Hasta La Gadget!

Ubuntu’s Touch Developer Preview was originally put forward as something for “enthusiasts” as well as developers. Well, having been hands-on with the code that will be made public tomorrow, we’d say it requires enthusiasm a-plenty — perhaps even amateur coder quantities of the stuff. That’s because a lot of core functionality is still missing from the OS, such as the ability to play music files or import real-life contacts, and there’s a long way to go if it’s to be signed off as “code complete” in October.

On the other hand, this is really just a statement of the obvious. Canonical has been pretty clear that the main purpose of this early release is to lure in developers and get them to contribute to the fundamental stages of the project. Furthermore, the video after the break shows that there are many aspects of the OS which work fine — such as the gallery and video apps, the “side stage” and HUD features, and also general performance on the Nexus 10‘s hardware. The UI merges some Kindle- and Windows 8-esque features with things that are totally original — like responsive design which allows the exact same OS and apps to run on a phone, tablet, TV or desktop. We certainly hope it generates interest — not only among developers but also among device manufacturers who want to do more than just talk about differentiation.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Mobile

Comments

Just as it had promised, Netflix today released its original series House of Cards to its many, many subscribers. There’s more good news, however, as the the streaming giant’s giving those without the necessary account credentials a chance to see what the show is all about, giving non-paid users access to the very first episode at no cost. Meanwhile, those who shell out the monthly fee will be able to catch all 13 episodes of House of Cards in one go, with Netflix obviously taking a different approach than what we’re accustomed to seeing in new series from the likes of HBO or Showtime. Naturally, should folks like what they see from Kevin Spacey, Kate Mara and the rest of the cast, they’ll have to sign up for the service in order to keep up with the story — which, we’d say, is exactly what Netflix wishes for. Have some time to spare? Then hit that source link below to watch the House of Cards premiere (that’s assuming you haven’t done so already, of course).

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

Comments

Via: AllThingsD

Source: Netflix

Windows 8 Embedded Industry is an almost unsung part of Microsoft’s roadmap: it’s a tightly managed release meant for factories and retailers who care most about reliable machines. If you’ve ever want to peek behind the curtain, though, you have a chance now that Microsoft has posted a Release Preview version of the OS for the public to try. We wouldn’t recommend tossing regular Windows 8 aside if it’s already installed; still, there’s a handful of tricks within the Embedded Industry code that could make it palpable for curious users. It adds the same stylized apps and multi-touch input that you’d get from the desktop, plug-and-play peripherals and support for cloud services. We’ll likely only ever see the finished Industry build when we’re buying some cantaloupes, but those who hit the preview link will at least know what software is making the cash register hum.

Filed under: Software, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Approaching Embedded Intelligently

After a week off to take advantage of the holidays, the Distro crew is back in action. In the latest issue of our tablet mag, we run down all of the major categories with a preview of what our editors expect to see — or not see — when CES cranks up in a few days. On top of that, Eyes-On has a look at a Lomography panoramic camera, Hands-On offers impressions on some of the latest gadgetry and tech writer Taylor Hatmaker drops by for the Q&A. Once the annual Las Vegas tech madness gets started next week, we’ll be publishing daily issues of this e-publication beginning Tuesday, January 8th to keep you up to speed with all of the happenings in the desert. Arriving just in time for the events, our Windows 8 Distro app is now available and can be procured like its Android and iOS counterparts, via the download links below.

Distro Issue 72 PDF
Distro in the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Google Play Store
Distro in the Windows Store
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile

Comments

Source: iTunes, Google Play, Windows Store

With CES looming like an electrically charged storm of news and announcements, it’s time for us to give you our best bets on what you’ll see come January. During the month of December, we’ll bring you a series of CES preview posts, forecasting what you can expect when the news deluge begins. For more of what’s to come, check out our hub.

It goes without saying that smartphones are now an integral part of the consumer electronics industry, and each January plenty of them are exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. While many companies are understandably silent about their plans for the massive trade show, we’ve been able to gather a pretty solid idea of what we can expect to see as the show descends upon us. Join us after the break as we tell you what types of products will delight or depress us at next month’s event.

Continue reading Engadget’s CES 2013 Preview: Smartphones

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Nokia, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments