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Saturday, May 26, 2012

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Oppo's super-skinny Finder smartphone gets many more details, should reach pre-o...

Posted: 26 May 2012 02:47 PM PDT

Oppo's super-skinny Finder smartphone gets many more details, should reach pre-orders June 6th (video)


Oppo's super-skinny Finder smartphone gets many more details, should reach pre-orders June 6th (video)
The last time we saw Oppo's 6.65mm-thick smartphone, it was playing hard to get: we didn't see much more than its svelte profile. Oppo is now being a little more forthcoming, both officially and otherwise. It's now teasing the device as the Finder, and some escaped details explain just how it's getting to that Ascend P1 S-busting dimension as well as where it sits in the smartphone pantheon. TGBus understands the Finder should use a familiar-sounding 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen -- much thinner than an LCD -- as well as a dual-core 1.5GHz processor of an unspecified make and the virtually pre-requisite 8-megapixel rear and 1.3-megapixel front cameras. The lot should run on a customized version of Android 4.0. If all goes to the still somewhat unofficial plan, the Finder could be ready for pre-orders on June 6th at a not-insignificant ¥3,999 ($631) off-contract. We're mostly waiting on in-store dates and the possibility of snapping one up without a long flight to China.Continue reading Oppo's super-skinny Finder smartphone gets many more details, should reach pre-orders June 6th (video)Oppo's super-skinny Finder smartphone gets many more details, should reach pre-orders June 6th (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 17:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MICgadget | TGBus (translated) | Email this | Comments

Engadget Mobile Podcast 139 - 05.26.2012

Posted: 26 May 2012 02:47 PM PDT

Engadget Mobile Podcast 139 - 05.26.2012


Engadget Mobile Podcast 139 - 05.26.2012
Myriam and Brad get 2.0'd: the Engadget Mobile Podcasters go at it as a lean, mean, waterproof duo equipped with 41-megapixel sensors, upgraded globetrotting radios, and bootloaders as free as the wind. What can't they do? is the real question.Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) 00:00:55 - Samsung Galaxy S III review 00:39:10 - Samsung: 'Lawyers didn't design the Galaxy S III' 00:42:13 - Google officially closes deal for Motorola Mobility 00:42:30 - China clears Google acquisition of Motorola, eliminates last barrier to Googorola bliss (update) 00:51:55 - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE pre-orders begin shipping to eager subs 00:57:34 - Sprint to begin shipping the HTC EVO 4G LTE for arrival 'on or around' May 24th, pre-orders get first dib 00:58:00 - HTC One X for AT&T gets unofficial bootloader unlock 01:27:58 - Facebook Camera hands-on 01:38:50 - Nokia 808 PureView impressions, camera showdown with the iPhone 4S and HTC One S 01:43:00 - The future for Nokia PureView: Possible slimmer models and 'not necessarily a 41MP sensor' 01:45:45 - Panasonic Eluga review 01:52:08 - Verizon purportedly giving DROID 4, RAZR and Rezound 'global' designation via software update (update: confirmed) Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.Follow us on Twitter@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobileFiled under: PodcastsEngadget Mobile Podcast 139 - 05.26.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

French EVs account for 0.2 percent of new car sales

Posted: 26 May 2012 02:13 PM PDT

French EVs account for 0.2 percent of new car sales


French EVs account for 0.2 percent of new car sales
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EUNissan and General Motors would've been clicking their heels if electric vehicles accounted for one in 500 new cars last year. But in the homeland of big EV builder Renault, not so much. EV sales in France have accounted for less than 0.2 percent of new car sales this year, Bloomberg News reports, citing Les Echos. Automakers like alliance partners Renault and Nissan sold 1,594 EVs through April, according to the wire service. Automakers are hoping that EVs account for as much as 10 percent of vehicle sales in France. Still, 0.2 percent isn't exactly a horror story. Last year, models like the Nissan Leaf battery electric vehicle and Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in moved about 17,000 units, or about 0.13 percent of the nearly 13 million light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2011. That's about one in 750 new cars. That said, automakers were hoping the French would take after the fine citizens of Norway. There, the Nissan Leaf moved 1,000 units during its first six months on sale there, and accounted for about two percent of the car market in February. Mon dieu!French EVs account for 0.2 percent of new car sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Kanzi: ZTE's 3D UX for ICS handsets

Posted: 26 May 2012 02:13 PM PDT

Kanzi: ZTE's 3D UX for ICS handsets


Kanzi: ZTE's 3D UX for ICS handsets
To skin or not to skin? That's hardly ever a question for Android OEMs. And, in the case of some Chinese manufacturers, that mark of software differentiation comes in the form of three dimensions. We've already seen Huawei trot out its (optional) 3D UX for the Ascend P line, and now it appears ZTE's ready to follow suit with a custom interface powered by Rightware. The Kanzi UI, as it's called, will come pre-loaded on all of the company's smartphones currently shipping with Ice Cream Sandwich, treating users to a 3D homescreen experience and giving developers a unified platform to port their designs. It's good news if you're a fan of that overlaid visual gimmickry, but we much prefer our Google desserts vanilla and without any toppings. Hit up the break to check out the official presser.Continue reading Kanzi: ZTE's 3D UX for ICS handsetsKanzi: ZTE's 3D UX for ICS handsets originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MobileMag | | Email this | Comments

Sprint says thank you, gives patient subs free EVO 4G LTE cases

Posted: 26 May 2012 01:05 PM PDT

Sprint says thank you, gives patient subs free EVO 4G LTE cases


Sprint says thank you, gives patient subs free EVO 4G LTE cases
Waiting for the EVO 4G LTE to ship turned out to be much less of an exercise in Godot-like interminability than many subscribers once thought. That handset's now firmly in the hands of pre-order customers and to thank them for their (presumed) patience, Sprint's bundling a thank you gift with every parcel. As shown above, that make-good comes in the form of a smartphone case -- a Superman-colored one at that -- although we would've much preferred an extended battery. See, folks? You stand by your carrier and you get rewarded. That two-year contract had to be good for something.Sprint says thank you, gives patient subs free EVO 4G LTE cases originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Jeff White (Google+) | Email this | Comments

Google Wallet: one year later

Posted: 26 May 2012 12:31 PM PDT

Google Wallet: one year later


Google Wallet: one year later
The rumors and leaks go back a bit further, but it was a year ago today that Google officially revealed its Google Wallet mobile payment service -- a platform that the company is still betting big on, even if it may be slightly reconsidering the way it does business. While it might not have taken off quite as quickly as Google would have liked, the past year has still been a fairly eventful one for the service -- albeit occasionally for reasons the company would prefer you forget -- and the next year proves to be even more challenging as the service faces increased competition. Read on for a look back at how we got here, and what lies ahead for both Google Wallet and mobile payments in general.Continue reading Google Wallet: one year laterGoogle Wallet: one year later originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 15:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

SpaceX Dragon team opens the hatch, to spend Memorial Day with more cargo haulin...

Posted: 26 May 2012 11:58 AM PDT

SpaceX Dragon team opens the hatch, to spend Memorial Day with more cargo hauling than barbecues


SpaceX Dragon team opens the hatch, to spend Memorial Day with more cargo hauling than barbecues
SpaceX's Dragon docked with the International Space Station on Friday, but if you think the involved crew is spending the US long weekend experimenting with how well grills prepare burgers in low gravity (hint: not very), you're in for a bit of an awakening. The private space capsule's hatch flew open just before 6AM ET on Saturday, and while that's a historic first docking for a private spacecraft, it's just the start of a long process. At the same time as we'll be catching fireworks on Monday, the ISS team will bring onboard the 1,014 pounds of cargo and science experiments that Dragon hauled as proof it could fulfill a 12-mission, $1.6 billion cargo delivery contract. Don't think the spacefarers won't get any time off for Memorial Day weekend -- they'll get Saturday and Sunday for reflection -- but the 25 hours' worth of cargo shuffling on Monday will spill over into Tuesday, just as we're all stumbling back into our offices on Earth. [Image credit: NASA TV]SpaceX Dragon team opens the hatch, to spend Memorial Day with more cargo hauling than barbecues originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 14:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Space.com (1), (2) | | Email this | Comments

RIM may cut 2,000-plus jobs within two weeks

Posted: 26 May 2012 10:51 AM PDT

RIM may cut 2,000-plus jobs within two weeks


RIM may cut 2,000-plus jobs within two weeks
RIM's current chief Thorsten Heins has had to make some tough decisions in the first few months of his tenure -- and he could be making some particularly difficult choices about trimming the rank and file within the next two weeks. Assuming we take the claims of several contacts for Canada's The Globe and Mail at face value, "at least" 2,000 jobs are being cut on or before June 1st. The numbers could climb higher at that: Reuters is bracing for as many as 6,000 layoffs, and has described an unhappy routine of "Goodbye Thursdays" where more recent hires are let go. RIM has turned down comment on what it calls "rumors and speculation," and we'd hope for the sake of those possibly affected that it's not true. Having said this, it's hard not to imagine Heins wanting to streamline the BlackBerry maker as much as possible to adapt to shrinking market share and keep the company afloat until BlackBerry 10 potentially spurs a revival.RIM may cut 2,000-plus jobs within two weeks originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Reuters | The Globe and Mail | Email this | Comments

Samsung Focus 2 review

Posted: 26 May 2012 09:10 AM PDT

Samsung Focus 2 review


Samsung Focus 2 review
Ready for Samsung's latest entrant to the Windows Phone game? Hopefully you answered "yes," because we're about to take you through an in-depth look at such a device: the Focus 2. Around the time that we United States-based Engadgeteers were lusting over Nokia's Lumia 800 and getting to know the HTC Titan, Samsung introduced its Focus S and lower-tiered Focus Flash WP7.5 handsets. Redmond's hardware restrictions haven't exactly changed much since then, begging the question as to how the Focus 2 fits in as a late follow-up to the original Focus from back in 2010. The bulk of the answer, of course, is LTE. This handset is the only other Windows Phone aside from the Lumia 900 and HTC Titan II to feature such connectivity on Ma Bell's network. That, and it's priced at just $50 dollars on a two-year commitment. Is it a veritable steal like the Focus Flash proved to be, though? Join us past the break where we'll lay it all out. Gallery: Samsung Focus 2 reviewContinue reading Samsung Focus 2 reviewSamsung Focus 2 review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung phone lands on the FCC table, GS-three guesses which one

Posted: 26 May 2012 06:54 AM PDT

Samsung phone lands on the FCC table, GS-three guesses which one


Samsung phone lands on the FCC table, GS-three guesses which one
While we're no champions at "pin the tail on the donkey" we're pretty sure we're close to the mark with this one. An FCC report for a new Samsung phone? Sporting HSPA+ and LTE bands that play nice with AT&T, Rogers, Telus and Bell? While it's not explicit, if this doesn't sound like the GSIII coming to town, we don't know what does. After all, it's not like we didn't know it was on its way.Samsung phone lands on the FCC table, GS-three guesses which one originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 09:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

BMW banking on carbon fiber costs to broaden M range

Posted: 26 May 2012 06:20 AM PDT

BMW banking on carbon fiber costs to broaden M range


BMW banking on carbon fiber costs to broaden M range
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, BMW, Lightweight There once was a time when BMW only produced a handful of its models in high-performance M guise. There was the M3, the M5, and that was pretty much it. Now, however, it offers M models based on the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X5 and X6. And that's only expected to grow. The first on the docket, according to BMW North America CEO (and former M chief) Ludwig Willisch in speaking with TheDetroitBureau.com, will be an M7. The Bavarian automaker has long resisted going down the same road as the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG and Audi S8, but that's slated to change in the near future. But while the X5 M and X6 M have been hot sellers, Willisch rules out the possibility of M versions of the smaller X1 and X3 crossovers, as well as bringing the M550d xDrive super-diesel sport-wagon (or presumably its crossover counterparts) to North America. Of course BMW could opt to apply a similar sub-M formula to the 7 Series like it's doing with the M135i. Either way, BMW is counting on the reduced cost and labor involved in manufacturing carbon fiber components for the viability of both its performance vehicles and its environmentally-friendly i range. As our compatriots at the Bureau note, the engineers at McLaren needed some 3,000 hours of labor to produce the carbon fiber components for the McLaren F1 over a decade ago. By the time it started building the SLR for Mercedes-Benz, it had cut that down to 400 hours. And with the new MP4-12C, it takes them less than 6 hours. As a result, costs have come down too, resulting in a lower street price for each successive model: $1 million, $400,000 and $250,000, respectively. And that's a model on which other automakers - like BMW - can seek to capitalize.BMW banking on carbon fiber costs to broaden M range originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 26 May 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Steve Ballmer's Windows 8 rig measures 80 inches, so... does that do anything fo...

Posted: 26 May 2012 05:11 AM PDT

Steve Ballmer's Windows 8 rig measures 80 inches, so... does that do anything for ya?


Steve Ballmer's Windows 8 rig measures 80 inches, so... does that do anything for ya?
To all the executives out there, consider what you have hanging on the walls of your office. Perhaps it's a fine work of art -- maybe even an original -- but it most certainly isn't an 80-inch Windows 8 computer. That curious distinction belongs to Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, who has eschewed use of his phone, notepad and a more practical email solution in the name of awesomeness (or, perhaps compensation for those lagging Windows Phone sales.) Initially said to be a machine that'd be marketed and sold by Microsoft, the company has since clarified that no such effort will take place -- although the door remains open for independent vendors to step in and sell similar behemoth Windows 8 setups. Unlike most tablets, we've a hard time imagining ol' Steve throwing this one under his arm as he scoots out of the office... but then again, the man can afford some mighty good chiropractors.Steve Ballmer's Windows 8 rig measures 80 inches, so... does that do anything for ya? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 07:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wired | Email this | Comments

Report: FBI forming new cyber intelligence research unit, focus on digital surve...

Posted: 26 May 2012 02:58 AM PDT

Report: FBI forming new cyber intelligence research unit, focus on digital surveillance


Report: FBI forming new cyber intelligence research unit, focus on digital surveillance
According to a report filed by technology site CNET, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is forming a new cyber intelligence and research unit dubbed the Domestic Communications Assistance Center (DCAC). The briefing states that the DCAC's purpose will be "to invent technology that will let police more readily eavesdrop on Internet and wireless communications" (initially focusing on VoIP services, social networks, and wireless communication mediums) . Via a prepared statement, the FBI explained that the unit's modus operandi will be to "assist federal, state and local law enforcement with electronic surveillance capabilities." Congress has appropriated over $54 million for "lawful electronic surveillance" in fiscal year 2012; the DCAC has been earmarked just north of $8 million from that pie. The Bureau's full statement is after the break.Continue reading Report: FBI forming new cyber intelligence research unit, focus on digital surveillanceReport: FBI forming new cyber intelligence research unit, focus on digital surveillance originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 05:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | CNET | Email this | Comments

DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors

Posted: 26 May 2012 12:43 AM PDT

DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors


DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors
Drops, shocks, heavy vibrations, dust, water and temperatures in the extremes -- just the kind of punishment you'd expect a DRS Armor slab to put up with, and the firm's latest do so without the briefcase-like look. With MIL-STD 810G certification and an IP65 rating, the 7-inch multi-touch slates can withstand some rough and tumble -- though there's no word if they can pass the tesla coil benchmark. At 1.3 pounds, the Android 3.2-loaded X7ad squeezes out eight hours of battery life with a 1GHz dual core Tegra 2 processor. Its Windows-minded doppelganger, the X7et, holds a six-hour charge, sports an Atom Z670 processor and tips the scales at just under 1.5 pounds. If the chunkier look strikes your fancy, the 12.1 inch X12kb has you covered -- though at 5.5 pounds, it's the lightest MIL-STD-810G certified convertible tablet currently available. The swivel screened slate has up to eight hours of battery life, a Core i5 560UMCPU processor, a polarized LCD glass display, a spillproof keyboard and touchpad in addition to a one-click stealth mode that disables light and sound for "covert operations." With GPS, WiFi and Gobi Wireless Broadband options, all three of these are ready for missions at home and abroad, however you might need that stealth function to find out the (currently unspecified) pricing.Continue reading DRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavorsDRS unveils trio of ruggedized tablets in Windows and Android flavors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 03:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Ele...

Posted: 25 May 2012 11:01 PM PDT

Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric


Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric
Since its debut in 2007, Ford and Microsoft's Sync infotainment system has made its way into several of the auto maker's models, including the 2012 Focus Electric. At this week's Future in Review tech conference, Ford announced that more than 4 million vehicles in the US have its entertainment platform on board. In addition to dropping that stat, the company talked up its new EV, which it says can charge in half the time it takes for the Nissan Leaf. Maybe Ford caught wind of Nissan's just-announced e-NV200 all-electric van and wanted to remind those in the market for an EV that a blue box isn't the only option.Continue reading Ford says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus ElectricFord says Sync is now in 4 million vehicles, takes a moment to talk up Focus Electric originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 May 2012 01:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple Stores rumored carrying Nest thermostats, we play it cool (to exactly 71F)

Posted: 25 May 2012 08:46 PM PDT

Apple Stores rumored carrying Nest thermostats, we play it cool (to exactly 71F)


Apple Stores rumored carrying Nest thermostats, we play it cool (to exactly 71F)
Tony Fadell might have left Apple to make the Nest Learning Thermostat, but it may be the case that Apple hasn't completely left him. If we go by a pair of rumors, Nest's Internet-savvy climate control could soon be in Apple Stores, presumably across the US, for the same $249 as it costs to splurge for one through Nest itself. We're definitely skeptical -- home appliances and automation aren't really Apple's strong suits, and Nest has already declined to comment -- but 9to5 Mac has heard that the thermostats are already in Apple's inventory system. If the reports are at all true, there won't be long to wait before you can buy a smart energy system while you're shopping for a new iPhone case.Apple Stores rumored carrying Nest thermostats, we play it cool (to exactly 71F) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | iLounge, 9to5 Mac | Email this | Comments

FCC Fridays: May 25, 2012

Posted: 25 May 2012 07:41 PM PDT

FCC Fridays: May 25, 2012


FCC Fridays: May 25, 2012
We here at Engadget tend to spend a lot of way too much time poring over the latest FCC filings, be it on the net or directly on the ol' Federal Communications Commission's site. Since we couldn't possibly (want to) cover all the stuff that goes down there individually, we've gathered up an exhaustive listing of every phone and / or tablet getting the stamp of approval over the last week. Enjoy!Continue reading FCC Fridays: May 25, 2012FCC Fridays: May 25, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 22:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Nokia and X-Prize put medical sensors on the spot for next challenge

Posted: 25 May 2012 06:33 PM PDT

Nokia and X-Prize put medical sensors on the spot for next challenge


Nokia and X-Prize put medical sensors on the spot for next challenge
Sometimes the X-Prize foundation gets a little ahead of itself. We couldn't get a private mission to the moon off the ground and apparently we can't built a tricorder either. But, we can take baby steps. Presumably that's what the newest X Challenge is all about. The group has teamed up with a certain Finnish phone maker to introduce the Nokia Sensing X Challenge. Rather than dive head first into Star Trek tech, the two are offering $2.25 million to further the development of health sensors and their associated technology. Nokia's interest is clear: it's widely expected that those tricorders of our dreams will one day become a reality and take the form of our cellphones. The challenge will actually be broken up into three different events to be held over the next three years, with many of the same competitors expected to follow up by entering Qualcomm's competition. For more, check out the PR after the break.Continue reading Nokia and X-Prize put medical sensors on the spot for next challengeNokia and X-Prize put medical sensors on the spot for next challenge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves

Posted: 25 May 2012 05:59 PM PDT

FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves


FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves
Sprint might not have its 4G LTE network up and running to power your EVO 4G LTE, but it's already getting more headroom. The FCC has just tweaked the rules around the ESMR (Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio) spectrum to let Sprint, and the considerably more regional SouthernLINC Wireless, run their CDMA voice calls and LTE data on the 800MHz band they're currently using for their soon-to-end iDEN networks. In practice, the extra frequency access should be a tremendous help to at least Sprint, which hasn't had the low-level, indoors-friendly airspace that AT&T and Verizon enjoy with their 700MHz networks. Just don't expect your EVO or the rest of the initial Sprint LTE devices to take advantage any time soon, as you'll need to both get an 800MHz-ready phone as well as endure the long, long wait until Sprint switches on the extra LTE band in 2014.FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink ExtremeTech | FCC | Email this | Comments

Hybrid, plug-in vehicle sales will jump fivefold in five years, report says

Posted: 25 May 2012 04:52 PM PDT

Hybrid, plug-in vehicle sales will jump fivefold in five years, report says


Hybrid, plug-in vehicle sales will jump fivefold in five years, report says
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG The good news? Alt-fuel vehicle sales will rise during the next few years. The bad news? So will their prices. Global sales of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles and other electric-drive variants will jump 30 percent this year and will rise fivefold between 2011 and 2017, says a Dallas-based research firm. Worldwide, low- and zero-emission vehicle sales, which stood at $21.1 billion last year, will reach $27.5 billion in 2012 and then increase to $103.1 billion in 2017, according to MarketsandMarkets. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles sold will rise to 3.53 million in 2017 from 826,800 last year, which is great until a little long division (or a trip to an Excel file) is performed, revealing that the average price of advanced-powertrain vehicles will be $25,556 to $29,198. Either way, hybrids will continue to be the most commonly purchased alt-fuel vehicle during the next few years, the report says. So far, Americans appear to be doing their part. Alt-fuel vehicle sales through April were at more than 175,000 units, up almost 40 percent from 2011.Continue reading Hybrid, plug-in vehicle sales will jump fivefold in five years, report saysHybrid, plug-in vehicle sales will jump fivefold in five years, report says originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)

Posted: 25 May 2012 04:52 PM PDT

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)


E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)
Ever since Universal announced during CES 2012 that it would deliver many of its classic films on Blu-ray this year as part of a centennial celebration, we've been keeping a careful eye out for news regarding Steven Spielberg's classic E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. While we still don't know the release date, price or if it will contain the changes made in the 2002 edition of the flick, Universal posted a trailer for the Blu-ray (embedded after the break) that confirmed a digital remastering from the 35MM film, 7.1 surround sound and "hours of bonus features". Additionally, forum posters on Blu-ray.com have noticed this (probably not final) box art appearing on Amazon UK recently. After waiting for word since a new distribution deal brought the flick back to Universal in 2008, a few months of silence hasn't broken us, but hopefully more details appear soon. The best guess still sees the 30th Anniversary release hitting store shelves in time for the holidays (like after Jaws, which is scheduled for release August 14th), when we can relive our childhoods in proper 1080p HD at last.Continue reading E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video)E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Blu-ray trailer and box art pop up online (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | YouTube, Blu-ray.com | Email this | Comments

Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III reportedly pushed back for some launches

Posted: 25 May 2012 04:17 PM PDT

Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III reportedly pushed back for some launches


Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III reportedly pushed back for some launches
We hope you weren't too excited about getting a Pebble Blue-tinged Galaxy S III in May, because we're seeing unconfirmed reports that the darker Hyperglazed hue might not be available for everyone in the first round of launches. Some would-be customers, primarily in Nordic countries but also in Asia-Pacific, Europe and Persian Gulf states, have been told that only the Marble White color will be on shelves at first. Most of the consensus, based on retailer notices, is that demand for blue is straining supply. Samsung Benelux's press lead Vivian Peters told Tweakers.net that at least the Netherlands wouldn't be getting the stealthier color until early June, but didn't confirm a rumor that there had been flaws in the blue plastic backplates that might have triggered shortages. There hasn't been mention of problems for the heavily-hyped UK launch. We reached out to a Samsung spokesman ourselves and were told only that the company "does not comment on rumors or speculation" -- a slightly unusual statement given what Peters said on the record, but it does lead us to take at least the more dire claims with a grain of salt.Pebble Blue Samsung Galaxy S III reportedly pushed back for some launches originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Community | XDA-Developers, Reddit, Tweakers.net | Email this | Comments

Caption Contest: Maker Faire's morning pick-me-up

Posted: 25 May 2012 03:45 PM PDT

Caption Contest: Maker Faire's morning pick-me-up


Caption Contest: Maker Faire's morning pick-me-up
Some mornings you just don't want to get out of bed. We've all got our own methods for starting the day, but few are quite so...electric...as this this one spotted at Maker Faire over the weekend. No doubt even Tesla himself couldn't have concocted a better way to shake oneself loose from a bad case of the Mondays. Richard Lai: "Starbucks now brewing Electric Latte. Espresso with steamed milk and a dash of lightning, finished with a sprinkle of copper dust."Darren Murph: "Jump Start kind of undersells things, no?"Jon Fingas: "The best part of waking up is 10,000 volts in your cup."Billy Steele: "The folks at Jolt Cola are not going to be happy about this."Tim Stevens: "No, it's pronounced 'coffeen' not 'caffeine'!"Terrence O'Brien: "Bobby's decision to learn Conjure Refreshment really started to pay dividends when his mage reached level 64"Zach Honig: "Would you mind nuking this for me?"Brian Heater: "Just another McDonald's lawsuit waiting to happen."James Trew: "Electrici-Tea."Dan Cooper: "Van De-Caff Generator."Caption Contest: Maker Faire's morning pick-me-up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments