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The first thing we noticed about Nintendo’s next console when we last got our hands on it was the length — the Wii U is Nintendo’s longest console yet. Sure, sure, there’s a tablet controller and HD graphics and yadda yadda yadda. That’s immaterial. What matters here, folks, is how the new hardware — the console itself — physically stacks up against the first Wii. As you’ll see in our gallery, length is the least of the Wii U’s changes: in the Wii U, Nintendo added two more USB 2.0 ports up front and rounded out its hard right angles, for starters. Around back, the port layout of the Wii is nigh-on identical with that of the Wii U, albeit with the fan moved an inch (or so) to the right, making space for HDMI output. This is an HD console, after all. Wonderfully, unlike even the most expensive models of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the Wii U includes an HDMI cable right out of the box. Not a huge deal, but it sure was a baffling move when Sony and Microsoft both skimped on such an important detail.

The only other change we spotted (outside of the power port being flipped from horizontal to vertical) is the lack of GameCube controller ports up top. Say sayonara to those old Wavebirds, as Nintendo’s moving on to its new tablet controller and its updated Pro Controller. Take some super close-up looks at all the minute differences with us below.

Nintendo Wii U vs. Nintendo Wii … fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The final member of the Blue Microphones trio that we saw introduced back at CES is finally hitting shelves. Blue’s dual-connecting Spark Digital is now shipping from Apple and Best Buy with other retailers soon to follow. If you’ll recall, the mobile recording peripheral touts the label of “the first true studio condenser microphone made for both iPad and USB.” An adjustable desk stand, all of the requisite cables and six month subscriptions to both Gobble and SoundCloud Pro are included right out of the box. You can snag one for yourself for $200 just as fast as you can click. However, if you’ve already splurged for a new iPad, iPad mini or the iPhone 5, you’ll need a Lightning adapter before you can get started.

Continue reading Blue Microphones Spark Digital now available, wields USB and iOS mobile recording for $199

Filed under: Peripherals

Blue Microphones Spark Digital now available, wields USB and iOS mobile recording for $199 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari loves to extol the advances found in its drivetrains, but the unspoken rule is that its interior technology leaves something to be desired; unless you’re thinking of a 458’s manettino, even a less expensive car like the Tesla Model S is virtually in another league. The automaker may be narrowing that gap by putting Apple online lead Eddy Cue on the Ferrari board of directors. Without giving too much away, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo points to Cue’s experience with the “dynamic, innovative world of the internet” as the motivation — as good a sign as any that the Maranello team wants to take connected cars seriously. Whenever the Apple Senior VP’s experience comes into full effect, we may see one of the few supercar lineups whose cabins are as advanced as the engines. Just don’t look for any tight integration with Ferrari-badged Acer gear in the near future.

Filed under: Transportation, Internet, Apple

Apple exec Eddy Cue joins Ferrari board of directors, raises hopes for truly high-tech exotic cars originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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