Hasta La Gadget!

It’s not often that we get the opportunity to mention the Financial Times and Playboy Magazine in the same sentence, but the two publications do have at least one thing in common: App Store aversion. Today, the FT launched a new, entirely web-based app, designed to circumvent iTunes (and Apple’s 30 percent revenue cut) altogether. The paper says its single, cross-platform app will allow it to issue updates with more frequency, while reaching an audience that extends far beyond the iOS realm. Though the subscription service is only available for iPhone and iPad users at the moment, versions catered for Galaxy Tab, Xoom and PlayBook users are coming soon. Perhaps more important, however, is what this move could mean for other publishers — many of whom haven’t taken too kindly to Apple’s subscription revenue and data-sharing practices. FT managing editor Rob Grimshaw says his paper has “no plans to pull out of any apps store,” but if the system proves viable, it could open the door for others to pursue their own, similarly HTML5-based ventures, in the hopes of retaining full revenues and access to subscriber information. We’ll have to wait and see whether this iTunes exodus ever materializes, but in the meantime, iOS users can hit the source link to enjoy the new app, available for free until July 14th. Others, meanwhile, can head past the break to see a demo video, narrated in appropriately dulcet, British tones.

Continue reading Financial Times web app debuts for iOS, more tablets to come (video)

Financial Times web app debuts for iOS, more tablets to come (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember the Android tablet we said might be the first real competitor to the iPad 2 earlier this month? Well, it just made its debut on the Best Buy site, and while the big “Coming Soon” button has crushed our dreams of pre-ordering one today, the site is offering up a few more details on the thing — or at least some confirmation of what we already knew. For one thing, it looks like the system will indeed pack Android 3.1, unlike the version we tested, which was rocking the 3.0.1. Also, on a more disappointing note, the adorable Android army on the model we picked up at Google I/O is gone, with a plain white back or metallic gray in its place, unlike the black one we were expecting — perhaps Samsung will offer up both color options when the device actually ships. In the meantime, we’ll see if we can find the number of a good laser engraver.

Update: If you had any doubt that this would be shipping with 3.1, this should put that to rest. Enchante wrote in to let us know the Amazon Germany pages for the 10.1 and 8.9 Galaxy Tab, which previously indicated 3.0, have been updated to state Android 3.1.

[Thanks, Jeff]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hits Best Buy’s site, decorative Androids fall off in the process originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 May 2011 16:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We tend to imagine a black hole sucking everything around it straight into oblivion. The truth, however, is even more gruesome. Astronomers have just captured an ultra hi-res image of our neighbouring galaxy, Centaurus A, and it helps to reveal what actually happens. Matter is yanked helplessly towards a black hole at the galaxy’s core, but it refuses to die quietly. For some unknown reason, it erupts as it falls, spewing out vast plumes of particles — like blood from celestial murder. These death throes emit radio waves, allowing us to witness them using radio telescopes even though we are 12 million light-years away. If only we were closer; if only we could intervene. Alas, all we can do is watch the video after the break and hit the source links for a fuller explanation — though, admittedly, none of those sound like awful options.

Continue reading Astronomers snap black hole murder in graphic detail (video)

Astronomers snap black hole murder in graphic detail (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 May 2011 21:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After encountering a little hitch with its mid-April Gingerbread delivery, Samsung is now ready to boot up Kies for another try. The company has this morning released word that it intends to update its entire Galaxy S family line, starting with models in the UK and Nordic countries from the middle of this month. The rest of the globe, including North America, will follow suit “according to the regional plan.” Also benefiting from a Gingerbread upgrade will be the 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which already got a taste of Android 2.3 in Italy, and the company’s bevy of budget Galaxy devices, the Ace, Gio, Fit and mini. Read the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May

Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 01:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Since 2009, T3 Motion has been waving computer-created images of three-wheeled electric vehicles in our face and taunting us with the idea of a dashboard built around an iPad. Now, it seems the company is finally ready to deliver a real product, and you can pre-order yours now for a $500 deposit. Besides existing in the really real world, the big difference between the R3 and previous concepts is that the in-dash iPad has been replaced with a Galaxy Tab. When it finally hits the market, T3 Motion claims this three-wheeled EV will have a range of between 80 and 100 miles, a top speed of 70MPH, and that it will be classified as a motorcycle. Unfortunately, it will also have a rather hefty price tag of at least $25,000 — an awful lot to pay for the luxury of riding in the carpool lane, even if your ride looks like a cross between a Nissan GT-R, a Mini, and Batman’s tank-like Tumbler. PR and video after the break.

Continue reading T3 Motion’s three-wheeled R3 is real, has in-dash Galaxy Tab (video)

T3 Motion’s three-wheeled R3 is real, has in-dash Galaxy Tab (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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