GadgetsDownunder

GSM Galaxy Nexus 4.0.2 update rolls out, matches its cousin on Verizon

from engadget - 2 months ago

After the Verizon LTE Galaxy Nexus finally appeared and was (almost) immediately updated yesterday, it enjoyed the briefest of possible periods as the highest official Android version available. Now, owners of GSM-equipped Galaxy Nexus phones are getting the same bundle of tweaks shoved their way in a quick 8.7MB download. Of course, even these pure(r) Nexus phones are still slightly behind the bleeding edge represented by v4.0.3, which was Read more ...

Sony serves up US Vita manual two months early, theoretical gamers rejoice

from engadget - 2 months ago

Jealous that Japan has first dibs on Sony's next generation portable? Or maybe you imported a PlayStation Vita, and need a little help navigating the Kanji-laden menus? Either way, Sony has a bone to throw you -- an online Vita user's guide, and in English, to boot. In addition to basic console operations, the online manual details the handheld's major features and apps, including Party, Near, th ...

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Sony demos paper-fueled battery; Paper Mario runs for life

from engadget - 2 months ago

Remember Sony's sugar high from a few years back? Sony has been trying to get electric results from glucose-based batteries for some time. But with the competition showing off cool concepts like Coke-powered phones, Sony's Bio Battery program brought its latest development to Eco-Products 2011 in Tokyo. This info just might be worth the paper it's printed on because, well, the battery runs on paper. By using the enzyme cellulase, the device can break do ...

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Apple reportedly discussing its 'vision for the future of TV' with media execs

from engadget - 2 months ago

We wouldn't bet the farm on those "Apple is building an HDTV" rumors just yet, but tonight the Wall Street Journal reports the company is still interested invading the living room in a real way, based on "vague" talks with media executives. That vision includes a TV that packs wireless streaming with AirPlay to deliver TV shows and movies as well as technology it's developed to tie-in DVR storage and iCloud, but also focuses on personalized, synchronized access across other devices including phones and tablets. Naturally, voice and gesture recognition are mentioned, although the re ...

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Why Google Is Disabling Kids' Gmail Accounts

from slashdot - 2 months ago

The Washington Post's Elizabeth Flock managed to hold Google's feet to the fire and get an explanation of sorts for why it's making kids cry by disabling their Gmail accounts after years of use. Giving 12-year-olds access to Gmail — unless they are using Google Apps for Education accounts through their school — is proving to be as formidable a task for Google as making renewable energy cheaper than coal. But what about that viral 'Dear Sophie' commercial, asked Flock, in which a father creates a Gmail account for his baby daughter and uses it to send her photos, videos, and messages that chronicle her growing up? 'The implied understanding,' replied a Google spokesman, 'is that the girl in the story does not have access to the account, but that she will have access to it "someday."'"

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Google Outlines AI-Based Number Reading For Street View Photos

from slashdot - 2 months ago

A recent Google research paper outlines how it might use AI to read digits in natural images — specifically Street View photos. The idea is to automatically extract the number of each house as captured by Street View and then use this to improve the geocoding data returned by Google. When you next ask for directions to a particular address the new data could be used to show you a street view looking directly at the house you specified."

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British Telecom is the latest to sue Google over Android, other services

from engadget - 2 months ago

Another day, another patent lawsuit against Google. FOSS Patents reports British Telecom filed suit Thursday in Delaware over six of its patents it says Google is infringing upon with Android and other services like Maps and Music. Feel free to avail yourself of the text of the suit embedded after the break, which is heavy on terms like "telecommunications apparatus and method" and "navigation information system". We're not hearing any official response from Mountain View yet, but until we do you can probably pencil in platitudes about Read more ...

Galaxy Nexus gets unofficial Google Wallet, leaves rooters feeling flush (update: now root-free)

from engadget - 2 months ago

While it may have arrived with the Nexus name, Google's latest flagship has appeared without Wallet functionality, despite the inclusion of NFC hardware. Fortunately, it hasn't taken long for a few eager Android tinkerers to get it working on the LTE model. There's still a few hiccups and bugs and the phone needs to be rooted and unlocked, so consider yourself forewarned: you're on your own if it bricks. Still, it works -- user Mike Beauchamp was able to add extra funds to his account and make his first NFC McDonalds purchase. His video demonstration awaits after the break, Nexus-toting risk-takers can find a full step-by-step guide at the Google Plus link below.

Update: We talked too soon. Those ...

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A Google Search For "Let It Snow" Guarantees a White Christmas [Easter Eggs]

from gizmodo - 2 months ago