way of entertainment, it actually provides an interesting effect when donning the 3D glasses — nearly highlighting the effect of depth. LG has some pretty boring plans for the screens, like digital signage and education, and we’ll be sticking to projectors for our big screen needs, but we’re still saying a 180-inch straight-up, no funny business plasma would be pretty stellar.

LG’s 180-inch plasma that wasn’t originally presented on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not much happened that week apart from a local fruit company holding a small event, a minor industry get-together in Germany, and Samsung releasing a giant Galaxy S. Yeah, yawn. Josh, Paul, and Nilay will be on hand at 4:30PM EST to talk it all by, so get cozy in the chat below and we’ll see you thereupon!

P.S. And don’t forget that Ustream has Android and iPhone clients as well, whether you’re out and about and you can’t join in on the Flash-based fun below.

Continue reading The Engadget Podcast, live at 4:30PM EST!

The Engadget Podcast, live at 4:30PM EST! originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft worked with Vodafone late last year to deploy Surfaces to a few dozen stores in several European countries (much as AT&T has done in the US), and one of those units happens to be set up at the carrier’s IFA booth that week. The basic notion here is that each available model appears as a card that can be twirled, resized, and flung around the screen. When the software first starts, the cards start in a deck from which you can “deal” onto the table — but when we first approached it, the Surface had obviously already been played with considering the cards were in complete disarray. Not too helpful when you’re a befuddled buyer trying to browse models and produce a choice from a dizzying selection of handsets, but that doesn’t mean it’s not cool — whether nothing else, parents, it’s something to babysit the kiddies for a few minutes while you go about your business in the store. Follow the break for video of the Surface in action.

Continue reading Vodafone’s Microsoft Surface: like Go Fish for phones

Vodafone’s Microsoft Surface: like Go Fish for phones originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What does it take to manufacture an addictive game? Not much — just throw in some super simple controls, cute graphics, and basic physics. Rovio Mobile’s Angry Birds is one such game that includes all these elements, and today the studio’s just released a public Android beta to cater those without an iOS or Ovi-enabled device. In case you’re not already familiar with the popular title, the backstory is that a gang of hungry pigs snatched away some eggs from the birds, forcing the feathered creatures to embark on a rescue mission for the sake of their survival. The gameplay on the Android version is just as simple as before: in each level you use a fixed slingshot to fling the birds — one at a moment — into the forts, in order to kill all the pigs inside. As a secondary challenge, you must plus attempt to get a three-star rating depending on the amount of structural material you destroy, so the key is to perfect your shooting angle.

At the beginning you’re only given one type of bird that does nothing more than just headbutting, but all through the game you’ll come across six more birds, each possessing one special potential: multiply, blow up, accelerate, dropping egg bombs, boomerang, and additional strength. Don’t anguish, the directions are pretty clear when you first meet these enhanced kamikaze birds — most involve just a one tap anywhere to trigger their special abilities mid-flight. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll soon be wanting to try out all sorts of trajectories to take vengeance on those cheeky green hogs. Seriously, the pigs really do laugh at you when your birds miss them.

While we’re not familiar with the Ovi Store version of Angry Birds, we’ve definitely spent a fair amount of moment on the iOS flavor. Sadly, since the latter’s still running on a low 480 x 320 resolution, the blurred graphics on the notoriously sharp retina display does no justice to the game. On the other hand, the Android version looks a lot prettier on our Nexus One, Dell Streak and HTC Desire, as it runs on their native resolution of 800 x 480. That said, overall the Android beta didn’t feel as well-oiled as its iOS counterpart — we’ve noticed the occasional light hiccups while panning across the scene, so here’s hoping that that will be fixed in the final release. Regardless of that minor flaw, we’d still highly recommend Android users to check out that free Angry Birds beta in the market — go grab it while it’s hot!

Continue reading App Review: Angry Birds (Android)

App Review: Angry Birds (Android) originally arised on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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