ChargeCard now shipping with micro-USB connector, we go hands-on

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="p1 image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ChargeCard ships wallet cable with microUSB connector, we go handson" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/chargecard2f0a7619.jpg" /></div><div class="p1" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Sure, we own dozens of micro-USB cables, but we don't always have one with us when we need to charge up smartphones, cameras, e-readers and countless other devices. That's why we're happy to get behind this wallet-sized cable, coined ChargeCard. We had a chance to check out the Apple dock connector flavor in March, and now the Kickstarter-backed company is shipping its micro-USB version, supporting power and data transfer with just about any USB-equipped gadget. Micro-USB seems to be the accepted standard these days, so the $25 ChargeCard is a reasonable investment. It is indeed thin and light enough to fit comfortably in your wallet, but it will add some heft, and may be an unwelcome addition to already packed vessels.</div><div class="p1" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The device includes a fixed micro-USB connector and a pop-out flexible cable to plug into your computer or another power source. Unfortunately, the cable is not designed to be reversed, so depending on how it fits into your smartphone, the handset may need to face down. We experienced this issue with a MacBook Air and Samsung Galaxy Note II -- you can force the flexible cable to twist into the necessary position, but it appears to cause quite a bit of tension, and our ChargeCard was visibly damaged after just a few minutes of use. Otherwise, our quick test went off without a hitch, and you shouldn't expect to run into any problems, assuming your smartphone's orientation is a non-issue. The card has already begun shipping -- if you backed the project on Kickstarter, expect your ChargeCard to arrive this week. If you haven't placed a pre-order, you can pick one up at the source link below.</div><div class="p1" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="p1" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Gallery Image" height="426" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/zsh2f0a7614.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="426" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/zsh2f0a7632.jpg" width="640" /></div></div>

ChargeCard now shipping with micro-USB connector, we go hands-on

Sure, we own dozens of micro-USB cables, but we don't always have one with us when we need to charge up smartphones, cameras, e-reader...

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Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require set-top box for all content

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require settop box for all content" data-src-height="267" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/cabletvdigitaladaptercomcast.jpg" /></div>Well, this is quite a blow to basic cable viewers. Up until recently, Comcast has allowed subscribers to access certain channels without adding a set-top box for every TV -- instead, you'd simply connect your TV directly via coax (how quaint!). Now, certain customers have received word that their free ride will soon be coming to an end. The media giant <strike>will begin</strike> is expanding the area where it encrypts basic cable channels, requiring a single STB for each and every television that you plan to use. A Comcast Q&A document only addresses home users, so it's unclear whether enterprise subscribers would also be affected -- though that wouldn't be out of the question.<br /> <span>We think the move could mean a more complicated (and pricey) installation at hospitals, university dorms and even neighborhood gyms, where TVs installed in cardio equipment often plug directly into wall jacks, not to mention the inconvenience you'll be facing at home. This latest setback, of course, follows an FCC decision to allow companies to encrypt their basic cable channels -- the authorization was reportedly granted to cut back on service theft, among other concerns. Comcast will be issuing up to two adapters to each subscriber at no charge for up to two years, assuming you request your equipment within four months of the date of encryption. That's the good news, but encrypted content is quite a bummer, nonetheless.</span><br /> <strong>Update:</strong> Comcast has already implemented encryption in certain areas -- this latest move simply represents a wider rollout. Additionally, Comcast-issued set-top boxes are not required when a CableCard solution is in use. Boxee TV owners can receive a new E-DTA that turns Comcast's encrypted cable channels into IP streams, as specified in an earlier agreement.<br /> </div></div>

Comcast to encrypt basic cable channels, require set-top box for all content

Well, this is quite a blow to basic cable viewers. Up until recently, Comcast has allowed subscribers to access certain channels without ...

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Myriad Social TV brings social networking to your cable box (hands-on video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Myriad Social TV brings social networking to your cable box hands on video" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtvlead01-1363859057.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The marriage of social networking and television is nothing new, but Myriad recently launched Social TV, a white label solution which allows TV service providers to roll out their own custom social networking platform on your cable box. It complements services like Twitter, Facebook and Google+ by offering a more contextual way for viewers to interact with their friends while watching TV. Social TV provides an integrated HTML5 experience that's consistent across both television and companion devices (phones and tablets). Viewers can chose between receiving alerts on their TVs, mobile devices or both and can create show- or series-specific virtual communities that automatically expire when the program ends. The system is even mindful of time zones and time-shifts messages to prevent spoilers. More after the break.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv03-1363859139.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv01-1363859136.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv04-1363859140.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv05-1363859141.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv02-1363859138.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="360" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv06.jpg" width="640" /><img alt="Gallery Image" height="400" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/myriadsocialtv07.jpg" width="640" /> </div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-c1d8dfb8" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/c1d8dfb8/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=73077369&disablebranding=0&view_secret=73077369" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe>We talked with Myriad's Dave Weidner who fielded our questions and gave us a demo of the tech in action. TV service providers can brand and tweak the solution and companion apps to their liking and create content with social networking in mind. In return, Social TV can gather detailed user metrics that enable targeted advertising for additional revenue. The system combines two of Myriad's existing products, Alien Vue (an environment which runs Android apps on non-Android set-top boxes and TVs) and the company's social networking back end (already used by multiple mobile operators worldwide). We saw Social TV running on a Broadcom BCM97425C reference set-top box and Nexus 7 tablet, but it's designed to work with most cable boxes including older models already deployed in the field. Trials are expected to begin by the end of the year, but final pricing and availability will be up to the individual TV service providers. Don't forget to watch our hands-on video. </div></div>

Myriad Social TV brings social networking to your cable box (hands-on video)

The marriage of social networking and television is nothing new, but Myriad recently launched Social TV, a white label solution which allow...

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