Skype 2.5 for Android brings video calls to 14 new devices, including Honeycomb tablets

…And then there were 41. Oh, sorry, we’re talking about Android devices here. Specifically ones that support video calling over Skype . With the update to version 2.5, the VoIP service has tacked on another 14 Goog-powered gadgets to its list of officially supported handsets and tablets. Yes, that’s right, we said tablets. In addition to bringing support to phones like the Atrix, Bionic and Nexus One, Skype is inviting the Xoom, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Acer’s Iconia to the party. We’ve even received reports that video calls are working on other Honeycomb slates like the ASUS Transformer.

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Skype 2.5 for Android brings video calls to 14 new devices, including Honeycomb tablets

Sharp’s Aquos Phone 102SH brings 3D qHD display, 12 megapixel CMOS sensor to Japan

Just a few days after unveiling the waterproof IS13SH , Sharp has come out with yet another beastly submersible, known as the Aquos Phone 102SH. Juiced by a 1GHz TI OMAP 4430 CPU, this Gingerbread-coated handset boasts a 4.5-inch glasses-free 3D display with 720 x 1280 resolution, along with 1GB of RAM and a 32GB microSDHC card. The device also packs a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor and supports DLNA, infrared connections, e-wallet functionality and your standard 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 capabilities. No word yet on price, but Japanese carrier SoftBank will begin selling the 102SH in early December. Scurry past the break for more information in the full and translated PR. Continue reading Sharp’s Aquos Phone 102SH brings 3D qHD display, 12 megapixel CMOS sensor to Japan Sharp’s Aquos Phone 102SH brings 3D qHD display, 12 megapixel CMOS sensor to Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:55:00 EDT.

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Sharp’s Aquos Phone 102SH brings 3D qHD display, 12 megapixel CMOS sensor to Japan

Toshiba announces 7-inch Thrive tablet, we go hands-on (video)

It looks like the AT200 isn’t the only Toshiba tablet poised to land in time for the holidays. The company just announced the Thrive 7″, a (surprise!) 7-inch version of the original . Like its big brother, it runs on Tegra 2 and packs twin 5 MP / 2 MP cameras, though this time around that textured, rubberized back isn’t removable, and the rear-facing camera comes paired with an LED flash. As you’d expect, in exchange for a smaller form factor (0.88 pounds, half an inch thick), you’ll be giving up the full-sized ports that made the original so unique. Instead, it offers a more typical selection, including mini-USB and micro-HDMI sockets, a headphone jack, docking connector and a microSD slot. Like pretty much every 7- and 8-incher trickling into the market, it runs Android 3.2, and Toshiba did us the favor of leaving it completely unskinned (it did include Swype as a keyboard option, though).

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Toshiba announces 7-inch Thrive tablet, we go hands-on (video)

Engadget HD Podcast 267 – 09.27.2011

This week on the EHD podcast we witness the circle of life, as Sezmi’s lights go dark Dish and Blockbuster are proudly showing off Movie Pass. But even with those, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu and Google TV can internet streaming really change the entertainment model? We’ll see, but traditional TV providers are fighting back, as seen by Comcast’s AnyPlay and DirecTV’s updated iPad app. Other potential sources for change include the G.hn powerline networking standard, Facebook’s latest twist on social media and a new version of Flash and Air from Adobe. We close things out with a look at what’s on our HDTVs this week, press play and see which fall premieres made the cut. Get the podcast [ iTunes ] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).

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Engadget HD Podcast 267 – 09.27.2011

Samsung announces Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy S II HD LTE handsets for Korean market

There’s some pretty big news coming out of South Korea today, where Samsung has just announced the Galaxy S II LTE handset, along with its even more alluring cousin, the Galaxy S II LTE HD — the first member of the Galaxy S family to rock an HD display. The new device, pictured on the right, boasts a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD screen with 1280 x 720 resolution, which translates to about 316 pixels per inch. Other than that, its specs are identical to those of the Gingerbread-laced S II LTE, which is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and features 16GB of internal memory, an eight megapixel camera that supports 1080p HD video and the usual collection of WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC capabilities. No word yet on pricing or availability, but the Galaxy S II LTE will be available exclusively on SK Telecom, while the HD variant will be available on all three Korean carriers — SK Telecom, LG U+ and KT. Samsung announces Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy S II HD LTE handsets for Korean market originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank gives your cats another reason to hate your iPad (video)

If the only thing standing between you and the purchase of an iPad is the existence of a large, remote controlled spy tank, we’ve got some rough news for your bank account. Brookstone is offering up the Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank, an iPad / iPhone / iPod touch-controlled toy tank that can capture audio and video and send it back to your iOS device. The tank can be controlled at distances of up to 200 feet and works around walls. The app is available as a free download and the tank will run you $150. That price includes six AA batteries, but apparently won’t cover therapy for distressed house pets. Continue reading Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank gives your cats another reason to hate your iPad (video) Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank gives your cats another reason to hate your iPad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:06:00 EDT.

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Rover App-Controlled Spy Tank gives your cats another reason to hate your iPad (video)

Verizon goes to bat for Samsung in patent war with Apple

Well, it was really only a matter of time before third parties stuck their nose in the ongoing battle between Apple and Samsung . For most of this time others have stood on the sidelines, occasionally shouting moral support, but no one has rolled up their sleeves and put up their dukes for either party. That is until now. Verizon has requested permission to file a brief with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, asking it to deny Apple’s request for a nation-wide injunction against the Infuse 4G , Galaxy S 4G , Droid Charge and Galaxy Tab 10.1 . At the heart of Verizon’s argument is that a ban on import of Samsung’s devices would harm not only the carrier’s business, but consumers and the economy by slowing the growth of its LTE network. The brief, technically, only relates to one of the four infringement claims filed by Apple, but it’s clear that Verizon has just as much interest in seeing Samsung succeed in the other three challenges as well. For more (somewhat editorialized) details, hit up the source link

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Verizon goes to bat for Samsung in patent war with Apple

T-Mobile’s FlexPay plan to be eliminated as soon as December?

We’ve suspected for some time now that post AT&T-Mobile merger, Magenta’s FlexPay plan would be on its way out sooner rather than later. The payment plan was originally discontinued for new customers back in July, but now it appears the company will completely phase out FlexPay as early as December — forcing loyalists from the old regime to choose an alternate plan and clearing the way for postpaid and Monthly 4G alternatives. According to the leaked memo intercepted by TmoNews , customers who migrate to Postpaid plans will be able to keep the same rates , migrate without signing a contract or paying fees — making the switch a little less painful. RIP FlexPay, you’ll be missed. T-Mobile’s FlexPay plan to be eliminated as soon as December? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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Card.io launches visual credit card scanner on Android, shares the mobile payment love

Already in use on iOS, Card.io offers a lightweight alternative to Google Wallet , using your phone’s camera to glean payment details; and it’s now winging its way to your Android phone. It may not have that phone-tapping appeal of Google’s contactless payment system, but the app SDK (available now) skips the laborious process of entering your details number-by-number, booting up your camera and delivering your precious banking details to third-party merchants. You can check the video after the break for a (really brief) walkthrough, or click on the source below to give the Android demo a go. Continue reading Card.io launches visual credit card scanner on Android, shares the mobile payment love Card.io launches visual credit card scanner on Android, shares the mobile payment love originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

VIA Technologies sues Apple for patent infringement

Seems like we can’t go a week without another patent infringement lawsuit being filed, and this one’s no different. Apparently, VIA Technologies, maker of fine computational processors , is mad as hell with Apple’s allegedly infringing ways, and it’s not gonna take it anymore. Filed in the US District Court in Delaware, VIA claims that Cupertino’s iThings and Apple TVs infringe patent numbers 6,253,312, 6,253,311 and 6,754,810, which cover various microprocessor functions. A complaint’s also been lodged with the ITC — in order to hasten the settlement talks, no doubt. So, all that’s left is the countdown until these two shake hands, exchange checks and go on about their business… preferably outside the courtroom. VIA Technologies sues Apple for patent infringement originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds

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