Apple sued over iPhone screen rendering tech

You've probably never heard of Picsel Technologies, but the Scottish company claims that its technologies are in over 250m handsets worldwide from manufacturers like Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Samsung and Sony Ericsson -- and, if a lawsuit it filed today is to be believed, Apple. Picsel says the iPhone infringes on a patented method of accelerated screen updating, and as usual, the answer is probably going to be for Uncle Steve to open his $25 billion piggy bank and dole out some cash. On the other hand, Apple legal might take a little batting practice before they start hunting the big game, but honestly, that's just us wishing for a little Friday night drama.

Filed under: Cellphones

Apple sued over iPhone screen rendering tech originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 06:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Viliv's S5 gets price, March release, and iTunes

We finally have the release and pricing details for the Viliv S5. Up for pre-order on the 24th in Korea, the XP-based MID with 4.8-inch touchscreen will begin shipping locally on March 3rd. Closer to home, the $649 S5 Premium model is scheduled to ship to the US and Europe by the end of March. That configuration will include a 60GB hard disk, Intel Silverthorne-class 1.33GHz Z520 CPU (yes, the very same proc as the VAIO P), GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 1GB of memory. Lesser spec'd models and a maxed-out F-LOG version with a DMB television tuner will only be available in Korea. And know what's great about a MID running XP? You can install pretty much any application you want, including iTunes as demonstrated in the video posted after the break. It's no iPod touch, but then again... it's no iPod touch.

Continue reading Video: Viliv's S5 gets price, March release, and iTunes

Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Video: Viliv's S5 gets price, March release, and iTunes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

Celebrity Nerds: Ashton Kutcher jailbreaks his iPhone, fends off paps

Celebrity Nerds confirms what you always knew, deep in your heart of hearts: that stars are nerds like us. Send in your own confirmations of this fact right here.

Ashton's just this guy, you know? He and his salt-of-the-earth wife Demi like to dodge the paparazzi at the airport, and on occasion he'll take that painstakingly jailbroken iPhone 3G of his and turn the tables on their stalkers -- he even upped the video to Qik, just in case you were wondering what other people just like you get up to in their free time.

Read - TMZ's flattering coverage of Ashton and fam
Read - Ashton's Qik video of the incident

Continue reading Celebrity Nerds: Ashton Kutcher jailbreaks his iPhone, fends off paps

Filed under: Cellphones

Celebrity Nerds: Ashton Kutcher jailbreaks his iPhone, fends off paps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Roundup: here's what you might've missed

	Garmin-Asus announces Windows Mobile-based nuvifone M20 We'd been secretly holding out hope that Garmin-Asus would pull an Android piece out of its pocket in time for MWC next week, but it's looking pretty unlikely with the announcement of the M20.		TeleNav launches GPS navigation for the G1 They finally, really did it. Have you been lugging around that G1 and a GPS unit, grunting disdainfully every time you have to bust the latter out? Well it looks like TeleNav has heard your cries of disgust.
	Cuba launches its own Linux variant, Fidel reportedly cool with it It hasn't been a year since Cuba lifted the ban on PCs for the majority of its citizens, and now it looks like ou neighbor to the south has been giving some serious thought to the implications of open source operating systems.	Other news of import Fitness guru prepares to launch Wii Fit class-action suit, radio show Is this a matte black iPhone? (answer: probably not) Update: more pics Windows 7 upgrade details released?
	Netflix breaks the 10 million subscriber mark, keeps on truckin' We can't say the economic crisis has been too kind to every industry, but it's been a best friend to Netflix.		HTC Dream coming to Spain via Telefonica, gets a facelift This appears to have roughly the same guts as the G1 we already know and love, but Telefonica's version of the first Android handset -- like Optus' -- will get a name change to Dream.
Pioneer officially leaving the TV biz by March 2010, focusing on audio Mysterious DirecTV iPhone app appears, imaginations run wild		Samsung unveils Blue Earth, a solar-powered mobile phone Helio's Ocean 2 now on sale: $149 on contract

The Daily Roundup: here's what you might've missed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this a matte black iPhone? (answer: probably not) Update: more pics

So, this is sort of fun. The leaked photo above appears to be of a new iPhone back -- in matte black. Sure, we have to be highly suspicious of all kinds of purported evidence of new products in general, and we've heard enough crazy Apple rumors over the years to fill an issue of US Weekly. Regardless, this one's worth at least considering: it's got a model number, A1303, that's previously unseen, but has all the other requisite data, including FCC ID numbers, that we've grown to know and love on the back of real, actual, undoctored iPhones. Look, it's probably fake. Discuss.

Update: Some more pics have surfaced -- check one after the break and the other at MacRumors. Seems a bit early for these sorts of leaks to us, but crazier things have happened.

[Via Electronista; thanks, Ryan]

Continue reading Is this a matte black iPhone? (answer: probably not) Update: more pics

Filed under: Cellphones

Is this a matte black iPhone? (answer: probably not) Update: more pics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speakal iBoo: when iPod docks and Pac-Man ghosts collide

You know, that's totally a recreation of Oikake up there holding that iPod, wouldn't you agree? In the spirit of Pac-man, Speakal has delivered the iBoo sound station, an iPod-friendly device that's cute enough for your kids and retro enough for you. For the low, low price of just $89.99, you too can join in the fun by grabbing one in red, blue or white. Specs wise, the device features an obligatory iPod dock, a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input, touch volume control and music navigation, 15 watts of total power and a mini remote for controlling things from afar. Don't deny it, you're in love.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Speakal iBoo: when iPod docks and Pac-Man ghosts collide originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

Samsung's U5 DoReMi rekindles hatred of DRM

You know, you'd think that branding executives would actually stop and have a think about things before just putting it out there, but no. As we've seen in separate instances before, Samsung's U5 DoReMi unnecessarily highlights itself in the worst possible way, capitalizing the three letters -- in order, no less -- that remind us why digital downloads still aren't as accessible and easily manageable as they should be. If you can get past all that, the USB stick music player boasts 2/4/8GB of internal capacity, a tiny OLED display, FM radio / recording and up to 18 hours of battery life. Look Sammy, we know the U3 and U4 basically went unnoticed, but is this really the light in which to paint the U5?

[Via AnythingButiPod]

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Samsung's U5 DoReMi rekindles hatred of DRM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Data tethering is a go on Palm Pre

There are many things the Pre can do. Tragically, swallow a microSD card whole (or otherwise) is not one of them, which is kind of unfortunate considering that only 7.4GB of the integrated 8GB will be available to the user -- but it turns out that tethering, thankfully, is. Newly-published tech specs on Sprint's site reveal that you'll be able to use your little EV-DO Rev. A monster as a modem both over Bluetooth and USB cable -- something the Pre's arch nemesis cannot so far (at least, not in any official capacity). Whether this helps push AT&T and Apple over the edge remains to be seen, but in the meantime, we'll be pushing close to a megabit per second upstream, thank you very much.

[Via PreCentral]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Data tethering is a go on Palm Pre originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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mophie's Juice Pack Air: world's thinnest iPhone 3G battery / case

mophie's iPhone 3G Juice Pack received universal praise, and while the additional baggage bothered some, most users just appreciated being able to utilize 3G for more than 47 seconds without needing an AC outlet. Not one to rest on its laurels, the company has today introduced the new and improved version: Juice Pack Air. Contrary to popular belief, this actually isn't intended for Apple's MacBook Air (now there's an idea to capitalize on, mophie), but instead, it's the planet's thinnest external iPhone 3G battery / case. The device houses a rechargeable 1,200mAh battery that "virtually doubles the amount of time you have to rock, talk, surf, and send messages." Eager consumers can pre-order theirs now in black, purple or white, while patient souls can mellow out until they hit mophie's website and Apple stores everywhere this Spring. Full release is after the jump.

Continue reading mophie's Juice Pack Air: world's thinnest iPhone 3G battery / case

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

mophie's Juice Pack Air: world's thinnest iPhone 3G battery / case originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: Verizon Hub is a handset homecoming

Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

After years of providing the devices on which we spoke, Verizon is finally providing the Hub. The Verizon Hub is not the first VoIP product to use that moniker -- with pay upfront for lifetime long distance startup Ooma having used the "hub" name for its primary home phone adapter -- but the telco's take on the screenphone represents a turning point in the evolution of consumer telecommunications.

For much of its existence, the cell phone had long played second-fiddle to the home phone as the wireless wonders implied expensive plans and inferior voice quality. Increasingly, though, consumers are finding connections to data services as critical as voice connections, and despite attempts that have ranged from the Cidco iPhone (yes, there was one years before iPhones by Cisco and Apple) and more recently the RSS-savvy GE InfoLink (now abandoned by Thomson's exit from the cordless handset business), the home phone has begun to lag far behind its portable cousin as an Internet resource.

Enter our nation's two largest telecom providers. Triple-play aspirant Verizon Wireless has joined rival AT&T in offering a touch-screen, Internet-savvy home phone system heavy on information delivery and communications functionality while working with up to four DECT expansion handsets. Unlike the questionably named Samsung HomeManager offered by AT&T, the screen on the Verizon Hub cannot be carried conveniently about the house like a tablet display. The Verizon Hub also uses IP for its voice and data communications whereas HomeManager uses broadband for data and a traditional circuit-switched connection for voice calls. Why would Verizon blithely bypass its own copper?

Continue reading Switched On: Verizon Hub is a handset homecoming

Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets, Wireless

Switched On: Verizon Hub is a handset homecoming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FUD alert: Apple allegedly scared Google out of using multitouch, 3.5mm jacks, batteries, displays, love

So we've been watching this sketchily-sourced piece from VentureBeat's MG Siegler that claims Google was specifically asked to avoid implementing multitouch by Apple over patent concerns bounce its way around the web today, and while we didn't want to contribute to the echo chamber effect without being able to lend any authority to the story, it's starting to get stupid: John Gruber is chiming in that he'd additionally heard that Apple warned Google against including a 3.5mm headphone jack on the G1 after Cupertino was shown a prototype, which is ridiculous. Fine, we're somewhat willing to accept the complete lack of multitouch on the G1 is a result of Apple's influence, especially considering the huffy language Apple's been using lately over its intellectual property, but the absence of a straight 3.5mm headphone jack can't be chalked up to any patent issues, since Gruber's source is probably pointing to an Apple patent that covers controlling music via a headphone jack, which in no way prevented HTC from slapping a regular 3.5mm jack on there -- and hell, HTC makes breakout boxes for ExtUSB that expose both a jack and control capability anyway. Furthermore, it's not even remotely clear why Google would be cruising around Infinite Loop with the G1 way ahead of release; as Gruber himself points out, Schmidt recuses himself from board meetings involving iPhone conversations, and we'd expect the courtesy to go both ways.

iTunes, iPod, music, your ears... we get it, Apple owns everything with a melody nowadays, but c'mon, now: at the time the G1 was designed -- many moons ago -- attitude toward the importance of 3.5mm jacks on phones was significantly different than it is today, and we can understand why HTC and Google could've reasonably thought that ExtUSB was good enough. Today, that attitude wouldn't fly -- indeed, HTC's own Touch HD does a real jack, and going forward, we'd expect most Android hardware to have them, too. Talented engineers can usually design their way around patent issues, and we're certain Google and HTC have both the legal and technical muscle to deal with Apple -- so can we please all stop playing lawyer and get back to mocking up the Dream G2?

[Via Daring Fireball]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

FUD alert: Apple allegedly scared Google out of using multitouch, 3.5mm jacks, batteries, displays, love originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

LiveSpeakR iPod / iPhone sound system gets reviewed

Many wondered whether the unique LiveSpeakR would ever break through the concept stage; clearly, it has succeeded in hitting mass production, and our pals over at TUAW were able to spend some quality time with it. Hailed as a "super cradle," this device can latch onto an iPhone (original or 3G), iPod Classic and iPod Touch. Once attached, it can provide audio horizontally or vertically, depending on how you'd like to spin it. During testing, critics found the audio quality to be surprisingly nice, with them even being "astonished that such a big sound was produced by such a small speaker system." As expected, bass notes were a bit hush-hush, but reviewers did appreciate the RF shielding that enabled iPhones to remain on while not introducing buzz. All in all, they felt it was a bargain at $129.99 (and even more so at the sale price of $99.99), but we'd suggest reading the full spill before handing over your hard-earned dollars.

Filed under: Portable Audio

LiveSpeakR iPod / iPhone sound system gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

"Cell Phone Reunion" shows what happens when handsets stop being polite

Ever wonder what some think your choice of cell phone (or cell phone accessory) says about you? You could ask your friends, or you could just check out this video called "Cell Phone Reunion" that anthropomorphizes today's (and yesterday's) most popular cellies, giving them all distinctive -- and some abrasive -- personalities. We'll let you guess which one plays the role of smug braggart. Find out for yourself after the break!

Continue reading "Cell Phone Reunion" shows what happens when handsets stop being polite

Filed under: Cellphones

"Cell Phone Reunion" shows what happens when handsets stop being polite originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

Haptic Compass gives you sense of direction, not style

While most folks can get by just fine by simply looking at a compass, Eric from Monkeys & Robots decided to see just how just how far he could push things and ultimately arrived at the Haptic Compass, which he says roughly simulates the magnetic orientation in migrating birds. To do that, Eric made use of a digital compass, twelve vibrating pager motors and, of course, an Arduino, all of which got brought together in belt form. When switched on, the belt simply buzzes the appropriate motor to indicate which way is north, and it can also be paired with an iPhone (or other device, presumably) to direct the wearer to a specific destination. Unfortunately, Eric doesn't seem to have yet provided a complete how-to, but those with the requisite skills should be able to pick up most of the necessary details by hitting up the read link below.

[Via MAKE:Blog]

Filed under: Wearables

Haptic Compass gives you sense of direction, not style originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices

Google just announced a new service for pushing Gmail contacts and Google Calendar updates to mobile devices. For iPhone and Windows Mobile devices Google is using Exchange ActiveSync with some limitations due to the beta nature of the service, but it'll also work on many other devices that support SyncML (a vendor list is here). Google Sync works automatically, and replaces all existing contact and calendar information on the device, so sync-er beware -- we wouldn't let Google get close to our contacts without some serious preflight cleanup and maintenance. Google Apps users can enable the service per domain. There's an explanatory video after the break.

Update: SyncML doesn't "officially" support calendar sync, though experimental types can add "calendar" as a remote database. Sounds like a thrill ride! [Thanks, Nikolay]

Continue reading Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Google Sync debuts for iPhone, Windows Mobile and SyncML devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

Kindle 2 first hands-on! (updated with video and impressions)

The Kindle 2 is here folks -- it should look pretty familiar at this point! Feast your eyes on the photos. We're building out with more photos and video, so stay tuned. We played for the unit for the briefest of moments, but it really does feel great in hand. The brushed metal back is great, the device is incredibly light and comfortable to hold, and the keyboard is fairly usable. We're not convinced the five-way joystick is the best they possible could've worked into this space -- a d-pad seems much more logical -- but it's responsive and comfortable enough to twiddle with for what it is. Here's some thoughts:

• The five-way rocker is definitely a step up in terms of navigation -- it makes getting around page way eaiser by allowing you to skip through individual words, and you can actually navigate simple web pages the way you're used to.
• The new dictionary pop up (it brings up your definition on the bottom of the screen as you're scrolling through text) is a huge win. It was a pain before, but looking up words is now super easy. Unfortunately -- according to Ross Rubin -- footnotes are still handled in the slow, laborious way they've always been.
  
• Text-to-speech is a nice touch, but it's still hard to get over that computer voice. We can see using this to hear a recipe or short news article, but we're not convinced it'll be enjoyable for a full novel.
• Screen refresh is way, way faster than the old model (they say 20 percent). The difference is welcome and noticeable. Moving through documents and back and forth between pages is a snap now. If you've been frustrated with the slowness before, this will be a big relief.
• The size difference is pretty remarkable. If you loved the crazy old design, you'll be disappointed, but the tradeoff in thickness is probably worth it. Furthermore, the new button placement is a big improvement, one which will likely make those accidental page turns a thing of the past.

Update: There's video after the break, and we've added more shots to the in-depth gallery, including some mega hot head-to-head with the original Kindle.

Gallery: Kindle 2 first hands-on!

Gallery: Kindle 2 in-depth

Continue reading Kindle 2 first hands-on! (updated with video and impressions)

Filed under: Handhelds

Kindle 2 first hands-on! (updated with video and impressions) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch

Amazon Kindle 2 announced: $359 on February 24

Just as expected, Amazon announced the second-generation Kindle ebook reader with the exclusive Stephen King novel UR today -- the page actually went live during the press event. The new version will still cost $359, but it's much thinner than the angular original -- in fact, it's thinner than an iPhone at just .36 inches. Arguably the biggest new feature is Read to Me, which can read any content on the device back to you in a decent-sounding computerized voice, but there's also seven times more storage, a sharper 16-level e-ink display that turns pages 20 times faster, 25 percent longer battery life, and a new five-way joystick that improves navigation. Amazon's Whispernet service is also getting a feature bump, adding in Whispersync bookmarking -- if you start reading a book on one Kindle, you can pick up again on any other Kindle automatically. Sadly, it's still only available in white -- the pink Kindle here is just a one-off made to promote UR. Video after the break. A few more informations:

• Amazon is still working on international release, but has nothing to announce at this time, and wouldn't even confirm a launch this year.
• Battery is non-removable.
• There will be no Kindle 2-exclusive content, and some of the software improvements will be pushed to the original Kindle -- Whispersync is a shoe-in, text-to-speech is a no.

Update: We spent some time playing with the Kindle 2 hands-on -- check it out right here!

Gallery: Amazon Kindle 2

Continue reading Amazon Kindle 2 announced: $359 on February 24

Filed under: Handhelds

Amazon Kindle 2 announced: $359 on February 24 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: iClooly stand gets extra cleepy, iPhone 3G / iPod touch support

It sure took awhile, but the iClooly aluminum stand has finally been updated to fit your second generation iPod touch or iPhone 3G. Set for release on February 18th, the pivoting and rotating stand still costs ¥4,980 in Japan or $47, um, $54 Stateside. While the rising Yen could account for the delay, there's no way we could possibly explain the motivation for producing the iClooly video posted after the break.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Video: iClooly stand gets extra cleepy, iPhone 3G / iPod touch support

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Video: iClooly stand gets extra cleepy, iPhone 3G / iPod touch support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: iPhone watch