Microsoft showed off its new retro-tastic Game Room UI for Xbox 360 in playable form at GDC last week. While the "make a virtual representation of a gaming space" idea might seem ripped straight from Sony's Home, there aren't really any actual similarities -- outside of the fact they're both in 3D, at least. You dive disembodied through the different game rooms pretty intuitively, with different company collections on the bottom "level" of the mall-like UI, and upper levels set aside for your own collections of the games. Unfortunately, once you actually select an arcade cabinet, the UI gets rather overly complex, with all sorts of modes you can play the game in, sorts of scores to be tracked and an indecipherable menu tree that makes it a real chore to exit a game. We're sure arcade fanatics, ready to pit their scores against the best of them and looking for truly in-depth functionality are going to love all this, but for us poor simpletons it's a little much to take in all at once. Luckily, Microsoft saved the best for the actual gameplay. Not only does it nicely emulate inserting coins and even entering in codes on a virtual keypad, but when playing games in the non-ranked classic mode there's a "rewind" function accessible at any time with the tug of the left trigger. The screen gets those VHS-style wavey lines and you can mend your errors instead of losing a valuable life or having to start from the beginning. It's perfect for patching over the quarter-munching difficulty of some of these games, and it might even be enough to pull us away from our polygon-drenched gorefests now and then to don an inexplicable bear avatar and spelunk some Crystal Castles. Check out a video of Game Room after the break, and stand by for a launch of the service on March 24.

Continue reading Microsoft's Game Room for Xbox 'rewinds' the hits in our hands-on demo

Microsoft's Game Room for Xbox 'rewinds' the hits in our hands-on demo originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Longer battery life is high atop our list of gadget prayers, and the brainiacs at Stanford are one step closer to making our dreams come true with a new lithium-sulfur technology. Half of this trick lies in the silicon nanowire anode that the same team developed back in 2007, whereas the new cathode consists of a similarly commodious lithium sulfide nanostructure. Compared to present lithium-ion batteries, Stanford's design is "significantly safer" and currently achieves 80 percent more capacity, but it's nowhere near commercial launch with just 40 to 50 charge cycles (Li-ion does "300 to 500") due to the compound's rapid degradation. That said, we're promised a theoretical quadruple boost in capacity as the technology matures, so until then we'll keep that hamster running in our backpack.

Stanford develops safer lithium-sulfur batteries with four times the charge of lithium-ion cells originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Technology Review  |  Nano Letters  | Email this | Comments

A leaked Verizon training memo reveals how Big Red will be dealing with those who have plans to connect their BlackBerry to a new BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express (BESX); it is going to cost you a little extra. The memo explains that those looking to leverage BESX will be required to have an enterprise level data plan — which typically costs $45/month — as opposed to the standard $30/month BlackBerry data plan. RIM states the requirements of BESX are:

• A BlackBerry smartphone
• Subscription to an internet-enabled BlackBerry service plan from your wireless service provider

Not exactly 100% accurate, as the $30 standard data plan is an “internet-enabled BlackBerry service plan,” but, we suppose, not entirely false either.  We’ve got the leaked memo after the break.

On March 1, 2010, RIM will launch BES Express (BESX), an entry-level version of BES.As with all Corporate email solutions, customers will need a corporate email data plan or feature added to a voice plan to allow access to BESX.

Note: Customers on the Email and Web for BlackBerry $29.99 data feature MAY NOT utilize BESX.

Overview:

BESX replaces BlackBerry Professional Software (BPS) in RIM’s product lineup and allows businesses using Microsoft® Exchange or Microsoft Small Business Server to support up to 75 BlackBerry subscribers without having to purchase Client Access Licenses (CAL) or a dedicated server. Additional users can be supported if BESX is installed on a dedicated server.

With the launch of BESX, RIM will discontinue the sale of BPS. Verizon Wireless will sell through our remaining BPS inventory and RIM will continue to support this solution for the foreseeable future.

Customer Information/Eligibility:

• BESX will be available directly from the RIM website. Customers should be directed there for additional product information.
• BESX will not be available directly from Verizon Wireless.

As with all Corporate email solutions, customers will need a corporate email data plan or feature added to a voice plan to allow access to BESX

Read

The last time we heard anything about the launch schedule for Google's Chrome OS it was summer of last year. At that time we were told a rather vague "second half of 2010" and, now that we're entering the second quarter of the year, forgive us if we were starting to get a bit doubtful about that timeline. But, Google's Eric Schmidt is here to assuage our fears, speaking at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and indicating the little OS is still on track for that same, rather vague release window. That we're still not getting a more specific date makes us think we're probably looking at a release toward the end of the second half of this year, but just the same it seems like you shouldn't wipe that Chrome-powered netbook off your wishlist for this upcoming holiday season just yet.

Eric Schmidt confirms Chrome OS is on schedule, on target originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  t-break: Tech  | Email this | Comments

Android Forums is alight today with fresh HTC Incredible chatter -- a phone every Android fan on Verizon is desperately waiting for -- and we've managed to glean a few more pictures and possible specs out of the mess. It looks like we can expect a half gig of RAM with about 320MB available (roughly the same as what you find on the Nexus One) and an 8 megapixel cam, but interestingly, the phone's Snapdragon core is apparently underclocked to 768MHz, almost certainly a battery-saving measure on HTC's part; fortunately, the Sense-powered Android 2.1 firmware is still said to be "blazing fast." It measures 117.5 x 58.5 x 11.9mm -- just a hair narrower, shorter, and thicker than its Nexus One doppelganger, small enough of a difference so that we think it'll be virtually indistinguishable in person. As shots go, we're seeing now that HTC has moved from the brightly-colored glossy shell to a soft-touch black one while keeping the strange contours; we think there's at least a chance that this is final ID, too, since the Verizon logo is silkscreened at the bottom. Inside, the entire thing (including the battery itself) is a shockingly loud shade of red, mirroring an odd design trend first seen on the HD mini. We definitely dig it. If the stats over on the forum hold up, the Incredible's on track for a launch in April or May, so it's still a few weeks off -- in the meanwhile, we encourage you to check out more of the new shots after the break.

[Thanks, Matt and EBBY]

Continue reading HTC Incredible out in the wild once more, Verizon color scheme alive and well

HTC Incredible out in the wild once more, Verizon color scheme alive and well originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Android Forums  | Email this | Comments

There are two sides to the proverbial “cloud coin” for small business owners. You can view cloud services, like Google Apps, as a time and money saver, allowing you to focus on your core business as opposed to IT needs. Or, you can view them as your worst nightmare, and shun the thought of having all your business data stored on third-party servers. For those whose views align more closely with the former perspective, Google wants to offer you greater flexibility and options for your cloud data. Yesterday, Google announced that Google Apps customers will have the ability to purchase and use third-party tools in their Google Apps cloud deployments. The Apps Marketplace has over 50 applications ranging from payroll and tax software to project management and development tools. “The Google Apps Marketplace eliminates the worry about software updates, keeping track of different passwords and manual syncing and sharing of data, thereby increasing business productivity and lessening frustrations for users and IT administrators alike,” writes Google. Quickly running through the new Apps Marketplace we think this could be a pretty big hit for Google’s Apps service. We’ve got the launch video queued up for you after the break.

Read

While the verdict is still out with regard to consumer appetites for a 3rd portable computing device, PC makers are betting the farm on consumer interest in tablets that fill the gap between small-screened smartphones and bulky (by comparison) netbooks/laptops. We've already seen an uptick in tablet devices on display at the big CES and CeBIT trade shows, now tablet and MID device vendors look ready to blow out Computex when it kicks off on June 1st in Taipei. According to Roy Chen, ARM's ODM manager for worldwide mobile computing, more than 50 ARM-based tablet PCs will launch in 2010 starting in Q2 with "a lot more" landing in the third quarter -- a date that just happens to line up with the most optimistic Chrome OS launch schedule. ARM's seeing so much interest that it had to rent additional floor space to show off the devices. Chen said that many of the tablets are slated for China although all of the world's top 10 carriers have signed up as well. ARM was showing off two Android based tablets at the press event, including the 7-inch Compal device (pictured above) we gave a whirl at CES. Let's just hope that tablet makers have plans for some compelling content and service hook-ups with a focus on the user experience -- 50 near-identical slabs of touchscreen computing won't generate much enthusiasm around here.

Over 50 ARM-based tablets launching this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Computerworld  | Email this | Comments

Both Samsung and Panasonic will be flogging 3DTVs in the US by the end of the month, but don't expect to see anything from Sony until June at least. Details on the LX900, HX900 and HX800 do sound tantalizing however.

Japan will start selling the sets on June 10th, with the rest of the world expected to follow suit sometime soon after. Already Sony's making the bold claim that they'll be much cheaper than Panasonic's 3DTV sets—in Japan, anyway.

Akihabara News attended the press launch of of the LX900, HX900 and HX800 3D sets in Japan, which are all of the "monolithic" design, and came back blushing with the news that the LX900 series is the one to aim for. It'll be comprised of four models, all with the Intelligent People Sensors, which adjusts the sound and brightness depending on where people are sitting. It builds on the VE5 TVs launched last year, which could detect when you leave the room, so the TV turns off automatically.

The LX900 will be available in 40, 46, 52 and 60-inch LED-backlit options, will have inbuilt wireless LAN, and include two sets of 3D active shutter glasses (which will be available in grey, blue and pink options). The 46-inch size will reportedly cost 350,000 Yen—about $3,900.

Only 46 and 52-inch options will be available for the HX900 series, which will be LED-backlit, and feature Intelligent MPEG noise reduction. Less attractive, the HX800 eschew the Intelligent People Sensors and MPEG noise reduction, and come in just 40 and 46-inch sizes. [Akihabara News via Reuters]

If Dell's Vostro V13 was Batman's laptop, it looks like the new Vostro 3000 series might just be Bruce Wayne's. They're portable, powerful, and sleek rigs for professionals. But are they a value play, or a luxury item?

That's the big unanswered question right now, though we'll know soon enough; they go on sale today in the US. If the pricing is in line with the V13, though, these could be worth a closer look. The Vostro 3300, 3400, 3500, and 3700 range from 13-inches to 17-inches, and all offer Core i3 and Core i5 processor options. For true juiceheads, the 17-inch Vostro 3700 even includes a Core i7 Quad Core option. Even better: a discrete graphics option. You can add an Nvidia Geforce 310M 512MB graphics card to the 3300-3500, while the 3700 has an optional Nvidia Geforce GT 330M 1GB card.

You even get an optical drive, a rarity these days on an SMB laptop, but something that I'm sure at least some people will be happy to see. You can also order the 3300 without, if you'd prefer to save yourself the extra quarter of a pound that the optical drive adds.

Other specs—including up to a 9 cell battery, 500GB hard drive, and 6GB memory—are in line with the Vostro's competitors. We'll just have to wait and see if the pricing is as well.

Dell Celebrates Entrepreneurial Spirit with New VostroTM Laptops

Vostro 3000 Series Offers World-Class Security, Services and Reliability to Help Small Businesses Succeed

ROUND ROCK – MARCH 09, 2010 – Following the successful launch of the ultrathin and light Vostro V13, Dell is offering business customers even more choice with the stylish Vostro 3000 series – a range of new thin, lightweight and durable laptop computers. Featuring powerful processors, high-end graphics and built-in security, the Vostro 3000 series is designed for small businesses that require robust mobile computing solutions.

Today's SMBs and entrepreneurs want notebooks that are powerful and attractive, and the new Vostro 3000 series was designed to meet and exceed both those needs. For the most demanding tasks, the Vostro 3000 series sports the latest powerful Intel® Core™ processor technology, including, the optional, Core i7 Quad Core processor available on the Vostro 3700. For those that demand portability and productivity, the Vostro 3300 is one of the industry's thinnest commercial 13" laptop with an integrated optical drive. For those that can't afford to be chained to their desks, the 14" Vostro 3400 offers a full day of mobile productivity with up to 8 hours[i] of battery life with an optional 9-cell battery.

"To succeed, small businesses need simple, reliable and affordable technology solutions," said Alex Gruzen, SVP, Consumer, Small and Medium Business, Dell, Inc. "These entrepreneurs want technology that makes them more productive and helps them compete, and the Vostro 3000 delivers in a package they will be proud to show off in the airport or the boardroom."

"Dell continues to sharpen its focus on SMB customers with the new Vostro 3000 series," said Ray Boggs, VP of SMB Research at IDC. "Small and mid-sized firms are returning to the PC market after a year in the recessionary wilderness, and they are ready for the kinds of capabilities, including Microsoft Windows 7, that will get them to the next level of productivity."

"As the first PC brand designed exclusively for small businesses, over the last year, Dell has introduced several new Vostro laptops and desktops to serve their distinctive needs. Ranging from our recently announced, super dependable Vostro 230 or future-proof and powerful Vostro 430 desktops, or the ultra-thin Vostro V13 laptop, Vostro products are designed for small businesses helping them stretch their budget and protect their data, and come with dedicated small business services and support to keep a small businesses moving," added Gruzen.

Worry-Free Business IT

All of the Vostro 3000 laptops have embedded webcam and microphone for collaboration through videoconferencing, while the Vostro 3500 and 3700 offer the option of high definition WLED screens and the 3700 offers the option of up to 1GB of NVIDIA® GeForce® discrete graphics to help ensure one of the best visual experiences. With the built-in HDMI port, users can even make high definition presentations to clients when required.

These new Vostro notebooks are also backed by a dedicated and specially trained small-business sales and support team of experts, which is a key pain point for small businesses that typically have little or no IT support. Inclusion in Dell's FastTrack program enables select configurations of the Vostro 3000 series to ship within 48 hours of ordering[ii], further removing worry from buying a new laptop.

Durability is another feature more customers are demanding from their laptops. The Vostro 3000 series laptops sport durable hinges and are encased in aluminum for extra protection while away from the office. Shipped with a 30-day return policy[iii], the Vostro 3000 notebooks also feature a suite of customizable service and support solutions to keep business data protected and business moving at an affordable price.

Vostro 3000 Series: At a Glance

* Stay in Touch: With the integrated webcam and microphone[iv], users can make Internet calls, conduct video conferences and remotely exchange files to help increase productivity.
* Always Be Connected: Users can go wireless with a full range of connectivity options: 802.11g/n wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and WWAN mobile broadband[v].
* Memory to Spare: Run Windows® 7 effortlessly while performing everyday tasks quickly with support for up to 6GB[vi] of DDR3 SDRAM memory[vii].
* Protect Your Work: Keep your critical data under lock and key with optional finger print reader and full-data-encrypted hard drives.

· "Set & Forget" Online Data Protection: Easy, secure and automated Dell DataSafe online backup protects and helps recover business-critical data.
* Coverage Now and Later: Users can extend their basic Limited Hardware Warranty[viii] from 1-3 years to stay covered into the future.
* Remote On-Call Support: Small businesses can get help when they need it with DellConnect[ix], which allows tech-support agents to troubleshoot and help resolve system issues remotely.
* ProSupport to Simplify IT: Businesses can choose their own level of 24x7 IT support with optional Dell ProSupportâ„¢[x]services.

Available in the US and parts of Asia starting from today and available in Europe and Latin America and other geographies from March 16. Visit www.dell.com/vostro for additional information.

Like clockwork, we've just been dropped a line by T-Mobile USA asking us to join them for a very special media event to check out the HTC HD2 -- "a larger than life entertainment powerhouse" -- in fabulous New York City on the evening of March 16. That lines up nicely with the company's earlier assurances that we'd see a launch in March -- but what day in March, exactly? Well, we're hearing from a number of tipsters (including trusted sources) that the 24th is the day this thing breaks loose at retail, so set your watches and calendars accordingly -- assuming you haven't been wooed into Windows Phone 7 Series' tender, loving grasp, that is.

T-Mobile invites us to 'come experience the HTC HD2' on March 16; release on the 24th? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Seen back in January at CES, the 17.5mm thick LG X300 netbook's formally been announced as going on sale this month to our South American, Asian and Middle Eastern friends. It's worth considering if you're wanting a Windows 7 netbook.

Cast your mind back a few months, and you'll recall it caused quite a storm due to its slinky size. Its 11.6-inch LCD screen doesn't have much of a bezel to speak of, and the chiclet tiled keyboard is close to full-size. Check the press release below for the full story on the Dell Adamo-like netbook. (I say Dell Adamo rather than the MacBook Air, due to how square and tray-like it is). [LG]

LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, today announced the launch of the LG X300, the ultra-thin premium mobile PC. Its sleek and stylish look wowed the visitors at CES 2010 in Las Vegas.

"Given how demanding and discerning consumers are nowadays, we were delighted to receive such acclaim from the public and media at the CES for our new mobile PC," said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "It's a vindication of LG's efforts to maintain the very highest standards in design without any sacrifices in high-tech or functionality, and ensure our consumers' experiences with LG PCs just keep getting better."

The LG X300, LG's new flagship mobile computing device for 2010, tips the scales at a mere 970g and is only 17.5mm thick for the ultimate in portability.

What's more, the LG X300 boasts an array of enticing design features. The sleek but wide 11.6-inch LCD screen maximizes the viewing area by eschewing a bezel. Also, its unique reflective keyboard and borderless touchpad add further elegance to this premium mobile PC. To offer the complete package for the most style-conscious users, the LG X300 comes in two colors, shiny white and light brown.

Fitted with a 2.0 GHz Intel Menlow platform with up to 2GB memory and 128GB SSD, the LG X300 runs Windows 7 Home Premium OS and ships with a spare 2-cell battery to provide up to seven hours of use. Thanks to its fan-less, silent operation, the portable PC is also extremely quiet to run, while the LG Smart Pack – LG's smartest software suite for PC users – ensures the LG X300 is easy to use, even for novices.

The LG X300 packs multimedia features including a 1.3-megapixel webcam with a You-Cam viewer, and SRS TruSurround HD sound. And thanks to an embedded 3G modem chipset, users can easily get online via GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA networks.

The LG X300 will be available in Asia starting in March, followed by the Middle East and South America. Prices will vary country-to-country and will be announced separately in each market.

If you're a gadget fan (and let's face it: you are) then there's simply no excuse for using disposable batteries. Environmental concerns aside, rechargeables have advanced such that it just makes economic sense to switch. We've been unapologetic fans of Sanyo's Eneloop series of Ni-MH batteries for years. Hell, we like any modern rechargeable that's sold fully charged and is capable of maintaining that state even after years inside the family junk drawer. Today, Sanyo is announcing its Eneloop lite series scheduled for a June 22nd launch in Japan with a global release set for sometime later. These cells are meant to tempt you by their relatively low, up-front purchase price of ¥780 (about $8.64) for a pair of 1.2V 950mAh AAs or ¥640 ($7.09) for a pair of 1.2V 550mAh AAAs -- each capable of about 2,000 recharges saving you at least $1,000 over their lifetime. They're not going to power your hotshoe flash but they will handle the relatively low to medium power requirements of all the remote controls in your life. Do it.

Continue reading Sanyo Eneloop lite Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are cheap, less filling

Sanyo Eneloop lite Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are cheap, less filling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

TmoNews is reporting that come March 14th, T-Mobile will be launching its much-awaited HSPA+ service in a few more markets. These are rumored to include Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and presumably Philadelphia while supporting the launch of a new 3G data device as well — the webConnect Rocket. Additionally, it looks like T-Mobile has finally started to overhaul their hideous cellular coverage maps by adding more zoom layers, population guides, and additional color coding for different network technologies (like the new HSPA+ service). Anyone excited to get their mobile 21Mbps on?

[Via AndroidAndMe]

Read

Project Pink lives! With all the excitement over the Windows Phone 7 Series rollout, most everyone forgot about the Sidekick-inspired Project Pink phones. Everyone except for Microsoft and Verizon Wireless it seems, who have been planning for the launch of at least one and maybe two of these new handsets. While we have been drooling over the LG Panther, a third party marketing company contracted by Microsoft has been busy dressing up the rendered image of the Project Pink Turtle handset in glorious Verizon Wireless marketing garb. According to the leaked marketing materials obtained by Gizmodo, the oval vertical slider, otherwise known as the Turtle, will be launched by Microsoft with Verizon Wireless as a launch partner in an arrangement that may (or may not) be exclusive. The phone will focus on social networking and will run a novel OS that is not Windows Phone 7. The leaked document also hints at an application store for the Pink phone but details on the store’s platform and distribution model are unknown. That is what we have on the Turtle, hit the jump for the details on the rather unusual Pure.

Out of the depths of Microsoft’s Redmond campus comes two blurry photos of the Project Pink side slider known as the Pure. The Pure was spotted running a not-yet-seen before operating system that has the look and feel of Windows Phone 7 but it not Windows Phone 7. Described as a Zune-ified Sidekick that is “better than Android,” the Pure has a tiled interface with links to email, music, RSS feeds, and more. That mysterious application store once again rears its ugly head as the OS reportedly has a download screen which, unfortunately, is not yet populated with apps. Similar to the Turtle, the Pure is rumored to be headed to Verizon Wireless but is not mentioned in the marketing material that showcases the Turtle. Previous rumors suggest a Spring 2010 launch for the Project Pink phones so look for the Turtle and perhaps the Pure to get the official nod very soon.

Read [Turtle] Read [Pure]

Prospective iPad owners can probably stop panicking as Asian component suppliers have come forward to confirm that their supplies are on schedule, and Foxconn should have the resources to manufacture up to 700,000 iPads in March and one million units in April. The suppliers expect that the iPad launch will go smoothly as planned and the rumored delay and shortage put forth by analyst Peter Misek of Canaccord Adams can be filed in the “not likely to happen” category. Anyone’s hopes renewed now that the current intelligence points to a successful and robust iPad launch? As always, Digitimes to the rescue.

Read

Chicago utility company ComEd announced earlier this week it will launch a pilot program for 100 of its customers to test out the power of the sun. The program will include the installation of solar panels into 100 homes, and further devices -- such as smarter thermostats which do things like lower during the day when no one's at home, and give out hourly pricing information -- in fifty of those homes. The meters will also have the ability to reward customers who generate excess solar power that can be pumped back into the grid -- because everybody loves being rewarded, right? ComEd will choose the pilot families by mail-in survey, and by factors such as their roofs, and the amount of shading trees there are in their yards.

ComEd launches pilot solar energy program for 100 customers in Chicago originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Chicago Sun Times  | Email this | Comments

One of our ninjas just dropped some tantalizing and blurry details for us to feast on. We’ve been informed that T-Mobile will be releasing the Motorola CLIQ XT on March 10th, the HTC HD2 (listed as “Dark Handset” on the screen capture) is confirmed on March 24th, and a Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook, complete with T-Mobile broadband access, on the 24th as well. Our connect also mentions the launch of Even More 1.5, but no details were given. Looks like it is going to be a pretty busy month for the number four carrier in the U.S. Hit the break for one more shot!

Thanks, Taliban!