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Monday, July 16, 2012

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Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 03:11 PM PDT

Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage


Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage
Bob Lutz recently stopped by to see Jay Leno at the comedian's Big Dog Garage, and the legendary auto executive has brought along his latest project, an extended-range VTrux electric pickup by Via Motors. The creation combines a 4.3-liter V6 with an electric motor to offer around 50 miles of all-electric driving and a full range of 300 miles. When connected to a 220-volt outlet, the truck takes just four hours to fully charge. What's more, Lutz says Via Motors can install the same driveline in full-size General Motors vans as well as models like the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and, of course, the Cadillac Escalade. Leno seems pretty taken with the final product, saying he can't tell a difference between the VTrux plug-in hybrid and a standard Silverado pickup, save for its quiet operation. Just like in the Chevrolet Volt, once the batteries go dead, the V6 under the hood takes over to turn a generator to provide power to charge the batteries of the electric motor once again. It sounds like a pretty neat setup, though there's always the looming question of cost - Via Motors estimates the price of a Silverado-based VTRUX at $79,000 - when built "in volume." Check out the full episode of Jay Leno's Garage featuring Bob Lutz below.Continue reading Bob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's GarageBob Lutz and his Volt-like truck visit Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 to be bundled on all Windows RT tablets

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 03:11 PM PDT

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 to be bundled on all Windows RT tablets


Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 to be bundled on all Windows RT tablets
The playing field in the world of Windows tablets became a bit more level today, as Microsoft has announced that Office Home and Student 2013 will be bundled for free with all Windows RT computers. Perhaps the move shouldn't come as a complete surprise, as the company had previously revealed the inclusion of Office on its own ARM-based Surface tablet. For those who'd feared that Microsoft wouldn't play fairly with its hardware partners, however, it seems that at least some of those concerns can be put aside. Naturally, everything you've come to expect in the Home and Student edition will be there, which includes Microsoft Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint. If you're unsure of what to expect, be sure to check out our recent preview of the productivity suite.Filed under: Tablet PCs, SoftwareMicrosoft Office Home and Student 2013 to be bundled on all Windows RT tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PhoneArena | Microsoft | Email this | Comments

DARPA fights fire with sound and electricity, hopes 'ionic wind' could save live...

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 03:11 PM PDT

DARPA fights fire with sound and electricity, hopes 'ionic wind' could save lives in the field


DARPA fights fire with sound and electricity, hopes 'ionic wind' could save lives in the field
Fire, frenemy of humanity since time immemorial. Typical extinguishing methods have involved water, chemicals and even blankets, but DARPA wanted to see if there was another, more pragmatic way. Starting with the understanding of fire actually being a cold plasma, DARPA then explored fire's electromagnetic and acoustic qualities, and discovered two potential ways to quell the flame, one using electrons, the other, sound. The electron technique creates an oscillating field that separates the fire and fuel dubbed "ionic wind," the other method creates an acoustic field that increases the air velocity (thinning the the flame boundary) and causes the flames to widen and drop in temperature, dispersing the fire's energy. The concepts have been proven, but scaling these up to real world solutions is a whole different matter. Light up the videos after the break to see them in action.Continue reading DARPA fights fire with sound and electricity, hopes 'ionic wind' could save lives in the fieldFiled under: ScienceDARPA fights fire with sound and electricity, hopes 'ionic wind' could save lives in the field originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink io9 | | Email this | Comments

Raspberry Pi production ramped up to 4,000 per day, 5MP camera module on its way...

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 02:02 PM PDT

Raspberry Pi production ramped up to 4,000 per day, 5MP camera module on its way (video)


Raspberry Pi production ramped up to 4,000 per day, 5MP camera module on its way (video)
If you'd been frustrated thanks to all the Raspberries having been picked, and had even considered the bitter taste of other fruit, there's hope for you yet. The tiny computer's maker has just announced that production is now at 4,000 units per day, and the previous restriction of one purchase per person has been lifted. Good news. In addition to this is the announcement of a new camera board in the works. The 5-megapixel module is expected to cost around $20-$25, and be available in around three months. So now you can have your fill of the sweet little berries and look forward to your next upgrade too. Now you just need to think of a suitably sweet application for it.Continue reading Raspberry Pi production ramped up to 4,000 per day, 5MP camera module on its way (video)Filed under: Misc. GadgetsRaspberry Pi production ramped up to 4,000 per day, 5MP camera module on its way (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gizmodo | Raspberry Pi | Email this | Comments

Must See HDTV (June 16th - 22nd)

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 02:02 PM PDT

Must See HDTV (June 16th - 22nd)


Must See HDTV (June 16th - 22nd)
Eureka The five season run of Syfy's Eureka ends tonight and while we never know quite what to expect from the quirky show, hopefully will wrap things up nicely for the fans. We've tried to glean hints from the title "Just Another Day", but we're coming up empty on predictions. Drop your best guesses in the comments below, and if you're not a regular viewer, this is your last opportunity to check out one of the better sci fi shows on as of late. (June 16th, Syfy, 9PM) John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show While John Oliver is known by many for his Daily Show correspondent pieces and bit part in Community, we'll be tuning in to his line up of stand up comedians as it kicks off a third season this week. The slate is ever changing but the quality is consistent, if you want to laugh you'll give this one a look. (June 20th, Comedy Central 11PM)Continue reading Must See HDTV (June 16th - 22nd)Filed under: Home EntertainmentMust See HDTV (June 16th - 22nd) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

150 'micro-mobility models' coming by 2020; will Gen Y urbanites respond?

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 01:31 PM PDT

150 'micro-mobility models' coming by 2020; will Gen Y urbanites respond?


150 'micro-mobility models' coming by 2020; will Gen Y urbanites respond?
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Green Culture, MPG What do electric bikes, cars without doors and pod cars have in common? They are all "Micro-Mobility Models," according to Frost & Sullivan, and we're going to be seeing many, many more of them in big cities in the years to come. Frost & Sullivan expects over 150 micro mobility models will be launched around the world between now and 2020 (60 by 2018), many of them from what we currently think of as regular automaker OEMs. Frost & Sullivan specifically cites the Volkswagen Bik.e, Renault Twizy, Honda EV-Neo (pictured) and General Motors EN-V as examples of micro-mobility models, and F&S says "these models are expected to grow alongside neighbourhood electric vehicles (NEVs), medium-speed vehicles, quadricycles, sub-A vehicles and even kei-cars." Regular readers will know that these sorts of vehicles (as well as even quirkier ... rides like the Honda U3-X unicycle) are right at home in urban environments. That's exactly where they will be needed most - as long as there are places to charge. Frost & Sullivan's announcement says: As many of the models in the micro-mobility segment are electric, slow growth in electric vehicle infrastructure could also hurt future micro-mobility sales. Also, any change in government focus to increase spending on public transportation over individual cars/personal mobility models could restrain revenue prospects of the micro-mobility market. The micro mobile trend meshes with another one that will define how automakers change in the future: young people don't care as much about cars. Getting the kids into micro rides might not all be smooth sailing, given a 2009 report says that Generation Y does, in fact, like green and gadgets, but are not as big a fan of small vehicles.Continue reading 150 'micro-mobility models' coming by 2020; will Gen Y urbanites respond?150 'micro-mobility models' coming by 2020; will Gen Y urbanites respond? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Yahoo appoints former Google exec Marissa Mayer as CEO

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Yahoo appoints former Google exec Marissa Mayer as CEO


Yahoo appoints former Google exec Marissa Mayer as CEO
As a top executive and employee number 20 at Google, there wasn't necessarily a tremendous opportunity for growth at the Mountain View search giant. That may explain Marissa Mayer's recent decision to jump ship in favor of joining Yahoo as the company's chief executive -- a role the former Google VP of Local, Maps and Location Services plans to assume tomorrow. Mayer joined Google way back in June of 1999 as the company's first female engineer, and remained employed until her resignation earlier today. There's no question that Yahoo will be in good hands -- its new CEO does in fact have a degree in computer science -- but the company's future still remains in question, following a clear inability to catch up to its chief competition.Filed under: InternetYahoo appoints former Google exec Marissa Mayer as CEO originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The New York Times | Email this | Comments

Motorola discounts the MOTOACTV $100, hopes you're still in bikini slim-down mode

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 01:31 PM PDT

Motorola discounts the MOTOACTV $100, hopes you're still in bikini slim-down mode


Motorola discounts the MOTOACTV $100, hopes you're still in bikini slim-down mode
Still in the middle of your seasonal weight loss regimen? Well, if you're in the market for a new fitness wearable, Motorola has dropped the price on its MOTOACTV to $149.99 for the 8GB model, $199.99 for the 16GB version and $299.99 for the Multi-Sport Edition. Need a quick refresher? You can expect to keep track of your running, biking, golfing and other sporty exploits alongside GPS, MP3 playback, heart rate monitor and Bluetooth. You'll also be able to brag about those progress updates with your Facebook and Twitter mates alongside the $100 price cut. Ready to commit? Hit that source link below to do just that.Filed under: WearablesMotorola discounts the MOTOACTV $100, hopes you're still in bikini slim-down mode originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Motorola | Email this | Comments

Georgie app offers up Android features and voice-guided menus for the blind: we...

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 12:54 PM PDT

Georgie app offers up Android features and voice-guided menus for the blind: we go hands-on (video)


Georgie app offers up Android features and voice-guided menus for the blind: we go hands-on (video)
Phone options for the blind previously been pricey hardware based solutions -- or feature-light (physically-heavy) handsets. While the functional abilities of smartphones have expanded out wildly from the mobile devices we used to use, accessibility options have remained firmly in the past. Enter Georgie, an Android app that offers up a blind-friendly interface to open up the likes of maps, Twitter and email. It also includes an OCR function that can both re-display text in larger fonts and offer an audio version for listening. You can even store these photos for listening to later. Navigation through the app is steered by holding your finger to the screen, hearing the menu described and giving haptic feedback to confirm your choice. Keep reading to see how the app developed and our impressions on how it all works. You can also check out our hands-on video, which includes a glimpse at the app's OCR read-out feature and a quick demonstration from its co-creator Roger.Continue reading Georgie app offers up Android features and voice-guided menus for the blind: we go hands-on (video)Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareGeorgie app offers up Android features and voice-guided menus for the blind: we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sight and Sound, Georgie (Google Play) | Email this | Comments

Test Driving Microsoft’s Office 2013

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Test Driving Microsoft's Office 2013


Test Driving Microsoft's Office 2013
To say that 2012 is make or break for Microsoft would be an understatement. The typically quiet and somewhat boring juggernaut has been on a roll as of late with the announcement of the Surface, Windows Phone 8 and the end of the year roll out of of its flagship Windows product, Windows 8. Today's press conference in San Francisco is no different with the introduction of the next generation of Office. Armed with a Samsung Series 7 tablet running Windows 8, I've been testing out a build of the new Office for close to a week. While it might not be as sexy as most every other product in the lineup, Office makes up a huge portion of Microsoft's revenue and it's something that clearly needs to be protected. But let's clear up the different versions of Office and why it's not just being called Office 2013 or even Office 15. Here's the breakdown straight from the horse's mouth. The following are some impressions of the new Office based on a build run on a tablet and not the final consumer version.

Microsoft Office 2013 preview: details, screenshots and impressions

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Microsoft Office 2013 preview: details, screenshots and impressions


Microsoft Office 2013 preview: details, screenshots and impressions
More Info Microsoft begins Office 15 technical preview, fills up before you knew it existed Microsoft Office 15 leaks suggest Office 2013 name, show off Metro logo and Web Apps UI Office Next blog is here to answer all your burning questions about the future of spreadsheets It's been about three years since Microsoft unveiled a new version of Office, and particularly with Windows 8 just months away from dropping, the software has been well overdue for an upgrade. Today, Redmond unveiled the latest edition --Office 2013 (aka Office 15) -- which the company will be showing in a preview stage until the final version goes on sale (hit up the source link if you want to download it for yourself). Perhaps the biggest news isn't any single feature Microsoft's added to Word (hello, easy YouTube embeds!), but how and where you'll access your files. With this version, the company is moving to a subscription-based model wherein your Office files are tied to your Microsoft ID. Once you sign up, you can download the various desktop apps to a certain number of devices and, as with Windows 8, your settings, SkyDrive files and even the place where you left off in a document will follow you from device to device. (It's telling, we think, that files now save to the cloud by default.) As you'd expect, too, this version is also more tablet-friendly than editions past, with a touch mode that widens the spacing between onscreen objects and flattens menus. In Word and PowerPoint, you'll also find a read-only mode that turns documents into full-screen editions, whose pages you can swipe through as you would an e-book or digital magazine. Of course, Microsoft included plenty of granular updates like PDF editing and a behind-the-scenes Presenter View in PowerPoint. Fortunately for you, curious power users, we've been spending the better part of a week testing the software on a Samsung Series 7 Slate loaded up with Windows 8. So join us past the break where we'll give you a detailed breakdown of what's new, along with screenshots and detailed first impressions.Continue reading Microsoft Office 2013 preview: details, screenshots and impressionsFiled under: SoftwareMicrosoft Office 2013 preview: details, screenshots and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Office Preview download link | Email this | Comments

Sprint bundles Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and a mobile hotspot: $850 plus a monthly bill

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Sprint bundles Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and a mobile hotspot: $850 plus a monthly bill


Sprint bundles Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and a mobile hotspot: $850 plus a monthly bill
Looking to snag a mobile hotspot with your pending Ultrabook purchase? If so, Sprint is looking to be the first US carrier to oblige with a package deal. The wireless provider will bundle the Lenovo IdeaPad U310 with a 3G / 4G mobile hotspot for $849 -- plus a monthly bill of either $34.99 or $49.99 for the added connectivity. If that wasn't enough to get you to pull the trigger, the outfit has also thrown in three months of service for free once you commit to two years of Sprint's mobile broadband. You'll be strapped with the Core i5 CPU version of the Ultrabook, but you'll be able to decide between either a MiFi or an Overdrive Pro for the hotspot option. Itchin' to take the plunge? Hit that second source link below to sign up and part with your funds.Filed under: Laptops, WirelessSprint bundles Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and a mobile hotspot: $850 plus a monthly bill originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Intel, Sprint | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile Tweets That It’s Getting The Samsung Galaxy Note

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 12:20 PM PDT

T-Mobile Tweets That It's Getting The Samsung Galaxy Note


T-Mobile Tweets That It's Getting The Samsung Galaxy Note
We've seen the evidence pile up in front of us over the past couple months, but T-Mobile has just made the Galaxy Note's destiny official by the law of social media. After user @epicrivas asked "What's up with the Galaxy Note for T-Mobile?" the carrier responded with the following: @epicrivas We are excited to confirm the Samsung Galaxy Note will be coming to T-Mobile! More info to come.^JM— T-Mobile USA (@TMobileHelp) July 16, 2012

Nexus Q hacked to run CM9 and XBMC, inches closer to usefulness

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:48 AM PDT

Nexus Q hacked to run CM9 and XBMC, inches closer to usefulness


Nexus Q hacked to run CM9 and XBMC, inches closer to usefulness
The Nexus Q hacks are coming fast and furious now, and inching closer to true usefulness with each one. The latest is easily the most exciting -- a port of full-blown CyanogenMod 9 and XMBC for Android. While the hack was the work of the actual CM team, the Q is not an officially supported device. There are still plenty of quirks and bugs to iron out, but WiFi and Bluetooth are both up and running. If you've got one of the expertly crafted magnesium spheres, there's nothing stopping you from blessing it with a little custom ROM love. Just know that there's still lots of work to do, especially on the XMBC for Android front which is still very much in the experimental stage. To see CM9 in action check out the video after the break and hit up the more coverage link for install instructions.Continue reading Nexus Q hacked to run CM9 and XBMC, inches closer to usefulnessFiled under: SoftwareNexus Q hacked to run CM9 and XBMC, inches closer to usefulness originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechnoBuffalo, The Verge | CyanogenMod (Google+) | Email this | Comments

Researcher calls platinum wrong for fuel cell development, looks elsewhere for e...

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:47 AM PDT

Researcher calls platinum wrong for fuel cell development, looks elsewhere for efficiency


Researcher calls platinum wrong for fuel cell development, looks elsewhere for efficiency
Hearing that fuel cells aren't the most efficient thing in the world shouldn't take you by surprise, but a determination by one Alfred Anderson just might. The chemistry professor from Case Western Reserve University is now making a case for using something other than platinum as the "catalyst most commonly used to convert chemical energy to electricity." According to him: "Using platinum is like putting a resistor in the system." To be fair, Anderson still isn't sure which material should replace it, but he's adamant that wizards in the field should be spending their time looking for substitutes instead of tweaking platinum further. Currently, he's working with other researchers in order to find something that'll one-up what we're using today, and if you're into oodles of technobabble, you can dig into the ins and outs of his claims in the source link below.Filed under: ScienceResearcher calls platinum wrong for fuel cell development, looks elsewhere for efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Science Daily, Physorg | Email this | Comments

Brammo gets GE Capital financing to sell more e-bikes

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:13 AM PDT

Brammo gets GE Capital financing to sell more e-bikes


Brammo gets GE Capital financing to sell more e-bikes
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels More plug-in motorcycles? We're in, says General Electric. GE Capital reached an agreement with Brammo to provide financing necessary for the e-bike maker to expand its inventory. The agreement will help Oregon-based Brammo expand its dealer network. This isn't the first time GE has stood behind the concept of electric-powered transportation. Not even close. GE has said it will buy as many as 25,000 plug-in vehicles for either its customers or its own company fleet. In March, Brammo reached an agreement with North Carolina-based Sheffield Financial to provide customer financing for Brammo's bikes. Last year, Brammo, whose models include the Encite, Enertia, Empulse and Engage (hey, we notice a trend there), got a $28-million equity investment from Polaris Industries, which also owns neighborhood-electric vehicle maker Global Electric Motorcars (GEM).Continue reading Brammo gets GE Capital financing to sell more e-bikesBrammo gets GE Capital financing to sell more e-bikes originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Touchscreens Have It: IAB Says Tablets, Smartphones Driving Big Returns On Ads

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:13 AM PDT

The Touchscreens Have It: IAB Says Tablets, Smartphones Driving Big Returns On Ads


The Touchscreens Have It: IAB Says Tablets, Smartphones Driving Big Returns On Ads
Revenues from mobile ads are only a small fraction of the overall digital advertising pie -- and an even smaller slice of overall advertising revenues, but some research out today from the Internet Advertising Bureau underscore why that may well change in the future: ads that appear on touchscreen devices like tablets and smarphones are showing some of the highest levels of engagement of all digital ads. The report, conducted in conjunction with ABI Research, is the result of interviews with 552 smartphone owners and 563 tablet users and presents a pretty comprehensive picture of how those users are interacting with ads on their devices -- covering topics like what media they are consuming when they are viewing and responding to ads, where they are, what time of day it is, what ads work the best, and what users do after they see the ads. At a time when the mobile ad market is still thin on comprehensive and standard reporting metrics (although the IAB is working on that, too) and scale compared to online ads, the results could prove a useful tool for those looking for how best to tackle mobile ad campaigns in the future.

iOS 6 beta 3 wends its way to developers

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:13 AM PDT

iOS 6 beta 3 wends its way to developers


iOS 6 beta 3 wends its way to developers
It's been a long three weeks since iOS 6 beta 2 arrived to refine Apple's next mobile OS, so it's with some relief that beta 3 has just popped up as an over-the-air update. As always, the attention is on mending bugs and bringing the code closer to what an everyday iPad, iPhone or iPod touch owner will see when all is said and done. Those of us regular users pining for Passbook will still have a number of reasons to wait awhile before we can get our own direct taste in the fall -- not the least of which is Apple's recent clampdown on bootleg access. [Thanks, Jamie]Filed under: CellphonesiOS 6 beta 3 wends its way to developers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | 9to5 Mac | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile officially confirms Samsung Galaxy Note, more details in coming weeks

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:13 AM PDT

T-Mobile officially confirms Samsung Galaxy Note, more details in coming weeks


T-Mobile officially confirms Samsung Galaxy Note, more details in coming weeks
Due to numerous marketing materials, FCC documents and other leaks, T-Mobile hasn't exactly made it a secret that the Samsung Galaxy Note would be coming to its network sometime soon. We've been begging the company to just come clean about it and confirm the inevitable, and a spokesperson has finally pulled the trigger, announcing on Twitter that it indeed is going to be coming to the lineup. This is unfortunately all the carrier is willing to divulge at this time, however, as we were told in a separate email that it will have "more details to share in the coming weeks." We're now strongly considering a pool on whether or not it'll arrive before a rumored sequel is announced. [Thanks, Ramon]Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessT-Mobile officially confirms Samsung Galaxy Note, more details in coming weeks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Twitter | Email this | Comments

Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:13 AM PDT

Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes


Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes
The waiting is the hardest part -- just ask stateside fans of the Xperia NXT series. But in a welcome change of fortune, Sony's breaking down international borders and making its Android trio available unlocked for American mitts. Interested parties can hit up Sony stores or visit the usual online mega retailers now to snag the 12-megapixel-toting Xperia S, WhiteMagic-y P and wee U for $560, $480 and $300, respectively. You'll have to hitch your wireless ride to AT&T to take full advantage of the goods and there's no 4G LTE service to speak of, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Hit up the source link below to get'em while they're hot.Continue reading Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastesFiled under: Cellphones, WirelessSony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sony | Email this | Comments

Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 10:43 AM PDT

Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes


Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes
The waiting is the hardest part -- just ask stateside fans of the Xperia NXT series. But in a welcome change of fortune, Sony's breaking down international borders and making its Android trio available unlocked for American mitts. Interested parties can hit up Sony stores or visit the usual online mega retailers now to snag the 12-megapixel-toting Xperia S, WhiteMagic-y P and wee U for $560, $480 and $300, respectively. You'll have to hitch your wireless ride to AT&T to take full advantage of the goods and there's no 4G LTE service to speak of, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Hit up the source link below to get'em while they're hot.Continue reading Sony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastesFiled under: Cellphones, WirelessSony Xperia NXT series available now unlocked for US tastes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sony | Email this | Comments

NVIDIA scores $12.4 million contract from the DOE to help FastForward exascale c...

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 10:42 AM PDT

NVIDIA scores $12.4 million contract from the DOE to help FastForward exascale computing


NVIDIA scores $12.4 million contract from the DOE to help FastForward exascale computing
Sick and tired of waiting around for some exascale computing? So's the Department of Energy. The agency has offered up a $12.4 million contract to NVIDIA as part of its FastForward program, an attempt help speed up exascale development. The chipmaker will be using the two-year contract to help develop architecture for an exascale computer that operates at a "reasonable power level," in order to "advance the frontiers of science." Possible implications for exascale computing include the study of climate change, development of efficient engines, the search for disease cures, according to NVIDIA -- not to mention "reasons of national security and economic competitiveness."Filed under: ScienceNVIDIA scores $12.4 million contract from the DOE to help FastForward exascale computing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Ubergizmo | NVIDIA | Email this | Comments

Ford Recalls Escape SUVs

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 10:42 AM PDT

Ford Recalls Escape SUVs


Ford Recalls Escape SUVs
Carpet padding could block the driver's foot, Ford says.

US Navy deploys SeaFox submarines to Persian Gulf for universal mine control

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 10:07 AM PDT

US Navy deploys SeaFox submarines to Persian Gulf for universal mine control


US Navy deploys SeaFox submarines to Persian Gulf for universal mine control
Tasked with mine detection and eradication in the Persian Gulf, the US Navy has sent a fleet of unmanned submarines to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open in Iran. Dubbed the SeaFox, each vehicle houses an underwater TV camera, sonar and a dose of explosives. Tipping the scales at less than 100 pounds, the subs are about four feet in length and are controlled via fiber optic cable that sends the live feed back to the captain of each ship. SeaFoxes can dive to depths of 300 meters and boasts a top speed of six knots. The units are thrust into action from helicopters, small rubber boats and off the rear of minesweepers and are capable of disposing of the aforementioned weapons of both the floating and drifting sort. There is one small catch: the $100,000 submarine destroys itself in the process, making each successful trek a suicide mission of sorts.Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, RobotsUS Navy deploys SeaFox submarines to Persian Gulf for universal mine control originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Register, Business Insider | LA Times | Email this | Comments

Canadian cops chase 186 mph speeder

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 10:06 AM PDT

Canadian cops chase 186 mph speeder


Canadian cops chase 186 mph speeder
Police on the lookout for this scofflaw had better not blink.

Into the wild: cultivating the next generation of American scientists with Proje...

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 09:34 AM PDT

Into the wild: cultivating the next generation of American scientists with Project Aether


Into the wild: cultivating the next generation of American scientists with Project Aether
At first it was faint -- a blurry smear bisecting the sky above, running roughly north to south and flanked by a second, even more indistinct line to the west. Soon, though, both lines began to change, coalescing and intensifying into bright green streaks impossible to miss and difficult to ignore. As the night began to expire and the morning matured, those lines grew brighter and brighter and then, without warning, they started to dance. Numbing feet and chilly fingers forgotten, bundled-up onlookers looked skyward to gasp and laugh out loud as the evergreen, spectral curtains far above began to waver and move, blown by a fickle celestial wind. Waves traveled from north to south and back as the luminescent lines above twisted, forming glowing knots of purple and red before slowly spreading out, covering the night sky in green, bright enough that even the snow-colored landscape glowed like an emerald wonderland. Gradually, the motion stopped and slowed, seeming to stall in the sky above, exhausted before -- encore; the heavenly dance began anew.Gallery: Alaska Project AetherContinue reading Into the wild: cultivating the next generation of American scientists with Project AetherFiled under: Misc. GadgetsInto the wild: cultivating the next generation of American scientists with Project Aether originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

GM's gay-friendly Chevy Volt ad was just the start, it turns out

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT

GM's gay-friendly Chevy Volt ad was just the start, it turns out


GM's gay-friendly Chevy Volt ad was just the start, it turns out
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GMA month ago, General Motors put out a clever ad for the Chevrolet Volt in support of the Motor City Pride event in Detroit. The commercial, which showed a Volt telling its parents, "Mom, Dad, I'm electric," attracted some positive attention. Actually, a surprising amount of positive attention. In response, the Detroit Free Press is reporting, GM is going to start putting even more Volt ads in LBGT media outlets. As Jan Stevenson, the co-publisher of Between The Lines, the gay and lesbian newspaper where the ad was first published, told the Freep, "This was a good omen. [GM] put their toe in the water, and it worked out really, really well. If anyone's really paying attention to it, they would say, 'Wow, this is an untapped market.'" GM spokesman Tom Henderson told the Freep that the as "told us that this was something worth undertaking when the opportunities present themselves." According to recent demographic surveys cited by the Freep, gay and lesbian people who are shopping for new cars make about 10 percent more money (an average of $120,641, compared to $109,678 for straight shoppers) and are "more likely to embrace fuel-efficient vehicles and high-tech features," on average. Sounds like exactly the kind of customers who GM should get into a Volt test drive, and it would fit with GM's history of supporting GLBT causes like Gay Day at the Movies with the Camaro (which did cause some problems) and employees who contributed to the It Gets Better campaign.GM's gay-friendly Chevy Volt ad was just the start, it turns out originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

AMD chops up to $50 off Radeon HD 7970, 7950 and 7870 graphics cards

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 08:59 AM PDT

AMD chops up to $50 off Radeon HD 7970, 7950 and 7870 graphics cards


AMD chops up to $50 off Radeon HD 7970, 7950 and 7870 graphics cards
The recent release of the Radeon HD 7970 Ghz Edition is having knock-on benefits further down the stack. $20 has now been shaved off the regular 7970 rrp in addition to the last discount we reported, while the 7950 is down $50 to $349 and the 7870 has also been nudged $50 deeper into the mid-range sweet spot at $249. Other cards in the line-up may also drop by some degree, although there's no official word on those just yet. These summer prices should start having an impact in stores from today -- just in time to benefit from the latest Catalyst 12.7 drivers, which promise to bring significant performance gains and hence even more tension to your NVIDIA product comparisons.Continue reading AMD chops up to $50 off Radeon HD 7970, 7950 and 7870 graphics cardsFiled under: Desktops, GamingAMD chops up to $50 off Radeon HD 7970, 7950 and 7870 graphics cards originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Jolla signs deal to bring future MeeGo handsets to Chinese retailer D.Phone

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 08:26 AM PDT

Jolla signs deal to bring future MeeGo handsets to Chinese retailer D.Phone


Jolla signs deal to bring future MeeGo handsets to Chinese retailer D.Phone
With only vague plans for two new Meego smartphones and a loose commitment from Nokia in its pocket, nervy startup Jolla went ahead and signed its first sales channel -- Chinese retailer D.Phone. The company made the announcement by Twitter, since it doesn't even have a website yet, calling itself a "rising smartphone product company," and saying that it will use D.Phone's 2,000 stores to sell the as-yet nonexistent handsets to Chinese consumers. It also confirmed that the first device would launch later this year featuring a fresh version of MeeGo, though the company didn't discuss dates or any new features that the new OS version might pack. For a mobile platform that was on death's door, it may have just been gifted a possible reprieve -- provided Jolla can build phones to match its ambitious plans.Filed under: CellphonesJolla signs deal to bring future MeeGo handsets to Chinese retailer D.Phone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | Jolla (Twitter) | Email this | Comments

Engadget Giveaway: win a Motorola Atrix HD!

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 08:25 AM PDT

Engadget Giveaway: win a Motorola Atrix HD!


Engadget Giveaway: win a Motorola Atrix HD!
Intrigued by Motorola's new flagship device on AT&T? If you read our review on the Atrix HD you'll know the smartphone is a solid choice in the $99 price range, but today and tomorrow is your time to try grabbing one for the especially awesome cost of zilch. In celebration of its launch this week, Motorola provided us with a brand new unit to hand out to a lucky reader. You know the routine -- head below, leave a comment and keep those fingers crossed. Good luck!Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win a Motorola Atrix HD!Filed under: AnnouncementsEngadget Giveaway: win a Motorola Atrix HD! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments