Tablets

Home networking Part 7: Power line connections explained

Editors' note: This post is part of an ongoing series. For the other parts, check out the related stories section below.

Power line networking basically turns a building's existing electrical wiring -- the wires that carry electricity to different outlets in the house -- into network cables, meaning they also carry data signals for a computer network. And this means virtually all households, in the U.S at least, are "wired for" power line networking. It doesn't replace a regular network, so you'll still need a router, but it's a good way to extend … Read more

Amazon buys Samsung's color e-ink company

Samsung has sold e-ink company Liquavista to Amazon, the company confirmed Monday.

"We are always looking for new technologies we may be able to incorporate into our products over the long term," an Amazon spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. "The Liquavista team shares our passion for invention and is creating exciting new technologies with a lot of potential. It's still early days, but we're excited about the possibilities and we look forward to working with Liquavista to develop these displays."

Amazon would not provide other details around the purchase. The news was first … Read more

Archos ChefPad tablet: Now you're cooking with Android

My poor iPad has survived flour, oil, lemon juice, and countless other kitchen mishaps. Maybe it's time I look a little more seriously at a dedicated kitchen computer. My options have just expanded with the arrival of the Archos ChefPad, an Android tablet built to handle the rigors of the cooking life.

The ChefPad is a full-blown 10-inch Android tablet running Jelly Bean with a 1.6GHz processor and 1GB of RAM behind it. There are the usual front and back cameras, in case you want to launch your own online cooking show. What makes it kitchen-specific are the preloaded cooking apps and easy-to-clean case.… Read more

Delete unwanted Facebook comments using the Android app

You can now moderate the comments on your own Facebook posts from your Android device. With an update to the Android app last week, Facebook enabled the ability for Android users to delete comments in just a few short steps.

The next time someone leaves an inappropriate comment, or an old flame starts proclaiming his undying love for you, you'll be able to delete the comment without having to rush to a computer.

The first thing you'll need to do is update to the latest version of Facebook for Android. After you've updated, you'll need to … Read more

Share files between Android and Windows with ES File Explorer

There was a time when the only way you could share files between your Android device and a Windows computer was by using a USB cable. These days, there are wireless options available that make it easier to share files. One such option is ES File Explorer, a powerful Android file manager. ES File Explorer helps you manage the files on your local Android device. Starting with version 3, however, LAN support was added to make it possible to share files with a Windows PC over Wi-Fi. To share files between your Android device and a Windows PC using ES … Read more

Why the Nexus 7 succeeded where others failed

The Nexus 7 is the most popular pure Android tablet available. How do I know? Well, data compiled by Handset Detective and a bit of clever maths by analyst Ben Evans are certainly strong indicators. But also, everyone and their mother seems to have one. Especially in the U.S., but other markets have also been strong supporters.

I'd even say that the Nexus 7 deserves a decidedly corpulent chunk of credit for giving the overall Android tablet market a boost. Yes, Amazon found success with the first version of the Kindle Fire, but the lack of expected tablet … Read more

What to expect from Android Key Lime Pie

With Google's I/O developer conference just a week away, all eyes are on the company's plans for the next version of Android.

For much of the last year we expected to see Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. After all, leaked slides from a January Qualcomm presentation showed a midyear debut for this next build, but they were immediately pulled from the Web site.

But now, recent rumors suggest that we might actually see the debut of 4.3 Jelly Bean instead of Android 5.0. Details found in various server logs show that a JWR23B build … Read more

How to set up your Fitbit Flex

Fitbit recently launched the Flex, the company's first wrist-worn activity monitor that syncs with your smartphone. The Flex uses Bluetooth 4.0 to sync with compatible smartphones (more on this in a minute), keeping your current activity stats updated.

When you first get the Flex, you'll need to do some work to get it set up, but don't worry -- it won't take you any longer than it does to wait in line at Starbucks.

Upon opening the Flex, you'll notice the actual tracker is inserted into the large wristband. Remove the tracker and use … Read more

Square hires former Obama trade official

Square, the company behind the credit card reader that attaches to mobile devices, means business.

The company announced today that it has hired Demetrios J. Marantis, a former member of President Barack Obama's cabinet who served as the country's top trade official.

Marantis will lead the company's efforts on international government, regulatory, and policy work as Square moves into more international markets. Square boasted that it has seen success in Canada, its first market outside the U.S. The company saw 90 percent more per capita in the number of payments in Canada than in the United … Read more