Subscribe:

Monday, April 30, 2012

Shops Online

Shops Online

KegDroid dispenses beer with the help of a Xoom tablet and an Arduino board

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 02:51 PM PDT

KegDroid dispenses beer with the help of a Xoom tablet and an Arduino board


KegDroid dispenses beer with the help of a Xoom tablet and an Arduino board
Here's an instance of NFC technology that's more exciting than yet another tap-to-pay scenario. Google employee Paul Carff combined a Motorola Xoom running ICS with an Arduino microcontroller to create KegDroid, a friendly green beer dispenser. The Xoom acts as a gatekeeper to that brewed goodness, only letting the bot dispense drinks after users swipe an authorized badge. The badge is read by an NFC scanner on the bottom of the case and is then authenticated (or rejected) by the Arduino board. Once the system grants access, users can choose from two selections on tap via a custom Android application displayed on the Xoom's screen. As Android Community points out -- and as you'll see in the video below -- the KegDroid hasn't mastered a bartender-level pour (read: there's way too much foam). Still, this is oodles cooler than your average keg, wouldn't you agree?Continue reading KegDroid dispenses beer with the help of a Xoom tablet and an Arduino boardKegDroid dispenses beer with the help of a Xoom tablet and an Arduino board originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Community | Ubergizmo | Email this | Comments

Internet speeds drop around the world according to Akamai, adoption rate up

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 02:51 PM PDT

Internet speeds drop around the world according to Akamai, adoption rate up


Internet speeds drop around the world according to Akamai, adoption rate up
Here's an odd one: average connection speeds around the globe dropped 14 percent to just 2.3 Mbps during the last quarter of 2011. The drop off remains something of a mystery since the data used to calculate that result doesn't include mobile broadband (so its increased adoption can't be dragging down the whole) and Akamai offers no explanation. Still, it's not time to start panicking, just yet. Even though speeds in the US dropped 5.3 percent from the previous quarter, average connection rates are still up significantly over the previous year. Otherwise, things largely stayed the same. Global broadband adoption was steady at 66 percent and the US continued to trail its friends across the Pacific (by a lot) in the race for the fastest Internet connections. Interestingly, while the number of broadband connections stayed consistent the number of narrowband lines (under 256 Kbps) declined dramatically. Yet, the percentage of the wold's population connected to the web managed to increase 2.1 percent quarter over quarter -- and 13 percent for the year. So, while it may seem that the internet had a temporary set back in Q4 of 2011, the long term trends look good. The number of people online is increasing, the average speeds being pulled down by those people is climbing and the number of folks stuck in the dial up era is dropping. To get a copy of the full report hit up the source.Internet speeds drop around the world according to Akamai, adoption rate up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | Akamai | Email this | Comments

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray beams down July 24th

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 02:13 PM PDT

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray beams down July 24th


Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray beams down July 24th
After a teaser release of three episodes earlier this, CBS Home Entertainment has set a date for the complete first season Star Trek: The Next Generation to arrive on Blu-ray, just in time for its 25th anniversary this year. June 24th the six-disc set hits shelves featuring all of the first season episodes remastered in high definition complete with recomposited special effects and 7.1 DTS-HD surround soundtracks, as well as a slew of special features including new behind the scenes interviews and featurettes on the HD upgrade process. Check after the break for the press release with a list of episodes and features, plus a video preview of what the new effects look like from The Next Level teaser in January. Check Entertainment Weekly for another preview of the upgraded footage, while TheHDRoom has a few still captures from the Blu-ray versions.Continue reading Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray beams down July 24thStar Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray beams down July 24th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 02:13 PM PDT

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET


Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET
It's Tuesday, and we're back to our regular time and day where you get to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat as you listen in. Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ETJoin the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Oregon city says no deal to Groupon

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 02:13 PM PDT

Oregon city says no deal to Groupon


Oregon city says no deal to Groupon
A Groupon deal almost got a couple of Portland, Ore., limousine companies drive right out of business.

Dodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero Package

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

Dodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero Package


Dodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero Package
Filed under: MPG, Dodge The Environmental Protection Agency hasn't released its evaluation data for the 2013 Dodge Dart just yet, but Chrysler says the compact should be capable of returning some impressive fuel economy figures, particularly with an available Aero package. When equipped with the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission, the standard Dart is good for an estimated 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, thanks in part to active aero shutters nestled in the grille of every model. Should buyers require a few extra miles per gallon, an optional Aero package will see the highway figure jump to 41 mpg. So far, there's no word on city or combined fuel economy for the package, but there's time before the trim becomes available, as it won't be in dealerships until the third quarter of this year. Chrysler isn't mentioning how much the Aero package will add to the bottom line or what other tweaks consumers will get for their coin. We do know that with 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the Dart Aero should be considerably more engaging to drive than the Chevrolet Cruze Eco. While that model is good for 42 mpg highway when equipped with a six-speed manual, it does the deed with 22 fewer horsepower and 36 fewer pound-feet of torque. Hit the jump for the complete Dart press release.Continue reading Dodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero PackageDodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero Package originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Samsung Canada begins rollout of ICS today

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

Samsung Canada begins rollout of ICS today


Samsung Canada begins rollout of ICS today
Let's not speak of the several months it took for Ice Cream Sandwich to finally begin showing up on Samsung devices. Rather, the fine mobile-loving folks in Canada should just take a brief moment to embrace the present and not-too-distant future, because Samsung is now officially rolling out its long-awaited Android update to the nation up north -- complete with the latest version of TouchWiz -- to select devices today and continuing throughout the rest of the quarter. The list of featured products include the Galaxy S II (along with its LTE, LTE HD and X variants), Galaxy Note and several Galaxy Tabs, such as the 7.0, 7.0 Plus, 8.9 and 10.1. Of course, not everyone will get the beloved installation invitation today, since these large-scale rollouts seem to take a healthy amount of time. If you simply can't wait, it couldn't hurt to give the 'ol manual update method a try.Continue reading Samsung Canada begins rollout of ICS todaySamsung Canada begins rollout of ICS today originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Embedded | Email this | Comments

Dish Hopper whole-home DVR review

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

Dish Hopper whole-home DVR review


Dish Hopper whole-home DVR review
A new DVR with a never-before-seen feature doesn't come around every day, and if it's the sort of amenity that works in every room of the house, without compromise, then we just have to review it. What would make the list? Try the Dish Hopper whole-home DVR, which can record six shows at once. Of course, there are specs and marketing claims, and then there's real-world performance. Is this set-top box everything we could have dreamed of? There's only one way to find out: you'll have to meet us past the break and take a walk through our full review.Gallery: Dish Hopper reviewContinue reading Dish Hopper whole-home DVR reviewFiled under: Home EntertainmentDish Hopper whole-home DVR review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow


Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow
Everyone's favorite VoIP service, Skype, has rolled out a fresh update to its iPhone / iPod Touch and iPad clients. First off, the Microsoft-owned outfit added a revamped login screen to both iOS applications, and now offers the ability to move your vid preview around the screen -- much like FaceTime does. To go along with the new pair of features, Skype's changelog also notes the app will now automatically restart after a sudden crash, while other undisclosed enhancements were made to improve the overall UI, stability and accessibility. Of note, Skype v4 requires folks to be running iOS 4.3 or later. So, those of you keeping that Cupertino OS current can hit either of the iTunes links below to get the goods, or grab it from the App Store on your device.Skype iOS apps hit v4.0: improved stability, minor UI tweaks in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink 9to5Mac | iTunes (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

BlackBerry Music Gateway streams audio over NFC and Bluetooth for RIM-made remot...

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:10 PM PDT

BlackBerry Music Gateway streams audio over NFC and Bluetooth for RIM-made remote control


BlackBerry Music Gateway streams audio over NFC and Bluetooth for RIM-made remote control
It's not the QNX-based smartphone you've all been waiting for, but it should give crackberry devotees something to bop along to. Outed just one day before the company's showcase officially kicks off in Orlando, Waterloo's trotting out its BlackBerry Music Gateway: a car / home stereo accessory that pairs with your BB handset or PlayBook tablet to wirelessly stream audio over Bluetooth or NFC. The $50 peripheral, set for a June release, is meant to turn your RIM-built device into an easy-to-use remote at a distance of up to 30 feet. For that convenient near field communication control, however, you'll need to be packing one of the company's NFC-enabled phones, like the Bold 9790 or Curve 9360/ 9380. Splashiest news to come out of BlackBerry World 2012? We sure hope not. Consider this the trickle before the eventual PR deluge.BlackBerry Music Gateway streams audio over NFC and Bluetooth for RIM-made remote control originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | BlackBerry | Email this | Comments

Kiip Extends Developer Fund Deadline, Sweetens Pot With Services And Advisors

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Kiip Extends Developer Fund Deadline, Sweetens Pot With Services And Advisors


Kiip Extends Developer Fund Deadline, Sweetens Pot With Services And Advisors
For game developers who thought about applying for the $100,000 Build Fund from rewards network Kiip but didn't get around to it yet — good news! The deadline has been extended from today until May 30. And for those of you who weren't planning to apply, well, the company is adding some features to the fund that may entice you. The goal is to encourage the creation of games that incorporate Kiip's reward programs in their initial designs (rather than adding them later). Twenty developers are supposed to receive $5,000 in cash (adding up to $100,000 in all) — it's not a huge amount of funding, but CEO Brian Wong says it could make a real difference to an independent developer.

Study says wind turbines raise surrounding area temperature, but only at night

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Study says wind turbines raise surrounding area temperature, but only at night


Study says wind turbines raise surrounding area temperature, but only at night
Who said the butterfly effect couldn't apply to renewable energy? Though wind farms are considered pretty green on the energy-generating spectrum, it looks like they, too, have an impact on the planet. According to a study published today in the journal Nature Climate Change, turbines can raise the local temperature -- albeit slightly. From 2003 to 2011, researchers monitored satellite data for west-central Texas, which is home to 2,350-plus turbines and four of the world's largest wind farms. In that decade, scientists observed a temperature increase of 0.72 degrees in wind farm regions compared to areas without turbines. That warming trend was especially marked at night, when the temperature difference between the ground and the air is highest. The temperature increase was also higher in winter; researchers say that these cooler, windier conditions cause turbines to generate more electricity and therefore create more heat. Since the study didn't find any change in daytime temperatures, it looks like we don't have to ring the global warming alarm just yet.Study says wind turbines raise surrounding area temperature, but only at night originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phys.Org | | Email this | Comments

Square Competitor SalesVu Ups Its Game With New Features For Restaurants, Retail...

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 12:09 PM PDT

Square Competitor SalesVu Ups Its Game With New Features For Restaurants, Retailers & More


Square Competitor SalesVu Ups Its Game With New Features For Restaurants, Retailers & More
SalesVu, the maker of a mobile payments service designed for business customers, is launching a major update with SalesVu 2.0, live now in the iTunes App Store. The company is somewhat similar to Square, in that it also includes a dongle that plugs into an iPhone or iPad and works alongside an accompanying mobile application. However, the company is focused on providing tools that address more complex business needs than simply taking credit cards via a mobile device. For example, SalesVu currently offers real-time analytics reporting and the ability for businesses to post offers directly to Facebook through social sharing mechanisms. With the release of SalesVu 2.0, a number of improvements have been added for business users, including things like receipt printing, barcode scanning, employee timekeeping, and online order processing, to name a just few.

Angry Birds Space hits 50 million milestone, smashes it, crushes pigs in the pro...

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Angry Birds Space hits 50 million milestone, smashes it, crushes pigs in the process


Angry Birds Space hits 50 million milestone, smashes it, crushes pigs in the process
It helps to be free on the fastest-growing mobile platform, but that shouldn't draw all the attention away from Rovio's latest announcement. It's space-based reinvention of Angry Birds has now topped 50 million downloads in under 35 days, breaking its (and presumably everyone else's) record for mobile game downloads. In Rovios's own way, it recently thanked eager gamers for their consistent downloading support by slathering ten additional levels on both the iOS and Android version last week.Angry Birds Space hits 50 million milestone, smashes it, crushes pigs in the process originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MacStories | Rovio | Email this | Comments

Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup


Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup
And just like that Verizon has revamped its prepaid pricing structure. Starting tomorrow, May 1st, the carrier will be offering unlimited talk and text packaged with 1GB of data for $80 a month. The new offering will be available first with the Samsung Illusion, a disappointingly 3G handset, though, one that wont demand a two year commitment to Big Red. Verizon is also adding the Jetpack MiFi 4510L LTE mobile hotspot to its contract-free offerings for $130. Prepaid plans for the 4G wireless hotspot start at $15 for 250 MB a week, but quickly climb to $60 and $90 for 3GB and 10GB, respectively. For more info check out the PR after the break.Continue reading Verizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineupVerizon gets new prepaid plans, adds Jetpack hotspot to contract-free lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google Improves App Advertising With New Mobile App Extension

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Google Improves App Advertising With New Mobile App Extension


Google Improves App Advertising With New Mobile App Extension
Google is announcing some new search advertising features designed to help advertisers drive more app downloads, and to track those downloads. The first feature, an Ad Extension, seems aimed at companies who have both a standard Web presence and an app to promote. Should a company like GrubHub (which was part of the beta test) advertise for its website or its app? Hard to say, since people might be looking for either. So with the new Mobile App extension, advertisers can do both, adding a link to the iPhone or Android app below the regular search ad. Apparently, campaigns with the ad extension saw 6 percent higher clickthrough rates than those without it during the beta.

Scion Gets Normal

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Scion Gets Normal


Scion Gets Normal
Toyota's quirky youth brand moves to regular cars, regular ads.

Google Wave reaches zero amplitude

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Google Wave reaches zero amplitude


Google Wave reaches zero amplitude
We knew it was coming, but alas, the loss of Google Wave hits us anew now that the execution date has finally come. To say we fully grokked this platform would be untrue, but as we dug through its history to gather our thoughts, we realized what a misunderstood creature Wave really was. Released in 2009 with great fanfare and no shortage of Firefly references, the program meant well with its collaboration-friendly interface, emphasis on multimedia sharing and raft of third-party extensions such as real-time Swedish Chef translation. But while its heart was in the right place, the service sacrificed accessibility for intrigue, a distinct online identity for an early adopter sensibility. Thus, after the invite-only mystique wore off and talk of a Wave app store began to sound downright foolish, the program's future looked anything but rosy. But even a product this short-lived can have a legacy: in Wave's case, it could be making Google Plus seem downright approachable by comparison. And though this may be little consolation to those hardcore wavers -- few and far between as they may be -- the project's spirit will live on in the equally perplexing Apache Wave. RIP, Google Wave, we really hardly knew you.Google Wave reaches zero amplitude originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

'All new' Toyota RAV4 EV coming to EVS26 next week

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 10:52 AM PDT

'All new' Toyota RAV4 EV coming to EVS26 next week


'All new' Toyota RAV4 EV coming to EVS26 next week
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Toyota, EVS There could not be a more bland teaser for the upcoming all-electric "all new" Toyota RAV4 EV than the one Toyota just released: silver sheetmetal with a badge that simply reads "Electric." To see the rest of the vehicle, we will have to wait until the Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) gets started in Los Angeles next week. Luckily, we will be in LA with a camera or two and will bring you the full details from the show Monday, May 7. For now, all we know is what we've learned about the prototype that Toyota and Tesla have been showing for a while. For example, it will likely only be sold in California. Read our Quick Spin here. Speaking of EVS, what's kind of surprising is that this year is the 26th edition of the show. Yes, even as we're just seeing the dawn of the modern EV era, some groups have been working on these vehicles for decades. It's a long road to get off of gasoline.Continue reading 'All new' Toyota RAV4 EV coming to EVS26 next week'All new' Toyota RAV4 EV coming to EVS26 next week originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 10:52 AM PDT

Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849


Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849
From Acer and HP to Maingear, PC makers across the board are releasing Ivy Bridge desktops before the family of CPUs makes its much-anticipated debut on notebooks. Velocity Micro is following suit, with the announcement of three customizable PCs powered by Intel's third-generation Core processors. Starting at $849, the Vector Z70 comes standard with a 500GB, 7,200RPM hard drive, 4GB of RAM and a 2.6GHz Intel Pentium G620 CPU (upgradeable all the way to a Core i7 processor, clocked at 3.4GHz). The $999 Edge Z40 is a middle-of-the-road model, shipping with a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTS 450 GPU, a 2.8GHz Intel Core i5-23000 and 1TB of storage spinning at 7,200 RPM. On the premium side, the Raptor Z90 is a full-on gaming machine, with GeForce GTX 680 graphics and an Intel Core i7-3770 CPU, plus eight USB 3.0 and four USB 3.0 connections. All three systems are immediately available -- click through to the product pages for the complete configuration options.Continue reading Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849Velocity Micro unveils three Ivy Bridge desktops, starting at $849 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Velocity Micro (Vector Z20), (Edge Z40), (Raptor Z90) | Email this | Comments

EA’s PopCap Heads Into Merchandise With Plants Vs. Zombies Toys, Underwear (!) &...

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 10:52 AM PDT

EA's PopCap Heads Into Merchandise With Plants Vs. Zombies Toys, Underwear (!) & More


EA's PopCap Heads Into Merchandise With Plants Vs. Zombies Toys, Underwear (!) & More
Want a zombie on your underwear? Good, because soon, you will have that opportunity. Today, there comes more proof that mobile gaming is the entertainment franchise opp of the future as EA-owned PopCap, makers of Plants vs. Zombies and the "Bejeweled" series of games, announced a number of new partnership deals that will see its game brands turned into merchandise - much like Rovio's Angry Birds has already done to great success. The company has six new partnerships on tap which will see its properties featured as everything from plush toys to branded headphones. And yeah, boxers, too.

Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 10:14 AM PDT

Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick


Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick
Pink, red, aqua and black not good enough for you? Fine. Have a purple one -- if that's what you really want. On May 20th you can pick up this Grimace-hued Nintendo 3DS for the usual price of $169.99 alongside Mario Tennis Open. Hoping for something a bit more subtle, perhaps a nice clean white or a nice two-tone gray? Tough. You're getting purple.Continue reading Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stickNintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq | | Email this | Comments

Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose one

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 10:14 AM PDT

Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose one


Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose one
When we first heard about the Kickstarter-funded Triggertrap, it was a nice but nichey lab instrument of a device that could fire your DSLR with diverse stimuli, like lights or ringing phones. It wasn't the first photo-tripping idea we'd seen, but at least it could be had for a fair sum ($75.00) and be used out of the box. But now, by connecting that tech to an app and charging $19.98 for both the software and hardware, Triggertrap might open up remote snapping to a lot more folks. Running off any iPhone, iPad or iPod using iOS 5, the app uses a dongle which can be connected by cable or infrared to most DSLRs or advanced compacts. From there, you'll be able to use all of your iDevice's sensors as triggers, from motion through to facial recognition and even GPS. The app doesn't just fire the shutter, either -- it also gives you control over the focus and flash. And if you don't have a separate camera, the iPhone's built-in cam can be used instead -- which would save you from buying the $9.99 dongle, if you have the necessary accoutrements. So if you've been wondering how to get those hard-to-shoot images, or have more nefarious ideas, check the videos after the break.Continue reading Triggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose oneTriggertrap: nine ways to activate your DSLR with an iOS device, choose one originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive?

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 09:33 AM PDT

Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive?


Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive?
Filed under: Chrysler, Ford, GM, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, At Witz EndAll are looking good for now... but it depends As you probably know, Chrysler has reported its best quarterly profits in 13 years, has just introduced a very nice new Dodge Dart compact sedan and continues to gain sales and market share. GM has also been highly profitable with a string of solid product hits, though it has not gained share working with just half of its former eight U.S. brands. As you also know, both of these iconic American car companies were upside down four years ago and likely would have been dissolved - along with millions of good U.S. jobs - had both the Bush and Obama administrations not decided to invest taxpayer money in saving them. Now, with election season heating up, we'll be hearing much from both sides on the GM and Chrysler "bailouts." Democrats will rightly claim credit (though it began under Bush) for saving the U.S. auto industry and millions of jobs. Republicans will correctly counter that they did it all wrong (stiffing private investors, destroying thousands of dealer businesses for no good reason and handing Chrysler to Italy's Fiat) and for the wrong reason (to save the UAW). "Let them fail," conservatives crowed then, and still. "That's how capitalism works." "Let them fail," conservatives crowed then, and still. "That's how capitalism works." But there was no private capital in late 2008 for business loans or bankruptcies, so federal support was the last resort. Ford had sufficient capital to weather the crisis only because it had run out of money two years earlier, when it still could (and did) mortgage itself for working capital. There has been no end to political rhetoric about creating new jobs, but little knowledgeable discussion around saving those millions of auto (and industry-dependent) jobs that we already had. What very few outside the industry - including financial gurus and media pundits - understand is how this industry is a huge, fragile, interdependent house of cards.Continue reading Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive?Will Detroit Three Survive and Thrive? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

UK High Court rules ISPs to block Pirate Bay, forgets it ain't the boss anymore

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 09:33 AM PDT

UK High Court rules ISPs to block Pirate Bay, forgets it ain't the boss anymore


UK High Court rules ISPs to block Pirate Bay, forgets it ain't the boss anymore
The High Court has ruled that British ISPs must block web-browsing citizens from accessing the infamous Pirate Bay. The controversial ruling comes just six months after the European Court of Justice (a superior court) declared that companies like Sky and TalkTalk were protected against injunctions to block, filter or monitor internet traffic for that purpose. Virgin Media told the BBC that it would comply, before sensibly adding that censorship measures like this are ineffective in the long term.UK High Court rules ISPs to block Pirate Bay, forgets it ain't the boss anymore originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | BBC News | Email this | Comments

PSA: Space X streaming test-firing of Falcon 9 at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:54 AM PDT

PSA: Space X streaming test-firing of Falcon 9 at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT


PSA: Space X streaming test-firing of Falcon 9 at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT
Today, SpaceX is test-firing the engines of its Falcon 9 rocket in preparation for that oft-delayed May 7th launch for its Dragon capsule. You'll be able to watch the static-fire test from the comfort of your own desk by pointing a browser at the company website (link below) from 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT. If successful, then the rocket will lift-off properly in a week's time, with designs on being the first commercial craft used to resupply the International Space Station.Continue reading PSA: Space X streaming test-firing of Falcon 9 at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PTPSA: Space X streaming test-firing of Falcon 9 at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | SpaceX | Email this | Comments

V.me by Visa coming to the Europe this autumn, cash starts begging for another c...

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:54 AM PDT

V.me by Visa coming to the Europe this autumn, cash starts begging for another chance


V.me by Visa coming to the Europe this autumn, cash starts begging for another chance
Visa Europe is muscling in on the European mobile payments game with V.me. The online service will allow you to store cards from different agencies (including American Express) for payments online and at NFC-enabled cash registers. It is expected to arrive in the UK, Spain and France in the Autumn, but it'll sadly be too late for it to gain any traction, since we'll have worked out how to glue PayTag stickers to our forehead by then.Continue reading V.me by Visa coming to the Europe this autumn, cash starts begging for another chanceV.me by Visa coming to the Europe this autumn, cash starts begging for another chance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Pocket-lint | | Email this | Comments

Rovio: Angry Birds Space Downloaded 50 Million Times In 35 Days

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:16 AM PDT

Rovio: Angry Birds Space Downloaded 50 Million Times In 35 Days


Rovio: Angry Birds Space Downloaded 50 Million Times In 35 Days
Rovio to Houston. The Mighty Eagle as landed. Big time. Rovio just took to Twitter to announce that its latest Angry Birds installment, Angry Birds Space, was downloaded 50 million times in 35 days. As the company brags, that makes Angry Birds Space the fastest growing mobile game in history. People clearly cannot get enough of flinging upset birds at moderately evil (or perhaps, misunderstood) pigs.

Logitech introduces spill resistant keyboards for the feds, prevents Bauer flip-out

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 08:16 AM PDT

Logitech introduces spill resistant keyboards for the feds, prevents Bauer flip-out


Logitech introduces spill resistant keyboards for the feds, prevents Bauer flip-out
Logitech might be in the midst of a corporate revolution, but it still has time to produce peripherals just for the G-men (and women). The Swiss company has produced a keyboard and mouse that satisfy all TAA guidelines and, most importantly, answered "no" when asked if they are, or were ever a member of the communist party. The pairing can be picked up by federal IT buyers for $35 and are fully "spill resistant," so we can't blame the forthcoming robopocalypse on a wayward cup of coffee.Continue reading Logitech introduces spill resistant keyboards for the feds, prevents Bauer flip-outLogitech introduces spill resistant keyboards for the feds, prevents Bauer flip-out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Toyota looking for high-volume Prius assembly in U.S. by 2015

Posted: 30 Apr 2012 07:39 AM PDT

Toyota looking for high-volume Prius assembly in U.S. by 2015


Toyota looking for high-volume Prius assembly in U.S. by 2015
Filed under: Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Toyota Rumors that Toyota would some day build the Prius in the U.S. have bounced around for years, with a location in Mississippi often being cited as the most likely candidate. After that plan was officially scrapped in 2008, a new version of the same story returned in 2010 when a Toyota executive vice president said Mississippi Prius production could start up in 2016. Given the on-again, off-again history of the story we weren't surprised when not much was officially said about the matter in the last two years. That changed today. Koei Saga, senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain R&D at Toyota, told Automotive News that Toyota is now thinking of making the Prius in the U.S. by 2015 and wants to get hybrid drivetrain components - motors, inverters, batteries (likely lithium-ion packs, Saga said) - from North American suppliers. The base fourth-gen Prius will probably still use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but the batteries made in the U.S. might be li-ion. A 2015 timetable means it is likely that America would make the fourth-gen Prius model, which is due around that time. The reason this story keeps coming back is because it makes sense to build the Prius in the U.S. Sales are strong here and expected to grow, so extra production somewhere is needed to meet demand. Plus, a strong yen means that Prius vehicles built in America would likely come at a lower cost to Toyota. Toyota currently makes the Camry hybrid in the U.S. at its plant in Georgetown, KY. The question of whether the U.S. Prius would be made there, at Toyota's Mississippi plant, at Tesla's plant in Fremont, CA (formerly known as NUMMI) - where rumors about Toyota and the electric car automaker building electric cars like the RAV4 EV have also floated around in the past - or somewhere else completely will need to be answered at another time.Toyota looking for high-volume Prius assembly in U.S. by 2015 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments