Archive for January, 2012

LG finally shows a profit from cellphones, record high flat-panel shipments in Q4 earnings

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

LG has revealed its earnings statements for the fourth quarter of 2011 and the full year, and it managed to notch an operating profit of 23 billion won ($20.5 million), boosted by a 10 billion won operating profit in its handset division. That was despite lower sales compared to the previous quarter (17.7 million compared to 21.1 million), with higher sales of its new Optimus LTE and lower sales of less profitable dumbphones. It also had solid results in TVs with an operating profit of 150 billion won and record shipments of 8.8 million units, thanks to demand for its higher end models over the holidays. Check out the slides in the PDF linked below for notes on how LG plans to dominate 2012 with more LTE, 3D and air conditioners, although we'd just recommend moving to Level 5 of the Kobe System.

Continue reading LG finally shows a profit from cellphones, record high flat-panel shipments in Q4 earnings

LG finally shows a profit from cellphones, record high flat-panel shipments in Q4 earnings originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 adds Crackle and CinemaNow to list of up and running apps

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

You can't deny one of Microsoft's main goals with its revamped 360 dashboard update was to enhance the box's entertainment attributes, and now the Redmond crowd has flipped the live switch on two more vid-focused apps. Crackle and CinemaNow are joining the likes of Vudu and UFC as part of the latest additions to the Xbox app locker. Both apps are available now for those of us in the States, and while CinemaNow won't be heading elsewhere, Sony's Crackle is hitting three other markets: Australia, Canada and United Kingdom. There's no more info on when -- or if -- both apps will make way into more countries, but Microsoft did say that it'll "continue to enhance and expand" its Xbox Live offerings. We know you're eager to check out some Godzilla collections, so power on that console, head to the apps section and let the crackles set you free.

Xbox 360 adds Crackle and CinemaNow to list of up and running apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

It appears Disney's mobile efforts in Japan are going pretty well, and with the help of carrier NTT DoCoMo they're expanding under the joint "Disney Mobile on DoCoMo" brand name. The partnership is kicking off with two new Android-powered handsets launching over the next couple of months that pack in access to exclusive content from Disney like full-length animations, games, wallpapers and more. First up is the F-08D (left), a "luxury smartphone" that features silhouettes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a 4.3-inch HD (720x1280) LCD display, dual cameras and 1.2Ghz dual-core OMAP4430 CPU available in pink or white next month with preorders opening up February 17th. Next up is the P-05D (right), which has a slim 7.8mm thick frame, rear camera and 4.3-inch 540x960 res OLED screen all powered by a dual-core 1Ghz CPU that will launch at some point in March. Check out the press releases after the break for a few more details on each of these Japan-only cellphones, or hit the source link for even more specs -- no word yet on pricetags or which version of Android these will end up launching with.

Continue reading Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan

Disney Mobile on DoCoMo brand launches with two new Android phones in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon outs new Coolpix trio: L810 with 26x zoom, waterproof S30 and Intelligent Auto L26

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

Point-and-shoot refreshes may not get you all hot and bothered like some new, networked DSLRs might, but Nikon's doing its best to reinvigorate the category. Announced today, the new line of Coolpix digital cameras crams an assortment of dedicated features -- Intelligent Auto, ultra-zoom and ruggedization -- into a spread of budget-friendly, 720p HD-capable offerings. The leader of this updated bunch, the L810, combines a 26x (22.5mm-585mm) lens, 19 exposure settings and a 3-inch LCD screen with VR image stabilization for users who want to get up close and personal without compromising detail. While the bar-lowering L26 makes the art of imaging a bit simpler and removes that pesky need for photographic know-how, capturing pictures using a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens in tandem with its array of automatically-selected scene modes. And for the accident prone amongst you amateur Ansel Adamses, the company's S30 packs a 10.1MP sensor and 3x wide angle lens into a drop-resistant, waterproof shell. These three digital imaging amigos are available starting this February in an assortment of colors, with the L810 retailing for $280 and its category siblings pegged for $120 each. Head on past the break to peruse the official presser and get the lowdown on the extended feature set.

Gallery: Nikon Coolpix L810, L26 and S30

Continue reading Nikon outs new Coolpix trio: L810 with 26x zoom, waterproof S30 and Intelligent Auto L26

Nikon outs new Coolpix trio: L810 with 26x zoom, waterproof S30 and Intelligent Auto L26 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon adds Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 to point-and-shoot lineup

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

It's not been all that long since Nikon last augmented its Coolpix S-series, and now the camera maker's at it again, adding another four to the point-and-shoot range. Starting at the bottom end is the S3300, which definitely keeps things simple: 16 megapixels, 6x zoom, 19 picture modes and 720p is what you'll get for the $140 asking price. An extra $30 lands you the S4300, which adds touchscreen control. Stepping up the ladder, we have the S6300 at $200, which includes a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10x zoom and an Easy Panorama mode for those 180- and 360-degree vistas. Video also jumps up a notch to a full 1080p. Assuming a $350 price tag doesn't seem too lofty, you might like the S9300 -- it has the same 16 megapixel CMOS sensor as the S6300, but also throws in GPS for geotagging, and a generous 18x zoom, giving it a 25-450mm range. There's a limited range of colors for each model, and availability is pegged for February, but hit the PR after the break if you want the full rundown.

Gallery: Nikon Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300

Continue reading Nikon adds Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 to point-and-shoot lineup

Nikon adds Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 to point-and-shoot lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

This evening's Nikon post is presented in partnership with the letter P. The Coolpix P-series welcomed a new pair today, with point-and-shoots that "pack a potent punch... and powerful performance" -- and a plentiful portion of P, as you'll notice in the press release past the break. The Coolpix P510 "breaks the zoom barrier" with a 42x 24-1000mm optically stabilized lens. It features a 16.1 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 921k-dot 3-inch vari-angle LCD, can shoot 1080p HD video with stereo sound and supports ISO 100-3200 shooting with Hi1 (ISO 6400) and Hi2 (ISO 12800, monochrome) options. GPS functionality is also included, with support for tracking and photo geotagging.

Those of you seeking a more-pocketable P-series may want to consider the Coolpix P310, which offers the same 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a 921k-pixel 3-inch LCD, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 (Hi1 of ISO 6400) and a 4.2x 24-100mm f/1.8 (maximum) optically stabilized zoom lens. As Nikon's high-end pocketable model, the P310 offers advanced exposure modes, including program, shutter- and aperture-priority, along with a full manual mode. There's also 1080/30p video capture with stereo sound and in-camera editing. Both cameras will be available in February, with the Coolpix P510 shipping in black and red for $430 and the black-only P310 running you $330. Oh, and don't forget about that plenary P-PR past the break.

Continue reading Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens

Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC revamps Lifeline phone service, cuts the fat from carriers’ bottomlines

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

With a site redesign freshly under its belt, the FCC's setting its recently honed eye for modernization on other, more pertinent areas of its jurisdiction -- like Lifeline. The universal program, a means of guaranteeing affordable phone service to low-income families, hadn't exactly kept pace with changes in the telecom industry, overlooking consumers' preference for wireless and the growing need for pervasive broadband access. That's all set to change with new measures adopted by the Commission today designed to curb carrier abuse of the antiquated system and automate the enrollment process by eliminating unnecessary duplicate accounts and subsidies. A pilot program to offer and potentially bundle discounted, high-speed internet to eligible participants is also underway, with potential ISP partners currently being solicited for inclusion. All told, the moves could wind up saving the federal agency over $2 billion in misdirected funds over a three-year span, leaving more money on the table to help your average Joe and Jane America step firmly into the 21st century.

FCC revamps Lifeline phone service, cuts the fat from carriers' bottomlines originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Megaupload users’ data to be kept another two weeks, EFF to help folks retrieve it

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

Megaupload's digital doors may have been closed due to the presence of pirated materials, but there's still the matter of all that legal content residing on its servers. Naturally, folks want their files back, but now that the government's gotten what it needs, the hosting companies no longer need to keep the data around because Megaupload's no longer paying them to do so. Carpathia Hosting and Cogent Communications, however, have decided to preserve the data for another two weeks while a deal is brokered with the DOJ for its release. In the meantime, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has teamed up with Carpathia to create a website that puts folks in touch with EFF attorneys so users can try to retrieve their data. No word as to what legal wrangling the EFF can do to make it happen, but those affected can get the wheels of justice started at the source below.

Megaupload users' data to be kept another two weeks, EFF to help folks retrieve it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Evil Android Home Screen [Featured Home Screen]

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Uncategorized

Reader Ammar Githam took our evil weeks to heart and made this great looking, informative home screen. More »


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Engadget HD Podcast 284 - 01.31.2012

Posted by Ry on Jan 31 2012 | Technology

It's earnings season, which adds a businessy angle to this week's Engadget HD podcast but that's not dimming our spirits when we've got new Harmony remotes from Logitech on the (distant) horizon. Verizon, Netflix and Apple also have numbers to talk about, but if spreadsheets aren't your thing we've also got our impressions of the Boxee Box Live TV dongle and advice ahead of Super Bowl XLVI this weekend.

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[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).
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[MP3] Download the show (MP3).

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh (@bjdraw), Richard Lawler (@rjcc)

Producer: Trent Wolbe

00:02:10 - Logitech's Q3 2012 report confirms Revue is sold out, Harmony remote refresh 'in the coming months'
00:05:43 - Verizon releases Q4 results, sees jump in revenue, broadband subscribers, net loss

00:13:09 - Netflix Q4 results: 220k new streaming-only customers, beats earnings estimates
00:21:20 - Tim Cook says Apple TV is still 'a hobby,' can't live without it
00:25:06 - Switched On: You tell me it's the institution
00:35:47 - Paramount Movies lets you stream UltraViolet films from the cloud, for a price
00:44:40 - WealthTV 3D joining handful of 3D networks
01:01:30 - Boxee Box Live TV starts shipping, Boxee 1.5 software update now rolling out
01:08:52 - Totally blow out the big game! Super Bowl XLVI
01:16:36 - Must See HDTV (January 30th - February 5th)

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Engadget HD Podcast 284 - 01.31.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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