Archivi giornalieri: 14/07/2011
SwiftKey X virtual keyboard launches for Android tablets, we go hands-on (video)
We’re no strangers to SwiftKey here at Engadget HQ, and today TouchType is launching a major new version of everyone’s favorite Android virtual keyboard — SwiftKey Tablet X for devices running Honeycomb, and SwiftKey X for devices running Android 2.x. Both applications improve upon the original by using TouchType’s Fluency 2.0 artificial intelligence engine, a unique predictive phrase system which learns how you write. New features include cloud learning, which analyzes how you type in Gmail, Twitter, Facebook, and text messages to predict phrases in your style, plus keypress technology which continually monitors your typing precision and adapts the touch-sensitive area for each key to improve prediction accuracy. SwiftKey now supports 17 languages (with more coming soon) and is smart enough to interpret three languages at once. There’s also a handful of other enhancements, including support for themes which allow users to customize the look and feel of the keyboard. And that split keyboard option we first encountered at CES? It’s there of course, in the tablet version.
We’ve been testing SwiftKey Tablet X on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for a few days now, alongside SwiftKey X on a handful of phones (including the Nexus S and the EVO 3D), and it’s probably the best virtual keyboard we’ve used on Android yet. In fact, it’s now replacing the stock keyboard on all our HTC Sense-equipped handsets. Prediction accuracy improves quickly after you start using the keyboard, and we liked having the option to turn off the spacebar-triggered auto-completion of words and phrases. Another useful feature is the ability to display arrow / cursor keys on the phone version. The supplied themes are attractive (especially Neon), and the layouts are intuitive — although we’d have preferred the numbers to be arranged in a row instead of mimicking a numpad. Both applications are available today only for $1.99 in the Android Market. Regular pricing is $4.99 for SwiftKey Tablet X, and $3.99 for SwiftKey X. Take a look at our screenshot galleries below, and hit the break for our hands-on videos and more.
Man builds turbine-powered Batmobile, brags about having the only one (video)
So you think you’re a huge fan of the Dark Knight, huh? Not so fast. Do you own a full-sized Batmobile? Yeah… we didn’t think so. But, auto restoration guru Casey Putsch does, and to launch himself further into super-fanboy status, he upgraded the engine with a Boeing turboshaft — snatched out of a naval drone helicopter. According to him, this makes his collector’s item one of a kind, in true Bruce Wayne fashion. Sure, these discarded movie props are usually powered by a standard 350 (especially the older models), but that wasn’t enough for a dude’s dude who appraises and designs all types of vehicles for a living. Mods were also made to the interior, including an iPad in the dash which serves as the avionics system and keeps track of the important GPS coordinates — you know, stuff you’d expect Lucious Fox to toss in to track villains and such. For a look at this beast in action, check out the video after the break; meanwhile we’ll try to figure out how to cram a jet engine into a Tesla Roadster.
Ecco come Google+ potrebbe diventare il Social per eccellenza: Integrazione Facebook e Twitter
Se non riesci a battere il tuo nemico, alleati con lui. Frase storica, famosa e che potrebbe sintetizzare in parte il concetto che sta alla base di questo articolo. Perchè Google+ avrebbe le carte e le potenzialità per poter realmente diventare lo strumento Social preferito dagli utenti?
La risposta è già chiara dall’immagine e dal titolo ma cerchiamo di vederla in dettaglio.
Mentre Facebook e Twitter sono due mondi separati e distinti che offrono parziali integrazioni all’interno dei propri ecosistemi con altri prodotti sociali, Google+, nonostante sia ancora agli inizi, sembra riuscire a unificare il controllo di tutti i social network in una sola schermata. Questo grazie agli sviluppatori e alle applicazioni installabili tramite Google Chrome.
Applicazioni esistono indubbiamente anche per Facebook, ma non sembrano avere quell’appeal che potrebbe invece offrire Google+ con l’integrazione di Twitter e Facebook.
M1, ecco svelato ufficialmente il MIUI Phone
Anticipato in anteprima due giorni fa in questo articoli, il MIUI Phone prende vita e diventa ufficiale. Stiamo parlando del primo device a montare ufficialmente la versione stabile delle famose ROM MIUI sviluppate da un Team Cinese. Il telefono, chiamato M1, sarà un ibrido tra iPhone e Galaxy S2 e avrà caratteristiche molto interessanti ma non particolarmente allettanti per noi europei vista la mancanza della connessione 3G (almeno stando alle specifiche).
- CPU: Qualcomm 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, not before as rumored 1.5GHz
- Display: 4-inch, 480×854 resolution Sharp LCD screen
- Touch Components: Taiwan TPK to produce the capacitive touch components
- RAM: Unknown
- ROM: Unknown
- SD Card: unknown
- GSM: 850/900/1800/1900
- Suonerie MP3
- Contatti Gestione aziendale
- Messaggistica Messaggistica SMS , Short Message
- Giochi incorporati
- Bluetooth
- GPRS
- JAVA Supporto Java
- Linea dati USB 2.0 (micro SUB)
- Wi-Fi (WLAN)
- GPS Supporto e supporto per A-GPS
- Macchina fotografica
Caratteristiche che non fanno gridare al miracolo anche se processore e presumibilmente ram sono molto interessanti e di ultimissima generazione. Il prezzo non è stato svelato anche se rumors indicano una fascia di prezzo inferiore alle 300€.
TRENDnet TEW-692GR: 450 Mbps e funzionalità Wireless
TRENDnet ha annunciato oggi la disponibilità del TEW-692GR, un nuovo router Dual Band Wireless N da 450Mbps su entrambe le bande (2,4 e 5 GHz) contemporaneamente, con un flusso totale teorico di 900 Mbps.
Foxconn in trattativa con Apple per rimanere l’unico produttore di iPad 3
Sembra proprio che il rumor pubblicato giorni fa riguardo la probabile collaborazione di Apple con un altro produttore, per la realizzazione dei prossimi iPad HD (o iPad 3), sia stata confermata da questo nuovo rumor che vuole la Foxconn attiva a persuadere l’azienda di Cupertino proponendosi come unica fonte per la produzione del nuovo Tablet.
Secondo quanto riportato da Digitimes, l’azienda Pegatron Technology, che dovrebbe (o per meglio dire, doveva) affiancare la Foxconn nella produzione dei nuovi iPad HD, non sarebbe in grado, secondo la Foxconn stessa, di soddisfare le pressanti richieste di Apple, per cui sta sollecitando l’azienda di Cupertino a cambiare idea, tornando “sui suoi passi”.
Da questo rapporto emergono anche piccoli dettagli riguardanti il probabile nuovo iPad HD, che dovrebbe essere lanciato entro la fine dell’anno, con una risoluzione maggiore, andando cosi ad affiancare e non a rimpiazzare l’attuale iPad 2.
L’applicazione ufficiale di Facebook arriva anche sui dispositivi Nokia
Da pochi minuti è stata annuncia Facebook for Every Phone, la nuova applicazione ufficiale di Facebook scritta in Java. Il client, a nostro avviso, pur essendo ufficiale non è ai livelli di fMobi ma riesce comunque a garantire un accesso più semplice a numerosi contenuti.
- Feed Notizie
- Posta
- Gestione amicizie
- Notifiche
- Eventi
- Foto
- Visualizzazione del profilo
- Ricerca
- Applicazioni
Pienamente supportata la lingua italiana, mentre sembrerebbero mancare la Chat integrata ed i Check In.
Smart View: l’applicazione per vedere TV e Blu-Ray su smartphone e tablet
Samsung ha lanciato ufficialmente Smart View, applicazione gratuita per Galaxy S II e Galaxy Tab 10.1 per vedere la TV dal nostro device mobile.
Oltre a estendere la funzione di telecomando già inaugurata da Samsung Remote, Smart View sfrutta lo schermo di smartphone o tablet per avere un secondo schermo: mentre si guarda un programma in TV, ad esempio, in un’altra stanza si può vedere sul tablet un film in Blu-Ray oppure sullo smartphone si guarda la partita di Sky e sulla TV un telefilm.
Tra le funzioni in arrivo, inoltre, ci sarà la possibilità di vedere la guida dei programmi così da non oscurare la TV con i menu. Al momento Smart View è compatibile con le TV D7000 e D8000 ma si potrà usare anche su Galaxy Player YP-GB70 e installabile su Galaxy S e Galaxy Tab entro fine anno.
Twitter for Android gets push notifications, multiple account support
Having a hard time juggling your full-cast reproduction of Harry Potter masquerade Twitter accounts? No worries, the firm just sent out an update to its Android app that will let you switch between multiple accounts with ease. It’s almost magical. Not saddled with the burden of weaving a complex narrative across multiple online identities? That’s okay, there’s something here for everyone; this update includes push notification, updated home screen widgets, and assorted bug fixes. Version 2.1.0 is live today, assuming you’re rocking Android 2.1or higher.
Hulu Plus Android app is now playing on Evo 4G, Thunderbolt, myTouch 4G and G2
Last month Hulu Plus finally arrived on Android however support was unfortunately limited to just six devices, but tonight the official blog has announced the count has reached double digits. Four HTC phones are on the list — the Evo 4G, Thunderbolt, myTouch 4G and G2 — bringing the total to ten models supported, featuring a mix of first and second gen Snapdragon chips clocked at varying speeds. Given shared architecture with some phones already on the list it’s not clear why these had to wait, but Senior Product Manager Lonn Lee is quick to point out that the streaming video site isn’t done yet. Even as it’s on the auction block, there’s at least some chance to pick up disgruntled Netflixsubscribers and adding a few underserved handsets is as good a way as any to reach out.
LG's 20-inch DX2000 3D monitor don't need no glasses to be enjoyed
In our experience, soaking in the third dimension on a panel smaller than 40-some-odd inches isn’t exactly a jaw-dropping affair, but if you’re residing in cramped quarters… well, your options are somewhat limited. Outside of strapping something on your dome, you’ll probably be in the market for a more diminutive set, and LG’s DX2000 just might fit the bill. It’s a 20-inch LED-backlit 3D monitor, but unlike the legions of alternatives, this one’s of the glasses-free variety. It relies on parallax barrier technology (read: not the most sophisticated), but ups the ante by throwing in the world’s first eye-tracking feature on a panel of this stature. In theory, said feature allows users to move about in front of the screen, perhaps expanding those exceedingly narrow “sweet spots” that have worried viewers for years now. We’re also told that there’s a 2D-to-3D conversion feature, and while it’s destined to hit Korean streets later this month, other regions are slated to get it during the latter part of 2011.
Evolio's Neura making a foolio of other Android tablets (video)
Have you heard of Evolio? Neither have we, but it might be time we all start paying attention to this Romanian start-up if its grandiose claims of tech stardom prove true. Heralding it as the “most powerful Android tablet” — and the one ring to rule them all — the Neura is a 1GHz dual core Tegra 2 processor-packing, 9.7-inch full HD displaying, Flash-capable slab of Eastern European engineering. Since its been (self-)declared king of the little green robot OS hill, the company’s aiming this market entry squarely at Apple’s iPad 2 — hoping its powers of 1080p and expandable memory can best that category titan. Unfortunately, the company’s proud boast only covers its hardware specs, leaving Froyo to underpower what could be a truly premium experience. A September update to Honeycomb is loosely mentioned, but with 3.2 already rolling out to Xooms, this baby’s starting to look dated. If owning an exotic tablet strikes your cooler-than-thou fancy, get your credit card set to import mode on July 25th. Informational video and its excellent Romanian-electro intro after the break.
Netflix streaming comes to the Nintendo 3DS tomorrow
Ever since Nintendo’s GDC announcement in March we’ve been waiting for Netflix streaming on the 3DS, and it appears tomorrow’s eShop update will do the trick. This may be too late for those that followed through on threats to cancel after the new rates were announced yesterday, but all other 3DS owners can get their Parks & Rec (in 3D?) anywhere in range of a WiFi signal. Joystiq also points out there’s also two Game Boy games coming in tomorrow’s update, Game & Watch Gallery and Baseball, just in case you’re interested in using your portable game machine to actually play games.
Pentax releases limited edition 645D DSLR, covers it in swank
Like what you see above? Well, it could be yours… if you’re willing to wait four months. Pentax is giving a very limited edition high-five to its medium-format 645D DSLR. The 40 megapixel stunner, recently crowned 2011 “Camera of the Year” at the Camera Grand Prix Japan, is getting a luxe lacquered makeover in this made-to-order kit. If you’re the type to collect overpriced (we assume) pieces of photographic paraphernalia, then this custom paulownia-wood box and its contents are probably up your alley. What do you get for all this premium exclusiveness? Well, there’s the aforementioned specially-designed body, a leather strap, body mount cap and center-spot-matte focusing screen. Not included is an actual photographer to take the pictures for you (or keep your swag clean) — now thatwould be high-end. There’s no word yet as to what this stately beauty’s gonna cost, but that shouldn’t stop you from pre-ordering it on the company’s site right now. Money may not buy you happiness, but it can get you a rare toy. Hit the break for the official line from a very happy imaging company.
Motorola rumored to be hard at work on high-res, 4:3 Ice Cream Sandwich tablet
Apparently, when Motorola was trying to figure out why its Xoom has struggled so mightily in against the iPad 2, the company didn’t focus on its high starting price or slightly heftier hardware. Instead, it decided the issue was the screen — in particular the format — and rumor has it that Moto is working on a new tablet (probably not the Xoom 2 we’ve glimpsed) that ditches the 16:9 ratio for the more square 4:3 found on Apple’s slate. Supposedly the non-widescreen device will sport an extremely pixel-dense 2048 x 1536, 10-inch display and run Ice Cream Sandwichwhen it lands later this year or early next. We’re not entirely convinced this will pan out and, honestly, we’ve always preferred the more more modern widescreen format — but, if the iPad sells with it’s old-school ratio we suppose it’s worth a shot.
Motorola's Photon 4G ships to Sprint on July 31st: $200 on contract
Too often, “expected summer launches” translate into “the very last day possible,” so we were happy to learn that Sprint’s latest collaboration with Motorola, the Photon 4G, will be available July 31st for the usual $200 on contract. To say the upcoming Android device will come loaded is an understatement: it’ll ship with Gingerbread, a Tegra 2 dual-core 1GHz CPU, one full GB of RAM, a 4.3-inch qHD display, dual cameras (8 megapixel rear, VGA front) and 16GB of internal memory. Not surprisingly, Sprint’s also integrating its signature Sprint ID feature into the user interface. While the device will be available to the general public on July 31st, Premier Customers will have the golden opportunity to get it online three days earlier. If you were perched on the fence about the HTC EVO 3D, this may be the only Sprint phone that’s ready to push you in either direction. Full PR following the break.
PayPal announces phone-to-phone NFC support, cuts eyes at Google (video)
Still eager to do business with a company that’ll lock your account on a whim and side with the buyer regardless of the facts? Splendid! If that’s you, PayPal would love for you to know that it has announced a new phone-to-phone NFC payment application at MobileBeat 2011, offering Nexus S owners the ability to request and transfer funds between handsets. As of now, the functionality is quite limited — there’s just a single smartphone with the hardware capabilities to take advantage, and there’s no phone-to-anything not a phone supported as of now. In other words, this isn’t exactly a Square killer just yet, but it’s definitely something for the sued folks at Google to pay attention to. We’re also hearing that P2P transactions through PayPal are gratis “if using a bank account or existing balance in the customer’s PayPal account,” but no one’s coughing up details on what’ll be deducted in the form of fees when using a different method of payment. A video demo of the 48 second transaction awaits you after the break, but sadly, there’s no details on how soon it’ll be made available to the public.
Sony S1 and S2 hands-on
Sony 3D Experience brings free on-demand movie trailers, sports clips to Bravia TVs
HDTV manufacturers have used a variety of tactics to attract customers to the 3D segment, bundling free glasses, discounting Blu-ray players, and nearly eliminating unsightly bezels, but with content selection still incredibly limited, there’s been little incentive for consumers to shell out extra cash for a 3D set. Sony’s new 3D Experience sets out to expand those content offerings, streaming on-demand sports highlights and select movie trailers to Bravia LCD TVs, and eventually Blu-ray players and home theater systems. The Experience launches with just 30 clips in the US, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK today, but will eventually grow to include more movie, music, sports, and documentary titles. There’s no word on whether or not we can expect full-length films (or anything else we may actually be interested in watching) in the future, but with a commitment from Samsungto launch paid content later this year, we imagine Sony won’t follow too far behind.
