Logitech’s Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)

Dashing away from the Google I/O keynote as fast as our feet would carry us, we scored the very first look at Logitech’s Google TV companion box. While we’ll share full details when we catch a breath, here’s the scoop: the box extends the full functionality of a Logitech Harmony remote and a WiFi access point to your TV, providing not only Google TV but also allowing you to control your entire entertainment system (including DVR) with a still-in-development keyboard / touchpad remote or an iPhone or Android smartphone app over WiFi. Hit the gallery below for a taste of what the little set-top box can do, and rest assured we’ve got more info on the way.

Update: Now with video, after the break.

Update 2: Details and specs after the break, too.

Continue reading Logitech’s Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)

Logitech’s Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP developing wrist PC for military, finally putting that flexible display to good use

Looks like that flexible plastic display Hewlett-Packard has been talking up since 2008 is finally ready to hit the big time. According to Carl Taussig, director of information surfaces at HP Labs, the company is developing a wrist PC at the behest of the US military. Behind the display, a thin strip of metal-coated plastic (merely 50 microns thick) is printed with transistors for, you know, displaying stuff. The thing will be solar powered and, like the display, the solar panels will also be printed, using a technology called PowerFilm. With any luck a prototype should be ready within a year. Now, can we get a PIP Boy already?

HP developing wrist PC for military, finally putting that flexible display to good use originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Is Google TV? [Google TV]

Google TV was announced today. But what exactly is it? Give us two minutes. More »

What Is Froyo? [Froyo]

Google’s out with Android 2.2—codename: Froyo—and so far we’re impressed. But what is it, exactly? More »

Analyst: Apple selling more iPads than Macs, at the moment

So there’s no question that Apple is selling a ton of iPads, but would you have guessed that it’s actually selling more iPads than all Mac sales combined? That’s the case, at least at the moment, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky, who says that Apple is currently moving about 200,000 iPads per week, compared to 110,000 Macs — though it still trails the iPhone, which is apparently racking up sales of 246,000 per week. Of course, we are just talking about analyst estimates here, and things could potentially swing back into the Mac’s favor once the quarterly totals are added up. If true, however, it’d sure be a whopper of a milestone — one that we’d no doubt be hearing plenty more about in, say, three weeks time.

Analyst: Apple selling more iPads than Macs, at the moment originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 15:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Washington establishing timeline for sales of ‘loud’ EVs

Whenever we test drive an EV, we try to bring along a passenger who screams things out the window like “Beware! Silent car!” and “Electric vehicle! Don’t get hit!” But we understand that for some of you this might not be an option. Luckily, it looks like initiatives to outfit electric vehicles with warning sounds have been picking up steam, from the Pedestrian Safety Act last year to a new bill that would have the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration establish a three year timeline for auto manufacturers. According to Autoblog, “there’s no word as to how loud the noise would be or what it will sound like,” although drivers would not be able to turn it off, and it would likely be variable, depending on your speed — not unlike the system Brabus uses in its Smart High Voltage EV. As for your car-lovin’ Engadget editors, we’re already looking for one that emulates the growl of the ’68 Ford Mustang that Steve McQueen drove in Bullitt.

Washington establishing timeline for sales of ‘loud’ EVs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 15:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Is Leapfrogging Apple [GoogleIo]

Google is done playing catch-up. Today they’re setting the agenda: With Android Froyo, Google TV, mobile ads and streaming media, Google isn’t just matching Apple—they’re taking the lead. More »

SIM unlock now available for AT&T Palm Pre Plus

The method ain’t new — it’s the same jictechnology developers offering the same code over at NextGenServer — but it will yield different results when used on the latest and greatest webOS device. Yep, that Palm Pre unlock that enabled international GSM Pre units to work on AT&T, Telus and T-Mobile is now officially certified for use on AT&T’s own Palm Pre Plus. That means your shiny new smartphone can now hop onto T-Mobile and Telus networks with a functioning SIM card from either carrier, but unlike other unlocks, this one will cost you $35.79. Or, you know, you could pick up Verizon’s Pre Plus, nab a free mobile hotspot along the way, and pocket an old Nokia candybar for those overseas jaunts — your call, broseph.

SIM unlock now available for AT&T Palm Pre Plus originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 14:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPads on Track to Outsell the Mac

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Sales of the iPad are already outpacing those of the Mac in the United States, according to an analyst’s calculations.

Apple is selling more than 200,000 iPads per week, says Mike Abramsky, an RBC Capital Markets analyst. That’s almost twice the rate of Mac computers, which average about 110,000 units sold each week.

The iPad isn’t outselling the iPhone, though it’s coming close. Apple was selling about 246,000 units of the iPhone 3GS per week during its first quarter of launch.

“Checks indicate that U.S. iPad sales remain strong post-launch, driven by rising consumer visibility to iPad’s user experience, sustained PR/word-of-mouth marketing, 3G iPad launch, and broadening iPad apps/content,” Abramsky said in a note to clients.

Apple announced in early May that it sold one million iPads after only one month. In light of his calculations, Abramsky estimates the company will sell 8 million iPads in 2010, up from his previous projection of 5 million.

The iPad has only been selling for a month and a half, and it’s difficult to tell whether the 200,000 figure will hold steady in the coming months. However, it’s still significant that early signs suggest the iPad is growing quickly.

After all, the Mac category consists of several models of multiple computers, including the Mac Mini, iMac and MacBook Pro. So it’s surprising to see that early sales of the iPad, which comes in six different configurations, have already outpaced the sales of all those Mac models combined.

What’s more, Apple has not marketed the iPad as a computer replacement, but rather a new device category sitting in between a smartphone and a computer. It’s possible the iPad is tapping into the enormous audience that was interested in netbooks, which sit in the same “in-between” category.

Add to that the media-hungry customers choosing the more versatile iPad over the iPod, along with the grandmas who have never owned a computer before buying an iPad, and it becomes clear why the tablet is selling so quickly.

From Digital Daily

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Photo: Brian Derballa/Wired.com


MSI shows off convertible ‘SketchBook’ laptop concept

Well, it looks like MSI isn’t waiting for Computex to show off some of its wild, new concept devices — it’s just unveiled this so-called “SketchBook” at an event in Amsterdam. Offering a new twist on the convertible laptop, this one doesn’t actually convert into a tablet, but rather features a rotating base that has a keyboard on one side and a full-size graphics tablet on the other — hence the name. Unfortunately, MSI is staying mum on any other details at the moment — let alone pricing or availability — but our counterparts at Engadget Spanish did get a chance to check out an early, non-functioning prototype of the device. Check out a shot of it after the break, and hit up the source link below for the complete hands-on.

Continue reading MSI shows off convertible ‘SketchBook’ laptop concept

MSI shows off convertible ‘SketchBook’ laptop concept originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 14:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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