Logitech announces Alert series of high-def security cameras, we go hands-on (updated with video!)

Logitech announces Alert series of high-def security cameras, we go hands-on

While it’s not too difficult to see what’s going on inside your DVR from anywhere in the world these days, keeping an eye on what’s happening inside your house is sadly a little bit more complicated. Sure, there are solutions, but few are entirely plug and play — and those that are tend to be far from affordable. Logitech’s new Alert system is certainly easy to set up and, at around $300, won’t exactly break the bank. Announced today and available later this month it’s a simple, albeit somewhat limited, solution for home security and remote monitoring of… well… anything you can point a camera at. And, with mobile apps for iPhone, Blackberry, and Android, you can do that monitoring from just about anywhere. Click on through for the full details, some early impressions, and a little sample video.

Continue reading Logitech announces Alert series of high-def security cameras, we go hands-on (updated with video!)

Logitech announces Alert series of high-def security cameras, we go hands-on (updated with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift Innovations HD170 helmet cam review

Drift Innovations HD170 helmet cam review

What’s this, another way to capture for posterity the extremeness of our helmet-requiring pastimes? Yes indeed, a new player has entered the increasingly crowded POV/action/helmet camera market, the Drift Innovations HD170, offering 1080p recording in a durable case that stands poised to take on GoPro’s HD Hero and VHoldr’s ContourHD 1080p. However, the built-in color LCD here lets you do something you just can’t do on either of those two: check your footage on the camera itself. Does this make up for some of the cam’s other shortcomings? Read on to find out.

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Drift Innovations HD170 helmet cam review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Alpha A390 and A290 DSLRs hands-on

While Sony may have its pricey NEX-VG10 camcorder sucking up the limelight at yesterday’s showcase, let’s not forget the electronic giant’s more humble photographic devices. Just a few steps away we stumbled upon these near-identical Alpha A390 and A290 entry-level DSLRs, with the former donning a tilting LCD and live view capability to live up to its bigger price tag. We can’t comment on picture quality due to the lack of sample shots, but we were certainly impressed by both cameras’ build quality — kudos to Sony for the much improved grip, and we also liked the firm chassis (plus its various knobs and flaps) that didn’t feel cheap despite sounding hollow. On a similar note, the 2.7-inch LCD looked sharp and served us well for all purposes, although we didn’t get to test it outdoor. What really bewildered us was the lens continuously auto-focusing while the camera remained stationary — that couldn’t be good for the battery, and we’d like to see how battery life fares in upcoming reviews. Anyhow, enjoy our hands-on photos.

Sony Alpha A390 and A290 DSLRs hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brammo goes street fighting with the 100mph Empulse electric motorcycle (video)

Brammo goes street fighting with the 100mph Empulse electric motorcycle (video)

When we took Brammo’s Enertia motorcycle for a test ride last summer we found it to be a lovingly crafted and fun to ride bike that really only disappointed when it came to ultimate performance — far closer to your average scooter than your average sportbike. Since then the company has gone racing, taking on the iconic Isle of Man as part of the all-electric TTXGP and finishing third place with a top speed of 102mph. That fully-faired bike was called the TTR, and now the company is making a naked version for you: the 100mph Empulse. Read on for full details and a little video too.

Continue reading Brammo goes street fighting with the 100mph Empulse electric motorcycle (video)

Brammo goes street fighting with the 100mph Empulse electric motorcycle (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry OS Makeover Promises Social Feeds, Better Search

Research In Motion’s BlackBerry operating system is long overdue for a makeover. RIM fans have been waiting for the upcoming BlackBerry OS 6 to modernize the BlackBerry user interface. Now a video from the company shows what some of those features could look like.

BlackBerry OS 6 will have universal search, a better media interface, social feeds that bring together Facebook, Twitter and chatter from BlackBerry messenger, a richer web browser and easier to manage RSS feeds.

The new features shown in this video bring some polish to the BlackBerry. But much of what the company is touting–pinch and zoom in the browser, and search–are all what Android and Apple iPhone users have had for months.

Still this is a step forward and a sign that RIM is trying to keep pace with the market. The company is yet to announce the launch date for the OS 6.

Separately, RIM launched ‘BlackBerry Protect‘, a remote backup and find feature that’s similar to the service that Motorola and Apple offer for their phones. Like Motorola, RIM will offer the BlackBerry Protect for free so consumers can back up contacts, calendar, tasks and message and restore or locate their phone using a computer if the device is misplaced, lost or stolen.

BlackBerry Protect will be available in limited beta this week and is expected to be available to all users later this year.

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Photo: (Honou/Flickr)


How would you change the Archos 7 Home Tablet?

Archos has been a player in the PMP market for a few centuries now (a rough estimate, anyway), and to say that the universe was jazzed at the mere thought of a 7-inch tablet for under $200 would be understating things dramatically. We found more things wrong with the Archos 7 Home Tablet than we could’ve ever imagined going in, but still, for under two C-notes, we have to believe that a few of you flipped on the blinders and made the purchase anyway. For those in that camp, we’re interesting to find how you feel about it now. Is the size right? Is the OS as impressive as you thought it would be? Are you longing for a larger display? Imagine you had the keys to Archos’ design lab and had the power to overhaul this bad boy, then have a sip of your favorite fruit juice and drop your thoughts in comments below. In that order, por favor.

How would you change the Archos 7 Home Tablet? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: what’s the best graphing calculator for under $200?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Brian, who just can’t help but think about the dreaded back-to-school season already. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Hello Engadget. I’m currently scouting a calculator for school. What’s the best calculator to buy for around $200 dollars?”

We’re going to guess this guy’s majoring in poetry, but those blasted math courses that “they” make everyone take is driving this need. It’s funny to think how slowly graphing calculators have evolved (and how prices have fallen at an even more lethargic pace), but there’s just got to be something better out in 2010 than the tried-and-true TI-83. Right? Let the man know in comments below.

Ask Engadget: what’s the best graphing calculator for under $200? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini / Mini Pro review

In a smartphone market saturated with 3.5-inch and larger displays, Sony Ericsson reckons there’s still a little place for petite packages. Enter the Xperia X10 Mini (E10i) and Mini Pro (U20i) — both direct descendants of the beastly X10 Android 1.6 handset. Apart from the Pro’s slide-out keyboard, removable battery, and positioning of various features, the two Minis are otherwise internally identical — same processor, same camera, and same screen. So can these cute baby form factors offer more than just some palm-cuddling time? Can we get a decent smartphone performance out of them? Follow us after the break to find out.

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Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini / Mini Pro review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP ePrint really works: eMails and attachments printed from the cloud (video)

We don’t blame you if you missed this the first time round, but HP’s ePrint service is probably best seen in action anyway. Fortunately, our brethren over at Engadget Chinese had the opportunity to play with these new web-connected printers recently. The idea is that each ePrint printer gets a unique email address, meaning you can send in a document from any email-enabled device to get it printed, thus eliminating the hassle of finding a computer and drivers or installing an app on certain smartphones and tablets. So how does one go about setting up this bad boy? According to our sister site, you must first register your printer on HP’s ePrintCenter website to obtain a randomly-generated email address (don’t worry, you can always get a new one if necessary), and then you’re good to go, literally. Read on to find out if ePrint’s as straightforward as it sounds.

Continue reading HP ePrint really works: eMails and attachments printed from the cloud (video)

HP ePrint really works: eMails and attachments printed from the cloud (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best consumer / prosumer camcorder out now?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Chris, who just happened upon some cheddar and can’t wait to buy some sort of recording device. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’ve got $500 – $800 to spend for my company. We need a new consumer / prosumer camcorder. Wide open as far as what to expect, any ones that have really wowed you lately?”

Just how we like it, short and sweet. We know a few of you have managed to pick up a camcorder in preparation for summer vacation, so don’t be shy with the recommendations in comments below, cool? Cool.

Ask Engadget: best consumer / prosumer camcorder out now? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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