Oct 24

Google wants you to add writers on Google+, so do writers

Posted in: content, Google, minipost, social networking, SocialNetworking, Today's Chili, web
Find an interesting article, add its author. That’s the very simple idea behind a very simple feature that Google has just begun testing. As TechCrunch recently noticed, Big G has started rolling out a new “add to Circles” button within some search results, allowing readers to more easily and instantaneously follow their favorite web authors on Google+. Writer profiles have already been integrated within search pages, but until now, users had to actually click on author pages before following them. This new circle button, on the other hand, cuts out that middle click and seems like a logical next step in Google’s ongoing integration. It also seems like a great way to help writers feel better about themselves, which we always support. And if you’re not seeing it, you’re not going crazy — Google’s just rolling it out to only a few users.

Google wants you to add writers on Google+, so do writers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 23

Refresh Roundup: week of October 17, 2011

Posted in: minipost, mobilepostcross, refresh, roundup, Software, Today's Chili

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it’s easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don’t escape without notice, we’ve gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout attips at engadget dawt comand let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates

  • Given up on the HTC Thunderbolt’s mystical Gingerbread update? HTC’s still insisting that it’s on its way, despite multiple delays. This time, however, the OEM isn’t giving a timeframe for ETA. [Droid-Life]
  • The T-Mobile G2 was boosted to Android 2.3.3 in July, but we’re glad to see the device getting yet another refresh. This time the G2 is getting hooked up with 2.3.4, which promises better battery life and improved data roaming, among other minor fixes. [AndroidCentral]
  • What other device is getting 2.3.4 this week? The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, that’s what. It’s only rolled out to parts of Europe and the Middle East, so be patient if you haven’t seen an update show up for your unit yet. [AndroidCentral]
  • Up north, the LG Shine Plus on Telus is getting Android 2.3.3. [MobileSyrup]
  • Anyone using a Motorola Atrix or Milestone 2 in the UK should expect to have an update to Gingerbread sometime next month. [Unwired View]
  • Motorola mentioned on its Facebook page that the Droid Bionic will receive Ice Cream Sandwich, though it wouldn’t share details on when. [Thanks, Grant]

Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery

  • Amazingly enough, the Samsung Epic 4G is still missing Gingerbread (officially, at least). In hopefully what could be considered another step forward, Sammy’s pushed out the kernel source for Android 2.3. Keep those fingers crossed, Epic 4G owners. [AndroidCentral]
  • Motorola released the kernel source for the Droid Bionic. [AndroidCentral]
  • Speaking of kernel source, HTC’s also gone ahead and released code for the myTouch 4G Slide, Desire (Gingerbread), and the Raider 4G. [AndroidCentral]
  • Three days after its kernel was made public, T-Mobile’s version of the Samsung Galaxy S II has now been successfully rooted. [Phandroid]
  • Looking down at your HTC Sensation 4G (or any other Sense 3.0 or higher device) filled with Dre envy? Wish you had the cool Beats that’s starting to trickle out to the latest HTC handsets? Leave it to XDA to find a way to port the new audio functionality over to any Sense 3.0 or 3.5 phone without having to ditch your current ROM. [Droid-Life]
  • Anyone frustrated by the news about the HTC Thunderbolt above and is savvy to the rooting world may want to check out a new Gingerbread RUU just leaked for the device. [Android Police]

Other platforms

  • Select Symbian Anna devices are currently getting a bug fix. Sadly, it’s not Belle. [Unwired View]
  • The Windows Phone Team has reported that the Mango update is available to nearly everyone now. [Windows Team Blog]
  • The iPhone Dev Team brought out a new version of Redsn0w, 0.9.9b7, which was designed to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to jailbreak your iDevice. [Pocketnow]

Refreshes we covered this week

Refresh Roundup: week of October 17, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 21

Google Voice app returns to iTunes, iOS 5 crash bug fixed

Posted in: app, Apple, Google, ios, ios 5, Ios5, iPhone, itunes, minipost, mobilepostcross, Today's Chili, update

Less than a week after it disappeared from iTunes, the Apple-friendly Google Voice app is back and declared iOS 5 friendly, per its official Twitter account. Also improved is operation sans-internet connection, since now there’s no data required to dial numbers you’ve previously called. Hit the source link below for v1.3.1.1891 — we’ll never go back to the dark days of v1.3.0.1771.

Google Voice app returns to iTunes, iOS 5 crash bug fixed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 21

Kinect voice control reaches Australia, Harold Bishop and Donald Fisher will be pleased

Posted in: kinect, Microsoft, minipost, Today's Chili, xbox 360, Xbox360
Holy dooley! (oh my!) Microsoft’s being a big-note oneself (bragging) about getting Xbox 360 voice control working for the Aussies (Australians.) It’s invited all the journos (journalists) to a rage (party) down under (in Australia) to show off the system that had difficulty understanding Australian English. Haven’t a clue why.

Kinect voice control reaches Australia, Harold Bishop and Donald Fisher will be pleased originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink WMPoweruser, Microsoft News  |  sourceTech AU  | Email this | Comments

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Oct 21

Transformer Prime gets official landing page, shows mostly bezel

Posted in: ASUS, minipost, NVIDIA, tablet, tablets, Today's Chili

After getting its first showing at AsiaD, we know ASUS’ Transformer sequel is super thin, powered by NVIDIA’s quad-core Tegra 3 chip and coming soon. And now we really know it, because the Transformer Prime has been gifted an official landing page, along with a requisite shadowy product shot. There’s no trace of the original’s mocha hues, which have been replaced with something brighter, and we think it looks mightily enticing. Those with a similar fetish for modular tablets can ensure they’re up-to-date by bookmarking the source link below.

Transformer Prime gets official landing page, shows mostly bezel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 21

HP’s chief strategy officer to retire next month, won’t have a successor

Posted in: business, hewlett-packard, HewlettPackard, HP, minipost, money, operating system, OperatingSystem, os, Today's Chili, webos

Remember Shane Robison, the HP exec who advocated for the survival of webOS following the company’s decision to dismantle its hardware unit? Yeah well, he’s about to make an exit. HP confirmed yesterday that Robison will retire from his position as executive VP and chief strategy and technology officer on November 1st, after spending eleven years at the company. In a statement, HP praised Robison for spearheading much of its R&D and several high-profile mergers during his tenure there. “In his role, he was responsible for shaping HP’s corporate strategy and technology agenda,” the company said. “He was instrumental in steering the company’s multibillion-dollar research and development investment and has led many of the company’s largest merger and acquisition activities.” Newly minted CEO Meg Whitman, meanwhile, described Robison as a powerful innovator and lauded his role in guaranteeing “that innovation continues at HP.” Perhaps the bigger story, however, is the fact that the firm doesn’t plan on filling Robison’s shoes. In the announcement, HP confirmed that his position will be dissolved as part of “an effort to drive strategy, research and development closer to the company’s businesses.” The implications, of course, remain to be seen. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading HP’s chief strategy officer to retire next month, won’t have a successor

HP’s chief strategy officer to retire next month, won’t have a successor originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 21

Amazon adds e-readers to Trade-In program, ebook lovers pass the old Kindles to the Bezos side

Posted in: amazon, amazon kindle, AmazonKindle, e reader, e-book, e-books, e-readers, kindle, minipost, tablet, tablets, Today's Chili

Early adopters are usually SOL a few months into owning their new doodads. After helping make products successful, their version 1.0 devices are often cast aside to make room for the newer, better, faster kit waiting in the pipeline. If you happened to jump on the Kindle bandwagon early on or even just a short while ago, you may be feeling these very flames of tech fury whenever you consider the company’s newly refreshed line. Well, buck up bookworms, a partial solution to your economic woes is now available. Amazon’s accepting your used and abused e-readers in exchange for a gift card applicable to any purchases you make on the site. It’s the same old trade-in program the Bezos-backed company’s been running for years, only now you’ll have a more sensible way to upgrade your E Ink or tablet game.

Amazon adds e-readers to Trade-In program, ebook lovers pass the old Kindles to the Bezos side originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 21

Portable LTE network in a box demoed, ready to deliver 4G to war zone near you

Posted in: 4G, hspa, lte, minipost, Today's Chili

BTSWhat’s four pounds, rugged and essential for the smartphone toting soldiers of the future? Why it’s a portable LTE network in a box, of course. BTS and Radisys recently demoed their CoreTx and Trillium products, which may one day bring 4G connectivity to dangerous spots like disaster areas and battlefields. BTS already delivers 3G to areas of Afghanistan and is now working on this upgraded system with support for both LTE and HSPA+. You’ll find a few more details in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Portable LTE network in a box demoed, ready to deliver 4G to war zone near you

Portable LTE network in a box demoed, ready to deliver 4G to war zone near you originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 20

Ubuntu turns 7, Canonical gets to work on Precise Pangolin

Posted in: Linux, minipost, Today's Chili, ubuntu
Ubuntu LTS

It was exactly seven years ago today that Warty Warthog, the very first release of Ubuntu (despite its 4.10 version number), hit the Internet and became and almost instant success. In those years Canonical has built the world’s most popular desktop Linux distribution and a powerful presence in the server industry thanks to its LTS (Long Term Support) releases. With Oneiric Ocelot in the books, it’s time for the team to set its sights on yet another enterprise-friendly and super stable release, 12.04 LTS — Precise Pangolin. Don’t expect any big new features or drastic UI changes, the LTS releases are all about fine tuning what’s already there. Hit up the source for a few more details on Pangolin and the more coverage link for the original Ubuntu announcement.

Ubuntu turns 7, Canonical gets to work on Precise Pangolin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 20

Sony Music Unlimited arrives for Android tablets, bearing gifts of unlimited music

Posted in: app, application, content, minipost, Music, sony, streaming, Today's Chili, update
It’s been a week of upgrades for Sony Tablet S owners. First came news of the PlayStation Store’s arrival and now comes confirmation that Sony’s Music Unlimited service is available, as well. Yesterday, the company announced that its music streaming service has finally made its way to the Tablet S and other Android slates, a little more than four months after launching on Google-laced handsets. The basics remain the same: $4 per month for a basic subscription or $10 per month for premium service, though Tablet S owners can take advantage of a 180-day free trial, in case they still have their hesitations. Stream past the break for the full PR, or grab the app for yourself at the source link, below.

Continue reading Sony Music Unlimited arrives for Android tablets, bearing gifts of unlimited music

Sony Music Unlimited arrives for Android tablets, bearing gifts of unlimited music originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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