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Thursday, July 5, 2012

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Spam-happy iOS trojan slips into App Store, gets pulled in rapid fashion

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Spam-happy iOS trojan slips into App Store, gets pulled in rapid fashion


Spam-happy iOS trojan slips into App Store, gets pulled in rapid fashion
You could call it technological baptism of sorts... just not the kind Apple would want. A Russian scam app known as Find and Call managed to hit the App Store and create havoc for those who dared a download, making it the first non-experimental malware to hit iOS without first needing a jailbreak. As Kaspersky found out, it wasn't just scamware, but a trojan: the title would swipe the contacts after asking permission, send them to a remote server behind the scenes and text spam the daylights out of any phone number in that list. Thankfully, Apple has already yanked the app quickly and explained to The Loop that the app was pulled for violating App Store policies. We'd still like to know just why the app got there in the first place, but we'd also caution against delighting in any schadenfreude if you're of the Android persuasion. The app snuck through to Google Play as well, and Kaspersky is keen to remind us that Android trojans are "nothing new;" the real solution to malware is to watch out for fishy-looking apps, no matter what platform you're using.Spam-happy iOS trojan slips into App Store, gets pulled in rapid fashion originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink MacRumors | Kaspersky, The Loop | Email this | Comments

Apple aware of corrupt apps issue, working on a fix

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 02:20 PM PDT

Apple aware of corrupt apps issue, working on a fix


Apple aware of corrupt apps issue, working on a fix
Earlier this morning, reports started circulating that the App Store was pushing corrupt binaries to iOS and Mac users, resulting in constant crashes of the affected apps. Marco Arment, of Instapaper fame, was one of the first to notice and very vocal -- bringing the issue to the attention of many in the media and at Apple. The list of affected apps is pretty staggering, including such high profile titles as Angry Birds Space, Yahoo! Search, Google Reader and, of course, Instapaper. The number of developers affected now tops 115, so we'd hold off on those updates. For the first several hours Apple was mum on the issue, but it has finally acknowledged the problem in the support forums and even reached out to developers via email. Suspicions seem to be that the FairPlay DRM is at the root, but until we have official word from Apple we'll refrain from laying the blame at its feet. Cupertino is working (we assume tirelessly) on a fix, which will hopefully be delivered sooner, rather than later.Apple aware of corrupt apps issue, working on a fix originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TechCrunch | Email this | Comments

3 German Tuner Cars Done So Very Right

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 02:20 PM PDT

3 German Tuner Cars Done So Very Right


3 German Tuner Cars Done So Very Right
With great horsepower comes the responsibility to look tasteful.

Tapjoy Looks Beyond Gaming, Brings Virtual Rewards To Popcornflix

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 01:49 PM PDT

Tapjoy Looks Beyond Gaming, Brings Virtual Rewards To Popcornflix


Tapjoy Looks Beyond Gaming, Brings Virtual Rewards To Popcornflix
Tapjoy is best known as a monetization service for mobile games, but the company is working to expand into other industries. Case in point — a just-announced partnership with movie-streaming site Popcornflix. Owned by Screen Media Ventures, Popcornflix allows its website visitors to watch movies (mostly independent titles that I haven't heard of) for free. With the planned launch pf an Android app called Popxornflix Gold, Popcornflix viewers will be able to watch movies on their phones, but they'll have to spend Popcornflix Points to access the content. And to earn those points, they'll have to interact with advertising.

Artega fails to sell auto business, files for bankruptcy

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 01:48 PM PDT

Artega fails to sell auto business, files for bankruptcy


Artega fails to sell auto business, files for bankruptcy
As things seem to be incredibly promising at Tesla Motors' California headquarters, the situation for a competitor on the other side of the world is growing quite grim. Artega, which reached our hearts at the Geneva Motor Show just last year with its beautiful all-electric SE sports car, has filed for bankruptcy after failing to sell the company to "an Asian investor." Meanwhile, Artega will continue the search for business partners, and will keep running its German operation with 34 employees. The news is disappointing to say the least, especially with Tesla's Roadster dropping from production in 2011. Hit up the source link below for a (German-language) explanation, directly from Artega.Artega fails to sell auto business, files for bankruptcy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog | Artega (German) | Email this | Comments

Rice University scientists devise spray-painted battery [w/video]

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Rice University scientists devise spray-painted battery [w/video]


Rice University scientists devise spray-painted battery [w/video]
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Solar, Lightweight, North America, USA Talk about lightweighting. Rice University researchers have figured out a way to - wait for it - spray paint the components of a lithium-ion battery onto any hard surface, suggesting that someone looking to get a little rechargeable power can make like Earl Scheib. The mad scientists in question spray-painted, air-brushed and hand-painted materials that make up a traditional battery onto surfaces such as bathroom tile, glass, steel and, heck, beer steins, all for the sake of getting that electrical charge. The details involve nanotubes, carbon black particles, cathodes, graphite powder and a bunch of other materials sure to please anyone who had an easier time passing 10th-grade chemistry than this reporter (read more about it here, and check out the video here). Some of the batteries were even charged by solar cells, giving the rare opportunity for hippies and graffiti artists to unite for the common cause. The Rice scientists have filed for a patent on the process, and for good reason. Check out an explanatory video below.Continue reading Rice University scientists devise spray-painted battery [w/video]Rice University scientists devise spray-painted battery [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE lands in Verizon stores, gets us tongue-tied

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 01:16 PM PDT

PSA: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE lands in Verizon stores, gets us tongue-tied


PSA: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE lands in Verizon stores, gets us tongue-tied
If you're willing to embrace its mouthful of a name, the HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE has at last reached shops. The sequel to one of Verizon's most enduring brands will, as promised, set you back $150 on contract once you've taken advantage of that $50 rebate. Its name already reinforces what's new in data speeds, but if the heat of summer has left your memory hazy about everything else, just remember that it's the closest the carrier will get in the near future to having a One series phone. The most incredible of Droids has a Snapdragon S4, 960 x 540 screen, 8-megapixel camera and Sense 4.0 like the One S over at T-Mobile. What's lost in the lower 1.2GHz clock speed and dropping the speedy ImageSense chip is gained through a more pleasing Super LCD, a removable battery and a micro-SD slot. Sound off on any initial impressions of your own purchases in the comments, and hit the store link below to buy one if the upcoming Verizon Galaxy S III just leaves you feeling cold.PSA: HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE lands in Verizon stores, gets us tongue-tied originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Verizon | Email this | Comments

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4PM ET!

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 12:44 PM PDT

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4PM ET!


The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4PM ET!
In the words of Frank Miller's 300, "This is where we fight. This is where they die!" Not that those words are particularly relevant to this episode of the Engadget Podcast, but this is our 300th edition and we're feeling pretty Spartan. Maybe we'll amend it to, "this is where we podcast, this is where you chat." It's a work in progress, what can we say? Hopefully we'll have things a bit more nailed down when we go live at 4PM tonight. Only one way to find out!Continue reading The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4PM ET!The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

VW to Take Full Control of Porsche

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 12:44 PM PDT

VW to Take Full Control of Porsche


VW to Take Full Control of Porsche
Decision to take full control is seen as positive by analysts.

Google confirms Galaxy Nexus was pulled from Play store due to injunction, will...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Google confirms Galaxy Nexus was pulled from Play store due to injunction, will return next week


Google confirms Galaxy Nexus was pulled from Play store due to injunction, will return next week
Try to buy a Galaxy Nexus from the Google Play store today and you're greeted with the "coming soon" message you see above, and we now officially know the reason why. The company has confirmed to ABC News that the smartphone has indeed been pulled as a result of Judge Lucy Koh's recent decision not to lift the injunction against the device. It's also confirmed, though, that it plans to resume sales of the device sometime next week, when it will be shipping with the new Jelly Bean operating system, which Google says will address the issues in dispute.Google confirms Galaxy Nexus was pulled from Play store due to injunction, will return next week originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phone Scoop | ABC News | Email this | Comments

Telefonica partners with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and RIM for global carrier...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Telefonica partners with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and RIM for global carrier billing


Telefonica partners with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and RIM for global carrier billing
Making a half dozen attempts to guess your login info or typing each digit of a credit card account certainly can get in the way of following through on impulse purchases, which is exactly how you'd categorize FarmVille cash or a featured flick that you know you may not have time to watch within the month. The solution is carrier billing, eliminating those precious seconds between impulse and reconsideration, and Telefonica has just signed on to offer the service to Facebook, Google, Microsoft and RIM account holders. The partnerships will enable O2 users in Germany or Movistar subscribers in Spain to charge purchases to their mobile phone accounts, for example -- in total, 14 Telefonica subsidiaries should be up and running with carrier billing by the end of the year, though some services, such as Google Play and Facebook, have already begun to roll out. Click through to the PR after the break for the full breakdown.Continue reading Telefonica partners with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and RIM for global carrier billingTelefonica partners with Facebook, Google, Microsoft and RIM for global carrier billing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | Telefonica (PDF) | Email this | Comments

Windows Server 2012 pares back to four versions, looks to give small businesses...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:36 AM PDT

Windows Server 2012 pares back to four versions, looks to give small businesses more bang for the buck


Windows Server 2012 pares back to four versions, looks to give small businesses more bang for the buck
Microsoft has been devoting most of its OS update attention this year to Windows 8, not its suit-wearing Windows Server 2012 counterpart. Some of the mystery has been cleared up through word of a greatly simplified server OS lineup. Just four versions of Windows Server will sit in IT backrooms versus the whopping 12 from Server 2008 R2, with an emphasis on making the feature slope a little gentler. The biggest improvement is the near-identical feature set of Windows Server 2012 Standard compared to its Datacenter equivalent: the only advantage of Datacenter is the jump to unlimited virtual machines, giving smaller businesses a way to save some cash. Foundation and Essentials will cover the basics for these outfits if just 15 or 25 very real machines need to hop onboard. The base prices of $425 to $4,809 per copy for all but the OEM-only Foundation still make it doubtful that we'll be loading Server 2012 on a PC tucked into a closet at home, but it's evident between this and the streamlined Windows 8 selection that Microsoft wants to avoid the flood of versions that confused buyers during the Windows Vista and 7 days.Windows Server 2012 pares back to four versions, looks to give small businesses more bang for the buck originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Geekzone, ZDNet | Microsoft | Email this | Comments

Samsung’s New Galaxy S III Combines LTE And Quad-Core Processor

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:36 AM PDT

Samsung's New Galaxy S III Combines LTE And Quad-Core Processor


Samsung's New Galaxy S III Combines LTE And Quad-Core Processor
There's an argument to be made that Samsung's Galaxy S III is the best Android phone on the market today, but that doesn't mean that its formula can't be improved upon. Case in point: now the Galaxy S III has wormed its way around the globe, Samsung is preparing to launch a version of its flagship handset that outshines the both the international and U.S. models, thanks to some craftily combined hardware.

June alt-fuel sales double year-earlier figures on Prius surge

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:03 AM PDT

June alt-fuel sales double year-earlier figures on Prius surge


June alt-fuel sales double year-earlier figures on Prius surge
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, North America, USA Alt-fuel vehicle sales across all automakers in June more than doubled from a year earlier. The Prius may be better associated with soft-pedaling drivers, but June showed us that the world's best-selling hybrid is figuratively smoking its tires when it comes to getting some distance from a brutal 2011, lifting all U.S. alt-fuel sales figures as a result. Overall U.S. alt-fuel vehicle sales across all automakers in June more than doubled from a year earlier to more than 42,000 vehicles, as Americans continued to shop for fuel-sipping vehicles despite the fact that U.S. gas prices, which peaked this year at about $3.90 in early April, have been steadily dropping during the last three months to about $3.30 a gallon, according to AAA. With overall June auto sales estimated to have risen about 18 percent from year-earlier levels, advanced-powertrain vehicles appear to be accounting for a progressively larger percentage of cars sold. And while some of this jump can be attributed to sales increases in General Motors' Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug in and the company's mild-hybrid sedans as well as a monthly-record number of Ford Focus Electrics sold, most of the increase can be attributed to Toyota, which was besieged last year by supply constraints stemming from the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck Japan last March. The Japanese automaker more than quadrupled its Prius sales from a year earlier to 19,150 units in June, with the newer Prius C, Prius V and Prius Plug-in variants collectively accounting for about 40 percent of the Prius hybrids sold. Non-Prius Toyota sales jumped more than sevenfold to 3,955, likely on the continuing popularity of the revamped Camry Hybrid. Overall, Toyota and its Lexus division boosted hybrid sales to 25,776 vehicles from 5,705 in June 2011. Chevrolet more than tripled its Volt sales from a year earlier. As for GM, the U.S. automaker more than tripled its Volt sales from a year earlier to 1,760 units, marking June the second-best month ever for the model. Through the first six months of the year, the Volt sold 8,817 units, compared to 7,671 vehicles sold for all of last year. Overall, GM, which also sold 3,461 of its mild-hybrid Chevrolet Malibu, Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal models, boosted alt-fuel vehicle sales from June 2011 by a factor of six to 5,383 units. Additionally, German automakers Volkswagen and Audi increased their clean-diesel vehicle sales. VW diesel sales last month increased 22 percent from a year earlier to 7,329 units, while Audi diesel sales rose 36 percent from a year earlier to 657 vehicles.Ford, which introduced its electric-powered version of the Focus in very limited numbers late last year, sold 89 units in June after moving just eight during the previous six months combined. Such gains far more than offset the challenges Nissan faces to meet last year's pace for sales of its all-electric Leaf as well as continued hybrid-sales declines for Ford and Honda. The Leaf, which outsold the Volt by about 2,000 units list year, saw a 69-percent year-over-year sales drop to just 535 units. As a result, the model fell behind last year's sales pace for the first time in 2012, with the Leaf's six-months total of 3,148 units accounting for a 19-percent decline from a year earlier. For the first half of the year, U.S. alt-fuel sales jumped 54 percent to more than 264,000 vehicles. Meanwhile, Ford's hybrid sales dropped 41 percent from a year earlier to 1,354 vehicles as Ford Escape Hybrid sales dwindled to just 17 units and Fusion Hybrid sales fell 18 percent to 797 vehicles. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sales fell 6.6 percent to 451 vehicles. As for Honda, the lack of popularity for its CR-Z pulled its numbers down, as the compact sports hybrid's sales plunged 58 percent to 409 units. Honda Insight sales fell 52 percent to 494 vehicles, more than offsetting the Honda Civic Hybrid's 31-percent year-over-year sales increase to 548 vehicles. Overall, Honda hybrid sales fell 40 percent to 1,451 vehicles. Finally, Mitsubishi, which came off monthly-record May of 85 units sold for its all-electric i, saw sales of the model fall to 33 units last month. And Porsche hybrid sales dropped 62 percent from June 2011. For the first half of the year, U.S. alt-fuel sales jumped 54 percent to more than 264,000 vehicles. Toyota nearly doubled sales of its Toyota and Lexus hybrids to almost 170,000 vehicles, while GM's alt-fuel vehicle sales jumped fivefold to 24,594 units and Volkswagen diesel sales rose 33 percent to almost 43,000 vehicles. Ford hybrid sales have dropped this year by 44 percent to 8,875 units, while Honda hybrid sales through June declined 51 percent from a year earlier to 10,565 vehicles.June alt-fuel sales double year-earlier figures on Prius surge originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

IFAB gives goal-line technology the nod, first official run will be at this year...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:03 AM PDT

IFAB gives goal-line technology the nod, first official run will be at this year's FIFA Club World Cup


IFAB gives goal-line technology the nod, first official run will be at this year's FIFA Club World Cup
For years and years now, football (soccer) fans have been asking themselves when FIFA would finally realize the "beautiful game" needed to start implementing some sort of tech to help referees with decision-making during major tournaments and in every-day matches. Well, that time is now. After a few months of putting the so-called goal-line technology through intensive and rigorous testing, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has once and for all approved the use of such tech in official footie games. What this means is FIFA will utilize a couple of methods, one dubbed "GoalRef" and the other "Hawk-Eye," to assist refs in any controversial calls that may take place throughout the 90 minutes (or more if there's extra-time) on either goal. The first of these uses electromagnetic antennas around the goal posts and crossbar to transmit a signal to a referee's watch as soon as the ball crosses the line; meanwhile, the latter requires six to eight high-speed cameras -- that shoot at 500 fps -- to grab multiple images of the match ball and quickly process them to identify if it indeed crossed the line -- this is also helped by black-colored dots on each goal post which aid the cameras gain better overall precision. What's best, though, these new systems are set to take their first legitimate runs as soon as the FIFA Club World Cup takes place in December, with the upcoming 2014 World Cup in Brazil also said to have the goal-line technology ready to be used in all of its 64 global glory-seeking matches.IFAB gives goal-line technology the nod, first official run will be at this year's FIFA Club World Cup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FIFA | Email this | Comments

Tim Hortons bringing free WiFi to 90 percent of its locations by September

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:03 AM PDT

Tim Hortons bringing free WiFi to 90 percent of its locations by September


Tim Hortons bringing free WiFi to 90 percent of its locations by September
It's already toyed around with offering free WiFi at a few of its locations, but Tim Hortons has now finally committed to making the service available at most of its restaurants across Canada. That's being done through a partnership with Bell Canada, which Tim Hortons says was selected after a "rigorous six-month testing process," and it looks like the WiFi has already been turned on at quite a few of its locations (you can search for those near you using the store locator on its website). All told, the company expects to roll the service out to more than 90 percent of its restaurants, or over 2,000 locations, by this September -- a number that Tim Hortons says will make it the largest free WiFi network in Canada.Continue reading Tim Hortons bringing free WiFi to 90 percent of its locations by SeptemberTim Hortons bringing free WiFi to 90 percent of its locations by September originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CBC News | Tim Hortons | Email this | Comments

The Post Wherein Sam Says Goodbye

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 11:03 AM PDT

The Post Wherein Sam Says Goodbye


The Post Wherein Sam Says Goodbye
It's been fun, folks. Thanks for listening.

Motorola ICS UI review: this isn't the Blur we used to know

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 10:29 AM PDT

Motorola ICS UI review: this isn't the Blur we used to know


Motorola ICS UI review: this isn't the Blur we used to know
More Info Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich review Which devices have been updated to Ice Cream Sandwich? Motorola Droid RAZR and Droid RAZR Maxx Android 4.0 update incoming Ah, what a difference a couple years can make. After earning notoriety for is frustrating MotoBlur skin, the manufacturer has made strides on the Android user interface front. Its next attempt, known by many as "BlueBlur," was a far better experience, if only because the original user interface could hardly get any worse. These modest improvements aside, though, we've always wondered how the company would make its mark on Android 4.0, a newer version of the OS that ushered in a major redesign. Would Motorola once again choose a heavy, proprietary skin, or would it be more heavily influenced by its new Google overlords and develop a UI more in line with stock Ice Cream Sandwich? Unfortunately, Motorola kept us waiting in suspense longer than any other major OEM: Samsung, HTC, Sony and (gasp!) even LG have already started shipping devices loaded with skinned versions of ICS. But while Motorola popped the update onto one specific tablet earlier this year, it only managed to push test copies of Ice Cream Sandwich to a handful of Droid RAZR and Droid RAZR Maxx devices before Jelly Bean was announced. Even now, we still haven't seen how the now-antiquated firmware will look on new Motorola handsets (though we hopefully will find out with the upcoming Atrix HD, RAZR HD or Photon Q). We have to wonder if the drawn-out acquisition process put the outfit in an awkward holding pattern, preventing it from cranking out fresh handsets and accompanying firmware updates. So is HelloMoto making a grand entrance by being the last to show up to the Ice Cream Sandwich social? What makes Ice Cream Blurwich tick? We'll take you through the major elements of the user interface to give you a sense of what to expect when your Motorola phone is ready to make the jump. Gallery: Motorola ICS skin overviewContinue reading Motorola ICS UI review: this isn't the Blur we used to knowMotorola ICS UI review: this isn't the Blur we used to know originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Apple sued by Shanghai firm for allegedly treading on patent with Siri, may say...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:55 AM PDT

Apple sued by Shanghai firm for allegedly treading on patent with Siri, may say 'ni hao' in court


Apple sued by Shanghai firm for allegedly treading on patent with Siri, may say 'ni hao' in court
For all the heat it dishes out elsewhere in the world, Apple has had a hard time catching a break in China -- between having to settle with Proview over the iPad trademark and a recent, smaller dispute over Snow Leopard, it's been primarily on the defensive. The latest rear-guard action is in Shanghai, where Zhi Zhen Internet Technology claims that Siri's voice command charms infringe on a patent used for the Xiao i Robot voice system on phones and the web. We're just hearing about the lawsuit now, but Zhi Zhen insists that it's been long in the making with accusations filed in June and a patent application dating all the way back to 2004. Apple is characteristically silent on how it will tackle the case. We suspect it'll be more than a little eager to fight back in court: in addition to the lawsuit presenting a very conspicuous roadblock to bringing Siri to China with iOS 6, it comes from a company that hasn't been shy about plastering the Siri icon all over its home page.Apple sued by Shanghai firm for allegedly treading on patent with Siri, may say 'ni hao' in court originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | NASDAQ, Xiao i Robot | Email this | Comments

Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z for racing [w/video]

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:22 AM PDT

Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z for racing [w/video]


Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z for racing [w/video]
Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Japan, RacingHonda has announced that it's working with M-TEC and Team Mugen on a CR-Z GT that will campaign in the GT300 category of Japan's Super GT championship. The racing hybrid uses a 2.8-liter, twin turbo V6 paired with a specially developed hybrid system, and it will enter its first race at this month's SUGO GT round on July 28-29. The CR-Z GT will race in the same class as the Subaru BRZ GT300 and Toyota Prius GT300. That latter car also uses a specially designed hybrid system with a larger battery from the Prius Alpha and a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. The Honda CR-Z GT was recently tested at Twin Ring Motegi, scroll down to watch the video and check out the official press release.Continue reading Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z for racing [w/video]Honda and Mugen develop widebody twin-turbo V6 CR-Z for racing [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Archos raids the periodic table for new line of Android tablets

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:22 AM PDT

Archos raids the periodic table for new line of Android tablets


Archos raids the periodic table for new line of Android tablets
Those worried that Archos hasn't introduced a line of low-cost Android tablets in a while have reason to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The company's gearing up for the launch of its "Elements" series, beginning with this month's release of the 97 Carbon. No chipmunks this time out, sadly, but the Ice Cream Sandwich slate does sport a 9.7-inch IPS display, a 1GHz processor, HDMI out and a full-sized USB port. Also on-board are two cameras, 16GB of storage and a microSD slot, packed into a 0.45-inch thick aluminum body. The 97 Carbon runs $230 to $250. Archos is promising more entries in the "entry-level" Elements lineup, measuring seven, eight and 9.7 inches. Press info on this particular model can be found after the break.Continue reading Archos raids the periodic table for new line of Android tabletsArchos raids the periodic table for new line of Android tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Researchers capture a single atom's shadow, has implications for quantum computers

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 08:49 AM PDT

Researchers capture a single atom's shadow, has implications for quantum computers


Researchers capture a single atom's shadow, has implications for quantum computers
A very small atom can cast a very large shadow. Well, not literally, but figuratively. Researchers at Griffith University have managed to snap the first image of a single atom's shadow and, while the dark spot may be physically small, the implications for the field of quantum computing are huge. The team of scientists blasted a Ytterbium atom suspended in air with a laser beam. Using a Fresnel lens, they were able to snap a photograph of the dark spot left in the atom's wake as the laser passed over it. The practical applications could improve the efficiency of quantum computers, where light is often used to transfer information. Since atoms have well understood light absorption properties, predictions can be made about the depth of a shadow cast, improving communication between the individual atoms performing calculations. The research could even be applied to seemingly mundane and established fields like X-Ray imaging, by enabling us to find the proper intensity levels to produce a quality image while minimizing damage to cells. For more info, check out the current issue of Nature.Researchers capture a single atom's shadow, has implications for quantum computers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Conversation | Nature | Email this | Comments

Huawei Ascend D Quad release set for late August in China, October for European...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 08:49 AM PDT

Huawei Ascend D Quad release set for late August in China, October for European markets


Huawei Ascend D Quad release set for late August in China, October for European markets
Been holding onto the hope that Huawei's quad-core flagship would bow relatively soon? Well, it's time to swallow an extra does of patience because it appears the Ascend D Quad is slated for an eventual late summer / early fall launch. As confirmed to the The Inquirer, the Chinese market will get first crack at the device this August, with a Western European debut to follow sometime after in October of this year. Originally outed at this past Mobile World Congress, the well-specced handset was scheduled for a summer release before technical issues revolving around the company's custom K3 Balong CPU set back mass production. When it finally lands on retailers' shelves, the one-time dynamo device won't look nearly as spectacular, given its now dated ICS OS, the glut of existing Android überphones (i.e. Galaxy S III and One X) and those to come. Does it risk becoming yesterday's mobile news? Only time and you dollars can say for sure.Huawei Ascend D Quad release set for late August in China, October for European markets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Inquirer | Email this | Comments

Tesla-Powered Mercedes headed for US

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 08:48 AM PDT

Tesla-Powered Mercedes headed for US


Tesla-Powered Mercedes headed for US
The B-Class electric should be available stateside sometime in 2014.

Fujitsu starts build-it-yourself PC service, lets you go homebrew without the el...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 08:16 AM PDT

Fujitsu starts build-it-yourself PC service, lets you go homebrew without the electrical shocks


Fujitsu starts build-it-yourself PC service, lets you go homebrew without the electrical shocks
Big PC companies are often seen as being at odds with the concept of custom-built computers: apart from letting us ticking a few checkboxes before we order, they'd rather we not fiddle with the internals. Fujitsu is breaking the mold and embracing some of that DIY culture with its upcoming Hands-on Custom PC Assembly Service. The Japanese can take classes that teach them how to install their picks (from a limited range) of processors, hard drives and RAM. While the program doesn't start completely from scratch -- the motherboard is already installed -- it takes would-be assemblers through many of the experiences of building their own PCs from the ground up. Builders can choose how many components, if they're not quite so ambitious, and learn smart practices like wearing anti-static wristbands. While there won't be as many unintentional jolts of electricity as the real deal, the courses should help PC owners feel comfortable working inside a computer -- not to mention save Fujitsu a few technical support calls. The variable-price courses start in Japan on August 9th for multiple Esprimo desktops and a LifeBook portable. We can only hope that American PC vendors take a few hints and encourage everyone's inner technician.Fujitsu starts build-it-yourself PC service, lets you go homebrew without the electrical shocks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Bit-tech | Fujitsu | Email this | Comments

AppHero Raises $1.8 Million For App Recommendation Service Which Learns Your Int...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 07:41 AM PDT

AppHero Raises $1.8 Million For App Recommendation Service Which Learns Your Interests From Facebook


AppHero Raises $1.8 Million For App Recommendation Service Which Learns Your Interests From Facebook
Following Apple's acquisition of Chomp, the app search and discovery business continues to heat up. Last month, app search startup Quixey raised a healthy $20 million Series B, and today a much younger startup, AppHero, has raised a $1.8 million seed round for its app recommendation platform. The round included investment from OMERS Ventures, Golden Venture Partners, and ENIAC Ventures along with other angels and seed funds who, combined, have put in around $1.3 million. An additional $500,000 came from other undisclosed sources.

London minicab firm equips cars with free WiFi, says you don't need no stinking LTE

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 07:41 AM PDT

London minicab firm equips cars with free WiFi, says you don't need no stinking LTE


London minicab firm equips cars with free WiFi, says you don't need no stinking LTE
London may be late to the LTE party, but it's more than making up for its laggard mobile ways by bulking up its citizens' access to WiFi. The Tube's been acquiring hotspots in preparation for the crush of Olympic fans expected to use public transport, and now it's time for taxis to do the same. The Inquirer reports that Greentomatocars, a London minicab service, is now equipping every car in its fleet with free WiFi. Each cab has its own SIM that affords passengers up to 7.2Mbps downloads and 2Mbps uploads, and gaining access merely requires you profess your affection for gratis internet -- the password is ilovefreewifi.London minicab firm equips cars with free WiFi, says you don't need no stinking LTE originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Inquirer | Email this | Comments

Noom Weight Loss Coach Gets A Revamp After Hitting 13.5M Organic Downloads On An...

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 07:40 AM PDT

Noom Weight Loss Coach Gets A Revamp After Hitting 13.5M Organic Downloads On Android


Noom Weight Loss Coach Gets A Revamp After Hitting 13.5M Organic Downloads On Android
Noom Weightloss Coach, an Android app that has seen over 13.5 million organic downloads, has just undergone a major redesign. The usual wheel on the homescreen has been replaced with a task list that shows all of your progress and goals at a glance. The exercise function has also been revamped to seamlessly integrate the pedometer into everything you do, letting you track your steps with your phone. The app has also added rewards and motivational features to increase engagement, along with a new food tracking abilities. The idea is that you shouldn't have to input very much information — just the bare necessities — and Noom will do the rest on its own to help you lose weight.

House chair Issa questions CARB's influence on new truck-efficiency rules

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 07:08 AM PDT

House chair Issa questions CARB's influence on new truck-efficiency rules


House chair Issa questions CARB's influence on new truck-efficiency rules
Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, North America, USA Darrell Issa, tree hugger. Just kidding. Issa, the House Oversight Committee Chairman, recently sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency questioning why the California Air Resources Board was influential in drafting last year's heavy-duty-truck greenhouse-gas emissions standards, Truckinginfo reported. Issa (R-Calif.), who gave the EPA until today, July 5, to respond to a list of questions, took issue with the fact that CARB appeared to have more influence than a number of other non-federal entities, according to the publication. Issa also said the new rules would place undue costs on independent truckers who'd need to upgrade their rigs in order to meet the new standards. Last August, the Obama Administration announced the first-ever fuel economy standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses. Under the mandate, semis are required to cut fuel consumption and average greenhouse-gas emissions 20 percent by 2018, while heavy-duty pickups and vans had to reach a 15-percent decrease and buses and other vocational vehicles a 10-percent reduction. The standards will reportedly cut oil consumption by 530 million barrels and reduce fuel costs by $50 billion during the life of trucks built between 2014 and 2018. Issa's no stranger to taking the administration to task on issues related to transportation-related fuel conservation efforts. This January, Issa criticized the administration's support of General Motors' efforts to make and sell the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in vehicle and took issue with the length of time it took for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reveal details of a post-crash-test fire involving a Volt.House chair Issa questions CARB's influence on new truck-efficiency rules originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

iFixit tears down the Nexus Q: made in the USA, and possibly somewhere else

Posted: 05 Jul 2012 07:08 AM PDT

iFixit tears down the Nexus Q: made in the USA, and possibly somewhere else


iFixit tears down the Nexus Q: made in the USA, and possibly somewhere else
Is it possible to manufacture a sophisticated wireless-capable device entirely in the United States? That's vaguely the suggestion of Google's jet-black orb, launched last week at the search (and now hardware) giant's I/O event in San Francisco. Now, the Nexus Q is just dying to get undressed, and that's exactly what our iFixit friends have done, revealing each component's country of origin. Perhaps one of the most notable items, the Samsung 16GB moviNAND Flash Memory module, may have been made stateside (Austin, TX), but could also have been produced in Hwaseong, South Korea. Some parts, such as the ethernet port (China) or optical-out connector (Japan) could only have been imported, as iFixit points out, though others are certainly domestic (a photomicrosensor made in California or Illinois). Ready to dive in yourself to verify those findings? You're not going to want to open this thing up on your own -- there's a bevy of capacitors inside, including one with output in the 400-volt range (a warning label alerts would-be trespassers). You can, however, poke around a bit more at our source link below.iFixit tears down the Nexus Q: made in the USA, and possibly somewhere else originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | iFixit | Email this | Comments