Subscribe:

Friday, June 22, 2012

Shops Online

Shops Online

Obama may be charging up support for fuel-cell technology

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Obama may be charging up support for fuel-cell technology


Obama may be charging up support for fuel-cell technology
Filed under: Hydrogen, Legislation and Policy, USA Looks like President Obama's stance on yet another issue is "evolving." The president's administration is indicating it might increase support for hydrogen fuel-cell technology, Bloomberg Businessweek reported. As regular readers surely remember, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) cut funding for H2 vehicles back in 2009, but the government's recent statements have hinted at future more favorable to fuel cell fans. Last month, for example, DOE Secretary Steven Chu made remarks supportive of more research into hydrogen vehicles. Now, National Fuel Cell Research Center Director Scott Samuelsen referred to a "dramatic turnaround in the past six to nine months" on the part of the administration. Obama has so far pushed hard for battery-electric technology, calling for a million plug-in vehicles to be on U.S. roads by 2015. Hydrogen fuel-cell supporters hope the government reverses the trend of declining federal funding for hydrogen and fuel cell research, which will decline to $80 million for the 2013 fiscal year from $103.6 million for the current year, Bloomberg said, citing Energy Department spokesman Bill Gibbons. Proponents of hydrogen fuel-cell technology cite the fact that the vehicles have a full-tank range and can be filled up in about the same amount of time as conventional, gasoline-powered cars, but without the greenhouse-gas emissions. That said, cost remains an issue because of the limited number of both fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations. There are fewer than 60 hydrogen fueling stations in the U.S., according to the DOE. That compares with about 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and more than 10,000 electric-vehicle charging stations (not counting standard outlets). Automakers such as Toyota, GM, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Hyundai have said they plan to start mass-producing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2015.Obama may be charging up support for fuel-cell technology originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Engadget Mobile Podcast 143 - 06.22.2012

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Engadget Mobile Podcast 143 - 06.22.2012


Engadget Mobile Podcast 143 - 06.22.2012
Listen intently as Microsoft's deepest, darkest press announcements are unraveled and demystified before your very ears: Myriam and Brad, live and pre-recorded from a hotel room in San Francisco, confront the cipher of the great riddles of the mobile Beyond.Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) 00:02:30 - Samsung Galaxy S III review shootout: AT&T vs. Sprint 00:39:45 - Hands-on with Microsoft Surface for Windows RT, Touch Cover and Type Cover (update: video!) 00:50:58 - Microsoft introduces Windows Phone 8 for fall release, incompatible with current devices 01:25:00 - BlackBerry 10 hands-on (video) Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.Follow us on Twitter@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobileEngadget Mobile Podcast 143 - 06.22.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Engadget Podcast 299 - 06.22.2012

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 02:21 PM PDT

Engadget Podcast 299 - 06.22.2012


Engadget Podcast 299 - 06.22.2012
Microsoft BOB makes its humble return on the Engadget Podcast this week. It's an "if you don't know, don't ask" situation. Hosts: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater, Dana WollmanProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Orbital - Never 00:03:40 - Microsoft reveals its own Windows 8 tablet: meet the new Surface for Windows RT 00:05:00 - Microsoft announces Surface for Windows 8 Pro: Intel inside, optional pen input 00:06:15 - Microsoft Surface tablets: the differences between Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro models 00:14:15 - Hands-on with Microsoft Surface for Windows RT, Touch Cover and Type Cover (update: video!) 00:16:00 - Microsoft one ups other tablet 'smart' covers with Surface's Touch Cover and Type Cover 00:19:50 - Microsoft introduces Windows Phone 8 for fall release, incompatible with current devices 00:21:00 - Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 share lots of code, NT kernel 00:23:30 - Microsoft confirms no upgrade path to Windows Phone 8, unveils 7.8 for legacy devices 00:26:14 - Windows Phone 8 to support multi-core CPUs, HD resolutions, SD cards and NFC 00:27:13 - Windows Phone 8 to use Nokia map data with built-in turn-by-turn navigation (update: deals too) 00:29:00 - Lumia 900 owner vents Windows Phone 8 frustrations, Stephen Elop responds 00:30:40 - Windows Phone 8 introduces new Start screen 00:37:15 - Microsoft brings NFC payments and loyalty cards to Windows Phone 8 00:40:12 - Microsoft demos support for NFC-enabled ads, business cards in Windows Phone 8 00:40:42 - Microsoft brings true, background multitasking to Windows Phone 8 00:42:36 - Microsoft unveils Internet Explorer 10 for Windows Phone, very similar to the desktop 00:43:05 - MS teases Windows Phone 8 enterprise features: Company Hub, encryption, secure boot, IT management 00:52:55 - MacBook Air review (13-inch, mid 2012) 01:01:40 - RIM reportedly firing up to 6,000 in $1 billion savings drive 01:03:30 - Samsung Galaxy S III is hot: bursts into flames and melts through its own casing 01:05:49 - Fitter, Happier: an eight week exercise in using technology to help lose weight 01:08:35 - Reading Rainbow launches iPad app, we go hands-on (video) 01:13:39 - Listener QuestionsHear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace. Download the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens. Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot comFiled under: PodcastsEngadget Podcast 299 - 06.22.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Former Apple UI designer joins Facebook to lead product design team

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 02:21 PM PDT

Former Apple UI designer joins Facebook to lead product design team


Former Apple UI designer joins Facebook to lead product design team
It remains to be seen exactly what he'll be involved with, but Facebook's new Product Design Manager brings quite a background with him to the job. Until just a few months ago, Chris Weeldreyer was a UI Design Manager at Apple (a role held for over eight years) where, as The Next Web reports, he was responsible for the company's iWeb and Numbers software, and has been named in a number of Apple's patent applications. Before that, he worked in both hardware and software product development, having held positions at Frog Design, Pentagram and Cooper. No word from either company on the move, but Weeldreyer himself made the move official on his LinkedIn page -- and, of course, his Facebook profile.Former Apple UI designer joins Facebook to lead product design team originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Next Web | Email this | Comments

Apple hits HTC with counterclaim lawsuit for failure to FRAND license 4G patents

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 01:47 PM PDT

Apple hits HTC with counterclaim lawsuit for failure to FRAND license 4G patents


Apple hits HTC with counterclaim lawsuit for failure to FRAND license 4G patents
It's been far too quiet on the litigation front here at Engadget lately, but thankfully Apple's broken our courtroom news dry spell with a freshly filed counterclaim in the Eastern District of Virginia federal court. FOSS Patents reports that Apple's target is HTC, who Apple claims has abused two patents essential to the 4G/LTE wireless standard by using them in a legal action against Cupertino. In doing so, Apple asserts HTC breached its FRAND licensing obligations. The counterclaim was filed in response to an HTC-initiated complaint in the ITC, and comes hot on the heels of Apple's recent win in that case where it managed to exclude some Google patents that the Taiwanese firm borrowed to take Apple down. Will this new legal action meet the same success? We'll have to wait for lady justice to do her thing to find out, but in the meantime you can check out the source link for more.Apple hits HTC with counterclaim lawsuit for failure to FRAND license 4G patents originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FOSS Patents | Email this | Comments

FedEx getting Amp'd delivery truck, could be first of 9,000

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 01:14 PM PDT

FedEx getting Amp'd delivery truck, could be first of 9,000


FedEx getting Amp'd delivery truck, could be first of 9,000
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Amp Electric VehiclesFedEx has been quite serious about adding electric vehicles to its fleet, saying in 2011 that it would more than double its number EV vehicles. Of course, all that meant was going from 19 to an expected 43, but it's the start of removing some tailpipes. Plus, with overall big green vehicle ambitions, FedEx In some cases, going EV means using the Nissan NV200 EV prototype in London. In others, it means partnering with upstart Amp Motors to convert two 14,000-pound GVW trucks for FedEx to test in Washington, D.C. This proof of concept, all-electric step van could be a huge first step, as FedEx has said it hopes to convert 9,000 vehicles to EV power. Amp also has a contract with Navistar for a similar van project. Steve Burns, Amp founder and president, sent an email to AutoblogGreen explaining why the company is interested in these sorts of delivery trucks: As I know you are keenly aware, it has been a tough year for smaller EV companies (Aptera, Bright, Azure, Think) because the passenger EV market has been a bit slower to evolve than first thought. It is moving nicely, and is actually doing better than hybrids did in 2000 when they first came out, but it is proving to be a slow process to unwind 100 years of an oil based economy that is so tightly woven into the fabric of this great country. To that end, we began to look for areas that might be more receptive to adapting EVs with our technology in the shorter term. Earlier adoption would provide both learnings and revenue while the passenger EV market to ramps up. The two major factors that appear to influence EV adoption are: 1) Price 2) Limited Range We looked for applications that got very poor gas mileage (so that the payback would be quicker) and traveled less than 100 miles per day so that range was not an issue. So, re-powering fleets that utilized larger vehicles for urban deliveries came into focus. And the clearest vehicles that emerged were the step vans used by the likes of FedEx, Navistar. The chassis and bodies on these types of vehicles are typically used for 20 years. So, removing the diesel based drivetrain and re-powering 10-year-old vehicles with all electric drivetrains looked to be the most cost effective manner to get tens of thousands of these vehicles converted from very dirty old style diesel to zero emission electrics. The key was to get the payback under 5 years. Preferably 4 years. Our ML EV drivetrain pushes around a 5,000-pound vehicle spiritedly. So, the task of moving a 14,000-lb vehicle somewhat spiritedly was not too daunting of a task. So, essentially we utilized our dual Remy model model with large scale cells and our same control software/hardware and we had the formula and the price point. In other Amp news, the company's first dealer had a launch party recently and, says Burns, "we are about to sign up our second dealer who is one of the top Mercedes-Benz dealers in the country."FedEx getting Amp'd delivery truck, could be first of 9,000 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Alan Turing's breakthrough machine gets a loving Lego tribute (video)

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 01:14 PM PDT

Alan Turing's breakthrough machine gets a loving Lego tribute (video)


Alan Turing's breakthrough machine gets a loving Lego tribute (video)
In the world of technology, having one of your inventions rendered in Lego form is the equivalent of a musician being parodied by Weird Al -- it's a sign you've truly made it and tribute to your influence. So, we're more than a little surprised to see that it's taken this long for the Turing Machine to be lovingly built from plastic bricks. The heart of this simple logic device is a Lego Mindstorms NXT set, but the soul is in Alan Turing's genius -- a man who was before his time and unjustly persecuted for failing to properly fit into society's molds. Dutch researchers Jeroen van den Bosand and Davy Landman built the device as a tribute to Turing, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this Saturday. If you're in Amsterdam you can see the machine yourself at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica's Turings Erfenis exhibit. Or, you can watch the short explanatory video after the break.Continue reading Alan Turing's breakthrough machine gets a loving Lego tribute (video)Alan Turing's breakthrough machine gets a loving Lego tribute (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PSFK | ecalpemos (Vimeo) | Email this | Comments

HTC confirms it's closing offices in Brazil, halting direct sales as well

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 12:05 PM PDT

HTC confirms it's closing offices in Brazil, halting direct sales as well


HTC confirms it's closing offices in Brazil, halting direct sales as well
We don't have great news to share with Brazilian Android fans as the week winds to a close. After AndroidPit's initial word, we've since received extra confirmation from a spokesperson that HTC is closing its office in Brazil "after careful analysis of [its] business." The company wouldn't get any closer than that for reasoning, although the country's high tariffs on technology imports may play a part: they were high enough for Foxconn to open a Brazilian plant just so Apple could keep selling iPads and iPhones at comfortable prices, and HTC hasn't been making phones in Brazil for some time. There's also the matter of fighting to stay profitable in a market where Apple and Samsung are the only real money makers. HTC is vowing to keep up post-sale support, which we appreciate, but it's also stopping all direct sales in the process. As such, the only way you'll get a One S in Sao Paulo from now on is to go through an importer and take the added hit to the pocketbook.HTC confirms it's closing offices in Brazil, halting direct sales as well originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | AndroidPit | Email this | Comments

Without more incentives, Germany will fall 40% short of 1m electric vehicle goal

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 11:33 AM PDT

Without more incentives, Germany will fall 40% short of 1m electric vehicle goal


Without more incentives, Germany will fall 40% short of 1m electric vehicle goal
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU, Germany Don't count on the German electric-vehicle market to get another recharge from the government. According to a panel of government officials, automakers and unions, the country will fall short of its goal of selling a million EVs by 2020 unless the government ratchets up EV subsidies. Instead, by that time, the panel expects about 600,000 battery-electric vehicles to have been sold. The reasons for the potential missed target include a lack of infrastructure, high battery costs and less-than-expected single-charge range. On top of this, German economy minister Philipp Roseler said that, beyond a 10-year vehicle-tax exemption for people who buy EVs before the end of 2015, further incentives are unlikely. Both Volkswagen and BMW have announced plans for their first production EVs to be available to the German public next year. Earlier this month, the publication Automobile reported that BMW may delay the debut of its i3 EVs, along with its entire "i" line of battery-electrics, because of concerns that demand won't meet expectations, but that report was later walked back.Without more incentives, Germany will fall 40% short of 1m electric vehicle goal originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

HTC teases voice control and/or dog translator for Sense

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 11:32 AM PDT

HTC teases voice control and/or dog translator for Sense


HTC teases voice control and/or dog translator for Sense
HTC might be over selling it a bit with the top secret stamp, and the foot note sort of indicates that your next One device wont be interpreting Fido's barks. So, really, that only leaves one logical conclusion -- HTC is working on a voice control app. It shouldn't come as any surprise if you've been paying any attention to to mobile landscape these past few years. Google kicked off the party with Voice Actions and Apple gave the speech recognition tech some personality with Siri. Now Samsung has S-Voice and LG has Quick Voice... what's a Taiwanese manufacturer to do? Presumably make your own speech-driven virtual assistant. When will it debut, what will it be called? Who knows, but judging from the image above it seems safe to assume that HTC's new tool will be delivered as software update to at least some existing handsets. [Thanks, Naman]HTC teases voice control and/or dog translator for Sense originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | HTC (Facebook) | Email this | Comments

Remembering Alan Turing at 100

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 11:32 AM PDT

Remembering Alan Turing at 100


Remembering Alan Turing at 100
Alan Turing would have turned 100 this week, an event that would have, no doubt, been greeted with all manner of pomp -- the centennial of a man whose mid-century concepts would set the stage for modern computing. Turing, of course, never made it that far, found dead at age 41 from cyanide poisoning, possibly self-inflicted. His story is that of a brilliant mind cut down in its prime for sad and ultimately baffling reasons, a man who accomplished so much in a short time and almost certainly would have had far more to give, if not for a society that couldn't accept him for who he was. The London-born computing pioneer's name is probably most immediately recognized in the form of the Turing Machine, the "automatic machine" he discussed in a 1936 paper and formally extrapolated over the years. The concept would help lay the foundation for future computer science, arguing that a simple machine, given enough tape (or, perhaps more appropriately in the modern sense, storage) could be used to solve complex equations. All that was needed as Turing laid it out, was a writing method, a way of manipulating what's written and a really long ream to write on. In order to increase the complexity, only the storage, not the machine, needs upgrading.Continue reading Remembering Alan Turing at 100Remembering Alan Turing at 100 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

CloudCar, The Stealthy Startup That Andy Rubin Is *Not* Joining, Has Raised $11.5M

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 11:32 AM PDT

CloudCar, The Stealthy Startup That Andy Rubin Is *Not* Joining, Has Raised $11.5M


CloudCar, The Stealthy Startup That Andy Rubin Is *Not* Joining, Has Raised $11.5M
CloudCar, a startup still in stealth mode that was the subject of rumors earlier this month when Robert Scoble reported that Andy Rubin would leave his job at Google to join it, has filed a Form D with the SEC indicating that it has raised $11.5 million in a Series A round. The startup may not be Rubin's next place of employment, but he is connected to it: after the rumor hit, and then he denied it on Twitter, he further clarified in a Google+ post that CloudCar "are a group of friends who I give free office space to in my incubator in Los Altos."

Satechi introduces Portable Energy Station to add some power to your travels

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Satechi introduces Portable Energy Station to add some power to your travels


Satechi introduces Portable Energy Station to add some power to your travels
Peripherals maker Satechi has introduced the Portable Energy Station, a 10,000 mAh battery that'll solve some of your power woes on the go. The 1 Amp USB port will recharge nearly all of your smartphones and PMPs, while a second 2 Amp port will maintain pace with your iPad or other hefty tablet. Despite that capacious battery, it's a slender 7.4 ounces and should tuck neatly into your bag -- once you've picked it up for $50, that is.Satechi introduces Portable Energy Station to add some power to your travels originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TUAW | Satechi | Email this | Comments

Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud...

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 10:26 AM PDT

Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud love as well


Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud love as well
Fujitsu's original ScanSnap S1300 earned a soft spot in our hearts -- no mean feat for a scanner -- so it's with piqued interest that we catch word of a direct upgrade. The S1300i is all about serving those of us who might never send scan results to a printer. Android and iOS aficionados now only have to send the results to a relevant mobile app, skipping the usual computer-to-phone shuffle. That stack of receipts can also go skip devices entirely and go straight to the cloud, whether it's Dropbox, Evernote, Google Docs, Salesforce Chatter or SugarSync. However that paper gets converted to digital, it'll be accomplished about 50 percent faster, or 12 double-sided, color pages every minute. All the extras lift the price price even higher, though: $295 is a lot to ask for a scanner. Even so, if that stack of bills is high enough to trigger an avalanche, it might be worth the premium to avoid being snowed in.Continue reading Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud love as wellFujitsu ScanSnap S1300i delivers scans to Android or iOS, spreads a little cloud love as well originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Fujitsu | Email this | Comments

The Lighter Car News

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 10:26 AM PDT

The Lighter Car News


The Lighter Car News
Kutcher vs. DMV, BMW vs. the manual and New Yorkers vs. speed cameras.

Moving from Cupertino to Mountain View? Samsung's here to help

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 09:51 AM PDT

Moving from Cupertino to Mountain View? Samsung's here to help


Moving from Cupertino to Mountain View? Samsung's here to help
Moving? We all have our reasons, but if you're transferring your stuff from iOS to a Galaxy device, Samsung and Media Mushroom are there to help with the Easy Phone Sync app. The free software installs on your Galaxy product and a PC or Mac, then shleps your stuff wholesale -- media, contacts and all -- from iTunes over to your chosen Samsung Android slate or phone. It even lets you continue to use iTunes to manage music, photos and videos, while keeping everything sync'd up with the non-Cupertino devices. We're sure that Samsung is just trying to lend a hand, and doesn't have any (ahem) other purposes in mind. Check the PR after the break to see for yourself.Continue reading Moving from Cupertino to Mountain View? Samsung's here to helpMoving from Cupertino to Mountain View? Samsung's here to help originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Battlefield Startup SnipSnap Sees Over 1M Coupons Clipped, Locks Up $900K In Fun...

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 09:17 AM PDT

Battlefield Startup SnipSnap Sees Over 1M Coupons Clipped, Locks Up $900K In Funding


Battlefield Startup SnipSnap Sees Over 1M Coupons Clipped, Locks Up $900K In Funding
It's only been a few weeks since SnipSnap co-founder/CEO Ted Mann took to the Disrupt stage to talk about his super-simple coupon saving and sharing app, and now it seems the young company has already hit some major milestones. Mann revealed that the coupon sharing platform has seen over 1 million coupons clipped since launch, and that out of 160,000 downloads, the service plays home to 50,000 daily active users. That's not all the good news Mann had to share — the company has just recently put the final touches on a $900,000 angel round led by Philadelphia-based MentorTech Ventures and Kynetic CEO Michael Rubin. Over half of that sum ($555K, to be precise) was raised last month before Disrupt, with the remainder being closed last Friday.

Google Maps Coordinate: keep tabs on your team, dish the work out fairly (video)

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 09:17 AM PDT

Google Maps Coordinate: keep tabs on your team, dish the work out fairly (video)


Google Maps Coordinate: keep tabs on your team, dish the work out fairly (video)
If you're a mobile / field worker, and are tired of getting hauled across town to jobs, when there are others nearer by, you might want to point your senior in the direction of Google Maps Coordinate. Sounding like a blend of Latitude, Maps and Google + (Circles,) it's a web tool and mobile app that should help central operations organize their teams out in the field. Of course there's the usual location sharing, plus options for recording and collecting (user defined) data, allocating staff to teams or groups, job and task allocation plus history for analytics. Google says any business can sign up (currently $15 per employee,) plus there's an API if the stock options don't fit your custom needs. Either way, you can kiss goodbye to those two-hour secret lunchtime golf sessions.Continue reading Google Maps Coordinate: keep tabs on your team, dish the work out fairly (video)Google Maps Coordinate: keep tabs on your team, dish the work out fairly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Lat Lon Blog | Email this | Comments

Car and Driver aims for Porsche 911 skid pad numbers with Nissan Leaf

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 08:43 AM PDT

Car and Driver aims for Porsche 911 skid pad numbers with Nissan Leaf


Car and Driver aims for Porsche 911 skid pad numbers with Nissan Leaf
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Porsche, Videos A skidpad is a simple circle with a 300-foot radius drawn on a flat piece of pavement that is used to judge the lateral g-forces a vehicle can generate whilst completing circumnavigations. Super sporty cars, like the Porsche 911, can hit 1.0 g. The Nissan Leaf, an all-electric hatchback made for efficient commuting, achieves less than that: a modest .79 g. As an experiment, Car and Driver decided to see if they could improve on that metric and perhaps make the battery-powered commuter perform more like the fire-breathing polluter. They kept it simple by just swapping out different sets of incrementally stickier tires, recording the results as they went along. Though it isn't specifically mentioned in the video, one should keep in mind that what they gained in higher lateral performance capability, they lost in increased rolling resistance and decreased range. As much as we liked this exercise - we won't give away the results, but will say that we were happy to learn that the Leaf's steering feel could be so easily improved - we wish they had of put a modicum of effort into the suspension as well. While they proved the electric Nissan can increase its skidpad rating, the body roll they experienced in the process seem somewhat disconcerting. Taming that aspect as well would inspire a bit more confidence in real world driving situations.Scroll on down to watch C&D's Sam Smith put the Leaf and the 911 through their paces on the asphalt at Willow Springs and let us know in the comments if you'd consider trading some range for a little rubber stick-to-it-iveness in your EV.Continue reading Car and Driver aims for Porsche 911 skid pad numbers with Nissan LeafCar and Driver aims for Porsche 911 skid pad numbers with Nissan Leaf originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facebook rolls out comment editing, embraces your change of heart

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 08:43 AM PDT

Facebook rolls out comment editing, embraces your change of heart


Facebook rolls out comment editing, embraces your change of heart
Facebook has long betrayed you by forwarding your drunken wall ramblings in an email for posterity. Previously, though, the only way to limit further public shame was to try to delete the comment altogether. Now, it looks like the loose fingered have been given a reprieve, as the social giant is rolling out the ability to edit your ill-thought missives long after the fact. Even better, this seems to extend back to those written in the past. Don't think you can be sneaky though, as an "edited" link will appear below, letting everyone see the thread history. So even if you change your opinion, that indecision remains for all to see.Facebook rolls out comment editing, embraces your change of heart originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | Facebook | Email this | Comments

Canon shows how its Mixed Reality makes virtually anything look real (video)

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 08:11 AM PDT

Canon shows how its Mixed Reality makes virtually anything look real (video)


Canon shows how its Mixed Reality makes virtually anything look real (video)
Remember that Canon Mixed Reality project? For those torn between cold, hard real world, and the sickly sweet virtual one? Due for release this month, Canon's been showing off its purpose-built HMD in real (or is it virtual?) use to DigInfo. Using those stereo cameras and a "free-curve" prism -- along with high-speed image processing -- we get a glimpse at how it generates life-size virtual objects in real-time. While this could benefit a number of scenarios, Canon points to industrial design, where mock-ups are commonly used. This system allows designers to run through virtual versions first, before committing to more time intensive physical models. Working on something where this could be handy? Canon also says there will be an SDK for developers coming soon. Head past the virtual break for the real video tour.Continue reading Canon shows how its Mixed Reality makes virtually anything look real (video)Canon shows how its Mixed Reality makes virtually anything look real (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | DigInfo | Email this | Comments

Google Maps live traffic updates served up to seven new regions, 19 more get 'ex...

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:37 AM PDT

Google Maps live traffic updates served up to seven new regions, 19 more get 'expanded coverge'


Google Maps live traffic updates served up to seven new regions, 19 more get 'expanded coverge'
Ready for yet another dose of news related to Google Maps? The service's live traffic update functionality has been expanded yet again, and now seven more cities including the likes of Mexico City and Greater Johannesburg, South Africa can join in on the action. Better yet, 19 other major areas that already get traffic information are receiving "expanded coverage" for their roads. Naturally, all of the new goods are accessible through Google's various Maps apps by simply enabling the traffic layer. If you're eager to start scouting the traffic flow, you can hit up source link below to find out whether your locale is on the list.Google Maps live traffic updates served up to seven new regions, 19 more get 'expanded coverge' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge, Android Community, Android Police | Google Lat Long Blog | Email this | Comments

Verizon’s Droid RAZR Family Finally Gets A Taste Of Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:37 AM PDT

Verizon's Droid RAZR Family Finally Gets A Taste Of Ice Cream Sandwich


Verizon's Droid RAZR Family Finally Gets A Taste Of Ice Cream Sandwich
Verizon's Droid RAZR and its fatter, longer-lasting brother the RAZR Maxx are fine devices, but let's face it — Gingerbread is a bit passe at this point. The carrier has promised since launch that the device(s) would eventually get a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich, and later pointed to a vague launch window some time in the first half of 2012. Well, that day has finally come (and with only a few days to spare). Verizon has just announced that they will begin rolling out the long-awaited Ice Cream Sandwich update for their popular pair of Android handsets starting today.

Moredays Brings A Digital Journal, Scrapbook & Calendar To iPhone

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:37 AM PDT

Moredays Brings A Digital Journal, Scrapbook & Calendar To iPhone


Moredays Brings A Digital Journal, Scrapbook & Calendar To iPhone
Moredays, a very pretty digital calendar/scrapbooking app has just arrived on the iPhone. The app had previously launched in iPad-only format last fall (where it was spotted in TechCrunch Disrupt SF's Startup Alley). At the time, we described it as "a journaling app combined with a diary app" that also had a "nice interface." The same holds true for the new, mobile-friendly version. While attractive, the app's core focus is kind of hard to describe. It's a cross between several different applications, including a calendar, diary, scrapbook, and journal. You can use Moredays to record private moments or memories, take notes, or jot down thoughts. But even though its use case is hard to pin down, you could say the same for your trusty Moleskine notebook. Consider this, then, the digital counterpart.

Distro Issue 46 arrives with the Retina-wielding MacBook Pro, Microsoft events a...

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:37 AM PDT

Distro Issue 46 arrives with the Retina-wielding MacBook Pro, Microsoft events and Minority Report


Distro Issue 46 arrives with the Retina-wielding MacBook Pro, Microsoft events and Minority Report
Now that it's officially summertime, you're going to need some options for that annual reading list. As you plot your escape from the season's rising temps, allow us to offer a cool copy of our weekly for your browsing pursuits. Since it first broke cover at WWDC, we've had time to put the MacBook Pro with Retina display through its paces and our detailed findings snagged top billing this week. Also on the review front, we take a long look at both the latest MacBook Air and the ultra-convertible ASUS Padfone. In this week's feature, our own Donald Melanson takes a look back at the futuristic tech of Minority Report for the film's 10th anniversary. As you might've heard, Microsoft hosted two events of its own this week. Being the tech-minded folk that we are, we offer thoughts from our editors on the Surface tablets and the 'sneak peek' at Windows Phone 8 from a few days back. Don't worry, we'll give you a closer look and a few impressions of the aforementioned slates as well in "Hands-on." Grab those flip-flops and snag yourself a spot in the shade, because this week's e-magazine is a short download away. Distro Issue 46 PDFDistro in the iTunes App StoreDistro in the Google Play StoreDistro APK (For sideloading)Like Distro on FacebookFollow Distro on TwitterDistro Issue 46 arrives with the Retina-wielding MacBook Pro, Microsoft events and Minority Report originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | iTunes, Google Play | Email this | Comments

Mission Africa is mission accomplished; EV goes 3,600 miles in 38 days

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:04 AM PDT

Mission Africa is mission accomplished; EV goes 3,600 miles in 38 days


Mission Africa is mission accomplished; EV goes 3,600 miles in 38 days
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Africa First, the numbers: 38 days of driving 5,800 kilometers (3,600 miles) About 40 battery charges Six countries Those are the stats from the now-completed Mission Africa, a cross-continent trip in a "Powered by Venturi" electric Citroen Berlingo. Driver Xavier Chevrin says that the extraordinary vehicle (another kind of "EV," there), "lived up to all our expectations in an environment often hostile and always demanding." He's not kidding, since about 600 km (373 mi) of the trip was done over "rough tracks." To put this into terms anyone with a browser can understand, Google Maps says, "We could not calculate directions between Okavango and Mt Kilimanjaro." With the historic electric vehicle trip now completed, there is much celebrating going on over at the Mission Africa website. The real message, though, seems to be where Chevrin sees plug-in vehicle technology going from here. He writes: The welcome we received at the press conference held for our arrival at the University of Johannesburg was warm and uplifting, with the same real enthusiasm for electric technology. I'm probably repeating myself a bit, but it's a fact: Africa is the continent which shows the highest expectations and hope for this new kind of locomotion. Interesting, no? You can experience a version of the trip yourself without dedicating 38 days to the project in a beautifully shot four-minute video below.Continue reading Mission Africa is mission accomplished; EV goes 3,600 miles in 38 daysMission Africa is mission accomplished; EV goes 3,600 miles in 38 days originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Falling SSD prices might give you a swift boot (up) sooner than you think

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 07:04 AM PDT

Falling SSD prices might give you a swift boot (up) sooner than you think


Falling SSD prices might give you a swift boot (up) sooner than you think
Solid state drives are the one piece of gear that can turn a dog computer into a cheetah, and it looks like you may not have to scrape much longer to get one. Floods in Thailand made prices for their spinning-plattered brethren climb, but many SSD models like those from Crucial, OCZ and Intel have fallen up to 65 percent in the last year. Lower NAND prices, along with cheaper and better controllers from Sandforce and Indilinx have no doubt contributed to the boon for performance-hungry consumers. All of that means that a 256 GB drive which cost $500+ in June 2011, now runs less than $200 -- and at $.82 / GB, it turns from a near-luxury good to at least a thinkable proposition for many.Falling SSD prices might give you a swift boot (up) sooner than you think originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Tech Report | Email this | Comments

ASUS N56VM laptop gets Ivy Bridge processor, Kepler GPU for Japan launch

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT

ASUS N56VM laptop gets Ivy Bridge processor, Kepler GPU for Japan launch


ASUS N56VM laptop gets Ivy Bridge processor, Kepler GPU for Japan launch
ASUS' N- and K-series notebooks may have debuted under the discerning eyes of Milano fashionistas, but it looks like an already refreshed version will arrive in Japan stores first. The ASUS N56VM benefits from recent hardware refreshes from both Intel and NVIDIA, with a Core i7-3610QM 2.3GHz processor and NVIDIA's GeForce GT 630M running the graphics-heavy show. This is joined by a 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080) screen, 8GB of RAM, Blu-ray drive and a 750GB hybrid SSD, while connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports and a combination memory stick / SD card slot. The notebook is set to arrive this Saturday in Japan, with prices starting from 99,800 yen ($1,240). It's accompanied by two lower-spec K55A and K55VD models, with the major difference between them being the addition of an NVIDIA GeForce GT 610M in the latter. Otherwise, the two pack the same 15-inch WXGA (1366 x 768) screen, Core i5-3210M 2.5GHz processor and 750GB HDD. The laptops also house a pair of USB 3.0 ports, with an SD card slot and a single USB 2.0 port in reserve. The K55A is priced at 59,800 yen ($744), while the K55VD starts at 69,800 yen ($869), with both arriving alongside the N-series model tomorrow.ASUS N56VM laptop gets Ivy Bridge processor, Kepler GPU for Japan launch originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Engadget Japanese (translated) | Email this | Comments

Apple's App Store hits 32 more countries, focuses on Africa and Asia

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 05:57 AM PDT

Apple's App Store hits 32 more countries, focuses on Africa and Asia


Apple's App Store hits 32 more countries, focuses on Africa and Asia
Given everything else that went on during Apple's WWDC keynote, Tim Cook barely had time to mention the continued global roll-out of the App Store. According to MacRumors, the store's world tour has added an additional 32 countries today, with the majority in either Africa or Asia, although parts of South America and Eastern Europe are also along for the ride. iOS users looking to Cut The Rope in Chad, or hurl Angry Birds in Albania can hit up their respective App Store now.Apple's App Store hits 32 more countries, focuses on Africa and Asia originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | MacRumors | Email this | Comments

Chevy Volt actually underpriced given current lease payments, reisual estimate

Posted: 22 Jun 2012 05:23 AM PDT

Chevy Volt actually underpriced given current lease payments, reisual estimate


Chevy Volt actually underpriced given current lease payments, reisual estimate
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM Here's another way to think about the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in hybrid: as a raging good deal. Writing at the Motley Fool, Chris Baines says the Volt just might be underpriced because its monthly lease payments, through Ally Financial, are quite competitive to those for a Toyota Camry. More importantly, Baines says, Volt lessees may be able to make a profit off the car after the lease period expires. Volt drivers can lease the car through Ally Financial at rates starting at $369 a month. Comparatively, Toyota is charging $289 a month to lease the Camry, whose base price is "a little over half" the Volt's base price, according to the Fool. The trick comes in what Baines sees as an incorrect residual value that Ally is estimating for the Volt, writing: If the value of the car at the end of the lease deviates significantly from the agreed upon residual value at the beginning of the lease, you can win big. The one big difference is that you're contractually obligated to exercise one of these two options with a lease, whereas with stock options you aren't obligated to exercise either. And in the case of the Volt, the potential for the price to differ from the agreed upon residual value is huge. [...] Yes, this is speculating and not investing. But the point is that with the Toyota Camry you don't even have the possibility of making money. With the Volt you do. [...] If Ally has set the residual value too high (as I suspect) then the lease payments may be too low. By contrast, if they've set the residual too low then lessees will opt to buy the cars for less than Ally could have resold them for. Perhaps others are seeing the Volt this way, too. Chevy parent General Motors earlier this month said May sales of the Volt totaled 1,680 units, more than three times year-earlier figures. Through the first five months of the year, GM sold 7,057 Volts, or about 600 less than the automaker sold for all of 2011.Chevy Volt actually underpriced given current lease payments, reisual estimate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments