New Technology Reviews!.: First

Samsung Epic Touch 4G Coming September 9th?

Samsung Epic Touch 4G Coming September 9th?

Some new sources are now claiming we will see the Samsung Epic Touch 4G hit the market over on the now network in yellow as soon as Sept...

Adonit's Jot is a stylish, precise stylus for the iPad

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A few months ago I reviewed the Adonit Writer, a superb keyboard case for the iPad. The Writer was the debut product from Adonit, and it's since released an updated version for the iPad 2. Apparently Adonit was just getting started, because it's nearly ready to launch a new product, the Jot.</div>
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The Jot is a capacitive touch stylus built for the iPad (and any other capacitive touch screen) that comes in two flavors, the Jot and the Jot Pro. Like the Writer it's being crowdfunded through Kickstarter.</div>
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There are a lot of good styluses out there, many of them quite superb, but the Jot is a whole new take on these familiar accessories. What makes the Jot special is that it isn't using a foam tip like most other styluses; instead, it has a clear, flat, pivoting 'Precision Disk' attached on a small metal tip.</div>
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I got an opportunity to give both versions of the Jot a try, and it lives up to its promise beautifully.</div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="221" mce_src="http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/6213/jotw.jpg" mce_style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid;" src="http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/6213/jotw.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 4px; max-width: 640px;" width="250" />The precision disk is just that, precise. It takes one of the biggest weaknesses of touch screens and drastically minimizes it. You can clearly see the center point of your strokes, and you get more feedback as you draw. I was surprised just how significant that little difference is. Unlike foam, the Jot requires almost no pressure to use and feels a lot like a really nice ballpoint pen gliding across a textureless paper.</div>
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While it handles strokes wonderfully, I did find that I occasionally had trouble tapping buttons with the disk; usually it connected fine, but I found that it sometimes took a very slight movement to make sure the iPad registered the tap. After using it for a while I adapted my taps a little, and I haven't had any trouble with it since.</div>
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Being so fast and precise does actually have a slight downside. I suddenly found that most of the notebook and art apps I use feel sluggish and had trouble keeping up with the Jot. Worse, some of them offset the point a little because they expect you to use your finger or something else of similar size. Despite this, I still love using the Jot everywhere I typically use a stylus; it just takes some adjustments.</div>
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The good news is that Adonit is working on an app fine-tuned for the Jot. From the video it's posted, JotStudio looks really good. Besides being built for the Jot it looks like a flexible drawing program with an internal browser, support for images, web clips and PDFs, not to mention a well designed interface. JotStudio will cost US$2.99 when released, but all Kickstarter backers will get it free.</div>
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With Adonit's Writer, one of the things I was really impressed with was the craftsmanship. It's every bit as evident in the Jot & Jot Pro. They are carefully designed, the materials are solid, they feel great in your hand and the weight is balanced with enough weight to keep a steady hand but light enough to be comfortable.</div>
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One of the first things I tested was pulling the precision disk off like they showed in one of the demo videos. Despite the small size it takes a lot of pressure to separate the disk from the main body -- way more than you'd ever encounter using it under normal circumstances -- and the protective cap keeps it safe in your pocket or bag. If it does get separated, it snaps right back on, no damage done.</div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="105" mce_src="http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3005/jot2b.jpg" mce_style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;" src="http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3005/jot2b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 4px; max-width: 640px;" width="274" /></div>
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What's the difference between the Jot and the Jot Pro? The key components are the same. You get the same precision disk either way; the materials and size are nearly the same as well. The most prominent difference is that the Jot Pro includes a rubber grip that I find nicer to hold. The Jot Pro also has a magnet in it that can attach onto an iPad 2 when you need to put it down.</div>
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Did I mention it's gorgeous? The colors available are different between the two versions. The Jot comes in green, red and purple while the Jot Pro comes in turquoise, gun metal and silver. Personally I find the Pro colors to be more appealing. The black rubber contrasts beautifully with the gun metal of the stylus I'm reviewing.</div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="59" mce_src="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1715/jotcolors1313100628.jpg" mce_style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid;" src="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1715/jotcolors1313100628.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 4px; max-width: 640px;" width="274" /></div>
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Adonit's Kickstarter campaign for the Jot and Jot Pro will be over on Saturday. If you want in on the first batch, a $15 pledge will net you a Jot, while for $25 you can get either two Jots or a Jot Pro.</div>
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Regardless of whether you've got a Writer and you're backing the Jot, Adonit is quickly developing a reputation for releasing well-designed, lovingly crafted and unique products. I can't wait to see what it has in store for us next.</div>
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Adonit's Jot is a stylish, precise stylus for the iPad

A few months ago I reviewed the Adonit Writer, a superb keyboard case for the iPad. The Writer was the debut product from Adonit, and ...

LauncherPro dev's skinnable UberMusic player finally hits the Android Market

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We were thoroughly infatuated with LauncherPro developer Federico Carnale's then-unnamed music app the first time we saw it in beta, bringing Metro UI styled playback to our Android lifestyles. Now UberMusic v1.0 is available on the Android Market, flexing its customizable skills for the princely sum of $3.49. Don't think this is just some ripoff however, while one of the skins (that can also be found on the Market) is a Zune lookalike, third parties can make it look however they might like, including the widgets. If you missed our demo the first time around you can check out the video after the break to see why we're so excited, or hit the source link to purchase now. Allergic to spending money on apps? Don't give up all hope, as the creator tweets an ad-supported free version may be on the way as well.</div>
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LauncherPro dev's skinnable UberMusic player finally hits the Android Market

We were thoroughly infatuated with LauncherPro developer Federico Carnale's then-unnamed music app the first time we saw it in beta...

Hulu Plus arrives in the Android Market, only available for select phones initially

<img alt="Hulu Plus" class="lightbox2 imagecache-w550h500 aligncenter" height="500" src="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2172/hulus.jpg" width="300" /> It's been quite a while since Hulu initially announced they'd be bringing Hulu Plus to Android. That wait is now finally over -- for some users that is. In order to make use of Hulu for Android you have to have one of the only six devices that are currently compatible. As noted on the Hulu blog: <blockquote>With the first phase of the Android rollout, Hulu Plus is available on six phones, including the Nexus One, Nexus S, HTC Inspire 4G, Motorola Droid II, Motorola Droid X, and the Motorola Atrix. We expect to add to the number of Android smartphones and will be making additional device announcements throughout the year.</blockquote> Limited support starting off with further devices being added later on. Sounds familiar right? Netflix chose this route and truth be told -- that didn't really work so well considering it's up and running on various devices in unauthorized form. If you're looking to get in on Hulu now and have a supported device you can jump on past the break for download. You'll get a free one-week trial and after that it'll be $7.99. Source: <a href="http://blog.hulu.com/2011/06/22/hulu-plus-begins-android-roll-out/">Hulu</a>

Hulu Plus arrives in the Android Market, only available for select phones initially

It's been quite a while since Hulu initially announced they'd be bringing Hulu Plus to Android. That wait is now finally over -- for...

Interview: Twentieth Century Fox admits confusion over benefits of Blu-ray

Blu-ray is <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/video/blu-ray/blu-ray-celebrates-its-fifth-birthday-968433">five years old</a> this week, with the first discs coming to market way back in June 2006. While the format may not yet be in the public conscience as DVD and VHS before it, there's still no better way to watch movies in the home at 1080p quality.With high-def downloads still some way off hitting mass market and DVD sales on the wane, Blu-ray is a format that's here for the long run.To celebrate the technology's birthday, TechRadar spoke to Danny Kaye, Executive VP, Global Research & Technology Strategy at Twentieth Century Fox about Blu-ray, where he reveals his favourite discs, why he thinks Blu-ray is the perfect hybrid between digital and physical media, and how the studio is trying to address customer confusion about the benefits of the format.TechRadar: How has Blu-ray changed the home entertainment market?Danny Kaye: Blu-ray discs and players have provided consumers with more affordable choice and a way of future-proofing their living rooms. We talk about Blu-ray as the perfect hybrid - bridging the gap between physical and digital for consumers - the player ups the resolution of your existing DVDs, provides the best available HD through Blu-ray discs and is the best way to make TV an internet-connected device. Blu-ray brings better quality and value for the Home Entertainment market as with Blu-ray you 'pay once, play anywhere'.TR: Is Blu-ray sales expectation where you think they should be at the moment?DK: Sales are strong. Blu-ray sales are 20 per cent higher than DVD sales were four years after that format was introduced. By the end of 2011 over 159.3 million Blu-ray discs will have been sold in Western Europe with 83 million last year. On titles launched simultaneously on DVD and Blu-ray, such as Avatar and the A-Team, we are seeing around a third of our sales on Blu-ray. TR: Blu-ray is still seen as a premium product, when will we see it become more affordable like DVDs?DK: We think Blu-ray is already an affordable option and we've seen players drop to under £100 recently. The discs themselves are good value with combo/triple play packs giving people a DVD, a Blu-ray disc and the digital copy. We know that two thirds of those buying the Blu-ray disc want the digital copy as it future proofs consumers' home movie collections. It's a versatile pricing model and, we believe, the fairest way to buy movies as you 'pay once, play anywhere'. TR: What's been your favourite Blu-ray disc?DK: My personal BD choice has constantly been updated as we improve the technology. Currently I have to go with our first release of Avatar, which was encoded at the highest bitrate possible and was an amazingly pristine version of the movie. The details, especially the colors, were so vibrant that for me at least the experience was better than anything I could have seen in a large movie theater, and that was an incredible experience on its own.TR: Do you think there is still some confusion over value added extras, like BD-Live?DK: We do think there is confusion in the market over several things and we're working with industry bodies alongside other studios and manufacturers to help educate consumers on the benefits of Blu-ray. To help minimise consumer confusion one of the things we talk about is Blu-ray as the 'perfect hybrid' – bridging the gap between physical and digital for consumers. It allows consumers to own a physical disc which we know there is demand for but acts as a gateway to the digital world now, with electronic copies in the box, and in the future with Ultra Violet. TR: How is the triple format (DVD, blu-ray, downloads) working for consumers, is it causing confusion?DK: Although triple play is the industry term, we also like to call it 'multi-screen' as the real benefit is consumers get to pay once and play their movie anywhere – it isn't just across three screens anymore.We know that two thirds of people buying Blu-ray discs think the digital copy in the box is important – and we think it's the fairest, most versatile way to buy movies today. TR: How do you prioritise older films coming out on Blu-ray?DK: It's our close working relationship with filmmakers that determines our catalogue Blu-ray releases. The likes of Spielberg, James Cameron, Ridley Scott and George Lucas all back Blu-ray as delivering the best high definition experience of their films.TR: What's the situation with 3D Blu-ray – where in the world is leading 3D in the home? DK: Significant improvements have been made in 3D technology recently, including full 1080p resolution per eye, that today allow us to fully exploit the benefits of Blu-ray's inherent data capacity. We have already started releasing Blu-ray 3D titles in store this year with more to follow. The US and UK are the leading 3D markets, both in terms of early 3D TV sales but also in leadership for 3D broadcast channels and distribution, from Sky to DirecTv, Comcast/Xfinity, ESPN, etc. And of course 3D on Blu-ray as the best way to enjoy 3D in the home.<img border="0" height="1" src="http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9429/55899809.gif" width="1" /><div><table border='0'><tr><td valign='middle'><a href="http://res.feedsportal.com/viral/sendemail2.html?title=Interview%3A+Twentieth+Century+Fox+admits+confusion+over+benefits+of+Blu-ray&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techradar.com%2Fnews%2Fhome-cinema%2Fvideo%2Fblu-ray%2Ftwentieth-century-fox-admits-confusion-over-benefits-of-blu-ray-969533%3Fsrc%3Drss%26attr%3Dall" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8633/emailthis2.gif" /></a></td><td valign='middle'><a href="http://res.feedsportal.com/viral/bookmark.cfm?title=Interview%3A+Twentieth+Century+Fox+admits+confusion+over+benefits+of+Blu-ray&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techradar.com%2Fnews%2Fhome-cinema%2Fvideo%2Fblu-ray%2Ftwentieth-century-fox-admits-confusion-over-benefits-of-blu-ray-969533%3Fsrc%3Drss%26attr%3Dall" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3051/bookmarkl.gif" /></a></td></tr></table></div> <a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/106215387984/u/49/f/9809/c/669/s/161d8547/kg/216-221/a2.htm"><img border="0" src="http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2598/17706062.gif" /></a><img height="1" src="http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/7959/64483801.gif" width="1" />

Interview: Twentieth Century Fox admits confusion over benefits of Blu-ray

Blu-ray is five years old this week, with the first discs coming to market way back in June 2006. While the format may not yet be in the pu...

Video: First iPad 2 commercial is here

<img alt="ipad2 video Video: First iPad 2 commercial is here" class="size-full wp-image-219907 aligncenter" height="241" src="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/2795/ipad2video.jpg" title="Video: First iPad 2 commercial is here" width="448" /> Apple has posted a first iPad 2 commercial on YouTube and on its website. The point here is simple – it’s not just about the specs, it’s about how easy and delightful it is to use the iPad 2. The full text goes like this: <blockquote>This is what we believe: Technology alone is not enough. Faster, thinner, lighter… those are all good things. But when technology gets out of the way, everything becomes more delightful… even magical. That’s when you leap forward. That’s when you end up with something like this.</blockquote> I like it. What do you say? <a href="http://www.intomobile.com/2011/04/04/video-first-ipad-2-commercial-here/">Video: First iPad 2 commercial is here</a> <img alt="" height="1" src="http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3818/66792920.gif" width="1" />

Video: First iPad 2 commercial is here

Apple has posted a first iPad 2 commercial on YouTube and on its website. The point here is simple – it’s not just about the specs, it’s abo...

Microsoft removes Imagewind from Marketplace, WP7 gets first bitter taste of rejection

Oh, sure, it was easy to pick on Apple for all those frustrating App Store rejections over the years, but Google's had its own run-ins with apps being pulled under unfortunate circumstances, and now it's time for WP7 users to get a taste. Microsoft <strike>has pulled</strike> is thinking about pulling Imagewind from the Windows Phone Marketplace, an app that basically pulls random images en masse from the Twitter-stream, splaying them all over your touchscreen. MS indicated that, without some sort of filter to weed out seedy images, the app has to go. Somewhat curiously it's actually been chilling in the Marketplace since March 3rd, and it was only upon reviewing a recent update that someone in Redmond said "Hey, waitaminute!" Imagewind is now gone and honestly we can't say that its rejection is completely arbitrary -- displaying all images the all the time is not necessarily a good thing for sensitive eyes -- but it still stings, doesn't it? Update: We got a note from Roger at Smarty Pants Coding to let us know that he's received a "grace period" for the app. It's still available for download, but it could be a limited time thing... Update 2: Another note from Roger. The stay of execution has been... unstayed. The app is no more. Break out the trumpets.Microsoft removes Imagewind from Marketplace, WP7 gets first bitter taste of rejection <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/microsoft-removes-imagewind-from-marketplace-wp7-gets-first-bit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a>

Microsoft removes Imagewind from Marketplace, WP7 gets first bitter taste of rejection

Oh, sure, it was easy to pick on Apple for all those frustrating App Store rejections over the years, but Google's had its own run-ins ...

World's first GLONASS-enabled smartphone ships in Russia, GPS ponders a recalculation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/2383/clipboard20110402121359.png" /></div>Well, would you look at that? The planet's first GLONASS phone is now available, but it looks as if you'll need to soar over to Russia in order to use it. Of course, if you've followed the GLONASS story at all you wouldn't find that shocking in the least, and if you choose to pick up the ZTE-built MTS GLONASS 945 on your next trip, you'll be treated to full-on GPS support back in the States. It's a Froyo-based device with a 3.2-inch capacitive touchpanel, 2 megapixel camera, 130MB of memory, Bluetooth / WiFi and a price tag of just under 11,000 Rubles. That's around $400 in real money, which you'll probably find suits you best in your wallet if you've already picked up the all-too-similar Vodafone 945. Here's hoping the world's second GLONASS phone is a bit more compelling in the design and feature standpoint, yeah? 
 
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]World's first GLONASS-enabled smartphone ships in Russia, GPS ponders a recalculation 
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/worlds-first-glonass-enabled-smartphone-ships-in-russia-gps-po/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">via</a></div>

World's first GLONASS-enabled smartphone ships in Russia, GPS ponders a recalculation

Well, would you look at that? The planet's first GLONASS phone is now available, but it looks as if you'll need to soar over to Russ...

AMD announces first Fusion chips

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/upgrades-and-peripherals/processors/images/amd-logo-200-200.png"> AMD has launched the first-generation of its new Fusion chips, which combine both GPU and CPU functions on the same die, something that AMD calles an APU, or accelerated processing unit. AMD is planning various changes to its line-up as 2011 shapes up to be a truly revolutionary year in terms of computing architecture. Designed to coincide with CES and another <a href="">big announcement from a certain other chip manufacturer</A>, AMD's new chips sit on the Brazos platform.The processors used will come in two different guises – a super low-power Ontario processor needing only 9W of power – and the 18W Zacate chip for more mainstream notebooks. AMD has turned its attention toward netbooks – a stronghold for Intel with its Atom chips. AMD is promising huge advances in battery life from netbooks and laptops running these chips – though we'll have to wait until we get kit to see how this really pans out. Not only that, the company also hopes its expertise in graphics will hit home with buyers looking for a low power, portable netbook but who still want DirectX 11 graphics. Bobcat and Bulldozer Both of these chips are based on a new core codenamed Bobcat, based on a 40nm manufacturing process. After Zacate, AMD is planning a 32nm core called Llano, which will be with us during the first half of this year. The company also will debut its long-awaited high-performance x86 multi-core CPU architecture codenamed Bulldozer. <img alt="AMD" src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/upgrades-and-peripherals/processors/images/bobcat_bulldozer-420-100.jpg" width="420"></IMG> In basic architectural terms, <a href="">Bulldozer looks even more revolutionary than Intel's new Sandy Bridge</A>. With Bulldozer, AMD will do away with the conventional notion of CPU cores and create a much more modular chip designed to deliver a better balance of integer and floating point performance. If Bulldozer manages even to just close the gap significantly between AMD's chips and Intel's Sandy Bridge, that will be some achievement.

AMD announces first Fusion chips

AMD has launched the first-generation of its new Fusion chips, which combine both GPU and CPU functions on the same die, something that AMD ...

HTC's first tablet outed as HTC Scribe?

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/HTC/htc-scribe-200-200.jpg"> HTC's <a href="">inevitable foray</A> into the tablet market looks imminent after the Taiwanese firm patented the HTC Scribe name. The patent was filed for a 'handheld wireless device, namely a tablet computer' and the assumption is that this device will see HTC joining the Android-powered iPad rivals' race. The patent doesn't give away much more than the name of the device and the date of the filing (Boxing Day, if you're interested) but we'd imagine it will be running Honeycomb and therefore have a high resolution screen and dual-core innards. We'd be surprised if the HTC Scribe name actually made it to the model we see on our shelves, as we doubt it's going to come with a pen device a la the tablets of the early 21st century. Somethin's a-brewin' HTC looks set to announce something big at CES or Mobile World Congress this year, and in addition to the standard <a href="">Desire</A> and <a href="">Legend</A> refreshes it wouldn't be a surprise to see a new tablet turn up too. This would mean a UK release date of around March or April, and given HTC's recent track record, a not-too-ridiculous UK price could follow as well. TechRadar is patrolling the floors of CES as we speak, so if nothing turns up there we'll turn our tablet-focused laser sights to the halls of Barcelona for MWC in February.

HTC's first tablet outed as HTC Scribe?

HTC's inevitable foray into the tablet market looks imminent after the Taiwanese firm patented the HTC Scribe name. The patent was file...

Google Nexus S gets its first OTA update

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com/Review%20images/TechRadar/Mobile%20phones/Google/Google%20Nexus%20S%20review/PR%20shots/Google-Nexus-S-200-200.jpg"> The <a href="">Google Nexus S</A> has already received its first over the air upgrade - we'll break the news to you now: it's not Android Honeycomb. The new file from Google apparently updates bugs and upgrades to the latest version of maps - although we're not sure how much it changes if you already have the new fancy Google Maps for Android version 5 already downloaded. Looking through the internal changes over on <a href="http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=883930">XDA Developers Forum</A>, it seems the only changes are to the framework and Maps programs, so this isn't going to be a massive overhaul - although early indications show a slight lag in the browser appears to have been fixed. Updates for converters The update to Android 2.3.1 is relatively impressive given the phone has only been released for six days in the US (and a day in the UK) and shows that Google either messed up the release software or is genuinely trying to make sure the Nexus S crowd get the updates first. Sadly, it seems UK users are again behind their US counterparts in terms of receiving the update, as constant check-ins on our stock Nexus S are yielding no updates - but it's likely it won't rock your world as updates go, so if you have to hold on it probably won't ruin your Christmas. We didn't notice any browser lag issues generally during our <a href="">Google Nexus S review</A>, apart from when Flash was running on the site as well - fingers crossed that's a bug that's been squashed.

Google Nexus S gets its first OTA update

The Google Nexus S has already received its first over the air upgrade - we'll break the news to you now: it's not Android Honeyco...

Google Nexus S gets its first OTA update

Google Nexus S gets its first OTA update

The Google Nexus S has already received its first over the air upgrade - we'll break the news to you now: it's not Android Honeyco...

Konami's first 3D game is for mobile phones

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Android/screenshot_243284-200-200.jpg"> Gaming giant Konami has announced its first 3D game, but instead of waiting for Nintendo's 3DS to launch it is pushing out Mobile Powerful Pro Baseball 3D for phones. It will be some time until we see the 3D phones arrive in this country, but electronics giant Sharp is releasing Galapagos 3D Android handsets in Japan, and Konami are keen to cater for the screen. <img alt="Mobile powerful pro baseball 3d" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Android/screenshot_243284-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> Sharp actually make the autostereoscopic screen used by Nintendo's 3DS, so Konami may well view this as a fine way to practice the technology ahead of the launch of the next-gen handheld console. Pre-installed And in the meantime, those who are prepared to bring a third dimension to their mobile phone screen will be getting the snappily named Mobile Powerful Pro Baseball 3D pre-installed. The Sharp 3D phones are packing a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Android 2.2 and a 3.8 inch 800x480 resolution screen. With a PSP phone, also running Android, set to make its appearance, it is certainly an interesting time for mobile gaming – and the line between traditional video gaming and mobile phone gaming is now thinner than your wallet after all that Christmas spending.

Konami's first 3D game is for mobile phones

Gaming giant Konami has announced its first 3D game, but instead of waiting for Nintendo's 3DS to launch it is pushing out Mobile Power...

First hand-machined RED EPIC ships, gets lovingly toyed with

<DIV class=separator style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudMw3-vKSJWveZM0uwT6DLsE1KvI2mYKttCmpndPg0P3QqigpvMiiPKYLhv2OwBrKzeLthgkD7XXX-E4b2_Mxn0KjROOOhHz8lGXwneqfoqfldOvPR8Z5qqwuN-SejD373cZmAFYDxjs/s1600/12-18-10-redepic00006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudMw3-vKSJWveZM0uwT6DLsE1KvI2mYKttCmpndPg0P3QqigpvMiiPKYLhv2OwBrKzeLthgkD7XXX-E4b2_Mxn0KjROOOhHz8lGXwneqfoqfldOvPR8Z5qqwuN-SejD373cZmAFYDxjs/s1600/12-18-10-redepic00006.jpg"></A></DIV>This RED EPIC belongs to Mark Pederson -- the head of studio OffHollywood -- who was apparently the very first one to drop $58,000 for the pre-production 5K camera, not to mention the first to lay down money for the original one. In case you've arranged to find yourself with a similarly jawdropping Christmas present in the mail, you can find pictures of what to expect at our source links below. The links will also do quite nicely if you haven't experienced that feeling called "jealousy" in a while and would like a refresher course.

First hand-machined RED EPIC ships, gets lovingly toyed with

This RED EPIC belongs to Mark Pederson -- the head of studio OffHollywood -- who was apparently the very first one to drop $58,000 for the ...

Sunderland man claims world's first 3D website

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/internet-and-broadband/images/3dwebsite-200-200.jpg"> A site claiming to be the 'world's first 3d website' has been launched, although you will need active glasses, a 3D ready television and a browser that you run through your screen. Sunderland's Stereografix have devised the offering which can be seen at <a href="http://www.stereoscopic-3d.co.uk/">http://www.stereoscopic-3d.co.uk</A>. Stereografix founder Saif Chaudhry told the <a href="http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2010/12/17/world-s-first-3d-website-is-pioneered-in-region-51140-27840918/">nebusiness.co.uk</A>: "I don't think many people are even thinking this far ahead, and we've got a prototype already. It's not every day you can say you're first with something where the internet is concerned. <img alt="3D site" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/internet-and-broadband/images/3dwebsite-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG> A lot more "I think there needs to be a lot more 3D TVs and computer monitors out there before it becomes mainstream, but peoplearen'tjust going to go out and buy these things unless they've got something to show on them," he continued. Of course, there are likely to be a few quibbles about whether this qualifies as the first 3D website; 3D videos have been floating around on the likes of YouTube for some time for instance. But it's nice to see a UK company making the claim anyway – and the site is well worth a look (if you have the kit, of course) . There is a version for people with passive 3D televisions planned, although the current version needs the powered active glasses.

Sunderland man claims world's first 3D website

A site claiming to be the 'world's first 3d website' has been launched, although you will need active glasses, a 3D ready televi...

Dungeon Defenders: First Wave brings Unreal Engine to Android this month

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEHx41SrNxkWImmRctpwIzAMW9KNX7ydLvU6NBuJ_MjdoPIksXoVikH_9O5b_tFdeXsF67l87tsMJI5OPy-1OJFU9OZBELwaoZEYKBKwbZfRNoTkRTKiSPV2kB4eWHJUPlUXOpmn5OYQ/s1600/dungeon-defenders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEHx41SrNxkWImmRctpwIzAMW9KNX7ydLvU6NBuJ_MjdoPIksXoVikH_9O5b_tFdeXsF67l87tsMJI5OPy-1OJFU9OZBELwaoZEYKBKwbZfRNoTkRTKiSPV2kB4eWHJUPlUXOpmn5OYQ/s320/dungeon-defenders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns0qjK36bH8rwyrWC11v-X_RSpovk9FK_IHTuA2xJ-j0xlFOrcf3IwJIY8oPOwFvOYTc40n6Q0KWh_Ks35F9U9cJ3LUn2erJHdeEbOx65rvCwbMhdL5LBk_97AgP9nAcnZOwO9V-3_w4/s1600/101217-dropbox-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> 
</a> 
Along with Rage HD, Infinity Blade has been one of the titles to really solidify iOS' position as the leader in mobile gaming right now, but that's not to say Android isn't in hot pursuit: besides this Zeus we have on the horizon, Gingerbread improves gaming support on the API level -- and now we're seeing our first Unreal Engine 3-based title make the leap. Dungeon Defenders: First Wave, which just launched on iOS, is coming to Android 2.1 and above on December 23rd bringing with it an online, multiplayer tower defense gaming experience. Of course, one problem these guys have now is that Android hardware is all over the map, so they actually need to publish a long list of minimum requirements -- just like PC titles -- and in this case you need 512MB of RAM, an 800MHz or better SOC with support for OpenGL ES 2.0, and at least 400MB of free storage. Apart from the myTouch 4G (which has some occasional "stability issues"), most recent mid- to high-end handsets seem to be ready to roll, including "all Tegra 2 based devices" like the Optimus 2X that was just announced. Follow the break for some video action and the full press release.

Dungeon Defenders: First Wave brings Unreal Engine to Android this month

Along with Rage HD, Infinity Blade has been one of the titles to really solidify iOS' position as the leader in mobile gaming right n...

2011 to bring 200 PCs combining GeForce GPUs and Sandy Bridge, first laptops to be quad-core

<DIV class=separator style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tfvlp0EK8P5TninAvkGhG0ZOFnaANpBwMDwgKIR2LdOZ1EUmw1OTaYULxQmMGCDK1AK6R-jgT-u4npQElK5rdwb4iP5g6A_-JlJ0tK4oD0GBUOrCP_b7pHrt_yyyeomKJjqzJN0mwe0/s1600/10x1216b3hbdkj6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tfvlp0EK8P5TninAvkGhG0ZOFnaANpBwMDwgKIR2LdOZ1EUmw1OTaYULxQmMGCDK1AK6R-jgT-u4npQElK5rdwb4iP5g6A_-JlJ0tK4oD0GBUOrCP_b7pHrt_yyyeomKJjqzJN0mwe0/s1600/10x1216b3hbdkj6.jpg"></A></DIV>What's NVIDIA got up its sleeve for CES, you ask? A whole host of Sandy Bridge laptop and desktop machines, by the sound of its latest press release. The green giant of graphics has proudly announced a new record of 200 OEM design wins for Intel's incoming CPUs. The big draw of Sandy Bridge is that it's the first processor to include an integrated GPU embedded directly within its die, which is projected to improve power efficiency and overall performance -- though clearly it hasn't been impressive enough to get PC vendors to abandon discrete graphics chips. If anything, they seem to be going in the other direction and insisting on a discrete GPU as well. In other news, whether with or without NVIDIA's help, the first Sandy Bridge laptops will feature quad-core parts. Such is the word directly from Intel, with one insider adding that the dual-core debutants will get their chance a month after CES, around the middle of February. Skip past the break for NVIDIA's boastful PR or hit the source for more on Intel's plans.

2011 to bring 200 PCs combining GeForce GPUs and Sandy Bridge, first laptops to be quad-core

What's NVIDIA got up its sleeve for CES, you ask? A whole host of Sandy Bridge laptop and desktop machines, by the sound of its latest p...

First Think City electric vehicles delivered to Indiana government, Leslie Knope calls dibs on all of 'em

<DIV class=separator style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQCPk9H2nHJI4W5O1U2IdNldJolxR-aGJydfAFUmHiYAYEVa6IwHasnDkfUN8XGyMzTfvJvIoiA8vG8ANbVquyl68e337emlrQCXhyphenhyphenLBaUSyZ9v0b4KqzYP4e7Qp5mlmVhSCKgqU28G4/s1600/ron-swanson-think-city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQCPk9H2nHJI4W5O1U2IdNldJolxR-aGJydfAFUmHiYAYEVa6IwHasnDkfUN8XGyMzTfvJvIoiA8vG8ANbVquyl68e337emlrQCXhyphenhyphenLBaUSyZ9v0b4KqzYP4e7Qp5mlmVhSCKgqU28G4/s320/ron-swanson-think-city.jpg" width="320"></A></DIV>Headed to Pawnee, Indiana anytime soon? Don't lie, it's a place that survives in only two places: your mind, and NBC's studios. The only "Pawnee" in proximity of the Hoosier State lies in Illinois, but it's cool, we can still pretend. After hearing that Think was planning to hawk its City electric vehicle in the Big Apple this year, it looks as if Indiana's government will actually be first to acquire it. Fitting, though, given how Think's primarily manufacturing facility is parked in Elkhart, IN. The first 15 City EVs -- described by the company as "all-electric, zero-emission cars designed in Scandinavia for fleet applications and urban commuters" -- have hit the ground running, delivered to the Department of Administration to be used principally by the Department of Natural Resources in the state's park system. Naturally, Ron Swanson was at the ribbon-cutting ceremony with a mind to swipe one for his own personal use, but once he learned of Think's plans to finally roll out retail distribution in select US cities in the second half of 2011, his conscience got the better of him. Phew.

First Think City electric vehicles delivered to Indiana government, Leslie Knope calls dibs on all of 'em

Headed to Pawnee, Indiana anytime soon? Don't lie, it's a place that survives in only two places: your mind, and NBC's studios. ...

HTC to debut first LTE devices in 2011

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/TechRadar/Mobile%20phones/HTC/HTC%20Desire%20HD/PR%20shots/HTC-desire-HD_1-200-200.jpg"> The head of HTC has said that the Taiwanese smartphone maker will definitely launch a next-gen mobile broadband-enabled handset in 2011. The new devices will feature LTE technology – standing for Long Term Evolution – which is effectively 4G mobile technology. HTC CEO Peter Chou made the comments in a video interview with Mobile World Live where he also said the US will be a key market for LTE-enabled handsets. "We think that the US mobile operators will be taking the lead and pushing 4G LTE in the US market... We are working on LTE devices for next year," he said. And Chou said HTC is still hedging its bets between Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 operating systems, saying that consumers "may want Windows or Android; or they may want big screen or small screen, they may want keyboard or tablet; HTC will let the consumer decide." Some operators – including Verizon – have already switched on LTE-enabled networks in certain US areas during the last few months. You can watch the interview with Peter Chou at <a href="http://www.mobileworldlive.com/?login=1&ret=/tv.asp?id=304">Mobile World Live</A> (registration required).

HTC to debut first LTE devices in 2011

The head of HTC has said that the Taiwanese smartphone maker will definitely launch a next-gen mobile broadband-enabled handset in 2011. Th...

Curzon unveils the first on-demand 'cinema'

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/internet-and-broadband/images/curzon-ondemand-200-200.jpg"> Independent cinema specialist Curzon has revealed that it is bringing its movie ethos to the web, with the launch of Curzon On Demand. Curzon has announced that it will be running its on-demand channel the same way it runs its cinemas, carefully selecting the right movies for the channel and even putting indie films it shows in its cinemas on the service as well. In a release, it said about the on-demand launch: "Curzon On Demand uses the latest technology to deliver a cinema experience in the home or on the move. "The site provides greater access to theatrically released films, giving audiences unable to visit cinemas the opportunity to see such films." Watershed moment The big bonus is – if you have a web service that can handle it – all of the movies will be shown in HD. Skip Fidura, Managing Director of dotAgency who created the website for Curzon said: "The Curzon On Demand site represents a watershed moment in the way we consume online media. It's a bold move, underpinned by technology that really pushes the boundaries of what is possible online." Films on the site are going for around £4.00 and you have a week to watch your purchase as many times as you want. Curzon is also promising web-only movies and launches with Mathieu Amalric's burlesque comedy On Tour, winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2010, and British drama In Our Name – both available 10 December, at the same time as their theatrical releases. Go to <a href="http://www.curzoncinemas.com/film_on_demand/">www.curzoncinemas.com/film_on_demand</A> for more details.

Curzon unveils the first on-demand 'cinema'

Independent cinema specialist Curzon has revealed that it is bringing its movie ethos to the web, with the launch of Curzon On Demand. Curzo...