Hasta La Gadget!

The PlayStation 3 has kept access to Hulu even without PlayOn or other workaround while others were blocked — with the exception of its own remote friendly desktop software — thanks to its browser’s Flash support, but this morning multiple users have reported the above message indicating “Unfortunately, this video is not available on your platform. We apologize for any inconvenience.” Some odd glitch related to the recent 2.80 firmware update or other temporary problem, or is this the latest platform to get the Boxee treatment when trying to bring streaming video to TV screens? We’ve reached out to Hulu for an explanation but so far, haven’t heard a response. Interestingly, the Hulu TOS was just updated as of June 26, and although we haven’t found any PS3-specific passages, changing a browser’s user-string to match the console reveals it is definitely being specifically blocked.

[Thanks Sev, and to Tyler from FormatWarCentral.com for the picture]

Hulu to PlayStation 3 browsers: “This video is not available on your platform” originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft just laid out the Windows 7 pricing grid for us, and here’s the big takeaway: Vista and XP users will need to pony up $119.99, $199.99, or $219.99 on October 22 to score their Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate upgrade, and those of you who want a full retail disc will need to roll up with $199.99, $299.99, or $319.99 respectively. It’s not quite that simple, though: starting tomorrow, June 26, you’ll be able to pre-order upgrades at much cheaper prices — $49.99 for Home Premium and $99.99 for Professional, just as we’d heard — but pre-orders will be strictly limited in number and are expected to sell out quickly. Obviously we’d prefer it if final pricing was $49 and $99 for everyone, but it’s not a bad start, especially since participating manufacturers will be offering cheap / free upgrades to 7 on new computers sold after tomorrow with Vista as well.

Oh, and don’t you worry about scoring a place in line, because we’re here to help: later today we’ll be giving away 100 codes that guarantee a pre-order spot at the discounted prices, and you’ll be able to share the code with two friends. You’ll have to act fast, though — the codes will only be valid for 48 hours. Keep your eyes peeled for our recession antidote post around noon EST, and get your clicky-fingers ready.

Update: Looks lke we’ve got our first participating manufacturer — HP machines sold after tomorrow will receive free upgrades to 7, and we’re hearing Sony will announce a similar offer soon. We’ll be keeping a full list of announcements as the day goes on, check back later for more.

Windows 7 official pricing announced, limited pre-orders start tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As we prepare for HTC’s official launch event today, we’re starting to see some details appear on HTC’s own website of the much rumored Hero. Through some URL trickery, we’ve managed to unearth several details that confirm the previous rumors. Hero includes the new HTC Sense widget-based interface that puts at-a-glance info right up front on the home screen where it belongs. A new Scenes profile feature lets you transform your phones focus from business to weekend mode. Viewing your contacts shows the usual data in addition to the interactions you’ve had through social networking status updates and photos from the likes of Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and Twitter. A dedicated search button searches the phone as well as services like Twitter. In fact, like Palm’s Pre, the HTC Hero seems ready to fully integrate your local data with all your subscribed social media sites. The biggest deal here, however, might just be that HTC is touting this as the first Android device to support Flash out of the box.

Inside you’ll find Qualcomm’s MSM7200A proc running Android at 528MHz, 512MB/288MB ROM/RAM, 3.2-inch TFT-LCD with 320 x 480 pixel rez, 900/2100MHz HSPA and Quad-band GSM, trackball, GPS, 802.11b/g WiFi, 3.5mm audio jack, G-sensor, compass, and 5 megapixel auto-focus cam with microSD expansion. It’s all there baby. The White version of the device has an industry-first Teflon coating (right, just like your pans) to keep things clean and grime free. Multi-touch and anti-fingerprint coating too. Hero arrives in Europe in July with T-Mobile and Orange, Asia later in the summer, and North America even later in 2009. Stay tuned for a full hands-on, but for now, enjoy the press shots in the gallery below and the new video after the break!

Other HTC Hero coverage
Read – Adobe demos Flash on the Hero
Read – Hero hands-on and impressions

Read – Product page
Read – Official PR

Continue reading HTC Hero running Android and Sense UI leaks from HTC’s own website (updated, official, video)

Filed under: Cellphones

HTC Hero running Android and Sense UI leaks from HTC’s own website (updated, official, video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’d be difficult to term HP’s new Mini 5101 netbook “exciting” but the new ProBook 4310s has promise — or at least flexibility. Like its name suggests, the ProBook 4310s is for boring people who like to spend their days alternating between an Excel spreadsheet and Peggle, but the specs and looks hint at adventure. Basically, this 13.3-inch laptop can be whatever you’d like it to be, with a starting price of $799 and the whole gamut of options, from Celeron to Core 2 Duo, FreeDOS to Vista, DVD to Blu-ray, and integrated or discrete graphics (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 with 512MB of RAM and HyperMemory support). There’s space for up to 8GB of RAM, EV-DO, ExpressCard 34, SD card, all sorts of hard drives — if you can imagine a spec HP probably has an option for it inside this 1-inch thick, 4.34 pound shell. Even the screen is available in three different configurations — it’s nice to be reminded now and then that high design doesn’t always have to kill choice. The 4310s will be available on July 20th.

Filed under: Laptops

HP ProBook 4310s serves up a cornucopia of options for the configuration junkie within originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The good news is that T-Mobile USA has finally gotten around to announce its second Android handset, the myTouch 3G; the bad news, though, is that you can’t have it just yet. The carrier-customized version of the HTC Magic that has already shipped in parts of Europe, Asia, and Canada features a 3.2-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen, AWS 3G for use on T-Mobile’s high-speed network paired with quadband EDGE for global roaming, WiFi, a 3.2 megapixel camera, Exchange support, and — of course — Android 1.5 with all the virtual keyboardin’ you can handle. Better than the G1? Other than the larger internal memory common to all Magics, that’s strictly a matter of personal taste — but don’t worry, you’ll have a while to sort it out, because T-Mobile won’t even start taking preorders from current customers until July 8 for $199.99 on a two-year contract. Those orders will start shipping in late July, with full national availability following on in early August in your choice of black, white, or “merlot.”

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

T-Mobile myTouch 3G announced, starts shipping late July originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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