We already got a brief introduction to the Spark Linux-based tablet, but details were a little sparse. Since then, a few more key bits of info have been added to its Q&A page, which might help sway your purchasing decision. That KDE Plasma Active UI we knew it’d be sporting will stare out at you via a modest 800 x 480 screen, and there’s a 1.3 megapixel snapper tucked in alongside for video calling. The 1GHz / 512 MB internals we initially reported remain unchanged and the two USB ports and 3.5mm audio jack we saw in the pre-release picture above also get the official seal. There’s talk of GPS making it into the next iteration, but for now you’ll have to find your own way. The main news, however, is that pre-orders are pegged for next week, and shipping set for May. The initial focus is on Europe, but plans for it to arrive in US retailers are apparently underway. If that’s suitably tickled your fancy, head on over the break and tap the source for more info.

Spark Linux tablet specs updated, going up for pre-order next week originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Netbook News  |  Aseigo  | Email this | Comments

Share

Hide Sites

We knew that the Boxee desktop app’s days were numbered, we just didn’t realize how numbered. It was only the day after Christmas that we learned version 1.5 would be the last to ship for Linux, Windows and OS X. Now, with January coming to a close, its life is officially being snuffed out. Tonight, as you flip the calendar to February, Boxee will be busy purging its servers of the installable media center software. What that means, in case you hadn’t figured it out, is that this is your last chance to download the official app for your desktop OS of choice as the company shifts focus to the Boxee Box and other streaming appliances. Of course, we’re sure someone will pick up the torch and update the program, but as far as Boxee is concerned it has no desktop son.

Boxee desktop app being removed from servers tonight, get it while you can originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  GigaOM  | Email this | Comments

Share

Hide Sites

And here you thought Microsoft bringing Windows 8 to ARM was big news. Turns out, a member of the xda-developers forum has managed to make an APK that puts a variety of Redmond’s x86 operating systems on the HTC EVO 3D and its 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon silicon — Windows 95, 98, XP and even your favorite flavor of Linux are all available for the three dee-equipped handset. All you need to do is install the Bochs Pentium emulator APK and the OS disk image of your choice, modify a couple files, and you’ll be doing yesteryear’s desktop computing on a handheld in no time. Feeling nostalgic? Detailed instructions how to do it yourself and the necessary files can be found at the source link below, but all we want to know is: does it do the blue screen of death or the force close dance when things go awry?

APK puts Windows 95, 98 and XP, plus Linux on the EVO 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink xda-developers, Ubergizmo  |  xda-developers forum  | Email this | Comments

Share

Hide Sites

What happens when you take a PogoPlug, add 8GB of flash storage, some radios (WiFi, GPS) and perhaps a few sensors, then stuff everything in a 3D-printed box? You get the F-BOMB (Falling or Ballistically-launched Object that Makes Backdoors), a battery-powered surveillance computer that costs less than $50 to put together using off-the-shelf parts. The 4 x 3.5 x 1-inch device, created by security researcher Brendan O’Connor and funded by DARPA‘s Cyber Fast Track program, is cheap enough for single-use scenarios where costly traditional hardware is impractical. It can be dropped from an AR Drone, tossed over a fence, plugged into a wall socket or even hidden inside a CO detector. Once in place, the homebrew Linux-based system can be used to gather data and hop onto wireless networks using WiFi-cracking software. Sneaky. Paranoid yet? Click on the source link below for more info.

F-BOMB $50 surveillance computer hides in your CO detector, cracks your WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Forbes  | Email this | Comments

Share

Hide Sites

Samsung and other members of Tizen Association have not made a firm decision regarding the merge of bada and Tizen. We are carefully looking at it as an option to make the platforms serve better for customers. As Samsung’s essential part of multi-platform portfolio, bada will continue to play an important role in democratizing smartphone experience in all markets. Samsung will also support open source based development and continue to work together with other industry stakeholders.

So, um, is it happening? We’ll let you know.

Samsung’s Bada – Tizen merger still looking pretty likely originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  All Things D, Reuters  | Email this | Comments

Share

Hide Sites