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Saturday, May 5, 2012

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Sprint CEO takes pay cut as investors voice concern about cost of iPhone deal

Posted: 05 May 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Sprint CEO takes pay cut as investors voice concern about cost of iPhone deal


Sprint CEO takes pay cut as investors voice concern about cost of iPhone deal
Sprint Nextel's $15.5 billion gamble on Apple's iPhone will apparently lighten CEO Dan Hesse's proverbial wallet by $3.25 million this year. That's how much compensation Hesse agreed to give back to help placate investors unhappy about the high cost of the company's iPhone deal. Securing the iPhone has already paid dividends for Sprint in terms of sales. The company sold 1.5 million iPhones in the first quarter while posting a net subscriber growth of 263,000. That didn't stop Sprint from posting an $863 million net loss during the same period, however, causing some investors to grumble about the cost of subsidizing Apple's phone. The subsidy Sprint pays for each iPhone is 40 percent higher -- about $200 -- than what the company pays for other competing devices. Don't feel too bad for Hesse, though. Apparently, the financial gesture basically brings back his "compensation target opportunities" to 2010 levels.Sprint CEO takes pay cut as investors voice concern about cost of iPhone deal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Reuters | Email this | Comments

Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro pose for the camera

Posted: 05 May 2012 01:33 PM PDT

Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro pose for the camera


Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro pose for the camera
Filed under: Hybrid, Audi, Toyota, Racing While the Toyota TS030 Hybrid won't be participating in this weekend's FIA World Endurance Championship race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium due to a crash in pre-season testing last month, that didn't stop the automaker from bringing the new endurance racer as a preview for what's to come for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. The TS030 even made time for a quick photoshoot at the infamous Masta Kink alongside the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro, which happens to be making its race debut this weekend. While both the Audi and Toyota employ hybrid powertrains, a first for endurance prototypes, each go about it in very different ways. The TS030 makes use of a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 while the R18 e-tron Quattro uses a turbocharged diesel V6. Audi's hybrid system powers the front wheels, hence the Quattro name, while Toyota has yet to announce whether it's system will drive the front or rear wheels. The closed cockpit racers make for quite an attractive couple, and we hope it's a pairing that will form a lasting rivalry in the coming years.Toyota TS030 and Audi R18 e-tron Quattro pose for the camera originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 05 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)

Posted: 05 May 2012 01:33 PM PDT

32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)


32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)
If you enjoyed all those not-at-all tiresome "May the 4th be with you" tweets yesterday, then this is likely right up your equatorial trench. Wicked Lasers, makers of the eye-meltingly powerful S3 Krypton laser has developed a $100 attachment for the same that will bring a few not-so-little boys' dreams true. The ahem LaserSaber add-on takes the pin-sharp beam of light from the company's S3 range of lasers, and sends it down a 32" polycarbonate "blade". A so called magnetic gravity system imitates the powering-up and down of those other famous sabers, but they stopped at adding sound effects. Bear in mind, you're still dealing with imperial levels of light here, so dueling is most definitely not recommended, but if you want the nearest thing to the real deal, remember, May the 5th we told you.Continue reading 32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video)32-inch 'LaserSaber' lights up your Star Wars dreams, burns the curtains (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | Wicked Lasers | Email this | Comments

FBI reportedly pressing for backdoor access to Facebook, Google

Posted: 05 May 2012 11:55 AM PDT

FBI reportedly pressing for backdoor access to Facebook, Google


FBI reportedly pressing for backdoor access to Facebook, Google
Investigators at the FBI supposedly aren't happy that social networks like Facebook or Google+ don't have the same kind of facility for wiretaps that phones have had for decades. If claimed industry contacts for CNET are right, senior staff at the bureau have floated a proposed amendment to the 1994-era Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) that would require that communication-based websites with large user bases include a backdoor for federal agents to snoop on suspects. It would still include the same requirement for a court order as for phone calls, even if US carriers currently enjoy immunity for cooperating with any warrantless wiretapping. As might be expected, technology firms and civil liberties advocates like the Electronic Frontier Foundation object to deepening CALEA's reach any further, and Apple is thought to be preemptively lobbying against another definition of the law that might require a government back channel for audiovisual chat services like FaceTime or Skype. The FBI didn't explicitly confirm the proposal when asked, but it did say it was worried it might be "going dark" and couldn't enforce wiretaps. [Image credit: David Drexler, Flickr]FBI reportedly pressing for backdoor access to Facebook, Google originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 14:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | CNET | Email this | Comments

Nokia PureView 808 pops up at the FCC, has innards splayed across the internet

Posted: 05 May 2012 10:16 AM PDT

Nokia PureView 808 pops up at the FCC, has innards splayed across the internet


Nokia PureView 808 pops up at the FCC, has innards splayed across the internet
'Twas only a matter of time, we suppose, before Uncle Sam got his mitts on Nokia's mobile imaging monster, the 808 Pureview, and that time is now. The folks at the FCC got a real good look at the Symbian handset sporting a 41-megapixel shooter, and have torn it asunder to ensure it's safe for human use. Before you go thinking that this visit to the FCC means that the 808's coming to American carriers, recall that Nokia's already nixed that idea. That said, if you're like us, that won't deter you from wanting to check out the drool-inducing pics of its innards in our gallery below. And, naturally, there's all the electromagnetic measurements you can handle at the source link.Gallery: Nokia 808 PureView FCC picturesNokia PureView 808 pops up at the FCC, has innards splayed across the internet originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 12:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

HTC Won’t Hook Up One X Owners With Bootloader Unlock

Posted: 05 May 2012 09:26 AM PDT

HTC Won't Hook Up One X Owners With Bootloader Unlock


HTC Won't Hook Up One X Owners With Bootloader Unlock
HTC won over some hearts a while back when it released its bootloader unlock tool for a good number of devices. It basically allows owners of Android phones to load custom ROMs onto their phones in exchange for any warranty rights they may have been enjoying. It's a fair trade considering a solid percentage of Android power users prefer Android based mostly on the fact that they have this option, but without solid hardware the ability to load different versions of Androids becomes less and less appealing. And so is the case with the HTC One X. It's an excellent handset, and possibly the best HTC has ever made. But unfortunately, the company won't be offering the bootloader unlock tool for this particular handset.

HBO Go and Max Go get Android 4.0 phone support, skip tablets for now

Posted: 05 May 2012 08:35 AM PDT

HBO Go and Max Go get Android 4.0 phone support, skip tablets for now


HBO Go and Max Go get Android 4.0 phone support, skip tablets for now
Those with Android 4.0 phones like the HTC One X have been left out of watching HBO Go and Max Go on the road so far. New updates to the respective mobile apps take care of that: either premium channel will now stream directly to a phone running Google's latest OS (assuming you're subscribed to pay-TV, that is). Speed-ups and bug fixes are in the upgrades, too. Oddly, Android 4.0 tablets have yet to make the leap, ruling out your Transformer Pad TF300 for catching up on episodes of True Blood.HBO Go and Max Go get Android 4.0 phone support, skip tablets for now originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 11:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Central | HBO Go (Google Play), Max Go (Google Play) | Email this | Comments

Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it

Posted: 05 May 2012 07:45 AM PDT

Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it


Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it
If you have to issue an explanation to follow up an explanation, then it's pretty safe to say the first one wasn't clear enough, and it's under those circumstances that Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky and the Windows 8 team are returning to the subject of Media Center and DVD movie support. After addressing both a few days ago, the internet backlash was (predictably) quick to finding out that Media Center would be available only as an upgrade to the Pro version of the OS, and that without it Windows wouldn't natively play DVDs. What many may not know however, and the new FAQ points out, is that this is not an entirely new thing -- Windows XP did not have support outside of specialized editions or add-ons, several versions of Vista did not play DVDs and on Windows 7 the Basic and Starter editions lacked the add-on. Of course, for most users this doesn't matter in the least since brand new PCs tend to ship with third party software to play DVDs (or Blu-ray movies where applicable, which no version of Windows has or will natively support). Answering the question we had of what this means for users upgrading their own computers, they'll either need to see if they have existing third party software to play DVDs that is compatible with Windows 8, or acquire Media Center post-upgrade.Continue reading Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss itMicrosoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 10:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Building Windows 8 Blog | Email this | Comments

Fisker Karma will enter inaugural Bodensee-Elektrik Rallye in the Alps

Posted: 05 May 2012 06:03 AM PDT

Fisker Karma will enter inaugural Bodensee-Elektrik Rallye in the Alps


Fisker Karma will enter inaugural Bodensee-Elektrik Rallye in the Alps
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU, USA, Fisker Financial concerns are one thing. No one ever said a Fisker Karma wouldn't look stunning cruising through the Swiss Alps. Thus, it's good to know that the California-based extended-range plug-in vehicle maker will have the chance to show off its Karma luxury sedan across the pond in the first-ever Bodensee-Elektrik Rallye, which runs through this weekend. The race goes through Switzerland, Germany and Austria and will subject the Karma to "hundreds of kilometers in a true test of both economy and endurance," Fisker says. The automaker estimates that the Karma can go about 50 miles in electric-only mode (EPA says 32) and about 300 miles when using up a fully-charged battery and a full tank of, uh, petrol. Fisker also added that Karma sales in Europe are "continuing at pace" and that the sedan "is becoming a more frequent site [sic] on the road," but the company did not disclose sales specifics. Fisker is trying to raise more cash for production of the Karma as well as for its upcoming Atlantic model after the U.S. Department of Energy froze most of the $529 million in loans earmarked for the company because of production delays.Continue reading Fisker Karma will enter inaugural Bodensee-Elektrik Rallye in the AlpsFisker Karma will enter inaugural Bodensee-Elektrik Rallye in the Alps originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 05 May 2012 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper...

Posted: 05 May 2012 06:03 AM PDT

Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper iOS support


Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper iOS support
Adobe's famous desktop browser plugin may be looking forward to a 2013 overhaul, but that doesn't mean it isn't out to improve itself in the here and now. Flash Player's 11.3 beta, for instance, rolls in low latency audio support through NetStream, designed specifically to cut back audio lag in cloud gaming. The beta also introduces support for complete keyboard control when in full-screen mode, background Flash updating on Macs, and a Protected Mode for Firefox that keeps rogue Flash files from compromising Windows PCs using Vista or later. The AIR 3.3 beta, on the other hand, smooths the runtime's iOS experience, allowing compiled apps to run in the background more like their natively-compiled siblings. It's also friendlier to developers, with new USB debugging and simulator support that now doesn't require a physical device. Android 4.0 users aren't entirely left out, getting stylus support for AIR apps on their platform. Adobe hasn't said when the finished versions of Flash 11.3 and AIR 3.3 will reach its servers, but if you're willing to live life on the bleeding edge, you can find the download links below.Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper iOS support originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 08:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Flash 11.3 beta, AIR 3.3 beta | Email this | Comments

New metal mix could lead to cheap, plentiful sodium-ion batteries in gadgets

Posted: 05 May 2012 03:29 AM PDT

New metal mix could lead to cheap, plentiful sodium-ion batteries in gadgets


New metal mix could lead to cheap, plentiful sodium-ion batteries in gadgets
Lithium batteries very frequently power our gadgets, but the material itself isn't common and, by extension, isn't cheap. Researchers at the Tokyo University of Science aim to solve that through sodium-ion batteries using a new electrode material. By mixing together oxides of iron, manganese and sodium, Shinichi Komaba and team have managed to get a sodium battery's electrode holding a charge closer to that of a lithium-ion battery while using a much more abundant material. Having just 30 total charges means this simplest form of sodium-ion battery technology could be years away from finding a home in your next smartphone or EV, although it's not the only option. Argonne National Laboratory's Chris Johnson has co-developed a more exotic vanadium pentoxide electrode that could produce 200 charges while keeping the battery itself made out of an ingredient you more often find in your table salt than your mobile gear. [Image credit: Hi-Res Images of Chemical Elements]New metal mix could lead to cheap, plentiful sodium-ion batteries in gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 06:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Ars Technica | Nature, ACS Nano | Email this | Comments

XCOR Lynx propulsion tech tests well on motorcycle, suborbital trip still pricey

Posted: 05 May 2012 12:57 AM PDT

XCOR Lynx propulsion tech tests well on motorcycle, suborbital trip still pricey


XCOR Lynx propulsion tech tests well on motorcycle, suborbital trip still pricey
Before parting with $95,000 to secure a spot on the Lynx suborbital flight, you'd want to make sure the spacecraft was safe, right? XCOR doesn't blame you: it recently tested out its piston pump technology on a Triumph Street Triple motorcycle with great results. Sure, it's not the same as flying to the edge of space, but the Triumph has the same cylinder arrangement as the Lynx's liquid oxygen and kerosene fuel pumps and develops a similar amount of horsepower. It's also loads cheaper than testing in the laboratory. The bike took a 20-hour drive (the equivalent of 400 Lynx flights, according to XCOR) along Route 66 without the piston pump suffering any wear and tear. So if propulsion-related safety concerns -- and not the depth of your wallet -- were holding you back from nabbing a seat on the Lynx, you might feel a tad more inclined to whip out the plastic now. Head past the break for the full PR, plus a video of the piston-pumped Triumph in action.Continue reading XCOR Lynx propulsion tech tests well on motorcycle, suborbital trip still priceyXCOR Lynx propulsion tech tests well on motorcycle, suborbital trip still pricey originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 03:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | | Email this | Comments

Adobe issues security update for Flash player, warns against IE exploit

Posted: 04 May 2012 10:28 PM PDT

Adobe issues security update for Flash player, warns against IE exploit


Adobe issues security update for Flash player, warns against IE exploit
Internet Explorer associated with an exploit? Color us shocked. Facetiousness aside, it's seriously about time you switched over to Chrome or Firefox (as a mitigation tool; not a foolproof solution), and if you're a desktop user relying on Flash Player, well... it's about time you updated that, too. Adobe has just released a security update for Flash Player 11.2.202.233 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh and Linux, Adobe Flash Player 11.1.115.7 and earlier versions for Android 4.x, and Adobe Flash Player 11.1.111.8 and earlier versions for Android 3.x and 2.x. We're told that these updates "address an object confusion vulnerability (CVE-2012-0779) that could cause the application to crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system." Adobe specifically mentions an exploit that targets Flash Player on Internet Explorer for Windows, where a user is duped into clicking on a malicious file delivered in an email message. Hit up the source link for more information on getting your system out of The Danger Zone. Which, conveniently, can be looped as you update with a click after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Adobe issues security update for Flash player, warns against IE exploitAdobe issues security update for Flash player, warns against IE exploit originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 00:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Adobe | Email this | Comments

Nokia Drive, Transport features revealed, not yet heading to a Lumia near you

Posted: 04 May 2012 08:49 PM PDT

Nokia Drive, Transport features revealed, not yet heading to a Lumia near you


Nokia Drive, Transport features revealed, not yet heading to a Lumia near you
Did you think the addition of offline maps was the end of the update road for Nokia Drive? That's simply not so. After previewing the planned 3.0 refresh for us at Mobile World Congress, it appears Espoo's drawing closer to a finalized version of the Windows Phone app, bringing with it the ability to learn driving habits, display real-time movement and traffic on the homescreen live tile, as well as allowing users to manually adjust routes. The Finnish company's Transport app will also be seeing a bump up to version 2.0, letting users see nearby transit options based on their location, transfers and scheduling for 87 countries, amongst other features. There's no word on precisely when Lumia owners can expect to see this one-two navigation punch hit their handsets, but we're guessing sooner rather than later.Nokia Drive, Transport features revealed, not yet heading to a Lumia near you originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 23:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink WMPoweruser | WP7forum (Translated) | Email this | Comments

BMW, Daimler partner on ultra-light Visio.M city EV

Posted: 04 May 2012 08:00 PM PDT

BMW, Daimler partner on ultra-light Visio.M city EV


BMW, Daimler partner on ultra-light Visio.M city EV
If you like the idea of German electric vehicles like the BMW i3 and i8, but you're worried they may be more than you really need when they arrive next year, you'll be glad to know that a more to-the-point EV auf Deutsch is on the way. Along with Munich's Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), BMW, Daimler and 14 others are jointly developing the Visio.M urban runabout. While it should only muster the equivalent of 20 horsepower, it should be about 45 percent lighter than a Smart Fortwo -- important when you want to use a small battery to keep the cost down. The project is also tackling safety and other chronic problems with tiny electric cars. TUM's MUTE prototype (pictured here) is serving as the testbed for the technology being rolled into the Visio.M, although the €10.8 million ($14.2 million) in funding from Germany's Federal Ministry for Education and Research is expected to produce something more original when the EV project reaches its eventual close.Continue reading BMW, Daimler partner on ultra-light Visio.M city EVBMW, Daimler partner on ultra-light Visio.M city EV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 22:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog | | Email this | Comments

First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates...

Posted: 04 May 2012 06:22 PM PDT

First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates next move


First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates next move
It's been two years since we last heard of the 98-foot-long solar-powered boat, which at the time was gearing up for its big journey around the world. Well, some 19 months and 37,286 miles after setting sail from Monaco, the MS Turanor PlanetSolar has finally made it home. The PlanetSolar broke four Guinness world records along the way, including the all-important "first circumnavigation by solar-powered boat," and it made stops on six continents to promote solar energy. Oh, and the team fended off Somalian pirates in the process, too. Now that it has a moment to catch its breath and soak up some rays at leisure, the MS Turanor could become any number of things -- from the world's largest solar battery to a "green luxury yacht." The latter option would certainly befit its chichi home port.First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates next move originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 20:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

These electric vehicles aren't really, real; just California compliance EVs

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:29 PM PDT

These electric vehicles aren't really, real; just California compliance EVs


These electric vehicles aren't really, real; just California compliance EVs
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, North America, USA California may be the Golden State, but when it comes to the upcoming debuts of a number of battery-electric vehicles, prospective buyers may want to associate the most populous U.S. state with the color red. As in herring. That's the conclusion of Green Car Reports in its evaluation of a number of EVs set to launch within the next year or two. With automakers like Toyota, General Motors and Ford obligated to meet certain zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) quotas for California, those companies are making EV versions of the RAV4, Chevrolet Spark, Focus (respectively) almost purely for the purpose of meeting the quotas - not for any widespread U.S. sales. Honda and Chrysler are also making what GCR termed "compliance cars" with the Fit and the Fiat 500 Elettrica. All of those models are strictly for show, the publication says, because they're either going to be lease-only models, won't be available much outside of the "California emissions" states, will be produced in extremely low volumes or have so few details released about them from the automakers that a true national roll-out is unlikely. Of course, if a bunch of other states follow California's emissions rules lead, this all could change. Earlier this year, we learned that as many as 10 other states may adopt zero-emissions vehicles quotas similar to California's. Also, California recently finalized a requirement for more than 15 percent of the new cars to be ZEVs by the 2025 model year, which would mean that about 270,000 ZEVs would have to be sold in California each year. Still, we like that GCR named names, and you can get all the details and reasoning here.These electric vehicles aren't really, real; just California compliance EVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer

Posted: 04 May 2012 05:29 PM PDT

Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer


Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer
It wasn't that long ago that Dish Network was proudly offering AMC HD to its customers (especially since DirecTV didn't, which has since been rectified) but now the company is willing to let the network's contract expire this summer, taking new episodes of Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead away from subscribers. The source of the sudden animosity, according to a press release from AMC, is continuing litigation between it and Dish Network over dropping the Voom HD channels back in 2008, leading to them going dark soon after. The LA Times reports Dish Network claims the denial of its appeal on a decision in the case has nothing to do with its sudden change of heart is solely about AMC's high renewal cost for a relatively low viewership. Whatever you believe, the sniping and threats will likely continue right up until the contract runs out June 30th, which is at least long enough for this season of Mad Men to finish on its own.Continue reading Dish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summerDish Network, AMC dispute could see the network's channels dropped this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | AMC Networks, The Hollywood Reporter | Email this | Comments

Dundee student designs Passive Play toy cube to stimulate parents interaction wi...

Posted: 04 May 2012 04:36 PM PDT

Dundee student designs Passive Play toy cube to stimulate parents interaction with autistic children


Dundee student designs Passive Play toy cube to stimulate parents interaction with autistic children
A University of Dundee scholar has been working on a wonderful tool that aims to evoke the emotional connection between autistic children and their parents. While we've seen novelties like the My Keepon in the past, any addition to the cause is always a pleasant one, and the Passive Play's no exception. The concept comes in the form of an interactive toy cube for the kid (pictured above), which pairs up with an iOS app and allows the parent to see any interaction the little one is having with the device. Passive Play's creator, Tom Kirkman, says his inspiration comes from "wanting to learn more about autism," and in case you happen to be in the UK, he'll be showing off the project at Dundee University later this month. For all those details, be sure to give the PR below a quick read.Continue reading Dundee student designs Passive Play toy cube to stimulate parents interaction with autistic childrenDundee student designs Passive Play toy cube to stimulate parents interaction with autistic children originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

BMW recalling 24,000 vehicles over emissions problem

Posted: 04 May 2012 03:46 PM PDT

BMW recalling 24,000 vehicles over emissions problem


BMW recalling 24,000 vehicles over emissions problem
Filed under: Diesel, BMWBMW wants to take another look at over 24,000 diesel vehicles it's sold in the U.S. No, this isn't just to check out how they're holding up in the real world, it's to make sure the smoke coming out of the tailpipe is clean enough. BMW is recalling a total of 24,340 vehicles from the 2009-2011 model years - roughly 2,740 2011 or 2012 X5 xDrive 50i and X6 xDrive 50i vehicles as well as 21,600 3-series diesels - because some parts of the emissions system (the DEF mixer, EGR valve and SCR catalyst) can incorrectly calculate the vehicle mileage. This can cause too many emissions to come out of the tailpipe, according to the California emission control rules. The recall will start May 9. Drivers should be on the lookout for letters after that date, a spokesman told Automotive News. Just two months ago, BMW had to recall 1.3 million 5 Series and 6 Series vehicles from the 2003 to 2010 model years, 368,000 of them in the U.S.BMW recalling 24,000 vehicles over emissions problem originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

ChoicePass Launches Android App: Think Yelp App For Corporate Perks

Posted: 04 May 2012 03:46 PM PDT

ChoicePass Launches Android App: Think Yelp App For Corporate Perks


ChoicePass Launches Android App: Think Yelp App For Corporate Perks
ChoicePass is bringing its corporate perk management platform to smartphones starting today, with the launch of its Android app. Co-founder Kyle Hui says his goal is to "make HR sexy again." Specifically that means helping small companies participate in perks programs that they couldn't afford on their own, while moving larger companies' perks into the cloud, freeing them from corporate intranet pages that no one knows about or uses. It's a similar in a lot of ways to what BetterWorks is trying to accomplish, but Hui says that since BetterWorks doesn't have mobile apps (yet), this is a big differentiator.

Microsoft reminds users of Windows Mobile Marketplace's imminent demise

Posted: 04 May 2012 03:46 PM PDT

Microsoft reminds users of Windows Mobile Marketplace's imminent demise


Microsoft reminds users of Windows Mobile Marketplace's imminent demise
It truly is the end of an era. In just under two weeks, Microsoft will follow through with its plan to shutter the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace for good. In a cautionary email, Redmond asked that those still using a WM device "install any available updates in advance of the [...] shut-down," scheduled for May 17th. Not all hope is lost for the antiquated mobile operating system, though, as the announcement reminds technology holdouts that application updates can be acquired directly from developers (good luck with that). If you're out on the town this evening having a few drinks with friends, remember to pour one out for Windows Mobile, a true OG smartphone operating system.Microsoft reminds users of Windows Mobile Marketplace's imminent demise originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 17:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | PPCGeeks | Email this | Comments