Hasta La Gadget!

Yamaha is now ready to shout about its updated AV Controller app for Android, which it quietly launched on the Market a couple of weeks back. It lets you power up and control networked AV receivers from your phone or tablet, including switching inputs and selecting media from iPods and other devices connected to the receiver via USB. It also provides limited play, stop and forward control over compatible Blu-ray players. Some users report problems but most seem content, so it’s worth a spin if you have one the devices listed in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Yamaha updates AV Controller Android app for its networked devices

Yamaha updates AV Controller Android app for its networked devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As with any version of Windows, the Metro-slathered Win 8 has one of those oh so familiar Blue Screen of Death thingies. But, this time around, there’s a change. Gone are the confusing and uninformative error codes, and in its place you get an equally uninformative sad emoticon. OK, there’s also some text informing you that your PC is about to reboot, but it still doesn’t get you any closer to tracking down the root of the problem. Well, at least it’s little less cutesy than the Sad Mac (though, no less infuriating).

Windows 8 BSoD ditches confusing error codes for uninformative frowny face originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jonesin’ to shoot some radder-than-usual HD video with that Lumix G-series lens? You’re in luck. Panasonic released a firmware update for the family of lenses that gives them a needed level-up — bringing ’em to version 1.1 — to shoot higher quality video. Added features include enhanced tracking focus for videos, silent auto focus, improved stability for the optical image stabilizer and exposure control. The update applies to seven slabs of metal and glass, and every single unit in the 2011 line is also covered. Hit the source if you’re ready to update, but don’t expect that 720p ceiling to magically raise to 1080p — it’s just a poor attempt at marketing genius.

Continue reading Panasonic G-series lenses get firmware update, performance boosts aplenty

Panasonic G-series lenses get firmware update, performance boosts aplenty originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In addition to that three-piece armor case that chains your iPad to a hotel desk, Kensington quietly added three other products to its lineup — a motley collection running the gamut from a universal tablet case to a doo-dad that vibrates when you’re about to leave your iPhone at home. Starting with the doo-dad, BunjeeAir Power is a $100 accessory small enough to fit on a keychain, and pairs with a free iOS app and a special case (included in the bundle). If that sounds like a clumsy setup, keep in mind that Apple doesn’t allow third-party accessories to lock the phone via Bluetooth, so Kensington worked around that by developing an accessory that plugs into the iPhone’s 30-pin connector and communicates over a 2.4GHz wireless connection instead. So, once you’ve put the case on, the keychain will vibrate and beep once you get roughly 30 feet away from the phone, and it’ll eventually lock the device remotely, too. As an added touch, the case packs a 1,500mAh battery and a slot ’round back of the case into which you can insert a credit card or hotel room key to fashion a makeshift kickstand. Too bad none of this will help you the next time you abandon your iPhone in the backseat of a cab.

Moving along, the company announced the KeyFolio Pro, a case with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard and removable velcro corners that’ll fit any 10-inch tablet. The case, which costs $100, also has a stylus holder and seven notches, allowing you to prop the tablet up at a 22- to 72-degree angle. Wrapping it up, there’s Absolute Power, a $120, 100-watt brick with USB and micro-USB sockets that’s meant to replace the adapter that came with your laptop. Finally, there’s that pen you’ll see in those hands-on shots — an $18 stylus that doubles as a real, honest-to-goodness pen, topped off with a removable cap. Peek our hands-on shots below, along with the vid after the break — you know, if watching befuddled actors discovering they’ve forgotten their iPhone is your idea of a rip-roaring time.

Continue reading Kensington trots out universal tablet case, BunjeeAir Power for finding your misplaced iPhone

Kensington trots out universal tablet case, BunjeeAir Power for finding your misplaced iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Privacy concerns have caused Google to back down a bit on its information collection amongst residential wireless networks. Beginning in the fall, the company will allow owners of the WiFi networks to opt-out of the data gathering. Google has assured concerned parties that it doesn’t collect personal details when nabbing the information for its databases, but such comments haven’t done much to calm the nerves of privacy advocates.

Google planning opt-out option for WiFi data gathering originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 21:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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