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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

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Strong majority of Americans support higher gas tax to improve roads

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 02:57 PM PDT

Strong majority of Americans support higher gas tax to improve roads


Strong majority of Americans support higher gas tax to improve roads
Filed under: Legislation and Policy, USAThink of it this way: a teenager cruising in a convertible down Pacific Coast Highway will probably be pretty big on smooth roads. That's sort of the gist of a survey from the Mineta National Transit Research Consortium, which polled more than 1,500 people on their attitudes toward taxation, specifically as it relates to road improvements (get it here). The 104-page study revealed that, in general, respondents from the West were the most supportive of taxes, while those from the Northeast were the least supportive. Additionally, those in the younger age group (here, 18-to-24-years-old) were the most in favor of either gas, sales or mileage taxes, while the 55-plus group was the least supportive. What do they want the extra funds to be used for? 58 percent said they'd support a 10-cents-a-gallon tax increase if the money was used specifically for road maintenance, while just 20 percent supported such a tax for general transportation purposes. Additionally, a half-cent sales tax was more than twice as popular as either a 1 cent-per-mile mileage tax or a 10-cent-a-gallon gas tax.Continue reading Strong majority of Americans support higher gas tax to improve roadsStrong majority of Americans support higher gas tax to improve roads originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Modbook teases a 'Pro' announcement on Facebook

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 02:57 PM PDT

Modbook teases a 'Pro' announcement on Facebook


Modbook teases a 'Pro' announcement on Facebook
Modbook -- now there's a portmanteau we haven't heard in a while. Looks like that'll change this week, however. The company has offered up the intriguing promise that "imagination goes pro. Tomorrow," alongside the image of the edge of a slick looking device and some familiar OS X icons. Color us modtrigued.Modbook teases a 'Pro' announcement on Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Facebook | Email this | Comments

Visualized: photos of the glass block you get when you pre-order Project Glass

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 02:57 PM PDT

Visualized: photos of the glass block you get when you pre-order Project Glass


Visualized: photos of the glass block you get when you pre-order Project Glass
$1,500? That's a lot for some highfalutin' glasses, but we just couldn't resist. After wrapping up with the keynote, both myself and Darren Murph hopped in line and signed up for our very own pairs of Project Glass Explorer Edition devices. After completing a not-particularly-thorough sign-up process -- which, by the way, does not ask for a credit card -- those who agree to the terms of service receive an actual piece of glass with their number floating in the middle. This will match the serial number of the Project Glass device that will be shipped sometime next year. When will lucky numbers 782 and 788 be rolled? You can be sure you'll be first to know. Gallery: Google Glass pre-order process (and glass block) at Google I/O 2012Filed under: WearablesVisualized: photos of the glass block you get when you pre-order Project Glass originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Atari: celebrating 40 years on the dots

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 02:23 PM PDT

Atari: celebrating 40 years on the dots


Atari: celebrating 40 years on the dots
Forty years. That's a long time in the tech industry and Atari knows it. Today it celebrates four decades in the game, and quite the tale it is. Highs, lows and everything in between, Atari has been there. As one of the most influential brands both in gaming and technology, it only seems right to take a look over the company's history and chart some of the more significant twists in its less than straightforward journey. After the break we speak to the man that started it all and the one currently at the helm, as well as some of the many people whose lives were irreversibly changed by its influence. Happy birthday to you, Atari!Continue reading Atari: celebrating 40 years on the dotsAtari: celebrating 40 years on the dots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Engadget Distro | Email this | Comments

Vizio XVT CinemaWide TV goes on sale, 21:9 movie purists celebrate the end to bl...

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:49 PM PDT

Vizio XVT CinemaWide TV goes on sale, 21:9 movie purists celebrate the end to black bars


Vizio XVT CinemaWide TV goes on sale, 21:9 movie purists celebrate the end to black bars
It's been a long, long wait for Vizio's ultrawidescreen LCD TV to show its face: the company was promising such sets starting around this time last year that ultimately missed the October and subsequent March targets. Vizio is one to eventually make good on a promise, though, and has just started shipping the first XVT series CinemaWide set. The lone 58-inch model's focus remains on that 2560 x 1080p screen, whose stretchy 21:9 aspect ratio fits what you often see at the movie theater without having to crop or adjust like you would with a typical 16:9 set. Whether or not you have a chronic aversion to black bars, the CinemaWide is still a respectable set in its own right, with edge-based LED backlighting, a 120Hz refresh rate, a Bluetooth remote and the common host of Vizio internet apps. The TV maker must be doing a form of penance for taking its time on the 21:9 display: the $2,800 regular price is a lot lower than the originally quoted $3,500, and you can pick up the CinemaWide TV for $2,500 if you act quickly. Gallery: Vizio CinemaWide Ultrawidescreen HDTVsVizio XVT CinemaWide TV goes on sale, 21:9 movie purists celebrate the end to black bars originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Vizio Blog | Vizio | Email this | Comments

Google’s Play Store Now Lets Users Remotely Update And Uninstall Android Apps

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:49 PM PDT

Google's Play Store Now Lets Users Remotely Update And Uninstall Android Apps


Google's Play Store Now Lets Users Remotely Update And Uninstall Android Apps
All Googled out yet? I can't blame you if you are, but it seems that the company has been even busier than their two hour press conference let on. In addition to pushing the Android version of their Chrome browser out of beta, Google has also added some new app controls to the "My Android Apps" section of the Google Play Store.

Nexus Q social streaming device hands-on

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:48 PM PDT

Nexus Q social streaming device hands-on


Nexus Q social streaming device hands-on
What is the Q? Well, it's a ball... a ball that plays music. And videos. And it also lights up. It's what Google is calling it a "social streaming device" but what's most important is that this is finally the realization of the Android@Home standard that was unveiled last year. While the styling is what'll immediately grab you, it's the functionality that Google thinks will rock your living room. Join us after the break for our first impressions of this category-defying device.Gallery: Nexus Q hands-onContinue reading Nexus Q social streaming device hands-onNexus Q social streaming device hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Tesla customers drive the Model S, love it!

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Tesla customers drive the Model S, love it!


Tesla customers drive the Model S, love it!
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Videos We've heard initial reviews of the Tesla Model S from the media as the "Get Amped" tour - a multi-city test-drive opportunity for reservation holders - kicked off at the company's Fremont, CA factory. But what about the people who really matter? You know, the folks who've been waiting for as long as two years, having plunked down as much as $40,000 for a place in line. What did they think of the shiny new machines? After reading many first-person accounts and watching a good number of in-car videos, we think it's fair to say they absolutely love it. The sexy fastback looks, the smooth, rocket-like acceleration, the comfortable ride, and confident handling. Love, love, love, and love! But don't take our word for it. Scroll down for a handful of videos, starting with a relatively short one from Tesla Motors featuring footage from the official launch and customer test-drive reactions (the last in the Tesla Tuesday series), followed by full length (12-13 minutes) clips from individuals.Continue reading Tesla customers drive the Model S, love it!Tesla customers drive the Model S, love it! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

More Google Glass details: experimenting with connectivity options, control poss...

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:15 PM PDT

More Google Glass details: experimenting with connectivity options, control possible via voice


More Google Glass details: experimenting with connectivity options, control possible via voice
While Vic Gundotra wasn't willing to talk Glass in our run-in here at Google I/O, a few others were. In speaking with folks from Google, we learned a few new details about the project, while confirming some whispers that we'd heard floated in the past. Here's a quick rundown: Engineers are currently 'experimenting' with connectivity options. Existing prototypes -- including those worn in the skydiving stunt this morning -- do not have any sort of built-in WWAN connectivity. While it's possible that a 3G / 4G module could end up in production devices, the general idea is that latching onto nearby WiFi hotspots or relying on a wireless tether with your smartphone will be the primary way that Glass gets its data to the web. Controlling Glass will eventually rely on a mixture of inputs: it'll recognize voice commands, while also taking cues from the right sidebar. There's a touch-sensitive pad on there that'll understand gestures. It's entirely probably that Glass will also be able to be controlled via one's smartphone, but physical inputs will be the preferred ones. Glass has an accelerometer and a gyroscope, enabling wearers to tell Glass what to do by nodding, shaking one's head, etc. (For what it's worth, we've seen similar demoed by NTT DoCoMo.) The internal battery sits just behind the ear on the right side; the capacity and longevity wasn't confirmed, though. Glass will be able to record locally, but the idea is to have 'most everything' streamed live to the web; it's the "live, right now!" nature of Glass that Google intends to push as one of its differentiating factors. In an area where wireless data isn't available (like a remote National Park or a hospital room that forbids phone usage), storing video locally would be possible for uploading later. We also confirmed that the team is playing around with various colors, with orange, white, black and blue editions being sported here at I/O. Whether or not all of those hues make it to market remains to be seen, of course, but we're adequately jazzed about the possibilities.More Google Glass details: experimenting with connectivity options, control possible via voice originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

See Google's Nexus Q dissected piece-by-piece courtesy of Wired

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:15 PM PDT

See Google's Nexus Q dissected piece-by-piece courtesy of Wired


See Google's Nexus Q dissected piece-by-piece courtesy of Wired
We generally have to wait for a device to hit the FCC or wind up with the likes of iFixit to see it thoroughly dissected, but Google has changed things up a bit for its new Nexus Q media hub. It's provided Wired with a complete teardown of its own that breaks the Made in the U.S.A. device down piece-by-piece with attention to every little detail. Hit the source link below for a closer look at what's inside the orb.See Google's Nexus Q dissected piece-by-piece courtesy of Wired originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wired | Email this | Comments

Nexus 7 tablet hands-on (video)

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Nexus 7 tablet hands-on (video)


Nexus 7 tablet hands-on (video)
We had a pretty good idea that this little guy was going to be making an appearance at Google I/O this morning and, sure enough, it's here. Not only is it here, it's in our hands. Meet the Google Nexus 7, an ASUS-designed device with minimal branding and a clean version of the latest flavor of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Join us after the break for a rundown of what this $199 Fire-fighter feels like to use.Gallery: Nexus 7 hands-onContinue reading Nexus 7 tablet hands-on (video)Nexus 7 tablet hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google's I/O 2012 keynote is up in video form, in case you missed the skydivers...

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Google's I/O 2012 keynote is up in video form, in case you missed the skydivers the first time


Google's I/O 2012 keynote is up in video form, in case you missed the skydivers the first time
Yeah, two hours can be a lot of press conference to sit through, but if you took a bathroom break, got a drink or just blinked, you might have missed some of the action-packed spectacular that was today's I/O keynote. We got Jelly Bean, the Nexus 7, the Nexus Q and some extreme Project Glass action. Check out the full video after the break.Continue reading Google's I/O 2012 keynote is up in video form, in case you missed the skydivers the first timeGoogle's I/O 2012 keynote is up in video form, in case you missed the skydivers the first time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google Earth 7.0 for Android brings new, super-detailed 3D maps for some cities

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Google Earth 7.0 for Android brings new, super-detailed 3D maps for some cities


Google Earth 7.0 for Android brings new, super-detailed 3D maps for some cities
Here's a bit of a surprise that slipped under the radar during the Google I/O keynote: Google Earth for Android has been updated to 7.0 to take advantage of the new 3D map technology it unveiled at another special event just a few weeks ago. As a refresher, the visuals are automatically created from 45-degree aerial imagery and can pick up 3D elements as subtle as trees. Before you go racing to your hometown to see how it looks in 3D, be aware that just a handful of cities and regions exploit that dimension. Besides San Francisco Bay, the full coverage extends to Boulder, Boston, Charlotte, Lawrence, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Portland, San Antonio, San Diego, Santa Cruz and Tampa in the US, with Rome being the lone international hotspot. If that's too few places to visit, there's always the addition of guided tours. Android users can head over Google Play to get the update today; iOS users shouldn't fret, as they'll get the new maps soon.Google Earth 7.0 for Android brings new, super-detailed 3D maps for some cities originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Play | Email this | Comments

Sprint Galaxy S III making its way to stores July 1st

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Sprint Galaxy S III making its way to stores July 1st


Sprint Galaxy S III making its way to stores July 1st
We were originally expecting it to show up last week, but "overwhelming demand" prevented the Samsung Galaxy S III from arriving in Sprint stores for an unknown period of time. The Now Network has finally given us a firm launch date of July 1st, with the 16GB model hitting the brick-and-mortar shelves and both storage options (16 and 32GB) available online and through telesales. The 16GB version is going for $200, while the 32GB will be $250.Sprint Galaxy S III making its way to stores July 1st originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sprint | Email this | Comments

Photos of Google's Vic Gundotra wearing the latest, blue-hued Glass prototype

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Photos of Google's Vic Gundotra wearing the latest, blue-hued Glass prototype


Photos of Google's Vic Gundotra wearing the latest, blue-hued Glass prototype
Sergey Brin briefly pulled out a light blue prototype of Google Glass whilst on stage at Google I/O, and as it turns out, those are evidently the latest and greatest models that the company is willing to wear around. We ran into social exec Vic Gundotra after this morning's keynote, only to find him donning precisely the same set that was teased on stage. We asked if the blue was just part of Google's experimentation with coloring Glass, and he chuckled while confessing that he wasn't authorized to speak further about the project or its ambitions. Still, the man looks good in blue. And something tells you would, too. Gallery: Google's Vic Gundotra wearing blue Glass prototype at Google I/O 2012Photos of Google's Vic Gundotra wearing the latest, blue-hued Glass prototype originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Sprint’s Delayed Galaxy S III Will Be Available On July 1: 16GB For $199, 32GB f...

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Sprint's Delayed Galaxy S III Will Be Available On July 1: 16GB For $199, 32GB for $249


Sprint's Delayed Galaxy S III Will Be Available On July 1: 16GB For $199, 32GB for $249
Sprint's version of the Galaxy S III has been a bit delayed due to some supply shortages, but the carrier has just confirmed that the Galaxy S III will be available in store on July 1. Pre-orders for the 32GB version started shipping yesterday. According to Sprint's official word (below), only the 32GB version will be available on the web, while the 16GB version requires a visit to a good old brick-and-mortar location. Pricing remains the same, with the 16GB version costing $199.99 on-contract, and the 32GB version going for $249.99.

Google I/O keynote roundup: Project Glass, Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Jelly Bean

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:40 PM PDT

Google I/O keynote roundup: Project Glass, Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Jelly Bean


Google I/O keynote roundup: Project Glass, Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Jelly Bean
Did you keep up with everything Google announced at today's I/O keynote? Believe us, we had a difficult time too. Covering everything from Jelly Bean to jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, there was plenty to keep the audience oohing and ahhing. It makes sense to have this plethora of news in one handy place, right? After the break you'll find every piece of action that Sergey and Friends covered in Moscone West this morning, so make sure to save a little extra time for yourself to enjoy every last bit of it.Continue reading Google I/O keynote roundup: Project Glass, Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Jelly BeanGoogle I/O keynote roundup: Project Glass, Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Jelly Bean originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

2012 BMW 328i — Flash Drive

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:40 PM PDT

2012 BMW 328i — Flash Drive


2012 BMW 328i — Flash Drive
MSN Autos tests the new 328i. Is it still the "ultimate driving machine?"

These Are The Top Five Features Of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:09 PM PDT

These Are The Top Five Features Of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


These Are The Top Five Features Of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Today Google announced the latest version of its mobile operating system: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It's an incremental upgrade — a number of valuable features have been added, but there's no real revamp to be seen. Still, these features are incredibly competitive, and in many ways threaten Apple's latest mobile operating system, iOS 6. Google's voice transcription and search now has the look and feel of Siri's UI, the camera app works in a more streamlined fashion with swipe to preview, and Google Now goes a step further than Siri to offer everything you need to know without you ever saying a word. That said, here are the top five features of the new platform for your drooling pleasure. Check it out:

Google Chrome for Android comes out of beta, hits Play today

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:09 PM PDT

Google Chrome for Android comes out of beta, hits Play today


Google Chrome for Android comes out of beta, hits Play today
Sick of hearing about Google yet? Perhaps you're not. The search giant has unleashed one final bit, quietly announcing that Chrome for Android has finally emerged from its beta stage as a stable release. Version 18.0.1025123 has officially arrived in Google Play and is available for download now for devices running Ice Cream Sandwich. Updates from the beta appear to be modest, and include some minor user interface tweaks, along with stability and performance fixes -- the big news here is the official nod from Mountain View. If you've been holding out for a final release, the time has come to hit up Play -- get where you need to go by clicking through to our source link below.Google Chrome for Android comes out of beta, hits Play today originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Play | Email this | Comments

Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:09 PM PDT

Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9


Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9
Google showed off offline Google Maps at its event earlier this month, and now during I/O it's ready to turn the feature on. We've got a couple of video trailers for offline Google Maps here (embedded after the break), users with Android 2.2 devices and above should keep an eye on Google Play for the new version of the app. We're not all seeing it yet, but the updated version has already been spotted on a Galaxy Nexus or two.Continue reading Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Play, Google | Email this | Comments

Google unveils $1,500 Project Glass Explorer Edition, takes pre-orders for 2013...

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:09 PM PDT

Google unveils $1,500 Project Glass Explorer Edition, takes pre-orders for 2013 only at Google I/O


Google unveils $1,500 Project Glass Explorer Edition, takes pre-orders for 2013 only at Google I/O
We've been wondering when non-Googlers could get their hands on Project Glass in earnest, and now we know: the company is opening up pre-orders for Glass Explorer Edition, a developer version of its heads-up display glasses. How much it's changed from the prototypes isn't yet known, but Google has said that it's been steadily working on refining the hardware along with the software. Sadly, the first crack at the wearable technology isn't coming to the broader masses just yet. Orders are only available to Google I/O attendees, and they cost a pretty hefty $1,500 for their release sometime next year. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub!Google unveils $1,500 Project Glass Explorer Edition, takes pre-orders for 2013 only at Google I/O originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

NYC Mayor Suggests Speeding Solution

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:08 PM PDT

NYC Mayor Suggests Speeding Solution


NYC Mayor Suggests Speeding Solution
Bloomberg's bill suggests posting names and photos of speeders.

2012 BMW 328i — Flash Drive

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 12:08 PM PDT

2012 BMW 328i — Flash Drive


2012 BMW 328i — Flash Drive
MSN Autos tests the new 328i. Is it still the "ultimate driving machine?"

Google's Project Glass gets some more details

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Google's Project Glass gets some more details


Google's Project Glass gets some more details
Google Glass has been one of the most anticipated and hyped projects to come out of Google in quite some time. After a rather epic demo the company finally gave us a slightly deeper look at the wearable computer of our (supposed) future. Inside is the usual set of components you'd expect inside any mobile phone. There's a "powerful" CPU and "lots" of RAM (though, there was no mention of specifics) alongside an accelerometer, gyroscope and wireless radios for pulling in data. There's a mic for voice commands, a speaker and a camera, which can also be controlled by the touchpad that lines the side of the wearable device. All of those components sit off to one side, though Google says they're still well balanced and actually lighter than some pairs of sunglasses. The tiny transparent display doesn't actually sit directly in front of your eye. It's slightly above your line of vision, so that it shouldn't interfere with your normal life. Sergey Brin had three different prototypes on stage -- a light blue pair, a white pair and a black pair -- indicating that personalization and style were a concern. And that's a good thing since Glass is meant to be worn in public. Developing...Google's Project Glass gets some more details originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Sergey Brin demos Project Glass onstage at Google I/O

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Sergey Brin demos Project Glass onstage at Google I/O


Sergey Brin demos Project Glass onstage at Google I/O
It's hard to ignore Google's X Lab-born Project Glass. News of the slim-lined, scifi goggles' existence first surfaced this past February and it wasn't long after that Mountain View's own elite began to flaunt the heads-up display in public. While little of the device's true purpose and functionality is known, we have been privy to certain features over the past few months, like photo sharing to Google+ and even its ability to overlay Maps. Though product lead Steve Lee shrugged off rumors of a late 2012 launch, it does appear the company's itching to spill a few more (jelly) beans at today's I/O conference. To do that, Sergey Brin just rushed onstage at Google I/O wearing the glass units to give us a brief live action demo courtesy of a skydive over San Francisco. Video of the jump, performed by four divers in a blimp, was streamed live through Google Hangouts to attendees at the Moscone Center. In keeping with the extreme vibe of this demonstration, the showcase was handed off to bikers on the rooftop, also outfitted with the lenses, who jumped from building to building via ramp and then eventually cycled into the arena and right up to Sergey, himself. As a finishing touch, Brin also snapped a shot of the team using his own headset. All told, it's a pretty incredible way to once again officially tease this forward-looking tech. Gallery: Google Glasses DemoSergey Brin demos Project Glass onstage at Google I/O originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google+ has 250 million users, more mobile than desktop

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Google+ has 250 million users, more mobile than desktop


Google+ has 250 million users, more mobile than desktop
Google wasn't going to leave its budding social layer (don't call it a network) out of today's IO fun. It gave itself a bit of a pat on the back for (probably) exceeding people's expectations. For all the jokes that have been made (some of them on this very site) at Google+'s expense, it's racked up more than 250 million users. Sure, only 150 milllion actually active, but simply getting people signed up is a victory in itself. And, hey, about 50 percent of them sign on every day. More interestingly, Vic Gundotra says that more users are signing in with the mobile app than visiting the desktop site. That's great news to go along with the dedicated tablet version that was also announced. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub! Gallery: Google+ Tablet AppGoogle+ has 250 million users, more mobile than desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google+ on Android, iPad goes tablet-sized

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Google+ on Android, iPad goes tablet-sized


Google+ on Android, iPad goes tablet-sized
Google+ just got a makeover very recently, but it was still very much oriented towards phones -- that's been solved as of today. The social networking app is now optimized for Android tablets and the iPad, with a whole new navigation system and Hangout video chats suited to bigger screens. The layout is landscape-friendly and, if you have a new iPad, will take advantage of every pixel on that Retina display. Android users can get the update today; iPad owners will have to wait for a release coming "soon." Android phone owners are getting some of the benefits of the supersized interface in their own, more modest screen sizes as well. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub!Google+ on Android, iPad goes tablet-sized originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Play | Email this | Comments

Google Nexus Q is 'Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.'

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:35 AM PDT

Google Nexus Q is 'Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.'


Google Nexus Q is 'Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.'
Google didn't touch on it during its keynote, but The New York Times' John Markoff has the story on one fairly unique feature of the Nexus Q home media device: the base of the unit proudly boasts that it's "Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A." That includes an unnamed company in the Midwest that manufactures the metal base and another in Southern California that makes the case, while the device itself was reportedly being assembly just last week at a large factory 15 minutes away from Google's HQ. According to Google, it hopes that people will be willing to pay more for the device as a result, but it has no plans to play up the "Made in the U.S.A." angle in its marketing. Hit the source link below for the full look at how the device came to be. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub!Google Nexus Q is 'Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The New York Times | Email this | Comments

Google wants you to join the party, announces Google+ Events

Posted: 27 Jun 2012 11:34 AM PDT

Google wants you to join the party, announces Google+ Events


Google wants you to join the party, announces Google+ Events
At the tail end of today's Google I/O keynote, the company demoed Google+ Events, which, as you might imagine, let's you invite your virtual buds to an in-person hangout. You've probably already guessed that there's some pretty tight integration with Mountain View's other virtual properties, including Calendar, which means that sending your friends or coworkers a "save the date" to brunch or brainstorming no longer requires clunky email, or a phone call. That's not to say that your contacts need to opt-in to the search giant's social networking site to join the fun -- email invites are still available by typing your friend's address alongside your circles, or individual friends should you wish to plan an awkward inter-group soiree. You can choose from a variety of themes for your e-vite, which integrate motion or static banners. Once the fun begins, you can hop into Party Mode from your mobile, and photos you shoot during the event will appear beside the invite -- friends can add pics to the page as well, which you can later download. For now, please accept our invitation to jump past the break, where a Google demo video awaits. Check out our full coverage of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote at our event hub! Gallery: Google+ EventsContinue reading Google wants you to join the party, announces Google+ EventsGoogle wants you to join the party, announces Google+ Events originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments