Exclusive: Dell Thunder prototype preview (video)

Christmas came early at Engadget HQ this year, as evidenced by the picture above -- you're looking at two Dell Thunder prototype smartphones, each with some surprising quirks, and hints that they might include global HSPA, AWS for T-Mobile, and maybe even a dash of CDMA support. We'll warn you ahead of time that these are labeled EVT1 for "engineering verification test" and date back to the April leak, so they're about as early as you can get -- don't expect the final handset to arrive without some significant differences. Good? Then peek the gallery below, hit the break, and let's get on with the show. Continue reading Exclusive: Dell Thunder prototype preview (video) source:engadget feed

Sanyo Xacti VPC-PD2BK 1080P pocket camcorder with 3x optical zoom

With smartphones and point-n-shoot cameras doing most of our impromptu video recordings, it's getting harder and harder to justify the purchase of these pocket-sized camcorders. Perhaps that's why Sanyo is positioning its Flip competitor as a "dual camera" -- capable of capturing 10 megapixel stills or 1080P/30fps MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video with stereo audio. Model VPC-PD2BK features an integrated USB jack that swivels out for some hot laptop mating sessions, a 3X optical zoom, 37-mm wide-angle lens, mini-HDMI port, and support for SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Look for it in September with a suggest price of $169.99 in North America.

Continue reading Sanyo Xacti VPC-PD2BK 1080P pocket camcorder with 3x optical zoom

source: engadget feed

Ricoh's 10 megapixel, 10x zoom CX4 compact hits Japan next month

Why, it seems like just yesterday we were talking about the CX3 and now here we are, but a few weeks away from the release of Ricoh's CX4. The camera is set to hit Japanese retailers on September 3, offering a 10 megapixel backside-illuminated sensor perched behind a 10.7x (28 - 300mm) zoom lens, with a three-inch LCD 'round the back. Ricoh is also talking up an advanced new image stabilization system, five fps burst shooting, 720p video recording, plus all the smile- and scene-detection modes you'd expect out of a modern shooter. MSRP for all this is set at 45,000 Yen in Japan, which equates to about 525 of your American dollars.

sources: engadget feed, akihabara news

Sony replacing handset cabling with a single copper wire

Sure, it's just boring ol' component news but you can guarantee that this advance will affect the appearance of Sony (and Sony Ericsson) products some time soon. Sony just announced the development of a "single wire interface technology" that replaces the 22 or so cables (used for power, control signals, audio, video, etc) typically found inside mobile devices (tucked away in the hinge or rotating parts) with a single copper wire capable of transmitting data at 940Mbps. That should translate into greater reliability while giving Sony's product teams more flexibility with their designs. Sony plans to "swiftly" implement the technology by licensing the IP to ROHM to help jointly develop the required silicon. More with less, as they say.

sources: engadget feed, sony

Managing Facebook and Twitter updates with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

When you look at the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, the first thing that will grab your attention is its large 4in screen.

The screen dominates the front of the smartphone and is capable of displaying beautiful and vivid pictures.

The X10 runs on Android 1.6 which is a tad older than other smartphones in the market which use Android 2.1.

I'm really new when it comes to the Android operating system or even smartphones so it took awhile to adapt to the user interface. I found it cool that I could switch screens by just swiping my finger horizontally or vertically on the screen.

However, I was not thrilled that applications took a littler longer to launch. As I am a little impatient, the screen will be covered with fingerprints due to repeated tappings by the time the app actually launched.

more review here: tech central

Logitech enables video chats in HD

It wasn't long ago when VGA webcams were enough for online video conferencing.

However, with the advent of better video quality technology and faster broadband speed, high-definition (HD) webcams are poised to take over as the next must-have device when you chat online.

Logitech is among the first manufacturers to jump onto the HD webcam bandwagon when it launched four new models - C910 HD Pro, C510, C310 and C270 - into the local market recently.

These webcams feature 720p HD video calling, 1080p Full HD video recording and one-click video uploading to Facebook and YouTube.

The webcams work on Windows and use Logitech's Vid HD video calling software. They also support most major third-party software such as Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and Google Talk.

C910 Pro

The flagship C910 HD Pro model comes in a stylish, streamlined profile and at only 25mm in depth, the webcam adds a minimalist touch to your laptop or desktop PC setup.

The C910 HD Pro, which can also snap 10-megapixel still photos, come with built-in stereo microphones.

The C510 sports a fold-and-go design that allows it to fit nicely in the pocket for portability.

According to Logitech, the device also takes 8.-megapixel still pictures.

C510

Meanwhile the C310 comes with the Logitech RightLight 2 and RightSound technologies to ensure their video calls will not be ruined even when used in a poorly-lit or noisy setting.

Lastly if you are looking simply for a basic HD webcam that will not burn a big hole in your pocket, the C270 is available for you.

C270


- Zam Karim (The Star) -