Subscribe:

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Shops Online

Shops Online

Microsoft patents asking your friends 'does my butt look big in this?'

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:39 PM PDT

Microsoft patents asking your friends 'does my butt look big in this?'


Microsoft patents asking your friends 'does my butt look big in this?'
Microsoft has patented an online personal appearance adviser for those of us without a hotline straight through to Put This On's Jesse Thorn. Simply upload a pair of pictures of yourself in different hair, makeup and clothing choices and let the denizens of the internet vote on which one makes you look the best. Sounding similar to HotorNot and FaceMash, this patent purports to shift the emphasis to help the style-challenged choose a suitable wardrobe. We just hope the company built in some snark-protection -- or else we might see plenty of ingenues with ruined self esteem arrive at the opera in a dinosaur costume.Microsoft patents asking your friends 'does my butt look big in this?' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | USPTO | Email this | Comments

Sony Xperia Ion hits FCC with AT&T LTE intact

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:39 PM PDT

Sony Xperia Ion hits FCC with AT&T LTE intact


Sony Xperia Ion hits FCC with AT&T LTE intact
The wait for the Sony Xperia Ion in the US has been a long one, but that summer release feels considerably closer now that the Android flagship has swung by the FCC. As we'd hope, the Ion is passing through in full AT&T regalia, carrying the 700MHz and 1,700MHz 4G LTE bands it needs to run on Big Blue -- albeit with a legacy Sony Ericsson label. Along with the expected 850MHz and 1,900MHz HSPA 3G frequencies, we're also seeing an odd instance of 1,700MHz 3G that would normally be reserved for T-Mobile. Given that there isn't matching 2,100MHz support, we're more inclined to see the 1,700MHz block as related to AT&T spectrum refarming or other, more practical purposes than as a ghost of attempted mergers past. An FCC approval still doesn't provide any direct clues as to the release date, although removing that one major hurdle gives AT&T the option of launching sooner in the summer rather than later.Sony Xperia Ion hits FCC with AT&T LTE intact originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 17:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

Chrysler Future Products

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:39 PM PDT

Chrysler Future Products


Chrysler Future Products
For 2014, Chrysler plans only one minivan, and no Jeep Compass.

RIM warns of loss for Q1, hires JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help with s...

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:38 PM PDT

RIM warns of loss for Q1, hires JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help with strategic review


RIM warns of loss for Q1, hires JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help with strategic review
RIM announced last quarter that it would no longer be providing its traditional financial guidance for upcoming quarters, but CEO Thorsten Heins has nonetheless seen fit to deliver a "business update" today that offers some indication of what's in store for the company. The headline is that it's unsurprisingly projecting an operating loss for the next quarter (Q1 of its 2013 fiscal year), although it's not saying exactly how much, noting only that the "on-going competitive environment is impacting our business in the form of lower volumes and highly competitive pricing dynamics in the marketplace." The company's also confirmed that it has hired JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to aid in its so-called strategic review, which it says includes "opportunities to leverage the BlackBerry platform through partnerships, licensing opportunities and strategic business model alternatives." On the slightly brighter side of things, RIM was able to boast that it now has a worldwide subscriber base of 78 million, and that it now counts 80,000 BlackBerry apps and 15,000 PlayBook apps -- both significant increases from a year ago. It also further notes that BlackBerry 10 remains on track for the "latter part of calendar 2012." You can find the company's complete statement after the break.Continue reading RIM warns of loss for Q1, hires JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help with strategic reviewRIM warns of loss for Q1, hires JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help with strategic review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:38 PM PDT

Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China


Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China
Alcatel is relatively a newcomer to the world of smartphone manufacturing, but the company's latest handset is certainly bound to turn some heads. Dubbed "OT986," this 4.5-inch device packs a hefty amount of all-around power (unlike that Venture), starting with its 1280 x 720 HD, IPS display, which is paired nicely alongside a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU (TI OMAP 4460), one gig of RAM and 8GB of internal storage -- and, there's also a lower-end model sporting a 1.2GHz processor and a mere 4GB of built-in storage. Furthermore, Alcatel's new Ice Cream Sandwich slab is said to hit the Chinese market under the TCL S900 moniker for 1,999 yuan (about $314), but deets are still cloudy on whether it'll be stuffed with the same juicy specs as the aforementioned OT986. While we wait to hear which other countries the device will make its way into, though, you can hit the source link below to gander at some extra eye candy.Continue reading Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in ChinaAlcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Unwired View | mobile.163.com | Email this | Comments

Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:06 PM PDT

Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China


Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China
Alcatel is relatively a newcomer to the world of smartphone manufacturing, but the company's latest handset is certainly bound to turn some heads. Dubbed "OT986," this 4.5-inch device packs a hefty amount of all-around power (unlike that Venture), starting with its 1280 x 720 HD, IPS display, which is paired nicely alongside a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU (TI OMAP 4660), one gig of RAM and 8GB of internal storage -- and, there's also a lower-end model sporting a 1.2GHz processor and a mere 4GB of built-in storage. Furthermore, Alcatel's new Ice Cream Sandwich slab is said to hit the Chinese market under the TCL S900 moniker for 1,999 yuan (about $314), but deets are still cloudy on whether it'll be stuffed with the same juicy specs as the aforementioned OT986. While we wait to hear which other countries the device will make its way into, though, you can hit the source link below to gander at some extra eye candy.Continue reading Alcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in ChinaAlcatel outs 4.5-inch, 720p OT986 smartphone with Ice Cream Sandwich in China originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Unwired View | mobile.163.com | Email this | Comments

RIM Halts Trading To Issue Business Update, Hires RBC And J.P. Morgan For “Strat...

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:06 PM PDT

RIM Halts Trading To Issue Business Update, Hires RBC And J.P. Morgan For "Strategic Review"


RIM Halts Trading To Issue Business Update, Hires RBC And J.P. Morgan For "Strategic Review"
Canadian smartphone manufacturer RIM has briefly ceased trading of their stock today in order to issue a "business update" from CEO Thorsten Heins to their stockholders. Though the release takes the time to outline some of the company's recent personnel changes, Heins also points out that the company has enlisted the services of both the Royal Bank of Canada and J.P. Morgan to help the company evaluate their financial strategies going forward.

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Posted: 29 May 2012 02:06 PM PDT

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET


Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET
It's not Monday, but it's still the regular time where you get to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat as you listen in. Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ETJoin the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/vi...

Posted: 29 May 2012 01:30 PM PDT

Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video]


Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video]
Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda The good people at Consumer Reports appear to have a dim view of fuel-economy packages on small cars. The organization recently tested the Ford Focus SFE, Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Honda Civic HF to determine whether the cars' annual fuel savings actually offset the additional cost of opting for the package to begin with. During their mixed city and highway loop testing, the Ford actually fared the best by returning 31 mpg overall. That's three miles per gallon better than the standard Focus SE, and represents an annual fuel cost savings of just $145. The SFE package costs $495. Likewise, the Honda Civic HF returned 33 mpg, which is also three mpg better than the base Civic LX, The Honda serves up an annual fuel cost savings of $135, though the HF package commands the largest premium over its base model at $800. Then there's our personal favorite of the lot, the Cruze Eco. Surprisingly enough, the Chevrolet compact netted just 27 mpg. That's just one mpg better than the Cruze 1LT in CR's testing, representing a savings of a mere $20 annually. Pretty rough considering Eco trim sets buyers back $770. It is worth noting Consumer Reports opted for the automatic-equipped Cruze Eco, which is only good for 31 mpg combined. When equipped with a six-speed manual, the model returns a more palatable 33 combined. Still, as CR points out, there are plenty of other vehicles on the market that attain similar fuel economy ratings without the added cost. Check out the video for yourself by scrolling below.Continue reading Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video]Consumer Reports tests small eco models, best only saves $145/year in fuel [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles

Posted: 29 May 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles


Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles
The crafty engineers at Google aren't the only ones working on augmented reality glasses. Researchers at the Instituto de Oftalmología Aplicada have created a prototype system, based around a head-mounted display and a pair of small cameras. Instead of overlaying info about landmarks or capturing video of your trampoline-based escapades, this prototype is simply meant to help the visually impaired detect and avoid obstacles. A small computer performs real-time analysis of the environment highlighting objects and color coding them to indicate distance. The goal is to help those with glaucoma and other impairments that hinder depth perception. The next step is to streamline the device, making the computer portion of it smaller and more portable and to make the goggles less cumbersome. For more detail check out the source link.Prototype glasses help the visually impaired avoid obstacles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Phys.org | Email this | Comments

French court rules Google isn't liable for YouTube bootlegs of TF1 TV shows

Posted: 29 May 2012 01:29 PM PDT

French court rules Google isn't liable for YouTube bootlegs of TF1 TV shows


French court rules Google isn't liable for YouTube bootlegs of TF1 TV shows
France typically hasn't been kind to Google. Today, though, it's cutting some important slack. A court has ruled that the search firm can't be held liable when YouTube members upload clips of their favorite football matches or movies from local network TF1. As in a case involving Dailymotion last year, the judge saw YouTube as just the host for others' videos rather than having any hand in producing the content itself. Not only does the decision let Google off the hook for a possible €141 million ($177 million) fine, it prevents the company from having to pre-screen every video that might be visible in France -- a difficult challenge for a company that takes 72 hours of new video every minute. Google is still facing less-than-cordial attitudes towards its copyright enforcement in other countries, including a zombie Viacom lawsuit in the US, but it now has some extra ammunition if it wants to cite a precedent. [Image credit: Premiere]French court rules Google isn't liable for YouTube bootlegs of TF1 TV shows originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 16:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Reuters | | Email this | Comments

Dell begins test deployment of ARM-based Copper servers

Posted: 29 May 2012 12:55 PM PDT

Dell begins test deployment of ARM-based Copper servers


Dell begins test deployment of ARM-based Copper servers
Back in February, Dell revealed its intentions to enter the ARM server field. Today, the company announced that it is shipping ARM-based Copper servers to a limited number of customers. Copper is lower power than x86 servers, and Dell thinks this makes it a good fit for energy-intensive platforms such as Hadoop. In that same vein, the company views Copper as a cost-effective option that can be used for light workloads and for testing performance. In addition to deploying its new servers to select clients, Dell will be looking to the open source community for help in further developing its ARM system (the platform currently runs Linux). No word on when Copper will move beyond the testing phase.Dell begins test deployment of ARM-based Copper servers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechEye | The Official Dell Corporate Blog | Email this | Comments

Chrome OS review (version 19)

Posted: 29 May 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Chrome OS review (version 19)


Chrome OS review (version 19)
It seems like yesterday that we reviewed the inaugural Samsung Series 5 Chromebook running Google's Chrome OS, an operating system for laptops based on Chrome. It was, from the start, a world in which everything from music playback to document creation happened in browser tabs. Since we last checked in a year ago, Google has addressed some early complaints -- the browser can actually stream Netflix now! -- but it's only just getting around to ticking off some other long-standing grievances, like multitasking. The company just announced two new Chrome OS devices -- the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 and Chromebox Series 3 -- and both run a spanking-new build of the OS that ushers in a simplified desktop with customizable wallpaper and the ability to minimize, maximize and close windows -- oh my! More importantly, you can now view multiple windows onscreen, edit docs offline and pin shortcuts to the bottom of the screen -- a combination that promises some seriously improved multitasking. Other goodies: built-in Google Music, Google+ and Hangouts, along with a basic photo editor, redesigned music player and enhanced remote desktop app. So does all this add up to an upgrade meaty enough to make the skeptics give Chrome OS a second look? Could it be time for you to get the low-tech person in your life a Chromebook? Let's see.Gallery: Chrome OS screenshots (version 19)Continue reading Chrome OS review (version 19)Chrome OS review (version 19) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 review

Posted: 29 May 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 review


Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 review
More Info Samsung Chromebook Series 5 review Samsung is refreshing the Series 5 Chromebook, releasing the Chromebox in Q2 Chrome OS review (version 19) When the first Chromebooks hit the market last year, they were greeted with skepticism, curiosity and some noisy debate. Which makes sense: after all, who had ever heard of an operating system based entirely on a browser? Laptops that were only usable when you had an internet connection? It was a wild, ambitious idea, to be sure, but since then, we haven't heard much on that front save for the occasional price cut. Now, though, Samsung is selling the new Chromebook Series 5 550 (and Series 3 Chromebox) it teased at CES, while Google is rolling out a new version of its operating system with offline doc editing, a basic photo editor and a desktop-like space that makes it easier to launch and switch between apps. Like last year's model, the Series 5 still has a matte, 300-nit, 12.1-inch display, 16GB of built-in flash storage and an optional Verizon Wireless 3G radio, but it's dressed in more conservative digs with a retooled touchpad and an Celeron -- not Atom -- processor. Accordingly, the starting price for the WiFi-only model is slightly higher ($449, up from $429), and the battery life is now rated for six hours, down from 10. Finally, the new model adds an Ethernet jack and DisplayPort -- both of which Google hopes will appeal to the schools and businesses considering using Chrome devices. Most interestingly of all, Google is planning on selling its new Chromebook in retail, signaling an intent to expand beyond geeky early adopters and one-to-one laptop programs in classrooms. If the idea is to win over more consumers, will a faster CPU and improved user experience be enough to make up for the drastically shortened battery life? Should folks in need of a portable machine with a keyboard spend their $450 on a Chromebook instead of a netbook or Transformer tablet? That's a tough one -- meet us past the break where we'll hash it all out. Gallery: Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 reviewContinue reading Samsung Chromebook Series 5 550 reviewSamsung Chromebook Series 5 550 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung Chromebox Series 3 review

Posted: 29 May 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Samsung Chromebox Series 3 review


Samsung Chromebox Series 3 review
More Info Chrome OS review (version 19) Samsung Series 5 550 review Google teases Samsung-built Chromebox, desktop version of Chrome OS What happens when you put a Chromebook in a box? You get a Chromebox, natch. Not content with launching its new Chromebook Series 5 550, Samsung's adding the Chromebox Series 3 -- a diminutive $329 desktop system -- to its lineup. Like its mobile cousin, the box runs version 19 of Chrome OS and features an Intel Core processor. Though it's clearly targeted at the education and enterprise markets, could Samsung's Chromebox be a compelling option for the Engadget reader? Can it transcend its cloud-based workstation origins? Is it a better choice than an entry-level Mac mini? Find out in our review after the break.Gallery: Samsung Chromebox Series 3 reviewContinue reading Samsung Chromebox Series 3 reviewSamsung Chromebox Series 3 review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Chevy Malibu Recalled for Airbag Fix

Posted: 29 May 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Chevy Malibu Recalled for Airbag Fix


Chevy Malibu Recalled for Airbag Fix
Airbags could suddenly deploy during hard driving.

Fedora performs a Beefy Miracle, releases version 17

Posted: 29 May 2012 11:46 AM PDT

Fedora performs a Beefy Miracle, releases version 17


Fedora performs a Beefy Miracle, releases version 17
It took a bit longer than initially anticipated, but Fedora 17 is finally here with its rather unfortunate code name in tow. Beefy Miracle delivers a pretty healthy assortment of improvements over version 16, including support for GNOME Shell even in the absence of 3D acceleration. The project has also embraced the coming tablet revolution by adding multi-touch support to the OS and moved to a unified file system. Otherwise, the changelog is primarily a pedestrian list of performance improvements, bug fixes and package upgrades. To download it and try it yourself hit up the source link. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Fedora performs a Beefy Miracle, releases version 17 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phoronix | Fedora | Email this | Comments

Thomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la...

Posted: 29 May 2012 11:46 AM PDT

Thomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la France


Thomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la France
Last we heard, Thomsom had its PoMMeS IPTV tablet land at the rigorous FCC offices -- oh, and how could we forget that perky V888 slider from a few years back. Fast forward to today, and the company's clearly adapted to the "new" times, now introducing its 5.3-inch, dual-SIM X-view 2 smartphone in France. The phablet-styled device boasts a qHD, 960 x 540 display alongside an undisclosed single-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, a 2500mAh battery to get you through the days and, as we're finally becoming accustomed to seeing, a flavor of Android 4.0. Thomson notes the X-view 2 will hit French shelves later this summer, though there's no word yet on how much cash you'll have to unleash in order to grab one of these for yourself.Continue reading Thomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la FranceThomson's 5.3-inch X-view 2 brings its dual-SIM capabilities, Android 4.0 to la France originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Les Ardoises | Android-France | Email this | Comments

Quick Spin: 2013 Cadillac XTS

Posted: 29 May 2012 11:45 AM PDT

Quick Spin: 2013 Cadillac XTS


Quick Spin: 2013 Cadillac XTS
We expected the bigger Caddy to be good, but it's better than that.

Fisker has delivered 1,000 Karmas, generates $100m in revenue so far in 2012

Posted: 29 May 2012 11:11 AM PDT

Fisker has delivered 1,000 Karmas, generates $100m in revenue so far in 2012


Fisker has delivered 1,000 Karmas, generates $100m in revenue so far in 2012
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker Releasing its first-ever business report, Fisker Automotive announced today that the company's revenues for the first four months of 2012 exceeded $100 million and that total funding in the company has exceeded a billion dollars. Not bad for a company that only has one product, the plug-in hybrid Karma that has received plenty of critical press and driver reception. Oh, and recalls. Speaking of the Karma, Fisker has already found homes for 1,000 of them since starting deliveries last December. A thousand Karmas sold in six months equals an average of about 167 a month, or around five-and-a-half a day. That's a good pace for a $100,000+ car from a new company, but it's far from enough to move the 15,000 Karmas Fisker said it would make in 2012. To sell all those vehicles, Fisker would have to move 1,250 a month, or roughly 42 a day. Still, Fisker CEO Tom LaSorda said in a statement that, "We are encouraged by solid demand for the Karma, our unique extended-range luxury model. Pending completion of investment sourcing, we are poised to press ahead with further market expansion and development of our higher volume model, the Fisker Atlantic." Earlier this year, Fisker unveiled the Atlantic, a less expensive model that has already attracted a lot of positive attention for its looks. Of course, the Karma was lauded, too, before the dark times.Continue reading Fisker has delivered 1,000 Karmas, generates $100m in revenue so far in 2012Fisker has delivered 1,000 Karmas, generates $100m in revenue so far in 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 May 2012 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xperia arc and neo get the Android 4.0 treatment, Sony makes good on its upgrade...

Posted: 29 May 2012 11:11 AM PDT

Xperia arc and neo get the Android 4.0 treatment, Sony makes good on its upgrade plans


Xperia arc and neo get the Android 4.0 treatment, Sony makes good on its upgrade plans
Sony's been pretty forthcoming about its Ice Cream Sandwich rollout, informing users of certain instabilities (see: Xperia Play) and mostly abiding by its planned upgrade schedule. In line with its announcement from last week regarding second round refreshes, Xperia arc and neo handsets have now begun to receive that Android 4.0.4 update, no doubt delighting owners and invoking the ire of their Gingerbread-toting friends. It's a rare moment of reversal that should see owners of those two elder devices from a bygone SE-era enjoying a temporary leg up on their faster, better, flashier brethren. Hit up the source below to see if your phone made the cut.Xperia arc and neo get the Android 4.0 treatment, Sony makes good on its upgrade plans originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Ubergizmo | Email this | Comments

HTC Evo 4G LTE Review: Initial Impressions (Hands-On Photos)

Posted: 29 May 2012 11:11 AM PDT

HTC Evo 4G LTE Review: Initial Impressions (Hands-On Photos)


HTC Evo 4G LTE Review: Initial Impressions (Hands-On Photos)
Evo. It's one of the few HTC/Sprint models to make a splash in the mobile ocean, and after a brief stay at U.S. customs, the latest iteration should do the same. The Evo 4G LTE is the most powerful Evo to date, with a 4.7-inch 720p display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and 1GB of RAM under the hood. But these specs are in no way novel, which means that quite a bit comes down to HTC's software offerings and design language.

Xbox 360 250GB Racing Bundle totes Forza and a wheel, driving talent extra

Posted: 29 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT

Xbox 360 250GB Racing Bundle totes Forza and a wheel, driving talent extra


Xbox 360 250GB Racing Bundle totes Forza and a wheel, driving talent extra
Most Xbox 360 bundles focus on shiny colors over extra features. We'll take them any day, but we prefer functional pack-ins like that in the just-unveiled 250GB Racing Bundle. On top of Microsoft's higher-end console, you'll find a copy of Forza Motorsport 4 to build your racing chops and a Wireless Speed Wheel to give a slightly more faithful driving experience. The effect won't match that of a Motion Simulation TL1, but at $299, you'll have money left over to buy a real car when the Xbox bundle arrives in mid-June -- and only a slight premium over the usual 250GB console's $249 price tag.Xbox 360 250GB Racing Bundle totes Forza and a wheel, driving talent extra originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Major Nelson | Email this | Comments

Sprint’s Aging iDEN Network Could Go Dark As Soon As June 2013

Posted: 29 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT

Sprint's Aging iDEN Network Could Go Dark As Soon As June 2013


Sprint's Aging iDEN Network Could Go Dark As Soon As June 2013
Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has been planning to kill off the carrier's aging iDEN network since 2010, but now Sprint has finally delivered a date for iDEN's demise. The carrier has just announced that they plan to pull the plug on their iDEN network as soon as June 30, 2013. Thankfully, from the ashes of the company's near-dead 2G network will rise enhanced 3G service and Sprint's new 4G LTE network.

Amazon Instant Video streaming is now live on the Xbox 360

Posted: 29 May 2012 10:36 AM PDT

Amazon Instant Video streaming is now live on the Xbox 360


Amazon Instant Video streaming is now live on the Xbox 360
If Amazon's video store is going to compete with the other online sources like Hulu and Netflix, getting on as many platforms as possible is key and it made a major expansion today by launching on the Xbox 360. The app launched on the PS3 back in April, and just like that version, this one includes access to Amazon's video on-demand and Prime all-you-can-eat subscription based streaming. Unique to the Xbox 360 app is support for the console's Kinect peripheral and its ability to recognize control by gesture or voice, plus a brand new feature for Amazon -- a queue. The Watchlist lets customers preselect programming they're interested in for easy access on the devices later, just like Netflix's implementation. There's more details in the press release and video after the break, or you can just check out the app on your console right now (if you're in the US and have Xbox Live Gold, of course -- even if you don't have Prime, there's a one month free trial offer). ...developingContinue reading Amazon Instant Video streaming is now live on the Xbox 360Amazon Instant Video streaming is now live on the Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq | Amazon | Email this | Comments

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

Posted: 29 May 2012 10:04 AM PDT

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move


Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move
The first time we saw Sony's PlayStation Move, it didn't even have a name: we only knew it as the PS3 motion controller. The newfangled prototype was Sony's response to the success Nintendo found in the Wii, a motion-sensitive "me-too" that hoped to one up the competition with better tracking, more "core" games and a curious glowing ball perched on its top. Its first outing showed a handful of tech demos, flaunting gameplay concepts that we'd eventually see in Sports Champions and Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest. Since then, the Move has seen its fair share of exclusive and compatible titles, but none quite engaging enough to make the peripheral a must-have accessory. With the next generation just around the corner and Sony's portable cards already on the table, E3 2012 is looking a little light on the hardware front. If Sony's going to give the Move one final push, now is the time.Continue reading Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation MoveEditorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013

Posted: 29 May 2012 10:04 AM PDT

Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013


Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013
Amidst all of Sprint's eagerness to phase out its iDEN network, the carrier hasn't given us a hard cutoff date to mark on our calendars until now. If you're still rocking that Motorola Titanium, you may have to drop your Nextel push-to-talk dreams as soon as June 30th, 2013, the earliest possible date Sprint says it could shut down the legacy service. Government customers will be getting a friendly paper reminder on June 1st of this year to make sure they're using CDMA Direct Connect phones like the Admiral well in advance. The switch-off will mark the end to a long and troubled chapter in the Sprint Nextel era, but if it helps bring about 800MHz LTE sooner, we're all for it.Continue reading Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013Sprint sets a best-before date for iDEN push-to-talk: June 30th, 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of

Posted: 29 May 2012 09:32 AM PDT

Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of


Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of
Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Japan, USA Think you're seeing more Toyota Prius models on the road these days? Well, you are.Automotive News is reporting that all those increased Prius sales in the U.S. and Japan (see here and here and here and here etc.) have turned the Prius into the world's third-best-selling car model for the first three months of 2012. During the first quarter, the Prius sold 247,230 copies around the world. The only cars that sold more during that time were the Toyota Corolla (300,800) and the Ford Focus (277,000). There's an asterisk on the Prius' sales figures, though. Much of that new success is due to the fact that there are a brace of new Prius models, namely the C, V and Plug-in - that have expanded the line, with the C being the "car of the moment in Japan," according to Automotive News. Sales in the U.S. were up 42 percent in the first quarter. The new models and the increased sales make up what AN calls a "Prius surge," one that could be capacity constrained in the States. AN writes that the sales pace could reach 250,000 units, but Toyota only has 220,000 units assigned to the market. More vehicles have been ordered, a Toyota exec says, but whether or not they arrive is uncertain. After last year's production issues, though, this is the good kind of problem to have.Toyota Prius now third-most-popular car in the world... sort of originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 May 2012 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPhone App Downloads Dropped Again In April, As Apple’s Bot Crackdown Continues

Posted: 29 May 2012 09:32 AM PDT

iPhone App Downloads Dropped Again In April, As Apple's Bot Crackdown Continues


iPhone App Downloads Dropped Again In April, As Apple's Bot Crackdown Continues
Mobile app downloads continued to decline in April and the cost to acquire loyal users picked up, reports mobile marketing firm Fiksu in its latest report out today. This downward trend was expected, as no major events sparked app discovery during the month, explains Fiksu CEO Micah Adler. However, mobile app marketers were particularly aggressive in the social networking and games categories during April, both of which experienced volatility throughout the month. With the former (social networking), the reason had to do with the $1 billion acquisition of Instagram, which drew increased attention to the category. There were also a number of new game releases in April, which led to increased interest and competition among the developer community in that category, as well.

NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $199...

Posted: 29 May 2012 09:32 AM PDT

NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $199 Cube


NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $199 Cube
For better or worse, your options are plentiful when it comes to palm-sized speakers aimed at improving the audio of your gizmos. While many simply tout Bluetooth or USB connectivity, NuForce is hoping to shake things up a bit with its new Cube. This micro-speaker isn't wireless, but it's got the unique ability to also function as a headphone amp and USB DAC -- all in a footprint of 38.5 x 58.5 x 60.0mm (2.30 x 2.30 x 2.36 inches). Aside from giving you multiple ways to add more kick to your tunes, the Cube packs a rechargeable battery that'll last for up to eight hours. Sadly, however, it doesn't appear like you'll be able to daisy chain units together for a tiny stereo rig. On brighter notes, you'll have a choice of silver, red, blue or black, and an iPod Nano adapter is available to make it pretty much the smallest dock we've seen. It'll cost you a spendy $119 to get the Cube within your ears' vicinity, and you'll find more details in the press release belowContinue reading NuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $199 CubeNuForce compresses a rechargeable speaker, USB DAC and headphone amp into a $199 Cube originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | NuForce | Email this | Comments