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Creative’s Vado cheapcorder revealed by JR.com May 5, 2008

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It looks like Creative's getting set to muscle in on Pure Digital's Flip Video -- online retailer JR.com has specs up for something called the Vado VF0570-P, and they're basically identical to the Flip Video Ultra, apart from a slightly larger 2-inch screen. Other than that, you're getting the same 2 hours of VGA-res video on 2GB of built-in memory and YouTube support for the same $100 price. No pics or ship dates yet, but we're guessing we'll see something official pretty soon.
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Creative’s Vado cheapcorder revealed by JR.com

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It looks like Creative's getting set to muscle in on Pure Digital's Flip Video -- online retailer JR.com has specs up for something called the Vado VF0570-P, and they're basically identical to the Flip Video Ultra, apart from a slightly larger 2-inch screen. Other than that, you're getting the same 2 hours of VGA-res video on 2GB of built-in memory and YouTube support for the same $100 price. No pics or ship dates yet, but we're guessing we'll see something official pretty soon.
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The Best 10 All-Purpose Laptops

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment These laptops can do it all and are a great choice for most on-the-go users.

The Best 10 All-Purpose Laptops

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment These laptops can do it all and are a great choice for most on-the-go users.

Gateway releases slew of new desktops, offers something for everyone

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Do you absolutely love Gateway desktops? If you said yes, prepare to be seriously stoked. The company is releasing a slew of new systems this week, ranging from cheapos starter to pretty heavily equipped gaming / multimedia models. We've got all the info that's fit to print (and frankly, some that isn't), and we've rounded up the basic specs and features after the break. Enjoy!

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Archer Quinn documenting his free energy project, descent into madness

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Archer Quinn promised the world a working demonstration of his homemade free energy device called the "Sword of God" by June 20th, but it looks like we're getting a sneak peek a little early: Quinn's detailing the build on his blog, and it's just about as pigs-in-trousers insane as you'd expect. It's hard to even pick one quote as an example here -- Quinn rails on about how he destroyed his first machine because he didn't want Arab nations to starve without oil money but then a picture of Dubai's opulence changed his mind, how "gravity wheels" are perpetual motion machines, how Nikola Tesla presented BS theories, how Australian Nazis are reading his email, and on and on. Most importantly, however, he continues to update on how his project is going. We're not sure if he's done yet or what (it's not exactly easy to follow) but it looks like something's ready -- anyone want to bet if it works? We also have a very nice bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

[Thanks, Curt]
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Archer Quinn documenting his free energy project, descent into madness

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Archer Quinn promised the world a working demonstration of his homemade free energy device called the "Sword of God" by June 20th, but it looks like we're getting a sneak peek a little early: Quinn's detailing the build on his blog, and it's just about at pigs-in-trousers insane as you'd expect. It's hard to even pick one quote as an example here -- Quinn rails on about how he destroyed his first machine because he didn't want Arab nations to starve without oil money but then a picture of Dubai's opulence changed his mind, how "gravity wheels" are perpetual motion machines, how Nikola Tesla presented BS theories, how Australian Nazis are reading his email, and on and on. Most importantly, however, he continues to update on how his project is going. We're not sure if he's done yet or what (it's not exactly easy to follow) but it looks like something's ready -- anyone want to bet if it works? We also have a very nice bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

[Thanks, Curt]
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Wii homebrew channel video released

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We've already seen some rudimentary Wii homebrew channel support, but this latest video released by homebrew developer Bushing steps things up considerably, with it turning what was once a curiosity into something that quite a few non-homebrew dabbling folks will likely be eager to get their hands on. As you can see after the break, the channel looks to be about as straightforward as can be, and it apparently includes built-in support for loading ELF and DOL homebrew executables via USBGecko and TCP/IP, in addition to support for loading 'em off SD cards. Sadly, there's no word on a release just yet, but we can't imagine it being kept under wraps for too much longer.

[Via DCEmu, thanks Craig]

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EVGA intros sub-$100 UV12 and UV16 USB graphics adapters

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We've heard your cries for USB-to-DVI adapters that don't cost two arms and a good portion of your left leg, and apparently so has EVGA. Announced today with DisplayLink, the company is serving up two new USB graphics adapters (UGAs) in the UV Plus+ family of wares, both of which are hitting resellers as we speak for "well under $100." Both peripherals are designed to play nice in Windows XP and Vista, and while the UV12 supports resolutions up to 1,280 x 1,024 (1,440 x 900 widescreen), the UV16 goes all the way up to 1,600 x 1,200 (1,680 x 1,050 widescreen). Kudos for lowering the bar EVGA, now it's time for everyone else to follow suit.
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Google calls for FCC to force open access rules or block Verizon’s 700MHz bid

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It looks like Verizon isn't taking those 700MHz spectrum open access rules very seriously, and a certain competing bidder isn't real happy. In a petition filed with the FCC by Google, the company alleges that Verizon is willfully ignoring the "plain meaning of the [open access] rule" by suggesting it will allow one type of access for users who use Verizon-approved devices, and another for those using third-party units. According to the document, "Verizon's position would completely reverse the meaning of the rule such that the open access condition would apply to none of Verizon's customers, and thereby render the condition a nullity." The search giant is calling for the FCC to block Verizon's $4.7 billion bid on the spectrum unless the company agrees to comply with the previously-decided open access rules. Since this isn't the first inkling we've had that Verizon wasn't down with open access, we're not surprised, but it looks like Google has a little more fight left in them -- and that could make all the difference. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via IP Democracy; Thanks, Bram]
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Kensington unveils Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone / iPod

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Sure, there are already a handful of options out there for extending the life of your iPhone / iPod battery, but since when have we been ones to gripe about a little competition? Kensington has just introduced a standard and miniature version of its Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone / iPod, which unsurprisingly provides juice to your device's internal battery and can be recharged simultaneously. As you could likely guess, the only differences between the two contraptions are the size, price and battery life; the 0.22-pound standard model extends play time to up to 100 hours (music) / 6 hours (talk), while the even tinier mini version livens things up for another 30 hours (music) / 3 hours (talk). Each is available now for $69.99 / $49.99.
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Epoda promises to deliver water-proof EP2501 watch phone

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While that lone image above doesn't exactly inspire much confidence of its actual existence, China's Epoda is apparently now looking for partners to help distribute its EP2501 water-proof watch phone, which supposedly packs more features than your average, non-wearable cellphone. That includes Windows CE 6.0 for an OS, quad band 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900Mhz connectivity, a 2-megapixel camera, a 1.4-inch display, the usual PMP functions, 1GB of memory, and "support" for WiFi and Bluetooth (it's not clear if that means it's built-in or not, although dongles would pose a bit of a problem). Of course, there's no word on price or availability, but those interested in doing business with Epoda can contact 'em at the link below for more details.

[Via PMP Today]
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Epoda promises to deliver water-proof EP2501 watch phone

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While that lone image above doesn't exactly inspire much confidence of its actual existence, China's Epoda is apparently now looking for partners to help distribute its EP2501 water-proof watch phone, which supposedly packs more features than your average, non-wearable cellphone. That includes Windows CE 6.0 for an OS, quad band 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900Mhz connectivity, a 2-megapixel camera, a 1.4-inch display, the usual PMP functions, 1GB of memory, and "support" for WiFi and Bluetooth (it's not clear if that means it's built-in or not, although dongles would pose a bit of a problem). Of course, there's no word on price or availability, but those interested in doing business with Epoda can contact 'em at the link below for more details.

[Via PMP Today]
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T-Mobile’s 3G Network Touches Down in NYC

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment T-Mobile customers in New York City are the first to be able to enjoy its long-awaited third-generation wireless service, the company announced Monday. T-Mobile officially launched its 3G network in New York on Monday, with plans to continue the 3G rollout across major metropolitan markets over the course of the year. By the end of 2008, T-Mobile expects its high-speed data network will be available in the cities where a "majority of its subscribers currently use data services," the company said. Pricing details on the 3G services have not yet been revealed.

Sprint “seriously considering” spinning off Nextel

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We'd take this with half a tablespoon of salt for now, but The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Sprint-Nextel Corp. is "seriously considering spinning off or selling its ailing Nextel unit." That's according to undisclosed people "familiar with the situation," though Sprint did decline to comment on whether it actually was considering a sale of Nextel. Also of note, Cyren Call is reportedly attempting to "assemble a consortium of investors to acquire Nextel as part of its plans to create a nationwide wireless network for public safety communications," and while it can't be confirmed, we are hearing that Sprint is "contemplating other possible buyers such as private equity firms." Still, these same sources made clear that "no deal was imminent and that Sprint was preoccupied for the moment with other matters." It's no secret that the firm would be way more attractive to suitors (read: Deutsche Telekom) if the flagging Nextel division was detached from the deal, but we guess we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out. [Warning: read link requires subscription]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in, image courtesy of Flickr]
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Sprint “seriously considering” spinning off Nextel

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We'd take this with half a tablespoon of salt for now, but The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Sprint-Nextel Corp. is "seriously considering spinning off or selling its ailing Nextel unit." That's according to undisclosed people "familiar with the situation," though Sprint did decline to comment on whether it actually was considering a sale of Nextel. Also of note, Cyren Call is reportedly attempting to "assemble a consortium of investors to acquire Nextel as part of its plans to create a nationwide wireless network for public safety communications," and while it can't be confirmed, we are hearing that Sprint is "contemplating other possible buyers such as private equity firms." Still, these same sources made clear that "no deal was imminent and that Sprint was preoccupied for the moment with other matters." It's no secret that the firm would be way more attractive to suitors (read: Deutsche Telekom) if the flagging Nextel division was detached from the deal, but we guess we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out. [Warning: read link requires subscription]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in, image courtesy of Flickr]
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Cooper’s gilded Amber F1 PMP is too flashy for its own good

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We'll spare you our feelings on just how cheesy this thing looks, as we're fairly certain you can judge that for yourself. Those with no shame and an unrequited love for all things gold, however, may actually find this one quite appealing. Cooper's Amber F1 purportedly features a 2.8-inch widescreen LCD, support for RMVB, AVI and FLV formats, a built-in equalizer, SRS WOW technology, a bundled case and an obligatory set of gilded earbuds to ensure public humiliation. A price or release date wasn't immediately apparent, but please don't say you're willing to dig around to find out. Please?

[Via PMPToday]
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Top 10 Cell Phones

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment These are the best standard cell phones today, but ratings and rankings can change quickly due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Top 10 Cell Phones

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment These are the best standard cell phones today, but ratings and rankings can change quickly due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Magenn gets its MARS floating wind turbine off the ground

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We've already seen some wind turbines designed to float offshore, but Canadian startup Magenn Power has some ideas of its own for getting wind power off the ground and, judging by its latest tests, it seems to be making some considerable progress. Its solution, dubbed the Magenn Air Rotor System (or MARS), is designed to float between 600 and 1,000 feet above the ground, and spin on the horizontal axis to generate electricity, giving it a power capacity of anywhere from 10 kilowatts to several megawatts depending on the configuration. While they've apparently yet to extract any juice from it, the company has at least recently gotten a prototype off the ground at a massive airship testing facility in North Carolina, and it has apparently now set its sights on an outdoor test, although there's no word as to when that might go down. What's more, as Greentech Media reports, while the company apparently plans to first market a 100 kilowatt version for industrial use, it also hopes to eventually enter the consumer market with smaller models that people "can take camping or use at their cottage," although it admits that prospect has been put on the backburner for now.

[Via Protein]
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Xbox 360 kiosks headed to children’s hospitals across the US

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Here's your heartwarming story for the day. Microsoft has teamed up with Companions in Courage in order to bring "hundreds" of Xbox 360 kiosks to children's hospitals across the nation, and the gaming stations have already been installed at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center of Seattle and the Children's Hospital of Orange County, California. The customized units are "hospital-friendly" and come pre-loaded with a variety of E and E10+ rated games, Y-rated television programs, G-rated movies and the Xbox Live headset / Vision camera in order for gamers to play online. Speaking of, each kiosk is wired to a private Live network which "allows hospitalized children across the country to play games and chat" with each other. There's no word on where the stations are slated to arrive outside of the three venues already mentioned, but those interested in broadening the reach of the endeavor can feel free to donate to the cause.

[Via OhGizmo]
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Apple iMac (24-inch, 3.06GHz)

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The aluminum-and-glass look remains the same, but underneath Apple makes some small but meaningful updates to its all-in-one iMac.

Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.4GHz)

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The aluminum-and-glass look remains the same, but underneath Apple makes some small but meaningful updates to its all-in-one iMac.

Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.66GHz)

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The aluminum-and-glass look remains the same, but underneath Apple makes some small but meaningful updates to its all-in-one iMac.

Harris’ HTC-made Census handheld hits the FCC

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Harris Corp's HTC-made Census handheld may only be a shadow of its former self now that the Census Bureau has decided not to use it for any actual census-taking, but that doesn't mean it can hang its head in shame forever, and it's now popped up to make an encore appearance at the FCC. Thankfully, this time around the FCC folks have snapped plenty of pics of the device, including a look at its innards, which you can find at the link below. Otherwise, the device appears to be mostly unchanged, with it still boasting the same fingerprint security, and EVDO and WiFi connectivity, albeit without any voice capabilities. One of the few things getting changed, it seems, is the device's battery -- which, given recent developments, is likely one of the last upgrades it needed.

[Via Register Hardware, thanks Michael]
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Harris’ HTC-made Census handheld hits the FCC

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Harris Corp's HTC-made Census handheld may only be a shadow of its former self now that the Census Bureau has decided not to use it for any actual census-taking, but that doesn't mean it can hang its head in shame forever, and it's now popped up to make an encore appearance at the FCC. Thankfully, this time around the FCC folks have snapped plenty of pics of the device, including a look at its innards, which you can find at the link below. Otherwise, the device appears to be mostly unchanged, with it still boasting the same fingerprint security, and EVDO and WiFi connectivity, albeit without any voice capabilities. One of the few things getting changed, it seems, is the device's battery -- which, given recent developments, is likely one of the last upgrades it needed.

[Via Register Hardware, thanks Michael]
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Xobni Spins Relationship Webs in Microsoft Outlook

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment For all those Outlook users who have ever thought there has to be a better way to organize and search e-mail content, Xobni, a startup out of San Francisco, has launched its attempt at a solution. A free add-on, Xobni -- "in-box" spelled backwards -- is designed to help users of Microsoft's Outlook e-mail program get a better handle on what's in their in-box. The technology offers quick searches, conversation threading and a social networking platform, in addition to other features Xobni hopes will "make e-mail better."

Panasonic DVD-LS86

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The Panasonic DVD-LS86 delivers some of the longest battery life we've seen in a portable DVD player--though not quite as long as Panasonic claims.

Sun’s OpenSolaris to Shine Through Amazon’s Cloud

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Sun Microsystems and the OpenSolaris community it created a few years ago have officially released the Unix-based OpenSolaris operating system into the wild. The two organizations shared the news at the CommunityOne Developer Conference Monday in San Francisco. OpenSolaris is based on Sun's Solaris kernel, but it has since been transformed into a more open and developer-friendly OS. "OpenSolaris is a massive advancement for OS development and deployment," noted Stephen Lau, an OpenSolaris Governing Board member.

Zune XNA games preview release aimed for May

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Microsoft's still isn't solid on a final consumer release date for XNA games for the Zune, but they are aiming for the first CTP (community technology preview) to be released in May. We also learned that Zune games can support ad-hoc wireless play with up to eight players, the devices won't support any hardware 3D acceleration, the "16MB for storing games" we heard before actually refers to how much Zune RAM games can take over, and Microsoft's got at least four games running on the platform (which may or may not ever be released to the public): Zauri (which we've already seen -- video after the break), as well as Hexic, Potato Chase, and Alien Takeover.

Continue reading Zune XNA games preview release aimed for May

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Microsoft denies Xbox 360 Blu-ray reports yet again

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We're beginning to lose count of how many times we've been around this carousel, but just in case you thought yet another rumor would bring the Blu-ray-infused Xbox 360 any closer to reality, Microsoft's out to put the kibosh on your wildest hopes and dreams. Following up on the latest round of whispers that surfaced last Friday, Redmond proclaimed to GamePro: "As we have stated, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360." The statement also noted that "games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available." Right -- which totally explains your prior relationship with HD DVD.
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iPhone firmware 2.0 adds Chinese handwriting recognition, Newton sweats

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Screen shots posted on Chinese site wretch.cc allege that iPhone firmware 2.0 has added support for Chinese handwriting recognition in addition to a revamped (albeit non-recognition) Japanese interface. While that's still light years from an Apple admission that not everyone is in love with the on-screen keyboard, it's one small step toward functionality that seems to make boatloads of sense -- in any language -- given the phone's generously proportioned touchscreen and its reluctant but unavoidable nomination as the Newton's spiritual successor. What isn't clear is how folks are expected to draw characters, seeing how there's no provision for an on-board stylus, the entire interface is designed for finger use, and we don't see many owner rushing out for a Pogo. However Apple intends for this feature to be used, the implementation looks pretty hot, capable of operating in both portrait and landscape modes. Sadly, it seems that Chinese is the one and only language supported at the moment; sure you don't want to let everyone in on the Graffiti-esque retro fun here, guys?

[Via Mac Rumors]
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Averatec 2575

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Though its performance is merely adequate, the ultraportable Averatec 2575 offers an attractive design and a decent feature set at a reasonable price.

Hands-on with SteelSeries Ikari mouse and new 7G gaming keyboard

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We've been spending some quality time with the high-end gaming products from SteelSeries, and we have to say we're impressed. The Ikari laser mouse they announced last year is particularly great, with a built-in processor and sensitivity settings to allow for a customized and precise sensitivity setting in a plug-and-play setup particularly suited to professional gamers. Settings are easy to work, and the actual sensitivity and response of the mouse easily outclasses our prior mousing experiences.

New to the market is the SteelSeries 7G keyboard, which is making its debut on Monday the 5th. The keyboard is fully mechanical, with no-click switches that give it a much stronger, smoother tactile feel, while simultaneously catering to gamers by registering half presses. The keyboard weighs a ton thanks to the heavy-duty iron-infused plastic and the gold electronics, and is quite capable of handling abuse. We grew up typing on heavy-duty keyboards, and this is easily the best one we've used this decade -- though the $150 pricetag also makes it the most expensive outside of the Optimus Maximus.

Both of these products are obviously built for pro and casual gamers, but we found a productivity boost in our regular day-to-day blogging operations, which requires large quantities of precise link clicking (how's that for a resume line item?) and rapidly written posts. In addition to these two, SteelSeries is bringing its entire line of Euro-popular gaming peripherals to the States, including headphones and crazily fancy mouse pads.

Gallery: Hands-on with SteelSeries Ikari mouse and new 7G gaming keyboard

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Microsoft Ditches Yahoo, Google Picks Up Marbles

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The stock market is making its after-the-fact adjustment to the end of the Microsoft-Yahoo saga, which culminated this weekend. After last minute negotiations failed, Microsoft walked away from its bid to acquire Yahoo for slightly more than its original offer of $33 per share. To recap: Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang was adamant that the company was worth at least $35 to $37 per share. Microsoft indicated it might go a little higher than its original offer -- but not much. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was also just as adamant that Yahoo was not worth the premium.

“Is that a $1500 Iron Man cellphone in your pocket, or are you just happy to see Engadget Mobile?”

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Yes, that's right, one lucky Engadget Mobile reader is going to walk away with a gorgeous, ultra-limited LG Shine worth more than the combined value of, like, every phone we've ever had. How exactly does one get in on this action? Head on over to Mobile for the scoop!
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Robotic Wildlife Aid Study of Real-Life Critters

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment One gray squirrel, its bushy tail twitching, barked a warning as another scrounged for food nearby. It was an ordinary spring day, except that the rodent issuing the warning was powered by amps, not acorns. Dubbed "Rocky" after the cartoon character, the robo-squirrel was working its way into a live-squirrel clique, controlled by researchers several yards away with a laptop computer and binoculars. By capturing a close-up view of squirrels in nature, Rocky may help researchers decode squirrels' communication techniques, social cues and survival instincts.

T-Mobile clears everything up: 3G rollout (with data) is on in NYC

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Great news, T-Mobile USA fans -- the roller coaster ride is finally over. After we thought T-Mobile's 3G network was but moments away from launching, we soon found that data may be left out. Oddly enough, a few reports hailing from the Big Apple claimed that data actually was included. At long last, the carrier is coming clean and announcing its official 3G rollout in the States. Unfortunately, the UMTS / HSDPA network is initially launching in New York City alone, but the good news is that data will be included and the operator expects the high-speed data network to "be available in cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services" by the year's end. Yeah, it's safe to celebrate now, we promise it's not a(nother) false alarm. Full release posted after the jump.

Continue reading T-Mobile clears everything up: 3G rollout (with data) is on in NYC

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