Hasta La Gadget!

Most stores accepting mobile payments usually have to take just one format, whether it’s Google Wallet, Square or another flavor that you probably can’t use. LevelUp is convinced you shouldn’t have to choose platforms: it just revealed a new payment dock that will recognize both the company’s existing QR code system as well as NFC. It’s much easier sight on the eyes than typical NFC terminals, to boot. Just don’t expect a one-for-one recreation of systems like Google Wallet or Isis. Rather than expose your banking details by holding them in a chip, LevelUp’s NFC is just used to move the transaction along — if it’s used to get things started, shoppers can either switch to a QR code or complete the transaction with a second tap. The company is mostly planning to replace its existing payment points across the US with the NFC-aware models. Bluetooth 4.0 is an option for the future, however, which could make LevelUp even more of a Swiss Army Knife for the world of mobile commerce.

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

LevelUp unveils payment docks that take both NFC and QR codes, leave out the guesswork originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 03:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  GigaOM  | Email this | Comments

The capacitive touch capabilities of today’s devices are perfect for a great many things — but traditional gaming just isn’t among them. When it comes to “fixing” gaming controls on touch devices, there are two avenues of approach, and SteelSeries is headed down both of them: touchscreen augmenting nubs, and wireless gamepads. The firm lumps both of these solutions into its new “freedom to play” line of accessories — and though both of them echo products we’ve seen before, these peripherals play their roles exceedingly well.

Continue reading SteelSeries Free Touchscreen Gaming Controls and Free Mobile Gaming Controller aren’t free, we go hands-on (video)

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

SteelSeries Free Touchscreen Gaming Controls and Free Mobile Gaming Controller aren’t free, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

So the big buzz of the day’s just passed, but now’s the time to focus on the lesser details of Nokia’s big Windows Phone 8 / Lumia presser: the accessories. Revealed during the presentation today, the Lumia 920 and 820 both incorporate Qi tech for wireless charging (albeit, optionally in the latter’s case), a perk that will let users choose from the company’s own stylish, soap-bar like dock, Fatboy pillow or an NFC-equipped charging stand. All three function exactly as advertised — put the phone on top and it starts charging right away. The basic dock is the same sort of plastic that now graces the outside of the Lumia line. It’s simple, slightly shiny and comes in a variety of hues. The Pillow is broad, flat and not exactly comfortable. The charging element sits right in the middle and is surrounded by beanbag-like cushions on all sides save for the top — we wouldn’t advise putting it under your head to go to sleep.

The most interesting peripheral is definitely the charging stand. It’s the least cumbersome of the charging options and it’s got a neat trick up its sleeve. An NFC chip embedded in its base can be used to tell a Lumia to launch an app when you place it in the dock. So, you could easily put a 920 down, keep it charged and automatically open your music player or alarm clock. You can see the NFC trick in action in a video after the break.

Continue reading Nokia adds Qi wireless charging tech to new Lumia phones, we go hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

Nokia adds Qi wireless charging tech to new Lumia phones, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Any of you who bothered to read Engadget this past Labor Day Monday must’ve noticed all those Nokia leaks making the rounds. Chief among them was a wireless charging pad, featured in a legit-looking press shot. Well, Nokia’s big day of announcements has arrived and indeed, the company just formally unveiled the charging accessory — a soap-dish-shaped device based on the popular Qi wireless standard. (Of course, the Lumia 920’s built-in Qi tech means that you can use all manner of third-party charging pads; they don’t have to be made by Nokia.) Additionally, the company briefly teased a Fatboy-branded pillow (pictured), also designed for recharging. Other than that, the company didn’t share too many specifics, though it did reveal that Virgin Atlantic and Coffee Bean will both be offering wireless charging — Virgin in its Heathrow Airport lounge, and Coffee Bean on its countertops.

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Mobile

Nokia announces wireless charging pads, Fatboy Recharging Pillow for Lumia phones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Thermaltake and BMW DesignworksUSA’s Level 10 M gaming mouse has made the transition from concept to reality. Unlike its teasing appearance in January, the unit now has some real-world specifications, including five programmable keys and a Z-key that’ll change your gaming profile on the fly. The optical unit’s DPI was a closely guarded secret, but the companies have confirmed it’ll default to 5,000, but can be tweaked up to 8,200 if you need it. Sweaty-palmed gamers will appreciate the holes drilled in the top, preventing your secretions from loosing your grip from the handset. It’s available right now for $100, just make sure you’ve worked out if you’re gonna call it a “Beemer” or “Bimmer” before you buy — and yes, we’re resolutely in the former camp.

Update: Well, this is odd. The image above was supplied by BMW (give or take the odd creative addition), but Thermaltake’s version, included after the break, makes the unit look very different indeed.

Continue reading BMW and Thermaltake’s Level 10 M gaming mouse is real, costs $100

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

BMW and Thermaltake’s Level 10 M gaming mouse is real, costs $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ExecDigital  |   | Email this | Comments