Windows 8 desktop interface swaps classic theme for Metro, gets with the times

Microsoft's Windows 8 developer preview greeted us with an interface steeped in Redmond's new Metro style -- its tile-centric start screen is sleek, fresh, and downright pretty. Imagine our surprise then, when the preview's desktop default view punted us straight back to the contemporary "Aero" dressing of Windows 7. It's not an ugly interface by any means, but shiny, translucent window frames are so last generation. Where's the style? In the big M's latest Building Windows 8 preview, of course. The MSDN blog's latest Task Manager update shows the familiar feature in a clean Metro suit. Although Aero is still the OS' default look, the Windows 7 basic theme has been substituted for a style heavily inspired by Metro's clean tiles. The post doesn't say much on the matter (nothing at all, in fact), but it's nice to see the classic interface getting a facelift to match Microsoft's new look. Want to see more? Hit the source link below, it's got all the Metro window frames you could ask for.

Update: This post originally misstated that the updated Basic theme was a new style, but in fact, it is already available in the Windows 8 developer preview.

Windows 8 desktop interface swaps classic theme for Metro, gets with the times originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Laser Carved Pumpkin Produces Impressive Results and Terrible Smells [Lasers]

In a stroke of pure genius, Jack Chalkley decided the intricate pattern he'd chosen for his pumpkin was too complicated for his limited carving skills. So he converted his design into vector art in Illustrator, fed the results into his laser cutting machine, and plunked his pumpkin down on the cutting bed. More »

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Samsung to offer flexible displays in 2012, challenges Nokia to a twist contest

Flexible displays? Samsung's got 'em, too. A few days after Nokia showed off its Kinetic Device prototype under the blue lights of Nokia World, Samsung made mention of its own plans to unleash some bendy mobile devices on the world. A spokesperson for the company was scarce on details, but noted that the flexible displays are targeted for 2012. The technology, which was showcased at this year's CES, will initially be incorporated into handsets, with tablets following down the road.

Continue reading Samsung to offer flexible displays in 2012, challenges Nokia to a twist contest

Samsung to offer flexible displays in 2012, challenges Nokia to a twist contest originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magnetic Resonance Used to Artificially Taste and Improve Canned Tomatoes [Food]

What makes something taste 'good' is a complex psychological and physiological human process that has made creating artificial tasters, or accurate scientific models, very difficult. But researchers at the University of Copenhagen have come up with what's described as a "magnetic tongue" that could allow factories to monitor and improve the flavor of tinned tomatoes during the canning process. More »

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Microsoft Video Envisions a Touch-Based Future

How do you see yourself living a decade from now? For many of us, it's difficult to picture how technologies will change and evolve in that time span. But for some folks at Microsoft, it's their job to figure out where technology is headed, and how to make it happen. And a recently released video shows just what they envision.

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Ask DLS: What's your favorite mobile app at the moment?

The mobile app marketplace is exploding; there are now hundreds of thousands of apps on the iOS, Android and BlackBerry app markets. Heck, even Windows Phone 7 just crossed the 10,000 mark!

But alas, not all apps are created equal; some are way, way better than others. Which leads me to today's Ask DLS question: What is your favorite mobile app at the moment?

We don't necessarily mean the latest craze; we'd like to hear about apps that have stood the test of time on your device, apps that are among the first you install on a new smartphones, apps that have earned their place on your home screen and in your heart.

So, what are some of these apps? Bonus points for links to screenshots in the comments!

Ask DLS: What's your favorite mobile app at the moment? originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smartphone Definition: What Makes A Phone ?Smart?, And What Are The Benefits Of Owning One?

If you’re considering getting a new mobile phone, such as an iPhone 4, Samsung Galaxy S or HTC Desire HD, then you should understand the smartphone definition. What makes a smartphone different from any other phone? Why is is called “smart”? And is it a good investment? Basic Smartphone Definition Quite simply, a smartphone has all the functions of a normal mobile phone, but also has some of the features that you’ll find on a computer. So, you can surf [...]

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Leaked Android Music app images and hands-on review

This morning, an updated version of the stock Android Music app was leaked along with a new version of Android Market. The new Music app, which is labeled 'version 3', is similar to the leaked build from December, but it has received a ton of polish -- and indeed, it looks almost ready for prime time.

If you don't have Android 2.3 -- or don't want to root your phone to install the leaked Music app -- take a look through our gallery, and then read on for our initial hands-on impressions.

Gallery: Leaked Honeycombish Android Music app

Continue reading Leaked Android Music app images and hands-on review

Leaked Android Music app images and hands-on review originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily Crunch: Moon Phase Edition

The Legend Of Zelda: A Generation?s Awakening Sega Toys? R2-D2 Homestar Planetarium Shows The Death Star Surveillant Society ?Rotary Mechanical? Cell Phone Concept Isn?t Practical, But It Looks Great 11 Great Last Minute Geeky Father?s Day Gifts Weekend Giveaway: Man Cave Gear For Pops

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FCC Fridays: October 27, 2011

We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there, we've gathered up all the raw info you may want (but probably don't need). Enjoy!

Note: The FCC site appears to be at least partially down right now, so don't panic if you receive an error message over the weekend as you attempt to view some of these documents.

Read - Fujitsu F05D
Read - Fujitsu FJI11
Read - HTC PJ03110
Read - HTC PJ03120
Read - Huawei E303S-6
Read - Huawei E303S-65
Read - Huawei U739
Read - Huawei U8510-5
Read - Mobo Monza
Read - Motorola P56ME2
Read - Motorola P56MJ3 (tablet)
Read - Nokia RM-809
Read - Panasonic EB-4052
Read - Panasonic P-03D
Read - Samsung GT-S5380D

FCC Fridays: October 27, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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