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Thursday, May 17, 2012

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Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious

Posted: 17 May 2012 02:44 PM PDT

Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious


Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious
We've received a boatload of tips that folks who have pre-ordered the EVO 4G LTE at Best Buy are now seeing a new release date of May 23rd. Does this mean Sprint's flagship handset is getting close to leaving those dreaded customs halls? Here's HTC's take on the matter: HTC is working closely with U.S. Customs to secure approval for shipments of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE. We have not made any announcements about a new launch date and will provide an update on availability as soon as we can do so confidently. While it's quote possible Best Buy knows something we don't, perhaps it's best to take this new release date with a grain of salt? Let us know what you think in the comments and hit the break for a screenshot of an updated pre-order. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Best Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautiousBest Buy expects EVO 4G LTE to land May 23rd, HTC remains cautious originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple breaks ground on second solar farm for North Carolina data center

Posted: 17 May 2012 02:44 PM PDT

Apple breaks ground on second solar farm for North Carolina data center


Apple breaks ground on second solar farm for North Carolina data center
Last February, Apple came clean about its efforts to clean up the environment, detailing intentions to make its Maiden, NC data facility a greener place. That site, already home to one solar farm, is now set to host a second 20 megawatt photovoltaic array spanning 100 acres, a one-two power punch that'll jointly generate 84 million kWh annually. Combined with the company's in-development biofuel cell plant, scheduled for opening later this year, that theoretic yield should hit the 124 million kWh mark -- an amount sufficient to power nearly 11,000 households -- providing 60 percent of the center's electric demands. Still, that's not enough to adequately keep operations afloat, so for that very necessary, leftover 40 percent, the house that Jobs built plans to purchase similar clean energy from outside local sources. When all is finally up and running smoothly, the southern facility will earn the distinction of "most environmentally sound data center ever built." Or, at least until another well-heeled competitor comes along to contest that title. Now that's a friendly competition we can get behind.Apple breaks ground on second solar farm for North Carolina data center originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MacRumors | Apple | Email this | Comments

Kia Readies Sedona Replacement

Posted: 17 May 2012 02:44 PM PDT

Kia Readies Sedona Replacement


Kia Readies Sedona Replacement
The new minivan is expected for the 2014 model year.

FCC wants to set aside wireless spectum for medical body area devices, our heart...

Posted: 17 May 2012 02:11 PM PDT

FCC wants to set aside wireless spectum for medical body area devices, our hearts are literally aflutter


FCC wants to set aside wireless spectum for medical body area devices, our hearts are literally aflutter
The FCC has been making a big push towards freeing up the airwaves for medical uses, and it just took one of its biggest steps on that front by proposing to clear space for wireless body area networks. Agency officials want to let devices operate in the 2.36GHz to 2.4GHz space so that patients can stay at home or at least move freely, instead of being fenced in at the hospital or tethered to a bed by wires. Devices would still need the FDA's green light, but they could both let patients go home sooner as well as open the door wider for preventative care. Voting on the proposal takes place May 24, which leaves our tech-minded hearts beating faster -- and if the proposal takes effect, we'll know just how much faster.FCC wants to set aside wireless spectum for medical body area devices, our hearts are literally aflutter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Reuters | FCC | Email this | Comments

Verizon: If You Want To Keep Your Unlimited Data, Pay Full Price For Your Next S...

Posted: 17 May 2012 02:11 PM PDT

Verizon: If You Want To Keep Your Unlimited Data, Pay Full Price For Your Next Smartphone


Verizon: If You Want To Keep Your Unlimited Data, Pay Full Price For Your Next Smartphone
Verizon CFO Fran Shammo ruffled a few feathers yesterday when he mentioned at an investor conference that every one of their customers would be on one of the carrier's new data share plans. In an effort to clarify his meaning, Verizon sent a statement to a handful of news outlets today that shines a bit more light on how they plan to make this situation work.

Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th

Posted: 17 May 2012 02:10 PM PDT

Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th


Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th
There's a trend starting to emerge of judges wanting Apple to talk settlements with others rather than duke it out in the courtroom. Just two weeks after Apple and Samsung were steered towards talking about a potential deal, a Delaware court has ordered Apple and HTC to meet on August 28th in the hopes that they could shake hands and put an end to an increasingly hectic legal battle under the eyes of a mediating judge. Whether or not that happens is very much up in the air. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he's not a fan of lawsuits, but he hasn't showed indications that he would take legal action off the table just yet. Likewise, HTC is no doubt eager to eliminate phone shipping delays stemming from Apple's court wins, but the lack of immediate pressure and the hopes of winning countersuits might lead it to hold off. Still, if the court's ideal vision of the world comes to pass, you could see HTC's Cher Wang shopping in an Apple Store without staff giving her the evil eye. [Image credit: mobile01]Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FOSSPatents | Email this | Comments

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM ET!

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:38 PM PDT

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM ET!


The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM ET!
Tim and Brian are back in the same makeshift studio as last week. What sorts of shenanigans can we expect? A new couch, perhaps? Only one way to find out!Continue reading The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM ET!The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 5PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Facebook IPO is official: $38 per share, on sale tomorrow under ticker symbol 'FB'

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:38 PM PDT

Facebook IPO is official: $38 per share, on sale tomorrow under ticker symbol 'FB'


Facebook IPO is official: $38 per share, on sale tomorrow under ticker symbol 'FB'
We largely steer clear of companies going public here at Engadget, but Facebook and its zillions of users warrants an atypical tip of the hat. The outfit has announced that starting tomorrow, 421,233,615 shares of its common stock will be up for grabs at a price to the public of $38 per share. It'll trade on the NASDAQ under the symbol "FB," with the outfit offering 180,000,000 shares of Class A common stock and selling stockholders offering 241,233,615 shares of Class A common stock. Closing of the offering is expected to occur on May 22nd, subject to "customary closing conditions." And with that, we'd like to congratulate a plethora of new billionaires on... well, being billionaires. Don't work too hard, guys and girls. Celebratory video is after the break.Continue reading Facebook IPO is official: $38 per share, on sale tomorrow under ticker symbol 'FB'Facebook IPO is official: $38 per share, on sale tomorrow under ticker symbol 'FB' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Wall Street Journal | Facebook | Email this | Comments

U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's...

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:37 PM PDT

U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's company


U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's company
And then there were three. U.S. Cellular's picking up the pace where its next-gen offerings are concerned, adding yet another device to that lonely LTE product portfolio. Starting today, Samsung's SCH-LC11 mobile hotspot will be available on the regional carrier's site with some sweet, limited time promotional pricing in tow: a mere $50 for subscribers residing in one of the operator's designated 4G coverage areas. For everyone else hunkered down in plain 'ol 3G territory, it'll ring in at $200 -- that's after a $50 mail-in rebate and required two-year contract. So, if you're a fan of deals and like to keep your plethora of portable gadgetry always connected, hit up the source link below and get to ordering.Continue reading U.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's companyU.S. Cellular adds Samsung mobile hotspot to its 4G LTE lineup, because three's company originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | U.S. Cellular | Email this | Comments

Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:03 PM PDT

Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h


Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h
Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus Are you one of the few people looking to put a brand-new Lexus HS 250h in your driveway? Better act fast. Inside Line reports that Toyota's luxury division has killed off its slow-selling HS model: "Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012. Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups." We can't say we're surprised. Reports first surfaced in November of 2011 indicating that the HS 250h's days were numbered. After selling 10,663 units in 2010, which was already well shy of projections, HS sales dropped a whopping 73 percent to just 2,864 in 2011. It's interesting that Lexus says the HS Hybrid is not a replacement for the HS, but we'd be a bit surprised if another standalone hybrid model made it into Lexus showrooms to replace the canceled HS - it seems to us that the current CT 200h hatchback and ES 300h ought to satisfy the needs of Lexus hybrid shoppers.Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Texting: the truth serum of the 21st century

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:02 PM PDT

Texting: the truth serum of the 21st century


Texting: the truth serum of the 21st century
The University of Michigan has found that if you want someone to tell you the truth, you should text them. Dispensing with the lie detector for job interviewees, academics found that people gave more honest and detailed answers via SMS than over the phone. The team believes it's due to the lack of time pressure and not having to produce a pleasing answer for your interrogator. If the findings continue to provide similar results, it looks like Steve Wilkos could be replaced with a smartphone.Texting: the truth serum of the 21st century originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PhoneArena, PhysOrg | University of Michigan | Email this | Comments

Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 sample images and video

Posted: 17 May 2012 01:02 PM PDT

Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 sample images and video


Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 sample images and video
We're at Samsung's NX-series launch event at Citi Field in Queens, NY, taking a closer look at the NX20, NX210 and NX1000 mirrorless ILCs that began hitting stores earlier today (the NX1000 will arrive in June). All three cameras are virtually identical when it comes to core components like the 20.3-megapixel Samsung-designed APS-C image sensor, so performance on that front should be consistent to what we saw with our flagship NX20 sample. From a spec perspective, these are fine shooters, but the systems' high pricing and (relatively) limited lens selection aren't likely to contribute to Samsung's mirrorless success. Join us past the break for some New York Mets action through the lens of Samsung's NX20.Gallery: Samsung NX20 sample imagesContinue reading Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 sample images and videoSamsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 sample images and video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Twitter teams up with Mozilla to help you opt-out of tracking

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Twitter teams up with Mozilla to help you opt-out of tracking


Twitter teams up with Mozilla to help you opt-out of tracking
What better place to announce Twitter's embrace of do not track policies than during a privacy panel at New York Internet Week? Federal Trade Commission CTO Ed Felten let the news slip today -- a fact later confirmed by Twitter and Mozilla. The service has been added to Firefox's Do Not Track feature, letting users opt-out of data-tracking cookies in the browser. More information on the feature can be found in the Mozilla source link below.Twitter teams up with Mozilla to help you opt-out of tracking originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The New York Times | Twitter, Mozilla | Email this | Comments

Everyme Adds Android, A Web App, and Instagram Integration

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Everyme Adds Android, A Web App, and Instagram Integration


Everyme Adds Android, A Web App, and Instagram Integration
Everyme, the Y Combinator-backed mobile startup that helps users create groups for private sharing, is launching a whole bunch of new stuff today. For starters, it's releasing apps for both Android and the Web. Co-founder Vibhu Norby says both products have the same features as the iPhone app. On the Android side, Norby says "worked really hard" to create an app that was designed for the platform, rather than just porting over the iPhone app.

HP will reportedly announce restructuring plan next week, up to 30,000 job cuts

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:28 PM PDT

HP will reportedly announce restructuring plan next week, up to 30,000 job cuts


HP will reportedly announce restructuring plan next week, up to 30,000 job cuts
It looks like HP could be in store for another wave of big changes. According to a pair of reports out today (backing up a report from Business Insider yesterday), HP CEO Meg Whitman will announce a new restructuring plan on the company's earnings call next Wednesday -- a plan that will entail some significant job cuts. Bloomberg pegs those cuts in the neighborhood of 25,000, while All Things D says they could include as many as 30,000 jobs, noting also that the number is still a "moving target." To put that in perspective, the company currently employs some 320,000 people worldwide. Of those cuts, 10 to 15,000 are said to come from HP's enterprise services group, and the company is also said to be offering early retirement packages to some 5,000 employees. That restructuring plan will apparently include more than just job cuts, though, with Whitman said to be pushing a "cut and reinvest" approach that will apply across the company, according to ATD.HP will reportedly announce restructuring plan next week, up to 30,000 job cuts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | All Things D, Bloomberg | Email this | Comments

Pentax K-30 leaks out in French catalog, teases us with weather resistance and 1...

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Pentax K-30 leaks out in French catalog, teases us with weather resistance and 1080p video


Pentax K-30 leaks out in French catalog, teases us with weather resistance and 1080p video
It's been more than a year and a half since Pentax first put out the K-r as its entry DSLR, so it's about time that a sequel roll along to keep the company in the game. If we believe a French catalog, the K-30 should soon one-up its 2010-era brother with a new 16-megapixel sensor and an upgrade to "full HD" (read: likely 1080p) video from the 720p of today. Most of the real change, though, appears to be on the outside: the body would be "tropicalized," which we're sure means weather resistance and not a trip to Tahiti. We'll be a bit disappointed if there aren't subtler under-the-hood changes, though, as the ISO 25,600 sensitivity wouldn't be any different than with the K-r, and the four frames per second continuous shooting would be a decided step back from the six of the K-30's ancestor. The €799 ($1,014) with-tax price for an 18-55mm kit version likewise seems a bit steep for an entry DSLR, although we'll bite given that this is the "maximum." Let's just hope there's some wild color options in the pipeline whenever the K-30 arrives.Pentax K-30 leaks out in French catalog, teases us with weather resistance and 1080p video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Pentax Forums | PentaxOne forums | Email this | Comments

Mercedes App Helps Owners Look the Part

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Mercedes App Helps Owners Look the Part


Mercedes App Helps Owners Look the Part
SL Bodywork creates exercise app so owners' bodies are as sleek as the car's.

Acer Iconia Tab A700 hits FCC approval process head-on, comes out victorious

Posted: 17 May 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Acer Iconia Tab A700 hits FCC approval process head-on, comes out victorious


Acer Iconia Tab A700 hits FCC approval process head-on, comes out victorious
The Tegra 3-touting tablet from Acer known as the Iconia Tab A700 hasn't made the rounds since CES, just over four months ago. It's finally hit the federal stage, with the WiFi-only version getting the seal of approval from the FCC, which tells us that its absence from the public spotlight doesn't mean Acer has stopped preparing it for its eventual (and still unannounced) launch date. Sadly, the docs are pretty limited in details, but there's plenty of reason for us to be excited -- the ICS-running tab should ship with a 1.3GHz quad-core NVIDIA SoC and a 10.1-inch 1080p display. Let's hope this is followed up with some news out of Taiwan sometime soon.Acer Iconia Tab A700 hits FCC approval process head-on, comes out victorious originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

Ford now taking orders for C-Max Hybrid at $25,995

Posted: 17 May 2012 11:29 AM PDT

Ford now taking orders for C-Max Hybrid at $25,995


Ford now taking orders for C-Max Hybrid at $25,995
Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, USA Ford is putting a big "X" on the Prius V. The U.S. automaker said its dealers began taking orders for its 2013 model-year C-Max Hybrid and is pitching the model as a cheaper, more fuel-efficient alternative to the Toyota Prius V wagon. Ford will start deliveries of the C-Max Hybrid this fall, while a plug-in hybrid version - the C-Max Energi - will be available by year-end. Ford's pricing the C-Max Hybrid at a base of $25,995, or about $500 less than the cheapest Prius V. While Ford didn't specifically give a miles-per-gallon estimate, the company said the C-Max Hybrid would beat the Prius V's 42-mile-per-gallon-combined rating from the EPA.Last month, Toyota boosted U.S. Prius sales doubled from a year earlier to 25,168 units in part because of the 3,847 Prius V wagons sold. Ford, which sold just 1,175 hybrids in April, late last month tapped the first 67 West Coast and New York-area dealers that will sell the Ford Focus Electric and published a map indicating where the EV would be rolled out during the rest of the year.Continue reading Ford now taking orders for C-Max Hybrid at $25,995Ford now taking orders for C-Max Hybrid at $25,995 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition

Posted: 17 May 2012 11:29 AM PDT

Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition


Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition
As spring reaches full blossom, it's not just the flowers that are beginning to show -- so are the new slates heavy hitters teased back at CES. So, what does that mean? It means it's high-time that we cast a fresh glance over the tablet landscape, took in a deep breath of slate-infused air and exhaled a hearty Engadget tablet buyer's guide. We've been running the smartphone equivalent for a little while now, so we thought it only fair to give the now-mature tablet category one of its own. We're going to look at the main categories of fondleslabbery and carve out what we think are the finest offerings on the market right now. It doesn't matter if you're looking for something big, small, just good enough or so powerful that it could replace your laptop: we've collected our favorites and shepherded them safely into this one humble guide. Of course, if you want to cast your net a little wider, you can always check out our tablet review hub, but if you struggle with indecision, head on past the break to see what's hot right now in Tablet Land.Continue reading Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 editionEngadget's tablet buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoo...

Posted: 17 May 2012 11:29 AM PDT

Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models


Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models
We've heard reports that Samsung has shifted focus at some of its camera manufacturing facilities away from point-and-shoot cameras with the objective of ramping up production of its compact mirrorless models. And while this move implies that the company's pocketable compacts could be doomed, that's simply not the case. We spoke with Reid Sullivan, Samsung's Senior Vice President of Mobile Entertainment, who reinforced the company's continuing commitment to developing and manufacturing point-and-shoot models -- in short, pocketable cameras remain a focus for the company, which simply made manufacturing adjustments to accommodate an anticipated increase in demand for recently-launched NX20, NX210 and NX1000. Point-and-shoots, for better or worse, are here to stay, and Sullivan explained that while we're unlikely to see new sub-$100 cameras make their debut, there's plenty in the works on the SMART front, with new launches in store for upcoming events like Photokina and CES. Whether there will continue to be demand for point-and-shoots remains to be seen, and while consumers are clearly turning to smartphones for casual shooting, Samsung appears to be in no hurry to abandon the point-and-shoot form-factor.Samsung clarifies camera production shift, confirms commitment to point-and-shoot models originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google patent application could mean melody-matching for YouTube

Posted: 17 May 2012 11:29 AM PDT

Google patent application could mean melody-matching for YouTube


Google patent application could mean melody-matching for YouTube
YouTube has become a treasure trove for rare live editions, outtakes and covers of popular songs -- the latter making stars out of acts like Pomplamoose. However, Google and the recording industry don't feel the same way, but the site's famous content filtering system can only handle exact matches of recorded songs -- so that 14-year-old moppet's cover version of Born this Way remains unfiltered. That could change should a patent application made available today result in a workable product. It describes a Melody Identification system that'll pluck out a "melody fingerprint" from any uploaded file and then determine the appropriate "rights management" to apply -- which sounds ominous. The patents haven't been granted and nowhere in the text of either document does it reveal how the company plans to deal with songs that sound very, very similar, but we can't imagine what'll be left if the worst comes to pass: lots of mute cat videos, probably. Update: Josh Rice in comments pointed out that Pomplamoose actually buys the rights to its covers. That's the nicest form of prior art there is.Google patent application could mean melody-matching for YouTube originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | USPTO, (2) | Email this | Comments

Weotta Go: An iPhone App That Suggests Activities For Right Now

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:50 AM PDT

Weotta Go: An iPhone App That Suggests Activities For Right Now


Weotta Go: An iPhone App That Suggests Activities For Right Now
Here's an iPhone app for those moments when you're wondering, "Okay, I've got some free time right now — what should I do?" Weotta Go is actually the latest product from Weotta, a startup that launched at TechCrunch Disrupt last year. At the time, the company had built a website that helped people make plans, such as figuring out where to eat dinner tonight. The iPhone app, on the other hand, is more focused on spontaneity — say you're at work and want to find somewhere nearby to grab a sandwich, or you've just met up with some friends and don't know where to head next.

Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300...

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:50 AM PDT

Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits


Comcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits
Comcast's bandwidth policy has come under fire from several directions lately, and today it's announced plans to test two new systems for managing capacity. In a company blog post, VP Cathy Avgiris describes the new "flexible" approaches it will be testing out in certain markets that start off by raising the limit to 300GB (from 250GB where it's been since 2008) per month. One of the plans involves offering 300GB as a base on its Essentials, Economy, and Performance internet packages, and higher limits on its Blast and Extreme tiers, with extra data available as an add-on, possibly $10 for 50GB or so. The other plan simply bumps all tiers to 300GB per month and offers the additional blocks of data as needed. For markets where it's not testing the new plans, it's suspending enforcement of the 250GB cap entirely for now, although it says it will still contact "excessive" users about their usage. ...developingComcast rethinks bandwidth caps, trials two new policies that involve higher 300GB monthly limits originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Comcast Voices | Email this | Comments

Monmouthpedia: Wikipedia's very own QR-coated Welsh town (video)

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:50 AM PDT

Monmouthpedia: Wikipedia's very own QR-coated Welsh town (video)


Monmouthpedia: Wikipedia's very own QR-coated Welsh town (video)
Wikipedia's credence as a fount of reliable knowledge is indubitably dubious. That said, its penchant for community contribution is what's snowballed the site into a go-to digital destination for most online denizens. But forebear of a QR-indexed, former principality? Surely, there's a limit to the social web's reach. Well, come May 19th, that odd, but apt distinction will officially encapsulate Monmouthpedia, née Monmouth, Wales -- an experiment in informational graffiti. The project, originally born from a Bristol-based TEDx talk, has taken half a year for founder John Cummings to execute given the need for County Council and local business support, the installation of a pervasive, free WiFi network and additional article contributions from site volunteers. And thanks to QRpedia, curious mobile-wielding tourists that chance upon the quaint Welsh town will need only to scan the omnipresent codes for an easy redirect to a corresponding language-appropriate article. Lest you think this web-to-real world experiment is merely a one-off, bear in mind those code-bearing ceramic plates are built to last. Hop on past the break for a French-subbed informational video tour.Continue reading Monmouthpedia: Wikipedia's very own QR-coated Welsh town (video)Monmouthpedia: Wikipedia's very own QR-coated Welsh town (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wikipedia | Email this | Comments

Enough With Social Stalking: Business-Focused INTRO App Will Let Members Network...

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:50 AM PDT

Enough With Social Stalking: Business-Focused INTRO App Will Let Members Network More Privately


Enough With Social Stalking: Business-Focused INTRO App Will Let Members Network More Privately
INTRO, the ambient location app whose claim-to-fame is how it's angling to become the "LinkedIn" of the social/local people-stalking space, is now increasing its business-oriented focus. With the iOS app's most recent update, due to roll out any day (minute?) now, INTRO is adding features that will allow members of groups to connect with each other, even going so far as to shut off networking with people outside of their preferred groups. The company, which was already focused on professional (not social) networking, is integrating Meetup, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn groups for improved matching in the new app, as well as support for private groups, like membership clubs and entrepreneur networks, for example.

Samsung NX210 and NX20 now available, NX1000 to ship in June for $700

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:50 AM PDT

Samsung NX210 and NX20 now available, NX1000 to ship in June for $700


Samsung NX210 and NX20 now available, NX1000 to ship in June for $700
We already had a fairly good idea of pricing for Samsung's trio of NX cameras, but until the company's US arm released figures of its own, we withheld hope that the entry-level NX1000 would break the critical $600 barrier. Sadly, that's not the case -- that curvy flavor will retail for $700 in white, black or pink finishes come June, with a 20-50mm kit lens in tow. Timing couldn't be more unfortunate for Samsung's NX line, considering that Sony upped the stakes earlier today with its NEX-F3, the successor to the wildly-popular NEX-C3, which is priced to sell at $600 with an 18-55mm kit lens. That camera's 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor is the same physical size as what you'll find on the NX1000, NX210 and NX20, but Samsung's version ups the resolution to 20.3MP. Still, seasoned shooters know that megapixel count isn't a critical spec, making that extra 100 bucks a hard swallow for would-be NX1000 owners. Samsung's other mirrorless models, the NX210 and NX20, are available now for $1,100 and $900, respectively, so if you're in the market for an upgrade, those cameras may be worth considering. Full PR is after the break.Continue reading Samsung NX210 and NX20 now available, NX1000 to ship in June for $700Samsung NX210 and NX20 now available, NX1000 to ship in June for $700 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile Launching New Mobile Broadband Plans For Contract Haters On May 20

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:49 AM PDT

T-Mobile Launching New Mobile Broadband Plans For Contract Haters On May 20


T-Mobile Launching New Mobile Broadband Plans For Contract Haters On May 20
T-Mobile CEO Philipp Humm noted during their last earning call that their prepaid users helped make up for the loss of 510,000 postpaid subscribers, and now it seems that they've got another bone to throw to the their legions of contract-averse customers. Starting on May 20, T-Mobile will be rolling out a slew of new, no-contract data plans to go with their line of mobile broadband modems, hotspots, and tablets.

Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order on T-Mobile UK

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:49 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order on T-Mobile UK


Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order on T-Mobile UK
Sure, we'd seen a handful of other carriers in the UK have Sammy's GS3 up for pre-order, but that circle wouldn't be complete without a certain Magenta network. Worry not, though, as T-Mobile's joined the pre-order race and is now ready to swap your cash for a spanking-new Galaxy slab. Per usual -- at least across the pond -- you're likely to find a deal that's perfectly suited for you, with T-Mobile UK pricing the device as low £10.50 per month (£300 up front) and as high as £41 with the Full Monty on a 24-month deal -- of course, there's a plethora of different bundles to choose from. The carrier's site does note that if you order the goods now, unlike those lucky folks getting it on the 29th, delivery here is set for sometime after May 30th.Samsung Galaxy S III now available for pre-order on T-Mobile UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | T-Mobile UK | Email this | Comments

Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsun...

Posted: 17 May 2012 10:49 AM PDT

Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku


Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku
As we revealed yesterday, Time Warner Cable has finally activated HBO Go streaming to TV connected devices. As seen on the new activation pages for Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, Xbox 360s and Roku boxes, TWC and Bright House Networks are now among the available options (sorry, still no word on ESPN3 for the Xbox 360). The only bad news? DirecTV and Comcast have not (yet) followed suit, so for those customers HBO Go streaming on the TV is still a hit-or-miss affair. We're not sure what is behind the change of heart or policy, but while Comcast reportedly had authentication issues to resolve before switching on the Xbox 360's HBO access, it's worth noting that Time Warner Cable could have its app coming to some or all of these platforms very soon. An official blog post indicates it may take a few hours for things to switch on every where so if you don't see this in your neck of the woods just keep checking back. [Thanks, Ben]Time Warner Cable confirms HBO Go streaming is now available on Xbox 360, Samsung and Roku originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TW Cable Untangled | Email this | Comments