USA TODAY

Dash cuts 50 employees, drastically changing business model

November 3, 2008 – 11:06 am
Filed under: GPS It's hard to say if Amazon's recent fire sale of the Dash Express was an indicator of all this, but Dash is making some serious changes, regardless. Reportedly, the outfit has slashed 50 employees -- or around two-thirds of its workforce -- which will leave 30 workers who will operate primarily in engineering and support. According to now-CEO Rob Currie (who has replaced founder Paul Lego by Lego's choice), Dash "wanted to launch its device in the retail channel, but the economic changes made it rethink its business focus." To that end, Dash will actually cease making and selling its own hardware, and instead it will "license its platform to makers of automobile on-board navigation systems, smartphones, netbook-style mobile internet devices and other consumer electronics." So, what does it all mean? It could mean that the connected Dash platform is on the way to an automobile or cellphone ...

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Motorola loses a cool $397M in Q3, delays handset division spinoff

October 30, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds Now that the books have been cooked to a delicious golden brown, Motorola has revealed its third quarter earnings today -- and for consumers and shareholders alike, the news isn't particularly awesome. First off, they've lost $397 million in the quarter, compared with $40 million in net earnings (black ink, not red) in the same quarter a year ago. Secondly, while they've announced today that they plan to develop a full range of Android-powered handsets in 2009, they're not coming quickly; they're expected in the second half of the year at the earliest, and when you factor in the inevitable delays, that could realistically mean 2010 for some of the models. What's more, they've announced a belt-tightening plan to cut $800 million in 2009 expenditures, which will inevitably lead to some morale problems out in Schaumburg (for those who are still employed). Finally -- and we're not ...

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Help Engadget Energize Education in the 2008 DonorsChoose Blogger Challenge

October 30, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: Announcements Last year Engadget -- and its good looking, smart, talented readers -- took a break from the PC and Mac wars and endless discussion of which Linux distro rules the roost to put some cash towards a good cause: DonorsChoose, a fund-raising group dedicated to making kids' education needs a reality.Here's how it works -- we've picked a handful of technology related causes that all need funding to get off the ground. You simply decide how much you want to give and which charity appeals to you, and the money goes directly to one or more programs that will impact high-need public schools. Still feel the desire for a little healthy competition? You can track our progress against other like-minded sites on the Blogger Challenge leaderboard, so you get to do something good for kids and shout "PWNED!"You have until October 31st to make a donation -- either ...

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Softbank introduces Sharp Aquos Fulltouch slider with quasi-XGA resolution

October 30, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: Cellphones Just when we thought the Touch HD really packed the pixels in, Softbank and Sharp have announced the Aquos Fulltouch 931SH slider, which sports a wild 1024 x 480 3.8-inch touchscreen. That's almost the same res as most netbooks, for comparison -- we're not sure what all that pixel density is good for at this size, but we know we want it. Apart from the screen it's also a pretty solid 3G Softbank featurephone: browser, Bluetooth with A2DP, 5.2 megapixel camera with image stabilizer, accelerometer, 1seg TV tuner, and a media player with microSD expansion. Sure, sure -- but look at that screen, people. That's the stuff dreams are made of. Anyone up for a trip to Japan?[Thanks, Paul]Softbank introduces Sharp Aquos Fulltouch slider with quasi-XGA resolution originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: ...

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Debunk: Xbox 360 streams HD Netflix over component just fine

October 30, 2008 – 9:56 am
There's some hysterical outrage out there right now over the New Xbox Experience's HD Netflix HDCP restrictions -- apparently it only works with HDCP-compliant digital displays, which is prompting a lot of hand-wringing about copyright restrictions and whether older 360s will get "locked out." Well, we're here to make it all better -- that's our NXE-equipped 360 connected over component, happily playing back HD Netflix at 1080i. See? Works fine. The problem is that some older LCD monitors don't support HDCP over DVI, so if you're in the minority of people using an HDMI to DVI adapter to drive an older display that doesn't do HDCP, HD Netflix won't work, since it can't authenticate. That's not the best situation, but DVI isn't a default supported 360 output, so we wouldn't expect 100 percent compatibility -- and besides, you can always run VGA. We're waiting on official confirmation from Microsoft of ...

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CMEL shows off 1mm-thick 25-inch HD OLED panel

October 29, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: Displays, HDTV Call us crazy, but we're thinking the OLED battle is totally on. With the novelty of Sony's XEL-1 behind us and the lust for bigger screen sizes completely consuming our minds, we're drooling at the mere thought of a 25-inch OLED panel that checks in at just 1-millimeter thick. Taiwan's Chi Mei EL was caught showing off the long-awaited display at the FPD International exhibition in Japan (last year's image shown), where it explained to onlookers that the marvel featured a native resolution of 1,366 x 768 and was capable of displaying 16.7 million colors. Regrettably, there was no mention of an expected release date, but we'll be watching at CES 2009 just in case (one of our) wildest dreams come true. [Via OLED-Display] CMEL shows off 1mm-thick 25-inch HD OLED panel originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for ...

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ASUS said to be launching Android handset in first half of ‘09

October 29, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: CellphonesWe'd already heard that ASUS had been invited to join the Open Handset Alliance, and DigiTimes is now reporting that the company is, in fact, planning to launch an Android-based handset -- go figure. That phone, some unnamed company sources say, will roll out sometime in the first half of 2009 (we're guessing late first half), and could possibly be released in Taiwan first under ASUS' own brand before making its way overseas in the form of different "customized models" for various clients. Of course, any other details are non-existent at this point, but those same sources did also note that ASUS will be phasing out its use of the Ericsson Mobile Platform (or EMP) in its phones in favor of handset platforms from Qualcomm and Marvell, which is interesting insofar as that both Qualcomm and Marvell are members of the OHA, while Ericsson is not.ASUS said to ...

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HP Mini 1000 review round-up

October 29, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: Laptops We were certainly suitably impressed by HP's new Mini 1000 netbook when we got our hands on it earlier this week, and it looks like that may be the common sentiment about the device, at least if this first batch of reviews is any indication. Like us, other folks were especially impressed by the netbook's keyboard, with Computer Shopper, Laptop Magazine, and PC World each singling it out as one of the stand-out features, and CNET going so far as to declare it "the best netbook keyboard" they've seen. Each of the aforementioned sites also welcomed the step up to the now standard Atom processor and, of course, the cut in price compared to HP's more business-minded 2133 model. That's not to say the netbook is without its drawbacks, however, with most complaining about the lackluster 3-cell battery (though that's due for an upgrade in January), as well ...

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Royal Digital Media trots out 100GB-per-disc Blu-ray competitor

October 29, 2008 – 9:56 am
Filed under: Home Entertainment, StorageLook out HD VMD and CH-DVD -- an all new Blu-ray rival has just sashayed into town, and this one means business. By way of a random DreamStream press release, Royal Digital Media has introduced its bona fide Blu-ray rival... while casually forgetting to name it. These "high-definition discs" will be able to store up to 100GB and will boast military-grade encryption that an aimless hacker will surely destroy in a week or two. According to DreamStream's Chief Development Officer Ulf Diebel, RDM's format "will transform perceptions of high-definition," as it is able to "display the next generation of high-definition: 1920p." For whatever it's worth, this here tech is based around "inexpensive red laser technology," and RDM is hoping to "replace traditional DVD technologies with a comprehensive, next generation HD system." So, when can you buy into this sure-to-be-awesome format? Q1 2009, and for a price ...

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VIA teams with Microsoft to drive low-cost netbooks in global markets

October 28, 2008 – 9:20 am
Filed under: LaptopsHere in the US of A, most netbooks come stocked with a predictable array of hardware: a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 80GB HDD, 1GB of RAM and a price tag ranging from $399 to $699. Elsewhere on the planet, things are a bit different, and if VIA has anything to say about it, it will be the name people think of when hearing "netbook" in Asia and beyond. Said outfit has just cranked up a Global Mobility Bazaar program to "drive [global] mobile computing adoption," and it has already managed to pull 15 companies (including Microsoft, for a little thing called WinXP) onboard. In essence, the program will enable second-tier vendors to get in the netbook game and offer products with shorter life cycles and lower prices -- both of which are mighty useful in emerging markets. In somewhat related news, we're also hearing a sketchy report that ...

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Greatest projector / iPhone clone combo handset in the world now up for sale

October 28, 2008 – 9:20 am
Filed under: Cellphones Look, here's what you need to do: reach into the appropriate pocket on your personage, take out your phone, and throw it into the nearest wall. It sucks. The N70 from Lanye (or ChinaKing, or... somebody from China), which we've drooled over previously, is a candybar phone with a 2.4-inch screen, Bluetooth 2.0, and a little bit of dual-band GSM. Oh, and a built-in projector. And an interface that almost perfectly mirrors that of the iPhone with the addition of voice recording and MMS. It's awesome, and it's now available for import for a mere $345. A bargain at any price.[Thanks, Andrew]Greatest projector / iPhone clone combo handset in the world now up for sale originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: [Link]

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T-Mobile G1 coming to Walmart for $148.88

October 28, 2008 – 9:20 am
Filed under: Cellphones Well, now isn't this something? Best Buy has its fancy little iPhone 3G, but it'll be Wally World offering up the G1 outside of official T-Mobile outlets. As we'd heard yesterday, 550 Walmart stores across the country will begin selling the Android-powered handset beginning tomorrow, and folks who opt to pick one up here versus a traditional T-Mob store will save $31.11. Yep -- according to company spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien, the new / upgrade-eligible customer price for a Walmart-sourced G1 will be just $148.88 with a 2-year agreement. Wait, what? You already purchased your G1 at the full price? They always said the early bird pays the premium... or something along those lines.T-Mobile G1 coming to Walmart for $148.88 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: [Link]

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Microsoft details pre-beta release of Windows 7

October 28, 2008 – 9:20 am
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops We knew good and well Microsoft was gearing up to drop a pre-beta release of Windows 7 in developers' laps at its Professional Developers Conference, but now we're being treated to a host of details from Redmond itself. For starters, it's showing off (for the first time, mind you) its new Web applications for Office. As you'd expect, said apps are "lightweight versions of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote that are used from within standard web browsers." According to Ray Ozzie, chief software architect at Microsoft, it's aiming to bring "the best of the web to Windows, and the best of Windows to the web." 'Course, we're also told about improved navigation, a new taskbar (preview shown), support for multi-touch gestures, Device Stage and enhanced AV integration -- all things that have our interest decidedly piqued. Hit the read link for the full spill direct ...

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Cox to enter cellphone biz, link handsets to other cable-related services

October 27, 2008 – 10:18 am
Filed under: Cellphones We know, you're just dying to say this is a complete shock, but we're here to inform you that it's not. If you'll recall, Cox dug deep to snatch up a decent block of spectrum in this year's 700MHz auction, and it even went so far as to promise a differentiated product that would eventually integrate with its other content and services. Sure enough, it's keeping its word. After spending $500 million on wireless capacity in its markets, president Pat Esser says it's time to turn things on. By relying on Cox's own 3G network (along with Sprint's, initially), the carrier will offer up an undisclosed amount of handsets that will "include a network address book that automatically synchronizes with home PCs" and allow remote programming of one's DVR. Furthermore, users will be able to access e-mail and voicemail that they receive at home right on their mobile, ...

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Motorola introduces MOTONAV TN20 / TN30 GPS devices

October 27, 2008 – 10:18 am
Filed under: GPS While not packing nearly the pizazz offered in the AURA, Motorola's two freshest navigators don't look half bad. Up first is the dead-simple MOTONAV TN20, which provides spoken street names and turn-by-turn directions, NAVTEQ 2D / 3D maps of the continental US and a 3.5-inch touch panel. The slightly more sophisticated MOTONAV TN30 picks up where the TN20 left off and adds in maps of Puerto Rico and Canada, four million searchable points of interest, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth handsfree support. Both systems include a SD slot for updating maps, a mini USB port for charging, speed limit display with warnings and the obligatory on-screen speed, distance, arrival time, elevation, and distance traveled tidbits. If you're into either, you'll have to scoot over to the RadioShack most convenient to you and plop down $199.99 / $299.99, respectively.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: [Link]

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