Google and Dish Network allegedly in talks for new wireless service

http://arstechnica.com/business/2012/11/google-and-dish-network-allegedly-in-talks-for-new-wireless-service/

Google and Dish Network are reportedly in talks to partner up for a new wireless service to contend against market competitors like Verizon Wireless and AT&T, according to the Wall Street Journal. The wireless service would extend to both cellular and Internet connections.

Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen declined to comment on any involvement with Google to the WSJ, but he did mention his company is in talks to partner up with others "who would like to be in the industry" and aren't currently. Ergen added it would be easier to partner with a company that already has the wireless infrastructure in place in order to transmit all of that data. Google certainly fits the bill.

This news hot on the heels of the recent developments in Google’s own expansion of its fiber-optic Internet services, beginning in Kansas City, KS. Google hopes to eventually expand the lightning fast connection to the rest of the country, but it has limited wireless options in a market saturated by the big four telecom companies. The search giant must somehow gain more access to wireless spectrum so it can increase Web traffic speeds in a push to get users to integrate more fully with the Google ecosystem.

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via Ars Technica http://arstechnica.com

Spotify confirms web app in the works, currently in closed beta (updated)

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/spotify-confirms-web-app-in-the-works-currently-in-closed-beta/

There have been rumblings that Spotify would unveil a browser-based client. Well, the company has just confirmed to us that such a service is not only in the works, but is currently in beta testing. The trial version is being rolled out slowly to users over the coming weeks and months, though it may be sometime before the general public is granted access. The statement we received didn't specify an official launch date, the company simply said it "will have more information in Q1 of next year." We weren't able to squeeze too many details out of the spokesperson but, according to a report from The Verge, there is a basic set of features that mirrors what you see in the desktop app. That means a what's new section, simple search and Spotify Radio, though no support for apps at the moment. Now you'll just have to cross your fingers that you'll be one of the lucky few granted testing privileges sooner, rather than later.

Update: As you can see, a lovely reader sent us in a screenshot of the web app and it seems to be designed with fingers in mind. There's big icons, sliding panes (three of 'em in total) and easily tapped buttons. You can see the full width shot -- including the large, mostly blank control pane -- in the gallery below.

Update 2: And thanks to one Thomas Kjemperud anyone can now gain access by using this link which activates the beta through your Facebook account. Enjoy!

[Thanks, anonymous]

Gallery: Spotify Web beta

Filed under: Internet, Software

Spotify confirms web app in the works, currently in closed beta (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dropcam's iOS app goes big, now optimized for iPad

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/dropcam-now-available-for-ipad/

After establishing itself in the Android ecosystem with a native app, modern-day nanny cam outfit Dropcam has decided to optimize its service on the iPad, too. Users of the iPad 2, new iPad or the iPad mini can now view up to four Dropcam devices simultaneously, snap still images and receive real-time motion and audio alerts via SMS. Subscribers also have access to a cloud-based DVR service, which allows them to view, store and manage their recorded videos. So, whether you're trying to catch your roommate stealing borrowing your clothes, or keep an eye on a mischievous pet, you can now grab a super-size update from the App Store.

Continue reading Dropcam's iOS app goes big, now optimized for iPad

Filed under: Cameras, Networking

Dropcam's iOS app goes big, now optimized for iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 03:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo intros IdeaCentre Q190 HTPC, new C-series all-in-ones for the space-saving set

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/15/lenovo-intros-ideacentre-q190-htpc-new-c-series-all-in-ones/

Most of Lenovo's big Windows 8 desktop push has centered on the mid-range and up. Happily, the company is at last swinging its attention to those who the entry-level crowd, and most of all those who want their PCs as tiny as the price. The highlight of the refresh for many could be the IdeaCentre Q190. It's leaving the Q180's Atom-based nettop roots behind -- while the home theater PC is still skinny at 0.89 inches thick when excluding a Blu-ray or DVD add-on, leaps to both a maximum Core i3 processor and an 8GB RAM ceiling give the Q190 enough grunt to smoothly handle more than just the basics this time around. Mini PC enthusiasts who wait patiently for a January release can buy in starting at $349.

All-in-one lovers have no shortage of choices at the same time, as we're seeing no less than seven IdeaCentre C-series revamps. The C240 and C245 are mostly built as secondary PCs with respective Intel Celeron and AMD E2 chips as well as fixed-position, 18.5-inch screens; it gets more intriguing with the adjustable, 20-inch C340 and C345 variants as well as the Core i3 internals of the similarly styled 21.5-inch C440 and C445. A flagship C540 rules the roost with a 23-inch screen and Intel-only processor selections that peak at a Core i3. Despite Lenovo's full-scale assault on the category, only the $349 C240 and C245 will be shipping this month. We'll once again have to wait for January if we want to see the rest, although a tight pricing spread between $479 (for the C345) and $549 (for the C540) guarantees that we won't have to spend much to go bigger.

Gallery: Lenovo IdeaCentre Q190

Gallery: Lenovo IdeaCentre C-series late 2012

Continue reading Lenovo intros IdeaCentre Q190 HTPC, new C-series all-in-ones for the space-saving set

Filed under: Desktops, Lenovo

Lenovo intros IdeaCentre Q190 HTPC, new C-series all-in-ones for the space-saving set originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xcom Global starts renting Nexus 7 and 10 tablets, lets us keep the laptop at home

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/xcom-global-starts-renting-nexus-7-and-10-tablets/

International data services give us the freedom to leave our carriers' roaming plans at home, but that's only so much consolation to travelers who have to lug a giant laptop or cater to a digitally savvy family. Xcom Global is gambling that some of us want more portable (or just additional) gear for our travels: it's offering daily rentals of the WiFi Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 as a complement to its usual hotspot deals. Paying $2 or $3 per day for the respective slates will give a big-screen fix to those who can't get by on smartphones alone. Although the Nexus 10 isn't available yet -- something to do with the tablet only just shipping -- Xcom Global is currently discounting the tablet rental rates to $1 and $2 to lure us in. Any reasonable extra fees might be worthwhile if they let us pack light.

Continue reading Xcom Global starts renting Nexus 7 and 10 tablets, lets us keep the laptop at home

Filed under: Tablets, Networking, Google

Xcom Global starts renting Nexus 7 and 10 tablets, lets us keep the laptop at home originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google adds Earth support and usability tweaks to Drive, new search options in Gmail

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/google-adds-usability-tweaks-to-drive/

Google doesn't usually buy into the whole "lets package a bunch of new features into a major upgrade" thing. So, while the ability to search your Gmail based on the size of a message or have finer grained control over the time-related filters may not seem like a huge deal, remember this tiny new tweak is part of a laundry list of improvements made over the last year. The crew at Mountain View hasn't forgotten about Drive either. Starting today you can now search documents according to the names of people you've shared them with and even open up Google Earth files (.kml and .kmz) right in your browser. A number of small usability improvements have also been made, including the ability to create a new folder right from the organize pane (finally!). You can even drag and drop entire folders from your desktop to Drive, so long as you're running Chrome. For a few more details check out the source links.

Filed under: Google

Google adds Earth support and usability tweaks to Drive, new search options in Gmail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Siri versus Google Voice Search: Fight!

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/11/siri-versus-google-voice-search-fight/

Voice-controlled smartphone searches are slowly becoming all the rage, thanks to tools like Apple's Siri and Google's "enhanced" voice search. While Google's technology has been available to Android users for some time, the company recently updated its native search app for iOS with its latest developments in contextual voice queries. For iOS users, this means there's now actual competition for what you use when you want to make quick lookups without your thumbs. So which one is better: Google or Siri?

We thought we'd ask both "apps" the kind of questions we'd find ourselves debating with friends (which usually results in someone whipping out a smartphone to look up the answer). We took 20 different questions, ranging from practical to less-than-practical, to see which one gave us the most useful answers. The goal was to ask questions in a casual way—after all, both Siri and Google are supposed to be able to read into the context of your question without too many specifics.

Both apps performed reasonably well, but there were many cases in which one gave a better answer than the other. Depending on what kinds of things you might ask Siri or Google, one may be superior. Read on and discover what's best for you (and chuckle at our attempts to get answers out of the two AI bots):

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via Ars Technica http://arstechnica.com

Hands-on: Multiple users, lock screen widgets round out Android 4.2

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/11/hands-on-multiple-users-lock-screen-widgets-round-out-android-4-2/

The official Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update began to hit Google's Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus devices yesterday, bringing with it multiuser support for tablets, a revamped pull-down notifications panel, a new 10-inch tablet user interface, lock screen widgets, and several other notable features. The lock screen widgets and multiuser features weren't ready in time for our big Android 4.2 review, but with the software update officially live, we went back to get some hands-on time with the new features we didn't have a chance to use before.

Multiuser support

Enlarge / Tablet owners can create and delete any account at any time, and they can also uninstall users' applications. Any user can change network settings or app permissions. Permissions don't get much more granular than that, though the parental control settings for the Google Play store can be managed on an account-by-account basis.

Users can be created and deleted from the Users area in your tablet's settings. The first person to use the tablet is designated as the tablet owner and can add and delete other accounts at will; network settings and app permissions are universal and shared among all users on the tablet, but all other settings—including wallpapers, home screen and lock screen layouts, PINs, screen brightness, and individual app settings, among others—are unique to each user.

Enlarge / Switching accounts is done by tapping the round buttons at the bottom of the lock screen.

The new user setup process is more or less identical to the first-time setup routine that you go through when you unbox the tablet: you associate your Google account with the tablet, determine what location settings are enabled, enter your name, and you're ready to go. A brand-new user account with no e-mails, apps, or other configured settings takes up just 12.78MB on our Nexus 7 tablet, though this will quickly increase as other users start to download stuff. Other users' background services also take up a small amount of RAM—though your mileage may vary, we observed usage between 20 and 60 megabytes on our Nexus 7—a fraction of the 1GB or 2GB of RAM in most shipping Android tablets today.

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via Ars Technica http://arstechnica.com

Video Editing Supercomputer: Z820 RED Edition

http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/extremewindows/archive/2012/11/13/video-editing-supercomputer-z820-red-edition.aspx

When it comes to video production PCs, I have built them and I have bought them. The new HP Z820 RED Edition is an off the shelf tricked out and tuned PC designed for performance and stability for RED Digital shooters and editors. In this post, I’ll share some information about this special HP PC, and walk you through the optimized workflow that it enables with RED 4K and 5K footage. For background, you can read up on other posts in this series here: intro post, and post production post.

The loaner Pre-production Z820 RED Edition PC used by the author

The Z820 RED Edition PC is built on the capable HP Z820 series platform, so it comes standard with the same features that you get with any Z820 PC:

• 16-core Dual Zeon processors
• Up to 512 GB RAM
• Tool-less design
• NVIDIA Quadro graphics
• USB 3.0 ports
• Large capacity drive bay configurations: 5 x 3.5 HDD’s, or 8 x 2.5 HDD’s, or 4 x 3.5 HDD’s and 4 x 2.5 HDD’s at the same time

In addition to these Z820 capabilities, the Z820 RED Edition is equipped with several custom options and configurations including:

• All black finish
• Custom red power button and HDD LED
• Built-in front panel mounted REDMAG readers (one combo Blu-ray/REDMAG reader, one stand-alone REDMAG reader)
• RED ROCKET card(s) pre-installed
• Optimized Windows installation, Adobe CS6 apps preinstalled

If you are familiar with RED Digital Cinema equipment, you’ve probably noticed the consistent industrial design that’s a signature of RED products. Strong lines, purposeful shapes, and red accents are present on all of their products. The RED EPIC camera brain is a great example of this form-follows-function design principle:

The RED EPIC Brain – Typical of the RED design philosophy

The Z820 RED Edition has been customized to visually fit in nicely with the RED family of products. The power button and LEDs are all red in color. The case is black and matches the overall look of a RED camera. There’s a lot of attention to detail both inside and outside.

While you could build your own high-spec video editing system for RED footage (and many do), it’s nice to know that you don’t have to. Some of the compelling advantages of the Z820 RED Edition include turn-key convenience, tested and optimized stability, and the well-integrated/clean hardware package. Instead of needing multiple RED STATION readers sitting on top of the PC with cables and power supplies to worry about, you can just plug REDMAG SSD drives right into the built-in REDMAG readers.

In addition to being a great video editing station, the Z820 RED edition also makes a great station for things like live projection/screening of 4K/5K footage. You can take a REDMAG SSD directly out of a RED camera, and plug it into the Z820 RED Edition. It’s then an easy task to access/play/tweak footage directly from the SSD, without needing to first copy files locally. Since the built-in REDMAG readers are connected via SATA, it’s like accessing a built-in SSD- but with the convenience of external connectivity.

The files that are recorded by RED cameras use a format called REDCODE RAW. This raw video format is what enables amazing capabilities in post-production (like drastic exposure correction and color correction) and even enables cinematographers to shoot in challenging lighting conditions that would not normally be possible. But these REDCODE RAW files are not directly playable on most devices without first being transcoded into one of the popular viewable formats (like H.264 or WMV). Transcoding is a normal part of post-production, but in many cases you need to see footage before it’s rendered out as a production file. This is where the RED ROCKET card comes in handy.

The RED ROCKET 4K/5K transcoding card – included with the Z820 RED Edition

Windows offers an advantage in this context because you can stack an arbitrary number of RED ROCKET cards (based on how many PCI slots are available) which is not possible on other platforms. Since it takes a dedicated RED ROCKET card per layer of 4K/5K video being transcoded or decoded, that means that Windows offers the most powerful capability for viewing and editing multiple layers of 4K/5K footage on this kind of workstation.

I’ve been using the Z820 RED Edition for a while now for various tasks, and I’ve been really impressed by its capabilities (the RED ROCKET is awesome!). It’s also been very handy to have the built-in REDMAG readers and Blu-ray player. If you deal with RED cameras and/or REDCODE RAW footage, you should definitely check out the Z820 RED Edition!

This specialty PC isn’t available directly from HP, rather it is available from two suppliers that specialize in media production equipment and software:

· ProMax Z820 RED Edition

· Tekserve Z820 RED Edition

You can follow me on Twitter here: @GavinGear

via The Windows Blog http://blogs.windows.com/b/

Google Fiber installations begin, come with a larger TV channel choice in the bargain (video)

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/google-fiber-installations-begin-come-with-more-tv-channels/

A lot of readers in the two Kansas Cities are about to see the above sign taped to their door, and they'll be forgiven if it triggers an irrational level of excitement: it's the confirmation that Google Fiber deployments are at last underway. Starting this week in the Hanover Heights district of Kansas state's city, Google is extending fiber drops to the homes of early adopters and arranging for in-home appointments to set up whatever internet and IPTV selections they've made. The fiber team is also widening its pick of TV channels as a last-minute incentive, offering a slew of Fox sports and movie channels as well as Fuel TV, FX, National Geographic and Speed, among others. While we don't know how long it will take before the first wave of 1Gbps deployments are wrapped up, it should finally be safe to add "internet service provider" to Google's increasingly lengthy resume.

Continue reading Google Fiber installations begin, come with a larger TV channel choice in the bargain (video)

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Networking, Internet, HD, Google

Google Fiber installations begin, come with a larger TV channel choice in the bargain (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Giveaway: win one of two ioSafe SOLO G3 rugged external hard drives!

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/engadget-giveaway-iosafe/

External hard drives are handy, but there's always a concern that something may happen to it that would cause all of your docs, movies, precious memories and other files to all go poof in an instant. ioSafe's certainly made a name for itself in these kinds of situations, crafting a lineup of products that offer an ever safer shelter for your important digital mementos -- and it's offering up a 3TB SOLO G3 hard drive to two lucky winners! Enter by leaving a comment below, but don't forget to make a pit stop at the company's site (linked above) and check out its offerings.

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win one of two ioSafe SOLO G3 rugged external hard drives!

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile

Engadget Giveaway: win one of two ioSafe SOLO G3 rugged external hard drives! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/fitbit-one-tracker-now-on-sale/

If you've been biding your time for a FitBit One all-day fitness tracker, you can stop counting the days and start counting calories -- it's now in stores for $100. The newly minted replacement for the FitBit Ultra brings a vibrating alarm, along with a spiffier splashproof design, black or burgundy colors, and a brighter clock / motivational message display. You'll also get Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with the Fitbit mobile app on laptops and handheld devices that support the wireless option, letting you see all your stats or taunt rivals on Facebook. If you're raring to go, grab it at the source below or check the PR for more details.

Continue reading Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100

Filed under: Wearables

Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro app reaches Android, captures reckless Nexus adventures

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/13/gopro-app-reaches-android-captures-reckless-nexus-adventures/

GoPro left its Android-using audience hanging (from a paraglider) when it posted an iOS app for remote controlling its cameras, but the group won't have been in suspense for long. The action video camera maker has posted a Google-native version that covers roughly the same feature spread as its Apple-oriented counterpart, including remote control, video previewing and daily highlight clips. Any aspiring movie makers will have to fit a narrow set of criteria to start shooting, however -- on top of an HD Hero 2 and a WiFi BacPac, Android 4.0 is a minimum requirement to start shooting without hiccups. Hero 3 support won't be coming until later this month. Despite the limitations, it's nice to know that we won't need an elaborate Google Glass setup to record our next skydive in a Mountain View-approved fashion.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile

GoPro app reaches Android, captures reckless Nexus adventures originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vizio Co-Star update brings enhanced Google Play experience, boosts performance

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/12/vizio-co-star-update/

Vizio has released an update that adds enhanced Google Play features and a performance boost to the affordable and adorable Vizio Co-Star. Owners of the tiny Google TV box can now buy or rent directly from the Google Play Store and sync purchases made on other devices. There's also a handy new search feature that scours the Google Play store, live TV and video apps like Netflix and Amazon to make sure you never miss an episode of your favorite TV show. In addition, the update promises faster menus and navigation, enhanced HDMI stability and improved Netflix performance. Looks like $99 buys quite a nice little Google TV box, as long as you can live with that awkward remote, right?

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Vizio Co-Star update brings enhanced Google Play experience, boosts performance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012

http://www.engadget.com/holidaygiftguide2012/

Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide for 2012! You've heard a thousand times how stressful this season is -- and we're not gonna lie, tech gift-giving is no cinch this year. With the recent arrival of Windows 8, there are a myriad of laptops, tablets and hybrids to choose from, and you're not getting off easy when it comes to other devices, either. A year's worth of stellar new smartphones, 4K TVs, gaming consoles and everything in between are ready to compete for your hard-earned dough. Sound daunting enough? Well, never fear, because we're here to guide you through the gadget storm with our curated collection of top products. And we want to reward you for doing your research: in partnership with AT&T, we'll be giving away one smartphone for each guide. (Look for instructions in each new post.) For now, click on over to our available category pages, and stay tuned for those to come -- identified by a faded link for now.

Accessories	Bags and Cases	Camcorders	Cameras
.	.	.	.
Docks	E-readers	Fun Stuff!	Gaming
.	.	.	.
HDTV	Laptops	Portable Audio	Smartphones
.	.	.	.
	Tablets	Ultraportables

Filed under: Announcements

Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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