Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.

DNP This Is the Modem World Review Sites Are Broken

I'm about to walk into my favorite restaurant in the world. The food is yummy, healthy and fits my budget. The staff knows my name and rarely has to ask how I'd like something served. And the location couldn't be better. It's the perfect place.

But before I can pass the threshold to nosh nirvana, a stranger on his way out gives me a sideways glance and whispers, "This place is horrible. Don't bother."

This place? My place? The best restaurant on earth? How can this be? Perhaps something has changed. Did the chef leave? Is the cute hostess gone? Have I been wrong this whole time?

But I have faith. I follow through, and the best restaurant in the world is still just that, just as I remembered.

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Dropbox updates Android app with bug fixes and file management

Dropbox updated its app for Android today, bringing the oft-used cloud storage / sharing service to version 2.2.2. Included is the usual assortment of unspecified bug fixes we're accustomed to seeing in such point upgrades, but there is one major improvement of note: the ability to manage files and folders. Sure, this may not seem like a revolutionary move on the company's part, but for photo-obsessed users that have the service set to auto-upload, the change is welcome, indeed. It's live in the Google Play store now, so head on over to the source to get that download started.

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Rhapsody intros SongMatch for Android, helps you discover tunes with a simple tap

There's certainly no doubt that Rhapsody usually delivers the latest and greatest to the Android crowd first, before eventually taking its on-demand goods elsewhere. Now, not long since completely redesigning its official application on Mountain View's mobile OS, the music service announced its newest app creation dubbed SongMatch (powered by Gracenote). As the name would adequately tell us, Rhapsody's app will make it relatively simple to learn more about previously-unknown tunes, with SongMatch offering a one-click feature which can quickly identify music info such as the artist, song and, naturally, the name of the album -- you know, similar to what you might see on apps like Shazam and SoundHound. SongMatch is available as a gratis download on the Play and Amazon stores, and Rhapsody's quick to point out that the app will be great for current subscribers as well as newcomers who may not have an account -- that said, the company is hoping to lure some people in, adding that SongMatch is indeed "a great way to introduce new music fans to Rhapsody."

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Qualcomm COO Steve Mollenkopf talks 28nm supply, low-end market and displays

It goes without saying that it's been a good year for Qualcomm -- so good that the mobile chipmaker invited us over to its San Diego headquarters to share the story. There we met up with President and COO Steve Mollenkopf, who started off the session by reflecting on the 28nm production "issues" since mid-year. Without naming any participating foundries, Mollenkopf carefully reiterated that the supply struggled to match the "tremendous demand" of the new 28nm Krait-based products at the time, but he thinks Qualcomm will be out of that problem starting this month. "It was something that we had this year and last fiscal year, but moving forward, I don't see that to be an issue," said Mollenkopf. Judging by the increasing number of devices carrying Qualcomm's quad-core chipsets, we certainly hope this is the case.

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Skype updates terms of service to make mention of 'Video Messaging' feature

Skype hardly has a history of keeping its forthcoming features secret, but then again, surprises aren't all they're chalked up to be. This go 'round, an updated terms of service page has outed a heretofore unannounced update: Video Messaging. While it's not possible to indulge just yet, we're left to assume that an impending update will enable Skype Premium users (who pay $8.99 per month for certain privileges) to "send and receive an unlimited number of Video Messages." For those taking advantage of Skype's free offerings, you'll be able to send a "limited" amount, though you'll be able to receive an unlimited quantity of 'em. We're also told that non-premium members will see their video messages expire within 90 days -- unless it was sent by a premium member or you upgrade your account in time, of course -- but the TOS makes no mention of when any of this will find itself under public scrutiny. Hopefully it'll be before those year-end fireworks go up, you know?

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Google Now updated with more travelminded features, expanded voice search

It's already been a fairly big year for Google Now, but the folks in Mountain View have at least one more update in store before we roll into 2013. The company's today released an updated version of its Google Search app for Android that adds a number of new features designed largely with travellers in mind. That includes the ability to tell you the weather at your destination, automatically pull up your boarding pass at the airport (albeit only for United flights at the moment), inform you about nearby events, and offer more information about things like artwork at museums using Google Goggles. Alongside those updates are a number of additions to the voice search component, including the ability to search for the name of a track that's playing by saying "what's this song?" or look up additional information on a product by saying "scan this barcode."

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Samsung ATIV Smart PC review AT&T LTE

Though we've spent a lot of time writing about laptop / tablet hybrids running Windows 8, we've so far spent precious little time actually playing with them. In part, that's because we've been so preoccupied reviewing convertible Ultrabooks, but it's also because many of the biggest-name hybrids have only just begun to go on sale. That means, then, that we haven't gotten to test any new Samsung devices: both of the company's new Windows 8 offerings take on the hybrid form factor, with one packing an Atom processor and the other, an Ultrabook-grade CPU.

We'll save that last one for some other time, but for now, let's take a look at the ATIV Smart PC (formerly known as the Series 5 Slate), which has an 11.6-inch display, a dual-core, 1.8GHz Clover Trail chip and a 4,080 mAh battery promising up to seven hours of runtime. In particular, we tested out an LTE-capable model available on AT&T for $700 on contract, with the keyboard sold separately. (The tablet costs $800 off contract -- again, with no dock included. A WiFi-only model retails for about $750 with the keyboard.)

The problem is, even if you can do without that LTE radio, that's some lofty pricing: competing WiFi-only tablets cost between $500 and $600 with no dock. Even if you'd rather have the whole package, it's possible to find a similar model for $850, keyboard included. So is there any reason to pay a premium for this particular model, let alone sign on AT&T's dotted line? Let's find out.

Note: We haven't had the chance to test the ATIV Smart PC with the optional keyboard dock. In fact, AT&T isn't even offering it right now. Since AT&T is already selling the Smart PC as a standalone tablet, we decided to review the tablet itself, and to update the review if and when we can get a hold of the dock.

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Liquid Robotics' Wave Glider breaks Guinness record, does it in the name of science

Last fall, four autonomous Wave Gliders set out from San Francisco Bay to begin a two-fold mission: gather data about the oceans' depths and break records. The vessels, crafted by ocean data services provider Liquid Robotics, were launched in pairs, with one set headed for Australia and the other, Japan. Now one year later, the first of this fuel-less flotilla -- dubbed Papa Mau -- has completed its intended journey, reaching the land of Oz this past November 20th and beating out the remaining three Gliders at sea (one of which malfunctioned and had to be pulled from the water).

As the PacX project's team is quick to point out, the culmination of this record-breaking 9,000 mile trek was less about gaining a Guinness entry and more about generating publicity for the mass of hitherto unrecorded oceanic information. But though the initial run of the project is currently winding down, the outfit's SVP of Product Management Graham Hine expects further trips to Antarctica, the poles and the Northwest passage will follow at some point in the future. Without a doubt, the whole experiment's a master class in using the power of PR for the greater good, while giving marine biologists a treasure trove of useful data. Check out the source below for an expanded look at the project's roots and be sure to skip past the break for a video of the vessel's retrieval.

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Matrix One pins troubles on part delays and Google Wallet freeze, says refunds coming

We've been following the saga of the extra-budget Matrix One tablet almost since its birth, and there's been mounting concerns as the company (or rather its parent, Direct Merchandise Marketing) went silent not long after reporting a customs freeze on shipments. At least according to a new letter to customers on the company's front page, we now know why. The firm claims that glass and processor supply trouble at the relevant factories triggered delays, which in turn led to Google Wallet shutting down its account after customers complained regarding unfulfilled orders -- it couldn't complete or even refund purchases, no matter how much it wanted to. There's a potential ray of sunshine, however, as Google has reportedly confirmed to Matrix One that refunds are going out to affected shoppers. New orders will supposedly be possible, but only after initial refunds go through and the company is "well stocked" with inventory. We have many reasons to be skeptical when Matrix One doesn't mention the customs issue, is known to have been unresponsive to customers and even reported itself as closed, but this news at least gives us hope that buyers won't be left hanging. Read the full letter after the break.

[Thanks, Stephan]

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DLink's diminutive DAP1320 wireless extender arrives, looks to enhance your home network for $50

Looking to beef up that home network ahead of all of those holiday gadgets arriving? If so D-Link is looking to oblige with its ultra-compact DAP-1320 wireless range extender. The unit features push-button connectivity for easy setup, wireless N technology and multiple antennas that keep the speed and range of its 2.4GHz WiFi signals as robust as possible -- up to 300Mbps, of course. Alongside WPA and WPA2 security options, the DAP-1320 will work just fine with any wireless router brand that you may already have installed in your flat. If this all sounds fine and dandy, you can snag one of your own for $49.99 via the first source link below.

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Samsung reportedly pushing Andrdroid 412 to world Galaxy S III models with multiwindow support

Samsung has only just started seeding Jelly Bean to some Galaxy S III owners, but it may already be delivering a second round to others. SamMobile claims that Android 4.1.2 is starting to reach those using the international 3G model, with hinted-at multi-window support still intact. The Galaxy Note II's gallery app, Smart Rotation and other apps or (at times subtle) features may come with the extra 0.0.1's worth of code. Don't expect to see a notice on your particular phone or in Kies just yet, however. As we write, only Poland is believed to be in line for an immediate upgrade -- our UK team isn't seeing it, which makes the rollout difficult to confirm unless it spreads. Let us know if you're seeing the split-view multitasking on your Galaxy S III in Krakow.

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Xbox SmartGlass app updated with iPhone 5 optimization

You've got your fancy new iPhone 5, and you've got the Xbox SmartGlass app, but who wants those silly black bars on the sides? Certainly not you, aesthetic savant, which is why you'll be glad to hear that Microsoft's latest update to the SmartGlass app optimizes it for use with the iPhone 5's taller, 16x9 screen. Aside from device support expansion, the update also includes the ambiguous "bug fixes." No broken bugs for you, only fixed ones! The Xbox SmartGlass app launched earlier this year for Windows Phone 8, Android and iOS, with a staggered rollout across the various mobile ecosystems. Beyond just allowing for basic Xbox 360 control via mobile, SmartGlass propagates rich content to your second screen in-tandem with some software, from games to streaming video.

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We don't always get mid-quarter updates on sales from carriers, but AT&T's Ralph de le Vega was apparently eager to spill a few numbers during an investor conference today. As CNET reports, de la Vega revealed that AT&T has sold 6.4 million smartphones during the first two months of Q4, which he says puts the carrier on a "record pace" for the quarter. It's also caused the carrier to revise its projections for the full year, with it now forecasting smartphone sales of 26 million for all of 2012 (one million more than it had previously expected). De la Vega is also said to be "bullish" on tablets, but the didn't go into specific numbers there, noting only that he "can't fathom how many tablets will be under the Christmas tree." He also didn't break down those smartphone sales by specific devices, but he said that AT&T had improved its supply of iPhones, and also remarked that he's "really excited" about Windows Phone sales (again, without getting into specifics).

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Philips outs new speaker docks with Lightning connector, prices start from $90

Docking speakers that are friendly with Cupertino's shiny new Lightning connector are far from being a dime a dozen just yet, which is to be expected given the small amount of time it's been around. Staring today, though, we can add Philips to the small list of companies who are now offering a solution for those of you who would like to turn your iPhone 5 into a modern day alarm clock (among other things, of course). Thankfully, Philips brought plenty to choose from, with the outfit outing the Bedroom DS1155, Room-to-Room DS3205, Portable DS7580 and a high-end Lifestyle Music System DMC2067. These Lightning-equipped iDevice companions will be available this month starting at $90 for the DS1155 and $130 each for both DS3205 and DS7580, while the more powerful DMC2067 is yet to receive a price tag of its own.

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Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long.

Slickdeals' best in tech for December 5th: Garmin nuvi, 47-inch LG 3D HDTV and Foscam surveillance camera

The stresses of the work week have likely piled up already, so we're offering a handful of new gadget deals that won't require you to futz with a coupon code or rebate. A 47-inch LG 3D LED HDTV may be the most attractive, but a Garmin nuvi and a Foscam surveillance unit also make the list. Looking for more info before committing your funds? Head on past the break to grab the links and all the details that you'll need to decide.

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