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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

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Google's Nexus 7 discovered to have Smart Cover-like magnet sensor

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Google's Nexus 7 discovered to have Smart Cover-like magnet sensor


Google's Nexus 7 discovered to have Smart Cover-like magnet sensor
You won't find this on its official specs list, but Google's Nexus 7 tablet apparently has a magnet-enabled sensor that'll automatically set the display to sleep -- it's hard not to think of the iPad's Smart Cover. YouTube user wwscoggin was able to discover and pin-point the functionality near the bottom left of the device by gliding a magnet along its bezel. As Android Police notes, this appears to be the only Android tablet with such a feature, yet there's no word on whether ASUS' decidedly Smart Case-esque cases will make use of it. We've been able to replicate the action on our end, but don't take our word for it, catch the video after the break.Continue reading Google's Nexus 7 discovered to have Smart Cover-like magnet sensorFiled under: Misc. Gadgets, Tablet PCsGoogle's Nexus 7 discovered to have Smart Cover-like magnet sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Police | wwscoggin (YouTube) | Email this | Comments

Google Search As You Type gives retailer websites instant search

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Google Search As You Type gives retailer websites instant search


Google Search As You Type gives retailer websites instant search
Google's search engine and its almighty Omnibox in Chrome have given the public instant search capabilities for some time, and now Google's sharing that same search goodness with its retail partners. Called Google Search As You Type, it's a pilot program providing AdWords advertisers access to Google's predictive and instant search on their own websites. That means customers can find what they're looking for more quickly and sellers can separate said buyers from their money faster than ever. Search As You Type is free for the first 25 million searches each year, so you'll likely be seeing this widespread on retail websites soon. That said, if you simply cant wait to witness your online retailing future, check out the video after the break.Continue reading Google Search As You Type gives retailer websites instant searchFiled under: InternetGoogle Search As You Type gives retailer websites instant search originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge | Google Commerce, Google Search As You Type | Email this | Comments

Microsoft and NBC rumored calling it splitsville on the web, MSNBC.com to get fr...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Microsoft and NBC rumored calling it splitsville on the web, MSNBC.com to get friend-zoned


Microsoft and NBC rumored calling it splitsville on the web, MSNBC.com to get friend-zoned
Microsoft and NBC have had what you might call a complicated relationship. They've been separated in the TV space ever since MSNBC became a solely NBC-owned entity in 2005, but the online fling has carried on to this day. If Daily Beast's tipsters are right, however, NBC may get a little less ambiguous with its relationship status and kick Microsoft to the curb. The now Comcast-owned NBCUniversal is supposedly irked at having to share equal control over the MSNBC website and wants to send Microsoft packing, buying out Redmond's 50 percent stake. While the existing management would stay, MSNBC's online staff would quit Microsoft's campus and hop over to an NBCNews.com domain to reflect their newfound independence. An NBC representative wouldn't confirm that an agreement had been signed, but did say talks had taken place -- certainly much more of a response than most rumors get. With a signed deal rumored in a matter of "days," there won't be long to wait before we learn whether or not Microsoft gets dumped once and for all.Filed under: InternetMicrosoft and NBC rumored calling it splitsville on the web, MSNBC.com to get friend-zoned originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Daily Beast | Email this | Comments

NYC launches free public WiFi trial, links it to skeevy payphones

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 01:57 PM PDT

NYC launches free public WiFi trial, links it to skeevy payphones


NYC launches free public WiFi trial, links it to skeevy payphones
Free public WiFi may be the sort of thing you automatically associate with Starbucks, but starting today, you'll be able to add NYC payphones to that short list. The city's pilot program, just officially launched, aims to spread gratis wireless service to residents of the five boroughs and the ceaseless crush of tourists they love to hate. Currently, only ten kiosk locations are live across Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan -- a planned rollout to Staten Island and the Bronx is underway -- and, for any curious passersby, can be easily located by their very conspicuous signage (as seen above). So, if you're out and about the Big Apple and that 4G LTE connection's just not cutting the mustard, why not give King Mayor Bloomberg's city WiFi a try? Hit up the source below for the hotspot specifics.Filed under: WirelessNYC launches free public WiFi trial, links it to skeevy payphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | NYC.gov | Email this | Comments

FreedomPop Teams With Sprint To Broaden Reach Of Its Freemium Internet Service

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 01:57 PM PDT

FreedomPop Teams With Sprint To Broaden Reach Of Its Freemium Internet Service


FreedomPop Teams With Sprint To Broaden Reach Of Its Freemium Internet Service
FreedomPop, the ambitious startup devoted to bringing freemium internet to the masses, has been awfully busy lately. The last time they popped up on our radar the company had just put its WiMAX-capable iPhone sleeves on pre-order, but the team has been up to more than just churning out data-friendly cases. In addition to working with Clearwire, FreedomPop announced earlier today that it has also inked a network access deal with Sprint, allowing their forthcoming devices to run on both the carrier's 3G and LTE networks.

For sale by owner: 1954 flying Taylor AEROCAR, yours now for only $1.25 million...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 01:57 PM PDT

For sale by owner: 1954 flying Taylor AEROCAR, yours now for only $1.25 million (video)


For sale by owner: 1954 flying Taylor AEROCAR, yours now for only $1.25 million (video)
For anyone raised on the retro-futurist notion of flying cars, this literal-minded, nuts-and-bolts incarnation should make for some incredulous swooning. Looking much like a 1950's interpretation of a subcompact that wandered into the wrong alleyway and wound up in a Wright Brothers-sponsored chopshop, the Taylor AEROCAR -- one of five made -- is a very real vestige of American auto engineering's past and, more importantly, it's up for grabs. At $1.25 million, this relic of a bygone era's mainly an exorbitant lure for the deep-pocketed collector, but as a rare curiosity, it's free for all to gawk. It's a hybrid in the truest sense, melding a cozy two-seater with front wheel drive, a Lycoming O-320 4-cylinder engine and a wingspan of 30 feet, all conspiring to get it off the ground at 55mph and up to a cruising speed of 100mph. Should you want to merely take it for a test spin out on the open road and not accidentally take flight, rest assured, those mighty wings can be folded out of the way with relative ease. But that's not why you'd want to part ways with a cool chunk of cash, if you're so inclined. This bit of memorabilia's a make-good for all those broken, scifi promises from once upon a TV time. This was the future -- as ridiculous as it may seem.Continue reading For sale by owner: 1954 flying Taylor AEROCAR, yours now for only $1.25 million (video)Filed under: TransportationFor sale by owner: 1954 flying Taylor AEROCAR, yours now for only $1.25 million (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Smithsonian blog | Hemmings | Email this | Comments

Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.


Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.
Filed under: Diesel, Legislation and Policy, India, USA With apologies to the Beatles, it's been a long and winding road for those waiting to get their hands on the steering wheel of a small, diesel-powered pickup from Mahindra. Here's the good news: Something definitive has finally been heard from the Indian automaker. Here's the bad news: It's bad news. According to Reuters, Mahindra "recently decided not to proceed further with the project due to changes in the U.S. regulatory and market situation." In other words, the truck we've long been expecting isn't going to happen. That said, "M&M will continue to monitor the U.S. situation and remain flexible with its approach to this market." We won't outline all the sordid details on what happened between Global Vehicles, Mahindra and its would-be dealer base - read all about it on these pages - but suffice it to say delays were felt, feelings were hurt and lawsuits were filed. Some analysts quoted by Reuters suggest Mahindra may regroup and focus on bringing its Korean Ssangyong subsidiary to the States in lieu of its rugged pickup and SUV wares, but we're not holding our breath for either.Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Stay.com Brings Its Social Travel Guides To Mobile, With Full Offline Maps

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 01:22 PM PDT

Stay.com Brings Its Social Travel Guides To Mobile, With Full Offline Maps


Stay.com Brings Its Social Travel Guides To Mobile, With Full Offline Maps
Stay.com says it can now put a city in your pocket, and in fact, it kind of can. The Oslo, Norway-based company is launching mobile apps so users can access its social travel guides on their phones. And you won't have to worry about getting a huge data roaming bill or having to stand around an unfamiliar city while waiting for a map to load — before you leave for your trip, you can download the guide (including a full map) for any of the cities to your phone, then it's stored on your phone for whenever you need it.

FreedomPop jumping from WiMAX to LTE by year's end, iPhone sleeves intact

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 01:22 PM PDT

FreedomPop jumping from WiMAX to LTE by year's end, iPhone sleeves intact


FreedomPop jumping from WiMAX to LTE by year's end, iPhone sleeves intact
Followers of FreedomPop's saga have seen the fledgling data-only provider make a few audacious claims: providing free bandwidth, for one, and basing its 4G device lineup as much on iPhone sleeve cases as on traditional access points. Add another one to the list -- the MVNO is planning to switch from Clearwire's WiMAX network to Sprint's LTE before 2012 is over. While FreedomPop is still planning to go forward with WiMAX for the initial deployment, it's now looking to use tri-mode EV-DO, LTE and WiMAX modems and phone cases just months later. We'll see if that leads to existing iPhone 4 and 4S owners getting an LTE fix without having to spring for a new phone; marketing VP Tony Miller wouldn't tell GigaOM more. Either way, it's a mixed blessing for data addicts that might find themselves crashing that much faster through the 500MB regular cap on free data.Filed under: Wireless, NetworkingFreedomPop jumping from WiMAX to LTE by year's end, iPhone sleeves intact originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | GigaOM | Email this | Comments

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter cockpit demonstrator hands-on...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter cockpit demonstrator hands-on (video)


Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter cockpit demonstrator hands-on (video)
We spend hundreds of hours on board a variety of airplanes each year, most often en-route to a trade show or product launch event, but occasionally we have a rare opportunity to hop on board military aircraft, to test out unrelated products, or, even more unusually, to take a seat behind the yoke. Sadly that's not what we're doing today -- well, not exactly. We are taking a closer look at the F-35 fighter jet at Lockheed Martin's Fighter Demonstration Center just outside our nation's capital, but, being in the middle of a corporate complex, there's no actual Lightning II on hand. We were able to take a simulated ride, however -- this isn't your ordinary 4D sickness-inducing amusement park thrill. The F-35 is by far the most advanced Lockheed jet to date, with updated radar, all-internal weapons, improved tracking systems, 360-degree infrared coverage with a visor readout, and a full-stealth design, not to mention the incredibly capable glass cockpit powered by more than 9.3 million lines of software code, and an overall smoother experience for pilots that could end up spending shifts of 12 hours or longer in flight. The F-35 has already seen plenty of field time in the US, with more than 500 flights already in 2012, and it's set to make its way to the UK armed forces next week and the Netherlands later this year, but while the aircraft is quite familiar to the pilots tasked with flying it, the public hasn't had an opportunity to experience Lockheed's latest airborne warrior. We flew a simulated mission within a grounded duplicate of the flyable F-35 cockpit, and the capabilities and improvements are quite clear -- you definitely don't want to encounter an F-35 from a previous-generation aircraft. The dual 8 x 10-inch touch-enabled displays combine to give you 8 x 20 inches of real estate, with dedicated modules for the weapons systems, targeting, and navigation easily accessible -- you can also move them to different panels depending on your current objective. A pair of joysticks at the left and right side provide direct access, letting you move a cursor to track enemy crafts or ground-based targets as well, and a very slick heads-up-display mounted in the helmet provides infrared mapping and instrument readouts. Overall, it seems to be an incredibly powerful system. Unfortunately, the mock-up on display here isn't accessible to the public, but you can join us for a behind-the-scenes look just after the break.Gallery: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II cockpit demonstrator hands-onContinue reading Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter cockpit demonstrator hands-on (video)Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets, TransportationLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter cockpit demonstrator hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Virgin Galactic unveils LauncherOne satellite vehicle

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Virgin Galactic unveils LauncherOne satellite vehicle


Virgin Galactic unveils LauncherOne satellite vehicle
Building a satellite, that's not really much of a problem anymore. Getting them launched, well, that's what separates the big boys from the wannabes. Virgin's Richard Branson believes he has the answer to that -- LauncherOne. The delivery system for Earth orbiters is based around the WhiteKnightTwo, the same launch platform used by SpaceShipTwo to reach its sub-orbital heights. The tube-like rocket of the LauncherOne is carried up to 50,000 feet by its mother ship, before detaching and initiating its two-stage rocket engines. The current design is capable of delivering 500-pound payloads into Low Earth Orbit, while lighter satellites of 225 pounds could reach Sun-Synchronous Low Earth Orbit. Virgin Galactic says it has already signed up its first customers, including SkyBox Imaging and GeoOptics. Sadly, there's no word on when or how much it'll cost to get the spy satellite you built in your backyard placed in the heavens. Check out the video and the PR after the break.Continue reading Virgin Galactic unveils LauncherOne satellite vehicleFiled under: TransportationVirgin Galactic unveils LauncherOne satellite vehicle originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Facebook Releases Biggest iOS SDK Update Ever, Plus iOS 6 Hooks And iOS Dev Center

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Facebook Releases Biggest iOS SDK Update Ever, Plus iOS 6 Hooks And iOS Dev Center


Facebook Releases Biggest iOS SDK Update Ever, Plus iOS 6 Hooks And iOS Dev Center
Facebook released today a major overhaul of its software development kit (SDK) for iOS, including support for the forthcoming iOS 6, plus a new iOS Dev Center that includes documentation and resources for developers. Facebook promises the new features in the SDK will make it easier to develop Facebook-integrated mobile apps. Highlights include:

Facebook SDK 3.0 Beta for iOS now available to download, includes tight integrat...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Facebook SDK 3.0 Beta for iOS now available to download, includes tight integration plans for iOS 6


Facebook SDK 3.0 Beta for iOS now available to download, includes tight integration plans for iOS 6
Slide over, Twitter -- after this fall, you won't be the only social network in town with OS-level integration on the iPod touch, iPad and iPhone. As announced back at WWDC in June, Facebook will be on a level playing field with the launch of iOS 6, and the outfit's new SDK 3.0 Beta is exactly what developers need to get there. Among other things, the new code promises superior user session management, ready-to-use native UI views, bolstered Facebook API support and an iOS Developer Center to get folks grounded on "key concepts." After iOS 6 launches en masse, this SDK will "automatically use the native Facebook Login in iOS 6 when available," providing a similar experience to Twitter in terms of seamless logins. Ready to get cranking? Get your download on in the source link below.Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareFacebook SDK 3.0 Beta for iOS now available to download, includes tight integration plans for iOS 6 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Facebook | Email this | Comments

Microsoft advises nuking Windows Gadgets after security hole discovery, we mourn...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:48 PM PDT

Microsoft advises nuking Windows Gadgets after security hole discovery, we mourn our stock widgets


Microsoft advises nuking Windows Gadgets after security hole discovery, we mourn our stock widgets
Whether you see Windows Vista and Windows 7 Gadgets as handy tools or a blight upon a pristine desktop, you might want to shut them off for safety's sake. Mickey Shkatov and Toby Kohlenberg have found that the desktop widgets' web-based code have flaws that would allow malicious Gadgets, or even hijacked legitimate Gadgets, to compromise a PC without having to go through the usual avenues of attack. Microsoft's short-term answer to the vulnerability is a drastic one, though: a stopgap patch disables Gadgets entirely, leaving just a barren desktop in its wake. There's no word on a Gadget-friendly solution arriving before Kohlenberg and Shkatov present at the Black Hat Conference on July 26th, but we suspect Microsoft's ultimate answer is to move everyone to Windows 8, where Gadgets aren't even an option. We understand the importance of preventing breaches, of course -- we're just disappointed that we'll have to forgo miniature stock tickers and weather forecasts a little sooner than expected.Filed under: SoftwareMicrosoft advises nuking Windows Gadgets after security hole discovery, we mourn our stock widgets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Computerworld | Microsoft, Black Hat Conference | Email this | Comments

Nikon recalls battery packs sold with D800 and D7000 DSLRs due to burn hazard

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:12 PM PDT

Nikon recalls battery packs sold with D800 and D7000 DSLRs due to burn hazard


Nikon recalls battery packs sold with D800 and D7000 DSLRs due to burn hazard
Some important news for anyone who bought a Nikon D800 or D7000 DSLR earlier this year. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada announced today that the battery packs sold with the cameras are part of a voluntary recall due to a potential burn hazard. While there's been no injuries reported, Nikon says it has received seven reports outside of North America of the battery packs overheating, which can cause them to melt and pose a risk to users. The recall encompasses 5,100 batteries in the US (sold in March and April) and 1,100 in Canada (sold in February and March), plus an additional 195,000 battery packs worldwide. Those with one of the battery packs in question are advised to remove it from their camera and contact Nikon directly for a free replacement. Complete details can be found at the source link below.Filed under: Digital CamerasNikon recalls battery packs sold with D800 and D7000 DSLRs due to burn hazard originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | CPSC | Email this | Comments

Amazon’s Kindle Fire Gets A Taste Of Jelly Bean Thanks To Beta ROM

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 12:12 PM PDT

Amazon's Kindle Fire Gets A Taste Of Jelly Bean Thanks To Beta ROM


Amazon's Kindle Fire Gets A Taste Of Jelly Bean Thanks To Beta ROM
Well, today's shaping up to be a banner day for Kindle Fire owners. If the news of some nifty features for Kindle Fire games isn't enough to get owners hot and bothered, how about a nice dose of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean? Android developers and hackers have been working feverishly ever since Google released Jelly Bean to the Android Open Source Project repository two days ago, and it wasn't long before a ROM for the Kindle Fire was pushed out into the world.

Amazon’s Kindle Fire Gets A Taste Of Jelly Bean Thanks To Beta ROM

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 11:39 AM PDT

Amazon's Kindle Fire Gets A Taste Of Jelly Bean Thanks To Beta ROM


Amazon's Kindle Fire Gets A Taste Of Jelly Bean Thanks To Beta ROM
Well, today's shaping up to be a banner day for Kindle Fire owners. If the news of some nifty features for Kindle Fire games isn't enough to get owners hot and bothered, how about a nice dose of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean? Android developers and hackers have been working feverishly ever since Google released Jelly Bean to the Android Open Source Project repository two days ago, and it wasn't long before a ROM for the Kindle Fire was pushed out into the world.

Researcher details method for teaching computers to win at board games through s...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 11:38 AM PDT

Researcher details method for teaching computers to win at board games through short training videos


Researcher details method for teaching computers to win at board games through short training videos
All right, hotshot -- sure, you can trounce your five-year-old niece in a round of Connect Four, but are you ready to do battle with a machine? Łukasz Kaiser of Paris Diderot University in France has detailed a method for teaching computers how to learn relatively simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Breakthrough and the aforementioned eternal vertical struggle between checker pieces, using quick videos generally under two minutes in length. "The presented algorithm requires only a few demonstrations and minimal background knowledge," Kaiser explains, in his paper Learning Games from Videos Guided by Descriptive Complexity, "and, having learned the rules, automatically derives position evaluation functions and can play the learned games competitively." Kaiser adds, having taken on the world of Tic-Tac-Toe and other relatively simple games that, "there is strong theoretical evidence that it will generalize to other problems." Now if only we can sum up the world's issues Connect Four-style, we should be covered.Filed under: Misc. GadgetsResearcher details method for teaching computers to win at board games through short training videos originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink New Scientist | Learning Games from Videos Guided by Descriptive Complexity (PDF) | Email this | Comments

Japanese Automakers Lead NACTOY List

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 11:38 AM PDT

Japanese Automakers Lead NACTOY List


Japanese Automakers Lead NACTOY List
Toyota leads competition for North American Car and Truck of the Year.

TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?!

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 11:04 AM PDT

TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?!


TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?!
Filed under: Etc.TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski has taken the tiny English car firm on a ride wilder than anything you could get from a Speed 12 (pictured), and now he's riding the name right out of the car business. Telling Autocar that the production possibilities don't make financial sense anymore, he is instead repurposing the hardcore brand into "a new venture building portable wind turbines." We'd say this is a rather odd thing to do with TVR, but the young Russian's run at the captain's wheel has been just this kind of odd since the beginning. The last two years have featured infrequent reports of some kind of new TVR vehicle on the way at some point, powered by either a General Motors LS3 V8, the Corvette ZR1's 638-horsepower LS9, a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbodiesel from the BMW 335d, or an electric system. Smolenski, from TVR's new Vienna base, says the company built three evaluation cars, one with that LS3, one with a BMW twin-turbo V8, and one with a 100-kW electric motor. But he believes that with a necessary base price of £100,000 (about $155,000 U.S.) for any of them, they'd be too expensive to sell at the profit he wants - even with a manufacturing tie-up with Caterham. So now TVR will get into the business of making a lot of air - we'll refrain from any (further) jokes. We're not sure what this does to the TVR 'rebirth' of a few months ago; regardless, we'll toast the TVR that was and hope it can rest in peace now.TVR nixes production restart, vows to pursue... wind turbines?! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Editorial: Ouya's success is opportunity missed for Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 11:04 AM PDT

Editorial: Ouya's success is opportunity missed for Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony


Editorial: Ouya's success is opportunity missed for Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony
While today's videogames are bigger, flashier and more impressive than ever, it's hard not to think that the golden era of console gaming is behind us. Back in the late '80s and early-to-mid '90s, when a new console came out every couple of years to cut its predecessors off at the knees and brutally savage the bank accounts of the hardcore gamer who had to have them all, there was genuine excitement. Now, with modern consoles showing their age and throwing on more and more gimmicks like so much makeup to compensate, it's hard to really get properly enthused about any of them. Out of nowhere came Ouya and, based on the $2.6 million it raised in 24 hours alone, it's safe to say it has succeeded in renewing that excitement. That's a stark contrast to the general feeling of malaise at this year's E3. I'm excited too -- but cautiously so.Continue reading Editorial: Ouya's success is opportunity missed for Microsoft, Nintendo and SonyFiled under: GamingEditorial: Ouya's success is opportunity missed for Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Tweetbot for Mac arrives as free alpha, we give a quick hands-on

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 11:03 AM PDT

Tweetbot for Mac arrives as free alpha, we give a quick hands-on


Tweetbot for Mac arrives as free alpha, we give a quick hands-on
Seemingly anyone who's used an iPhone (and often the iPad) knows Tweetbot -- it's often the go-to Twitter app for those who prefer not to go the official route. It's to those users' delight, then, that Tapbots just posted a free alpha version of Tweetbot for Mac. As you'd anticipate, it's an attempt to bring much of the app's power user mojo to the desktop world: you can check just retweets of your content, mute overly chatty people or hashtags, and otherwise get more control than just watching your stream drift by. It's even (mostly) Retina-ready for that new MacBook Pro. Alpha does mean that there will be a fair amount of things missing; it won't tap into iCloud or Mountain Lion's Notification Center until it's official, for example. But if you're willing to deal with that and a few potential bugs, it may be time to brush other apps aside -- just note that you'll need Mountain Lion or newer when the app is ready to face the Mac App Store, even though it works with Lion today. We've had a quick spin with the app, and it largely does what it says on the tin: it's Tweetbot, on the Mac. The primary differences are changes that make sense when a mouse pointer and a larger screen area are available. You can reply, retweet, or view whole conversations from buttons that appear as you hover, rather than using the myriad taps and swipes of the iOS apps. It's a wonderfully minimalist app, if that's your thing, and you can open multiple windows (currently through a keyboard shortcut) to get some of that TweetDeck-style power user layout. Our main gripe? Tweetbot on the Mac always updates in a live stream, and there's no option for intervals; if you follow a lot of people, there's a chance you might miss something. Still, for an alpha, it's a decidedly polished and useful effort that doesn't leave us wanting like a few clients, including Twitter's own.Filed under: Internet, SoftwareTweetbot for Mac arrives as free alpha, we give a quick hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Tapbots Blog | Tapbots | Email this | Comments

HTC EVO 4G LTE firmware update begins rollout today, exterminates the bugs

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 10:30 AM PDT

HTC EVO 4G LTE firmware update begins rollout today, exterminates the bugs


HTC EVO 4G LTE firmware update begins rollout today, exterminates the bugs
Sprint's EVO 4G LTE has seen all sorts of setbacks and obstacles since its official announcement -- a customs roadblock and the lack of a live LTE network, most notably. Regardless, it's the flagship of choice on the Hesse-led carrier's lineup and, as any subscriber that's opted in for the device can vouch, an inherently buggy one, at that. To remedy that slew of software inconsistencies, a firmware update's begun rolling out today, bringing with it much needed fixes for WiFi connection issues, security and Google Wallet, amongst others. Aggrieved users can manually pull the patch now by navigating to the handset's settings menu and checking for it there or simply sit back and wait for the system update to make an inevitable appearance. Toes crossed this OTA release squashes that bothersome software infestation for good.Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareHTC EVO 4G LTE firmware update begins rollout today, exterminates the bugs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | AndroidPolice | Email this | Comments

Do Traffic Congestion Fees Work?

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 10:30 AM PDT

Do Traffic Congestion Fees Work?


Do Traffic Congestion Fees Work?
Britain has been giving them a try. Should the US follow suit?

Jelly Bean spreads the butter to Amazon's Kindle Fire in unofficial beta build (...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:55 AM PDT

Jelly Bean spreads the butter to Amazon's Kindle Fire in unofficial beta build (video)


Jelly Bean spreads the butter to Amazon's Kindle Fire in unofficial beta build (video)
Jelly Bean(s) for everyone -- essentially, that's just what Google's done for the tech savvy underground with 4.1.1's release in AOSP. Not two days after that source code was made available, has a developer by the name of Hashcode worked to get an early build up and running on Amazon's Kindle Fire. If you'll remember, that Bezos-backed slate runs a heavily customized UX with Gingerbread buried deep at its core and official plans for a software update beyond its 2.3 underpinnings have not been announced. So, for adventurous owners that are sick of living in the software-past, but aren't quite ready to part ways with 200 bills for that very now Nexus 7, a beta ROM is at the ready. Naturally, you'll need to have your device rooted and loaded with a custom recovery to get things going but, take note, this work-in-progress is far from complete: hardware video acceleration isn't yet supported and WiFi is somewhat unstable. Fixes are assuredly on the way, so the less carefree might want to abstain from flashing at the moment. For everyone else, you can find the necessary downloads at the source below and, while you're at it, check out the video tour after the break.Continue reading Jelly Bean spreads the butter to Amazon's Kindle Fire in unofficial beta build (video)Filed under: Tablet PCs, SoftwareJelly Bean spreads the butter to Amazon's Kindle Fire in unofficial beta build (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Liliputing | xda developers | Email this | Comments

Google Ventures Leads $5M Investment In Virtual Currency Startup Pocket Change

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:55 AM PDT

Google Ventures Leads $5M Investment In Virtual Currency Startup Pocket Change


Google Ventures Leads $5M Investment In Virtual Currency Startup Pocket Change
Pocket Change, a startup offering a virtual currency platform for Android games, has raised $5 million in a Series A round of funding. Creating a currency platform that works across Android games is already pretty ambitious, but the company describes its goals in an even more grandiose way: "Our mission is to build the world's first universal virtual currency." PocketChange says that it has already been integrated into more than 100 games, reaching more than 2 million users in total. It also says the integration process only takes one or two hours.

RIM patent uses motion, CAPTCHAs to stop texting while driving, shows a fine app...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:55 AM PDT

RIM patent uses motion, CAPTCHAs to stop texting while driving, shows a fine appreciation of irony


RIM patent uses motion, CAPTCHAs to stop texting while driving, shows a fine appreciation of irony
More and more people understand that texting while driving is a bad idea, but RIM has just been granted a patent that would have smartphones step in before things get out of hand. Going beyond just filtering inbound messages like some motion-based lockdown apps, the BlackBerry maker's invention also turns off the creation of any outbound messages as long as the phone is moving within a given speed range. The override for the lock is the dictionary definition of ironic, however: the technique makes owners type out the answer to a CAPTCHA challenge onscreen, encouraging the very problem it's meant to stop. As much as we could still see the hassle being enough to deter some messaging-addicted drivers, we have a hunch that the miniscule hurdle is a primary reason why the 2009-era patent hasn't found its way into a shipping BlackBerry. Maybe RIM should have chronic texters solve a Rubik's Cube instead.Filed under: CellphonesRIM patent uses motion, CAPTCHAs to stop texting while driving, shows a fine appreciation of irony originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | USPTO | Email this | Comments

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:21 AM PDT

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon


2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, Europe/EU, First DriveSampling Chevy's New Overseas-Only Diesel-Powered Wonder Wagon Since it came on the scene in 2009, General Motors' first truly global modern-day product, the Chevrolet Cruze, has become the company's best seller. Over 1.5 million deliveries - admittedly 46 percent to rental fleets, 12 percent to company car fleets and 42 percent as private purchases - have helped firmly establish the Cruze in people's minds worldwide. And we've really liked our Cruze experiences so far. It won't necessarily win all the comparison battles going head-to-head with competitors (it did win one of ours - Ed), but it could well win the whole sales war, which is ultimately the best sign of a well-done mass-produced small car when it carries a Chevrolet Bowtie. We've had drives aplenty in the original four-door sedan, and in 2011 we tooled around in the five-door hatch. Now it's the station wagon's chance to impress us. Besides the Cruze wagon's above-average load lugging credentials for everyday practicality, this li'l Chevy is important enough to warrant the simultaneous launch of a new range of turbo-diesel engines as well as the Euro-launch of the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder we've had from the start. The packages we tested definitely take the Cruze's game up a notch or two.Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Samsung drops universal search from Sprint's Galaxy S III

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:21 AM PDT

Samsung drops universal search from Sprint's Galaxy S III


Samsung drops universal search from Sprint's Galaxy S III
Sprint's latest OTA update to its new flagship jewel, the Galaxy S III, addressed some security niggles, but the download remained otherwise fuzzy on the details. It now appears the update also nixes the universal search function, meaning the handy box now directs to the web upon entry. It's likely a response to recent legal hairpulling between Apple and the Samsung-made Galaxy Nexus -- a phone which has the very same search capabilities. As Android Central notes, those looking to return the search option can hit up a download of the previous version in their forums. Visit the source to grab it while you can.Filed under: CellphonesSamsung drops universal search from Sprint's Galaxy S III originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Talk Android | Android Central | Email this | Comments

Think Geek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in tim...

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:21 AM PDT

Think Geek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con


Think Geek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con
Ever wished you too could make use of the awesome powers that lie within Dr. Matt Smith's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver? Well, it's still not exactly a reality as the space-bred handyman's gadget seen on Doctor Who, but ThinkGeek and The Wand Company have you covered if an IR-packing replica universal remote sounds good enough. This BBC-licensed Mark VII remote handles up to 39 commands that are all controlled using 13 different motion gestures. Of course, if a controlling the likes of TV and AV devices in an extraterrestrial fashion just isn't your thing, there's always ThinkGeek's Sonic Screwdriver flashlight, right? There's no word on price just yet, but San Diego Comic-Con attendees can try it out first-hand at the BBC America Booth (#3629) starting July 12. The Mark VII remote is set to go sale at ThinkGeek's website on August 31st, so for now we'll direct you to the press release after the break.Continue reading Think Geek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-ConFiled under: Misc. Gadgets, Home EntertainmentThink Geek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments