Oh, how the times are a-changin'. Hot on the heels of ABC revealing its plans to start streaming live TV in some areas, Time Warner's now let it be known that it will be taking a similar route with its own TNT and TBS networks. According to the Los Angeles Times, Steve Koonin, head honcho of Turner Entertainment Networks, confirmed these online services are due to kick off this summer and will allow interested streamers to watch content "anytime, anywhere, on multiple devices." Just don't go thinking you can join the cord-cutting crowd, as you'll still need a proper cable subscription to enjoy TBS or TNT on the interwebs. Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD Comments Source: Los Angeles Times
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The time is nearly here and are ready to liveblog. Will Google unveil the long-rumored Nexus 7 successor? Will there be new phones to consider? What does the future hold for Google Glass? Over the course of the next three hours (!) we're eager to find out. Join us at 9:00am PT for all the excitement. Filed under: Google Comments
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Need more evidence that Google is preparing a Game Center-like platform dubbed Play Games? Look no further than the "What's New" section of your favorite Android game. At least one title, Eufloria HD, received an update today that explicitly states it has support for Google Play Games Achievements. According to the changelog, the title will now allow you to sync those achievements with your Google+ profile and share them with your circles. Guess the cat is pretty officially out of the bag at this point. Now we'll just have to sit tight for a little while longwe and wait for the folks at Mountain View to explain all the fun little details to us. [Thanks, Peter] Filed under: Gaming, Internet, Software, Google Comments Source: Eufloria HD (Google Play)
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We've still got about an hour and 20 minutes until the Google I/O keynote begins, but we're already starting to get hints of what's to come. The company just revealed, in an indirect sort of way, that the next-gen version of Android will be Android 4.3 (as opposed to, say, 5.0). The name popped up on one of Google's developer pages, which ended up being cached despite the fact that it wasn't live for very long. Unfortunately, that page didn't reveal much in the way of actual features, so it's unclear whether the jump from 4.2 to 4.3 will be a minor one. In any case, we'll find out in 78 minutes and counting. Filed under: Software, Google Comments Via: The Verge
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It still doesn't have a ton to show off, but we are now at least getting a better picture of what upstart Adaia has in store for its first smartphone. Speaking with AllThingsD, CEO Heikki Sarajarvi (just one of a number of former Nokia workers at Adaia) explained that he was driven to create the company after destroying one too many smartphones while sailing. Now, the company finally has a working prototype of its first device -- one that's not only rugged, but with both cellular and satellite connectivity to keep the more adventurous among us connected at all times. As for the hardware, Adaia says that it's partnered with BMW Group's DesignworksUSA on the industrial design, which is said to be inspired by a topographical map, while Elektrobit will be handling the inner bits. The phone will be dubbed the Blackcomb according to the company's website, and apparently won't be available to the public until sometime next year. It will, however, be put to the test this summer when a team attempts to cross the Northwest Passage with it in tow. It also, unsurprisingly, won't come cheap. As far as a price goes, Sarajarvi would only say that it'll cost more than a high-end smartphone, but less than the four phones he's had to replace put together. Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile Comments Source: AllThingsD, Adaia
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ASUS' GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU Mini graphics card first broke cover in April without a price or concrete release date, but now Newegg has dished out just those details along with extra specs. Loaded with 1,344 CUDA cores and 2GB of 256-bit GDDR5 RAM, the silicon boats a base clock of 928Mhz and a boost speed of 1,006MHz. The 6.7-inch-long hardware bound for diminutive -- or even full-size -- PCs rings up at $399, and is slated for availability on May 20th. Click the source link below to pre-order the dual-slot dwarf or head past the break for the retailer's unboxing video. [Thanks, Cody] Filed under: Desktops Comments Source: Newegg
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We suppose even if you did buy a custom Jambox speaker done up in Red Sox colors, you wouldn't necessarily cop to it in the comments. As it turns out, though, you wouldn't be alone: more than 70 percent of the people who purchase a Jambox on Jawbone.com choose their own colors for the cap and speaker grille. Given that, Jawbone's decided to do the same thing with the Big Jambox, which you could previously only buy in the stock colors. As with the smaller model, there are over 100 possible combinations, including some permutations only a sports fan could love. As always, too, the personalization has absolutely no bearing on the price: the MSRP for the Big Jambox is still $300. Filed under: Portable Audio/Video Comments Source: Jawbone
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NEC's just broken some new ground with the Medias X, the world's first liquid-cooled smartphone that was launched as part of DoCoMo's summer lineup. Rather than being aimed at the propeller-heads usually associated with that tech, though, NEC and DoCoMo are marketing it towards women in the same patronizing manner as the infamous HTC Rhyme and Fujitsu Arows Kiss F-03D. That aside, cooling for the quad-core Snapdragon 600 CPU works via a liquid-charged tube from the processor to a graphite "radiator" along the system board that disperses heat. We're not exactly sure why the phone needs it, though, as the rest of the specs don't exactly scream overheating: Android 4.2, a 4.7-inch 720p display, LTE and a 13.1-megapixel Exmor RS camera. Though NEC claims the phone runs much cooler than a standard model (see the graphic after the break), we haven't heard too many complaints about hot phones lately -- but perhaps we're hanging with the wrong crowd. Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile Comments Via: The VergeSource: NEC
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We'd heard talk long, long ago of Verizon hooking up with VMware for a virtual workspace on its smartphones, and we can at last say that it's more than just chatter. Starting today, Verizon's business customers can buy VMware's Horizon Mobile for their Android devices. The solution gives corporate phones a common desktop with encrypted apps, data and policies that can't be touched from the device's regular environment. While this puts the Verizon-VMware partnership in competition with the likes of BlackBerry Secure Work Space and Samsung Knox, it won't be a perfect match for those services: the two companies are asking $125 per person for Horizon Mobile, and the initial device support is oddly limited to the LG Intuition and Motorola Droid RAZR M (neither is pictured here). Nonetheless, the deal might be a good fit for companies that would rather tie their phones to a single carrier than any one hardware manufacturer. Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Google, Verizon, LG Comments Source: VMware
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The five month old LG Nexus 4 just showed up on the Bluetooth SIG for a second inspection. The SIG's site appears to be down right now, but TechTastic took a screen grab which lists the revised handset as supporting Bluetooth 4.0. This is interesting, because up until now the Android Open Source Project hasn't supported the lower power Bluetooth spec, meaning that the original Nexus 4 couldn't use it despite having the necessary hardware. Judging by the appearance of this SIG listing, Bluetooth 4.0 support for stock Android could be announced at I/O later today. Coincidentally (or not), HTC is due to give to give a talk at a local Android User Group tomorrow about Bluetooth Low Energy. Oh, and while we're on the subject of a potentially updated Nexus 4, there have been more sightings of a white version in Dubai (shown above). Ripe for another I/O giveaway? Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG Comments Source: TechTastic, TechView, The San Francisco Android User Group
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While Jordan Mechner's Karateka burst back onto the scene through its 2012 remake, that wasn't good enough for purists who really just wanted a port of the 1984 original. Consider their wish granted, as Karateka Classic is coming to both Android and iOS on May 16th. The release goes the extra distance to recreate much of the Apple II-based fighting experience, warts and all -- would-be warriors can even choose a monochrome screen palette or hear a floppy drive churning away. About the only concessions to modernity are touch control, playing tips and a Sands of Time-style rewind feature. At 99 cents, Karateka Classic is undoubtedly a cheap nostalgia trip... even if it does trigger that fear of birds we thought we'd cured ages ago. Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming Comments Source: Karateka
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While still in beta, Redbox Instant is slowly increasing the number of devices it supports and has now announced its launch on LG's Smart TV platform (TVs only, not Blu-ray players, for now.) The hybrid disc / video on-demand / subscription streaming movie service has continued to push updates to its apps on Android and iOS since their debut, and has been posting promotions of its "disc + digital" approach. Its digital catalog is still more limited than competition like Netflix or Amazon Prime, but the disc aspect is an interesting hook, allowing users to pick up a brand new flick at the kiosk and stream catalog fare, all under one package. If you're in the beta then let us know how things are progressing in the comments, and if you're not then you can get a free month trial at the link below. Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, LG Comments Via: Redbox Instant (Twitter)Source: Redbox Instant
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We've never understood why Panasonic chose to brand its top-line tablet as the Toughbook H2, but given the hairy-chested types who build and use the gear, we're not gonna challenge 'em. The company hasn't messed too much with the Windows 7 slate, except pushing the top chip to a 2.8GHz Intel Core i5-3427U and to swap out the 320GB 7,200RPM shock-mounted HDD for a 500GB model. Panasonic has also tweaked the hardware's polycarbonate-encased magnesium alloy chassis, with MIL-STD-810G1 ensuring that the gear will survive drops from six-feet, as well as IP651 weather-proofing. The 3.5-pound unit also sees its battery life pushed to seven hours and also gains boosted WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.1+EDR connectivity. Once you've selected a unit, there's a hefty list of possible add-ons, including barcode scanners, smart card readers, Gobi-running 3G, LTE and GPS options. There's even a model that meets MIL-STD-461F standards for electromagnetic protection -- useful if your day job involves battling superheroes. The standard unit will set you back $3,349 and comes with a three-year international warranty, so you'd better get buttering-up your procurement manager now. Gallery: Panasonic Toughbook H2 (2013) Filed under: Tablets Comments
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Today Pinterest announced an update to its Android and iOS apps, bringing some key features from the desktop site to your smartphone or tablet. First up is the addition of notifications: now you can view all your comments and mentions via push notifications or within the app. You'll also be able to mention friends -- using the ever-popular @ symbol -- on your mobile device. Finally, Pinterest has added suggested search terms to help speed up your queries, and it will reflect searches done on your PC as well as on your handset. Nab the download for your OS of choice via the links below. Filed under: Software, Mobile Comments Source: Pinterest (iTunes), Pinterest (Google Play)
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We don't know for sure that Dell's been experiencing the weak demand for Windows RT Samsung's been so vocal about, but significant price cuts to its XPS 10 tablet hybrid suggest it hasn't exactly been flying off the shelves. Not only has the $500 tag for the tablet with 32GB of storage dropped to $300, but adding another 32GB now only costs $50 more, instead of $100. Savings have extended to the keyboard dock, too -- opting for the bundle used to increase the overall cost by $180, but now that peripheral is only a $50 extra. (Make sure to lead with the bundle though, as it's $100 if added from the tablet-only customization options). The cost of optional LTE hasn't changed, however, so that 4G radio still costs an additional $100. While we haven't reached fire sale territory just yet, the cuts are still a welcome discount for consumers. In the interest of preserving profit margins, perhaps Dell should ask Acer's president to consult next time it's cooking up new hardware. Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Dell Comments Via: The Verge, CNETSource: Dell
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Microsoft's Joe Belfiore has just tweeted that, at some point today, BBC iPlayer is coming to Windows Phone 8. It's been a long road getting to this point, as the BBC's and Microsoft's conflicting technologies don't play nicely with each other -- with this version being a browser-based shortcut rather than a fully-featured app. Still, for the legion of British Windows Phone users dying for their Doctor Who fix while on the go, something is far better than nothing. Update: And it's official, so head down to the Windows Store link below to start downloading. Filed under: Cellphones, Software, HD, Mobile, Microsoft Comments Source: Joe Belfiore (Twitter), BBC, Windows Store
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Who says a carbon fiber chassis with sufficient cooling for a Core i7 has to be heavy? The ThinkPad X230s, revealed on Lenovo's Chinese site following a partial leak in January, looks like a significantly more portable version of last year's X230, with a weight of just 1.28kg (2.8 pounds) and a minimum thickness of 17.7mm (0.7 inches). There's room inside for up to 8GB of RAM, either a 240GB SSD or 1TB HDD, fingerprint reader, 720p webcam, VGA and Mini DisplayPort outputs, two USB 3.0 ports and keyboard backlighting. It's a Windows 8 machine, of course, with shortcut keys and a gesture-optimized TrackPad. We're on the lookout for further details, including any pricing, and will update this post soon as we have some. Update: We're going to hazard a guess that the resolution is 1,366 x 768, based on the January leak. Chinese pricing looks to be around 7,399 yuan ($1,200). [Thanks, Os] Filed under: Laptops, Lenovo Comments Source: Lenovo
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Fancy some of the 4K magic from Sony, but living over in the UK? Well you can get one step closer by pre-ordering today. The Bravia X9 as it's known over there comes in two sizes (55" and 65") both of which will land in bricks and mortar stores in mid-June. The price? Well, £4,000 and £6,000 respectively. That outlay will get you upscaling on all your media, and Sony's 4K X-Reality PRO enginge handling the full-resolution stuff. Still not convinced? Well there is NFC and plus a TV SlideView app for Android and iOS if that sweetens the deal? Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony Comments
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A dedicated time lapse camera is about as niche as a piece photo gear gets. But, we'll say this about Brinno's latest offering, it captures some pretty stunning clips. The TLC200 Pro is supposedly the world's first such device that captures these dramatic clips in HDR. The 1.3 megapixel sensor weighs in at a healthy 1/3-inch, which means the pixels are much larger than your average sensor -- in fact, they're more than twice the size of those found in the HTC One UltraPixel shooter. The built-in lens sports an aperture of f/2.0 and a 112-degree wide angle field of view. But you can also slap on one of the available interchangeable lenses to alter that to your liking. About the only thing we could find to complain about (besides its limited functionality) is the fact that it captures video at only 720p. Unfortunately there's no word on price yet, though we're sure it'll be a bit more than the non-Pro version of the TLC200, which will set you back $300. If you're curious, there's a whole host of sample footage after the break. Filed under: Cameras Comments Via: Gizmodo AustraliaSource: Brinno
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We've seen software and even TV shows that teach younger kids about technology, but we haven't really seen ready-made educational robots for that age group -- and no, AIBO and Furby don't count. Play-i, a new startup involving former Apple and Google employees, thinks it's time that the younger set receives some truly helpful mechanical companions. The company tells AllThingsD that it's developing robots that 5 to 8 year olds can program through mobile devices, teaching them about code in a more tangible way than a device screen would allow. While details of the robots are scarce, the team is shooting for sub-$100 prices that parents could afford: these bots may not be limited to classrooms. We'll hopefully discover more when Play-i starts a crowdfunding campaign in the summer, although it will still be a long while before we're picking up Junior's First Automaton. [Image credit: Alonso Inostrosa Psijas, Flickr] Filed under: Robots Comments Source: AllThingsD
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Just hours before its I/O event, Google has apparently had a little accident: the sign-up page for "the new Google Maps" briefly went live, revealing a slew of extra details about what's coming in the rumored refresh before quickly being pulled. Droid-Life managed to grab some screenshots, including the one above, which gets to the heart of what Google is trying to achieve. The central idea is that Google will create maps tailored to the kind of information you're looking for, using a "smarter search box" to highlight just the "things that matter most," whether those be flights, ground transport or the new Earth View that integrates directly with Google Earth without the need for a plug-in. According to the leaked sign-up screens, the bringing together of all Google's data results in layers of information that reach "from outer space down to the streets" -- but there's still no evidence about how (or whether) this might work on mobile. Stay tuned to our Google I/O opening keynote liveblog for more. Filed under: Internet, Software, Google Comments Source: Droid-Life
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While the semi-annual parade of new smartphone models at NTT DoCoMo often reveals some unexpected devices, this summer it had a bumper crop: we've already seen the new Sony Xperia A, Sharp's Aquos Phone Zeta and Aquos Pad SH-08E plus a Galaxy S4 in "arctic blue." Seven more phones round out the lineup and NTT DoCoMo is trumpeting 2,100 mAh minimum batteries, LTE, NFC and quad-core processors for the entire gamut. Other standout models include Fujitsu's 5.2-inch, 1080P Arrows NX F-06E, a model with a 16-megapixel camera you'll likely never see stateside, Panasonic's Eluga V P-06D with a 4.7-inch 1080P screen and a whopping 2,600 mAh battery, and Disney Mobile's F-07D, which should be an endurance wonder with a 720P screen and 2,600mAh cell. Naturally, there's a rainbow of new hues for most of the models, which will roll out over the summer in Japan -- click the source link PDF for detailed specs or check the PR after the jump. Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile Comments Source: NTT DoCoMo (PDF)
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Amid the bevy of phones outed in NTT DoCoMo's summer lineup, the Japanese carrier snuck in a tablet: Sharp's Aquos Pad SH-08E. A 7-inch 1,920 x 1,200 IGZO display dominates the front of the Android 4.2 device, while a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor and a 4,200mAh battery are tucked inside. When it comes to imaging, the slab totes an 8.1-megapixel shooter on its rear, and wears a 2.1-megapixel cam on the front. The hardware's also been kitted out with WiFi, NFC and TV tuning capabilities, along with waterproofing and dustproofing, to boot. As the slate's outfitted to work with DoCoMo's Xi LTE network, it's capable of sucking down 100Mbps and uploading at 37.5Mbps. There's no word on how much it'll empty wallets, but it's penciled in to be available in Japan by the end of July. Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile Comments Source: NTT DoCoMo (PDF)
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This may be a slower part of the year for HD news, but we still managed to round up an hour's worth of goodies. It's an onslaught of mostly minor happenings from all the usual major players, along with your two favorite hosts. Stream it below or catch a download after the break. Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc) Producer: Joe Pollicino (@akaTRENT) Hear the podcast Filed under: Podcasts, HD Comments
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The folks at NTT DoCoMo have just paraded out their roster of handsets for the summer season, and tucked in among the phones is the waterproof Aquos Phone Zeta SH-06E, which packs a 1080p IGZO display. Behind the 4.8-inch screen, the Android 4.2 handset totes a 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, NFC, WiFi, a TV tuner and a 2,600mAh battery. As for cameras, the Sharp-made hardware -- which comes in blue, red and white hues -- packs a 13.1-megapixel rear shooter and a 2.1-megapixel front-facing cam. Since the device operates on the network's Xi LTE service, it's rated to pull down 100Mbps and upload at 37.5Mbps. As for a release date, the smartphone is slated to hit Japanese streets on May 24th. There's no telling when this cellphone or its 1080p IGZO display will arrive in other territories, but our eyes sure hope it's soon. Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile Comments Source: NTT DoCoMo (PDF)
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