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Saturday, July 28, 2012

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Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 03:13 PM PDT

Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)


Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (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. Ah, stability, a commodity valued by videographers who want to produce footage that won't make their viewers throw up. Reducing camera shake can be especially tricky when using a smartphone such as the iPhone, whose form factor and light weight make it easier to have the shakes while shooting. Currently, options for reducing camera vibration in iPhone videos include apps like the Dolly Cam and more hardware-oriented solutions such as the Steadicam Smoothee. Our latest Insert Coin candidate, the Stabil-i, happens to use the latter route, serving up a "video stabilization iPhone case" that's still reasonably affordable. According to its creators, the Stabil-i's design is based on concepts found in larger, more expensive camera stabilization systems used in the film industry -- minus 90 percent of the hardware and the expensive bearing system. The result, they say, is a device that does a good job in reducing camera shake while still being compact enough to fit in one's pockets.Continue reading Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, PeripheralsInsert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 17:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kickstarter | Email this | Comments

Nissan Leaf stretch limo makes an on-camera appearance

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 02:39 PM PDT

Nissan Leaf stretch limo makes an on-camera appearance


Nissan Leaf stretch limo makes an on-camera appearance
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Nissan, Videos This limo ride will sure be a quiet one. And probably a short one, too. As we reported last month, Imperial Coach Builders of Springfield, MO has built what it calls the first 100-percent, all-electric limo out of a customized Nissan Leaf. The local TV news has a quick report on it, but now Imperial has posted a video (watch it below) that gives the curious an idea of what it's like to ride inside of it. The three-minute video has no narration and is pretty much sound-free, which is appropriate given the stretch limo's near-silent powertrain. The company looks to appeal to the green set by saying the stretched EV is a way to cut pollution while being driven around in style. The limo is fairly typical on the inside, with a 2+2 facing sets set-up and a bunch of wood trim that may or may not be real. Still no word on how far this heavier-than-usual Leaf can go on a single charge, but we're guessing that the 74 miles a conventional Leaf can go on a single charge will require a few juice-ups in the elongated version.Continue reading Nissan Leaf stretch limo makes an on-camera appearanceNissan Leaf stretch limo makes an on-camera appearance originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 01:29 PM PDT

Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator


Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator
While we found many features worth noting in our review of Windows Phone 7.5, one that was missing (and near to our hearts as people who review phones) was the ability to easily take screenshots on the devices. Thankfully, that issue appears to be resolved in Windows Phone 8, as WP7App.de has dug deep into the emulator (video evidence after the break) and confirmed the feature exists, enabled by clicking the Start and Camera button at the same time. That should make our lives easier and, for most, let them share snaps of their phone of choice's tile setup and inevitable autocorrect mistakes.Continue reading Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulatorFiled under: CellphonesNative screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink WMPoweruser | WP7app.de | Email this | Comments

Save space by ditching the dining room

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Save space by ditching the dining room


Save space by ditching the dining room
If you're willing to think outside the norm a bit -- and you're looking for ways to offset the constantly rising cost of construction -- take a good hard look at what you really need and don't need in your home.

Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 12:21 PM PDT

Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec


Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec
Calling Windows 8 "a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space" may not endear Valve's Gabe Newell to the folks at Microsoft, but it struck a chord with a member of Blizzard Entertainment's top brass. Rob Pardo, Executive Vice President of Game Design at the Irvine-based company, took to Twitter and chimed in on the matter, stating that Windows 8 is "not awesome for Blizzard either." While far from a resounding indictment, it's not the warmest of welcomes for Redmond's latest desktop OS. By the sounds of it, the October-bound operating system will have to win over a few hearts and minds in the game development community.Filed under: GamingWindows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Kotaku | Rob_Pardo (Twitter) | Email this | Comments

Top 10 rums

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 11:00 AM PDT

Top 10 rums


Top 10 rums
First distilled on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean beginning in the seventeenth century, rum has enjoyed a long history in popular culture as the preferred drink of pirates, sailors and daiquiri-swilling tourists on tropical vacations.

Hyundai issues recall for select Santa Fe, Sonata models

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 09:44 AM PDT

Hyundai issues recall for select Santa Fe, Sonata models


Hyundai issues recall for select Santa Fe, Sonata models
Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling some Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedans because of problems with their air bags.

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 09:44 AM PDT

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike


Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike
We've watched as Faraday Bicycles' first offering, the Porteur electric bike, went from award-winning concept to a fully-fledged consumer product courtesy of Kickstarter. Recently, company founder Adam Vollmer offered us the chance to ride one, and naturally, we couldn't wait see it for ourselves and put feet to pedals.Gallery: Faraday Porteur e-bike hands-on First impressions are important, a fact of which the folks at Faraday are clearly aware. The Porteur's white frame, wood fenders, and sea foam green trim pieces and rims provide a pleasing visual counterpart to the leatherwork adorning the seat, frame and handlebars. Add in the yesteryear script of the logo and vermilion detailing work, and it's retro done right -- visually arresting without being gaudy. As is often the case, the coolest bits of the bike reveal themselves upon close inspection. We're fans of the leather pouch (for holding smartphones or other sundries) nestled between the parallel top tubes and chain stay guard embossed with the Faraday name. And, the addition of the company slogan claiming it's "the ultimate electric propelled utility bicycle" along with each bike's production number is a nice touch. But enough about its good looks, how the thing ride?Continue reading Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bikeFiled under: TransportationEngadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 09:10 AM PDT

Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery


Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery
3D City View for iOS isn't the only update from the Google Maps and Earth team this week, they've also spruced up their services with new imagery. Fresh high-resolution aerial and satellite photos have been added for a roster of 25 cities and 72 countries or regions, ranging from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Zimbabwe. In addition, seven international locales and 21 US cities received the 45-degree view treatment, letting you gaze at skylines from a different perspective. The maps are already available, so you can peruse new satellite images of London's Olympic Park and Village just in time for the festivities. For the full list of areas with crisper cartographic visuals, check out the source below.Filed under: GPS, SoftwareGoogle Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Lat Long | Email this | Comments

Remote camera mounts replace AFP photographers at Olympic Games

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 07:25 AM PDT

Remote camera mounts replace AFP photographers at Olympic Games


Remote camera mounts replace AFP photographers at Olympic Games
Remember those robotic camera rigs Reuters cooked up for the Olympic games? They won't be alone -- the AFP have lined the games with their own remote mounts. Traditionally, aerial shots are captured by brave, well harnessed photographers -- but the AFP's acrobatic photojournalists have been grounded by the powers that be. "The Olympics Committee has warned us that, for security reasons, no photographer will be allowed on the stadium roof," stated the AFP's chief editor of technical issues, Francois-Xavier Marit. "We had to come up with a system of remote-controlled photography." Marit worked with Nikon and Mark Roberts Motion Control to build a dozen rigs to pepper throughout Olympic facilities. It's not Marit's first time kitting out the games either -- he's been using remote camera rigs to snap underwater Olympians since 2004. Each mount is equipped with a Nikon D4 and 16 to 400mm zooms, ten will be mounted in the main Olympic stadium with an additional two covering the swimming complex. Worried you won't be able to see the hardware from the bleachers? Mosey on past the break for a quick preview.Continue reading Remote camera mounts replace AFP photographers at Olympic GamesFiled under: Digital Cameras, RobotsRemote camera mounts replace AFP photographers at Olympic Games originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 09:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Nikon Rumors | AFP | Email this | Comments

Car2go opens in Miami today, but there's an unfortunate payment twist

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 05:35 AM PDT

Car2go opens in Miami today, but there's an unfortunate payment twist


Car2go opens in Miami today, but there's an unfortunate payment twist
Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, SMART The latest city to get a pack of Smart Fortwo vehicles awaiting your carsharing orders is Miami, FL, where 240 Car2go Fortwos are going into service today. As regular readers surely know by now, Car2go's model uses "free floating" carsharing vehicles that can be rented by the minute. Instead of needing to return a vehicle to a specific place at a specific time, Car2go vehicles can be picked up from wherever they are and dropped off anywhere in the "home area." Interested drivers can find a nearby vehicle online or via smartphones. Rentals cost 38 cents a minute, with hourly rates hitting a maximum of $13.99. If you want a car for a full day, more traditional outlets will often be a better deal, since 24 hours costs $72.99. Plus sales tax, of course. But then there's the Florida Rental Car Surcharge, which makes each rental cost an additional $2 per day. Rental car surcharges are having an unbalanced effect on car-sharing programs, and a DePaul University study (PDF) found that: In many markets, including Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Tampa, one-hour carsharing reservations are taxed at well over twice the prevailing rate of sales tax. In seven of the 25 largest cities in the study's sample of 82 cities with carsharing services, taxes on one-hour reservations exceed 30%. Nationally, the average tax is 17.93% for one-hour carsharing reservations and 14.08% for 24-hour reservations. By comparison, sales taxes in cities with carsharing services average just 8.06%. Ouch. Looks like there needs to be a better distinction drawn between car sharing and car renting. In any case, as in other new service areas, Car2go is waiving the one-time $35 membership fee and offering 30 minutes of free driving to anyone who signs up "for a limited time." The code for the goodies is "heat." There are also two launch events with free food happening today, which you can read about in the press release below.Continue reading Car2go opens in Miami today, but there's an unfortunate payment twistCar2go opens in Miami today, but there's an unfortunate payment twist originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

AT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 04:05 AM PDT

AT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on


AT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on
While AT&T's been flaunting a rather patriotic red, white and blue Galaxy S III lineup since launch, the carrier's exclusive Garnet Red handset's been rather elusive so far, with pre-orders starting July 15 and deliveries expected July 29. If you've been eying Samsung's blood red $199 flagship, you'll be happy to know that we received our review unit yesterday and snapped a bunch of pictures, including comparison shots with the white and blue models. The phone is identical to its siblings other than the burgundy screen bezel and back cover, and the gunmetal rim running along its edge. It's a pretty gorgeous color scheme that's sure to attract vampires everywhere. Still unsure? Peek at our hands-on gallery below, then sound off in the comments.Gallery: AT&T Galaxy S III Garnet Red hands-onFiled under: CellphonesAT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 07:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 02:45 AM PDT

BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph


BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph
All things considered, we think it's safe to say BMW very rarely disappoints with its latest road-friendly creations, and one of the outfit's most recent concoctions is this eco-friendly C Evolution electric scooter. According to the German company, the prototype two-wheeler's quite close to hitting its final production stages, noting "it might soon become a part of everyday road traffic in cities throughout the world" and that it is "outstanding in terms of performance, functionality and design." On paper, the C Evolution appears to be rather promising, with BMW also claiming the environmental hog can ride out about 62 miles on a single charge -- all while being able to reach max speeds of around 75 mph. No word yet on how much you'll have to save up for one of these, but for now, there's a video of the C Evo in action waiting on you just past the break.Continue reading BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mphFiled under: TransportationBMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 05:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Inhabitat | BMW | Email this | Comments

HP laptop comes with webcam standard, peek at Chinese factory as bonus (video)

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 01:33 AM PDT

HP laptop comes with webcam standard, peek at Chinese factory as bonus (video)


HP laptop comes with webcam standard, peek at Chinese factory as bonus (video)
Most tours of Chinese factories at least give workers a heads-up that they'll be on camera. Not so the exposé that HP inadvertently gave one of its Swedish customers. Reddit user Malplace opened a new laptop to find that a 3-minute webcam video of the factory floor at HP's contractor, Quanta, was sitting in Windows' My Documents folder. If you're looking for scandal from the footage, though, you won't find it here: Chongqing Manufacturing City's staff are shown dutifully moving the assembly line along in what looks like fair conditions, if exceptionally repetitive. The instance is most likely just a rare gaffe during testing at a manufacturer that pumps out millions of HP PCs every quarter, so we'll cut Quanta some slack. It's still a rare glimpse into a side of technology that's considered off-limits for much of the buying public.Continue reading HP laptop comes with webcam standard, peek at Chinese factory as bonus (video)Filed under: LaptopsHP laptop comes with webcam standard, peek at Chinese factory as bonus (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 03:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | Reddit | Email this | Comments

HTC explains decision to skip Android 4.0 for Desire HD: we'd rather not wipe yo...

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 10:29 PM PDT

HTC explains decision to skip Android 4.0 for Desire HD: we'd rather not wipe your data


HTC explains decision to skip Android 4.0 for Desire HD: we'd rather not wipe your data
HTC dampened a few spirits when it dropped the Desire HD from its Android 4.0 upgrade list. The company might feel your pain, but it claims to have a good reason for denying the update that it's been doling out elsewhere. There's no way to shoehorn a new version into the device like there was for the Desire's leap to Android 2.3, the company says. Fitting all that Ice Cream Sandwich into the Desire HD would require repartitioning the internal space, and repartitioning risks overwriting personal content; needless to say, the company isn't keen on explaining why it might nuke our family photos just so we can run Chrome. Even if that weren't an issue, a nebulous set of "other technical limitations" might not rub upgraders the right way. All of the explanations add up, although it's nonetheless easy to sympathize with Desire HD owners now stuck in Gingerbread land -- especially as owners of the closely related Thunderbolt aren't being held back.Filed under: CellphonesHTC explains decision to skip Android 4.0 for Desire HD: we'd rather not wipe your data originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 01:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | HTC | Email this | Comments

5 cars that broke the rules

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 09:56 PM PDT

5 cars that broke the rules


5 cars that broke the rules
Trend setters.

NYT claims Apple has dallied with investing 'hundreds of millions' in Twitter

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 08:12 PM PDT

NYT claims Apple has dallied with investing 'hundreds of millions' in Twitter


NYT claims Apple has dallied with investing 'hundreds of millions' in Twitter
Apple has been on a social networking kick lately, what with Twitter's footings in iOS 5 and OS X Mountain Lion as well as Facebook's upcoming presence in iOS 6. From what the New York Times hears, that fascination could become more of a fixation. The company has reportedly chatted with Twitter in past months about the possibility of investing money on the scale you'd normally expect from a later-stage venture capitalist: the newspaper is talking "hundreds of millions" of dollars based on Twitter being valued at more than $10 billion. Any such deal would be less about funding (Twitter purportedly has $600 million-plus in the bank) and more about getting cozy in a social world where Apple still has some learning to do. Apple might equally want to dissuade competitors from getting any ideas, we'd add. Neither side will comment, and the negotiations aren't even suppose to be active at present. Regardless, that Apple might have even toyed with a social networking investment could represent a major change in tack for a company that's not always known for playing well with others.Filed under: InternetNYT claims Apple has dallied with investing 'hundreds of millions' in Twitter originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | New York Times | Email this | Comments

Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 07:36 PM PDT

Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice


Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice
If you're the sort to get a little too adventurous with CyanogenMod 10 or other custom ROMs, Google just gave you a crutch. Android 4.1.1 factory images are now available for every Nexus device that can currently get a taste of Jelly Bean: the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S and the expected Nexus 7. While it's not a complete safety net, the gesture will let dedicated modders flash their phones and tablets knowing that they can almost always jump back to the pure OS if someone's definition of "alpha build" is a little too rough. CDMA users are unfortunately left out of the loop; let's just hope they're brought up to speed before too long. [Thanks, Vince]Filed under: CellphonesGoogle posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google | Email this | Comments

Sweetness: 101-year-old buys Chevy Volt for his wife, 85

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 05:12 PM PDT

Sweetness: 101-year-old buys Chevy Volt for his wife, 85


Sweetness: 101-year-old buys Chevy Volt for his wife, 85
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Hybrid, Chevrolet He may not expect to be alive when the lease is up, but the oldest Chevrolet Volt buyer we've ever heard about is still happy he bought the plug-in car. That's because 101-year-old Edward Heine bought the Volt for his wife, Hya, 85. The couple traded in a Jaguar, according to the Carroll County Times, because, "my wife wanted this electric car." She told the paper, "If you're going to live, you should be up to date, and try to be technologically intelligent. We both came to the conclusion that the next car should be environmentally friendly, and that's why we did it." Edward said the lease was the right move because the technology will change so much by the time the lease is up. Also, this: "In two years, I'll trade it in. I don't expect to be alive, but my wife will be." Isn't that sweet? This isn't the first time we've heard of someone buying a Volt he or she doesn't plan on driving. Last year, we learned about a Jane Doe who bought a Volt for a low-income family.Sweetness: 101-year-old buys Chevy Volt for his wife, 85 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony Xperia J possibly spotted, may court entry-level fashionistas

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 05:12 PM PDT

Sony Xperia J possibly spotted, may court entry-level fashionistas


Sony Xperia J possibly spotted, may court entry-level fashionistas
That didn't take long. We've only known about the Sony Xperia J and its reported ST26i codename for a short while, but ePrice has already given the purported starter smartphone the full photo tour. From cursory looks and specifications, the J will slot neatly between the Xperia miro and tipo at the start of the line and the small but potent Xperia U: while it's not believed to be quite as fast or iconic as the dual-core U, the single-core, 1GHz J could still be faster than its tiniest cousins and strive for some chic with a brightly colored back wrapped around a 4-inch display. The real highlight may simply be an Xperia that ships with Android 4.0 from the get-go instead of requiring yet another upgrade merry-go-round. When the Xperia J shows is still up in the air, despite presumptions of an appearance at IFA; however, we won't be surprised if the J appears side-by-side with the Mint when it's officially ready for a close-up.Filed under: CellphonesSony Xperia J possibly spotted, may court entry-level fashionistas originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Central, Xperia Blog | ePrice (translated) | Email this | Comments

MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 04:34 PM PDT

MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze


MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze
What's rectangular, coated in a royal bronze finish, opens like a clam and lasts for up to seven and a half hours? If you answered MSI's new CR41 notebook, you'd be right (though we would've accepted self-destructing jewelry boxes as an answer). The 14-inch multimedia "mobile companion," announced just today, packs a 1,366 x 768 HD display, dedicated HM76 graphics chipset, choice of Intel's third-generation Core i processors and comes in a variety of storage configurations: 500 GB, 640GB or 720GB. Weighing in at 5.3 pounds (2.4kg) and measuring 13.8 x 9.2 x 1.3 inches (349.7 x 234.8 x 32mm), the laptop also features a six-cell 4,400mAh battery, support for Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi b/g/n, an optical drive, ports for HDMI, USB 3.0 (x2), USB 2.0 (x2), an SD slot and the requisite headphone jack. So far no official pricing or release dates have been made public for the Windows 7 rig, but when it does hit retailers' shelves, rest assured it'll be upgrade-ready for Redmond's next great OS. Follow on past the break for the official PR.Continue reading MSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronzeFiled under: LaptopsMSI outs new CR41 notebook, hopes you like the color royal bronze originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Nissan pins Leaf's WattStation charging woes on a software bug, works on a fix

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:59 PM PDT

Nissan pins Leaf's WattStation charging woes on a software bug, works on a fix


Nissan pins Leaf's WattStation charging woes on a software bug, works on a fix
GE and Nissan had previously ruled out GE's WattStation as the cause of a few Leaf charging failures, and that story of EV tragedy looks to be winding to a close with a more definitive explanation. As the two tell us, a bug in the Leaf's on-board charging software can damage the relevant hardware under a perfect storm of conditions: if a drivers uses a specific (but not necessarily GE) charger, an undervoltage or similar power crisis can bring the Leaf to its knees. Nissan says it's hurrying towards a remedy, although we're working to confirm just what that entails. In the meantime, the automaker is asking owners to be cautious and avoid plugging in when there's lightning or brownouts in the making.Filed under: TransportationNissan pins Leaf's WattStation charging woes on a software bug, works on a fix originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | GE | Email this | Comments

Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G hides out in the open, heads to MetroPCS

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:59 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G hides out in the open, heads to MetroPCS


Samsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G hides out in the open, heads to MetroPCS
What's old is apparently new again for MetroPCS subscribers. Thanks to some leaked training materials over on Howard Forums, we have a pretty clear idea of the next Galaxy S device to bow on that budget carrier's lineup -- the Lightray 4G. No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, we've seen this exact phone before at CES 2012 where it was part of Dyle's Mobile TV showcase. And that chassis you see above? It's a mostly unaltered version of Verizon's Droid Charge, although that formerly pointed chin seems to have gotten the Ashlee Simpson treatment. Spec-wise, the 4.3-inch device reportedly packs a Super AMOLED Plus display, 1.3-megapixel front-facing / 8-megapixel rear cameras, 16GB of included microSD storage (what it'll ship with onboard is unknown), HDMI-out and, bizarrely, that aforementioned TV tuner, replete with antenna. No word on when this unofficial fella's set to go legit nor which Google OS treat it'll run, but with a recently surfaced FCC doc and company slides to go off, we're sure to find out sooner rather than later.Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessSamsung Galaxy S Lightray 4G hides out in the open, heads to MetroPCS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Police | FCC, Howard Forums | Email this | Comments

Elon Musk to remain at Tesla for "several more years," personally inspects Model S

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:26 PM PDT

Elon Musk to remain at Tesla for "several more years," personally inspects Model S


Elon Musk to remain at Tesla for "several more years," personally inspects Model S
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors Few automakers' fortunes and CEOs are as intrinsically linked as Tesla Motors and Elon Musk. The boss of the full-electric automaker can influence the stock of his company with something as simple as an outlandish statement - exactly the sort of utterance the mercurial executive is fond of making. In the latest Musk news, it appears he has no plans to change any of that, saying that he will stay with Tesla for "several more years." Investors want him to remain at the company through - and past - the launch of the Model S. To leave now would potentially derail any momentum that the company can muster from the all-electric sedan. Perhaps the investors like the idea of having a lighting rod like Musk around for when questions about cutting production - or when the company will make money - are asked. Part of his duties through the rest of his tenure at Tesla will also reportedly include personally inspecting production examples of the Model S. To find out exactly what that entails, we reached out to the automaker for comment. According to Tesla spokesperson Christina Ra, Musk checks "Everything from functionality, to fit and finish. Anything from door handles to carpet to molding, to driving... The things we are potentially having to work on are not big things - 98-percent of the car is ready to go." Ra would not comment on exactly how many cars he checks at the Fremont, California facility, but tells us, "At a high level, he's looking at everything." We're still not exactly sure what that means, but its always refreshing to see a CEO down in the trenches - even if it might just be a publicity stunt.Elon Musk to remain at Tesla for "several more years," personally inspects Model S originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

WSJ: Apple, Google reportedly in rival groups to buy Kodak patents

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:26 PM PDT

WSJ: Apple, Google reportedly in rival groups to buy Kodak patents


WSJ: Apple, Google reportedly in rival groups to buy Kodak patents
Kodak might be cleared to sell its patents, but it's likely no fan of the companies lined up to make a deal. The Wall Street Journal's best friends, "people familiar with the matter," assert that Apple and Google are part of separate coalitions hoping to buy the 1,100 patents up for grabs. Apple's camp supposedly includes Microsoft and controversial patent holder Intellectual Ventures; Google's team reads more like an Android Justice League, with HTC, LG, Samsung and "patent risk solutions" provider RPX all playing a part. Real or not, there's still much that's up in the air. Kodak's not talking, and even the touted insiders warn both of new challengers and allegiances that could be in flux over the next few days. If there's meat on this rumor bone, however, it could make the August 8th auction another patent war spectacle rather than a mere ticket back to solvency for Kodak. Break out the popcorn. [Image credit: Pittaya Sroilong, Flickr]Filed under: Cellphones, Digital CamerasWSJ: Apple, Google reportedly in rival groups to buy Kodak patents originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Wall Street Journal | Email this | Comments

NFC Still Has Legs: Flomio Closes On Half A Million In Seed Funding For NFC-Base...

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:26 PM PDT

NFC Still Has Legs: Flomio Closes On Half A Million In Seed Funding For NFC-Based Products & Services


NFC Still Has Legs: Flomio Closes On Half A Million In Seed Funding For NFC-Based Products & Services
Because we're in need of some brighter NFC-related news today, Flomio, a TechStars-backed startup, and makers a platform for building NFC and RFID enabled applications, has closed a seed round of $525,000. The round was led by RMR Capital, and included participation from TechStars, the Cloud Power Fund, Matthew Lally (Augme, Pickflair), and Clint Watson (FASO). Based in Miami, Florida ("Silicon Beach!"), Flomio has a different approach to NFC, which will be reflected in a website redesign going out next week. In short, it wants to humanize the technology. Originally a side project from founder Richard Grundy, Flomio was recently accepted into TechStars Cloud, the cloud computing-focused incubator which held its first demo day in April.

ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:26 PM PDT

ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors


ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors
As gorgeous as huge, expensive monitors are, most situations just don't call for the inches or wallet-dents associated with today's luxury screens. With this in mind, and barely a breath after outing its $299, 27-inch LED offering, ViewSonic is back with two budget displays from the VA12 series. First up is the VA2212m-LED, which rocks a 1080p widescreen, 21.5-inch panel, 10,000,000:1 contrast Ratio, DVI and VGA inputs, as well as a pair of 2W integrated speakers. Its little brother the VA1912m-LED shares most of the same genes, but with an 18.5-inch, 1,366 x 768 resolution screen. Running with ViewSonic's eco-friendly theme, both mercury-free LED monitors also boast the eco-mode feature for low power consumption and a longer life. If either of the new displays are grabbing your attention, you'll be able to pick up the $149 VA2212m-LED imminently, with the $125 VA1912m-LED hitting North American retailers in mid-August.Continue reading ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitorsFiled under: DisplaysViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | TechPowerUp | Email this | Comments

Slow And Steady Wins The Race, Too: Mobile Gaming Study Looks At Earning Potenti...

Posted: 27 Jul 2012 03:26 PM PDT

Slow And Steady Wins The Race, Too: Mobile Gaming Study Looks At Earning Potential In Under-Hyped Games


Slow And Steady Wins The Race, Too: Mobile Gaming Study Looks At Earning Potential In Under-Hyped Games
App store analytics firm App Annie released a report on mobile gaming this week, which focused on the earnings potential of what it defined as "long-term" versus "short-term" games. That is to say, it found that mobile app superstars with media buzz were not necessarily outperforming the slow and steady games that flew under the radar - meaning, those that never cracked the top 25 grossing ranking, for example. Long-term games earned an average of $920,000 versus $549,000 for short-term games, App Annie says. And the top-earning long-term game earned $3.9 million versus $1.4 million for short-term.