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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

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Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion


Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion
Viruses are the swarming bullies of biology, but it turns out their alarming self-replication could one day power your iPod. We've seen them in batteries before, but researchers at Berkeley Labs have now coated electrodes with modified M13 bacteriophage, a harmless bacteria-eating virus, to create the first ever organic piezoelectric material -- which can convert force to electricity. The team explained that such a substance would be non-toxic, organize naturally into thin layers and self-regenerate, giving it a possible advantage over chemical options. In theory, by attaching a thin film of it to your shoes, power could be generated when walking, lending volts to the myriad electronics we pack around nowadays. To see a finger-powered video demo of our frequent-enemies making themselves useful for a change, stroll on past the break.Continue reading Researchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motionResearchers use virus's rogue traits to create electricity from motion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Inhabitat | Berkeley Labs | Email this | Comments

Google Maps adds always-available home and work locations for the navigation-needy

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Google Maps adds always-available home and work locations for the navigation-needy


Google Maps adds always-available home and work locations for the navigation-needy
Although it's been true for some time that Google Maps will remember frequent searches as long as you're signed in to Google, it hasn't had the option of permanently tagging important places by their familiar names. An update to the web version of Maps now lets you define specific home and work locations that will stay attached to your Google account, no matter how much PC-hopping you do. Along with just speeding up day-to-day direction searches, the locations are particularly handy if you're staying in a foreign country and don't yet have the neighborhood committed to heart. The addition should already be live, so you can establish home base at the same time as you're checking out Chrome 19's tab syncing.Google Maps adds always-available home and work locations for the navigation-needy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Lat Long Blog | Email this | Comments

Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath


Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath
Last week, a newly purchased Fisker Karma went up in flames, damaging its owner's home and earning the company behind that hybrid sedan plenty of bad press. The auto maker hasn't submitted an official explanation for the fire, though the former chief engineer for the late General Motors EV1 electric car places the blame on the hybrid's tight engine bay packing. Fisker clearly isn't having any of that -- according to the company's director of powertrain: Our technologies and engine design have been fully tested and certified at the highest level. It is irresponsible and ill-informed for technology pundits to suggest otherwise in order to secure media attention for unfounded claims. No defensiveness there, then.Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog Green | | Email this | Comments

Google reportedly planning stable of Nexus devices with Android 5.0, will sell '...

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Google reportedly planning stable of Nexus devices with Android 5.0, will sell 'em direct


Google reportedly planning stable of Nexus devices with Android 5.0, will sell 'em direct
Hand firmly grasping hat? Good. The Wall Street Journal is reporting on quite the bombshell today, noting that Google is about to cause its carrier partners in the States all sorts of grief -- indirectly, of course. Just weeks after placing its heralded Galaxy Nexus on sale for $399 unlocked, the report states that said move is only the beginning of a new initiative. Likely to be formally revealed at Google I/O, the mega-corp is planning to partner with a variety of OEMs (rather than just one at a time) in order to have up to five Pure Google (read: Nexus) devices available at once. Better still, the whole stable will ship with Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) and will be sold directly from Google in unlocked form to consumers in America, Europe and Asia. The move is significant in a myriad ways. For one, more unlocked Nexus devices means more choice when it comes to carrier selection. Furthermore, the move is likely to quell fears that certain partners may have about Google making Motorola Mobility its favorite after a $12 billion acquisition. Not surprisingly, Google's not commenting on the matter, but sources "close" to the situation say that the company's hoping to have the 5.0 cadre on sale by Thanksgiving -- you know, just in time for Black Friday and the looming holiday shopping season. We're all guessing that this will address the growing "app situation" head-on; by making a push to eliminate carrier-infused bloatware (while also providing early Android OS access to more partners), we're hoping that the whole "skinning" dilemma is addressed, too.Google reportedly planning stable of Nexus devices with Android 5.0, will sell 'em direct originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Wall Street Journal | Email this | Comments

In Zlango’s World, Emoticons Are The Future (And The Future Revenue Model)

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:22 PM PDT

In Zlango's World, Emoticons Are The Future (And The Future Revenue Model)


In Zlango's World, Emoticons Are The Future (And The Future Revenue Model)
They say if you want to understand the future, you have to look at children. And if my 10-year-old cousin's chat history is any indication, we will soon be communicating in emoji, Egyptian hieroglyphics or some other kind of pictographic language that renders the 2,000-year-old Roman alphabet obsolete. Sometimes she sends me full e-mails with dozens of lines of straight emoticons, which either means 'My cat ate my homework,' or symbolizes the Five Stages of Grief in a single word. I'm not really sure. Anyway, there is a mobile app for that. It's called Zlango and it's backed by Benchmark Capital, Accel Partners and DAG Ventures.

Sony gives VAIO S and VAIO Z lines Ivy Bridge upgrade, outs two new VAIO E models

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:22 PM PDT

Sony gives VAIO S and VAIO Z lines Ivy Bridge upgrade, outs two new VAIO E models


Sony gives VAIO S and VAIO Z lines Ivy Bridge upgrade, outs two new VAIO E models
Sony began introducing its new Ivy Bridge lineup last month with the VAIO E Series 14P, a multimedia laptop complete with gesture controls. Today, the company announced two larger models to round out that family, the VAIO E Series 15 and 17. Unlike the 14P, these notebooks don't come with Ivy Bridge power, but then their larger displays (15.5 inches and 17.3 inches, respectively) and an optional Blu-ray player on the larger model should be enough to tell you that these are entertainment-focused machines rather than next-gen powerhouses. Both the VAIO 15 and 17 run Intel Core i5-2450M CPUS and handle graphics with a AMD Radeon 7650M GPU and either 1GB or 2GB of VRAM depending on the model. Each also has a 750GB hard drive spinning at 5,400 RPM, plus a built-in webcam, USB 3.0 with a sleep-charge feature, HDMI, Bluetooth and WiFi. The main difference between the two is screen resolution: while the 15.5-incher sports a 1366 x 768 display, the 17.3-inch version has a more brilliant 1600 x 900 pixels. Pricing info is still MIA. While the VAIO E 15 and 17 didn't make the Ivy Bridge cut, Sony's business-focused VAIO S and VAIO Z lines will get the processor update. The VAIO S will be available in 13.5- and 15.5-inch flavors, each sporting backlit keyboards and a thin design featuring aluminium, magnesium or carbon fiber (depending on the model). While the 13.3-incher's display resolution is yet to be determined, the 15.5-inch model will ship with a 1080p IPS screen. And while we simply know that the VAIO S 13 will come with a choice of Core i5 or Core i7 processors, the VAIO S 15 runs a Intel Core i7-3612QM with 8GB of RAM and NVIDIA GT640M graphics (along with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 chip). On the storage side, the 15 has a 1TB hard drive. Both the VAIO S 13 and 15 will have SSD options, and Sony will offer a separate sheet battery for up to 14 hours of longevity. Weight-wise, the outlet is short on specifics, though both models will tip in at less than 4.4 pounds.Continue reading Sony gives VAIO S and VAIO Z lines Ivy Bridge upgrade, outs two new VAIO E modelsSony gives VAIO S and VAIO Z lines Ivy Bridge upgrade, outs two new VAIO E models originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Honda's UNI-CUB mobility device is the butt of ASIMO's jokes

Posted: 15 May 2012 02:22 PM PDT

Honda's UNI-CUB mobility device is the butt of ASIMO's jokes


Honda's UNI-CUB mobility device is the butt of ASIMO's jokes
Our humanoid friend ASIMO had better start counting his blessings. If fate had dealt him another hand, he could have ended up as the behind-wearing UNI-CUB. Honda's latest personal mobility device appears to be a robotic stool with an omnidirectional wheel (dubbed the Honda Omni Traction Drive System, no less). You control speed and direction of the UBI-CUB by shifting your weight in the saddle, and the unit is designed to keep you at eye-level with non chair-riding pedestrians. Obviously this is no all-terrain vehicle, but it does claim to be able to handle gradients, has a top speed of six km/h and a range just under four miles. Which should be plenty for the National Museum of Engineering in Japan where these butt-supporting bots will be demonstrated in June.Continue reading Honda's UNI-CUB mobility device is the butt of ASIMO's jokesHonda's UNI-CUB mobility device is the butt of ASIMO's jokes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria

Posted: 15 May 2012 01:32 PM PDT

Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria


Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Audi, Europe/EU Audi this week is following up companies such as Daimler AG's Smart division by unveiling a battery-powered bicycle for two-wheeled enthusiasts. And this one can do wheelies and has the power-to-weight ratio of an A4. Audi's e-bike Wörthersee, named after the town in Austria, has a top speed of 50 miles per hour and can go as far as 44 miles on a single charge. The bike lets its rider choose from five different cycling modes ranging from pure human power to pure electric power to a varying mix of the two. But the bike, whose price and broader launch date wasn't announced, also has some unusual traits, including flat spokes that cut the wind better than conventional ones and a smartphone hookup. The e-bike, which can be put in a mode that allows for power wheelies, also weighs just 24 pounds, and, with its 2.3-kilowatt motor, actually has a weight-to-power ratio of about 15 pounds per horsepower, or about the same as the aforementioned A4. Last year, Daimler unveiled its Smart e-bike, and earlier this month said it would start deliveries in the U.K. by the end of May. That bike has a smaller motor - about 250 watts - as well as a battery that can provide 62 miles of distance on a single charge. Smart said last year that Germany's annual electric bike sales jumped from 70,000 units in 2007 to about 200,000 in 2010. We have just one final question: Now that Audi officially owns itself a heralded Italian motorcycle brand, should this bike be branded an Audi or a Ducati?Continue reading Audi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in AustriaAudi unveils power-wheelie-ing e-bike in Austria originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pantech P8010 meets FCC, brings AT&T LTE along to say hello

Posted: 15 May 2012 01:32 PM PDT

Pantech P8010 meets FCC, brings AT&T LTE along to say hello


Pantech P8010 meets FCC, brings AT&T LTE along to say hello
Though it hasn't been officially announced, AT&T's likely has a new Pantech LTE phone in its reasonable future. The P8010 just got approved by the FCC, and its next-gen radio offers support for no less than four LTE bands: the 700 / 1700 frequencies used by AT&T, as well as 850 / 1900. What's curious about the latter pair of bands is that they're the same ones used by the largest GSM carrier for its HSPA+ / WCDMA needs, suggesting that AT&T's planning ahead for possible refarming of its spectrum. Aside from this hefty nugget of info, the federal docs don't give much else away, aside from a well-detailed diagram showing the back of the phone -- complete with its microSD and micro-SIM slots -- and the usual smattering of compatible GSM / EDGE and 3G radios. According to preliminary benchmark results, however, the P8010 will likely be a step up from the Burst, sporting a 1.5GHz dual-core Krait processor, qHD display and Ice Cream Sandwich. To sneak a peek at the docs yourself, head to the source.Pantech P8010 meets FCC, brings AT&T LTE along to say hello originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

Haswell-based Windows 8 Ultrabook shown off at IDF 2012 in Brazil

Posted: 15 May 2012 01:32 PM PDT

Haswell-based Windows 8 Ultrabook shown off at IDF 2012 in Brazil


Haswell-based Windows 8 Ultrabook shown off at IDF 2012 in Brazil
Intel's been playing the slow tease with its Haswell microarchitecture as far back as 2008. But today, we finally have a glimpse at what devices running that 22nm core might look like. Shown off at IDF 2012 down in Sao Paolo, the company's Brazilian prexy, Fernando Martins, was photographed brandishing a Windows 8 Ultrabook powered by that next-gen CPU, replete with touchscreen functionality. While it remains to be seen if such hands-on features will make it into the final consumer product, this reference design does at least tip us off to a potential form factor. When those chips do make their official market debut, you can expect a line of svelte laptops that will reportedly consume 20x less power and last up to ten days on standby. That'll make for some nice computing kit, for sure. Now you just have to endure the wait. Hop on past the break for a closer look at this work-in-progress. [Thanks, Henrique]Continue reading Haswell-based Windows 8 Ultrabook shown off at IDF 2012 in BrazilHaswell-based Windows 8 Ultrabook shown off at IDF 2012 in Brazil originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | ZTOP (Translated) | Email this | Comments

Cox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in Oklahoma

Posted: 15 May 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Cox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in Oklahoma


Cox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in Oklahoma
It's a moderately good day to be an Oklahoman. Wireless subscribers living near Oklahoma City or Tulsa will be among the first to reap the benefits of a new partnership between Cox Communications and Verizon Wireless that bundles services from both companies, letting customers sign up for packages that include video, internet and voice services from Cox, and wireless service from VZW at a discounted rate. They'll also be eligible to receive debit cards valued at $100-400 if they make the switch to a co-sponsored bundle. You can head over to select retail outlets from either company to sign up, or hit up the source links past the break for more info.Continue reading Cox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in OklahomaCox and Verizon Wireless join forces, launch service bundles in Oklahoma originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Cox, Verizon Wireless | Email this | Comments

Google Docs gets new Research tool, lets you search without leaving your work

Posted: 15 May 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Google Docs gets new Research tool, lets you search without leaving your work


Google Docs gets new Research tool, lets you search without leaving your work
Google has already brought a pile of new fonts and templates to Google Docs this month, and it's now back with another fairly big new feature. Open a document today and you'll find a new Research tool on the side of your page (which can be toggled on and off), offering the ability to search for any topic and get results without having to leave the document you're working on. Those results can include images, quotes and other basic information that's delivered right in the sidebar -- and, of course, the usual search results that you can open in a new tab or window if you want to dive deeper on a subject. Hit the source link below for all the details on how to use the new tool, or simply fire up a new document to try it out for yourself.Google Docs gets new Research tool, lets you search without leaving your work originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink SlashGear | Google Docs | Email this | Comments

Google's Project Glass prototypes can transfer still images, do little else

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:27 PM PDT

Google's Project Glass prototypes can transfer still images, do little else


Google's Project Glass prototypes can transfer still images, do little else
This was probably a given, but there won't be any freakishly detailed social profile overlay as you pass strangers on the street in the initial iteration of "Google Glasses." Instead, current prototype functionality includes features like photo sharing (directly from the eyewear to Google+), and... well, that could be it. The in-your-face functionality that we saw in the original Google teaser could come "one day," as the video title itself reveals, but we certainly won't be creepin' on random friends-to-be on sidewalks, trains and parties for some time to come. And just in case you're curious to see what you won't be doing with Project Glass this year, Google's original teaser is after the break, with a popular parody vid tossed in below for good measure.Continue reading Google's Project Glass prototypes can transfer still images, do little elseGoogle's Project Glass prototypes can transfer still images, do little else originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | Project Glass | Email this | Comments

Firefox For Android Beta Gets Native UI, Improved Performance And Support for Flash

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:27 PM PDT

Firefox For Android Beta Gets Native UI, Improved Performance And Support for Flash


Firefox For Android Beta Gets Native UI, Improved Performance And Support for Flash
Mozilla was late to the mobile revolution and is still playing catch-up with Firefox for mobile. It's starting to look as if Firefox for Android is slowly becoming a competitive player on Google's platform, though. Today, Mozilla is launching its most radical redesign of its browser for Android in beta. This new version features a redesigned interface that, according to Mozilla, "blends in with the Android user interface." The beta now also features support for Adobe's Flash plugin, as well as the usual performance improvements and bug fixes.

NYC's Made in New York Digital Map lets you see who's hiring in the tech field

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:27 PM PDT

NYC's Made in New York Digital Map lets you see who's hiring in the tech field


NYC's Made in New York Digital Map lets you see who's hiring in the tech field
You can't deny Mike Bloomberg's often coming up with different ways to involve New Yorkers in tech-related bits. On this occasion, Mayor Bloomberg & Co. have introduced a novel way for citizens of The Big Apple -- and others who plan on making the move -- to find jobs in the technology sector. Dubbed "Made in New York Digital Map," the service aims to make it easier for folks to see which tech companies are seeking engineers, designers, developers, etc. At the moment there's more than 325 looking for new hires, with over "thousands of jobs" being up for grabs. Mayor Bloomberg says this is only the beginning and he's encouraging startups to set up shop here in the City, as he believes this "is the place to be if you're a growing tech startup." You can take a tour of the Digital Map now via one of the source links below.NYC's Made in New York Digital Map lets you see who's hiring in the tech field originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | Mike Bloomberg (Twitter), Made in New York Digital Map | Email this | Comments

Adobe’s Updated Digital Publishing Suite Means More Magazines For The iPhone

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:27 PM PDT

Adobe's Updated Digital Publishing Suite Means More Magazines For The iPhone


Adobe's Updated Digital Publishing Suite Means More Magazines For The iPhone
When it comes to digital magazines, why should tablet owners have all the fun? That's the sentiment Adobe was espousing earlier today at an event held in New York where they officially pulled back the curtains on their updated Digital Publishing Suite. You'd be forgiven if you haven't stumbled across Adobe's DPS before -- as the name sort of implies, it's meant for publishers to prepare digital editions of their print content for consumption on all sorts of gadgetry. Given their size, tablets have been the obvious focus for content creators, but Adobe's new update brings (among other things) the ability for them to whip up digital magazines that work well on the iPhone too.

NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang announces cloud-based, virtualized Kepler GPU technolo...

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:26 PM PDT

NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang announces cloud-based, virtualized Kepler GPU technology and GeForce GRID gaming platform


NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang announces cloud-based, virtualized Kepler GPU technology and GeForce GRID gaming platform
We're here at NVIDIA's GPU technology conference here in San Jose, California and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang just let loose that his company plans to put Kepler in the cloud. To make it happen, the company has created a virtualized Kepler GPU tech, called VGX, so that no physical connections are needed to render and stream graphics to remote locations. So, as Citrix brought CPU virtualization to put your work desktop on the device of your choosing, NVIDIA has put the power of Kepler into everything from iPads to netbooks and mobile phones. While the virtualized GPU has application in an enterprise setting, it also, naturally, can put some serious gaming power in the cloud, too. Fear not, for Jen-Hsun's crew has created GeForce GRID technology that leverages Kepler's cloud capabilities to augment online gaming services like Gaikai by greatly reducing input latency by up to 30ms. Naturally, NVIDIA's not spilling the secret sauce that makes it happen, but you can read all about the new technology at the PR and source below.Continue reading NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang announces cloud-based, virtualized Kepler GPU technology and GeForce GRID gaming platformNVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang announces cloud-based, virtualized Kepler GPU technology and GeForce GRID gaming platform originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | NVIDIA | Email this | Comments

PSA: LG Optimus Elite available today on Virgin Mobile USA for $150

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:26 PM PDT

PSA: LG Optimus Elite available today on Virgin Mobile USA for $150


PSA: LG Optimus Elite available today on Virgin Mobile USA for $150
If you were one of those who jumped on last week's pre-order, chances are you're eagerly waiting for this Virgin-branded Optimus Elite to show up at your doorstep today. For those who decided to wait it out, however, you'll be happy to know LG's Gingerbread slab is now up for grabs at "major" retail shops in the States as well as Virgin Mobile USA's site. The contract-free flavor of the Optimus Elite carries a $149.99 price tag, which isn't a bad deal when you take into consideration its NFC and Google Wallet capabilities -- that said, its biggest trait's likely to be that lack of a two-year commitment. So, hit the source link below if you'd like one of these for yourself, or you could always take a quick road trip to one of your favorite stores.Continue reading PSA: LG Optimus Elite available today on Virgin Mobile USA for $150PSA: LG Optimus Elite available today on Virgin Mobile USA for $150 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Virgin Mobile USA | Email this | Comments

Firefox native version hits Android in beta, new UI and speedups tag along

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:26 PM PDT

Firefox native version hits Android in beta, new UI and speedups tag along


Firefox native version hits Android in beta, new UI and speedups tag along
Those who've liked Firefox for Android but have been clamoring for a native version can rest easy, as there's now a truly optimized version waiting for you in Google Play. Mozilla's new Firefox 14.0 beta now looks like, and importantly runs like, a full member of the Android family. Making the leap also affords it Flash support, a new starting page with top sites, secure Google searches and a slew of load time and responsiveness upgrades over the creakier, XUL-based version. Beta status should still trigger a moment of pause if you're not ready to accept a few bugs, but if you've got Android 2.2 or later, you're welcome to give Firefox a shot.Firefox native version hits Android in beta, new UI and speedups tag along originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Central | Google Play, Release notes | Email this | Comments

Iconic Cars: Then and Now

Posted: 15 May 2012 12:25 PM PDT

Iconic Cars: Then and Now


Iconic Cars: Then and Now
5 of today's legendary cars compared with what they were 25 years ago.

Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:11 AM PDT

Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype


Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, PorschePorsche has officially put the finishing touches on the first prototypes of the company's 918 Spyder, complete with a black-and-white livery scheme that pays homage to the 917 racers of old. Production is set to commence in a little over a year, and the German sportscar manufacturer says buyers can look forward to taking possession of the first examples by the end of 2013. The plug-in hybrid will command a heady price tag, though. Porsche has confirmed the company will ask a whopping $845,000 per model, each with a 500 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors that the automaker says "make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance." Altogether, the gas-electric drivetrain should be good for a 3.1-second 0-60 sprint and a top speed of 199 mph. Perhaps even more impressive is the news that the 918 will be able to propel itself with electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph. That little fact helps account for the news that the vehicle should be able to return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Scroll down for the brief press release, but not before checking out the high-res gallery.Continue reading Porsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder PrototypePorsche shows off hybrid 918 Spyder Prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hitachi launches new CinemaStar drives for media PCs and set top boxes

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:10 AM PDT

Hitachi launches new CinemaStar drives for media PCs and set top boxes


Hitachi launches new CinemaStar drives for media PCs and set top boxes
What's 2.5-inches wide, 7mm tall and silent as a whisper? Well, hopefully it's Hitachi's new CinemaStar hard drives. We know for certain that these platters of polarized bits will fit in your standard 2.5-inch drive bay, we'll just have to take the company at it's word (for now) on the silent bit. Three new families of disks just hit the market, the Z7K500, Z5K500 and budget-friendly C5K1000. The first two options are 7mm high, allowing them to slide nicely into small form factor PCs, DVRs and even laptops. Both top out at 500GB, but the Z7K ekes out better performance by whipping its platters around at 7,200 RPM, while the Z5Ks save energy and noise by ratcheting back to 5,400 RPM. The C5K comes in a slightly bulkier 9.5mm height, but this 5,400 RPM drive does reach the lofty storage size of 1TB. For now the drives are available in limited quantities to OEMs, but hopefully that will change soon enough. Check out the PR after the break for more details.Continue reading Hitachi launches new CinemaStar drives for media PCs and set top boxesHitachi launches new CinemaStar drives for media PCs and set top boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Three Ways Facebook Can Leverage Mobile To Grow Their Revenues

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:10 AM PDT

Three Ways Facebook Can Leverage Mobile To Grow Their Revenues


Three Ways Facebook Can Leverage Mobile To Grow Their Revenues
I must say that I have been a little bit disappointed recently in the many, many, many analysts who have been knocking the Facebook valuation with very limited insight into what is going on with their advertising business. Their revenue potential is as strong as it has ever been and the social network continues to grow its users and roll-out innovative advertising products. While there are many things that Facebook can do to drive revenue related to display, search, and mobile – let's take a look at three immediate steps Facebook could take to ramp up revenues from its 500 Million+ monthly active users on mobile devices.

Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:10 AM PDT

Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement


Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement
The Galaxy S III may rock an impressive battery life, but if Panasonic has its way, even greater benchmarks could be on the horizon. The company is ready to start making samples of a new ReRAM microcontroller, and -- like Sharp and Elpida -- it could start mass production as soon as next year. Here's a little refresher: ReRAM is a new kind of memory with re-write speeds far superior to NAND because it doesn't need power to hold onto information. Panny's chip will initially be used in simple devices like fire alarms, but the tech could eventually find its way into our TVs and even smartphones and tablets. But seriously, are we even capable of living in a NAND-free world?Panasonic preps samples of next-gen ReRAM devices, NAND preps for early retirement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Panasonic (Japanese), Money DJ | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm issues memo discussing restructuring plans, more jobs...

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:09 AM PDT

T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm issues memo discussing restructuring plans, more jobs affected


T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm issues memo discussing restructuring plans, more jobs affected
T-Mobile's going through some more growing pains as it continues through the process of restructuring. Less than two months after announcing it would close down seven call centers and cut a total of 3,300 jobs, CEO Philipp Humm has sent out another memo discussing that the company is ready to take the "second essential step" by announcing a new structure -- unfortunately, it means another round of layoffs is coming sometime this week. Humm gives no details on who will be affected, nor does he go into specifics on the new organizational structure that apparently is resulting in the loss of jobs. Head below the break to read the full message from the CEO.Continue reading T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm issues memo discussing restructuring plans, more jobs affectedT-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm issues memo discussing restructuring plans, more jobs affected originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Verge | Email this | Comments

Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't en...

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:09 AM PDT

Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough


Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough
We get the impression that Facebook is on a big mobile photo sharing kick: just weeks after it bought Instagram for a cool billion, the social network has just hired the staff behind Lightbox. The two-man team of Nilesh Patel and Thai Tran is bringing its mostly Android- and HTML5-focused knowledge over to Facebook, where it's hoping to reach many, many more people. You'll have to wait awhile to see what the Lightbox team brings to Facebook's ever more mobile platform, but you'll also want to hurry if you want to keep anything hosted on Lightbox: the service shuts down on June 15th. As a consolation for the shutdown, the startup's code is being posted to GitHub so that the fruits of its efforts live on in open-sourced form.Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | Lightbox, GitHub | Email this | Comments

Iconic Cars: Then and Now

Posted: 15 May 2012 11:09 AM PDT

Iconic Cars: Then and Now


Iconic Cars: Then and Now
5 of today's legendary cars compared with what they were 25 years ago.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review

Posted: 15 May 2012 10:09 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review


Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review
More Info Samsung announces Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 hands-on (video) PSA: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Player 4.2 now available online When we review a second-generation product there are certain things we tend to take for granted: this new thing, whatever it is, will be thinner, faster, longer-lasting, maybe even with more bells and whistles in tow. With Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, though, it's a little less obvious why its sequel is here. It offers near-identical specs, including a 10-inch, 1280 x 800 PLS display, dual-core 1GHz chip, 1GB of RAM and a minimum of 16GB of internal storage. What's more, this generation is slightly thicker and heavier, and sheds the LED flash that used to sit on the back side. But there's one detail we haven't mentioned yet: in addition to softening the specs, Samsung dropped the price by about hundred bucks, so that it now starts at $400. Clearly, then, the 10.1 has evolved into a mid-range tablet, whereas it used to be the best Samsung had to offer. That's good news for penny-pinching shoppers, but Samsung has a bit of a problem on its hands: it's jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire, dodging direct competition with the new iPad, only to find itself competing with a raft of affordable tablets made by Acer, ASUS and even Apple. So how does Samsung's warmed-over 10.1 compare? Can it be a winner in the mid-tier category, at least? Let's find out.Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 reviewContinue reading Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 reviewSamsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

MoboTap Inks Deal With KDDI, Dolphin Browser To Be Preloaded On New Japanese And...

Posted: 15 May 2012 10:09 AM PDT

MoboTap Inks Deal With KDDI, Dolphin Browser To Be Preloaded On New Japanese Android Phones


MoboTap Inks Deal With KDDI, Dolphin Browser To Be Preloaded On New Japanese Android Phones
MoboTap's popular Dolphin Browser has racked up over 16 million downloads worldwide, but that hasn't stopped them from taking steps to expand internationally. The company announced earlier this morning that they have entered into a new agreement with Japanese wireless carrier KDDI that will see their browser pre-loaded on a number of new Android handsets going forward. KDDI is Japan's second-largest wireless carrier with nearly 35 million subscribers under their belts, with just about 20% of those users owning smartphones. All things considered, it's a big chance for MoboTap to bolster their brand outside the confines of the United States.

Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch

Posted: 15 May 2012 10:08 AM PDT

Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch


Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Mazda, Japan, UK Mazda recently may have made the coolest car commercial in history by backing its pitch for SkyActiv technology with Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" (see here), so we're leaning toward forgiving them for this one. The Japanese automaker, as part of the international marketing launch of its CX-5 crossover in Scotland, reinforced its caustic stance on battery-electric vehicles by injecting some humorous references to the "range anxiety" that EVs can cause, according to The Charging Point blog. Mazda planted fake roadside signs saying things like "Abandoned EVs ahead" and "EV drivers hitchhiking," according to the blog. Mazda has pitched the CX-5 as having the best fuel economy among SUVs in North America. Mazda continues to poke fun at EVs even as it prepares to launch its own Demio (Mazda2) EV later this year. The company, at last month's New York Auto Show, hung a banner that described SkyActiv as "Not Electric. No Hybrid. Not a Drag to Drive." The automaker last year said it was looking to boost fleetwide fuel economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its SkyActiv program, which includes models such as the CX-5 and which uses better engine, transmission, aerodynamics and lightweight technology to cut fuel use in its internal combustion engines. Mazda, which starting selling the CX-5 in the U.S. in March, has set a goal to sell as many as 160,000 SkyActiv vehicles a year.Mazda skewers EV technology with overseas CX-5 launch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments