One thing smartphones aren’t very good at? Sharing. They keep to themselves, hoard what they create, and bristle at the thought of accessing and sharing files like a normal computer. Thankfully, we have these apps. More »
One moment it’s a phone in your hand. The next, it’s a full-fledged turn-by-turn nav unit with an active internet connection. What happened? These apps, is what. More »
Streaming music from a computer to all manner of home audio devices is an area Sonos, Logitech, and Apple have been competing in for years. The recently-released MP-1 music player from Orb, though, is a surprise contender that can perform a host of streaming duties for less than $70. Like the competition, it works by connecting to a powered audio device via an in-line jack, and can play music stored locally, on a network, or from services like Pandora when streamed over 802.11b/g/n WiFi through its companion Orb Caster media server software. To sweeten the package, the company is also throwing in their Orb Controller app for iOS devices — which normally costs $10 — for a low price of free, and apparently has plans to release an Android version of the remote sometime in the near future. Sure, it’s a little strange for us to see a company known for their free media streaming software jump in the hardware game so abruptly, but the MP-1’s mixture of functionality for the price is a pretty enticing first step. Plus, if the move ignites a price war to the bottom with the aforementioned competition, who are we to complain?
[Thanks, Tom]
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless, Networking
Orb MP-1 music player pulls Sonos-like tricks for way less than a Benjamin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Orb | Email this | Comments
Listen, cookbooks are great. That’s fine. But do you know what else is great? Friggin’ apps. With the right apps, your smartphone or tablet is your new cookbook—and cooking instructor, and sous chef. Here are the best. More »
This week’s best apps!? You must mean the week’s best iPhone apps, right? Nope, from here on out it’s just the very best apps, every week, for iPhone, Android, and iPad. More »
It’s not in our nature to get all excited about firmware updates, but B&N sure seems to be bringing the good stuff in release 1.3 of the Nook’s software. The major new features include a Beta release of a “basic” web browser and a Read In Store feature that’s reassuringly true to its name. You’ll basically be allowed to browse and read the full versions of books while inside a Barnes and Noble outlet. That looks like a win-win to us, as it directly addresses the goal of using the Nook to get people in stores while affording consumers the opportunity to get a good idea about a book. The first Android apps on the device are also offered, in the form of games like chess and sudoku, both perfectly suited to the glacially refreshing monochome screen. Speaking of which, B&N claims it’s also improved page turning and loading speeds. The update is available via manual download now or you can wait for the OTA stuff to hit your Nook within the next week.
[Thanks, Davorin]
Nook gets web browser, free in-store reading, and games in new firmware originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Leave it to the gung ho gang at Android and Me to do some clever Googling and discovering Motorola’s web based Android app store, Shop4apps. The store has since been removed / made hidden, but not before we got a good glimpse at the whole shebang. There’s a MyLocker section to check your download history, the ability to re-download and transfer aspps to a new phone, and a special MotoAppstore client for downloading and installing the apps (which unfortunately wasn’t working yet). Frankly, the images aren’t too flattering, so we’re hoping for some further tweaking before it’s official launch. In the meantime, hit up the source link for more pictures.
[Thanks, Taylor]
Motorola’s Shop4apps online Android app store discovered originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
