Though HP announced two desktops today, the most interesting tidbit might not be the computers, but the software installed on them. As the company releases new hardware, it's also rolling out a revamped version of its TouchSmart UI. Now called Magic Canvas, it'll work even on PCs without touchscreens, and it's going to ship on every HP tower and all-in-one, including already-announced models like this. The most significant improvement is that you can now access the Start Menu and all your Windows apps, even when you're immersed in this UI that frankly looks more like a mobile OS than Windows 7. (If all this reeks of bloatware, you can uninstall or choose not to launch it.) As for that mobile-inspired experience, we're talking about those widgets and large, finger-friendly shortcuts, sure, but also the fact that you get an unlimited number of home screens for pinning notes and leaving documents open. Forget where you left your 15-page term paper? You can right click to bring up a search screen (we're not clear if there will be a keyboard shortcut for that). As we said, you can expect this to become ubiquitous on HP's desktops but if you want to see it in action now, you can head past the break for a short promo video.

Continue reading HP renames its TouchSmart software Magic Canvas, plans to install it on all desktops (even non-touch ones)

HP renames its TouchSmart software Magic Canvas, plans to install it on all desktops (even non-touch ones) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading HP outs Compaq L2311c docking monitor, LV1911 and LV2011 budget displays

HP outs Compaq L2311c docking monitor, LV1911 and LV2011 budget displays originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you thought HP would take a break after announcing seven all-in-ones last fall, you'd be sadly mistaken: the company just trotted out the Omni 27, its first model with a 27-inch display. In addition to that 1080p (non-touch) screen, it rocks the same Easel design as all those models HP introduced a few months back, which is to say it tilts a relatively modest 25 degrees. Other specs include dual- and quad-core Intel processors, up to 2TB of storage and Beats Audio (duh), and an optional TV tuner, Blu-ray player and HDMI port (yes, HDMI is an add-on). Moving on to a different category entirely, HP also unveiled the Pavilion HPE Phoenix h9 -- not its inaugural enthusiast tower, to be sure, but definitely the first to bear the consumer-y Pavilion name. Though the red accents and "armor-plated" design would suggest otherwise, HP's quick to market this not as a gaming rig, but a prosumer machine. Whatever you want to call it, you'll find specs worthy of power uses: a choice of Intel's latest X79 processors or AMD's eight-core chips, NVIDIA GTX 580 graphics and four DIMM slots capable of accommodating 16GB of RAM and up to three hard drives.

Whichever tickles your fancy, both come loaded with HP's Magic Canvas software -- aka, the UI that used to be called TouchSmart but has since been re-tooled to work even on non-touch machines. They'll each be available January 8th, with the Omni 27 starting at $1,200 and the Phoenix h9 fetching $1,150 and up. Until then, we've got a mix of hands-on and press shots below, with a pair of promo videos waiting for just past the break.

Continue reading HP intros Omni 27 all-in-one, Pavilion HPE Phoenix h9 tower

HP intros Omni 27 all-in-one, Pavilion HPE Phoenix h9 tower originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just like the iBike Dash from the days of yore, Velocomp is back with the Powerhouse -- a cycling computer that integrates with any standard bicycle along with the iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed in collaboration with cycling coach Hunter Allen, the Powerhouse features distinct fitness plans tailored to the goals of training cyclists and lazy bums alike. Regimens last four to six weeks and include iSlim, Express Fitness, Brazilian Butt, Kid Fit, Weekend Warrior, Zero to 50 miles in Three Weeks and Healthy Heart. Perhaps more intriguing, however, is the ability to purchase additional training routines within the iBike app. The product will be fully unveiled at CES and will retail for $269, which includes a water / shock-resistant case, a universal mounting system, all the necessary electronics and the iOS app -- which lets cyclists listen to their music as they train. Those interested in the finer details may check the PR just after the break.

Continue reading iBike Powerhouse to be unveiled at CES 2012, a cycling computer to shed your holiday excess

iBike Powerhouse to be unveiled at CES 2012, a cycling computer to shed your holiday excess originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The future of transportation is here, folks. We've spent some time with the Ford Focus Electric and have seen all the bits that make it go, but we didn't know who'd be the first to receive one. Turns out Google got an early Christmas present, and received its Focus Electric, the first production unit, just before the holidays. That means that the gang at Big G is already enjoying the 84mph top speed and fast charging secret sauce that lets the Ford fully charge on a 240-volt outlet in just over three hours -- or roughly half the time it takes a Leaf to top off its batteries. Wonder whether the EV from Dearborn is destined to join Google's Street View fleet, its cadre of self-driving cars, or replace some of those multi-colored company bikes strewn about Mountain View?

Continue reading First Ford Focus Electric rolls off the production line into Google's open arms

First Ford Focus Electric rolls off the production line into Google's open arms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google is rightfully proud of its native theme in Ice Cream Sandwich. Dubbed Holo, it's intuitive, functional and -- dare we say it -- downright sexy. Now, in an effort to provide all users with a consistent interface, the company is making the theme essential for all Android 4.0 devices that come bundled with the Android Market. That's right, the stock, undiluted experience. Don't be alarmed, though, because manufacturer customizations aren't going anywhere, and the changes aren't terribly drastic. In fact, for users of Sense, TouchWiz and the like, Google is issuing architectural mandates that will make it dead simple for independent developers to create apps that fit nicely into these customized environments, complete with the proper widgets and colors. In other words, app designers may effortlessly choose between Holo or the manufacturer's default theme when considering the software's interface -- although, we'd really love to see this decision extended to end-users. Meanwhile, it seems terribly unlikely that Google's new mandate will bring choice to the home screen, keyboard and dialer as well. We can only hope, right?

Google: Android 4.0 'Holo' theme to be mandatory on all devices with Android Market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Mike E shares his very simple, elegant home screen that even non-rooters can put together. More »

Attempting to scrape gum off your shoe always results in a sticky mess. Toss your gum-covered shoe it in the freezer instead for easy removal. More »

Continue reading Bracketron GreenZero chargers keep vampires from sucking your power

Bracketron GreenZero chargers keep vampires from sucking your power originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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