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Friday, July 27, 2012

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Ducati vs. Porsche: The Drag Race

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:50 PM PDT

Ducati vs. Porsche: The Drag Race


Ducati vs. Porsche: The Drag Race
One beastly car, one bonkers bike and a drag strip – why not?

Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:17 PM PDT

Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)


Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)
HP has acknowledged that it's been working on a Windows 8 tablet; it just hasn't mentioned whether or not the rumored Slate 8 is part of its plans. Imagine our surprise, then, when we're told that HP's 60-second "Make It Matter" commercial ends with an unannounced yet familiar-looking tablet right at the 56-second mark. There's only a fleeting glimpse, but it shows a metallic-looking body with a large black antenna window -- the combination of which would fit in with the Slate 8's purported aesthetics. We've asked HP whether or not this is a clever teaser for a real product or just as conceptual as the rest of the ad, and we'll let you know if we hear back on the subject. In the meantime, you can inspect the video evidence for yourself after the break. [Thanks, Brian]Continue reading Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)Filed under: Tablet PCsIs HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | YouTube | Email this | Comments

ZTE Grand X reaches UK shops a tad early through Phones4U

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:17 PM PDT

ZTE Grand X reaches UK shops a tad early through Phones4U


ZTE Grand X reaches UK shops a tad early through Phones4U
Virgin Mobile had originally promised the UK version of the ZTE Grand X for early August. The carrier just can't contain its enthusiasm: it's letting retail partner Phones4U sell the budget smartphone as of today. While you're busy skipping the start of the Olympics, the store will give you a Grand X for free if you're willing to spend at least £20.50 ($32) per month on a tariff instead of opting for the £190 ($299) pay-as-you-go hardware price. As we saw in China, the appeal of the Grand X is in those numbers -- it's more the temptation of stock Android 4.0 in a low-priced (if capable) suit than the hardware. Phones4U does hope to sweeten the pot through a contest. We hope you like the musical styles of Professor Green, as the British retailer is giving early Grand X adopters a chance to win both a custom Professor Green case as well as tickets to a private concert.Filed under: CellphonesZTE Grand X reaches UK shops a tad early through Phones4U originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Phones4U | Email this | Comments

3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is gen...

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:17 PM PDT

3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is generally fab


3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is generally fab
Is there anything this tool from MIT's Ilan Moyer and collaborator Nadya Peek can't do? Probably, but that list seems likely to be shorter than the list of those it can. So far, Popfab has been shown doing a little printing during a brief video, but Moyer has promised a lot more to come, telling Core 77, "we also have toolheads working for vinyl cutting, milling and drawing," all of which promise to show up in subsequent episodes. The tool (which has other fans) has apparently already made its way around the world in the form of carry-on luggage, helping fulfill its creators desire to support "the nomadic designer" -- just a briefcase, a power source and a dream.Continue reading 3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is generally fabFiled under: Misc. Gadgets3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is generally fab originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge, Core 77 | Vimeo | Email this | Comments

Celebs Who Love to Drive Topless

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 02:17 PM PDT

Celebs Who Love to Drive Topless


Celebs Who Love to Drive Topless
12 top celebs and the convertibles they drive.

Discovery takes a look at the Mitsubishi i

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 01:43 PM PDT

Discovery takes a look at the Mitsubishi i


Discovery takes a look at the Mitsubishi i
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, North America It ain't Yosemite or shark attacks, but we'll take it. The Discovery Channel has turned its attention to the evolution of the Mitsubishi i electric vehicle. The channel will run an episode titled 'Birth of a Mitsubishi i-MiEV' on August 4. The show, which is promo'd in the awful short video below (just 15 seconds), will run in Canada, though no word on if or when it will run in the U.S., according to Green Car Reports. So far, the jellybean-shaped car has been more of a novelty than a game-changer in the U.S. Through the first six months of the year, Mitsubishi sold 333 i EVs, though last month's 33 units marked the first time month-over-month sales declined in 2012. The i was rated by the EPA to go 62 miles on a single charge, 12 fewer than the Nissan Leaf. Mitsubishi debuted the car as the i-MiEV in Japan in 2009.Continue reading Discovery takes a look at the Mitsubishi iDiscovery takes a look at the Mitsubishi i originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Samsung ChatON for Android gets Olympic Buddy feature, also sports a new logo

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 01:43 PM PDT

Samsung ChatON for Android gets Olympic Buddy feature, also sports a new logo


Samsung ChatON for Android gets Olympic Buddy feature, also sports a new logo
Ever since its debut late last year, Samsung's ChatON application has been a moderate hit amongst folks using iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Android devices. Now, along with outing a slightly redesigned logo (pictured above), the Korean outfit's also updated its app in Google's sweet OS to version 1.9.5 on handsets, or 1.7.3 if you're handling one of those larger slabs. Most notably, the ChatON refresh brings the London 2012 spirit with a timely "Olympic Buddy" feature, which keeps you in the loop by pushing out breaking news, daily schedules and, of course, medal tables. Additionally, there's now a walkie-talkie service within the phone application, while the tablet variant gained the ability to send documents to your friends -- not to mention it finally lets you use fancy emoticons. Feeling pretty antsy to give it a try? That Google Play link below will take you there.Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareSamsung ChatON for Android gets Olympic Buddy feature, also sports a new logo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Sammy Hub | Google Play | Email this | Comments

Pinwheel Changes Name To Findery Following Injunction

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 01:42 PM PDT

Pinwheel Changes Name To Findery Following Injunction


Pinwheel Changes Name To Findery Following Injunction
Location-based note-sharing app Pinwheel has changed its name to Findery, after the U.S. District Court of New York granted Pinweel, a photo-sharing app, a preliminary injunction over the similar names. In February, Caterina Fake (yep, last name Fake involved in a naming-rights lawsuit...I can't make this stuff up) launched Pinwheel. The older Pinweel demanded that Pinwheel change its name, and eventually they wound up in court.

GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video)

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 01:08 PM PDT

GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video)


GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video)
Car makers have been peddling wireless pedestrian avoidance systems almost as long as there have been automobiles. (We believe one of the earliest was called the "side view mirror.") GM's new experiment though, differs from other implementations by skipping out on the 3G, cameras and radar -- instead going for a model built around WiFi Direct. The peer-to-peer 802.11 standard hasn't exactly set the world on fire, but the WiFi Alliance is diligently tweaking the platform and apparently GM thinks its a perfect match for connecting cars, cyclists and pedestrians to each other. Unlike 3G-based systems, there's little lag between locating and identifying bikes or people crossing the street since the signal doesn't have to be bounced off a satellite. It also has a leg up on radar detection since WiFi can be a two way pipeline -- alerting someone out for a stroll of an oncoming vehicle. Of course, it will be some time before anything like this actually makes it into a production vehicle. But, in the meantime, you can check out the PR and video after the break.Continue reading GM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video)Filed under: Transportation, WirelessGM testing pedestrian detection system powered by WiFi Direct (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Commenting on Engadget: a refresher, and how you can help

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Commenting on Engadget: a refresher, and how you can help


Commenting on Engadget: a refresher, and how you can help
It's been far, far too long since we've had an excuse to run that rad picture of dinosaurs with laser guns. It's also been some time since we offered up a gentle reminder about the delicate dance that is the Engadget comments system -- and since things seem to have gone off the rails a bit lately, we've found a good way to accomplish both tasks. After the break, you'll discover everything you need to know in order to become a valued member of the world of Engadget commenting. As ever, we reserve the right to delete those comments that we deem to be trollin' or hatin' -- and to ban repeat offenders. We don't like banning people, and we realize that haters do have to hate, but we do want to encourage active and open debate. This is the best way for us to do that. Of course, to keep things on track we need some assistance, and while a few, proud comment moderators have been helping out for months now, it's time to invite a few more into the fold. More information on how to become a member of the elite moderating forces after the break.Continue reading Commenting on Engadget: a refresher, and how you can helpFiled under: AnnouncementsCommenting on Engadget: a refresher, and how you can help originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

IBM's Think app brings history of innovation to iPad and Android tablets

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 12:25 PM PDT

IBM's Think app brings history of innovation to iPad and Android tablets


IBM's Think app brings history of innovation to iPad and Android tablets
IBM first tried to make people "Think" using a pop-up art installation in New York, but now it's switched to something rather more traditional: a tablet app that is available free on iOS and Android. It lays out the timeline of scientific advances like the metal detector, airplane and telescope, and contains a ten-minute HD film on tech innovation, to boot. IBM claims the app will be used in schools to create lesson plans, so you might want to grab it (see coverage link below) before your kids start clueing you in on technology -- even more than usual, that is.Filed under: Tablet PCs, SoftwareIBM's Think app brings history of innovation to iPad and Android tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | IBM Smarter Planet Blog | Email this | Comments

CNG vehicle sales will grow, global hybrid sales will grow more by 2015

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 11:49 AM PDT

CNG vehicle sales will grow, global hybrid sales will grow more by 2015


CNG vehicle sales will grow, global hybrid sales will grow more by 2015
Filed under: Hybrid, Natural Gas, Europe/EU Saying that sales of hybrid and compressed natural-gas (CNG) vehicles will grow during the next few years is a bit of a "dog bites man" story, but at least one firm is willing to put some specific numbers on the tale. Consumer research firm TechNavio is doing the honors, giving specific forecasts for sales of CNG vehicles in Europe as well as hybrid-electric vehicle batteries worldwide. TechNavio predicts annual global hybrid battery sales will grow at a CAGR of 25.2 percent between 2011 and 2015. BYD, Panasonic and Sanyo will be among the leading producers during this time. As for CNG vehicles, sales in Europe will grow at a CAGR of 14 percent. Which companies will win here? TechNavio predicts that Fiat, Mercedes parent Daimler and Volkswagen will lead CNG vehicle production during that period. Find details on both of these reports below.Continue reading CNG vehicle sales will grow, global hybrid sales will grow more by 2015CNG vehicle sales will grow, global hybrid sales will grow more by 2015 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony rep confirms some 2011 Xperia handsets won't be tasting Google's Jelly Bean

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 11:49 AM PDT

Sony rep confirms some 2011 Xperia handsets won't be tasting Google's Jelly Bean


Sony rep confirms some 2011 Xperia handsets won't be tasting Google's Jelly Bean
Some of you might be familiar with Sony's earlier struggles to successfully (and in a timely manner) deliver Google's Ice Cream Sandwich to a slew of Xperia handsets. And, as we all know, Android 4.0's no longer the freshest treat around, thus the Walkman maker will now have to answer all the Jelly Bean questions to come. The first one to do so was a resident Sony mobile expert on the company's UK Facebook page, revealing that the Xperia Arc S and the itty-bitty Xperia Mini Pro won't be receiving the latest and greatest OS from Mountain View. Meanwhile, he also stated there's nothing buttery in the works for the elegant Xperia S, though he did say "ICS should now be approved" for the device. Perhaps this is a sign it's time to start looking for an updgrade, no?Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareSony rep confirms some 2011 Xperia handsets won't be tasting Google's Jelly Bean originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Xperia Blog | Sony UK (Facebook) | Email this | Comments

Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 11:49 AM PDT

Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)


Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Remote-controlled cameras are nothing new -- heck, some even ride atop robotic vacuums -- but this Android smartphone-powered device delivers quite a bit of versatility in a petite package with a reasonable price tag to boot. Botiful, a "social telepresence robot," serves as a roving platform for your Android smartphone. You can move the handset (and its front-facing camera) up and down as it speeds along any flat surface, responding to commands from someone on the other end of a Skype video chat. Once you connect the device to your Android phone through Bluetooth or USB, you can control its direction from a pop-up window within Skype, letting you position Botiful however you see fit. If your Android phone doesn't have a front-facing camera, you can flip it around to use the rear shooter -- of course, you won't be able to see the display in this configuration, so it won't be ideal for two-way chats. Naturally, this makes the duo a natural choice for surveillance and baby monitoring, but it can also be used to provide a more immersive experience during conference calls or for sending back video from locations that aren't easily accessible, such as the undercarriage of a car. Designed in a garage in California (no, really), Botiful is already functional, with working software as well. The current configuration requires Skype for control, though an SDK will allow developers to create other control apps for the device -- and who knows, the seemingly capable inventor could release another tool of her own before it's set to hit production later this year. With much of the design already completed, the project sponsor is turning to Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to launch Botiful to production -- the device could ship as soon as November if it reaches a $90,000 goal before August 22nd. Available in white, blue or red, the remote-controlled rig is currently only compatible with Android, though iOS support may come if funding exceeds a $100k threshold. There's still more than three weeks to go to make your pledge, with a limited number of pre-order slots available for $199 (retail pricing is expected to come in at $299). Hit up the source link below to show your support.Continue reading Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, RobotsInsert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kickstarter | Email this | Comments

Google confirms it still has a 'small portion' of Street View WiFi data, apologizes

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 11:49 AM PDT

Google confirms it still has a 'small portion' of Street View WiFi data, apologizes


Google confirms it still has a 'small portion' of Street View WiFi data, apologizes
It has seemed like Google was close to putting its Street View snooping controversy behind it a few times now, but one thing or another keeps bringing it back to the forefront. Today, it's an admission from Google that it hasn't deleted all of the so-called payload data in question after all. That revelation comes in a letter from Google Global Privacy Counsel Peter Fleisher to Steve Eckersley, head of enforcement at the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (or ICO), in which Fleisher says that Google is still in possession of a "small portion of payload data collected by our Street View vehicles in the UK." Fleisher adds that Google "apologizes for this error," and says that the data was discovered after an extensive review of its Street View data that it has been conducting in recent months. For its part, the ICO has acknowleged that it received the letter, and notes that the data was supposed to have been deleted in December of 2010, adding that "the fact that some of this information still exists appears to breach the undertaking to the ICO signed by Google in November 2010." You can find both statements in full at the ICO link below.Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, InternetGoogle confirms it still has a 'small portion' of Street View WiFi data, apologizes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Telegraph | ICO | Email this | Comments

TweetDeck updates web-based client with sleeker profiles, enhanced mentions and...

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:39 AM PDT

TweetDeck updates web-based client with sleeker profiles, enhanced mentions and hashtags


TweetDeck updates web-based client with sleeker profiles, enhanced mentions and hashtags
Now that yesterday's sudden Twitter outage is behind us, it's now time to focus on the blue bird's own, and very popular client, TweetDeck. The all-you-can-tweet service has quietly updated its internet-based client with some minor, but rather eye-pleasing tweaks. For starters, users profiles have received a slight design improvement for an overall "cleaner" look, while hashtags and mentions are now #clickable throughout TweetDeck's web offering. These changes are now live, so head over to the TD site, enter your microblogging credentials and you should be all set to give 'em a whirl.Filed under: InternetTweetDeck updates web-based client with sleeker profiles, enhanced mentions and hashtags originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Next Web | TweetDeck | Email this | Comments

Nokia Confirms Close Of Last Finnish Handset Factory: 780 Job Cuts To Follow

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:39 AM PDT

Nokia Confirms Close Of Last Finnish Handset Factory: 780 Job Cuts To Follow


Nokia Confirms Close Of Last Finnish Handset Factory: 780 Job Cuts To Follow
Nokia today confirmed the close of its last Finnish handset factory in Salo, Finland. No longer can the once-king of mobile proudly claim the words "Made in Finland." The factory's final phone was assembled on Wednesday. This isn't unexpected — Nokia informed us in June that it had plans to cut 3,700 jobs in Finland as a cost-cutting measure. And the firm went even farther, stating the overall goal is cut 10,000 jobs globally. In Salo, 780 people will lose their job this year, but Nokia has plans to keep a research facility there.

Vizify offers free infographics all about you, makes you feel like a big shot

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:39 AM PDT

Vizify offers free infographics all about you, makes you feel like a big shot


Vizify offers free infographics all about you, makes you feel like a big shot
Infographics. The stuff of high turnover websites and news channels, right? Well, yes, but now you can bring the same white space and pastel shades to your own internet footprint, courtesy of free infographic web app Vizify. It's still in its trial period for now, which means you'll have to wait for an entry code to tap into the breezy visualization generator, but we managed to plug in as many social networks as we could to see how it all works. The service is definitely centered around those that are very connected to the internet. Vizify will draw information from Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, LinkedIn and also connect through work-based websites you add yourself. It will then populate a clickable front page with circles including images, quotes and links to your profile elsewhere. The service, which is geared at recruitment, crafts a convenient short link to offer up on resumes or job emails. Edit options include a choice of color palettes, and the ability to tweak the layout of the information circles [seen above] and the larger pages that follow it, bringing either more career-centric (or interesting) content to the forefront. Sign up for an access code at the source to give it a try for yourself, or take a stalker-esque trip down an Engadget editor's social network tracks at the second link below.Filed under: InternetVizify offers free infographics all about you, makes you feel like a big shot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Mashable | Vizify (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

You're moved in, Now what?

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:05 AM PDT

You're moved in, Now what?


You're moved in, Now what?
Although the moving process can be trying at times, it also presents a unique opportunity to reorganize, downsize and de-clutter. By utilizing an online self-storage finder, you can track down an affordable local storage unit to stash your excess belongings.

Hydrogen fuel cells may get a shot at batteries after all

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:05 AM PDT

Hydrogen fuel cells may get a shot at batteries after all


Hydrogen fuel cells may get a shot at batteries after all
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hydrogen, Legislation and Policy, USAWhat Changed DOE Secretary Steven Chu's Mind About Hydrogen Fuel Cells Natural gas now being retrieved from shale provides an enormous source of hydrogen. He'll never use the word "fracking," but thanks to that new drilling technique, the U.S. Secretary of Energy now admits he's changed his mind about hydrogen fuel cells. That's because the abundance of natural gas now being retrieved from shale also provides an enormous source of hydrogen that, when coupled with new reforming technology, produces energy with a low carbon footprint. When Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize winning physicist, was named Secretary of the Department of Energy in the Obama Administration, he quickly redirected much of the Department's automotive research efforts into battery electric vehicles. So much so that proponents of hydrogen fuel cells complained loudly that the Secretary was starving their research efforts. Automakers will no doubt welcome the Secretary's change of heart. General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Daimler, BMW and Hyundai, not only have decades-long development efforts in this area, they claim they can have fuel cell cars showroom ready by 2015. This is not to say Secretary Chu is giving up on battery development. He's not. Indeed, he expects big strides in battery development in the next decade. But it seems possible the Administration is looking to fuel cells as a "Plan B" in case BEV sales don't meet expectations. That would be an astute move. John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every month he brings his unique insights as a Detroit insider to Autoblog readers. Continue reading Hydrogen fuel cells may get a shot at batteries after allHydrogen fuel cells may get a shot at batteries after all originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lenovo IdeaPad K1 gets smeared with Ice Cream Sandwich

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:05 AM PDT

Lenovo IdeaPad K1 gets smeared with Ice Cream Sandwich


Lenovo IdeaPad K1 gets smeared with Ice Cream Sandwich
Lenovo is putting out a vanilla version of Android 4.03 for customers eager to rid their IdeaPad K1 of Honeycomb. Fans of stock iterations of Google's mobile OS will love the fact that the update will rid the slate of all of the PC maker's customizations -- as well as any other data on the tablet. If you're feeling brave enough to make the upgrade, simply head on down to the source link and follow the instructions, but be warned, if something goes wrong, you're on your own. [Thanks, Parth]Filed under: Tablet PCs, SoftwareLenovo IdeaPad K1 gets smeared with Ice Cream Sandwich originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Lenovo | Email this | Comments

Defcon 20 badges meld hieroglyphs, circuitry and cryptography for hacker scaveng...

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:05 AM PDT

Defcon 20 badges meld hieroglyphs, circuitry and cryptography for hacker scavenger hunt


Defcon 20 badges meld hieroglyphs, circuitry and cryptography for hacker scavenger hunt
Every year, the world's hacker population descends upon Las Vegas to trade notes, sit in on informational talks and compete in friendly contests -- all in the name of Defcon. But this time, it's the conference's ever-evolving smart badges that've caught our eye, owing mostly to what lurks beneath. Designed by Ryan Clarke -- the mastermind behind the gathering's Mystery Box challenge -- these hackable IDs, issued according to status (Press, Human, Goons, vendors, etc), come embedded with an LED, a multi-core processor, IR transmitter and accompanying hieroglyphic graphic. But that's not all that makes these high-tech tags so special. Turns out, each one contains a game, buried within its open source software, that's encoded with several cryptographic, linguistic and mathematical layers. Shying away from hardware-focused hacks of the past, Clarke built this year's scavenger hunt-like game to be more inclusive of attendee skills, as it'll force conference-goers interested in cracking its code to break down social barriers and collaborate with other highly-specialized nerds. What's the end game, you ask? Well, according to Clarke, the puzzle is a continuation of last year's secret agent story (played out by a real-life actor) involving "a [mysterious] society of computer elites." It's not the sort of payoff we'd be after -- something greener and covered with a certain Ben Franklin's face would suffice -- but it sounds intriguing enough. Click on the source below to read more about the makings of this geek sport. And may the pastiest neckbeard win!Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, SoftwareDefcon 20 badges meld hieroglyphs, circuitry and cryptography for hacker scavenger hunt originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wired | Email this | Comments

Pantech Star Q for Verizon surfaces, offers QWERTY, LTE and Snapdragon S4

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

Pantech Star Q for Verizon surfaces, offers QWERTY, LTE and Snapdragon S4


Pantech Star Q for Verizon surfaces, offers QWERTY, LTE and Snapdragon S4
This one still isn't completely official just yet, but Android and Me has managed to obtain some pictures and fairly complete details for the Pantech Star Q headed for Verizon -- a device that was first spotted in FCC filings back in April. As you can see, it's a QWERTY slider, and it's said to pack Android 4.0.4, a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, front and rear-facing cameras (just 3-megapixels 'round back, though), LTE connectivity, and a 4-inch WVGA display. About the only key details missing are a price and release date, but Android and Me surmises it'll run $99 on-contract with a launch any time now -- both of which seem like safe guesses.Filed under: CellphonesPantech Star Q for Verizon surfaces, offers QWERTY, LTE and Snapdragon S4 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Android and Me | Email this | Comments

Windows Phone 8 SDK leaks show quiet upgrades to backup, media and the kitchen sink

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

Windows Phone 8 SDK leaks show quiet upgrades to backup, media and the kitchen sink


Windows Phone 8 SDK leaks show quiet upgrades to backup, media and the kitchen sink
The Windows Phone 8 SDK has escaped to the wild, and some sifting through the device emulator has dug up elements that Microsoft either skipped or only touched on lightly during the big unveiling in June. The most important addition may be the one customers see the least: backup. A WP7.hu search has the new OS replicating apps, settings and SMS messages in the cloud to prevent disaster, and that new SD card support will let WP8 owners shuffle photos from internal storage to the removable kind for safekeeping. There's also more work on Internet Explorer than we saw before, with MobileTechWorld noticing that DataSense provides an option for Opera-like remote compression to save that precious cellular bandwidth. Media fans might have the most to gain. If we go by The Verge, both the Music/Video and Xbox hubs are getting fresh coats of paint -- both to integrate new ventures like Xbox Music as well as to jive more closely with the SmartGlass visual theme. Shutterbugs will like the long-awaited options to crop and rotate their work, pick multiple photos, and unify third-party camera apps under a Lenses concept. There's even more clever features in store, such as a Maps update that finds nearby WiFi hotspots, so head on over to the sources to get a full sense of where Microsoft will be going.Filed under: CellphonesWindows Phone 8 SDK leaks show quiet upgrades to backup, media and the kitchen sink originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink WMPowerUser (1), (2) | MobileTechWorld, WP7.hu (translated), The Verge, Reddit | Email this | Comments

Lotus Reboots After CEO Ouster

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

Lotus Reboots After CEO Ouster


Lotus Reboots After CEO Ouster
Ambitious 5-year turnaround shuffled for more realistic short-term goals.

Building the 125 mpg car

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

Building the 125 mpg car


Building the 125 mpg car
What are you willing to give up to get one?

Maine fair kicks off for 163rd year

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

Maine fair kicks off for 163rd year


Maine fair kicks off for 163rd year
The Bangor State Fair opens for the 163rd year today.

9 things that affect your car's resale value

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

9 things that affect your car's resale value


9 things that affect your car's resale value
Resale value can be a pleasant surprise, or a cold wakeup call.

Smartphones, Wi-Fi Pair for Safety

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:19 AM PDT

Smartphones, Wi-Fi Pair for Safety


Smartphones, Wi-Fi Pair for Safety
Could your smartphone prevent a car from hitting you?

485,000 Ford Escapes recalled to fix stuck throttle issue

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:44 AM PDT

485,000 Ford Escapes recalled to fix stuck throttle issue


485,000 Ford Escapes recalled to fix stuck throttle issue
Third recall in two weeks for the model line.