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Rumour: HTC Thunderbolt to hit Best Buy Feb 14th

Contributor — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:55:32 +0000

What you’re looking at above is a screenshot from a Best Buy inventory. Pretty amazing, eh? But why am I showing it to you? There seems to be nothing juicy about it. Y’see, it’s not all that it appears to be, my friend…

Pulling off some serous sleuthing, Android Central forum member, paulmike3, noticed that the number seen up the top left of the image (highlighted as number 3) is actually the very same barcode number that appeared on a (since pulled) YouTube video showing an HTC Thunderbolt unboxing.

So, like a double rainbow, I hear you asking “What does this mean!?”

It means that we may now have a release date for the device that was once known as the Zeus, then the Incredible HD, then the Mecha, and, finally, the Thunderbolt.

We’ve previously heard that it would be launching some time after February 19, which could tie in with this rumour, as the date above is just an “in stock” date. We won’t know until February, though.

If it does launch on the 14th, then I ask what better way is there to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day than going down to your local Best Buy and scooping up one of these Verizon-4G-equipped, 4.3″, Snapdragon-powered, Sense-enhanced Android monsters?

Yeah, that’s right: none.

[via Engadget]

PSP2 Is Real, According To Mortal Kombat Developer – Finish Him!

Contributor — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:00:21 +0000

While Sony has been rather coy about the existence of a PSP2 (trying not to kill the PSP Go any futher I guess), Mortal Kombat developer Sean Himmerick just spilled the beans.

In a recent interview, Mr. Himmerick said that they have a PSP2 in house, and they are looking at how they can use the engine to develop new games. Mr. Himmerick sounds rather impressed with the PSP2, going so far as to say that it “looks like it’s a pretty powerful machine.” We’ve got no official confirmation of course, Sony will no doubt be rather upset about the leak.

[via 1Up]

Microsoft Updating Xbox 360 Controller

Contributor — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:30:40 +0000

There’s a rumor making it’s way around the internet this morning, it seems that Microsoft may be launching an updated Xbox 360 controller this coming holiday season. Again, this isn’t official, however Joystiq seems to think that their source is pretty reliable. What are they updating? Well, apparently the D-Pad needs some refreshing. The plan is apparently to rotate the D-Pad by 90 degrees, thus raising it up about a quarter of an inch. The change is apparently intended for fighting game fans in particular, but I’m not sure that I see the point. At any rate, when/if this rumor becomes official we’ll let you know.

Update: It’s official, and it’s shiny – as in silver covered shiny. And the D-Pad converts from the old style flat version, to the taller new version just by twisting it. The bad news, it’s part of a $65 play-and-charge bundle that’s coming out Nov. 9th. Watch the video update from Major Nelson after the jump:

Rumor: Is Nikon Making Their Own Sensors?

Contributor — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:00:34 +0000

Nikon has always been fairly closed mouth about exactly who makes their sensors, but it’s been standard knowledge that they are made by Sony. The rumor is that Nikon has started developing (and possibly manufacturing) their own sensors.

If this rumor is true, this would mark a departure for Nikon. The first clues to this popped up in marketing materiels, with the D3100 being labeled as having a “Nikon Developed” sensor. This clue was picked up on by photographer and instructor Thom Hogan, who was later able to confirm this via various contacts at Nikon. Sony did announced a few months ago they weren’t going to be producing full frame senors any more, so that could be part of what brought on this change by Nikon.

[via Nikon Rumors]

CrunchRumors: Nikon D90 replacement specs

Contributor — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:37:43 +0000

This is strictly a rumor at this point, but the replacement for the D90 is looking interesting. Nikon Rumors got a whisper of the basic stats, and here’s what we’ve got:

16MP DX Sensor
Noise reduction algorithm from the D700
Full HD video capabilites (1080p?)
Video auto-focus capability
Body made partly from aluminium

Again, we don’t know for sure that this is true, but given the direction that Nikon has been going, I think it’s probably pretty safe to accept this as true.

CrunchRumor: Nikon's new entry level camera will be called the D3100

Contributor — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:30:25 +0000

We’re calling this one a rumor, but it’s pretty much confirmed. Nikon is expected to announce their newest models at Photokina, but there’s always leaks before the show. Word got out a few months ago that Nikon was going to release a new entry level DSLR this year, something between the D3000 and D5000. The previous rumor was that it was going to be called the D4000, but that appears to be false.

The new rumor is that the next model will be called the D3100, and will have some interesting new features. Here’s what we think we know:

Continuous autofocus in video mode
A new autofocus configuration covering the majority of the viewfinder
HD Video (1080p and 720p)
In-camera video editing
Expected to come as a kit, with an 18-55mm lens

We don’t know how much it will cost, or what the official release date will be, but it’s safe to assume we’ll get an official announcement in the new few weeks.

Canon 60D to be revealed in August?

Devin Coldewey — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:44:52 +0000

There were some rumors swirling that the mythical 60D, supposedly a prosumer DSLR situated between the T2i and 7D, would be announced tomorrow. That doesn’t seem to be the case after all, but with all this chatter, when else could it be? Oh I don’t know, how about at Canon’s once-every-five-years Canon Expo event, happening September 2nd-3rd? If I had any money, that’s the date I’d put it on… or perhaps even before. Yes, I’m going with before (with my imaginary money).

Curious about this 60D thing? Canon Rumors (who called attention to the Expo) has been publishing rumored specs on it practically every day for months now. Take your pick.

Both Nintendo 3DS and PSP-4000 to be released this year in Japan?

Serkan Toto — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:27:15 +0000

It would make a lot of sense, but take this with a grain of salt: major Japanese game and movie retailer Geo Corp. states in its latest financial report [JP, PDF] that both the Nintendo 3DS and the long-rumored PSP-4000 will be released by year end – at least in Japan. On page 23 in the report, Geo lists up all key products for the company’s fiscal year through March 2011 (see the relevant bit pictured above).

So far, Nintendo just confirmed the 3DS will go on sale by March 2011, the end of the fiscal year in most Japanese companies. Sony has neither announced a PSP-4000 or “PSP 2″ up to this point (the only thing big S did they so far about their next portable console is that it’s not interested in making it 3D-compatible).

There are currently heated discussions going on in the Japanese blogosphere about how reliable Geo’s information is. I can well imagine Nintendo and Sony trying to score big during the winter holidays with new devices, but for the time being, take this one as a (rather interesting) rumor. We’ll keep you updated.

Via Tanblo [JP]

Rumor: Nike+ heart rate monitor coming in June

Contributor — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:30:43 +0000

If you’ve been wondering where the heart rate monitor referenced in the iPod Touch and Nano documentation is, you’re not alone. The first reference to this mythical device showed up last year, and we’re just now getting word on when we might see one.

Word popped up recently on the Nike support forums that we should expect to see the heart rate monitor this coming June 1st. The monitor is expected to work directly with the Nike+ interface that’s been built directly into the iPod Touch since the second generation. No word on pricing or features yet, but the forum post was written by someone who appears to be a Nike employee, so it’s most likely true. Typically heart rate monitors sell for $50 and up, and many require a chest strap that is connected to a wristwatch or some other device.

[via TUAW]

Nikon D4x concept looks boxy, unlikely

Contributor — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:00:16 +0000

Nikon’s next generation D4x should be arriving in the next year or so, and it’s always fun to speculate what it will look like. I doubt this is even close, honestly. It is fun to see what industrial designers can come up with when they play though. Keep in mind this is not a actual Nikon design, but rather a speculation on what direction they could go in.

I’m not sure that I’m 100% behind this design, but it’s certainly different from the traditional DSLR look. If anything, it’s closer to the large frame landscape cameras like the Mamiya. At any rate, the design comes from Marc Levinson, who has some other interesting ideas on his site.

[via Nikon Rumors]

Nikon patents strange LCD screen

Contributor — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:30:25 +0000

Patents are always so much fun, and such a source of random speculation. Take for example this new LCD display from Nikon. What could it be? Is it for a DLSR? Maybe for video? No one knows, and of course Nikon isn’t talking, but it’s interesting to put your best guess out there.

In my opinion, it’s a for some kind of hybrid still and video camera. It just feels like something that you’d see on the back of a pretty advanced camcorder, but we still see the manual controls you’d expect on a still camera. Of course, I could be completely wrong, but that’s the fun of it right? Here’s Nikon’s wording from the patent application:

“In a digital still camera, when the reproducing mode is selected, an indication to the effect that the operation is in standby for reproduction is displayed on an indicating device, and if the command dial is not operated until 16 seconds elapses after the indication has been started, the supply of source voltage to the various parts of the camera is stopped, to achieve a reduction in power consumption. If the command dial is operated within 16 seconds, image signals are output to an external monitor and also an indication to the effect that reproduction is in progress is displayed on the indicating device. If the command dial has been operated within three minutes after reproduction of a given photographic frame has been started, reproduction of the following frame is performed, but if the command dial has not been operated until the three minutes have elapsed, the indication to the effect that the operation is in standby for reproduction is displayed again. If the sensitivity changeover switch and the command dial are operated together during reproduction or standby for reproduction, the photographic frame to be reproduced is determined in correspondence to the quantity and direction of the rotation of the command dial and the frame number of the frame thus determined is displayed on the indicating device.”

Nothing really concrete there, right? Well, I’m sure we’ll see what it is later. Here’s some more images from the patent application.

[via Nikon Rumors]

CrunchRumor: Alienware M11x to get updated Nvidia chipset?

Contributor — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:00:35 +0000

One question that has come up ever since the M11x was released was why didn’t Alienware use the Nvidia Optimus chipset. The chipset that Alienware did use makes switching between the integrated and discreet graphics rather awkward and jarring, and a less then ideal user experience. Well, the rumor rattling around the pipes today is that the M11x may be getting a refresh this summer, and that new chipset may be coming our way.

While it’s a little earlier in the M11x’s life cycle then most, a refresh would be a good thing. In our review of the M11x, one of the few complaints that Devin had was the interruption whenever switching modes. The Optimus chipset would solve this problem of course, and you kind of have to ask yourself why Alienware didn’t use the Optimus from the beginning. There’s also rumors that the new Intuit processor will be added to the product line as well, but again nothing definite. Dell has yet to comment on these rumors, but I think it would be a good move for the manufacturer.

[via Gizmodo]

HP Slate specs leak, get compared the iPad

Contributor — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:39 +0000

Uh oh! Sounds like someone is going to be in trouble. The word is out on the probable spec and pricing on the HP Slate, and HP is definitely aware of the iPad. Obviously an internal document, it’s very interesting to see exactly what HP considers a threat, and what they consider to be an advantage.

Looking at this, I think I’ll be buying a Slate. HP looks to have a better processor, more ports, and (more) open operating system. I think it just goes to show that while the first salvo in the tablet wars has definitely been fired, it ain’t over yet.

Oh, and $549 for 32GB version? Nice!

[Via Gizmodo, Endgadget]

Confirmed: Microsoft will be selling a 250GB drive separately

Contributor — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:41:22 +0000

Despite repeated statements to the contrary, the rumors are true: Microsoft will be selling a 250GB hard drive separate from a console. Better news, the drive is available today at your favorite retailer.

Microsoft revealed the news via the accessories section of the Xbox Dashboard, so it’s not clear if this was intentional, or if someone made an error. Either way, the 250GB drive is available today, and selling for $129.99 and your favorite retailer or online. A bit steep for a drive this size, but since you can only buy one from Microsoft, you don’t have much choice.

[via Joystiq]

Nexus One hitting Verizon on March 23rd?

Matt Hickey — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:17:47 +0000

The last we heard the Nexus One was navigating its way through the FCC and Verizon was targeting a “Spring 2010″ launch. But now there’s a rumor floating around that states quite clearly that March 23, 2010 will be the launch date. Interesting…

We reached out to our Verizon contacts and none of them could confirm this date. But the rumor doesn’t originate from a Verizon source, but rather someone within Google. The March 23rd date does fit within the Spring 2010 launch window and also happens to be during the CTIA wireless conference. So even though this is purely a rumor at this point, you may wanna hold of on your phone buying decisions a bit longer as the rumored launch date is less than 30 days away. The Nexus One is noice.

Nikon's lens rebate program starting on the 28th

Contributor — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:00:12 +0000

Get that wallet ready, Nikon’s annual instant rebate program is starting on the 28th. Pretty much always a good deal, Nikon loves to tempt the weak with their instant rebate offers on lenses and gear that they roll out on a yearly basis. Case in point – I bought my D300 back in 2008 (with the oh so popular 18-200 VR) and justified it to my wife as a “really great deal” because of the rebate. Luckily she’s a patient woman, and we’re still married.

So what’s coming on the 28th? Well if the rumor is correct, the rebates will be on some of the most popular “walking around” lenses. All of the rebates are for (almost) any SLR with a particular lens, and the amount varies based on which lens you choose. If you buy the 70-200, the rebate is $400, the 24-70 is $300, the 18-200 VRII (my favorite) is $250, and the amount on the 24-120 is $200. All of these are instant rebates if you buy from an authorized Nikon dealer, which you should anyway for warranty purposes. We don’t have the official list of compatible SLRs yet of course, so it would be best to wait until the 28th before you get too excited about picking up that new D3s. By the way, there’s also word that Nikon may be offering instant rebates on some of their more popular P&S cameras as well, but only time will tell on that one.

Jason Calacanis (absolutely does not) spoil Apple tablet event, drops no major details (update: not)

Serkan Toto — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:43:01 +0000

Jason Calacanis isn’t a a nobody. He’s a serial web entrepreneur, founder of Weblogs, Inc., co-founder of TechCrunch50 and CEO of search engine Mahalo (amongst others). And just a few minutes ago, via his Twitter account, he (possibly) dropped some major hints on the Apple tablet that’s going to be presented tomorrow. Calacanis claims he has been given a tablet by Apple ten days ago, adding “For background: apple asked me to do press tomorrow on cnbc, cnn, etc.”.

If he isn’t pulling a major PR stunt (I think he isn’t), Calacanis is stoked. Here’s the gist of what he says about the device. I know many of you are sick of hearing about it, and this may turn out to be totally false info tomorrow – but what he said seemed just too interesting.

Editor’s Note – Serkan has been beaten. There is nothing to see here.

Calacanis’ impressions:

it’s “the most amazing device ever”
it’s “really amazing for newspapers”
video conferencing is “super stable”
battery life is “great” when it comes to reading ebooks but not so great (2-3 hours) in Wi-Fi mode or when playing games
tailor-made games are “sick”, on Wii level
the customized Farmville app (which Jobs is going to demo tomorrow with the CEO of the company behind it) is “insane”

Functions and features:

OLED screen
solar pad for recharging on the back (the device is mainly battery-powered)
the tablet is running on an iPhone OS variation
it can run multiple apps at the same time
it has thumb pads on each side (for mouse gestures)
fingerprint verification (up to 5 profiles can be registered on one device)
HDTV tuner, a PVR and a chess game built-in
back camera and front camera (quote: “u shoot what’s in front of you + yourself. Augmented video conferncing!”)
wireless keyboard + monitor connection for external monitors

Availability and price:

the tablet will be offered by Verizon and ATT
it will cost $599, $699 or $799, depending on the screen size and internal memory

Calacanis says he can’t reveal the name and can’t show pictures of the device (for two possible spy shots, see here). We know in a couple of hours if he was joking or not (he says he isn’t).

Update: Not for real. We had our doubts. Screen size and internal memory options with such a carefully manicured ecosystem? Not so much!

Latest confirmed Apple Tablet news: There will be no solar panels

John Biggs — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:56:44 +0000

There’s been some minor speculation that the Apple Tablet will be one of the greenest devices on the market. Why? Because after a patent surfaced describing an iPod with a solar panel on the front, there were some rumors suggesting that this patent would become active in the tablet, perhaps in the form of a solar panel behind the glass screen.

Sorry, ecology majors, but that was all hot air. We have confirmation that it won’t have solar panels. It may sound silly, but this could have been a big differentiator for the device. Sorry that we’re chasing these rumors, but every little bit that comes in you’ll know about.

January 26th Apple Event confirmed by FoxNews, focus on "Mobility Space"

Matt Burns — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:12:10 +0000

It seems that Clayton Morris, from FoxNews, has confirmed from a “source inside Apple” that there will be a “big” event in January 26th. This source also stated that the event will focus on the mobility space, which could actually mean a lot of different things. That is if there is if this event even is real.

Could this mean mobility as in an updated iPhone or the announcement of the iSlate/iGuide/iPad/iPod Touch DX? Or mobility could even mean new notebooks equipped with the new architecture Intel is rumored to launch next week. Or maybe there will even be a new iPod Hi-Fi. That thing was somewhat mobile.

So right now, all know for sure is we don’t know a damn thing. Until we get an invitation, let’s file this one in the rumor drawer along with the Wii HD and John Biggs making the Apple Tablet in his basement. [FoxNews via MacRumors]

Rumor: Touchscreen BlackBerry slider in the pipeline?

Contributor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:28:17 +0000

Yay, rumors! Today’s fun rumor comes courtesy of one Mr. Shaw Wu, a Kaufman Bros. analyst, who believes (thanks to his sources in the supply chain) that a BlackBerry 9900 has not only hit the prototype phase, but also features an entirely new form factor for RIM – a touchscreen slider.

The mystical BlackBerry is said to be some sort of Storm-meets-classic-Blackberry-meets-slider concoction. As IntoMobile points out, the above patent image clearly gives some hint at what a legitimate BlackBerry slider could look like.

The purported next-gen ‘Berry is expected to be revealed sometime in 2010. But until we see an actual prototype (come on Mr. Blurry cam, help a brother out!), this is all just pure speculation for the time being.