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Thursday, June 21, 2012

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SolarWindow, technology for electricity-producing glass, advances

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 02:48 PM PDT

SolarWindow, technology for electricity-producing glass, advances


SolarWindow, technology for electricity-producing glass, advances
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Solar This could be way bigger than regenerative braking. A product that allows windows to use natural or artificial light to generate electricity got a little closer to commercialization after a Maryland-based company working with the U.S. Department of Energy found a way to lower the cost of production. New Energy Technologies Inc., along with the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), found a way to reduce the cost of what they call see-through solar cells that allow glass to produce electricity when coated with "an organic solar array composed of a series of ultra-small solar cells measuring less than ¼ the size of a grain of rice each." The product - called, descriptively, SolarWindow - can now be produced at lower temperatures and under "ambient" pressure, New Energy Technologies says. The company had also worked with the University of South Florida on the project. Eventually, New Energy Technology, which is publicly traded, is looking to commercialize the product for potential use on 85 million U.S. homes and commercial buildings. No word on whether cars will be next.Continue reading SolarWindow, technology for electricity-producing glass, advancesSolarWindow, technology for electricity-producing glass, advances originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

INSTEON says apps are better than switches with networked LED bulbs

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 02:47 PM PDT

INSTEON says apps are better than switches with networked LED bulbs


INSTEON says apps are better than switches with networked LED bulbs
We'll spare you the puns and meme references here. (Besides, how many Xzibit jokes can you take?) INSTEON has decided that simply saving you money on your electric bill isn't enough anymore. If you're going to cough up nearly $30 for an LED lightbulb, there better be some value added features. So, the company stuck a proprietary dual-band wireless receiver inside each of its eco-friendly lights allowing them to connect to a home automation system. There is a dedicated remote you could buy, but why bother when there's an app available for both Android and iOS that lets you turn on, off and dim the lights from the comfort of your touch screen. You can even create custom "scenes" for preset lighting levels. Unlike most remote lighting solutions, though, all the necessary hardware is built into the bulbs themselves. In fact, each one acts as a signal repeater, passing along instructions both wirelessly and though the powerlines to make sure ever corner of your home is covered. For more check out the PR and video after the break.Continue reading INSTEON says apps are better than switches with networked LED bulbsINSTEON says apps are better than switches with networked LED bulbs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | | Email this | Comments

Huawei Ascend P1 XL hands-on

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 02:47 PM PDT

Huawei Ascend P1 XL hands-on


Huawei Ascend P1 XL hands-on
Knowing that Huawei's just announced the Ascend P1 XL for power users alike, we swung by the company's booth at Mobile Asia Expo to see how much bulk the 2,600mAh battery adds to the body. In fact, at 9.9mm thick, the Android 4.0-powered XL is almost as thick as the original P1's thickest point, and in terms of weight the extra 930mAh of battery juice adds another 25g on top of the P1's 110g, which isn't all that noticeable when we fiddled with the new phone. Leaving the thickness and the camera shape aside, the XL is otherwise identical to its sibling device. We'll let you see the external differences in our hands-on photos below. Gallery: Huawei Ascend P1 XL hands-onHuawei Ascend P1 XL hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Kickstarter pledges more transparency, publishes project stats page with daily u...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 02:14 PM PDT

Kickstarter pledges more transparency, publishes project stats page with daily updates


Kickstarter pledges more transparency, publishes project stats page with daily updates
Every time we boot up a browser there appears to be a new iPad mount or Arduino project on Kickstarter, but just how many projects have there been to date? How many were successful? And how much might that microfunding startup be netting in commission cash? You can find all those answers through a new Kickstarter stats page (and some number crunching on a calculator), updated daily with key raw data that's tallied, and broken up by category as well. To date, 60,786 projects have launched, of which 24,986 (44 percent) were successfully funded, 31,722 failed and 4,078 are currently active on the site. Of the $261 million that's come in, $219 million has been in the form of "successful dollars," representing $10.95 million in income for the company itself based on a five-percent commission rate -- roughly the same amount raised for Pebble, a single project. Speaking of million-dollar-plus projects, there have been a total of seven, including one in the Music category, three in Games, two in Design and one in Comics (Pebble falls within the Design category, not Technology). There are plenty more stats to comb through if you've been hankering for a peek behind the scenes at Kickstarter -- it's all at our source link after the break.Kickstarter pledges more transparency, publishes project stats page with daily updates originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kickstarter Stats | Email this | Comments

The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 01:41 PM PDT

The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!


The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!
Tim's back! Brian's back! Even Dana's back! Oh yeah, and Microsoft's back, too! We're all in New York City this week (well, everyone but Microsoft) at an undisclosed location as our studio is being rebuilt. Come join the fun and breathe in all of the construction dust tonight at 5PM.Continue reading The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET!The Engadget Podcast, live at 5:00PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Did Sprint just spoil a white HTC EVO 4G LTE?

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 01:41 PM PDT

Did Sprint just spoil a white HTC EVO 4G LTE?


Did Sprint just spoil a white HTC EVO 4G LTE?
Sprint has a tradition of carrying white EVO models, and based on its own inadvertent pre-advertising, this isn't about to stop. Assuming it's not just a hasty palette swap, a banner tempting customers over to the network is spoiling a white-and-silver EVO 4G LTE -- very different than the black model we know and (mostly) love. The carrier hasn't officially confirmed that the new hue exists, but we're reaching out to find out whether it's real or just wishful thinking on a marketer's part. We'll let you know the full details if HTC's Ice Cream Sandwich flagship really does come in an ice cream color. [Thanks, Klaus]Did Sprint just spoil a white HTC EVO 4G LTE? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sprint (while it lasts) | Email this | Comments

Clean Green Fuels sold $9m worth of renewable fuel credits that didn't exist

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 01:09 PM PDT

Clean Green Fuels sold $9m worth of renewable fuel credits that didn't exist


Clean Green Fuels sold $9m worth of renewable fuel credits that didn't exist
Filed under: Etc., Legislation and Policy, USAThis is a most interesting way to make nine million dollars: selling $9.1 million worth of renewable energy credits that you don't actually have. According to the Associated Press, Rodney Hailey of Maryland allegedly did just that by taking advantage of lax oversight and confusing rules. Hailey was first accused last October and is now headed to court. The idea behind the renewable energy credit program is that companies that sell petroleum in the U.S. are also now required to make renewable fuels. If they don't, then they need to buy credits (also known as renewable identification numbers, or RINs) from those who do to satisfy their legal allotment. In stepped Hailey and his company, Clean Green Fuel LLC, which offered up the credits but didn't actually make any biofuel to earn them. Similar fraud cases have been reported in Texas and Alabama, and the AP says that there are calls for Congress to review the program. Because of the mess, the EPA is being sued by people who paid Hailey but now find their credits not being honored. The EPA says it is changing the program to reduce fraud, including bringing in independent, third-party auditors for the RINs. There's a twist to all of this "clean green fuel" story, though. Hailey allegedly used the money to buy "Ferraris and other luxury cars, as well as tractor-trailers, homes, jewelry and computers," the AP writes. Someone call Webster, we have a new definition for greenwashing.Continue reading Clean Green Fuels sold $9m worth of renewable fuel credits that didn't existClean Green Fuels sold $9m worth of renewable fuel credits that didn't exist originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

University researchers develop 50 gigapixel camera, hope it hits the mainstream...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 01:09 PM PDT

University researchers develop 50 gigapixel camera, hope it hits the mainstream in five years


University researchers develop 50 gigapixel camera, hope it hits the mainstream in five years
Gigapixel cameras aren't exactly hot-off-the-presses, but a few wizards at Duke and the University of Arizona may be close to getting that sort of technology into your future point-and-shoot. Reportedly, electrical engineers with gobs of free time and an imagination the size of Coach K's ego have managed to synchronize 98 minuscule cameras in a single device, creating a prototype 50 gigapixel monster. The real kicker here is the hope for the future: these same researchers feel that "within five years, as the electronic components of the cameras become miniaturized and more efficient, the next generation of gigapixel cameras should be available to the general public." The prototype itself measures a whopping 2.5-feet square and 20 inches deep, but only around 3 percent of it is made of optical elements; the vast majority is circuitry needed to calculate the stupefying amount of information captured in 50,000 megapixels.University researchers develop 50 gigapixel camera, hope it hits the mainstream in five years originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Nature, TG Daily | Duke | Email this | Comments

Google Mistakenly Outs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean In The Play Store, Galaxy Nexus To...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 01:09 PM PDT

Google Mistakenly Outs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean In The Play Store, Galaxy Nexus To Get It First


Google Mistakenly Outs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean In The Play Store, Galaxy Nexus To Get It First
Well isn't this interesting -- with just about five days to go until Google's I/O conference, the company may have just accidentally spilled the beans about their next big Android release. For a brief time, users who tried to purchase an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store was greeted by a blurb describing the device as the "the first phone with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean." Assuming this isn't just some random mistake Google has confirmed what nearly all of us expected their new update to be called, though there's sadly little other information to go on at this point.

Kiip, The Mobile Ad Rewards Network, Has Raised Another $8-10M To Conquer Games...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 01:09 PM PDT

Kiip, The Mobile Ad Rewards Network, Has Raised Another $8-10M To Conquer Games And Beyond


Kiip, The Mobile Ad Rewards Network, Has Raised Another $8-10M To Conquer Games And Beyond
We've been kiiping an eye on Kiip -- a platform that replaces straight display ads with reward incentives in mobile apps to create a better level of engagement with its users -- and it looks like we might not be the only ones. The company, which now serves its rewards-based ads into 400 apps across iOS and Android, and has inventory served totalling 100 million moments every month in the U.S., has raised another $8-10 million for what may be an equity stake of up to 20 percent in the company, TechCrunch understands. We're still trying to track down who is behind the most recent investment; but up to now Kiip has attracted a strong list of backers. Co- founded in 2010 by ex-Digg employees Brian Wong, Courtney Guertin and Amadeus Demarzi, when Wong was still a teenager, its Series A of $4 million last year came from Hummer Winblad, Path's Dave Morin, True Ventures and Crosslink Capital.

ZTE Grand X (U970 and N970) and Grand X LTE (T82) hands-on

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 12:34 PM PDT

ZTE Grand X (U970 and N970) and Grand X LTE (T82) hands-on


ZTE Grand X (U970 and N970) and Grand X LTE (T82) hands-on
You may recall that ZTE unveiled its Snapdragon MSM8960-powered Grand X LTE handset (pictured right) just a few days ago, but as it turns out, the original Mimosa X design is still very much alive under that new Grand X moniker, and we were able to play with both Android 4.0 devices at Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai. In fact, there were three models in total, as the Grand X comes in two flavors in China: the U970 for China Mobile comes with 1.2GHz Tegra 2, TD-SCDMA radio, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage and a five-megapixel camera; while the identical-looking N970 for China Telecom packs a 1.5GHz MSM8660A, CDMA2000 radio, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, microSD expansion and an eight-megapixel camera. With all the phones attached to various cords we weren't able to get a good sense of their ergonomics, but they were all surprisingly light. In terms of build quality ZTE didn't disappoint, either (at least the casing is certainly a big step up from the Skate), and their 4.3-inch qHD LCDs looked good as well. Oh, and the vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich build flashed onto these devices ran smoothly during our brief hands-on, so hopefully they'll stay that way in the hands of buyers. Help yourself to our photos below. Gallery: ZTE Grand X hands-on Gallery: ZTE Grand X LTE hands-onZTE Grand X (U970 and N970) and Grand X LTE (T82) hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Android Jelly Bean revealed as version 4.1 on Galaxy Nexus checkout page

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 12:34 PM PDT

Android Jelly Bean revealed as version 4.1 on Galaxy Nexus checkout page


Android Jelly Bean revealed as version 4.1 on Galaxy Nexus checkout page
We have yet to get any confirmation from Mountain View, but it looks like Jelly Bean just got a touch more official. The as-yet-unannounced Android OS was outed as version 4.1 on the Galaxy Nexus Google Wallet checkout page. 4.1 does in fact make Jelly Bean a more incremental update than the potentially more significant Ice Cream Sandwich, from a classification perspective, at least. The operating system also, based on the checkout page above, will be coming to the Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ version first -- which handsets will follow is yet to be seen. This could very well be a typo on the Wallet checkout page, but it's more likely to be an un-approved slip, giving us just a hint of sugar ahead of an official Google reveal. Though a (presumably) Jelly Bean homescreen in the checkout thumb does go a bit further to legitimize the above -- you'll find that screenshot after the break. [Thanks, Fred]Continue reading Android Jelly Bean revealed as version 4.1 on Galaxy Nexus checkout pageAndroid Jelly Bean revealed as version 4.1 on Galaxy Nexus checkout page originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | XDA-Developers | Email this | Comments

Google Play’s Top Android Devs Can Now Respond To User Reviews, Snarky Comments

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 12:33 PM PDT

Google Play's Top Android Devs Can Now Respond To User Reviews, Snarky Comments


Google Play's Top Android Devs Can Now Respond To User Reviews, Snarky Comments
Google engineer and Android developer advocate Trevor Johns just revealed on the company's Android Developers blog that they're rolling out the ability to talk back to their reviewers right from the Developer Console. Before you Android devs gear up to give that one snotty jerk a mouthful, know this — as of right now, Google has only enabled the feature for their Top Developers, so you're currently out of luck unless you or your company has that trusty blue badge in the Google Play Store.

Stitcher adds Smart Station to its redesigned iOS and Android apps, makes findin...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Stitcher adds Smart Station to its redesigned iOS and Android apps, makes finding Radiolab even easier


Stitcher adds Smart Station to its redesigned iOS and Android apps, makes finding Radiolab even easier
Stitcher has redesigned its streaming radio app for iOS and Android, fitting it with a raft of new features to make finding new content easy. Smart Station offers personalized recommendations to let you hop between shows you'll enjoy, while album art will now display on your lock screen as you enjoy the latest Fresh Air. The company has also included a sleep timer to help you nod off and sharing has been redesigned to let you fling shows at your friends over Twitter. Both versions are available right now on each platform's respective app store, ready for the next time you need to be informed about the topics of the day.Continue reading Stitcher adds Smart Station to its redesigned iOS and Android apps, makes finding Radiolab even easierStitcher adds Smart Station to its redesigned iOS and Android apps, makes finding Radiolab even easier originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Tesla Model S rolls by the EPA, keeps on going, and going

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Tesla Model S rolls by the EPA, keeps on going, and going


Tesla Model S rolls by the EPA, keeps on going, and going
Sometimes all you want are just the cold hard numbers. With electric vehicles, this means EPA rating. The Tesla Model S just got officially measured up, and scored a reasonable MPGe of 89 (combined), 88 (city) and 90 (highway), plus an impressive single charge range of 265 miles. This isn't all that far off the manufacturer's own (albeit optimistic) early estimates. To get that range, you'll have to trump up $69,900 for the fully loaded, 85-kWh battery totin' version, but if you're planning that once-in-a-lifetime journey, it's probably money well spent.Tesla Model S rolls by the EPA, keeps on going, and going originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog | Environmental Protection Agency | Email this | Comments

Car Repair Costs Drop

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Car Repair Costs Drop


Car Repair Costs Drop
Study shows parts costs increased, labor costs declined.

Ford's sustainability efforts include big energy consumption drop

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 11:26 AM PDT

Ford's sustainability efforts include big energy consumption drop


Ford's sustainability efforts include big energy consumption drop
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing/Plants, Ford, Carbon Offset, USA Ford may be taking small steps when it comes to electric-vehicle sales, but it says it's taking leaps in other areas of environmental protection. In its 13th annual sustainability report, Ford said that it reduced energy use per vehicle by 22 percent in the past six years and will cut energy usage by another 25 percent by 2016. In "Blueprint for Sustainability: Accelerating Ahead," the U.S. automaker also said it reduced landfill waste and CO2 emissions per vehicle made last year by 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Ford added that it will have cut water use by 30 percent between 2009 and 2015. Among energy-saving initiatives are electricity-reducing paint applications and solar panels at Ford's plant in Wayne, MI. Ford has long turned to materials such as soy foam and other sustainable materials to cut petroleum use in the manufacturing of its vehicles. Ford is highlighting its sustainability efforts among the environmentally conscious set as it looks to build sales of its Ford Focus Electric, which it debuted last year. Through the end of May, Ford had sold just 16 Focus Electrics since late last year.Continue reading Ford's sustainability efforts include big energy consumption dropFord's sustainability efforts include big energy consumption drop originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chartboost Poaches Clay Kellogg From Google Admob, Passes 2B Game Sessions A Month

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 11:26 AM PDT

Chartboost Poaches Clay Kellogg From Google Admob, Passes 2B Game Sessions A Month


Chartboost Poaches Clay Kellogg From Google Admob, Passes 2B Game Sessions A Month
Chartboost, a San Francisco-based gaming and ad platform, just poached Google Admob's head of mobile platform and partnership strategy Clay Kellogg to be its chief revenue officer. Chartboost, which was founded by some alums of an early mobile gaming company that Disney acquired called Tapulous, is a platform where mobile developers can cross-promote their work. Gaming studios will usually do a direct advertising trade where they'll market their titles in other developers' games. Chartboost's platform has grown to incorporate 4,000 app developers with 2 billion game sessions per month between them. The company offers direct advertising trades for free, but developers can pay to promote their app in the company's network on a cost-per-click or cost-per-install basis.

Twitter confirms 'on-going' site issues, millions resort to verbal communication

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 11:26 AM PDT

Twitter confirms 'on-going' site issues, millions resort to verbal communication


Twitter confirms 'on-going' site issues, millions resort to verbal communication
Sorry microbloggers -- looks like we're not fully out of the woods yet. After confirming that its users "may be experiencing issues" via its Status Blog roughly an hour ago, Twitter has added that the concerns are "on-going." Don't worry, though, engineers are on the case, so your #followfriday plans should be largely unaffected.Twitter confirms 'on-going' site issues, millions resort to verbal communication originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Twitter | Email this | Comments

24 wireless operators agree on data roaming alert mechanisms, do nothing about a...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 11:26 AM PDT

24 wireless operators agree on data roaming alert mechanisms, do nothing about actual roaming rates


24 wireless operators agree on data roaming alert mechanisms, do nothing about actual roaming rates
GSMA, also known as the entity that produces Mobile World Congress and Mobile Asia Expo each year, seems to be onto something. And by "something," we mean "getting 24 carriers around the globe to agree on a single point." That's no easy feat, mind you, and the latest release from Shanghai asserts that 24 operator groups have agreed to implement new measures in order to better inform jetsetters about data roaming rates when they land. America Movil, AT&T, China Mobile, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom-Orange, Hutchison 3 Group, SoftBank Mobile Corp., Verizon Communications, VimpelCom and Vodafone Group (among others) are all onboard, with the following measures to go into effect by the end of 2012. For one, texts will be sent to remind customers of their data roaming tariffs when they arrive in another country, and there will also be a monthly data roaming spending limit paired with the ability to "temporarily suspend" one's data when usage exceeds said threshold. Of course, alerting users to how they're about to be hosed only seems like part of the issue. Till that's addressed, we'll keep carrying an Xcom Global MiFi or hunting for a local SIM upon arrival.Continue reading 24 wireless operators agree on data roaming alert mechanisms, do nothing about actual roaming rates24 wireless operators agree on data roaming alert mechanisms, do nothing about actual roaming rates originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

TiVo releases Android app, countless tablets to be lost under couch cushions

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:54 AM PDT

TiVo releases Android app, countless tablets to be lost under couch cushions


TiVo releases Android app, countless tablets to be lost under couch cushions
It's been a bit of a waiting game for TiVo users with Android tablets, ever since the company released an app for iOS. As of today, however, that wait is over. The TiVo app is now is arriving in the Google Play today store for tablets, bringing with it remote control functionality, a show guide, search and programming / actor info. The the app also helps you monitor your recording storage and organize your Season Pass recordings with drag-and-drop functionality. You can check out a complete breakdown of the features in the source link below.TiVo releases Android app, countless tablets to be lost under couch cushions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TiVO | Email this | Comments

Google Play lets top devs reply to user reviews, smack down trolls

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:54 AM PDT

Google Play lets top devs reply to user reviews, smack down trolls


Google Play lets top devs reply to user reviews, smack down trolls
Are you an Android developer with an app in Google Play? Do you have a Top Developer badge? Well rejoice, because starting right now Google will let select developers reply to user reviews right from the safety, warmth and comfort of the Android Developer Console -- perfect for when you need to put the smackdown on those undeserving trolls give feedback to your beloved customers or share information about a new feature. Users are then notified by email about replies to a review and have the option to contact the developer directly. "Google continues to make investments in Google Play and we are excited to engage with our users through this new feature" said Autumn Brown, Android Account Director at EA. Google plans to extend the functionality to additional developers in the future. Isn't dialogue wonderful? Screenshot and PR after the break.Continue reading Google Play lets top devs reply to user reviews, smack down trollsGoogle Play lets top devs reply to user reviews, smack down trolls originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Taptu Adds “Magic” Article Recommendations Based On Your Reading Habits

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:54 AM PDT

Taptu Adds "Magic" Article Recommendations Based On Your Reading Habits


Taptu Adds "Magic" Article Recommendations Based On Your Reading Habits
News app Taptu is adding a feature called Magic, starting with a new version of its Android app that just went live. When you name something Magic, it has a lot to live up to. In Taptu's case, the idea sounds pretty impressive. The app is probably best known for the ability to "DJ your news," creating customized news streams, either from scratch or by modifying one of Taptu's existing topic streams. With Magic, Taptu users get another layer of personalization without doing any extra work.

Microsoft: Surface was developed in an 'underground bunker' at first, we can pla...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Microsoft: Surface was developed in an 'underground bunker' at first, we can play the secrecy game too


Microsoft: Surface was developed in an 'underground bunker' at first, we can play the secrecy game too
We commonly associate extreme secrecy around a product design with Apple, but it now looks to be in vogue with all the major technology companies: just days after Samsung revealed the Galaxy S III's secret sauce, Microsoft has explained to TechRadar that it developed its surprise new Surface tablets under a similarly tight watch. A special wing of Microsoft's hardware unit initially worked in an "underground bunker," according to the division's Stevie Bathiche, before moving to a more conventional building with an 'airlock' door -- the company was just that concerned that Bob from Accounts Receivable might spoil the whole thing. As we all know by now, that level of secrecy proved effective almost until the last minute and let Microsoft design to its heart's content; we still don't know if other PC builders were aware. The practice is a sharp break from Microsoft's tendency to telegraph its strategy well in advance, and it emphasizes just how much importance Redmond places on its self-developed Windows 8 hardware.Microsoft: Surface was developed in an 'underground bunker' at first, we can play the secrecy game too originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TechRadar | Email this | Comments

Google entices Android developers to 'build beautiful, powerful, successful apps...

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Google entices Android developers to 'build beautiful, powerful, successful apps' with site refresh


Google entices Android developers to 'build beautiful, powerful, successful apps' with site refresh
You know what's happening next week in Android land? Yes, it's Google I/O, and we'll be there to give you the all the details, of course. Leading up to the event, Google's just given its Android developer site a fresh new "streamlined, simplified, and refocused" look. The redesign touches on three aspects of the app development lifecycle -- design, development and distribution -- in the hopes to entice developers to "build beautiful, powerful, successful apps". Want to find out more? Check out the gallery below and hit the break for the PR.Gallery: Android developers site refreshContinue reading Google entices Android developers to 'build beautiful, powerful, successful apps' with site refreshGoogle entices Android developers to 'build beautiful, powerful, successful apps' with site refresh originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Android Developers | Email this | Comments

Hands-On With Twelve South’s Stealthy BookBook iDevice Cases

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Hands-On With Twelve South's Stealthy BookBook iDevice Cases


Hands-On With Twelve South's Stealthy BookBook iDevice Cases
The modern man is clearly embarrassed by tablet computers. It's a common trend to disguise the slate computing device as a book. I guess it affords owners an air of class and sophistication as it appears they're toting around a well-loved tome rather than a dull, lifeless computer. Twelve South has taken this practice to the extreme with redesigned iPad and iPhone cases.

Report: 57% Of Mobile Developers Plan To Adopt Windows Phone

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 10:20 AM PDT

Report: 57% Of Mobile Developers Plan To Adopt Windows Phone


Report: 57% Of Mobile Developers Plan To Adopt Windows Phone
Microsoft's Windows Phone platform may not be a huge hit with consumers just yet, but according to a new report by market analysis and strategy firm VisionMobile, it's definitely catching on with developers. Almost 60% of the developers who responded to this survey say that they plan to develop for the Windows Phone platform. Those are just 'plans,' though, and those don't have to turn into reality. Windows phone, say the survey's authors, "is indeed the new cool," but "to turn the buzz into developer buy-in at the levels of iOS and Android, actual adoption must follow soon or fall flat."

Pentax K-30 weather-sealed DSLR hands-on with sample photos and video

Posted: 21 Jun 2012 09:48 AM PDT

Pentax K-30 weather-sealed DSLR hands-on with sample photos and video


Pentax K-30 weather-sealed DSLR hands-on with sample photos and video
We can count on one hand the number of times a waterproof camera was the only suitable option for any given photo shoot, but drizzle and even flash monsoons can strike at any moment, especially in some locales. Most clothing and other analog gear can survive such attacks of mother nature nearly unscathed, but smartphones and cameras are another story altogether -- unless they're coated in head-to-toe weather sealing, of course. Pentax may not be a top player in any digital imaging category, but the company does have a few serious DSLR contenders, and should be taken seriously for anyone in the market for a new ILC. The manufacturer's latest swappable-lens model, the K-30, is quite a respectable beast, and a fairly solid value at $900 with an 18-55mm kit lens. Beneath that steel and polycarbonate black housing there's a 16.3-megapixel APS-C sensor with shift-based stabilization, a 100-percent FOV optical viewfinder, a color-adjustable 921k-dot 3-inch LCD and a bevy of manual control options, for stills and video alike.Gallery: Pentax K-30 DSLR hands-on We put the K-30 through its paces during a half-day shoot around NYC. There was no rain, sand or snow in sight, but the brutal heat and humidity didn't take any toll, with the camera offering consistent performance and excellent battery life for hours on end (we captured nearly 700 stills with live view and a few minutes of video with plenty to spare, and you can also swap in four AA lithiums for up to 1600 shots). We spend much of our time shooting with mirrorless cameras these days, but when absolute portability is less critical, there are obvious benefits to lugging around a full-size DSLR like the K-30. The camera was able to shoot with perfect exposure and white balance in almost every situation and images captured with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens were sharp and vibrant. Video performance was sufficient as well -- most of our clips were captured at 720/30p, but 720/60p and 1080/30p are also on offer. Focus wasn't the fastest we've seen (the Olympus E-M5 still holds the title), but the lens adjusted accurately even in low light, especially when aided by the green illuminator. High-ISO performance didn't blow us away with noise reduction deactivated -- noise was visible at a 25-percent view at ISO 12,800 and a 12.5-percent view at the ISO 25,600 extended setting, but the sensor-shift stabilization mode enabled us to capture sharp handheld shots at 1/40 second, so it's not terribly difficult to avoid venturing into that high-sensitivity zone. Pentax also added a unique Astrotracer mode, which moves the sensor precisely for long night-sky exposures, using an optional GPS module to provide location and direction information (there was no way to test this feature in NYC, where the city lights never sleep). We did have a chance to test out that weather sealing, however -- the camera functioned just as well while under a running water fountain as it did on dry land. Overall, we were quite impressed with the K-30 -- it's one of the best sub-$1,000 DSLRs we've used to date, and if you've made an investment in Pentax KAF2 glass (or you're ready to load up now), you can expect to be pleased. Click past the break for a sample gallery and video.Continue reading Pentax K-30 weather-sealed DSLR hands-on with sample photos and videoPentax K-30 weather-sealed DSLR hands-on with sample photos and video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

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