Hasta La Gadget!

Can you believe it? It’s been over two years since we first got wind of what would become Meizu’s high-end iPhone clone, the M8. Okay, we admit to being somewhat dubious at first, and won’t be entirely won over until we get one to play with, but just a few days away from its Chinese release the handset seems to live up to its promises according to IT168’s full review. Other than a few faults, including an “ear-piercing” integrated speaker and issues running third-party Windows CE applications, things sound surprisingly good. The 480 x 720 3.4-inch screen received high marks, performance was rated as very speedy, and the integrated 3 megapixel camera looks to be able to take great looking pics — assuming you turn a few lights on. It does sound like a solid device, but is it a proper iPhone competitor? In China, where the iPhone still isn’t officially available, we wonder if it isn’t the iPhone that’s the underdog now (cue raised eyebrow).

Continue reading Meizu M8 reviewed, worth the wait?

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Meizu M8 reviewed, worth the wait? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, the concept behind Whac-a-Mole makes a lot more sense. But what fun did anyone ever have spanking sense with a plastic mallet?

Whac-a-Butt is a reinterpretation of the classic, featuring seven butts that must be whacked. With each successful butt hammering (the inclusion of a hammer in this set stinks a bit of anachronism, but then again, this is a game in which butts pop out of little holes to a timer) a slapping noise is made (again, not quite fitting a hammer, but we’ve never struck a butt with a hammer so who knows what that might sound like).

Whac-a-Butt sells for $22, includes batteries and it is specifically not appropriate for your office’s secret Santa gift exchange. [Gobaz via Nerd Approved]

Along with the brand new touch N97, Nokia also unveiled new software at its Nokia World show in Spain today—bringing a free new version of Maps and updated email/IM services.

The new Maps 3.0 Beta adds 3D topography and landmarks for 216 cities, high-res satellite photos, improved pedestrian directions and better turn-by-turn support. You can also plan a route online via Nokia’s desktop Ovi service and then sync it immediately back to your phone. Anyone using S60 FP2 can download the new Maps beta today—Nokia’s acquisition of Navteq is definitely showing its benefits here.

The new Messaging upgrade ties in all of your email and IM accounts, providing push services for some accounts and more syncing via Ovi if you have a 1GB Ovi Mail account. Messaging with Ovi sync will launch later this month.

So if you’re using a Nokia S60 piece, go grab these updates. [Nokia Maps 3.0 Beta, Nokia Messaging]

Not that AMD’s being overly secretive about its forthcoming Phenom II processor, but it hasn’t exactly been forthcoming with model names / estimated ship dates, either. And that folks, is why we look to leaks. A recent writeup over on Chinese site HKEPC details the impending chip family by listing over a dozen new CPUs (including two Phenom II X3s and seven Phenom II X4s) that are destined to be announced between CES and June 2009. Not surprisingly, some of the model names aren’t — shall we way, completely original — with the 3GHz Phenom II X4 940 and 2.8GHz Phenom II X4 920 sharing eerily similar naming schemes with Intel’s fresh Core i7. Of course, we’re not sticklers for silly things like that — we just want to see a few slabs of silicon get out the door on time. Is that really too much to ask, AMD?

[Via CNET]

Filed under: Desktops

AMD Phenom II CPU roadmap foreshadows potent Spring originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On one level, this video is fun because it explains how computers work in the most dumbed-down language imaginable. On another level, it’s from the 90s, the golden early age of the internet. And it’s aimed at the elderly, creating the trifecta.

Yes, Surfing for Seniors is a real gem, explaining how computers work in terms old people understand, like fair games and libraries. The video itself isn’t too exciting, mostly consisting of a shot of this old lady’s back as she scrolls up and down intercut with close-ups of her clicking those mouse buttons of hers. But the sensible, incredibly dumbed down advice is pretty awesome. [Cynical C via The Daily What]