Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Olympic 'Bird's Nest' Stadium Now an MP3-Player, Too]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/olympic-birds-nest-stadium-now-an-mp3-player-too/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/olympic-birds-nest-stadium-now-an-mp3-player-too/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/11/olympic-birds-nest-stadium-now-an-mp3-player-too/#comments
Like so many other devices made in China, we're convinced this Bird's Nest Stadium, um, "inspired" device is totally, completely authorized and legit. And hey, unlike Chinese bird's nest soup, it not only comes in capacities up to 4GB, but doesn't even appear to be assembled with avian saliva. Difficulty: 1.2, execution: 3.55.

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Olympic 'Bird's Nest' Stadium Now an MP3-Player, Too originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chinaolympics 2008olympics2008summernews switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:34:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Steve Jobs Admits He Made a Big Mistake With MobileMe]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/08/05/steve-jobs-admits-he-made-a-big-mistake-with-mobileme/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/05/steve-jobs-admits-he-made-a-big-mistake-with-mobileme/ http://www.switched.com/2008/08/05/steve-jobs-admits-he-made-a-big-mistake-with-mobileme/#comments Not that anyone could really dance around the facts of the matter at this point, but Ars Technica is reporting that in an e-mail to Apple employees sent yesterday, Steve is alleged to have said the following:

"It was a mistake to launch MobileMe at the same time as iPhone 3G, iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store. We all had more than enough to do, and MobileMe could have been delayed without consequence."

Apple exec Eddie Cue appears to taking the much maligned service under his wing (as well as the App Store, adding to his original gig as VP of iTunes), hopefully making good on the other bit in El Jobso's e-mail, in which he resets Apple's call to action on .Mac's replacement:

"The MobileMe launch clearly demonstrates that we have more to learn about Internet services. And learn we will. The vision of MobileMe is both exciting and ambitious, and we will press on to make it a service we are all proud of by the end of this year."

We'll see about that!

Steve Jobs Admits He Made a Big Mistake With MobileMe originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> eddie cueEddieCuemobilemesteve jobsSteveJobs switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:36:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[YouTube Comes to Tivo]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/17/youtube-comes-to-tivo/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/17/youtube-comes-to-tivo/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/17/youtube-comes-to-tivo/#comments Just in case you weren't already watching enough YouTube at work and on your home computer, on your iPhone, Ocean, etc., or on your Apple TV, now TiVo's getting in on the action as well. Originally announced earlier this year, TiVo users can finally expect the update to pop over your TiVo's regularly scheduled updates over the next couple of weeks. Oh, and our man Dave Zatz shot some video of the new feature and put it up on (where else?) YouTube -- check it out after the break.

Continue reading YouTube Comes to Tivo

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YouTube Comes to Tivo originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsonline videoOnlineVideotivoyoutube switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:38:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hands-On With the New Apple App Store]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/10/hands-on-with-the-new-apple-app-store/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/10/hands-on-with-the-new-apple-app-store/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/10/hands-on-with-the-new-apple-app-store/#comments
The App Store is live, and we're taking a peek around before it implodes from curious users trying to download dozens of apps for their iPhones and iPods touch (or is that iPod touches?).

Already users can start downloading their programs (which are downloaded to their /Users/[user]/Music/iTunes/Mobile Applications/ directory as .ipa files), but you can't do anything with them until you get the 2.0 firmware (or an iPhone 3G).

So far everything is really smooth and easy to use, although it's easy to tell that the enormous amount of applications that will be available in the coming months (and years) will become a difficult thing to trudge through. It's a high-class problem for Apple, but hopefully it won't be too overwhelming to find something good if you don't know exactly what you're looking for.

We'll be keeping tally of some of the more noteworthy launch apps, although many we've already seen:
  • AIM - duh
  • Google Mobile - "a great place to start your search"
  • Twitterrific - Finally, a legit, standalone Twitter client
  • Bomberman Touch
  • Epocrates Rx - An app to help identify "mystery pills" you might find. Very helpful.
We'll be updating with more info as we go!

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Hands-On With the New Apple App Store originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> app storeappleAppStoreiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gipod touchIpodTouchsoftware switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Roomba Creator Working on Lawn-Mowing Robot?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/07/roomba-creator-working-on-lawn-mowing-robot/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/07/roomba-creator-working-on-lawn-mowing-robot/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/07/roomba-creator-working-on-lawn-mowing-robot/#comments Not that it's any surprise, but according to a patent filing (which we were unable to ourselves unearth from the abyss that is the USPTO), iRobot would appear to still be working on the "Mowba," or whatever the hell the lawn-cutting robot is that they were talking up years ago.

We're not sure you really need to pore over 80+ pages of sketches and drawings to get the idea though, especially since there are already a number of autonomous grass-cutting machines out there. [Source: Robot Stock News]

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Roomba Creator Working on Lawn-Mowing Robot? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> irobotrobotroombasummernewsupcoming switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Toyota Prius to Get Solar Panels]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/07/07/prius-to-go-partially-solar/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/07/prius-to-go-partially-solar/ http://www.switched.com/2008/07/07/prius-to-go-partially-solar/#comments
According to Nikkei, Toyota's apparently going to be equipping future high-end Priuses with Kyocera-built roof-mounted solar panels. Somewhat counter-intuitively, the sun's rays won't be used to power the car itself, but will instead run the AC. It also sounds like your next solar-assisted Prius won't be around for a while, as the panels aren't designed in yet, nor will they be until early next year when Toyota starts work on revamping the line. [Source: Reuters]

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Toyota Prius to Get Solar Panels originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsgreenhybridpriussolartoyota switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:47:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Local Students Get Free Lesson-Equipped Zunes]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/30/local-public-school-students-get-assigned-zunes/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/30/local-public-school-students-get-assigned-zunes/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/30/local-public-school-students-get-assigned-zunes/#comments The latest edu-gimmick to hit small-town America: 100-plus media players -- Zunes, to be specific -- are being handed out to local high school and middle school students in Liberty, Missouri and Fort Sumner, New Mexico for listening to lesson-supporting podcasts in the hopes of saving them "lost class time."

Surely this will raise test scores, right? Or at least improve the Zune's cachet? Who knows -- even the district superintendent said, "Is it the next great thing? I don't know. Maybe. But it is another tool."

Maybe the Kindle might make a better tool, but either way, Microsoft apparently intends to release data on the case study later this year. [Source: Yahoo]

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Local Students Get Free Lesson-Equipped Zunes originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> educationmicrosoftschoolzune switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Fastest Clock in the World Tells Time to the Microsecond]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/fastest-clock-in-the-world-tells-time-to-the-microsecond/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/fastest-clock-in-the-world-tells-time-to-the-microsecond/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/fastest-clock-in-the-world-tells-time-to-the-microsecond/#comments
Art school student Freddie Yauner's CO2-powered Highest Popping Toaster in the World concept is great and all (it's even supposedly Guinness World Record-certified), but a clock that aims to tell time to one millionth of a second is what it takes to turn our geeky, schedule-obsessed hearts to mush. Since no display can refresh a million times a second (and no eye can comprehend that kind of data), Yauner's concept lets you peer into the moment by hitting pause.

Just note that by the time you let go the clock will have already advanced by another several million microseconds, prompting an almost Heisenbergian cycle of observation in its owner. Videos of the toaster and clock after the break. [Source: Freddie Yauner via Coolest Gadgets]

Continue reading Fastest Clock in the World Tells Time to the Microsecond

Fastest Clock in the World Tells Time to the Microsecond originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> clocksfastesthouseholdsuperlatives switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:44:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Is Helio Going Out of Business?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/20/is-helio-going-out-of-business/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/20/is-helio-going-out-of-business/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/20/is-helio-going-out-of-business/#comments
It ain't over until it's over, but we just got word that Helio store managers received notification this week that the axe is finally falling: (at least some of) the nationwide chain of retail stores will be shuttered during Virgin's takeover of Helio. As we've heard, "there is no 'merge' in this merger," so it sounds like after this year's big executive reshuffle, SK Telecom (which owns a majority stake in Helio) is bailing on their half-billion dollar enterprise a big way. No word if the fabled Ocean 2 will make it -- or if Virgin will even let Helio customers keep their phones.

Alongside Helio -- more or less the last man standing -- the great MVNO goldrush also dies. Unfortunate that besides Virgin and a few local and M2M providers (like Amazon's Whispernet), pretty much no one was able to make it work. Then again, no one ever never said making cellphones and running any kind of carrier was easy.

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Is Helio Going Out of Business? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> acquisitionbreaking newsBreakingNewsheliomvnorumor switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[iPhone 3G: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask)]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/13/iphone-3g-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-t/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/13/iphone-3g-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-t/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/13/iphone-3g-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-t/#comments If you're anything like us, just about everyone in your family has called you up this week to ask if you think they should get the iPhone 3G; it really doesn't help matters that there's just an absurd amount of (mis)information floating around about it right now, too. So this one's for you and your fam -- we're dishing out the straight dope on iPhone 3G, a to z, so feel free to pass it on. Hit the read link for the straight dope on everything we know so far.

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iPhone 3G: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask) originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appleattfeaturesiphoneiphone 3gIphone3g switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:15:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Canon Updates Its Entry-Level DSLR Line With the EOS Rebel XS]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/10/canon-updates-its-entry-level-dslr-line-with-the-eos-rebel-xs/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/10/canon-updates-its-entry-level-dslr-line-with-the-eos-rebel-xs/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/10/canon-updates-its-entry-level-dslr-line-with-the-eos-rebel-xs/#comments
Goodnight XT and XTi, hello EOS Rebel XS -- we've been expecting you. Companion to the more recent XSi new DSLR has a larger 2.5-inch screen 10 megapixel sensor, live view display, 3fps burst shooting, DIGIC III image processor, seven point AF, and a bundled EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

Unfortunately this is only going live in Japan today -- we'll be stuck waiting until next month for the US launch, which will supposedly place it in the $600-800 price range (we know, it's wide, we've got very little to go by right now). One more shot of the rear after the break. [Source: PCMag]

Continue reading Canon Updates Its Entry-Level DSLR Line With the EOS Rebel XS

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Canon Updates Its Entry-Level DSLR Line With the EOS Rebel XS originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> canondslreos rebel xsEosRebelXs switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:43:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[HP Exec Cuts Birthday Cake with MacBook Air]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/02/hp-exec-cuts-birthday-cake-with-macbook-air/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/02/hp-exec-cuts-birthday-cake-with-macbook-air/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/02/hp-exec-cuts-birthday-cake-with-macbook-air/#comments
Those that know Rahul Sood, founder of Voodoo PC and CTO of HP's global gaming business, might not be so surprised to hear he used a working MacBook Air to cut his thick, rich, chocolatey birthday cake. While wearing an HP shirt. And then posted it to his site. Good luck, Rahul -- we're totally sure the Apple fanboys of the world are going to give you a pass on this one.

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HP Exec Cuts Birthday Cake with MacBook Air originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applehpmacbook airMacbookAirrahul soodRahulSoodvoodoo switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[RCA Intros Three New Small Wonder Budget Camcorders]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/06/01/rca-intros-three-new-small-wonder-budget-camcorders/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/01/rca-intros-three-new-small-wonder-budget-camcorders/ http://www.switched.com/2008/06/01/rca-intros-three-new-small-wonder-budget-camcorders/#comments

We've got your summer crapcamcorders right 'ere -- three new RCA Small Wonder cams to make your Flips flop. Check 'em out:
  • Small Wonder MyLife, EZ200 (black) - 1.5-inch flip-out display, microSDHC with with 1GB microSD that does up to 30 / 60 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $89 and due this summer
  • Small Wonder Pocket, EZ205 (white) - 1.5-inch flip-out display, microSDHC slot with 1GB microSD that does up to 30 / 120 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $100 and due this summer
  • Small Wonder Traveler, EZ210 (green) - 2.4-inch QVGA display, SDHC with 2GB SD card that does up to 60 / 240 minutes in high quality and web quality modes, $150 and due this summer
[Source: CNET]

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RCA Intros Three New Small Wonder Budget Camcorders originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:37:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Introducing Engadget Poland!]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/30/introducing-engadget-poland/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/30/introducing-engadget-poland/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/30/introducing-engadget-poland/#comments
Whoa, hard to believe its been three years since the last internationalized version of Engadget launched, but we're back and have a number of new sites in the pipeline -- kicking off with Engadget in Polish!

Why Polish, you ask? Well, besides the fact that we had some amazing talent waiting in the wings to blow it out, it's also a smaller (dare we say underserved?) market to soft-launch in that allows us to work out the kinks as we prepare to do even more international versions of Engadget in the coming weeks and months.

So if Polish isn't your bag, just hang tight, you'll be seeing even more localized Engadgets soon enough. And if it is, head on over and welcome our Polish team to the fold!

Introducing Engadget Poland! originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 May 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> poland switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Fri, 30 May 2008 16:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Michael Dell States, For the Record, He Could Take Steve Jobs in a Fight]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/29/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-part-lvi-dell-states-for-the-record-he-co/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/29/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-part-lvi-dell-states-for-the-record-he-co/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/29/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-part-lvi-dell-states-for-the-record-he-co/#comments
Michael Dell spent most of his time on stage at the All Things D Conference discussing the business (profit margins, unit growth, etc.). Things finally got interesting during the audience Q&A. Someone from the crowd asked if he could take Steve Jobs in a fight, and Dell flatly replied, "Yeah, I could take him." Now there's a fight we'd pay good money to see.

[Thanks Seenew for Jobs' Mii]

Michael Dell States, For the Record, He Could Take Steve Jobs in a Fight originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 May 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appledell switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 29 May 2008 09:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA['Guitar Hero World Tour' Debuted]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/29/guitar-hero-world-tour-debuted/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/29/guitar-hero-world-tour-debuted/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/29/guitar-hero-world-tour-debuted/#comments
A little earlier today Activision CEO Bobby Kotick debuted Guitar Hero World Tour to the audience at D -- but he wasn't content doing something trite like picking up a guitar (or drums) and playing himself. Oh no, he trotted out Paula Abdul (to judge), and Tony Hawk and Brody Jenner as the front-men for the virtual band. The video's after the break; it's a little bit front-heavy during the introduction, but there's certainly enough gameplay footage in there to get a basic idea of what to expect: Rock Band.

Continue reading 'Guitar Hero World Tour' Debuted

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'Guitar Hero World Tour' Debuted originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 May 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsguitar heroGuitarHero switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 29 May 2008 09:27:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Epson Unveils Ridiculously High Resolution E Ink Display]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/22/epson-unveils-ridiculously-high-resolution-e-ink-display/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/22/epson-unveils-ridiculously-high-resolution-e-ink-display/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/22/epson-unveils-ridiculously-high-resolution-e-ink-display/#comments
We've seen an A4-sized sheet of e-paper or two in our day, but Epson's new prototype display features an absurdly high resolution for its size: 3104 x 4128, clocking it in at something like 385ppi. According to Fareastgizmos, E Ink's supplying the, um, electronic ink, while Seiko Epson built out the low-temperature polycrystal Si-TFT glass substrate medium. Yeah, we've got a long ways to go before we'll all be reading the e-paper morning news on the way to work, but it can't be that long, can it?

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Epson Unveils Ridiculously High Resolution E Ink Display originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 May 2008 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> eink switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 22 May 2008 16:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Roku Netflix Player Hands-On, First Impressions]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/22/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/22/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/22/roku-netflix-player-hands-on-first-impressions/#comments
It seems like everything about Roku's Netflix Player seems understated, from the plain, unceremonious purple box it shipped in, to the nondescript black plastic case, to the stripped-bare user interface. But as we've quickly discovered, it's pretty easy to learn to love this little hundred dollar bugger, even despite the fact that we need another set top box in our living room like we need a hole in the head. Sure, it's great that Netflix subscribers get a cheap, easy avenue for additional content to their TV, but the real beauty here is that this might actually be a streaming video box friendly enough to rival the Apple TV -- or to give your folks. Some initial impressions:
  • The box is extremely small and light; looking inside, it just looks like a single, small PCB.
  • Most of the vertical space it does consume seems to be for its myriad ports, including composite, component, S-Video, HDMI, and TOSLINK.
  • The guided setup out of the box is really brief and painless. It supports 802.11b/g with WEP, WPA, and WPA2, and we were online in a cinch. Activating the box is as simple as hitting netflix.com/activate and entering a short code -- really easy and instantaneous.
  • The remote looks cheap at first blush, but it's actually got a pretty good feel to it. The buttons are clikier than they are mushy.
  • The interface, at its best, is simple and slick looking. It has almost no options and is ridiculously straight-forward. The interface, at its worst (namely, during movie playback), is still pretty decent, but lacks some polish.
  • While fast-forwarding, you get still image markers to help indicate progress. It's nicety to ease the pain of skipping through streaming video (which we know presents some unique technological challenges), but it can use a little work. Chapter/scene markers, as in the Apple TV, would be a good start.
  • Movie selection is done completely within Netflix's site, so don't expect to do any browsing through the device interface. If you want to load and watch any content on the box, you have to make sure it's in your Netflix Instant Queue through a browser. This part is definitely the biggest drawback for power users, but it does ensure a crazy simple device UI with zero learning curve.
  • Movies don't load instantly (even on a 25Mbps connection), but they do load pretty quickly.
  • Video quality is so-so. Definitely worse than a DVD and not even quite up to a standard def Apple TV vid. But it's certainly passable, and Netflix seems genuinely interested in bumping up the visual fidelity in the future.
  • We saw some really wacky stuff going on with the HDMI, and the device did not play well at all with our HDMI switch. Roku let us know they're aware of some HDMI problems, and will be pushing out bug fixes and software updates as they're completed.
Stuff we hadn't yet heard about the Netflix Player
  • Netflix dispatched a team of a couple dozen engineers to Roku to build the Netflix Player. Netflix didn't want to be the only hardware partner (which we already know), but clearly wanted to make sure whomever released the first box really nailed it.
  • Netflix (and Roku) understand that the device's value doesn't just end with playing back Netflix content, and anticipate the box having content coming in from other providers as partnerships get hammered out.
  • The box only outputs at 480i (over composite and S-Video) and 480p (over component and HDMI), although Roku will enable HD content (and menus) as soon as Netflix gives the thumbs-up. From the sound of things, it seems like they want to do this sooner than later, which we clearly hope they will.

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Roku Netflix Player Hands-On, First Impressions originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 22 May 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> netflixroku switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 22 May 2008 13:38:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Microsoft Says No New Xbox 360s in 2009]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/14/microsoft-says-no-new-xbox-360s-in-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/14/microsoft-says-no-new-xbox-360s-in-2009/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/14/microsoft-says-no-new-xbox-360s-in-2009/#comments Sounds like that rumor about a new, smaller Xbox 360 coming next year might have a shorter life than a red-ringing console. Specifying the release of "slimmed down SKU in 2009", Microsoft representative let us know today that "While we don't normally comment on rumors like this, we can tell you that we have no plans to release a new console in 2009". Yep, rumor assassinated, just like that. Of course, there still exists the possibility that Microsoft's just playing coy to prevent a little bit of Osborne effect from creeping in during their heated battle with the PS3 -- but they did go out of their way to directly comment on the rumor, so take it as you will.

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Microsoft Says No New Xbox 360s in 2009 originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 14 May 2008 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewsxbox360 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Wed, 14 May 2008 09:53:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Microtransat Robot Sailing Takes to the High Seas this Fall]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/microtransat-robot-sailing-takes-to-the-high-seas-this-fall/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/microtransat-robot-sailing-takes-to-the-high-seas-this-fall/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/microtransat-robot-sailing-takes-to-the-high-seas-this-fall/#comments
Maybe our robo-challenges speak something to our respective histories: Americans have spent the last few years driving intelligent vehicles through vast expanses of desert, but over in Europe, scientists and technologists are preparing for this fall's Microtransat, wherein machines must sail across the Atlantic propelled only by wind and artificial intelligence. The race, intended as a public proof of concept for long-range autonomous sea-faring scientific vessels, should take the, um, roboats three months to complete.

[Source: World Robotic Sailing Championship 2008 via Piquepaille]

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Microtransat Robot Sailing Takes to the High Seas this Fall originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 May 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> robot switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 12 May 2008 15:02:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Amputee Vets Riding On Free Segways, Thanks to Non-Profit Group]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/segs-4-vets-hooks-up-veterans-with-segways/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/segs-4-vets-hooks-up-veterans-with-segways/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/segs-4-vets-hooks-up-veterans-with-segways/#comments Segway creator Dean Kamen's done a lot of work over the years building technologies for the disabled, which lends a bit of irony to the fact that his most well-known consumer transport, the Segway, is seeing some increased use by veterans.

The non-profit Disability Rights Advocates for Technology (DRAFT) group has snapped up some 150 Segway units over the past few years -- 30 of which just went out last week -- to help amputees get around quicker and further than with your run of the mill wheelchair. Results of the Segs-4-Vets program sound positive, but at $6k a pop the price continues to be prohibitive for wider rollout and donation, even at discount directly from Segway. [Source: CNN]

[Thanks, Laura]

Amputee Vets Riding On Free Segways, Thanks to Non-Profit Group originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 May 2008 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewssegway switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 12 May 2008 13:14:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Eye-Fi Launches Wireless Location-Aware Camera Memory Cards]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/eye-fi-launches-eye-fi-home-share-and-geotagging-explore/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/eye-fi-launches-eye-fi-home-share-and-geotagging-explore/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/eye-fi-launches-eye-fi-home-share-and-geotagging-explore/#comments Eye-Fi's expanding from a single card to a family of three tonight. All are the same 2GB as before, but now we've got the new flagship Eye-Fi Explore ($129), which includes geotagging courtesy of Skyhook (the same WiFi-based location system that helps the iPod touch and iPhone find their way) and on-the-go WiFi via Wayport. Then you've got the Eye-Fi Share ($99) -- basically the same card we used to know simply as the Eye-Fi -- and finally the Eye-Fi Home ($79), which appears to only be able to upload photos through desktop software using your home network. Expect 'em all on sale come June 6th.

Gallery: Eye-Fi

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Eye-Fi Launches Wireless Location-Aware Camera Memory Cards originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 May 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> geotaggingwifi switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 12 May 2008 12:01:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[RIM's BlackBerry Bold / 9000 Gets Official]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/div-align-center-a-href-http-www-pcmag-com-article2-0-189/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/div-align-center-a-href-http-www-pcmag-com-article2-0-189/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/div-align-center-a-href-http-www-pcmag-com-article2-0-189/#comments
Damn, took 'em long enough! RIM finally announced the BlackBerry Bold / 9000 -- we've got specs, but no price or hard launch date. Here we go:
  • Family will include HSDPA and EV-DO versions (including an AWS-capable 1700MHz version), much as we'd heard
  • 480 x 320 display
  • 625MHz CPU, 1GB internal flash memory
  • 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2Dp), GPS, MicroSDHC
  • 480 x 320 video recording, photo geotagging
  • 4.5 x 2.6 x 0.55-inches, 4.7 ounces
PC Mag's got the (latest) hands-on, hit the read link. [Source: PC Mag]

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RIM's BlackBerry Bold / 9000 Gets Official originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 May 2008 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blackberrybreaking newsBreakingNews switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 12 May 2008 08:22:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[More "Leaked" 3G iPhone Shots Hit the Web]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/more-leaked-3g-iphone-shots-hit-the-web/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/more-leaked-3g-iphone-shots-hit-the-web/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/08/more-leaked-3g-iphone-shots-hit-the-web/#comments
For those that need to be in the know about the very latest supposedly-leaked 3G iPhone shots that hit the web this week, we've got you covered -- but we're not convinced, especially of the device on the right. The shots on the left do at least seem to be crafted around those supposed size and shape leaks we saw the other day though, so bonus points there for playing into another current rumor to rack up a small bit of credibility. Still, in our best Rick James voice, Photoshop's a hell of a tool.

Read - Left four shots appear on Chinese phone forum
Read - Shot on the right from AppleInsider

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More "Leaked" 3G iPhone Shots Hit the Web originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 08 May 2008 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> applebreaking newsBreakingNewsiphone switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Thu, 08 May 2008 12:19:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Nike Dunks + WiFi = A Step in the Right Direction]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/nike-dunks-wifi-a-step-in-the-right-direction/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/nike-dunks-wifi-a-step-in-the-right-direction/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/nike-dunks-wifi-a-step-in-the-right-direction/#comments
Get ready to pay atelier sneaker prices for these babies, because designer MSTRPLN (not to be confused with MSTRKRFT) and Ubiq (not to be confused with Ubiquio) teamed up to produce some straight black Nike Dunks with built-in WiFi detection. It's called A Step in the Right Direction, and we might actually agree. [Source: mstrpln.com]

[Thanks, JideOsan]

Nike Dunks + WiFi = A Step in the Right Direction originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 May 2008 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> nikewifi switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 05 May 2008 17:42:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[HTC Touch Diamond Shots and Specs: This Week's Big Announcement?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/htc-touch-diamond-shots-and-specs-this-weeks-big-announcement/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/htc-touch-diamond-shots-and-specs-this-weeks-big-announcement/ http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/htc-touch-diamond-shots-and-specs-this-weeks-big-announcement/#comments
We know HTC's got a big announcement coming this Tuesday, and while we can't say for sure it's going to the Touch Diamond, if today's leaked images and specs are at all accurate we think they might have something big on their hands. Check it out:
  • 2.8-inch VGA display
  • WinMo 6.1 Pro
  • WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0
  • eGPS, FM tuner
  • Quad-band HSDPA 7.2
  • 4GB internal flash, microSD slot
  • 528MHz CPU
  • 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus
  • 10.7mm (0.47-inches) thick
  • Supposedly also features an orientation sensor / accelerometer
Whether it's got a QWERTY keyboard could still be up for grabs, especially since that configuration might belong to the CDMA-based Raphael. Still, the it makes sense HTC wouldn't want the XPERIA X1 they made for Sony Ericsson to be their best engineered device on the market for long. We'll be watching this one closely. [Source: NewsMobile]

[Thanks, Kevin]

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HTC Touch Diamond Shots and Specs: This Week's Big Announcement? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 May 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNewstouch switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 05 May 2008 09:49:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[RIM developing "Apple Killer" Touchscreen BlackBerry?]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/28/rim-developing-apple-killer-touchscreen-blackberry/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/28/rim-developing-apple-killer-touchscreen-blackberry/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/28/rim-developing-apple-killer-touchscreen-blackberry/#comments The NY Times has a verbose 2,000 word piece about the high stakes world of high-end cellphone manufacturers (no way!), specifically centered around RIM's post-iPhone trials and tribulations. Besides a bit of vague lip service paid to the 9000 series, the newspaper is claiming that two third-party developers -- no sources cited -- leaked that RIM has a skunkworks product dubbed "AK" (which stands for "Apple Killer"), and that apparently it'll be touchscreen.

And then comes the tub-thumping money shot from co-CEO Mike Lazaridis: "I couldn't type on [the iPhone] and I still can't type on it, and a lot of my friends can't type on it. It's hard to type on a piece of glass."

Right, until you guys decide to do one of your own -- these executive types are so transparent they might as well just be up front. [Source: The New York Times]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

RIM developing "Apple Killer" Touchscreen BlackBerry? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNews switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:51:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[New 3G iPhone to Be Glossy Black, and Thicker]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/25/details-on-the-new-3g-iphone/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/25/details-on-the-new-3g-iphone/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/25/details-on-the-new-3g-iphone/#comments So we've got it on authority that the second-gen iPhone is already well into testing, and numerous units are floating around in super secret pockets. A trusted source got a chance to check one out, here's what we've heard.
  • The first thing people will notice: the 2nd gen iPhone will be about the same size and shape as the first gen.
  • It will, of course, have 3G. And proper GPS!
  • The most noticeable physical difference is back of the phone is no longer metal -- the whole thing is glossy black, from top to bottom. The volume buttons are now chrome.
  • Because it's got a little less metal to deal with, it doesn't have quite as many angular edges. The battery is (still) not removable.
  • The phone itself will be slightly thicker than the first gen device.
  • The headphone jack will no longer be recessed, and will finally be flush with the body.
  • The device itself uses roughly the same size and resolution screen as the first generation product.
  • No solid word on battery life or capacity.
It could ship (or be introduced) as early as July -- but it's worth noting that none of this is necessarily finalized, and any of it could change between now and its introduction. You really never know with Apple!

[Image via iPod Observer]

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New 3G iPhone to Be Glossy Black, and Thicker originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> breaking newsBreakingNews switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:39:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Microsoft Finally Releases New Vista Ultimate Extras, Still "Ultimate" in Name Only]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/microsoft-finally-releases-new-vista-ultimate-extras-still-ult/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/microsoft-finally-releases-new-vista-ultimate-extras-still-ult/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/microsoft-finally-releases-new-vista-ultimate-extras-still-ult/#comments
Last year Microsoft really carried on about fulfilling its commitment to all the power users that anted up to get untold future Vista Ultimate Extras -- yet none really materialized besides the disappointing early stuff like DreamScene and Texas Hold 'Em. Well, get ready to feel a whole new wave of Ultimate justification wash over you, because today Microsoft is releasing a trifecta of new Extras: sound schemes, DreamScape animations, and OS language packs. Oh yeah, there's definitely some Vista "Wow" in here -- but it's mostly from being kind of appalled at these sorry post-apologetic excuses for "ultimate"-grade software additions. Someone wake us when Microsoft decides it cares about making good on its many unfulfilled promises to Vista users. [Source: Microsoft]

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Microsoft Finally Releases New Vista Ultimate Extras, Still "Ultimate" in Name Only originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> microsoftvista switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:08:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The PlayStation 3 Laptop - For Real]]> http://www.switched.com/2008/04/11/the-ps3-laptop-from-ben-heck-to-engadget-with-love/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/11/the-ps3-laptop-from-ben-heck-to-engadget-with-love/ http://www.switched.com/2008/04/11/the-ps3-laptop-from-ben-heck-to-engadget-with-love/#comments
Rewind back to late 2006. The PlayStation 3 was launching alongside the Wii and geeky editors like ourselves were having a field day. We'd already managed to convince our good pal Ben Heck to build another Xbox 360 laptop and the Wii Laptop, so it was only a matter of time before we started brainstorming on how the hell we could possibly fit a PS3 into a "portable" enclosure. That's the part where Ben stepped up his game and worked his magic -- on and off for almost a year and a half -- to build... the PS3 Laptop!

The essential specs:
  • Original backwards compatible 60GB model
  • 17-inch LCD HDTV screen: 720p
  • HDMI-DVI connection (same as last Xbox 360 laptop)
  • Built-in keyboard, USB ports, stereo speakers, headphone jack
  • Size: 17 x 13.75 x 3-inches
  • Weight: 16 pounds!
You want this one of a kind piece of kit for your very own, PlayStation fanboys? You got it. We're auctioning this thing for charity real soon, so watch out for details (we'll also have some video of the PS3 Laptop in action on the site tomorrow). And, naturally, big ups to our pal Ben Heck for the long hours and love he put into this thing. The man is truly a hero of ours, so be sure to hit up his site to check out his other projects, as well as the other instructional stuff he's done here on Engadget.

For more images, check out Engadget's gallery

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The PlayStation 3 Laptop - For Real originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> playstationps3 switchedtips@gmail.com (Ryan Block) Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:23:00 EST Switched