What Could Be Apple’s Next "Absolutely Different" Product?

In 2001 it was the iPod. In 2007, the iPhone. And three years later, it was the iPad. Now, the rumor is that Apple may be preparing an entire new product line. But what could that be? More »

iOS 5 turns Japanese iPhones into earthquake alarms

Following the devastation wrought by the recent Japanese earthquake, Apple has hooked the country’s early warning system into iOS 5. The tectonically-volatile nation has the most sophisticated alarm in the world, delivering life-saving warnings seconds or minutes before disaster strikes. iOS users already had access to this functionality via apps like Yurekuru, but iOS 5 will bring it directly into the operating system. The service can be activated in the Notification Center settings pane, accompanied by a warning that the constant connection will deplete your battery faster — a fair exchange if it saves your life.

iOS 5 turns Japanese iPhones into earthquake alarms originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast’s Xfinity app debuts on Blackberry, updated on iOS

It may not have live TV streaming yet, but Comcast has been at the forefront of expanding the cable TV experience to phones and tablets with its Xfinity app and pushed further recently, updating the iOS version and releasing an edition for Blackberry phones. On Blackberry it brings the usual set of features, including Comcast.net email access, remote DVR scheduling and trailers for VOD selections. On iOS, v1.60 adds a “previously played” button that can return the TV to previously watched channels, or start playing VOD content on the mobile devices right where you last left off. Check the official blog for more details or just download from iTunes or Blackberry App World.

Comcast’s Xfinity app debuts on Blackberry, updated on iOS originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS 5 beta 6 gets a Sn0wbreeze jailbreak, iPad 2 still stuck behind bars

Apparently, the iOS hacking community is not working for the weekend, judging by the two days it took to crack Apple’s latest beta wide open. Available as of this morning, the Sn0wbreeze 2.8 Beta 6 unlock tool can now give those of you with developer credentials jailbreak access to iOS 5 beta 6. From the looks of this release, the hack works on most iOS devices with the sole exception of the iPad 2. Already itching to get that custom firmware on your Ive-designed iSlabs? Then hit the source link below, and let us know how things turn out.

iOS 5 beta 6 gets a Sn0wbreeze jailbreak, iPad 2 still stuck behind bars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple eclipses Lenovo’s sales in emerging Chinese market

As if Apple needed further incentive to take a victory lap around its billion dollar war chest, the company can now add greater China to its list of top performing markets. According to the Financial Times, Apple’s third quarter China sales outstripped Lenovo’s $2.8 billion first quarter results, racking up a commanding $3.8 billion lead in the PC maker’s own backyard. Lenovo’s CEO, Yang Yuanqing, was quick to dismiss the ‘apples to oranges’ financial comparison, citing his company’s inability to compete in the mobile phone segment, and continued strong focus on personal computing. For what it’s worth, Lenovo does separate out both Hong Kong and Taiwan sales from its mainland report, putting the company on unequal footing with Cupertino which includes the two markets in its total Chinese earnings. Still, Lenovo has plenty of reason to keep its chin up. It does, after all, have that dominating 31.7 percent market share to lord over Mr. Steve Jobs.

Apple eclipses Lenovo’s sales in emerging Chinese market originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 – 08.21.2011

We’re 100. 100! If you’re like us, you totally can’t believe it’s been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that’s just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we’ve brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And…a couple of other things. We’re old. It’s a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don’t sleep on it: before you know it we’ll be 200.

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guests: Richard Lai, Noah Kravitz
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Daestro – Light Powered (Ghostly International)

00:02:45 – HP will ‘discontinue operations for webOS devices’, may spin off Personal Systems Group
00:21:55 – Google acquiring Motorola Mobility
00:42:45 – Motorola’s new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic
01:04:30 – BlackBerry Bold 9930 review
01:05:43 – AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor
01:15:00 – Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video)
01:25:40 – Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-01
01:26:30 – Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm)
01:30:57 – CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service
01:32:50 – Motorola Photon 4G review
01:36:53 – Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th?
01:38:56 – Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots
01:39:38 – HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound)
01:45:55 – Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store?



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Contact the podcast
podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 – 08.21.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple, Microsoft meet with Turkish minister, may bid to supply 15 million tablets to schools

When it comes to the economy, things appear to be pretty shaky in the land of feta and olive oil, but at least Greece’s neighbor to the east is ready to spend, considering a very ambitious (and costly) investment in its education system. Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan just completed a tour through Seattle and Silicon Valley, making stops to meet with executives at Apple, Intel and Microsoft along the way. Caglayan’s stateside mission was to discuss Turkey’s FATIH Project, which somehow stands for “Movement of Enhancing Opportunities and Improving Technology” and aims to equip 15 million students with tablets within the next four years. The official seems to have left with a positive impression, telling the Turkish Weekly that “upon agreement, Microsoft teams will come to Turkey to cooperate with Turkish firms on the project.” He went on to say that Apple executives expressed interest in having iPhone and iPad accessories manufactured in Turkey as well. Doesn’t exactly sound like a firm commitment from either company, but 15 million tablets would be nothing to sneeze at, so we’d be surprised if the tablet makers didn’t end up making formal bids. With South Korea and now Turkey making commitments to improving education, perhaps we’ll see a similar plan hit stateside soon?

Apple, Microsoft meet with Turkish minister, may bid to supply 15 million tablets to schools originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elgato HDHomeRun iPad app brings (some) cable channels to the tablet

Whether or not your cable TV provider has decided to offer live TV streaming to your mobile devices, you can do it yourself with the new HDHomeRun iPad app from Elgato. Paired with one of SiliconDust’s new HDHomeRun Prime CableCARD tuners, the $17.99 app can tune into cable channels that are sent without encyption or are marked copy freely (varies from provider to provider) and even allows users to record them right on the app. Restrictions include that it only works on the iPad 2, with standard definition MPEG-2 channels and (for now) only the most recent HDHomeRun hardware is supported. Check out the video demo for more information on exactly how it works or click the source link to get to iTunes and buy — in a market suddenly flooded by CableCARD tuners maybe this extra functionality is just what’s needed to tip the balance between one device or another.

Continue reading Elgato HDHomeRun iPad app brings (some) cable channels to the tablet

Elgato HDHomeRun iPad app brings (some) cable channels to the tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retina Display-equipped iPad 3 looking more and more likely for early 2012

iPad WITH A VENGEANCE

Well, the Wall Street Journal’s headline certainly isn’t going to surprise you — Apple Developing New iPad — that has been a safe assumption since the iPad 2 was announced. Rumors are circulating though (some, for quite a while) that are painting an increasingly convincing picture of a Retina Display-equipped slate shipping in early 2012. Reports are in that suppliers have already received Q4 orders for parts that may eventually find their way into Apple’s next tablet. Can we say for certain that the iPad 3 will hit shelves in Q1 of next year sporting a 2048 x 1536 screen? No, but it’s starting to look more and more likely.

Retina Display-equipped iPad 3 looking more and more likely for early 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unedited Thoughts About Technology Better Left Unposted

We just tried to send everybody home for the day. It’s just Joe, Barry, Jesus and me. And it’s Friday. So fuck it. More »