Hasta La Gadget!

Five years ago, stuffing a fully-functional WiFi radio into the size of a standard SD card would’ve seemed like science fiction — and actually, it kind of still does. Be that as it may, Eye-Fi is now well into its third generation of products, amazingly, and we’ve gotten a chance to check out the company’s newest top-of-the-line model that just recently started shipping, the Pro X2. Like the original Pro model before it, the Pro X2 is differentiated from its less pricey stablemates in two major ways: one, its support for RAW uploads, and two, its ability to connect to ad-hoc networks — in other words, you can wirelessly tether the card straight to your laptop rather than going through an access point. Where the Pro X2 gets the nod, though, is in what Eye-Fi calls the “X2 Engine,” a three-pack of features that includes 802.11n support, Class 6 SD performance, and a nifty feature coined Endless Memory. Let’s have a closer look at what’s changed — and for current Pro owners, whether the X2 warrants an upgrade.

Continue reading Eye-Fi Pro X2 review

Eye-Fi Pro X2 review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We need a name for this whole drama — we like “n-Gate,” but it’s a little too close to N-Gage for comfort. Anyhow, you might recall that Google briefly listed 802.11n support in the Nexus One around the time of its release, then wiped all mention of it only to have iFixit’s teardown reveal on no uncertain terms that the Broadcom-sourced wireless chipset was definitely capable of rocking it. The word on the street is that Google and Broadcom have just pushed new drivers for the chipset into the Android repository that enable the functionality, which likely means that future stock firmwares will support it — Froyo, for instance — including anything the Nexus One should happen to be graced with in the future. Faster wireless is always a good thing, as far as we’re concerned… especially, you know, when Google closes the book on 3G issues. Follow the break for claimed video proof that this 11n business is all too real.

[Thanks, Robert]

Continue reading Google, Broadcom close to enabling 802.11n on Nexus One?

Google, Broadcom close to enabling 802.11n on Nexus One? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s pretty much set in silicon — in the future, you will monitor your home power consumption, and perhaps even enjoy doing so. Futuristic touchscreen panels and free monitoring software abound, each designed to reward you with a warm, fuzzy Captain Planet feeling and a reduced energy bill when you finally turn off that blasted light. Thing is, unless you’ve got a home automation system, you won’t know which switch to flip. Intel wants to change that with a new wireless sensor that can identify each individual appliance in your house by their unique electrical signal, just by plugging into a single outlet in your house. The reportedly low-cost sensor works by simply recognizing voltage drop patterns when devices are turned on and off, and doesn’t require special appliances to function; Intel demonstrated it on a standard toaster, microwave and fridge in Beijing this week. Demonstrate your supreme demand for this “why didn’t I think of that” idea by directing traffic to our source link — you can jump to 20:10 to see the sensor in action.

Intel’s experimental sensor analyzes appliance power consumption from single outlet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The always optimistic Kogan isn’t just aiming at tablets, it’s posted a video showing off a new IPTV that could do what the big boys won’t when (if) it ships later this year. These Chinese built HDTVs feature WiFi and video on-demand widgets similar to what everyone else is doing, but things start to get interesting in this YouTube video (embedded after the break) around the 1:05 mark when he pulls up a Chrome browser window and navigates the internet easily using the remote, as well as testing out some gesture controlled games and a Bluetooth keyboard. More than a few no-name builders had displays with similar capabilities up and running at CES so while it’s easy to see someone shipping one or two of these but with Kogan’s track record (what happened to those OLED TVs?) it’s difficult to disguise our doubt it will be among them. True believers are invited to post suggestions for other features on the company blog — we’re thinking a dedicated Engadget Show channel is just what the doctor ordered.

Continue reading Kogan’s latest fantasy product? An IPTV with Chrome browser, WiFi & gaming

Kogan’s latest fantasy product? An IPTV with Chrome browser, WiFi & gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just in case you prefer a slimmer profile to your television viewing experience without all that 3D nonsense, Mitsubishi has also refreshed its Unisen LCD HDTVs. All the new models have StreamTV a.k.a. VUDU Apps built in, plus playback from USB devices, and edge LED backlighting. While the LT-55154 drops a few speakers (if you brought your own), the step-up 164 line is sized from 40- to 55-inches including 16 speakers built in, integrated WiFi, Bluetooth streaming and more while the top of the line 265 models add two more speakers to the mix and upgrade to 240 Hz motion, an iPhone remote control app plus a few other configuration tweaks for the high end. Check after the break for prices (between $1,699 & $3,199) and more specs, though exact shipping information is still TBA.

Continue reading Mitsubishi’s Unisen LCD HDTVs, now with more speakers, LED, WiFi, apps, cowbell

Mitsubishi’s Unisen LCD HDTVs, now with more speakers, LED, WiFi, apps, cowbell originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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