Hasta La Gadget!

Skype brought deeper Facebook integration to its Windows application with version 5.5 this summer, and it’s now seen fit to bring the same functionality to Mac users with the beta version of Skype 5.4. As with Skype for Windows, that will let you do things like chat with your Facebook friends, read and update your news feed, and even “Like” posts — all from right in Skype. What it doesn’t bring, however, are any significant changes to the still-controversial UI, which we’re guessing will be enough to keep some folks on version 2.8.

Skype 5.4 beta hits Mac with added Facebook integration originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We got our paws on the two upcoming Archos Android 3.2 tablets the other week at IFA — and now it seems that you’ll be able to follow suit in the near future, with pre-sale beginning September 20th. The Archos eight-inch G9 starts at $299 for the 1GHz 8GB version, going all the way up to $369 for a 1.5GHz processor and a whopping 250GB of storage. The 10-incher has a 1.5GHz processor and 16GB of storage for $399 or you can plunk down $469 for the 250GB version. The 1GHz 80 G9 starts pre-sale on September 20th through Archos and goes on sale at select retailers on the 30th. Its 1.5GHz counterpart will be hitting in October. Press info is after the break.

Continue reading Archos G9 tablets doing the pre-sale thing September 20th

Archos G9 tablets doing the pre-sale thing September 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft seems intent to push things forward, judging by its recent Build 2011 conference and the Windows 8 goods on display. Now, in an official blog post from the Redmond-based company, comes word that Internet Explorer 10 will be doing double duty, accommodating the web’s old architecture and its HTML 5 future. Users who opt for IE 10’s Metro-style app will be treated to a plug-in free experience, as MS has its eye on the evolving underpinnings of our information superhighway. Not to worry, though, the desktop app of the company’s refreshed browser will still function as it always has, providing compatibility for Flash, and a host of other extensions. The company made the decision after surveying 97,000 internet sites worldwide, deducing that a portion of the 62% sampled defaulted to HTML 5 in the absence of plug-in support. Due in part to this intentional omission, the Ballmer-led co. now claims the new, touch-optimized version of IE 10 will run faster, sustain battery life and offer improved security and privacy. Not convinced? Well, you’ll be able to test that out for yourselves when those Windows 8 slates hit the market.

Microsoft’s Metro-style IE 10 has seen the future and it’s plug-in free originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There are some cameras that we would be willing to use in a bind, some that we wouldn’t hesitate to shoot with, and a very select few that would motivate a cross-country journey, just for the chance to spend a few days behind the lens. Sony’s Alpha NEX-7 falls within that incredibly unique final category — in fact, we’ve done just that, flying from New York to San Diego to go hands-on with one of only a half-dozen pre-production samples to have landed on American soil. After seeing a very early NEX-7 prototype a few months ago, it didn’t take much convincing to get us on a plane.

Sony’s 24.3 megapixel APS-C masterpiece represents a giant leap forward for the interchangeable lens market, theoretically capable of capturing images identical in quality to its much larger Alpha A77 counterpart, but in a body only slightly larger than the NEX-C3. Pair that image quality with an XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, a revamped tri-navi interface, standard hot-shoe, 1080 / 60p AVCHD video, microphone input, and a built-in flash, and you have one very worthy compact DSLR replacement. That said, the NEX-7 kit’s $1,350 price tag is far more than many are willing to spend on a camera. But is that premium pricing justified? Jump past the break to find out.

Continue reading Sony Alpha NEX-7 hands-on preview (video)

Sony Alpha NEX-7 hands-on preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Livio Radio‘s Bluetooth Internet Radio Car Kit may not be the most mellifluous product name we’ve ever heard, but it’s certainly an apt one. Known as “The Kit” for short, this plug-and-play device allows drivers to stream music from their iPhone or iPod Touch, directly through their car’s FM radio. The system also boasts hands-free Bluetooth calling capabilities and a set buttons that let you control Livio’s Car Internet Radio application, providing access to over 45,000 radio stations with no monthly fees. Interested parties can grab their own Kit at the source link below, for $120. Otherwise, just steer past the break for an espresso shot of PR.

Continue reading Livio Radio outs Bluetooth Internet Radio Kit for iPod, iPhone, but you can just call it ‘The Kit’

Livio Radio outs Bluetooth Internet Radio Kit for iPod, iPhone, but you can just call it ‘The Kit’ originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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