Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve yet to see concrete proof that Apple’s portable media players will ship with a camera, but the new iPhone OS 4.0 beta shows Cupertino’s at least considering the notion for the iPod touch and even the iPad. It seems AT&T tethering wasn’t the only thing hidden in iPhone OS 4.0 beta 4 — 9to5Mac found a variety of telltale references to an a flash when pouring through the update’s source code. Does that mean that the iDevices will actually get cameras, let alone supporting light fixtures? It’s too early to tell… but we did spot an LED flash on that early iPhone HD, and a recent Vietnamese leak proves that Apple at least prototyped an iPod touch with a camera — though no flash, sadly — as well. Is Apple simply updating their error messages, or is there something to this? You make the call.

iPhone OS 4.0 beta 4 hints at LED flash, camera for iPad, iPod, iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 15:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In-flight entertainment might not be high on everyone’s list of priorities, but from this July, it might become a new point of differentiation between airlines. Bluebox Avionics has announced its new Ai IFE system, which seems to mostly involve just giving travelers an iPad to play around with while gliding through the atmosphere. It “leverages the power, flexibility and quality of the most advanced consumer device ever produced” (they have an Evo 4G? Zing!) and offers Bluebox’s proprietary security solution and tailor-made apps for each airline. One international carrier has already signed up and more are expected to follow.

iPad takes to the skies with Bluebox Ai this July originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 06:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast CEO Brian Roberts just hit the stage at The Cable Show and displayed the company’s prototype iPad app, the Xfinity Remote. At least so far it doesn’t appear to let you stream television programs directly to Apple’s media consumption device, but it does let you turn it into a TV guide browser and remote for your set-top box that outpaces even its already released iPhone prog. They pulled in G4’s Kevin Pereira for the quick video demo (embedded after the break) highlighting not only the remote DVR scheduling but also a social feature that lets you invite friends to watch live TV with you — as long as they have Comcast, and the app, and an iPad. Of course, the innovation we’d like to see is a new UI for our cable boxes like the one shown on the iPad… or the one we saw a few years ago. So far the reaction to Facebook and Twitter chat on the screen via widgets has been mild at best, but social tie-ins to another screen could be just what our Real Housewives of New York viewing parties need.

Continue reading Comcast Xfinity iPad remote app changes channels and invites friends to watch RHONY

Comcast Xfinity iPad remote app changes channels and invites friends to watch RHONY originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh sure, having Boxee nailed down to the desktop of your PC is fine and dandy, and that Boxee Box will ensure that the same experience is enjoyed by all who plant their fundament in front of your HDTV. But we all know what you’re after — lemon drops. And a mobile version of Boxee. In a post today by the company, it expressed outright joy in inking a deal with Vindicia in order to bring a payment processing solution to the platform; slated for implementation “by the end of the summer,” this CashBox add-in would enable users to purchase “premium content” from Boxee’s programming partners via credit card, gift card or PayPal. It’s a vital step in Boxee finally finding a revenue stream (something it confessed to needing on a previous episode of The Engadget Show), and better still, “Vindicia’s flexibility makes it possible for [Boxee] to enable payments on its website and across mobile platforms like the iPhone, Android and iPad.” Yeah, those are the company’s own words right there, and in case you still aren’t believing your eyes, chew on one final quote:

“Boxee’s eventual expansion to these platforms will pave the way for universally accessible content no matter where a user is (we love this idea!).”

Huzzah!

Boxee for iPhone, iPad and Android all but confirmed in Vindicia payment processing deal originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve been intrigued by the Square Payment System since it first ditched its Squirrel costume back in 2009, and now it appears we’re on the eve (or eve of the eve, or pretty close anyway) to its release for not only the iPhone, but for the iPad and for Android as well. The software is said to be hitting App Stores and Markets this week, working with a sugar cube-sized card reader that pops into the 3.5mm headphone jack, a device that the company is giving away for free to those who sign up. Using it will not be free, with retailers paying fees starting at 2.75 percent plus a 15 cent surcharge, but that’s considerably cheaper than many other options out there (which often require costly hardware to boot). There’s another new video after the break, and we can’t wait for these things to start showing up at the farmer’s market. No more early morning ATM runs!

Update: Apps for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices are now live in their respective download abodes. None will require that you enter a single digit of your credit card.

[Thanks, Ed]

Continue reading Square mobile payment system goes live on iPhone, iPad, and Android this week (video)

Square mobile payment system goes live on iPhone, iPad, and Android this week (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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