Logitech Harmony Link Turns iPad into Universal Remote Control

Harmony by Logitech has made some of the best universal remotes, but this latest product turns smartphones and tablets into univeral remotes. The product comes in two parts: Harmony Link hardware and the Harmony Link app. The hardware comes as a disc that is placed near the user's entertainment system and serves as the link between the new controller and the equipment via local WiFi. The backside of the disc has tiny IR blasters that can control the cable box, TV, and A/V hardware. Logitech claims that the Harmony Link can replace up to eight remote controls.

Meanwhile, the app turns the iPad into a Harmony universal remote.

Gadget.com, Logitech Harmony Link Turns iPad into Universal Remote Control

HTC Rhyme preorders said to begin September 22, Plum-colored exclusive at Target?

Ahead of HTC's big announcement, a tipster has leaked this screen-grab from Target Mobile showing the HTC Rhyme (formerly the Bliss), ready for eager fans to pre-order from September 22nd - apparently the official launch date. Target Mobile looks to have exclusive rights on a plum-colored version of the Verizon handset, previously seen in white and green. The leak also adds some early details on the rumored charm notifier, which lights up to announce incoming calls and messages.

Engadget, HTC Rhyme preorders said to begin September 22, Plum-colored exclusive at Target?

Google posts guide to prep Honeycomb apps for Ice Cream Sandwich

Google posted a guide on its Android Developers website on Monday that should help developers prepare Honeycomb applications for the new Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system, which will run on smartphones as well as tablets. That means Honeycomb developers will need to make their applications compatible with displays smaller than those found on various Android tablets. Creating an Ice Cream Sandwich compatible version of an application is important to reaching a larger audience, too.

Boy Genius Report, Google posts guide to prep Honeycomb apps for Ice Cream Sandwich

De Nysschen says Audi still debating Q3 for U.S.

Audi has grown its share of the U.S. luxury market with the help of a steady stream of new products. But while Audi has been on a product rampage, not all of its latest designs take up residence in U.S. showrooms. Included in that group of vehicles is the Q3, but AutoWeek reports that Audi's North American CEO Johan de Nysschen is at least considering bringing the diminutive CUV to America. That's not a lot to go on, and de Nysschen tells AW that the Q3 will need to "overcome certain challenges" in order for Audi to introduce the model to U.S.

Autoblog, De Nysschen says Audi still debating Q3 for U.S.

Comcast and FCC partner to give low-income families access to internet, Nyan Cats

Like a giant warlock guarding the gates of the interwebs, financial barriers all too often block our young people from accessing the plethora of awesomeness found in front of those iconic triple-Ws-and-a-dot. In a bid to spread the love more evenly, the FCC and Comcast's promised Internet Essentials platform is going live - giving low-income families $9.99 / month web access and "discounted" (read: $149.99) computers. The platform that we first heard about in August will also include a Norton Security Suite and computer training for youngsters and their parents alike.

Engadget, Comcast and FCC partner to give low-income families access to internet, Nyan Cats

Two Android Vulnerabilities Allow Malicious Apps To Install On Your Device Without Your Permission

About a month ago, two Android researchers were able to find two vulnerabilities within the Android OS that have yet to be addressed or patched up by Google in the latest Android updates. What exactly are these vulnerabilities. Well, the first bug is called a “permission-escalation vulnerability” and apparently, it affects all Android users. The exploit allows for an app to be installed without a user approving of the permissions typically required when installing an app. For instance, say you were to install a seemingly harmless (but infected) app from the Market.



Android Phone, Two Android Vulnerabilities Allow Malicious Apps To Install On Your Device Without Your Permission

A week with Google Wallet (video)

Contactless payments have been something of a curiosity in the credit card industry. MasterCard's PayPass has been around for the better part of a decade, but merchants and banks alike seem hesitant to adopt the technology required to make the system work, and inconsistent implementation adds to the confusion - particularly for customers. Google's new mobile phone-based Wallet service has the potential to transform the technology from its current status as a transaction turkey, to a future as a checkout champion. But will it work.










Engadget, A week with Google Wallet (video)