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Sunday, July 1, 2012

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Switched On: The fight, the fancy, and the future

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 02:48 PM PDT

Switched On: The fight, the fancy, and the future


Switched On: The fight, the fancy, and the future
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. While Microsoft's motivations in announcing Surface differed meaningfully from Google's when it announced the Nexus One, the Redmond company took advantage of the precedent that Google set in releasing a device that competed with those of licensees. At Google I/O, it was Google's turn to again approach the hardware market, this time with three devices that took the company into new categories and targeting different competitors. The trajectory of each product reveals clues about the company's direction.Continue reading Switched On: The fight, the fancy, and the futureSwitched On: The fight, the fancy, and the future originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Eye Candy: Fisker Karma by Gijs Spierings

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 01:44 PM PDT

Eye Candy: Fisker Karma by Gijs Spierings


Eye Candy: Fisker Karma by Gijs Spierings
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker We're heard pictures are worth ten hundred words, or something like that. However much you value an image, we were quite smitten by a new series featuring the Fisker Karma as shot by Gijs Spierings, and wanted to share. Looking fantastical, Spierings' Karma pics show the plug-in hybrid right at home in the forest as it does in a clean workshop somewhere. Sometimes, that's all you need - especially when more (but not all) of the Fisker news recently has been less than good. But on to the pictures. Enjoy them all in the gallery above.Eye Candy: Fisker Karma by Gijs Spierings originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: Samsung Galaxy S III now available in Sprint stores

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 01:09 PM PDT

PSA: Samsung Galaxy S III now available in Sprint stores


PSA: Samsung Galaxy S III now available in Sprint stores
In case you haven't heard, Sprint is now stocking its shelves with the Samsug Galaxy S III. Just as it promised, the Now Network is offering both 16 and 32GB versions of the handset online and through telesales, for $200 and $250, respectively. If you take the "Now" slogan to heart, however, you'll have to settle for the smaller option, Sprint's retail locations won't have the 32GB model on hand. The rest of you? Skip on down to the source link below to order up.PSA: Samsung Galaxy S III now available in Sprint stores originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sprint | Email this | Comments

AMC dropped from Dish Network, still in negotiations with AT&T

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 12:01 PM PDT

AMC dropped from Dish Network, still in negotiations with AT&T


AMC dropped from Dish Network, still in negotiations with AT&T
As June expired, so did AMC's contract with both Dish Network and AT&T U-verse. While negotiations continue with AT&T and its channels remain on for the moment, AMC is already firing at Dish for dropping its channel immediately (after shifting it to an entirely different channel number a few weeks ago), claiming no negotiations have even taken place. As we heard in May, AMC maintains that the real issue is a court case between the two over the Voom HD debacle. For its part, Dish is telling customers the problem is fee increases requested by AMC and "devaluing" its programming by offering it on iTunes, Netflix and Amazon.com. As a result it's swapping in commercial-free HDNet Movies for AMC, and replacing two other AMC channels, WE and IFC, with Style and HDNet (soon to become AXS TV). We'll see how these negotiations go -- it's not too bad now but let's see how viewers react once the new season of Breaking Bad starts airing July 15th.Continue reading AMC dropped from Dish Network, still in negotiations with AT&TAMC dropped from Dish Network, still in negotiations with AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 14:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Keep AMC Networks | Email this | Comments

Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at Nürburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging...

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 10:53 AM PDT

Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at Nürburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rights


Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at Nürburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rights
Suffice it to say, Audi's been garnering loads of press these past weeks for its e-tron vehicles. Hot on the heels of its recent, R18 e-tron-led victory at the 24-hour Le Mans, the automaker has set a world-record for production EVs at Germany's Nürburgring. Using an all-electric R8 production model, driver Markus Winkelhock zipped around the 12.92-mile course with a lap time of 8:09.099. For comparison's sake, the fastest lap by a gasoline-powered production car of about seven minutes and 57 seconds is currently held by the Grumpert Apollo Sport -- which just-so-happens to use an 700 hp (515 kW) Audi V8 motor. According to Audi, the R8 used is essentially identical to what will be released to the public later this year, featuring two electric motors that pump out 280kW of power and 820Nm of torque. That said, Autoblog notes that its limiter was set to 250 mph -- when you can buy one it'll be set to top out at 200 mph. Hit up the press release after the break for all the details.Continue reading Production R8 e-tron sets lap record at Nürburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rightsProduction R8 e-tron sets lap record at Nürburgring, Audi gains more EV bragging rights originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Audi R8 E-tron at the Nürburgring

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 10:53 AM PDT

Audi R8 E-tron at the Nürburgring


Audi R8 E-tron at the Nürburgring
Electric R8 laps the famous 12.9-mile track in 8 minutes, 9 seconds.

OWC Mercury Aura Bundles let you replace your MacBook Air's SSD, use it as exter...

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 08:08 AM PDT

OWC Mercury Aura Bundles let you replace your MacBook Air's SSD, use it as external storage


OWC Mercury Aura Bundles let you replace your MacBook Air's SSD, use it as external storage
Got a Macbook Air from 2010 or 2011 and want to upgrade the storage without dropping its pre-existing SSD module all together? Well, you're in luck, thanks to OWC's new Mecury Aura Bundles. After upgrading your Air with one of the company's Mercury Aura Pro Express SSDs, the included Mercury Aura Envoy lets you re-purpose the factory SSD as a bus-powered, USB 3.0-compatible external drive. Better yet, the Envoy is made of aluminum, matches the Air's tapered design and weighs just 1.5 ounces. Owners of the 2010 Air can opt for a 180, 240 or 480GB 3Gb/s drive, while those with the 2011 model can bump up to 6Gb/s bus speeds with the same storage allotments and a 120GB option. Pricing for the bundle starts at $200 for the 120GB variant, maxing out at a hefty $780 and $800 if you want to move up to the spacious 480GB offerings. Thankfully, like the SSDs, the Mercury Aura Envoy is available as a stand-alone enclosure, and it'll cost you just under $50 bucks. Hit up the press release after the break for the full details if this dual-drive setup piques your interestContinue reading OWC Mercury Aura Bundles let you replace your MacBook Air's SSD, use it as external storageOWC Mercury Aura Bundles let you replace your MacBook Air's SSD, use it as external storage originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 10:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Electronista | | Email this | Comments

Zoe crash test shows just one of 100 electric vehicles Renault demolished in dev...

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 05:55 AM PDT

Zoe crash test shows just one of 100 electric vehicles Renault demolished in development


Zoe crash test shows just one of 100 electric vehicles Renault demolished in development
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault Renault has high hopes for the all-electric Zoe, saying that it will outsell the Nissan Leaf in Europe. Pricewise, the Zoe will be much less. Thanks to battery leasing (which alliance partner Nissan is also considering for the Leaf) of around $110 a month, the Zoe will cost roughly $21,000 (in U.S. dollars, after factoring in government incentives) in the European companies where it will be sold. Before that can happen, the car needs to be crash tested. And that's just what's happened at the company's own Lardy test center for electric vehicles in France, as the photo gallery shows. On Twitter, Renault team members wrote, "As you can see, the battery (located under the chassis) has not been affected by the crash," and "The front end must be capable of absorbing the shock to protect the passengers. From 64km/h to 0 in just 50 cm!" In American, that's from 40 miles per hour to zero in 19.6 inches. What's even more impressive is that Renault has revealed that, "During its conception, nearly 100 ZOE have been sacrificed for greater safety (frontal impact, side impact, offside impact...)." Oh, the humanity. But we're guessing you're hungry for more. If so, check out the video below.Continue reading Zoe crash test shows just one of 100 electric vehicles Renault demolished in developmentZoe crash test shows just one of 100 electric vehicles Renault demolished in development originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, Wor...

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 05:54 AM PDT

Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video)


Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video)
While the Nike+ fitness tracking platform has been around for years, the footwear giant has only just unleashed shoes with the technology built right in. The Nike Hyperdunk+ (last seen skying through the FCC) is its first basketball shoe in the line, while the first training shoes are the Lunar Hyper workout+ for women and Lunar TR 1+ for men. All feature not only the new Nike+ Pressure Sensor that tracks its wearer's movement, but also lightweight Flywire construction and Lunarlon cushioning. Both can wirelessly transfer their data to apps on user's phones (currently iOS only, pre-iPhone 4S hardware will also need the $20 Nike+ Sport adapter) tracking activity during games, height on a dunk or movement as part of a training workout or drill. So what is Nike going to do with all that data? Its first plan for the summer is "Game On, World", which is a series of challenges inspired by pro athletes encouraging all Nike+ users to set their personal bests in various categories. If you're still not sure how all this comes together, there are several demo videos embedded after the break. Now all we need to do is find someone (else) to get all sweaty, let us know if it works and keep us on top of the leaderboard -- has anyone seen Dan Cooper lately? Gallery: Nike+ Basketball and TrainingContinue reading Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video)Nike+ Basketball and Training stat tracking shoes launch, kick off 'Game On, World' challenge (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 08:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Game On World | Email this | Comments

New fuel cell keeps on going even once the fuel's dried up

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 03:39 AM PDT

New fuel cell keeps on going even once the fuel's dried up


New fuel cell keeps on going even once the fuel's dried up
Vanadium oxide seems to be the go-to guy in power storage right now. A new solid-oxide fuel cell -- developed at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences -- that can also store energy like a battery, also uses the stuff. In the new cell, by adding a VOx layer it allows the SOFC to both generate and store power. Example applications would be situations where a lightweight power source is required, with the potential to provide reserve juice should the main fuel source run out. The team who developed the cell usually work with platinum-based SOFCs, but they can't store a charge for much more than 15 seconds. By adding the VOx, this proof of concept extended that by 14 times, with the potential for more lifespan with further development. Especially handy if you're always running out of sugar.New fuel cell keeps on going even once the fuel's dried up originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 06:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PhysOrg | ACS Pubs | Email this | Comments

Mercedes reportedly scraps hybrid plan for B-Class E-Cell Plus EV, going all-in...

Posted: 01 Jul 2012 12:49 AM PDT

Mercedes reportedly scraps hybrid plan for B-Class E-Cell Plus EV, going all-in on electrons with Tesla


Mercedes reportedly scraps hybrid plan for B-Class E-Cell Plus EV, going all-in on electrons with Tesla
Mercedes' plans for a B-Class E-Cell Plus plug-in hybrid might headed for a change of direction. Take this all with a spoonful of NaCl, but looks like an all-electric powertrain made by none other than Tesla will be installed in the EV. As Autoblog Green notes, an anonymous spokesperson has reportedly claimed that the system switch-up is being made due to economics -- higher rebates and incentives are possible for zero-emission vehicles in the EV's US target market. No technical details were given on the new powertrain, but the original idea was to have a Volt-like 138-horsepower electric powerplant for the B-Class compact, with a 67-horsepower gas engine backing it up. At the very least, a collaboration between the two companies would make sense, since the Stuttgart automaker is effectively a five percent stakeholder in Tesla. So if you've been holding out for an EV with the Merc touch, check the source for the details.Mercedes reportedly scraps hybrid plan for B-Class E-Cell Plus EV, going all-in on electrons with Tesla originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 03:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog Green | Automobilwoche (translated) | Email this | Comments

Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third...

Posted: 30 Jun 2012 10:36 PM PDT

Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third party boxes


Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third party boxes
Boxee usually doesn't get along with the existing media / pay-TV conglomerates, but now it's telling the FCC it has come to an agreement with Comcast. The solution agreed to lets live TV-friendly Boxee access encrypted basic cable channels thanks to a DLNA-controlled high definition digital transport adapter that would connect to the box via Ethernet, with an eye towards no longer requiring an adapter at all down the road. Multichannel News quotes Boxee CEO Avner Ronen as saying it was "good to work with Comcast" on a deal that gives third parties like his company continued access to basic cable. The benefit for Comcast and other cable companies is that they could progress with encrypted all-digital solutions that would open up bandwidth for things like higher speed internet, something Boxee was arguing against previously. What this means for existing standards like CableCARD or the long awaited AllVid is unclear, but if it's one step closer to a legitimate option to ditching the cable box, we'll take it.Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third party boxes originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Multichannel News | Letter to FCC from Comcast / Boxee | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Are KIRFs worth it?

Posted: 30 Jun 2012 07:51 PM PDT

Ask Engadget: Are KIRFs worth it?


Ask Engadget: Are KIRFs worth it?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Sabin, who wants a high-spec smartphone and is prepared to venture to the dark side to get it. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I know, I know. I sound like an idiot, but I'd like a full-featured smartphone without the hefty cost. I'm looking for an unlocked phone and came across some of the China Global iPhone KIRFs that run Android. I'm no slouch in loading ROMs, building jtags, etc., but I'd like to know if the hardware is solid, because I can make the software work if that's the case." Putting aside the various ethical and legal quandaries for the moment, it's a very good question. Are KIRFs usable smartphones for those who know their way around tech? Does the hardware work to such a standard that you can expect useful performance and bluff your way through a crowd of those paying full price? Share your experiences with the group -- we're sure you'll feel better afterward.Ask Engadget: Are KIRFs worth it? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 22:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of June 25th, 2012

Posted: 30 Jun 2012 06:08 PM PDT

Mobile Miscellany: week of June 25th, 2012


Mobile Miscellany: week of June 25th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Samsung introduced its first Windows Phone for China and both HTC and Samsung each chimed in about Android 4.1 -- the sweet treat better known as Jellybean. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of June 25th, 2012.Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of June 25th, 2012Mobile Miscellany: week of June 25th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Carnegie Mellon researchers develop robot that takes inventory, helps you find a...

Posted: 30 Jun 2012 05:01 PM PDT

Carnegie Mellon researchers develop robot that takes inventory, helps you find aisle four


Carnegie Mellon researchers develop robot that takes inventory, helps you find aisle four
Fed up with wandering through supermarket aisles in an effort to cross that last item off your shopping list? Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Intel Science and Technology Center in Embedded Computing have developed a robot that could ease your pain and help store owners keep items in stock. Dubbed AndyVision, the bot is equipped with a Kinect sensor, image processing and machine learning algorithms, 2D and 3D images of products and a floor plan of the shop in question. As the mechanized worker roams around, it determines if items are low or out of stock and if they've been incorrectly shelved. Employees then receive the data on iPads and a public display updates an interactive map with product information for shoppers to peruse. The automaton is currently meandering through CMU's campus store, but it's expected to wheel out to a few local retailers for testing sometime next year. Head past the break to catch a video of the automated inventory clerk at work.Continue reading Carnegie Mellon researchers develop robot that takes inventory, helps you find aisle fourCarnegie Mellon researchers develop robot that takes inventory, helps you find aisle four originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | MIT Technology Review | Email this | Comments

Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare

Posted: 30 Jun 2012 03:53 PM PDT

Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare


Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare
A live 1:1 scale world record attempt at the X Games 2012

Microsoft catches a break: ITC remands Motorola case, Xbox 360 dodges at least a...

Posted: 30 Jun 2012 03:52 PM PDT

Microsoft catches a break: ITC remands Motorola case, Xbox 360 dodges at least a 2012 ban


Microsoft catches a break: ITC remands Motorola case, Xbox 360 dodges at least a 2012 ban
Things were looking grim for gaming in April, when the International Trade Commission decided that the Xbox 360 violated Motorola patents and the console's US future was in doubt. The agency hasn't necessarily reversed its decision, but it just gave Microsoft a significant (and possibly permanent) reprieve. The Commission has remanded Motorola's case back to the Administrative Law Judge that gave the initial ruling, which very nearly restarts the clock: a new ruling won't come for months, and the usual review process guarantees even more of a delay even if the decision once more works in Motorola's favor. Patent suit watcher Florian Mueller is now confident that the Xbox 360 won't face any real risk of a ban in 2012, at a minimum. If the new decision doesn't clear Microsoft outright, it still pushes any ruling past a Microsoft lawsuit's trial in mid-November, when Motorola might be blocked from attempting any ban using its standards-based patents. We've rarely seen a majority or total reversal of this kind of ITC patent dispute before it reaches the appeals stage, but there's a distinct chance of that flip happening here -- especially as the ITC is using Apple's successful dismissal of an S3 Graphics victory as the judge's new template.Microsoft catches a break: ITC remands Motorola case, Xbox 360 dodges at least a 2012 ban originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FOSSpatents | Email this | Comments