Downloadable files coming to next Harry Potter DVD
Users clamoring for alternate (read: easier) ways to transport commercial DVD footage to portable media players will likely enjoy knowing that the next Harry Potter DVD will reportedly feature "two downloadable digital files" for easy viewing on devices other than a vanilla DVD player. According to Jim Wuthrich, Warner senior VP of digital distribution, users can "buy the DVD and have the option of the digital copy," and apparently, he also suggested that "another studio was preparing to launch digital copies of a film tied to its DVD release." Unfortunately, details about the actual formats and whatnot weren't disclosed, so barring any unforeseen announcements, it looks like we'll be waiting for the December 11th release of Order of the Phoenix to find out exactly what this disc contains.
[Via ArsTechnica]
[Via ArsTechnica]
HyOn's Xent X3 PMP handles GPS, T-DMB
Another day, another fabulous conglomerate that we Americans will probably never see in our homeland. On the docket today is HyOn's multifaceted Xent X3, which features a seven-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, support for MPEG1/2/4, DivX, XviD and WMV formats and an internal T-DMB module for snagging TV on the go. Additionally, this WinCE 5.0-powered device includes a SiRFstarIII GPS receiver, an SD expansion slot, 128MB of RAM, built-in speakers and a 500MHz Alchemy Au120 processor. Sadly, we've no idea how pricey this thing is, but we're sure it'll be readily available in locales lucky enough to support it.
[Via NaviGadget]
[Via NaviGadget]
Smokescreen biometric reader keeps track of the nicotine crowd
Life is tough for a smoker: not only are you slowing killing yourself from ten different cancers, it's getting harder and harder to enjoy that rich, deadly tobacco in public venues. Smokers in most big cities are already accustomed to heading outside for a nicotine break, and now some are being confronted with a fingerprint reader called 'smokescreen' that controls re-entry to clubs and bars after they've sucked down those precious puffs of smoke. Made by UK manufacturer idscan, smokescreen is marketed as an easy way for owners to combat bracelet or hand-stamp fraud, and also keeps track of how many people are outside at any given time. Best of all, those nic-heads loitering for too long and killing the ambiance can be locked out after a preset amount of time, either forcing them to the back of the line or perhaps giving them the kick in the pants they need to quit.
[Via CNET]
[Via CNET]
Parrot launches the SK 4000 Bluetooth motorcycle headset
The next time you're heading down the highway, Easy Rider-style, looking for adventure and what-not, you may also want to remain in touch with the less rebellious and not-so-tattooed outside world. Luckily, the good folks at Parrot have come to your aid with the SK 4000 -- a Bluetooth headset meant for use with motorcycle helmets -- which features voice recognition, an FM RDS stereo, text to speech, A2DP support, 10 hours of battery life (600 on standby), and a handlebar-mounted RF remote control. Sure, you'll have to use The Man's money to get one, but once you do, you'll be free to wave your freak-flag wherever and whenever you choose... as long as you get permission from your wife. Available before the end of the year, €199 (or around $282).
[Via Daily Motorcycle News]
[Via Daily Motorcycle News]
RIM, Eatoni team up on new text keyboard technology
Just over two years ago, RIM and Eatoni were at each other's throats about a SureType predictive-text system, but these days, the two firms are pushing aside any lingering beef as they look to "develop a new text keyboard technology." Reportedly, the duo "signed an agreement in which Eatoni, which specializes in designing hardware and software for keyboards, would grant RIM a license to use its technology; RIM, in return, made an equity investment in Eatoni." Additionally, it was noted that both outfits mutually dismissed previous claims over patent infringement, but unfortunately, that's every bit of detail that we have for now.
Sony doles out more details on PlayStation Eye
With just under a fortnight to go before folks go a-grabbin' for Sony's PlayStation Eye, a Senior Producer for SCEA has come forward with a few more lingering details about the peripheral. For starters, Sony apparently has plans to integrate the device into other upcoming titles such as SingStar, which will enable users to "make their own personalized music videos to share with family and friends online." Additionally, the EyeCreate software -- which will allow individuals to "save, edit and share PlayStation Eye videos, photos and audio clips" through their PS3 -- will be available as a free download on the PlayStation Store. Finally, those not interested in the bundled Eye of Judgment game can opt for a standalone unit on October 23rd, which is set to ring up at $39.99.
Shuttle intros X38-based XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro desktop
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034223im_/http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/10/shuttle_sx38p2-pro-1.jpg)
It looks like those tempted by Shuttle's display of an X38-based XPC desktop back at Computex this summer can now finally get their fix, as the company has officially rolled out its new high-end XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro based on the aforementioned chipset. It'll let you take advantage of Intel's latest and greatest 45nm multi-core processors, not to mention up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM that can be overclocked to 1066MHz. You can also expect some similarly high-end features across the board, including a pair of PCI-Express 2.0 slots with support for ATI CrossFire graphics, Intel Turbo Memory, OASIS Cooling Technology, and a 400-watt power supply, with some built-in fingerprint recognition thrown in for good measure. No word on a price, but we're guessing that won't be a top concern for anyone considering building a system around one of these.
[Via PC Launches]
[Via PC Launches]
iPhone and iPod touch v1.1.1 full jailbreak posted
Here it is folks, the TIFF image we tested that exploits firmware v1.1.1, giving you full root level file access to your iPhone (without upgrading from v1.0.2) and iPod touch. Before you click the link, note the caveats:
- This may open up file system access, but it's not a primetime hack, meaning it's not so graceful as to simplify the installation of AppTapp or anything. Once you get file system access you're kind of on your own to get apps working.
- Don't hold us responsible if it damages or bricks your device.
- You might be able use this on an unactivated v1.1.1 iPhone from Safari, but it's a hella tricky technique. Good luck with this one! [Via TUAW, thanks Camron!]
- Please don't hold us responsible if it damages or bricks your device.
- Apple will more than likely fix this vulnerability with v1.1.2, or whatever its next firmware version will be. When that happens we'll all be back to the same spot we were the day v1.1.1 was released. So know this is a temporary technique, unless you're committed to using v1.1.1 from here on out.
- We are so not responsible if it damages or bricks your device.
- None of this will help the sad reality that iUnlock and anySIM still disable the cell radio in v1.1.1, so use those apps at your own risk once you break on through to the other side.
Internet2 prepped for 100Gbps capacity
Well it will still be vulnerable to a man, a match, and a mattress, but starting in January, the private Internet2 will begin offering 100Gbps bandwidth in 10Gbps chunks over its fiber optic network. The tech behind these ridiculous speeds -- known as Dynamic Circuit Network -- is reportedly complete as of today, with a wrap party being held at the consortium's Fall Member Meeting in San Diego. Of course researchers will naturally tire of those 10Gbps pipes rather quickly, which is why Internet2 is already working on ramping up the bitrate to between 20Gbps and 100Gbps per line. We'd go into more detail, but our employer-supplied 1,000 hours of free dial-up are just about tapped out...
Reminder: San Francisco reader meetup tonight!
Tonight's the big night, SF bay area! Our FREE and ALL AGES reader meetup goes off at 7PM at UCSF Mission Bay, where we'll have:
We'd also like to thank the premium event sponsor of our San Francisco event, the Bluetooth SIG, who've been instrumental in getting this thing off the ground!
- Free food and drinks
- Product demos
- Audience Q&A with execs and Engadget editors
- ... and will be giving away literally hundreds of devices -- tens of thousands of dollars of gadgets.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034223im_/http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/09/bluetooth-sm-logo.jpg)
Apple, AT&T served with class action suit over iPhone locking practices
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034223im_/http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/10/iphone-justice.jpg)
[Thanks, Mark]
Aptera's 300 MPG car available for pre-order
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034223im_/http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/10/aptera3.jpg)
Aptera certainly managed to attract a fair bit of attention for itself earlier this year, when its concept car turned as many heads for its space age looks as it did for its promised 200 MPG range. Now the company looks to be taking the next step on the long road to availability, with it accepting pre-orders for the car, which apparently now boasts a range of 300 MPG in typical driving conditions. What's more, the company says its also readying an all-electric version of the vehicle in addition to the plug-in hybrid model, with promising to last for around 120 miles before needing a recharge. Both models will also apparently come packed with features, include driver and passenger side airbags, interior and exterior LED lighting, a "solar assisted" climate control system, and an "advanced drive computer" that includes GPS, a rear-view camera, and a complete vehicle diagnostic system. All that apparently comes at a bit of a premium over the initially-estimated $20,000 price, however, with the electric and plug-in hybrid models now set to run $26,900 and $29,900, respectively. If that's still in your ballpark, you can reserve yours now for a mere $500, with the first vehicles promised to be in drivers hands in 12 months or so.
[Via Digg]
[Via Digg]
Sony launches NV-U2 nav system in Japan
Like most manufacturers whose names are not Garmin or TomTom, Sony's had some trouble gaining a foothold in the already well-established GPS market, but that isn't stopping the jack of all trades from releasing yet another unit for the Japanese market. The NV-U2 is a 4.8-inch in-car PND with a 480 x 272 pixel touchscreen and MPEG-4 support, and improves upon the older NV-U1 by including the so-called "G Position Plus" chipset and shaving several precious millimeters off the depth. Pricing isn't immediately available, but unless your pocket is stuffed with yen, that probably doesn't matter much anyway.
Wii update adds expanded USB keyboard support
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034223im_/http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/09/wii_clip_0914.jpg)
[Thanks, Mike]
Read - Joystiq, "Wii update 3.1 includes USB keyboard support, enhanced Everybody Votes channel"
Read - Huliq.com, "The new "Internet Channel" for Nintendo Wii"
Pride, hair on the line for 2007 Zune holiday sales
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034223im_/http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/10/hairthemusical.jpg)