LG Optimus G Pro update features detailed in a walkthrough video (update: arrives April 12th)

While the biggest question concerning LG's 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro -- when will it ship in the US -- remains officially TBA, the company has posted a video preview (embedded after the break) of the software update it's sending Korean early adopters this month. There's also no launch date for the "Value Pack" upgrade listed, but the video does give a clear demonstration of things like Smart Video that recognizes when the viewer looks away using eye tracking technology, Dual Camera using the front and back cameras at the same time for stills (it previously did this for video), and Pause & Resume recording that brings Vine-style seamless video cuts. Check out the video to experience it for yourself, we'll see if LG's phablet can beat the Galaxy S4 -- and, presumably, the next Galaxy Note -- to market in the US with these features.
Update: We've got the English press release now, which details all the new features mentioned above plus a few more that are getting upgraded, and reveals the update will start going out to users on April 12th. Check out the full text after the break.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
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Source: LGMobileHQ (YouTube), LG Newsroom Korea

WSJ: Microsoft's next generation of Surface tablets includes a 7-inch version

Wonder what a Nexus 7 / Kindle Fire / iPad Mini fighter from Microsoft would look like? You may find out soon, as the Wall Street Journal has just posted a "breaking news" alert that it's heard Microsoft is developing a new lineup of Surface tablets (which it's confirmed before) including a 7-inch version, which it expects to take into mass production later this year. We've seen hints of smaller tablets already, with recent Windows 8 policy changes allowing devices featuring lower-res screens. It's filled out a few other details now, crediting the info to unnamed sources familiar with its product plans who claim Microsoft realized it needed something to compete with the smaller competition (shocker). The report ends with a footnote on the rumored Microsoft-branded phone, which is said to still be in testing but component suppliers are not sure if it will actually come to market. While we wait for further updates, consider this your opportunity to make suggestions on what should change in Redmond's second assault on slates.
Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft
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Source: Wall Street Journal (Twitter), Wall Street Journal

Samsung puts 128-gigabit 3-bit cell flash into production, plans to build more memory cards

Flash memory advancements usually sing the same tune: faster, smaller and high-density. Improve one of these attributes, and you've go the makings of a better chip on your hands. Samsung is focusing on the latter, announcing the mass production of its 10 nanometer 128-gigabit three-bit multi-level-cell NAND flash. That mouthful translates into flash chips with more memory per cell in a small form factor. Sammy says the new chip is capable of 400Mbps, and claims the highest density in the industry. The new silicon will be used to expand the company's supply of 128GB memory cards and high-volume solid state drives. It's also well positioned to be a better part for devices with embedded NAND storage, which Samsung hopes will keep it competitive. You'll find Samsung's announcement and all the granular details after the break.
Filed under: Storage, Samsung
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Source: Samsung Tomorrow

UK finally gets access to Google's Map Maker editing tool

Those red pins look almost like little hearts, revealing which countries have been showered with the affection of Google's crowdsourced map improvement tool and those -- like the UK -- that have so far been left out. We can now safely ignore the chart, however, as the UK has just received its dose of Map Maker love, taking its rightful place among nations like the US, France, India and even North Korea. Instead of just reporting problems, which has long been possible, Brits can use the browser-based service to contribute additional local knowledge about everything from bus stations to cycle routes, as well as natural features like parks and even bits of shrubbery. (Hopefully, only really amazing bits of shrubbery.) You can watch folks adding these sorts of things, almost in real-time, at the Google link below -- and it's weirdly addictive.
Filed under: Internet
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Via: BBC News
Source: Google Map Maker

Fujifilm X-E1 leaks into view oozing vintage cool

A Japanese site called Digicam Info has leaked pics of a previously unknown Fujifilm mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, the X-E1. The natty looking snapper bears a strong family resemblance to the X-Pro1 model, but looks to be flaunting a pop-up flash, and lacks the optical viewfinder of the flagship model. The sneaked pics show black and silver-topped models, as well as a previously announced lens, the 18-55 f/2.8-4.0 OIS zoom that has yet to hit the market. No other details, such as price, are available yet, but the model will likely slot behind the X-Pro1 and ahead of the X100 to fill out the retro-look X-family.

Gallery: Fujifilm X-E1

Filed under: Cameras

Fujifilm X-E1 leaks into view oozing vintage cool originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Canon EOS-1D X field review

Just before Halloween in 2009, Canon announced its most powerful DSLR to date. The $5,000 full-frame EOS-1D Mark IV was the company's answer to Nikon's market-leading D3S, which rang in just shy of $5,200. On the basis of price alone, Canon won that round. Then, after two years of silence, the company launched its new flagship, the 1D X. The date was October 18th, 2011 -- roughly 10 (or "X") years after the very first model in the series was announced, way back in 2001. A decade ago, Canon priced that introductory 1D at $5,500 -- a princely sum considering the 4.15-megapixel CCD on board. Now, the 1D X, which is arguably the most powerful sub-five-figure camera available, commands 6,799 of your hard-earned dollars, or $800 more than the D4, Nikon's $6,000 equivalent. All this talk of price may seem to skirt the camera's long list of lust-worthy features, but when the cost of any piece of hardware approaches a year's tuition at a public university, a purchase decision deserves thorough consideration.
A camera in this league is absolutely to be used as a professional tool. And while deep-pocketed amateurs may pick one up -- in the way folks with cash to burn may build a collection of overpowered two-seaters -- the vast majority will live in $30,000-plus kits, where they'll reach six-figure shutter counts, and will likely change hands several times before their eventual retirement. Right now, you're probably researching the 1D X as exhaustively as you would a new car -- in fact, you may have even lined up a test drive, through the company's Canon Professional Services group. Many months after it was first announced, we've had an opportunity to take the new eXtreme model for a spin ourselves, and it's every bit as impressive as its price tag suggests. Canon's top model isn't any smaller or lighter than its predecessors, the 1D Mark IV or 1Ds Mark III -- but is all that bulk justified, despite strong contenders like the workhorse 5D? Buckle up and join us in the field (ahem, after the break) to find out.

Gallery: Canon EOS-1D X review

Continue reading Canon EOS-1D X field review
Filed under: Cameras

Canon EOS-1D X field review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Google reforms 'I'm Feeling Lucky' button, lets you savor other emotions

While many of us simply gravitate towards the companion search box or address bar to tap into Google's wealth of search know-how, anyone still visiting the original homepage should give that second button another glance. If you float your cursor over the randomized "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, the text will now spin through a handful of new options, reducing its arbitrary nature a little and, as AllThingsD note, guiding you to other Google services within the results, including location data, restaurant reviews and even its collection of doodles.
Filed under: Internet

Google reforms 'I'm Feeling Lucky' button, lets you savor other emotions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.