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Thursday, May 10, 2012

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EPA waives gas pump vapor recovery rules

Posted: 10 May 2012 02:55 PM PDT

EPA waives gas pump vapor recovery rules


EPA waives gas pump vapor recovery rules
Filed under: Legislation and Policy, USA In a move sure to please urban-area gas station owners, the EPA has issued a waiver to its 1994 rule requiring gas pump vapor recovery systems. The devices were required in mostly urban areas to reduce smog-causing vapors from being released into the air during the refueling of vehicles. With more than 70 percent of vehicles on the road already having a vapor recovery device, the EPA says the pump system is redundant. The agency says waiving the requirement will save the nation's gas station owners an estimated $91 million a year. Since 2006, all new vehicles have been required to have onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) capabilities. While a vehicle is being refueled, the ORVR captures hazardous fumes that can worsen smog and impact public health. The EPA website doesn't say specifically when this waiver goes into effect, just that it's "later this year."EPA waives gas pump vapor recovery rules originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPhone was Japan's best-selling smartphone in 2011, Android more than comfy as well

Posted: 10 May 2012 02:55 PM PDT

iPhone was Japan's best-selling smartphone in 2011, Android more than comfy as well


iPhone was Japan's best-selling smartphone in 2011, Android more than comfy as well
It's deemed likely that Apple had the top-selling cellphone in Japan this past fall, but how did it do in all of 2011? Quite well, if you go by MMRI's estimates. The iPhone had 30 percent (almost 7.3 million) of the Land of the Rising Sun's 24.2 million sales among individual smartphone labels, or nearly double Sharp's 17.5 percent. Don't think that Android-powered smartphones like the Aquos SH-12C didn't make an impact, though: virtually every other smartphone in Japan, 69 percent, was running some flavor of Google's mobile OS. Apple managed to shake up a sometimes insular overall keitai market as well, having come just short of Fujitsu for the top spot in all cellphones. Researchers are expecting the smartphone space in Japan to grow by a healthy 15 percent in 2012, although it's still a wildcard as to whether or not KDDI's iPhone support will keep Apple riding high for another year.iPhone was Japan's best-selling smartphone in 2011, Android more than comfy as well originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MacOtakara | MMRI (translated) | Email this | Comments

Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th...

Posted: 10 May 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th...


Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th...
...just in time for photos of Snooki's kid to be whisked around the world at 4G speeds. (P.S. - Northern Vermont, Long Island, Cape Cod, Delaware beach communities and the gorgeous Outer Banks of North Carolina are going live soon as well, sans drama.) [Photo credit: Craig Barritt, Getty Images]Continue reading Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th...Jersey Shore getting Verizon LTE on May 17th... originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

The Sexiest Cars of All Time

Posted: 10 May 2012 02:54 PM PDT

The Sexiest Cars of All Time


The Sexiest Cars of All Time
Sure to get your heart racing and your blood boiling.

Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2

Posted: 10 May 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2


Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2
Leica has built a name for itself in the compact market over the years with a handful of Panasonic rebrands -- these Lumix models come equipped with a matte black housing, Leica lens and that famous red dot, with the inflated price tag to match. With this latest batch of cameras, the company appears to be taking a more respectable approach -- at least with its high-end X2. But first, let's tackle the V-Lux 40. On the Panasonic front, this camera looks strikingly similar to the Lumix DMC-ZS20 we saw emerge after CES. Both cameras include 14.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensors, a 20x, 24-480mm f/3.3-6.4 optical zoom lens and 1080p video capture. The housing has been modified slightly to include a recessed control panel, Panasonic branding has been removed and the Leica logo added. Such luxuries more than double the camera's price from $269 to $699. Ouch. You can pick up the V-Lux 40 beginning today, or you can grab two virtually identical ZS20s for the same amount, with significant cash to spare. You may remember the Leica X1, but you probably don't. This $2,000 shooter was determined to be overpriced when it launched way back in 2009, and now the APS-C-equipped series has returned for a refresh. Dubbed the X2, this year's flavor ups the ante with a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (boosted from 12.2) while retaining that beloved $2k sticker price. The compact all-in-one includes a fixed 24mm Leica Elmarit f/2.8 ASPH lens, which the company validates as a "classical focal length for photojournalism," and a 2.7-inch 230k-pixel LCD on the rear. There's also an option to add a Viso-Flex 1.4MP viewfinder with a 90-degree swivel function, along with a shoe-mounted mirror finder. The $1,995 camera's price tag may be tough to swallow -- but only until you discover the gratis copy of Adobe Lightroom in the box. Both the ZS20 V-Lux 40 and X2 are available now. Snap past the break for the pitch from Leica.Gallery: Leica V-Lux 40 Gallery: Leica X2Continue reading Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2Leica boosts compact portfolio with V-Lux 40 point-and-shoot, APS-C-equipped X2 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 17:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

The Sexiest Cars of All Time

Posted: 10 May 2012 02:21 PM PDT

The Sexiest Cars of All Time


The Sexiest Cars of All Time
Sure to get your heart racing and your blood boiling.

The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:43 PM PDT

The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!


The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!
Tim's back in town -- the studio, on the other hand, is a different story. We'll be broadcasting from...somewhere this week. Find out at 5PM ET!Continue reading The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Dark horse set to ride into space race, strapped to world's largest rocket booster

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:43 PM PDT

Dark horse set to ride into space race, strapped to world's largest rocket booster


Dark horse set to ride into space race, strapped to world's largest rocket booster
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) may not be on top of your betting card, but it has plenty of shuttle motor pedigree. To compete with the likes of SpaceX, Astrium and others, it's putting that technical savvy into its Liberty system to carry seven astronauts -- or tourists -- and cargo into low earth orbit. The huge 300-foot rocket and composite crew module would use ATK's solid rocket motor, originally designed for the ill-fated Ares 1, along with EAD's Ariane 5 engine, to become the heaviest lifter in NASA's fleet. Already knee-deep in a separate project, the Space Launch System designed to send Orion into deep space, ATK would like to wean NASA off it's pricy $63 million Russian ISS hitchhikes with a cheaper option that could be mission-ready in just three years. We've heard that kind of talk before, but if Liberty pulls it off, it could give our out-world aspirations a much needed ticket to ride.Dark horse set to ride into space race, strapped to world's largest rocket booster originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Space.com | Email this | Comments

EVS: How Enron's 2001 mess leads to more plug-in vehicle chargers from NRG Energ...

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

EVS: How Enron's 2001 mess leads to more plug-in vehicle chargers from NRG Energy today


EVS: How Enron's 2001 mess leads to more plug-in vehicle chargers from NRG Energy today
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, EVS Turns out, the Enron scandal will end up benefiting electric cars. At EVS26 in Los Angeles this week, we caught up with Arun Banskota, the president of electric vehicle services for NRG Energy, and he filled us in on some of the plug-in vehicle projects that NRG is working on. Last fall, NRG launched the first commercial-scale V2G project in Delaware and has also been installing "Freedom Stations" - EV charge stations that have a DC fast charger and a Level 2 charger - in Texas. The stated plan was to have 120 installed there by the end of 2012. Banskota said that plan is still in effect, but will take longer than originally predicted. NRG launched the Freedom Station plans in Houston in November, 2010 and Dallas in April, 2011. Currently, there are 11 Freedom stations in operation Houston in front of places like Walgreens, HEB grocery stores, Whole Foods and Cracker Barrels and five are in operation in Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Several more are about to be installed in both areas. NRG has committed to installing 50 of these stations in Houston, 70 in DFW. To put this into context, the first UL-certified DC fast charger became availalbe in the U.S. in September, 2011, so we're still in the early stages of the game. "First, we had a very expidited schedule, but now, as we talk with our consumers, I think once we get a core - probably around 25 in Houston and maybe 30-35 in Dallas-Fort Worth - we're going to be much more strategic in terms of where, exactly, we place them as EV adoption grows," Banskota told AutoblogGreen. "Our target is to have at least 25 in Houston by the end of this year and probably around the same number in Dallas-Fort Worth by the end of this year and I'm guessing we get to 50 by the end of 2013 in Houston and 70 in Dallas-Fort Worth by the middle of 2014." Banskota added that, "Not very loudly, but we've also committed to the Washington and Baltimore market and California will be next for us" (that's the Enron tie, as described below). How much do these Freedom Stations get used? Some are visited by electron-hungry vehicles six or seven times a day, some just once every other day. NRG recognizes that most charging takes place at home, but that the public chargers have an effect even when they're not being used. "Seeing them gives [EV drivers] a certain comfort level, that they can drive their EVs even when they may not need to get a charge," Banskota said.Continue reading EVS: How Enron's 2001 mess leads to more plug-in vehicle chargers from NRG Energy todayEVS: How Enron's 2001 mess leads to more plug-in vehicle chargers from NRG Energy today originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Leica M Monochrom captures exclusively in black and white, costs far more than y...

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

Leica M Monochrom captures exclusively in black and white, costs far more than your color-abled shooter


Leica M Monochrom captures exclusively in black and white, costs far more than your color-abled shooter
Wildly colorful photos got you down? There's an 18-megapixel full-frame sensor for that. The Leica M Monochom may seem an unlikely proposition, with its monochrome-only sensor and $8,000 price tag (not to mention the added financial burden that comes along with investing in a Leica M-mount), but the camera offers some unique benefits that, for some, may justify the cost. Because the sensor is capable of outputting one pixel of data for each pixel captured -- there's no hint of color mucking about -- the resulting images are incredibly sharp. There are low-light benefits as well, with the Monochrom offering a top ISO setting of 10,000, compared to 2500 with the aging M9. Other features include a 2.5-inch 230k-dot color LCD, a rangefinder-type optical viewfinder and a 14-bit uncompressed RAW mode that yields 36MB DNGs. The camera itself offers an appearance consistent with other Leica snappers, and includes a magnesium alloy construction with hints of brass and chrome. Naturally, there's no video features to speak of, so no 1080p black-and-white shoots for you. We do have pricing and availability, however, though we don't exactly have the funds to match. The body-only M Monochrom is expected to retail for $7,970 when it hits stores (beginning with Leica's Washington DC showroom) in July. A new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH prime lens will be available around the same time, for the modest sum of $7,195. There's a full PR just past the break.Gallery: Leica M MonochromContinue reading Leica M Monochrom captures exclusively in black and white, costs far more than your color-abled shooterLeica M Monochrom captures exclusively in black and white, costs far more than your color-abled shooter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cor...

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required


HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required
Now, we don't normally cover this sort of networking equipment, but we were quite impressed by HP's new t410 All-in-One Smart Zero Client after we spoke to its proud product manager Walt Jurek. First of all, this isn't an AIO desktop PC, nor is it an LCD monitor -- well, if you're unfamiliar with thin clients, just think of this as an 18.5-inch, 1,366 x 768 LED-backlit monitor (featuring a 3M technology for the 200 nit brightness -- our money's on the Uniformity Tape) that uses just one Ethernet cable to get both its 13W power from a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, as well as data connection over Citrix, Microsoft or VMWare protocol. The t410 can automatically detect the virtualization environment and then reprogram its digital signal processor when needed, meaning less manual work for the admin (in theory, anyway). More after the break. Gallery: HP t410 All-in-One Smart Zero ClientContinue reading HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord requiredHP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Rumored FTC probe could delay Facebook / Instagram deal, Toaster filter will hav...

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

Rumored FTC probe could delay Facebook / Instagram deal, Toaster filter will have to wait


Rumored FTC probe could delay Facebook / Instagram deal, Toaster filter will have to wait
If you were hoping that Facebook's buyout of Instagram would wrap up quickly and let you directly integrate your heavily filtered photos into Timeline, you might be disappointed. Citing the ever-present "people familiar with the matter," the FT believes the Federal Trade Commission is orchestrating a competition probe. These kinds of investigations are common for most deals over $66 million -- we suspect the $1 billion Instagram pact qualifies -- but could add six months to a year to Facebook's originally planned spring closure date. The deal is still expected to go through, and you can keep tilt-shifting your photos to death in the meantime; just don't expect those shots to blanket friends' Facebook walls anytime soon.Rumored FTC probe could delay Facebook / Instagram deal, Toaster filter will have to wait originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FT (registration required) | Email this | Comments

BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar


BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Solar, BMW Think of them as hippies in yuppie clothing. That's the idea behind the deal BMW and solar-panel system installer Real Goods Solar is offering drivers of the German automaker's battery-electric ActiveE vehicles. BMW is working with the Louisville, CO-based solar-panel system installer to give lessees of BMW's battery-electric ActiveEs a break on solar-power systems that may be used to power up their cars. Real Goods Solar, which has installed more than 13,000 solar-energy systems since 1978, and BMW say customers may be able to save as much as 35 percent on solar-panel installation costs under the new agreement. ActiveE drivers in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York are eligible. Interested parties can go to the Real Goods Solar web page here to enter their residential information and find out if they qualify and how much they'll save. For instance, a Los Angeles resident who gets power from the L.A. Department of Water and Power would require a start-up investment of about $7,500 but will save more than $81,000 in "avoided" gas and utility expenses over a 20-year period. This sort of math is exactly the kind of thing the ActiveE driver Peder Norby just wrote about - he swears he didn't know the BMW/Real Goods Solar announcement in advance. It was just good timing. In January, the German automaker started leasing out the ActiveE to customers in markets such as Los Angeles, New York and Boston for $499 a month with a $2,250 downpayment. BMW will start making its i3, the successor to the ActiveE, in 2014.Continue reading BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods SolarBMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices


CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices
CTIA 2012 is wrapping up and we thought we'd spend a few minutes reminiscing about some of the more interesting devices we had a chance to see for the first time or that were launched here. Unfortunately for us -- and thereby for you, too -- the show lacked the bite we've seen at previous events, in fact it barely registered a nibble. We did catch up with five products we'd like to highlight so follow on after the break for our recap.Continue reading CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devicesCTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order in the UK from Vodafone, O2 and Three

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order in the UK from Vodafone, O2 and Three


Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order in the UK from Vodafone, O2 and Three
We knew it was coming, but in case you had any doubts, you'll be glad to know Vodafone, Three and O2 have opened up the pre-order doors to those looking to grab the newest Galaxy on the block. As we're accustomed to seeing from carriers across the pond, the trio's pricing Sammy's S III with enough flexibility to fit a slew of different budgets; for example, you can snag the 16GB model at no cost with a £41 monthly plan on Vodafone. Of course, O2 and Three offer similar plans, with others ranging as high as £219 for the handset but with less of a commitment. For all those details, point your browser toward one of the source links below and choose the deal best suited for you.Samsung Galaxy S III up for pre-order in the UK from Vodafone, O2 and Three originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Central | Vodafone UK, Three, O2 | Email this | Comments

Ford Makes Advanced Safety Affordable

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:07 PM PDT

Ford Makes Advanced Safety Affordable


Ford Makes Advanced Safety Affordable
Latest Fusion lowers entry price for sophisticated safety tech.

Live from President Bill Clinton's CTIA keynote

Posted: 10 May 2012 01:06 PM PDT

Live from President Bill Clinton's CTIA keynote


Live from President Bill Clinton's CTIA keynote
It's the final day of CTIA Wireless 2012, and time for the week's big event. Will it be a new super phone? An epic new high-speed 4G network? The resurrection of webOS? Nope. The big get of the week is the 42nd president of the United States, Mr. William Jefferson Clinton. Honestly, we're not entirely sure what to expect of the event ending keynote. Most likely Willy (he let's us call him that since we're such close, personal friends -- it's no big deal) will wind up talking about the ability of wireless technology to empower the underclass and level the global playing field... you know, light-hearted stuff. But, there's only one way to find out for sure: follow along after the break. May 10, 2012 3:00 PM EDTLive from President Bill Clinton's CTIA keynote originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar

Posted: 10 May 2012 12:24 PM PDT

BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar


BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Solar, BMW Think of them as hippies in yuppie clothing. That's the idea behind the deal BMW and solar-panel system installer Real Goods Solar is offering drivers of the German automaker's battery-electric ActiveE vehicles. BMW is working with the Louisville, CO-based solar-panel system installer to give lessees of BMW's battery-electric ActiveEs a break on solar-power systems that may be used to power up their cars. Real Goods Solar, which has installed more than 13,000 solar-energy systems since 1978, and BMW say customers may be able to save as much as 35 percent on solar-panel installation costs under the new agreement. ActiveE drivers in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York are eligible. Interested parties can go to the Real Goods Solar web page here to enter their residential information and find out if they qualify and how much they'll save. For instance, a Los Angeles resident who gets power from the L.A. Department of Water and Power would require a start-up investment of about $7,500 but will save more than $81,000 in "avoided" gas and utility expenses over a 20-year period. This sort of math is exactly the kind of thing the ActiveE driver Peder Norby just wrote about - he swears he didn't know the BMW/Real Goods Solar announcement in advance. It was just good timing. In January, the German automaker started leasing out the ActiveE to customers in markets such as Los Angeles, New York and Boston for $499 a month with a $2,250 downpayment. BMW will start making its i3, the successor to the ActiveE, in 2014.Continue reading BMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods SolarBMW gets sunny with ActiveE drivers, offers deal with Real Goods Solar originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed

Posted: 10 May 2012 12:22 PM PDT

Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed


Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed
Amazon will never run out of copies of Harry Potter e-books from its Lending Library. Thanks to a new agreement with Pottermore, on June 19th the entire seven-book collection will be among the 140,000 plus you can grab, provided, of course, that you're an Amazon Prime member. If you've forked over the $79 yearly membership fee, you'll have no due date or waiting, and all your highlights and bookmarks will be saved if you need to re-borrow. Unlike your local library, you can only take out one at a time, but at least you won't have to line up behind all the Muggles to get it.Continue reading Harry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're PrimedHarry Potter e-book loaners coming to your Kindle, if you're Primed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Amazon (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video)

Posted: 10 May 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video)


Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video)
Microsoft's determination to ratchet up the search engine wars just got clearer with a major rethink of Bing that includes a few potshots at Google. While the search results themselves are still prominent, there's now a Snapshot area in the middle that aggregates the common tasks linked to your search, such as booking a hotel room. Bing hasn't avoided the siren's call of putting social networking into search results, putting in both search hits as well as the option of asking friends, but has tucked the results into a social sidebar at the far right. Not surprisingly, Microsoft has already declared it a far better alternative to Google+ in-line results, which it sees "cluttering your results with social updates." You'll currently have to use a desktop web browser to see all the new Bingness, although Microsoft is promising a mobile-friendly update within weeks.Continue reading Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video)Bing gets big remake with Snapshot, social sidebar, dig at Google (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Bing Search Blog | Bing | Email this | Comments

Konka W900 hands-on

Posted: 10 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Konka W900 hands-on


Konka W900 hands-on
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, consider Konka the number one practitioner of that "craft." The company, (in)famous for its OEM-copycatting ways, has set up a booth here at CTIA 2012, letting us get some up close and personal time with its W900. The HTC-esque handset, previously released at this past Mobile World Congress, is yet another in a line of underwhelming Android offerings that subsists on design without delivering on performance. Although, the phone's official spec sheet lists it as running Ice Cream Sandwich, the build we encountered was actually that of Gingerbread 2.3.6 -- a very buggy version, at that. So, don't let your eyes deceive you, what you're seeing on the homescreen is simply a third-party launcher made to ape ICS' more streamlined UI. Beneath that 4-inch WVGA display lies quadband GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900) and WCDMA (2100) radios, VGA front-facing / rear 5-megapixel cameras, in addition to support for WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the company couldn't confirm what processor's powering this lackluster affair. But no matter, this is one uneven device you can safely ignore. Gallery: Konka W900 hands-on Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.Konka W900 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th

Posted: 10 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th


Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th
Three-dimensional gaming not your thing? Then Nintendo's latest price drop might just grab you. It's cast an eye over the rest of its portable gaming family and decided to cut the cost on both the DSi (down to $100) and the hulking DSi XL (dropped to $130). These new prices will kick off on May 20th -- exactly the same day as this purple mess.Continue reading Nintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20thNintendo DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 on May 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Joystiq | Email this | Comments

NEC's 13.3-inch LaVie Z Ultrabook weighs just 2.2 pounds, brings lithium-magnesi...

Posted: 10 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT

NEC's 13.3-inch LaVie Z Ultrabook weighs just 2.2 pounds, brings lithium-magnesium into your life


NEC's 13.3-inch LaVie Z Ultrabook weighs just 2.2 pounds, brings lithium-magnesium into your life
Just in case you thought NEC was done with its PC updates this week, the Japanese PC builder has thrown its hat into the Ultrabook ring with a unique contribution of its own. The LaVie Z has a 13.3-inch screen like your garden variety ultralight, but it weighs just 2.2 pounds through a new lithium-magnesium alloy shell about half the weight of the aluminum that some companies love to use. Unfortunately, that weight and the slim frame are about all we know so far: NEC isn't providing any internal specifications, possibly because it's waiting on Ultrabook-ready Ivy Bridge chips. Even so, if you're hanging around Japan and want the lightest possible laptop you can get at a 13-inch screen size, the wait until the planned summer release will feel like an eternity.NEC's 13.3-inch LaVie Z Ultrabook weighs just 2.2 pounds, brings lithium-magnesium into your life originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Impress Watch | NEC | Email this | Comments

HTC Car StereoClip hands-on

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:55 AM PDT

HTC Car StereoClip hands-on


HTC Car StereoClip hands-on
Looking for something nice to take home alongside your shiny (oh, so shiny) new HTC EVO 4G LTE? How about the Car StereoClip? When the latest EVO hits shelves on May 18th, it'll launch with this Bluetooth accessory that lets you stream audio to any device with an mini stereo auxiliary input. The tiny, USB thumb drive-sized receiver has a micro USB port on one end for charging, and a male 3.5mm connector hides under a cap on the other side. While the dongle is being marketed for in-car use, it could be used to turn your home stereo into a set of Bluetooth speakers as well. HTC claims that Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX support should make for drastically improved audio quality -- at least when paired with a similarly specced phone. You'll be able to pick up the plug for $60 from Sprint, followed shortly thereafter by AT&T. Check out the gallery below for a few more pics. Gallery: HTC Car StereoClip hands-onHTC Car StereoClip hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video)

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:55 AM PDT

iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video)


iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video)
The iCache Geode was easily the most impressive use of technology that we saw during CTIA 2012. It's the epitome of how a fantastic tech idea can be translated to real world use in a very classy and clever way. At its heart it is extremely simple: take all your existing credit, debit, and loyalty cards, save them in a secure way and be able to use any of them without actually having the original cards handy. The system is comprised of a housing for the iPhone coupled with an app, an E Ink display on the rear, a fingerprint scanner, the GeoCard, and a magnetic stripe reader that is capable of quickly reading in your card details and saving them. Using the Geode is a two-step process, scan all your cards into the device with an included scanner attachment, then using the iPhone app select your method of payment and the GeoCard in the housing is instantly programmed. Pop the card out, tap it on a solid surface to activate it and spend your money. Loyalty cards are equally easy to use: select one of them in the app and its barcode is written to the E Ink display on the Geode's rear surface. Of course iCache has considered the security implications and has addressed them a few different ways. The iPhone doesn't store any of your card details as they're kept in the housing itself, on launch the app does a hardware check to be sure nothing's been tampered with, asks for a fingerprint scan, and the card programming only lasts for a user-defined period of time after you've tapped it on the table. Click on through for a video demo of the whole ride. Gallery: iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video) Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.Continue reading iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video)iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint review

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:12 AM PDT

HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint review


HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint review
HTC EVO 4G LTE preview HTC One X for AT&T review HTC One S for T-Mobile review HTC is on a roll in the US, first releasing the One S for T-Mobile and the One X for AT&T. Now, with the EVO 4G LTE on Sprint, it's ready to shift to the CDMA realm in a different costume. Internally, it's incredibly close to what's offered in the One series' flagship, but the Now Network has made a few tweaks to the device so it'll adjust to life as the latest smartphone in the fabled EVO lineup. This time it's packing a powerful processor, gorgeous display and the ability to connect to the still-dormant LTE. It's eager to show its face in retail stores beginning May 18th for $200, placing it in the high end of Sprint's selection. This review, however, is just a bit different from any we've done before. How so? To our knowledge, we've never done one in New Orleans before. But when a phone gets dropped in our lap at CTIA 2012, we're naturally going to put it through its paces, regardless of location. As it shares so many commonalities with its One brethren, we've been expecting a very similar fit, feel and performance. In our review, we'll take you through what's different and what's better or worse. Is this the best device to grace the hands of Sprint customers? Follow us past the break to find out. Gallery: HTC EVO 4G LTE reviewContinue reading HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint reviewHTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Blue Droid RAZR heading to Verizon on May 17th, Ice Cream Sandwich nowhere to be...

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Blue Droid RAZR heading to Verizon on May 17th, Ice Cream Sandwich nowhere to be found


Blue Droid RAZR heading to Verizon on May 17th, Ice Cream Sandwich nowhere to be found
Blue your favorite color? Have a thing for 7.1mm thin slabs? Then today's your lucky day. Verizon just announced an azure flavor of its exquisite Droid RAZR is set to hit its physical and virtual shelves next week -- though, it could show up at brick and mortar shops a wee bit earlier than that. Aside from the most recent paint job, this Droid RAZR isn't changing much, meaning you'll still get that admirable 4.3-inch, qHD display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU and Android 2.3 onboard (worry not, ICS should be coming soon). For now, gather up your cash and pay your nearest Big Red store a visit -- who knows, you might just get lucky.Blue Droid RAZR heading to Verizon on May 17th, Ice Cream Sandwich nowhere to be found originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 12:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phone Scoop | Verizon | Email this | Comments

Editorial: Facebook's my digital scrapbook first, social network second

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Editorial: Facebook's my digital scrapbook first, social network second


Editorial: Facebook's my digital scrapbook first, social network second
I never wanted to join Facebook. I never wanted to join anything online, really. I was coerced into creating a Xanga at some point, and eventually -- when Facebook opened up to NC State email addresses -- I begrudgingly created an account there, too. I had a "thing" about opening my life up to the internet. I knew already that prospective employers would inevitably go digging through shots of me celebrating at an NCSU basketball game and spike my resume in the trash can beside his or her UNC degree. More than anything, though, I just didn't care what anyone else was doing. I kept a handful of comrades close to my chest, and everyone else was a mere acquaintance. At the time, I blamed it on the 21 hours of courses I was taking entirely on Tuesdays and Thursdays -- who has time for online networking when you're in an educational torture chamber? -- but now I realize the truth: I never wanted Facebook to be a social network.Continue reading Editorial: Facebook's my digital scrapbook first, social network secondEditorial: Facebook's my digital scrapbook first, social network second originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 12:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Kleiner Perkins And Sequoia Fund $6.5M Round For Ad Targeter Drawbridge

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Kleiner Perkins And Sequoia Fund $6.5M Round For Ad Targeter Drawbridge


Kleiner Perkins And Sequoia Fund $6.5M Round For Ad Targeter Drawbridge
When two of the biggest names in venture capital (arguably still the biggest) both invest in a startup, you know it's probably time to take notice. So yes, take notice: A cross-device ad targeting startup called Drawbridge has raised a $6.5 million Series A from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sequoia Capital. The company was founded in November 2010 by Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan, a scientist at AdMob and then, after the acquisition, at Google. Sivaramakrishnan says she started the company because she saw the proliferation of ad targeting technology on the desktop web, while there was "no significant technology innovation" on the mobile side. So she decided to tackle the problem herself, "outside of the big G."

Assured Labor, The Mobile Job-Finding Network, Breaks Into Brazil

Posted: 10 May 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Assured Labor, The Mobile Job-Finding Network, Breaks Into Brazil


Assured Labor, The Mobile Job-Finding Network, Breaks Into Brazil
Assured Labor, a mobile-centric job networking startup that was founded at MIT four years ago, is breaking into another Latin American market. The company is launching in Brazil with a localized service called TrabalhoJá. This adds to its reach in Mexico and Nicaragua. "Most of the job sites in Brazil charge job seekers, sometimes up to $50," said Assured Labor's CEO David Reich. "We're totally free and job hunters don't have to be extorted." Assured Labor is a feature phone-based service that helps job seekers land work. The company targets workers that might only have cell phones and lack personal computers or a broadband connection. You can kind of think of it like a LinkedIn for the developing world.