Hasta La Gadget!

Verizon Android users have had 3G Skype calling since this time last year, but the latest app release — v1.0.0.983 for those of you keeping tabs — brings 3G calling to the masses, without the need for a VZW-sanctioned app. The update also patches a rather significant security hole discovered last week, which could let third-party apps get hold of your personal information. We’re glad to see that’s no longer the case, and who’s going to object to free calling as part of the deal as well? Make sure your phone’s running Android 2.1 (2.2 for Galaxy S devices) and head on over to the Android Market to get updated.

Skype for Android update adds US 3G calling, fixes personal data hole originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good news for all iOS jailbreakers: turns out the latest 4.3.2 update is still vulnerable to the same untethered hacking method used by redsn0w for 4.3.1, so Dev-Team’s @i0n1c simply had to port his code over to the new kernel to keep the jailbreak alive. As before, the almighty iPad 2 is still not supported here, and ultrasn0w unlockers are reminded to wait for the new PwnageTool release later this week; but the rest of you can go ahead and grab the new tool at the source link.

Update: Eke! Looks like the existing build is causing issues for iPhone owners — hang tight, we’re hearing that a fixed version is on the way!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

redsn0w untethered jailbreak updated for iOS 4.3.2, still no love for iPad 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So you got all excited after seeing HTC’s latest UI on the Sensation, but were dismayed to discover your hoary handset wouldn’t be getting the same Sense 3.0 love? As usual, the folks at xda-developers have just the tonic for what ails you… as long as you own a Desire HD. Yup, a clever fellow by the name of capychimp took the Sensation’s ROM and ported it to yesteryear’s HTC European flagship phone. The port isn’t perfect — those who dive in will lose camera support and the images need some resizing to properly fit on the HD’s 800 x 480 display — but brave souls who hit the source link for the download still get all those mellifluous movements that Sense 3.0 provides. See all the smooth scrolling in action after the break.

Update: XDA-developers have also given the HTC HD2 a quick Sense 3.0 hug, along with Android 2.3.3 in a similarly incomplete custom ROM.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Desire HD tries on Sensation’s Sense 3.0 suit, needs some tailoring for it to fit

Desire HD tries on Sensation’s Sense 3.0 suit, needs some tailoring for it to fit originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, this is what happens when you combine Kinect with a recliner on a motorized platform — perfectly normal people doing awesome zombie impersonations! This week at Microsoft’s MIX 11 web developer conference, the enterprising Clint Rutkas of Coding4Fun / Channel 9 fame showed off his Kinect-driven “Jellybean” armchair on stage during the keynote, and later let our very own Sean Hollister take it for a spin. Sadly, we missed our chance to capture this special occasion on video for posterity when the laptop used to control this armchair overlord ran out of juice in the final stages of our practice run. The motorized platform uses eight batteries, four omnidirectional wheels each with its own motor, and a pair of motor controllers connected to a laptop which interprets the input from Kinect (using the new SDK for Windows) and provides visual feedback to the driver. A gesture interface brings the entire contraption to life and even includes a hand signal to recline the armchair. Take a look at some closeup shots in our gallery below and watch our video of the recliner in action after the break.

Continue reading Kinect-driven ‘Jellybean’ armchair hands-on (video)

Kinect-driven ‘Jellybean’ armchair hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As promised, Sony Ericsson has just flipped the switch for its Android bootloader unlocking service, meaning those with an unbranded Xperia device from 2011 and onwards — Play, Arc, Neo, and Pro so far — will be able to try out custom ROMs and other dirty mods with ease. All that’s required here is your phone’s IMEI number, which in return gives you the unlocking key to go with the Android SDK’s fastboot program — all will be clear once you’ve read the instructions at the source link. But remember: SE does warn that this service may void your warranty if all goes pear-shaped, so just be careful, won’t ya?

Sony Ericsson’s Android bootloader unlocking site goes live, modders rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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