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Sunday, June 10, 2012

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Are UK green-vehicle tax incentives working 'too' well?

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 01:34 PM PDT

Are UK green-vehicle tax incentives working 'too' well?


Are UK green-vehicle tax incentives working 'too' well?
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU, UK Are the green-car rebates in the UK on the verge of themselves being rebated? That's what the London's Telegraph newspaper is suggesting, asking if incentivizing people to drive green can be too effective. UK ministers are talking about revoking some of the tax incentives created to encourage people to buy advanced-powertrain vehicles because more people are taking the government up on the prospect than expected. With higher-than-expected purchases of fuel sippers, hybrids and EVs, the government may find itself in a financial shortfall stemming from the incentives, according to the publication, which, unsurprisingly took a position against the revocation of such incentives. Any incentives cost the government money and are sometimes shut down, but over the long-term, these sorts of petroleum-use-reduction projects can help us save money. In the U.S., for example, when green technology can be applied to vehicles of all types, including military vehicles, we can save money in situations where we're paying $400 a gallon for our gasoline.Are UK green-vehicle tax incentives working 'too' well? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Asus PadFone, tablet Station get imported stateside courtesy of Negri Electronic...

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 01:34 PM PDT

Asus PadFone, tablet Station get imported stateside courtesy of Negri Electronics, yours for $860


Asus PadFone, tablet Station get imported stateside courtesy of Negri Electronics, yours for $860
Having to fiddle with a separate Android tablet and smartphone and a laptop just won't cut it? You might be eager to get your mitts the ASUS PadFone if that's your sentiment, but folks in the US won't exactly find these at their local Best Buy. Still, despite having no official carrier support or definitive launch plans within the states, you'll now be able to snag the smartphone bundled with its tablet dock if you're willing to hit the gray market. As discovered by Phone Arena, our friends at Negri Electronics are now stocking the international edition of the über-hybrid; $860 gets you one to call your own, but tactile-typists should note that it doesn't include the keyboard dock. To refresh your memory, the fone itself is runs Ice Cream Sandwich atop a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 CPU, and features a 4.3-inch AMOLED display, 16GB of expandable storage, HSPA+ connectivity and a 1,520mAh battery. Additionally, the 10-inch PadFone Station (tablet dock) scores you more screen real estate (naturally) and a nine-fold increase in battery life. Feel free to refresh your knowledge of the device (and its accessories) with our previous hands-on posts, then check out the source link below if you decide to pick one up with your hard-earned dough.Asus PadFone, tablet Station get imported stateside courtesy of Negri Electronics, yours for $860 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phone Arena, Phandroid | Negri Electronics | Email this | Comments

Tonino Lamborghini launches 'Luxury' phones for low-spec loving Russians with de...

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 11:23 AM PDT

Tonino Lamborghini launches 'Luxury' phones for low-spec loving Russians with deep pockets


Tonino Lamborghini launches 'Luxury' phones for low-spec loving Russians with deep pockets
Much like Porsche Design before it, this isn't strictly the auto-maker (in this case it's the son of the famous sports car mogul) releasing a phone. However, these are devices (three phones and a tablet) which bear the family name. Russian site Hi-Tech Mail got a good look at two feature phones (which look remarkably familiar,) the TL688 and TL820, sporting 2- and 2.4-inch displays, along with 3- and 5-megapixel cameras and 4GB and 1GB (expandable) storage respectively. Their main selling point evidently being the hand made gold plate and leather finish. There is a TL700 smartphone, too, which runs on not-so-sporty Android Gingerbread, with an unspecified Qualcomm processor, 3.7-inch 800 x 480 display and 5-megapixel shooter. This one ups the flash-factor some, boasting diamond processed metal and "elements" of crocodile skin. The tablet is known as the Lamborghini L2800 and has a 9.7-inch 1024 x 768 resolution screen, 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB onboard storage (expandable). How much does all this sense-defying technology cost? Well, the feature phones start at 60,000 rubles, (about $1,829) or you can snap up the Android for 30,000 more (about $2,743) and treat yourself to the L2800 tablet for a reasonable 75,000 rubles (about $2,286). Of course, you'll have to drive to Russia to get your hands on them, sometime in late August, but we're guessing if you're in the market for one of these, that'll barely dent the plastic anyway.Gallery: Lamborghini PhonesTonino Lamborghini launches 'Luxury' phones for low-spec loving Russians with deep pockets originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 13:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phone Arena | Hi-Tech Mail (Translated) | Email this | Comments

Attack of the drones: US Navy picks Linux for its unmanned VTOL aircraft control...

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 09:10 AM PDT

Attack of the drones: US Navy picks Linux for its unmanned VTOL aircraft control system


Attack of the drones: US Navy picks Linux for its unmanned VTOL aircraft control system
Disagreement between passionate Windows and Mac OS diehards have caused many a kerfuffle on the Interwebs. When it comes to the tactical control system of the US Navy's autonomous vertical take-off-and-landing craft, however, the military branch is putting its money on a different operating system. The Navy just awarded a contract worth nearly $28 million to Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems to transition its VTOL drones to using its own flavor of good, old Linux. Eventually, the Navy plans to have 168 Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Navy Fire Scout drones rocking the OS as part of its fleet. The Register reports that the move was likely made for security reasons following a malware attack on the Air Force's Windows-based drone system last year. Add Samsung's recent inclusion into the Platinum ranks of Linux's core supporters and you really can't blame fans of the operating system if they decide to wear shades while pondering its future. [Image credit: Northrop Grumman]Attack of the drones: US Navy picks Linux for its unmanned VTOL aircraft control system originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | The Register | Email this | Comments

Apple's WWDC 2012 keynote is tomorrow -- get your liveblog right here!

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 07:31 AM PDT

Apple's WWDC 2012 keynote is tomorrow -- get your liveblog right here!


Apple's WWDC 2012 keynote is tomorrow -- get your liveblog right here!
Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference opens up tomorrow, with Tim Cook taking the stage at 10AM PT to deliver what'll have to be... well, some fairly important company news. He asked us back in March to look forward to more in 2012, and if the deluge of rumors is indication of what's to come, this could very well be the most monumental WWDC in recent memory. Or, you know, maybe we'll just hear that iOS 6 is indeed coming after iOS 5. Our own Tim Stevens and Darren Murph will be on hand at Moscone West in San Francisco to bring you second-by-second coverage, and if you're looking for a bookmark, you can return here tomorrow to catch the liveblog. We'll also be broadcasting live outside of the venue (sorry, Apple won't allow video streaming from within!) before and after the fireworks, so be sure to keep it locked for a full day's worth of mayhem. P.S. - Toss your best guesses on what's coming in comments below! Gallery: Apple WWDC 2012 at Moscone West in San Francisco, CaliforniaApple's WWDC 2012 keynote is tomorrow -- get your liveblog right here! originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Engadget Liveblog | Email this | Comments

Brammo Empulse R commercial calms our cravings, get two thumbs up

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 06:24 AM PDT

Brammo Empulse R commercial calms our cravings, get two thumbs up


Brammo Empulse R commercial calms our cravings, get two thumbs up
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Videos After enduring a wait for the Brammo Empulse R reveal that was so long it seemed a construct of Samuel Beckett, the moment of truth seemed to pass us by far too quickly. While we've comforted ourselves with the thought that there will soon be deliveries and real-world reviews of the sexy electric street fighter, we are certainly relieved to have our Empulse cravings calmed somewhat by the release of a promotional video. Brammo's advertising budget might not be large enough to repeatedly interrupt your favorite TV show with its vision of two-wheeled nirvana, but its web-based commercial certainly isn't lacking in primetime production values. And though the basic elements are traditional - a boy, a girl, a bike - it all seems to comes together using a simple plot and does what it's supposed to do: make you really want to ride this motorcycle. If two minutes and 38 seconds of Brammo candy aren't enough for your rapacious appetite, relax. The Oregon-based company has also released a video about the making of its video that's almost 10 minutes in length. Besides a look at all the fancy technical gear and behind-the-scenes goings on, we are additionally treated to an appearance by Shelina Moreda, Brammo's newest race rider and enthusiastic spokesperson. Scroll below to see why we're holding up two thumbs.Continue reading Brammo Empulse R commercial calms our cravings, get two thumbs upBrammo Empulse R commercial calms our cravings, get two thumbs up originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

WWDC iOS 6 Rumors: What To Expect, Reject, and Wish For

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 06:24 AM PDT

WWDC iOS 6 Rumors: What To Expect, Reject, and Wish For


WWDC iOS 6 Rumors: What To Expect, Reject, and Wish For
It's WWDC time. Like, tomorrow. And we expect to see plenty of fun announcements, not least of which being a brand new mobile operating system, iOS 6. It's the type of Apple product every iPhone owner can enjoy, and I'm more than pumped to bring you a full list of expected, rumored, and wishlist features that we'll soon enjoy. So how does a silver user interface sound as opposed to blue? What about a departure from Google Maps and a brand new 3D map view brought to you direct from Apple? How about Facebook integration as deep as (if not deeper than) Apple's beloved Twitter? All that and more after the break.

LG's Optimus 4X HD officially making its way to 11 European locales, 'surprise'...

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 05:51 AM PDT

LG's Optimus 4X HD officially making its way to 11 European locales, 'surprise' in store


LG's Optimus 4X HD officially making its way to 11 European locales, 'surprise' in store
It's no secret that LG planned to launch its 4.7-inch Optimus 4X HD in select European countries this month, and now the company has confirmed that it's right on schedule. Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy will be the first to receive the Tegra 3-loaded Android 4.0 smartphone, followed by the likes of six others. According to the translated presser, LG also has a "major surprise" in store regarding the device's launches as well, although details appear to be ambiguous for the time being. You can read all about it from the source below while re-acquainting yourself with its 720p HD IPS LCD using our hands-on from MWC.LG's Optimus 4X HD officially making its way to 11 European locales, 'surprise' in store originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | LG (translated) | Email this | Comments

Insert Coin: Clang, a motion-controlled swordfighting game by no less than Neal...

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 04:11 AM PDT

Insert Coin: Clang, a motion-controlled swordfighting game by no less than Neal Stephenson (video)


Insert Coin: Clang, a motion-controlled swordfighting game by no less than Neal Stephenson (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We won't lie: this might be the ultimate Insert Coin. It's not often that you get the author of Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon asking for Kickstarter funding, after all. Neal Stephenson and Subutai Corporation are tired of swordfighting in video games being reduced to abstract button presses, and they want to produce both a video game and a control system that will replicate what it's really like to fight steel-to-steel, complete with pommel hits, blocks and distinct techniques. The initial game, Clang, will focus on two-handed longsword dueling with an "off-the-shelf" controller to get out the door quickly. In the long run, however, the plan is to work on custom controllers, and the project will involve an open framework known as MASE (Martial Arts System Embodiments) that will let anyone build their own fighting game. You could create a realistic Wushu simulator... or an extremely detailed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles beat-em-up. Any pledge will help the cause, but if you'd like a credit in the game or an actual copy, you'll want to spend a respective $10 or $25. The rewards escalate quickly after that: $50 and $75 pledges first give downloadable concept art and later a digital fighting manual, while $100, $150 and $250 donations will add a very real t-shirt, a hard copy of the manual, a signed poster with a patch and eventually a signed poster. Are you a high roller? Spending $500 or $1,000 adds a signed manual as well as either the first book or whole collection of the related The Mongoliad trilogy, plus (at the higher tier) invitations to Subutai parties in Seattle. Pledges at $5,000 will supply the actual concept art; at the peak $10,000, you'll get a real longsword, lunch with Subutai and a tour of the offices. If you're game in the literal sense of the word, you'll have until mid-day on July 9th to help Neal reach the lofty $500,000 funding target.Continue reading Insert Coin: Clang, a motion-controlled swordfighting game by no less than Neal Stephenson (video)Insert Coin: Clang, a motion-controlled swordfighting game by no less than Neal Stephenson (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 06:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kickstarter | Email this | Comments

EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 02:30 AM PDT

EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call


EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call
Judging by a sneak Computex preview, EVGA's intentions for the upcoming GTX 680 Classified graphics card are not a thorny mystery. With an optional water-cooling block and voltage control inputs, there's plenty here to seduce the hardcore modder. The company isn't talking numbers just yet, but if terms like "14-phase power design" whet your appetite, then you're in luck. In any case, like its other Classified mates, it's apt to be the company's top GeForce GTX 680 performer. So, if you're plugging in the pumps and hoses for that next mod, you might want to leave a slot -- or four -- open for this one.EVGA's GeForce GTX 680 Classified tempts overclockers with watery siren call originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 05:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | AnandTech | Email this | Comments

Tiny fraction of required 270 million Facebook users squeak 'no' to changes

Posted: 10 Jun 2012 12:13 AM PDT

Tiny fraction of required 270 million Facebook users squeak 'no' to changes


Tiny fraction of required 270 million Facebook users squeak 'no' to changes
Facebook users rebuked proposed privacy changes in a vote on Friday -- to the tune of 87 percent -- but a thousand times higher turnout was needed for it to matter. As such, the company will likely proceed with the additions, which it said were needed to clarify current policies for European and US regulators. However, the company was sufficiently chastened by the anemic turnout of 342,600 voters to state that it was "pretty disappointing," and spokeswoman Jame Schopflin said in the future, they will consider the vote "advisory" if numbers were too low. Still, groups like Our Policy who started the petition for this referendum might want to pick their battles better next time.Tiny fraction of required 270 million Facebook users squeak 'no' to changes originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 03:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | PC World | Email this | Comments

New Windows Phone store lets you wear your 'I heart WP' on your sleeve

Posted: 09 Jun 2012 10:34 PM PDT

New Windows Phone store lets you wear your 'I heart WP' on your sleeve


New Windows Phone store lets you wear your 'I heart WP' on your sleeve
So you love Windows Phone, but how can you let the world know? Until now, you'd either have to wave your object of desire around, or keep showing colleagues those "Smoked by Windows Phone" YouTube videos. Now, you can simply wear your alliance across your chest, or favorite beverage, thanks to a new CafePress store. Revealed in a Windowsteamblog post, the shop will let you grab mugs, t-shirts, stickers, magnets and more emblazoned with "I Heart Windows Phone" in icons. Not only that, in case all those soccer moms didn't know which side of the fence you stood, you can clear up the doubt by snagging a bodysuit for your youngest. Credit card at the ready? Jump on that source link for the goods.New Windows Phone store lets you wear your 'I heart WP' on your sleeve originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 01:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Windows Team Blog | CafePress | Email this | Comments

Sprint to charge $15 for number change starting June 10, still free via Sprint.com

Posted: 09 Jun 2012 09:28 PM PDT

Sprint to charge $15 for number change starting June 10, still free via Sprint.com


Sprint to charge $15 for number change starting June 10, still free via Sprint.com
A new tiered system for Sprint's Total Equipment Protection plan? Herp. Charging customers $15 to change their Sprint phone number? Derp. Sprint's decision to start charging moolah come June 10 when changing phone numbers via a Sprint store or Care call representative likely won't sit well with some folks. Fortunately, there's still a way to get that phone number changed without lightening your wallet, according to Sprint's Support blog. By logging in to Sprint.com and changing your phone number through the "My Preferences" tab, you can get your new digits without having to fork over that pesky phone number change fee. Now you can channel your mind to more non-herpy-derpy things, like pre-ordering that shiny, new Samsung Galaxy S III, for example. [Thanks, Mike]Sprint to charge $15 for number change starting June 10, still free via Sprint.com originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sprint Support blog | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best four-in-one printer, scanner, copier and fax?

Posted: 09 Jun 2012 07:46 PM PDT

Ask Engadget: best four-in-one printer, scanner, copier and fax?


Ask Engadget: best four-in-one printer, scanner, copier and fax?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Georgi, who is risking his life, his wallet and his sanity to buy the most hated of all consumer electronics: a printer. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm looking into buying a new four-in-one for my company. I'd love an internet connected printer that can scan directly to a mac from the menu, be able to email faxes it receives without printing them to save on paper and if it could support mobile devices, that'd be fantastic. I had my eyes on a couple of Epson and HP models but I'm not sure what to buy in terms of longer lifespan, cartridge price and software support. My budget's around $125. Thank you!" Your humble narrator can tell you for sure that HP's Photosmart 5514 isn't the way to go -- we're waiting on our third replacement unit in as many weeks. Each time a new reconditioned model arrives at our door, we plug it in only to find that it's as broken as the one we bought new. Anyway, let's turn the question over to our audience, who may know of a printer that's reliable, cheap and not a figment of our collective imagination. Over to you.Ask Engadget: best four-in-one printer, scanner, copier and fax? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of June 4th, 2012

Posted: 09 Jun 2012 06:03 PM PDT

Mobile Miscellany: week of June 4th, 2012


Mobile Miscellany: week of June 4th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, the LG Optimus L7 and Sony Xperia U both arrived at Fido, and Verizon Wireless unleashed some wicked LTE expansion across the US. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of June 4th, 2012.Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of June 4th, 2012Mobile Miscellany: week of June 4th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

AiAiAi takes its TMA-1 headphones out from the DJ box, into the Studio (video)

Posted: 09 Jun 2012 05:30 PM PDT

AiAiAi takes its TMA-1 headphones out from the DJ box, into the Studio (video)


AiAiAi takes its TMA-1 headphones out from the DJ box, into the Studio (video)
You pretty much can't say (or read) AiAiAi's name without feeling happy and performing a dancey hand gesture -- or maybe that's just us? It's fair to say we're fans of their work. So when we heard the Danish firm had released some new TMA-1 "Studio" cans, our ears perked up. Where as the original TMA-1s were all about the DJ, the new pair are for... well, the studio. So what's different? Mainly that 40mm titanium driver, which has been tickled to make it more transparent, and better for referencing. Those cushions now go fully over-ear for comfort and isolation, along with some more padding around the headband. You can grab them with or without a mic -- we assume for Skyping on the road, not singing a capella -- priced at $249 and $269 respectively and up for pre-order now.Continue reading AiAiAi takes its TMA-1 headphones out from the DJ box, into the Studio (video)AiAiAi takes its TMA-1 headphones out from the DJ box, into the Studio (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 20:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Adobe Flash 11.3 checks in with security fixes, OS X silent updater and Firefox...

Posted: 09 Jun 2012 04:24 PM PDT

Adobe Flash 11.3 checks in with security fixes, OS X silent updater and Firefox sandbox in tow


Adobe Flash 11.3 checks in with security fixes, OS X silent updater and Firefox sandbox in tow
While feverishly revamping Flash with the all-new Next version -- to keep HTML5 from killing it -- Adobe is still plugging the current incarnation with smaller updates. To that end, Flash 11.3 just popped out of beta, which sees the company add a few notable goodies for the beleaguered plugin. On top of filling seven critical security holes, Adobe added a background updating feature for Mac OS X and signed the code in preparation for compatibility with Mountain Lion. That way it'll align it with the upcoming Gatekeeper feature in the next OS X release, though you'll have to dial its max security down one notch to get it. Lastly, sandboxing -- already in Chrome -- has been tacked on to Firefox as well, slowing hackers by isolating the plugin from critical system processes. All that fresh duct tape and polyfill should keep Flash rattling along -- until Adobe can pull the gleaming Next platform out of the hangar. Meanwhile, click the source for the download links.Adobe Flash 11.3 checks in with security fixes, OS X silent updater and Firefox sandbox in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink ComputerWorld | Adobe Blogs | Email this | Comments