Hasta La Gadget!

If you like the idea of the Boxee TV, you’ll be glad to hear that Boxee is handing units out like so much Halloween candy… as long as you live in the right areas, that is. Those who’ve signed up for product notifications and live in the cloud DVR coverage areas of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, DC can get a free Boxee TV just by filling out a survey. They’ll even have the privilege of getting their units ahead of everyone else. Boxee hasn’t said if any new sign-ups will qualify, though it can’t hurt to try the source link and potentially get a welcome treat.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Boxee hands out free Boxee TVs to its most eager cloud DVR fans originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft’s big coming out day for Windows 8 is finally upon us. In celebration, Redmond’s throwing a launch party for its newest OS update on New York City’s Pier 57. You may not be able to join in on the fun in person, but we’ve got this handy stream beyond the break should you wish to play along virtually, and it’s starting any minute.

Update: Some folks are having issues with the primary stream, and if you’re one of those folks, you may wanna redirect your browser here for an alternative feed.

Continue reading Celebrate Windows 8 day with this livestream of Microsoft’s launch event (video)

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Software, Microsoft

Celebrate Windows 8 day with this livestream of Microsoft’s launch event (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Uber has been having a tough time getting a foothold in New York City, and it’s temporarily withdrawing the UberTaxi service it had in beta. The withdrawal isn’t entirely for the reasons you’d expect, however. While Uber claims to have been getting grief from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission for offering a competing (if technically legal) service through its smartphone apps, the program’s end was due to demand rather than any kind of outright ban — the Commission’s pressure reportedly kept Uber from matching interest with enough yellow cabs. Black car service is still on for those who don’t mind the classic ride. Should that uncomfortable balance not be quite good enough, Mayor Bloomberg is promising a truce come February, when a shift in contracts will let New York change the rules and hopefully improve the market for taxi alternatives.

Update: TLC Commissioner David Yassky has weighed in with both an elaboration and claims that the Commission has been in favor of newer technology for awhile. He notes that the contracts expiring in February relate to exclusive payment arrangements with Creative Mobile Technologies and VeriFone, and that apps of all kinds (Uber’s included) can compete for attention at that point. His full statement:

“In recent months, as e-hail apps have emerged, TLC has undertaken serious diligence and is moving toward rule changes that will open the market to app developers and other innovators. Those changes cannot legally take place until our existing exclusive contracts expire in February. We are committed to making it as easy as possible to get a safe, legal ride in a New York City taxi, and are excited to see how emerging technology can improve that process. Our taxis have always been on the cutting edge of technological innovation, from GPS systems to credit card readers.”

Filed under: Transportation

Uber shuts down New York City taxi beta, may see light at the end of the (Lincoln) tunnel in February (update: TLC responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ever since Samsung issued invitations for its October 24th event, it’s become increasingly clearer that the New York City gathering would center on the Galaxy Note II. After all, we’ve tried almost every US version so far, and nothing else has loomed on the horizon. Just in case there was any lingering uncertainty, though, Samsung sent us that promised formal invitation with exact details of what’s going on: it’s the US stop for the Galaxy Note II World Tour, with a press event that night followed by a “consumer celebration” later on that might bring a public side to the affair. Most American editions of the phablet have been announced or re-announced, which suggests to us that we’ll primarily get firmer release dates and prices while we’re busy hobnobbing.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

Samsung confirms October 24th event is for the US Galaxy Note II, removes what doubt was left originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The green pigs have had their moment in the sun: it’s time for the Angry Birds to come back. Rovio Mobile has posted a teaser of a collaboration between its frustrated avians and Star Wars that will get a grand reveal on October 8th at Toys R Us’ Times Square location in New York City. No clear giveaways exist as to what’s coming, although Rovio is promising animations, comics and other material in the weeks ahead — we imagine it means more than a toy line, as unique as that can be. But does it mean an Angry Birds Space add-on that goes well beyond the Martian landscape, an entirely new game or something else altogether? We’ve asked the company for more details and will let you know if we’re given more information. In the meantime, get ready for what’s likely to be a geek culture explosion.

[Thanks, Jaakko]

Filed under: Gaming

Rovio hints at Angry Birds tie-in with Star Wars on October 8th, Red Bird Five standing by originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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