Gadtorade

After years of pleading, the fine folks over at Data Robotics finally gifted you with a Drobo NAS. They called it the Drobo FS, but we all know what the real skinny is. But is the five-bay, Ethernet-friendly storage robot really a dream come true? We've had nothing but success with it in our Time Machine setup, but as with pretty much any networked drive, we've heard reports here and there of frustrations and complications. For those who have sprung for the FS, we're curious to hear what you'd change about the setup. Need more drive bays? Would you prefer a few extra interface options? Would you make the box a little less noisy? Go ahead and get honest down in comments below -- we know you need an avenue to vent after the week you just survived, right?

How would you change the Drobo FS? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The pool of choices for WiMAX hotspots continues to expand, and thanks to the FCC, we now know of another up-and-comer. The Rover Puck -- trademarked by Clearwire and previously unheard of -- joins the ranks Sprint's Overdrive and its various rebrandings by providing pocketable 4G WiFi service. Unlike its predecessors, however, we finally have a new, more aerodynamic form factor. There isn't much to the glean from the user manual at this point, and the oft-referenced Rover website still isn't live -- a WHOIS lookup reveals it was last updated via GoDaddy on July 2008 with no other details disclosed. So, until we get some word from the official news pipelines, a plethora of external / internal photos and user manual screenshots are only a mouseclick away.

Gallery: Rover Puck user manual

Gallery: Rover Puck external / internal photos from FCC

Rover Puck WiMAX hotspot gets FCC'd, traction on ice subject of fierce debate originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's taken quite a bit of chasing (and Kmart stalking) this week to score Augen's $150 Gentouch Android tablet, but lo' and behold, the gadget is now in its rightful home... our home! We don't need to tell you that we ferociously ripped open the box to finally see how the Android 2.1 tablet performs, test out its touchscreen and see if it actually has access to app stores (unlike Augen's smartbook which we toyed with earlier this week). We're assuming you're just as eager to find out the answers to those questions, so hit that read more button for some early impressions as well as a hands-on video.

Gallery: Augen Gentouch 78 preview

Continue reading Augen Gentouch 78 preview

Augen Gentouch 78 preview originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's Magic Trackpad isn't the first of its kind -- in fact, Wacom has been playing this game for awhile -- but it's the first of its kind from the cats in Cupertino, so obviously people take notice. The premise of such a device is stupidly simple: it's a laptop trackpad that lives on your desktop. Over the past few years, there have been rumors that Steve Jobs has his sights set on eliminating buttons from Apple products altogether, and this certainly feels like the next step in the plan. But does it make sense? Is this an improvement over standard input devices like a mouse or trackball? More importantly, in the age of iPads and netbooks, does anyone even need an external input device like this? We're going to try and answer those questions (and more), so read on for our full review!

Gallery: Magic Trackpad first hands-on

Continue reading Magic Trackpad review

Magic Trackpad review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like we said, you don't have to wait until August 3rd to get your Android 2.2 Froyo update for the EVO 4G. You can grab the update file right now from HTC's servers (via source link). All you gotta do then is move the file to the root directory of your SD card, boot the phone into recovery mode (hold the "up" button while the phone is turning on), and select apply update from the associated .zip file -- you might also have to rename the file "update.zip" and expect a few other variations in the instructions, user depending. Too much thought process for Friday evening? Feel free to take a crack at it tomorrow, or simply wait for Sprint to give your phone the head's up next week.

Update: HTC just shot us a message to clarify that this is not the final ROM version and that the company is strongly recommending not to install this. Additionally, a request has been put in to remove the file from the server, so if you still want to try at your own risk, better download now while it's still available.

Update 2: ... and now it's gone. We're sure crafty internet users can still find the file lingering elsewhere, but you won't be getting it from HTC's servers this weekend. You know the old saying, ye who snoozes, something something, tough luck.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

EVO 4G's Froyo firmware was available for download, manual install (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We tend to go into full-on conjecture mode when we see an interesting FCC filing, but our instincts haven't let us down in the past, so allow us to throw something out on the table. A new Motorola just hit the feds with 7.2Mbps HSDPA and 2Mbps HSUPA on the 850 and 1900MHz bands, quadband EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth, AGPS, and a digital compass. In other words, this is definitely an Android set, and it could definitely work on AT&T. The Backflip's already looking plenty long in the tooth, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Moto fire its second Google-powered volley on AT&T before too long -- it's certainly been doing its duties on Verizon (and to a lesser extent, T-Mobile) after all. Any thoughts on what wild form factor this one might be?

Motorola Sage: AT&T's next Android phone? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've just been dropped a brief note from Verizon that the original Droid will be getting the full Froyo treatment at some point next week. Considering the brevity of the announcement, it's entirely possible that this was thrown together in response to Sprint's EVO news -- but who cares? The more Android 2.2, the better, right? No official word on other Droid variants -- most of which are likely going to see Froyo updates soon -- but we'll be keeping our ears firmly planted to the ground.

Motorola Droid getting Android 2.2 next week originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slowly but surely, Samsung's future as a tablet PC provider is taking shape. Details on the outfit's foray into the world of the slate has been trickling out over the past few months, and shortly after learning that a so-called Galaxy Tab would be out and about in Q3, now we're finding out two more critical details: screen size and operating system. According to the company, the Q3-bound device (assumed to be the aforesaid Galaxy Tab) will boast a smaller-than-average 7-inch screen, and rather than humming along on Bada or Windows 7, Google's Android will be at the helm. We're being forced to wait for further information, but given the proximity to Q3, all should be crystal clear in the not-too-distant future.

[Thanks, Keith]

Samsung's Q3-bound tablet to boast 7-inch display, Android OS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another interesting week of news, and all the boys are in NYC, so the podcast should be extra-crispy. Can you handle it? Can we? Tune in at 5pm to find out -- the chat below is open now, so get comfy.

P.S. And don't forget that Ustream has Android and iPhone clients as well, if you out and about and you can't join in on the Flash-based fun below.

Continue reading The Engadget Podcast, live at 5PM EST!

The Engadget Podcast, live at 5PM EST! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not guaranteed to make you any smarter, but having such an intelligent little bird upside your ear may at least give you a minor boost in confidence. A full 1.5 years after the original Q1 made its debut, BlueAnt is introducing its Q2 Smart Bluetooth Headset. Aside from being able to cancel out noise while traveling at up to 22mph (read: Usain Bolt's average walking speed), the Q2 also touts a fully integrated text-to-speech feature that belts out news, weather, sports and the latest gossip from Microsoft's Bing 411. And if you just so happen to use a smartphone with Android 2.0 or newer, it'll actually read your text messages and emails aloud without you having to fish your handset out of your britches. It's available now at AT&T stores for $129, and just in case you're wondering, you can freak mall walkers out for five solid hours without needing a recharge. Not that we'd encourage such behavior.

[Original image courtesy of Ryan Pierse/Getty Images]

Continue reading BlueAnt Q2 Bluetooth headset enables noise-free calls during Usain Bolt's sprints

BlueAnt Q2 Bluetooth headset enables noise-free calls during Usain Bolt's sprints originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The last time we saw the Devon Works Tread 1 wristwatch it existed only in digital form, rendered and swirling about with respect neither mass nor volume. Now it has come to reside in the physical plane, and aBlogtoRead has managed to get one of its belt-driven manifestations to test out. Naturally it's a little less pristine looking than the computer-generated version and, pictured next to a fleshy hand, we can now see just how big the thing is -- its crown actually large enough to wear on your head. For $15k you at least know you're getting your money's worth when it comes to raw materials, but whether you agree that this is a "novel timepiece that will make a satisfying addition to any collector's treasure trove" depends on your sense of taste, depth of pockets, and desire to make your forearms look meek and feeble.

Continue reading Devon Works Tread 1 belt-driven, bulletproof wristwatch tested, proven to actually tell time (video)

Devon Works Tread 1 belt-driven, bulletproof wristwatch tested, proven to actually tell time (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stealth Computer is certainly no stranger to tiny PCs, but it's now produced its smallest one to date in the form of the LPC-100. Measuring roughly the same size as a thick paperback novel, this one weighs in at just 1.2 pounds, and packs your choice of Core 2 Duo or Dual Core Celeron processors, an Intel GM45 mobile chipset with integrated graphics, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, a max 500GB hard drive, and a rugged aluminum chassis that should hold up to life beyond the desktop. Unfortunately, all that doesn't exactly come cheap -- look for configurations to start at $995. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Stealth Computer debuts paperback-sized LPC-100 mini PC

Stealth Computer debuts paperback-sized LPC-100 mini PC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your average satellite these days is roughly on par in terms of size with your average living room, give or take, and so naturally the cost of lofting one into orbit is, if you'll pardon the phrase, sky high. Despite that, many offer less processing power a mobile processor like Snapdragon. The obvious solution? Chuck a smartphone into orbit and revel in the savings. That's the idea behind the PhoneSat, helped along by the Mavericks Civilian Space Foundation, which strapped a Nexus One into a rocket with 1,000lbs of thrust and threw it up to 28,000 feet to see how it copes with the immense stress of riding into space. Of course, 28,000 feet isn't quite space (NASA would have run out of astronaut badges long ago), but the G-forces and temperature cycles felt during this short trip are comparable to a one-way voyage to orbit. The first such launch didn't go so well, with the rocket suffering a ballistic return -- coming in like a projectile without a 'chute. The shattered remains of that are shown above. But, the second flight was rather more successful, and the video results can be seen below -- captured by the phone itself.

Continue reading Nexus One blasts off to 28,000 feet, looks slightly worse for wear (video)

Nexus One blasts off to 28,000 feet, looks slightly worse for wear (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When we first heard through the grapevine that Best Buy was launching its own branded wireless data service, Connect, rumor had it that 4G was going to be baked right in there. We'd later learn that was just wishful thinking, but today's announcement of a partnership with Clearwire makes it instead simply look premature. Starting sometime next year, Best Buy Connect will offer 4G wireless data over Clearwire's WiMAX network -- and that's all the two are saying about this partnership right now. We're hoping prices for these next-gen data plans stay with their current levels, $30 monthly for 250MB up to $60 for 5GB, but all that extra bandwidth might just make those caps feel even tighter.

Continue reading Best Buy partners with Clearwire, will Connect customers to 4G

Best Buy partners with Clearwire, will Connect customers to 4G originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've heard some Canon EOS 60D rumors before, but this one might just be the most convincing yet -- the as-yet-unannounced camera recently turned up in a roadmap that wasn't leaked but actually posted on the site of optics module manufacturer DxO. As you might have guessed, all mentions of the camera have now been removed from the site, but what was there before seemed to indicate that the 60D would be turning up in November or December (or, at least, DxO's modules supporting it would be). Of course, there's no details on the camera itself, but if that launch date is accurate it would line up nicely for an announcement at Photokina in September.

Canon EOS 60D turns up in DxO's optics modules roadmap originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier this spring, Sony's Rocket Project gave eight lucky high school students several Vaios, a crash course in rocketry, and the opportunity to design and build a rocket that could make it to the stratosphere. Well, what do you know? After a few weather-related setbacks, the thing finally launched on Friday, July 23 from its launchpad in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, achieving Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound) in the process. Wernher von Braun never had it so good! Video after the break.

Continue reading Rocket Project team successfully launches a Vaio into the stratosphere

Rocket Project team successfully launches a Vaio into the stratosphere originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We were secretly hoping that RIM's acquisition of the blackpad.com domain name was nothing more than a joke (or a preventative measure, at worse), but it sure sounds as if that'll be the name the folks in Waterloo go with come this winter. According to unnamed sources who have unloaded new information to Bloomberg, RIM's first tablet will actually be "introduced in November," though there's no clear indication as to when it'll ship. Said sources have also stated that the device will sport a 9.7-inch display, inbuilt WiFi and Bluetooth, and a downright comical Blackpad label. We get the BlackBerry link and all, but really? Here's hoping for a last minute change of heart.

[Thanks, Simon]

RIM's 9.7-inch Blackpad rumored for November launch -- yes, Blackpad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember Panasonic's DMP-B15? You know, that "world's first portable Blu-ray player" that was introduced at CES and just started shipping last month? With an $800 price tag, there's a good chance you never even let the thing enter your stream of consciousness, but we can only wish you the best of luck as you try to ignore this one. RCA has quietly started to ship its BRC3108 10-inch portable Blu-ray player, which is equipped with a rechargeable battery, integrated stereo speakers, a headphone jack, 1080p HDMI output and bundled car / AC adapters alongside a carrying bag with headrest attachment for in-car use. The mini player lists for $349.99 on Amazon, and it's already starting to appear in select Target locations. You'll notice that Amazon still shows the device as being available for pre-order, and even the Target model didn't have a shelf tag yet. That said, we're sure someone in the back can pull some strings if you wave your credit card around long enough.

Update: Looks like it's listed at $299.99 at Target -- image is after the break. Thanks, Thomas!

[Thanks, Scott]

Continue reading RCA BRC3108 portable Blu-ray ships to Target, seriously undercuts Panny's DMP-B15

RCA BRC3108 portable Blu-ray ships to Target, seriously undercuts Panny's DMP-B15 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Canadian_iPhone_4_s_sold_from_carriers_are_NOT_Unlocked'; We've been tipped this morning (and have now been able to confirm, thanks to our own Myriam Joire braving the lines) that if you buy an iPhone 4 in a Canadian carrier's store today, you leave with it locked to that carrier -- despite Apple's trumpeting that you can buy it SIM-free. It appears as though the activation process might be responsible for causing the carrier lock -- either that, or the carriers' subsidized models are shipped locked, unlike the full-price devices you can buy directly from Apple. Either way, it's a bummer, and it's certainly something to take into consideration before you buy.

[Thanks, Chris]

Update: We've now confirmed that the lock is happening at the time the phone is activated -- in other words, it begins life carrier-agnostic. Pretty wild stuff.

Update 2: Tipster Mika G. tells us that unlocked phones purchased directly from Apple do not lock upon carrier activation, which jibes with Apple's wording that "you can change carriers at any time." Carrier-purchased phones, however, definitely do lock.

Buying an iPhone 4 from a Canadian carrier? It's locked originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're not far from seeing this big update in the flesh, but in the meanwhile, EVO 4G owners (and fans) might be interested to take a closer look at the features they'll be getting once it arrives. HTC appears to have put surprising effort into rendering a lifelike torch for its Flashlight app, while app sharing (seen after the break) is a neat addition -- and don't worry, devs, it only works on items that aren't copy protected. We're also being told that the update has car dock-specific functionality, which will match up with a dock release somewhere around the second week of September. Has everyone decided what dark things they plan on illuminating with their EVO's LED once this thing goes live?

Continue reading EVO 4G's Froyo features detailed in pictures, car dock coming in September?

EVO 4G's Froyo features detailed in pictures, car dock coming in September? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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