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Sunday, August 19, 2012

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Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 02:55 PM PDT

Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)


Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)
Not that we were on pins and needles wondering what Motorola's September 5th event would contain, but what vestige of mystery was left may just have been sapped away. A quartet of Motorola tutorial videos newly uncovered by YouTube user revowii walk users through the unannounced XT926, better known in unofficial circles as the Droid RAZR HD. It's all about the looks in this leak: other than the conspicuous link to Verizon, what's mostly validated here is the expected use of a customized Android 4.0 with on-screen navigation keys, much like the Atrix HD in AT&T's corner of the universe. Earlier murmurings have the Droid RAZR HD carrying the same Snapdragon S4, 720p screen and LTE as well, which could leave the CDMA voice network, NFC and possibly increased storage as the only real differences. We'll know the full truth in about two weeks' time, but those who don't mind a peek into the possible future can hop past the story break to indulge in some video time traveling.Continue reading Motorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video)Filed under: CellphonesMotorola Droid RAZR HD guides slip out to the web, pop the hype balloon (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Droid-Life | Email this | Comments

Switched On: the watch and the workhorse

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 02:19 PM PDT

Switched On: the watch and the workhorse


Switched On: the watch and the workhorse
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In mature, competitive markets flooded with products, many brands come and go. Last week, though, two companies came to New York City to celebrate milestone anniversaries of their electronic products. Lenovo celebrated the 20th anniversary of the ThinkPad as Casio marked the 30th anniversary of the G-Shock watch. The notebook PC remains among the most versatile and complex devices consumers use today while the watch is one of the simplest. Yet some commonality between these two products may include lessons for other technology products that wish to remain around for decades.Continue reading Switched On: the watch and the workhorseFiled under: Laptops, WearablesSwitched On: the watch and the workhorse originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Consumer Is King: Record $4B Raised In Mobile VC In The First Half Of 2012, 25%+...

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 01:45 PM PDT

Consumer Is King: Record $4B Raised In Mobile VC In The First Half Of 2012, 25%+ In Consumer Apps


Consumer Is King: Record $4B Raised In Mobile VC In The First Half Of 2012, 25%+ In Consumer Apps
Attention mobile entrepreneurs: if you are looking for funding for your big idea, now might be a good time to work in a consumer angle if you haven't already. According the latest figures from boutique investment bank Rutberg & Co., consumer apps were by far the most popular area for investment among VCs in the first half of this year, accounting for $1.008 billion in value, or just over one-quarter of the $3.9 billion invested in mobile companies worldwide -- itself the highest level of mobile investment activity since Rutberg initiated coverage in 2001, and growing by $1 billion over the same period a year ago. That makes consumer apps the single-biggest area for VC investment at the moment, but the story here is one of quantity of deals, rather than the size of individual fundings: when looking at the 10 biggest investments in mobile, the most valuable investments remain in non-software, capital-intensive areas like devices and carrier infrastructure. The biggest VC deal so far this year has been for Xiaomi Tech, which picked up $216 million in a Series C round from undisclosed investors. The first consumer app in the rankings is Evernote's $70 million Series D round -- coming in at number-seven.

AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 01:09 PM PDT

AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price


AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price
Saving a few short-term bucks on a subsidized tablet by inking a two-year contract with AT&T may be a thing of the past. According to a document sent to us by a tipster, Ma Bell will no longer offer discounted, on-contract slates as of August 19th. However, it looks like Big Blue is still happy to offer slabs at standard, no-commitment prices along with DataConnect and MobileShare plans. Head past the break if you'd like to take a peek at the notice in deeper detail.Continue reading AT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full priceFiled under: Tablet PCs, WirelessAT&T may discontinue subsidized tablet sales, will still offer slates at full price originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

PSA: Nintendo 3DS XL now available in US, AC adapter included

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 12:35 PM PDT

PSA: Nintendo 3DS XL now available in US, AC adapter included


PSA: Nintendo 3DS XL now available in US, AC adapter included
That Japan-exclusive Pikachu clamshell might be slightly out of reach for US buyers, but starting today they can pick up a regular 3DS XL to the tune of $200. The oversized Nintendo handheld surpasses its predecessor in just about every category, shining through our review gauntlet with more battery life, a more comfortable grip and a more luxurious screen. On top of the usual fare, US buyers will also receive a power adapter, a necessary accessory that was oddly left out of the Japanese and European releases. Oh, and if you're looking for something new to play on that shiny hardware, New Super Mario Bros. 2 hits the US eShop today as well.Filed under: GamingPSA: Nintendo 3DS XL now available in US, AC adapter included originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq | | Email this | Comments

Leno Car Sells for $350,000

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Leno Car Sells for $350,000


Leno Car Sells for $350,000
All proceeds, donations go to Fisher House Foundation

Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:53 AM PDT

Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one


Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one
Admittedly, Finland's seen better days in the mobile industry, but that hasn't stopped the townspeople in Savonlinna from hosting the 13th annual Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships to brighten things up. In fact, the recycling awareness event went so well that 18-year-old Ere Karjalainen set a new championship record of 101.46 meters. The secret? Just an old Nokia device (obviously) plus a bit of preparation the day before -- "mainly by drinking." While Finnish organizer Christine Lund claims this is a new world record, a little digging revealed that Britain's Chris Hughff threw -- as a guest participant -- a 102.68 meter distance at JIM Mobile's Belgium Championships earlier this year. Despite the utilization of a laser rangefinder plus video proof after the break, Lund dismissed the "unofficial" event's record, according to the AAP. Regardless, Karjalainen is no doubt the latest sweetheart amongst Finnish geeks.Continue reading Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing oneFiled under: CellphonesFinland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 13:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Telegraph, The Australian, ITN News | Email this | Comments

A home with its very own water park

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:53 AM PDT

A home with its very own water park


A home with its very own water park
A water park is this Boulder City, Nev., home's biggest splash.

Leno Car Sells for $350,000

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:17 AM PDT

Leno Car Sells for $350,000


Leno Car Sells for $350,000
All proceeds, donations go to Fisher House Foundation

Bluetooth Bulb lets you switch on, time, dim and color your lighting from your p...

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 10:17 AM PDT

Bluetooth Bulb lets you switch on, time, dim and color your lighting from your phone (video)


Bluetooth Bulb lets you switch on, time, dim and color your lighting from your phone (video)
Every once in a while, someone tries to give the humble light bulb a little next-gen flavor. This time, we're adding Bluetooth 4.0 to the mix. Why, you ask? Good question, and one with a simple answer. The Bluetooth Bulb lets you pair your phone with one or more of the lights in your home, and then control them via an app. Switch them on, off, change brightness, set a timer, and a special RGB bulb even lets you change the color ambiance. If you're worried about the cost and waste when these things burn out, fear not, as apparently every part is replaceable -- and as there's no home automation system involved -- you won't need anything else to get set up. If this idea switches you on, you might have to hold out a little longer, as the product is just a patented prototype right now. Sights are set on mass production, but you'll have to stick with your old clapper for the time being.Continue reading Bluetooth Bulb lets you switch on, time, dim and color your lighting from your phone (video)Filed under: HouseholdBluetooth Bulb lets you switch on, time, dim and color your lighting from your phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Bluetooth Bulb | Email this | Comments

Inhabitat's week in green: solar powered toilet, pollution-fighting mural and th...

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 07:52 AM PDT

Inhabitat's week in green: solar powered toilet, pollution-fighting mural and the world's largest rooftop wind farm


Inhabitat's week in green: solar powered toilet, pollution-fighting mural and the world's largest rooftop wind farm
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. Hear those school bells in the distance? It's hard to believe, but the start of the school year is just a few weeks away -- and all week we've been rounding up some of our favorite eco-friendly back-to-school essentials. From green school supplies to sustainable backpacks, we've got all your back-to-school needs covered. And to top it off, we're giving away a laptop-charging Voltaic solar-powered backpack (worth $389) stuffed with green school supplies for a total prize package worth over $500. If we could go back to school and live in any dorm, we'd probably choose Copenhagen's Tietgenkollegiet dorm, a circular building with community kitchens, cafes, music rooms and a central courtyard. And if we could choose any gadget to take with us, it would have to be the P&P Office Waste Processor, which can transform a basket full of waste paper into fully-formed pencils.Continue reading Inhabitat's week in green: solar powered toilet, pollution-fighting mural and the world's largest rooftop wind farmFiled under: Misc. GadgetsInhabitat's week in green: solar powered toilet, pollution-fighting mural and the world's largest rooftop wind farm originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

NASA maps out proposed travel plans for Curiosity, decides to head for the hills

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 06:44 AM PDT

NASA maps out proposed travel plans for Curiosity, decides to head for the hills


NASA maps out proposed travel plans for Curiosity, decides to head for the hills
As the vista on Mars gradually gets ever clearer, and the system checks continue to show that the rover is in good stead, the team behind Curiosity will be increasingly eager to stretch its legs wheels. The first trip might be just a cautious few meters, but plans for a more adventurous jaunt have just been revealed. The first location in Curiosity's sights is an area referred to as Glenelg, which, based on initial pictures, offers three different geological characteristics, as well as potentially being an area where water used to be present. The site is only 1,300 feet (400 meters) from where the rover landed, but it could still take several weeks to get there. This is merely a quick dash compared to the next leg of its journey, which sees Curiosity heading out to an area called Mount Sharp -- a large mound of layered rock which is hoped to contain visible geology potentially dating back millions of years. With seven kilometers (4.4 miles) lying between the rover and the mountain's foothills, it'll be a much longer journey, but one that could provide the first real evidence of the planet's ability to host, or have hosted, life.Filed under: ScienceNASA maps out proposed travel plans for Curiosity, decides to head for the hills originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 09:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | NASA (JPL) | Email this | Comments

Fifteen Hot Italians

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 06:44 AM PDT

Fifteen Hot Italians


Fifteen Hot Italians
We pick our favorite Italian cars at this year's Concorso Italiano.

Moving tip calculator: How to bribe your friends into helping you move

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 06:44 AM PDT

Moving tip calculator: How to bribe your friends into helping you move


Moving tip calculator: How to bribe your friends into helping you move
Friends "too busy" to help you move? Maybe you aren't tipping well enough.

Fifteen Hot Italians

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 06:10 AM PDT

Fifteen Hot Italians


Fifteen Hot Italians
We pick our favorite Italian cars at this year's Concorso Italiano.

Fisker: cooling fan responsible for Karma fire; voluntary recall has started

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 05:34 AM PDT

Fisker: cooling fan responsible for Karma fire; voluntary recall has started


Fisker: cooling fan responsible for Karma fire; voluntary recall has started
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker After two short "we're looking into it" official statements (1, 2), Fisker Automotive has announced that it has completed a "detailed investigation" into the strange spontaneous combustion of a Karma plug-in hybrid that happened in Woodside, CA last weekend. The result? A voluntary recall to fix the low-temperature cooling fan located in the left front of the Karma, in front of the wheel, that apparently has "an internal fault that caused it to fail, overheat and start a slow burning fire." Fisker says the supplier is responsible and will work together with the unnamed company to fix the problem. Retailers will contact customers and "this recall campaign is not expected to have a material financial impact on Fisker." The fix entails a new cooling fan "that meets the required specifications" and a new, extra fuse "for added protection." Around 2,400 Karmas are affected by this recall. As the latest statement makes clear, and as we expected, the parking-lot fire was not caused by the lithium-ion battery. Company co-founder Henrik Fisker said, "This incident resulted from a single, faulty component, not our unique EVer powertrain or the engineering of the Karma. As this situation demonstrates, Fisker Automotive is dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to address safety and quality concerns." You can read the entire thing below. Fisker is also saying that there is no discernible connection between the Woodside fire and another fire involving a Karma that happened in Texas in May. Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher told Bloomberg that, "The report for the Texas fire is not in the public domain and we do not have access to it. ... the real root cause [of the Texas fire] is unlikely to be determined." The Karma has been recalled before, at the tail end of 2011, for problems with the battery pack, specifically the battery hose clamp. Some Karma battery packs also had some defective prismatic cells replaced by battery-maker A123 Systems.Continue reading Fisker: cooling fan responsible for Karma fire; voluntary recall has startedFisker: cooling fan responsible for Karma fire; voluntary recall has started originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 05:00 AM PDT

Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase


Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase
Nintendo handhelds are no strangers to new coats of paint -- or Pokemon, for that matter -- and now the firm is readying a Japan-exclusive Pikachu Yellow 3DS XL (officially the LL for locals). The brightly colored clamshell features a white interior and the electric rodent's visage on its lid with his tail trailing onto the underside. Priced at ¥18,900 (roughly $238), the portable will only be available at Pokemon Center stores throughout the Land of the Rising Sun on September 15th for those who pre-order between August 25 and its release. Gamers in North America may not be able to snap up the uniquely hued system, but this weekend's launch of the 3DS XL in red and blue could provide a small measure of consolation.Filed under: GamingPikachu Yellow 3DS XL to hit Japanese shores, require a pre-order for purchase originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq, Andriasang | Pokemon | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 03:18 AM PDT

Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling


Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling
Most hybrid car drivers will tell you that their world is all about being gentle on the throttle, spending as much time as possible in that electric-only speed range even if it makes a family minivan look speedy. Volkswagen has just claimed a record for doing precisely the opposite: the 2013 Jetta Hybrid is reportedly the fastest production hybrid in the world, having come just shy of a verified 185.4MPH after an all-out assault on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The company did have to modify the sedan to reach the breakneck pace, tweaking the powertrain, wheels and interior to run safely on that atypical surface, but it isn't known to have bumped the 150HP output of the gas engine or the 27HP of the electric motor. We have a hunch that VW's title won't last for long, whether or not we see the claim as valid -- there are a few decidedly more performance-oriented hybrids rolling off assembly lines now and in the future. Still, until there's a more direct challenge, one of the world's more ubiquitous commuter cars is the hybrid speed leader.Continue reading Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermilingFiled under: TransportationVolkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 06:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog | Volkswagen (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

Georgia Tech develops self-charging battery that marches to the owner's beat

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 01:33 AM PDT

Georgia Tech develops self-charging battery that marches to the owner's beat


Georgia Tech develops self-charging battery that marches to the owner's beat
One of the last times we saw the concept of a self-recharging battery, it was part of a high-minded Nokia patent whose ideas still haven't seen the light of day. Researchers at Georgia Tech are more inclined to put theory into practice. Starting from a regular lithium-ion coin battery, the team has replaced the usual divider between electrodes with a polyvinylidene difluoride film whose piezoelectric nature produces a charging action inside that gap through just a little pressure, with no outside voltage required to make the magic happen. The developers have even thumbed their noses at skeptics by very literally walking the walk -- slipping the test battery under a shoe sole gives it a proper dose of energy with every footstep. At this stage, the challenge mostly involves ramping up the maximum power through upgrades such as more squeezable piezoelectrics. Georgia Tech hasn't progressed so far as to have production plans in mind; it's nonetheless close enough that we could see future forms of wearable computing that rarely need an electrical pick-me-up.Filed under: Wearables, ScienceGeorgia Tech develops self-charging battery that marches to the owner's beat originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Phys.org | Email this | Comments

Fifteen Hot Italians

Posted: 19 Aug 2012 01:33 AM PDT

Fifteen Hot Italians


Fifteen Hot Italians
We pick our favorite Italian cars at this year's Concorso Italiano.

Premium Collection hot shoe covers are cufflinks for your cam, let you dazzle up...

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:51 PM PDT

Premium Collection hot shoe covers are cufflinks for your cam, let you dazzle up that DSLR


Premium Collection hot shoe covers are cufflinks for your cam, let you dazzle up that DSLR
You love the focus speed, image quality is top-notch and even videos turn out just as expected -- still, there's something missing with your latest DSLR, though it's just a tad hard to place. What your camera needs is some bona fide bling. Not using that hot shoe for a flash or EVF? It's time to tuck in a beautiful raised floral cover, elegantly outfitted in a shiny silver finish. It's sure to stand out against the contrast of an all-black body, though it'll feel equally at home on your silver Leica. Designed by Jay Tsujimura in Tokyo, Premium Collection includes matching hot shoe and shutter release covers, letting your camera stay coordinated just like your cuffs. They're priced to fly off store shelves at a mere ¥24,150 (about $300) each -- get an up-close look in our gallery and at the source link below.Gallery: Premium Collection Hot Shoe CoversFiled under: Digital CamerasPremium Collection hot shoe covers are cufflinks for your cam, let you dazzle up that DSLR originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 02:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Imaging Resource | Jay Tsujimura (translated) | Email this | Comments

Fisker recalling Karma sedans to fix fans that can catch fire

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 11:50 PM PDT

Fisker recalling Karma sedans to fix fans that can catch fire


Fisker recalling Karma sedans to fix fans that can catch fire
Electric-car maker Fisker Automotive is recalling the Karma sports sedan to fix cooling fans that can catch fire.

Hey, Guys, Remember When You Used To Care About Flash?

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:35 PM PDT

Hey, Guys, Remember When You Used To Care About Flash?


Hey, Guys, Remember When You Used To Care About Flash?
I wanted to take a moment to pour out a little Club Mate in honor of Flash on mobile and to point out that it wasn't two years ago that the Flash/iPhone wars were top of mind for most people. Heck, even Steve Jobs chimed in when it looked bleakest. But, as we learned last year, mobile Flash was dead. Kaput. Deceased. No longer. Ex.

Harvard stores 704TB in a gram of DNA, may have us shopping for organically-grow...

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 10:34 PM PDT

Harvard stores 704TB in a gram of DNA, may have us shopping for organically-grown storage (video)


Harvard stores 704TB in a gram of DNA, may have us shopping for organically-grown storage (video)
Early research has had DNA making circuits and little factories. We haven't really seen DNA used as a storage medium, however, and it's evident we've been missing out. A Harvard team led by George Church, Sriram Kosuri and Yuan Gao can stuff 96 bits into a DNA strand by treating each base (A, C, G, T) as though it's a binary value. The genetic sequence is then synthesized by a microfluidic chip that matches up that sequence with its position in a relevant data set, even when all the DNA strands are out of order. The technique doesn't sound like much on its own, but the microscopic size amounts to a gigantic amount of information at a scale we can see: about 704TB of data fits into a cubic millimeter, or more than you'd get out of a few hundred hard drives. Caveats? The processing time is currently too slow for time-sensitive content, and cells with living DNA would destroy the strands too quickly to make them viable for anything more than just transfers. All the same, such density and a lifespan of eons could have us turning to DNA storage not just for personal backups, but for backing up humanity's collective knowledge. We're less ambitious -- we'd most like to know if we'll be buying organic hard drives alongside the fair trade coffee and locally-sourced fruit.Continue reading Harvard stores 704TB in a gram of DNA, may have us shopping for organically-grown storage (video)Filed under: Storage, ScienceHarvard stores 704TB in a gram of DNA, may have us shopping for organically-grown storage (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 01:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink ExtremeTech | Harvard University | Email this | Comments

Sony quietly outs Xperia SL: dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, four hues

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 08:51 PM PDT

Sony quietly outs Xperia SL: dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, four hues


Sony quietly outs Xperia SL: dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, four hues
That oft-rumored successor to the Sony Xperia S smartphone, the Xperia SL? Sony's now officially listing the 4.3-inch GSM device as "coming soon" on its website, along with full details and specs. As it turns out, the initial leaks were correct -- the SL is a slight refresh of the S, differentiating itself with an additional duo of color choices (silver and pink), a faster dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3 CPU and Android Ice Cream Sandwich (up from a 1.5Ghz processor and Gingerbread). Aside from all that, it's the same media-focused phone, loaded with the same 720p display and 12.1-megapixel shooter, that we reviewed in March of 2011. We can't say we're overly excited, but you'll find more info from Sony at the source link below if you're interested. [Thanks, Olmar]Filed under: CellphonesSony quietly outs Xperia SL: dual-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, four hues originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 23:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sony | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: What's the best entry-level DSLR?

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 07:43 PM PDT

Ask Engadget: What's the best entry-level DSLR?


Ask Engadget: What's the best entry-level DSLR?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Joyce, who wants us to open the open the camera wars in the interests of helping out a photography newbie. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm very interested in photography and currently have a minor in Communication Design. I really want to get more serious, but I can't spend too much money ($800 limit) on a DSLR. I'm leaning towards a Canon because my sister has one as well so we could share lenses, and any with a video mode would be useful. Any advice regarding a decent DSLR and beginner lenses would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!" It's been three years since we last asked this question, so we're well overdue to gauge your opinions. Tell us what budget shooter and lenses offer the best bang-for-your-buck and ease of use, which unit's the most forgiving and which offers the cheapest lenses for those just dipping their toes into the water?Filed under: Digital CamerasAsk Engadget: What's the best entry-level DSLR? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 22:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of August 13th, 2012

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 06:28 PM PDT

Mobile Miscellany: week of August 13th, 2012


Mobile Miscellany: week of August 13th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Clove teased the October arrival of the black Samsung Galaxy S III and a security vulnerability was uncovered for Android's pattern unlock feature. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of August 13th, 2012.Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of August 13th, 2012Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, SoftwareMobile Miscellany: week of August 13th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 21:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Facebook to backup its servers with low-power storage devices at 'Sub-Zero' data...

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 06:28 PM PDT

Facebook to backup its servers with low-power storage devices at 'Sub-Zero' data center


Facebook to backup its servers with low-power storage devices at 'Sub-Zero' data center
Data backups come in all shapes and sizes. For some, they take the form of external hard drives or a slice of the amorphous cloud. As for Facebook, its upcoming solution is low-power deep-storage hardware contained within a 62,000 square-foot building in Prineville, Oregon near its existing Beaver State data center. Unofficially referred to as "Sub-Zero," the facility will store a copy of the social network's data in case its primary servers need to be restored in an emergency. Rather than continuously power HDDs that are only occasionally used, the new setup can conserve energy by lighting-up drives just when they're needed. One of the company's existing server racks eats up around 4.5 kilowatts, while those at Sub-Zero are each expected to consume approximately 1.5 kilowatts once they're up and running. Tom Furlong, Facebook's vice president of site operations, told Wired that there are hopes to create a similar structure alongside the firm's North Carolina data center. Since the Prineville project is still being planned, Zuckerberg & Co. have roughly six to nine months to suss out all the details before your photos are backed up at the new digs.Filed under: Storage, InternetFacebook to backup its servers with low-power storage devices at 'Sub-Zero' data center originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge | Wired | Email this | Comments

Motorola posts Android bootloader unlock page, lets just one device pass muster

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 04:37 PM PDT

Motorola posts Android bootloader unlock page, lets just one device pass muster


Motorola posts Android bootloader unlock page, lets just one device pass muster
Motorola drew fresh respect after it vowed that its Android device customers could unlock their bootloaders, starting with the Photon Q LTE. Nearly everything about that process was kept in the dark, but it's now been blown wide open: the company has posted a full page dedicated to the process. Getting started will demand the Android SDK, fastboot, new USB drivers and a slightly scary warranty release, but it otherwise goes through a very HTC-like process that provides an unlock key. Verizon subscribers who were hoping for a surprise Droid RAZR MAXX unlock won't be happy, mind you; the Photon Q LTE is the only device on the list so far that isn't already unchained as a matter of course. Motorola did characterize the unlock option as a forward-thinking option, which leaves us not so secretly wishing that high-profile future releases expand the list of unlockable devices a bit further.Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCsMotorola posts Android bootloader unlock page, lets just one device pass muster originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Droid-Life | Motorola | Email this | Comments

Why does GM continue to mention Chevy Volt sales forecast numbers?

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 03:28 PM PDT

Why does GM continue to mention Chevy Volt sales forecast numbers?


Why does GM continue to mention Chevy Volt sales forecast numbers?
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture The Chevrolet Volt is leading the pack of plug-in electric vehicles and has kicked butt on Nissan Leaf sales numbers but the goal for 2012 is to make 35,000 to 40,000 Volts. Through July, General Motors has sold 10,666 Volts in the U.S., which should get the automaker to 19,000 units sold this year. In Europe, through June, GM sold 2,861 Ampera plug-in hybrids, aka the European version of the Volt. The company recently started selling Chevy Volts in the rapidly growing China market where only 18 were sold through June, according to LMC Automotive. Add up those numbers and we see that about 25,000 to 30,000 Volts/Amperas could be sold worldwide this year. Wait a minute, though, what happened to hitting that 40,000-unit target? And why do we even know that number? In late June, CEO Dan Akerson said that GM's initial target - building 60,000 Volts this year, with 15,000 going to exports - was being downsized to 35,000 to 40,000 units. By continuing to give sales predictions, even decreased ones, Akerson serves to reminds us that, last year, GM failed to meet its initial target of selling 10,000 Volts. Will Akerson further downsize the forecast the next time he's asked?Why does GM continue to mention Chevy Volt sales forecast numbers? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments