Hasta La Gadget!

We just got a look at U-verse Mobile running live on Windows Phone 7. It looks just like every other Windows Phone 7 app, of course, but it looks like AT&T isn’t cutting this thing off at the knees content-wise. From the phone you’ll have access to your entire DVR for scheduling and checking the program guide, and you’ll also be able to see any episodes you have recorded on your box. Within that view you can find a subset of shows that have been flagged by the content providers to allow streaming (free-for-all Sling this is not). Additionally, the phone can access a mobile version of U-verse’s on demand deals over 3G WiFi, which should hopefully be comparable to Zune or iTunes offerings — though we’ll have to see the specifics to find out for sure. The show we were shown buffered quickly over WiFi and was able to skip around within the episode even faster. Check out the video walkthrough after the break.

Continue reading AT&T U-verse Mobile preview

AT&T U-verse Mobile preview originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

It’s with some surprise that we pen, finger to key to screen, praise for a 3D display — particularly one that is glasses-free (the staff is still a bit divided, for example, on Nintendo’s 3DS screen). But here we go. Toshiba’s 20-inch Regza 20GL1 3D set was on hand at CEATEC, and it’s actually a set we could see ourselves comfortably watching for a given span of time. Viewing angles are none too shabby, the refresh rate doesn’t visibly distract or inherently cause headaches, and at 720p, you can actually get an enjoyable image. The 56-inch concept conjured up a worthy picture as well, but then again, it’s a prototype with no immediate purpose other than causing attendee awe at this point. If we had to fault it, we’d say that the viewing angles where you see two distinct perspectives (see the picture above for an example) are too wide, which means you’d have to be really careful about where you sit on the couch if you were to buy something like this for your den.

Also on hand was a notebook, which at this point just didn’t cut it. Perhaps it’s just too early in development, but what was saw had minimal depth and an unfortunately low resolution / perceived refresh rate; when the video loop it was playing switched to the Windows 7 UI, it looked grainy and extremely difficult to read — undoubtedly the side effect of trying to use a display designed for permanent 3D use in 2D mode.

That leaves us to talk about 12-inch 12GL1, and what can we express other than disappointment? The 466 x 350 resolution (yes, that’s less than standard definition) is just awful, you can lose the 3D effect moving marginally to the left or right, depth is not pronounced, and medium-to-fast pace footage just doesn’t work. For all the warm-yet-cautious approval we give to the 20GL1, its little brother is quite the black sheep, especially at ¥120,000 ($1,443). Not that ¥240,000 for 20 inches is a bargain, but at least you’re getting a quality screen… and for once, you don’t actually need additional eyewear to enjoy it. Decidedly two-dimensional snapshots and video taken from an almost pitch-black showroom (i.e. very not optimal) can be found below.

Continue reading Toshiba Regza GL1 3D preview: no frills, no glasses, some issues (video)

Toshiba Regza GL1 3D preview: no frills, no glasses, some issues (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Shortly before Kinect hits store shelves on November 4th, Microsoft plans on rolling out the Fall Update to Xbox Live — even sooner for those who signed up for the preview program. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, really: even without the numerous leaks, the fall update is a longstanding tradition for the almost five-year-old console, and the company devoted a large chunk of its E3 2010 presentation to talk about the biggest additions. That includes Netflix search (finally!), Zune music, and an entertainment hub for a certain worldwide sports broadcaster… ESPN. We’ve had a chance to spend some time at home with the Fall Update, follow us after the break for our full impressions!

Update: As both Joystiq and a number of tipsters have alerted us, Microsoft has pulled the large, wooden lever in its dark underground lair that allows for the Fall Update to trickle out and assimilate itself into the consoles of those smart enough to sign up for the preview program. If you receive a prompt upon signing in, rejoice! If not, well, have patience!

P.S. – Looking for more? Our BFFs at Joystiq have compiled a series of exhaustive videos chronicling the Fall Update. Check it out!

Continue reading Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview: ESPN, Netflix search, Kinect, and more! (Update)

Xbox Live Fall 2010 Dashboard Update preview: ESPN, Netflix search, Kinect, and more! (Update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

It’s arguable, but we’d say that Samsung’s NX100 is the news coming out of Photokina 2010. You could say that Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GH2 (and its 3D interchangeable lens), Fujifilm’s not-yet-released FinePix X100 or Sigma’s Foveon-packin’ SD1 were of equal importance, but it’s pretty clear who stands to lose (or gain) the most from their ginormous push in Cologne. You wouldn’t know that Samsung even brought another product to the show if you casually glanced at its booth, and we were able to take the outfit’s newest starlet out for a spin in order to gain a few impressions. Priced at just $599 (with a 20-50mm lens; the 20mm pancake lens bundle will run you $50 more), this October-bound camera is certainly positioned to rival the other major players in terms of MSRP. But does it actually live up to the hype? Join us after the break to find out.

Continue reading Samsung NX100 preview

Samsung NX100 preview originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Want an early glimpse of ESPN for Xbox Live? How about an upgraded Netflix, Zune music, or some shiny new visuals? Just like last year, Microsoft’s resident Xbox 360 spokesman Major Nelson has made the call for sign-ups in the Update Preview Progam, which as the name suggests will get you on the list for potentially some early playtime with the upcoming Dashboard update. Just follow the instructions to get in the virtual queue, and sorry, this isn’t gonna get you any closer to Kinect. Productivity notwithstanding, what do you have to lose?

Xbox Live Update Preview Program sign-up sheet now accepting gamertags originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Joystiq  |  Major Nelson, Sign up  | Email this | Comments