Archive for June 8th, 2009

This is a bit of a wild one: some very disparate companies are (apparently) teaming up to conquer the car, Microsoft Sync style. Details are a bit slim at the moment, but Continental Auto Group has announced plans to build what they’re calling “the connected car.” The new hardware and software system “leverages” the Android Marketplace, and encompasses car-friendly APIs, car-specific in-vehicle apps and a touchscreen interface plugged into a system designed to pull data from the web and control internal car systems. On a sketchier front, Phandroid has done some mucking around, and seems to think Google, BMW, T-Mobile, Wind River and SVOX are all on the short list for involvement. It’s hard to say exactly how likely that might be, but we’re happy to dream electric dreams of an OHA-style Sync killer along with them. Another shot is after the break.

[Via Phandroid]

Continue reading AutoLinQ initiative taps Android for new connected car initiative

Filed under: GPS, Transportation

AutoLinQ initiative taps Android for new connected car initiative originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The very first thing we want to know about this newfangled iPhone 3G S is exactly what we’re getting for our extra Benjamin (or two, depending on the model you spring for). We don’t have all the answers just yet — Apple’s being coy about processor specs on the 3G S, for example — but here’s what we do know so far.

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Basics
	iPhone 3G	iPhone 3G S
Price	$99 8GB ($299 for ineligible upgraders)	$199 16GB, $299 32GB ($399 and $499 for ineligible upgraders)
Processor	412MHz ARM 11	Unknown, “on average up to twice as fast”
Graphics capability	OpenGL ES 2.0	OpenGL ES 2.0
Camera	2.0 megapixel fixed focus	3.0 megapixel autofocus with macro mode and auto white balance
Video recording	None	30fps VGA with on-device editing capability
Voice control	None	Dialing, music control
Nike+ support	No	Yes
Wireless technologies	3.6Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR	7.2Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Water- and oil-resistant finish	No	Yes
Integrated magnetic compass	No	Yes
Included headphones	Standard	Inline remote for music control
Battery life	Up to 5 hours talk time / data on 3G, 10 hours on 2G Up to 6 hours data on WiFi Up to 24 hours audio Up to 7 hours video	Up to 5 hours talk time / data on 3G, 12 hours on 2G Up to 9 hours data on WiFi Up to 30 hours audio Up to 10 hours video
Dimensions	115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm	115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm
Weight	133 grams / 4.69 oz.	135 grams / 4.76 oz.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

iPhone 3G vs. iPhone 3G S: the tale of the tape originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and Microsoft certainly turned the motion-sensing heat up on Nintendo at E3 last week, but it doesn’t seem like Shigeru Miyamoto is all that concerned at the moment — he just told the BBC that while he’s “flattered” his competitors are “moving in the same direction,” he’s “not worried at all” about Project Natal or the Playstation motion controller because “they don’t have the type of depth that we’re able to provide with Wii Motion Plus.” Snap. We don’t know about that — we certainly haven’t been blown away by Motion Plus — but we can see why Nintendo’s not sweating it just yet: the Wii’s a runaway hit and a pop-culture phenomenon, while Natal and the PSMC are still tech demos without announced ship dates or even final names. That said, it’s clear that Microsoft and Sony don’t intend to just cede this space to Mario and Co., so we’ll see how Nintendo fights back — we’ll tell you right now that the Wii Vitality Sensor ain’t gonna cut it.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Gaming

Miyamoto “not worried at all” about Sony and Microsoft’s motion controllers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know what you’re thinking, and so does Apple: the iPhone 3G S look just like the existing iPhone 3G. True, on the outside. The glory’s in the higher performing guts (that will remain a mystery until teardown and possibly beyond). We’re still not 100 percent clear what features will be 3G S only (we’re sorting that out now), but video recording seems to be one of ‘em even though jailbreakers have been recording video on iPhones for ages. Must be a quality thing. See Apple’s first iPhone 3G S ad after the break.

Continue reading Video: iPhone 3G S looks the same but it’s not, really

Filed under: Cellphones

Video: iPhone 3G S looks the same but it’s not, really originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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digg_url =’http://digg.com/apple/iPhone_3GS_announced’; As endlessly predicted, Apple’s unveiled a new iPhone today at WWDC, the iPhone 3G S — the “s” stands for speed. Although it looks almost exactly like the 3G, it’s much, much faster — some tasks are almost four times faster. Data speeds are upped to 7.2Mbps HSDPA, and the camera is now a 3 megapixel unit with tap-to-autofocus and auto white balance — and just as expected, it now supports 30fps VGA video recording with editing features. You’re also getting a built-in compass, Nike+ support, and a new battery that offers 5 hours of 3G talk time and 9 hours of WiFi internet use. There are some surprises, too — holding down the home button now enables a new voice control interface that lets you do everything from make calls to control iTunes. Pricing is set at $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB when it goes on sale June 18th Stateside and in 80 more countries in August — and the current 3G will remain on sale for $99, effective immediately.

Filed under: Cellphones

iPhone 3G S announced: $199 16GB, $299 32GB, June 19 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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digg_url =’http://digg.com/apple/iPhone_3GS_announced’; As endlessly predicted, Apple’s unveiled a new iPhone today at WWDC, the iPhone 3G S — the “s” stands for speed. Although it looks almost exactly like the 3G, it’s much, much faster — some tasks are almost four times faster. Data speeds are upped to 7.2Mbps HSDPA, and the camera is now a 3 megapixel unit with tap-to-autofocus and auto white balance — and just as expected, it now supports 30fps VGA video recording with editing features. You’re also getting a built-in compass, Nike+ support, and a new battery that offers 5 hours of 3G talk time and 9 hours of WiFi internet use. There are some surprises, too — holding down the home button now enables a new voice control interface that lets you do everything from make calls to control iTunes, and Apple’s touting a new “fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.” New and end-of-contract pricing is set at $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB when it goes on sale June 18th Stateside and in 80 more countries in August — and the current 8GB 3G will remain on sale for $99, effective immediately. You’ll have to pay a bit more if you’re mid-contract, though — $299 for the 3G and $399/$499 for the 3G S.

Other iPhone news from WWDC:
Apple shows iPhone OS 3.0 at WWDC, hits devices June 17th
Apple’s 8GB iPhone 3G falls to $99 on contract
Apple partners with TomTom to bring “real” navigation to iPhone
Apple announces “Find My iPhone” phone-locating service
Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone
ScrollMotion’s Iceberg in-app bookstore announced for iPhone, ready to take on the Kindle?
iPhone 3G vs. iPhone 3G S: the tale of the tape

Other Apple news from WWDC:
Apple’s new MacBook family: non-removable batteries, lower prices
Apple shipping Snow Leopard in September, $29 upgrade
Apple digs into Microsoft at WWDC
Safari 4 released today, offering ‘unparalled speed’

Read – Apple PR
Read – AT&T PR with pricing info

Filed under: Cellphones

iPhone 3G S announced: $199 16GB, $299 32GB, June 19th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/apple/Apple_s_iPhone_3G_falls_to_99_on_contract’; No interest in the iPhone 3G S? How’s about an 8GB iPhone 3G for $99 on a new 2-year AT&T contract? That’s exactly what was just announced at WWDC 2009, and yes, this new price is effective today. We’re guessing any remaining 16GB iPhone 3G units will be scrounged up at closeout rates as well. Oh, and if you’re mid-contract on AT&T (with any phone), you’ll be asked to shell out a whopping $299 for one of these 8GB units or $399 / $499 for the 16GB / 32GB iPhone 3G S. Frankly, that upgrade deal reeks compared to the offer that was passed along to those who upgraded from the iPhone to iPhone 3G (mid-contract users paid the same as new / renewing contract users), but then again, the original iPhone was only sold in unsubsidized (and thus, crazy expensive) form.

Read – AT&T press release
Read – Apple pre-order page

Filed under: Cellphones

Apple’s 8GB iPhone 3G falls to $99 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s happening, if you hadn’t noticed. Read after the break for live updates of all the keynote mayhem! iPhone OS 3.0, Snow Leopard and MacBook refreshes, just for starters.

Continue reading Phil Schiller keynote live from WWDC 2009

Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Laptops

Phil Schiller keynote live from WWDC 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/apple/Apple_shows_iPhone_OS_3_0_at_WWDC’; Apple’s showing off iPhone OS 3.0 at WWDC, and while we’ve seen most of it, there were naturally going to be a few surprises:

• Users will now be able to rent and purchase movies from the phone, along with audiobooks.
• MMS will be available from 29 carriers at launch, with AT&T lagging behind into the summer.
• Tethering over Bluetooth and USB for Macs and PCs is also enabled, with 22 carriers announcing support, but AT&T wasn’t mentioned among them — we’re not holding our breath.
• New and improved Safari does JavaScript 3X faster, and supports QuickTime X-style HTTP streaming of audio and video. There’s also AutoFill for forms, and improved HTML 5 support including audio and video tags.
• Find My iPhone tracks down your phone using MobileMe from any browser. It locates the phone on a map, and also allows you to remote wipe the device, or even play a sound on the phone for locating it around the house — even when it’s on vibrate.
• New dev features have been detailed at length, but they’re still around. Features include in-app purchases (but only for apps that were paid to start out with), Bluetooth and dock connector communication with other devices, including other iPhones. Embedded Google Maps in third party apps, including turn by turn apps. Push notifications of text alerts, number badges and sound alerts.

The new OS will be pushed to devices on June 17th, and iPod touch users get to pay $9.95 for the privilege. Developers get to play with the gold master today.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Apple shows iPhone OS 3.0 at WWDC, hits devices June 17th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s closing out the new application talk today at WWDC with a demo from Line 6 and Planet Waves, who have joined the Cupertino-based company in order to give your iPhone the ability to control your guitar and amplifier. Sadly, the wireless communication between the Line 6 Variax guitar and the iPhone on stage had some issues, though the folks assured us we could see more later on at Line 6′s website. If this thing manages to function, it will also let you re-tune your six-string and change models on the fly. No word on price or availability just yet, but we’ll let you know if either of those factoids appear.

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio

Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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