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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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Dell reports Q2 earnings: rakes in $14.5 billion of revenue, nets $732 million i...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 02:30 PM PDT

Dell reports Q2 earnings: rakes in $14.5 billion of revenue, nets $732 million in profit


Dell reports Q2 earnings: rakes in $14.5 billion of revenue, nets $732 million in profit
After a couple of down quarters in a row, Dell needed to come out strong in Q2 of fiscal year 2013. Well, it's probably not as glowing a quarter as the company was hoping for, but a slight rebound in profits from last quarter should give it something to smile about. Revenue was up roughly $100 million sequentially, which translated into an equal amount of additional profit. After netting just $635 million in income during Q1, Dell banked $732 million in Q2 of 2013. Year-over-year, however, things are a little less rosy. Revenue was down eight percent and net income a worrisome 18 percent. Still, while its consumer arm continues to struggle (where revenue is down 22 percent), its enterprise services division continues to grow, raking in $4.9 billion this quarter -- up six percent from the same time last year and matching its previous record. The company expects revenue to continue to fall next quarter, but expects good things from it Enterprise Solutions, Services and Software division going forward. For more financial particulars check out the PR after the break. Update: Dell's slide deck -- partially shown above -- unsurprisingly points out that Windows 8-based Ultrabooks, all-in-one desktops and tablets are on deck, but it also mentions a mysterious "converged device" segment as well. Hmm.Continue reading Dell reports Q2 earnings: rakes in $14.5 billion of revenue, nets $732 million in profitFiled under: Misc. GadgetsDell reports Q2 earnings: rakes in $14.5 billion of revenue, nets $732 million in profit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Dell | Email this | Comments

Google Officially Reveals Play Store Gift Cards, Headed To GameStop, RadioShack,...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:55 PM PDT

Google Officially Reveals Play Store Gift Cards, Headed To GameStop, RadioShack, And Target First


Google Officially Reveals Play Store Gift Cards, Headed To GameStop, RadioShack, And Target First
It's been a week since the first images of Google's Play Store gift cards first started making the rounds, and the search giant has finally gotten around to confirming their existence. First thing's first -- the $10 and $25 denominations spotted last Tuesday are indeed the real deal, and they're joined by a $50 card that's better geared toward facilitating bigger purchases like e-books and movies. The one big bummer? They can't be used toward purchasing hardware from the Google Play Store. Target, GameStop, and RadioShack are among the retailers who will stock the cards over the coming weeks, with Walmart.com (no mention of their physical locations, weird) expected to join the fray before the end of August.

Google Officially Reveals Play Store Gift Cards, Headed To GameStop, RadioShack,...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Google Officially Reveals Play Store Gift Cards, Headed To GameStop, RadioShack, And Target First


Google Officially Reveals Play Store Gift Cards, Headed To GameStop, RadioShack, And Target First
It's been a week since the first images of Google's Play Store gift cards first started making the rounds, and the search giant has finally gotten around to confirming their existence. First thing's first -- the $10 and $25 denominations spotted last Tuesday are indeed the real deal, and they're joined by a $50 card that's better geared toward facilitating bigger purchases like e-books and movies. The one big bummer? They can't be used toward purchasing hardware from the Google Play Store. Target, GameStop, and RadioShack are among the retailers who will stock the cards over the coming weeks, with Walmart.com (no mention of their physical locations, weird) expected to join the fray before the end of August.

BT planning to write off 2.6 percent stake in troubled OnLive

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT

BT planning to write off 2.6 percent stake in troubled OnLive


BT planning to write off 2.6 percent stake in troubled OnLive
BT thinks that it's "highly likely" it'll let its 2.6 percent stake in OnLive go to the wall. It told TechRadar that it was keeping a "close eye" on the gaming venture which is restructuring in the face of spiraling debt costs. The telecoms provider has promised that its customers will be able to access the service (for as long as it exists, we guess) and that the investment is a small enough figure that it won't be worrying too much about its balance sheet.Filed under: Gaming, InternetBT planning to write off 2.6 percent stake in troubled OnLive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Gamesindustry | Tech Radar | Email this | Comments

Microsoft earns patent for claimed wireless charging improvement, pad with info...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Microsoft earns patent for claimed wireless charging improvement, pad with info screen


Microsoft earns patent for claimed wireless charging improvement, pad with info screen
Device makers are bent on bringing us inductive charging, and Redmond has joined the fray with a recently allotted patent that describes all kinds of tech that could make it work better. For the charging itself, a trick is proposed that's similar to one we've seen before -- careful matching of the resonant frequency of charger and device. That would amplify efficiency and allow more than one device to be charged at a time. To make it easier to use, a pressure sensor could detect if a device was on the pad, with different parts of the pad allocated for smartphones or tablets, for instance. The patent also proposes a display placed opposite the charger to give it another use when it's not juicing, which would be determined by a gyro to sense which side was facing up. Of course, a lot of patents are whimsical things, which never amount to anything -- but judging by the detail in this one, Microsoft may have something more concrete in mind.Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, PeripheralsMicrosoft earns patent for claimed wireless charging improvement, pad with info screen originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | USPTO | Email this | Comments

Pebble Beach 2012: The Worst of Show

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Pebble Beach 2012: The Worst of Show


Pebble Beach 2012: The Worst of Show
The Concours d'LeMons, where being the best of the worst is an honor

Lenovo's seven-inch Android 4.0 tablet passes federal testing, on course for Sep...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Lenovo's seven-inch Android 4.0 tablet passes federal testing, on course for September release


Lenovo's seven-inch Android 4.0 tablet passes federal testing, on course for September release
While pricing hasn't revealed whether it'll spar with the Nexus 7 for the hearts of bargain tablet shoppers, Lenovo's smaller Android 4.0 slab, the A2107, has called in at the FCC. Again, there's not all that much we can glean from a tablet that's prone and turned off, but it does give the product another nudges towards launching next month. Fans of all things radio and wireless can peruse the official filing at the source below.Filed under: Tablet PCsLenovo's seven-inch Android 4.0 tablet passes federal testing, on course for September release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

Office Web Apps integrate touch support on iPad and Windows 8, brace us for an O...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Office Web Apps integrate touch support on iPad and Windows 8, brace us for an Office 2013 world


Office Web Apps integrate touch support on iPad and Windows 8, brace us for an Office 2013 world
Touch-friendliness is a centerpiece for the upcoming Office 2013, but don't fret if you prefer to live in the world of Office Web Apps ahead of time. As of new preview versions of both OWA and Office 365, those using at least an iPad or Windows 8 will see larger, more finger-ready controls by default. The switch also tweaks the text selection, contextual menus and numerous other elements to work properly with the fleshier input, even going so far as to support multi-touch gestures like pinching to zoom. Windows users get a Touch Mode toggle if they'd rather flip back to traditional control methods. While the web support is still experimental and doesn't have a completion date on the horizon, those willing to live ever so slightly on the edge can stay hooked on Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Word without having to use anything so archaic as a mouse and keyboard. [Thanks, Suraj]Filed under: Tablet PCs, InternetOffice Web Apps integrate touch support on iPad and Windows 8, brace us for an Office 2013 world originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Office Web Apps Blog | Office Web Apps Preview (SkyDrive), Office 365 Preview | Email this | Comments

Verizon Vacation Blackout Reveals The New iPhone Will Launch On Friday, Septembe...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Verizon Vacation Blackout Reveals The New iPhone Will Launch On Friday, September 21


Verizon Vacation Blackout Reveals The New iPhone Will Launch On Friday, September 21
A trusted Verizon employee has just confirmed to TechCrunch that the carrier is having an all-staff vacation blackout from the dates of Friday, September 21 to September 30. You know what that means, right? The next iPhone, whether it's called the iPhone 5 or simply the new iPhone, will almost certainly be available in stores (with lines wrapping around the back of them) starting Friday, September 21. It's largely expected that the next-gen iPhone will be announced on September 12, in usual Apple fashion. (Though the spectacle may be a bit different this time around consider that Apple's lead presentation executive was fired in December.) If we travel back a bit and examine the historical timeline from Apple's announcement, to pre-order, to launch, the dates all seem to match up.

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE review: the best full QWERTY phone on Sprint's network

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE review: the best full QWERTY phone on Sprint's network


Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE review: the best full QWERTY phone on Sprint's network
More Info Motorola ICS UI review Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE available August 19th for $200 Photon Q 4G LTE is coming 'very soon' The future of Motorola post-acquisition may still be a mystery, but the manufacturer has managed to stay quite active over the last few weeks: it unveiled the Atrix HD, its first smartphone with an HD display and native ICS build, and there's already much anticipation around Verizon's Droid RAZR HD ahead of the holiday season. For the here and now, however, it's Sprint's turn to soak in the Moto love with the Photon Q 4G LTE. (Say it five times fast.) Naturally, the name of the phone doesn't leave a whole lot to the imagination. As you'd expect, it's a follow-up to last year's Photon 4G that trades WiMAX for LTE and adds a full-sized QWERTY keyboard. What the name doesn't tell you, though, is that this phone costs a lofty $200 on contract, and features a qHD ColorBoost display (not to be confused with the Atrix's 720p screen, which uses the same branding). In other words, it's gotta be pretty good to have any success at that price point. How does the latest Googorola device hold up against the rest of Sprint's LTE lineup? Is it worth the premium? Follow us southward to find out.Gallery: Motorola Photon 4G LTE reviewContinue reading Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE review: the best full QWERTY phone on Sprint's networkFiled under: Cellphones, WirelessMotorola Photon Q 4G LTE review: the best full QWERTY phone on Sprint's network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google Play gift cards officially announced, now rolling out to Target, RadioSha...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 12:40 PM PDT

Google Play gift cards officially announced, now rolling out to Target, RadioShack and GameStop


Google Play gift cards officially announced, now rolling out to Target, RadioShack and GameStop
We've seen hints of them in the Google Play app and some pretty clear evidence of them in the wild, and now Google has finally officially announced the availability of Google Play gift cards. Those are available in $10, $25 and $50 denominations, and will be rolling out to Target, RadioShack and GameStop retail stores in the United States over the next few weeks (no word on availability outside the US just yet). According to Google, they'll also be available on Walmart.com later this month, but not in Walmart stores for the time being. As you'd expect, the cards can be used to purchase anything on Google Play, including movies, music and books in addition to apps (or in-app items). [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Google Play gift cards officially announced, now rolling out to Target, RadioShack and GameStop originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Play, Google+ | Email this | Comments

Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:30 AM PDT

Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting


Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting
Filed under: Hybrid, AcuraAcura has paired its 2013 ILX Hybrid with the band Metric on its U.S. tour. To keep people as intrigued outside the concert as they are inside, Acura turned the ILX into an LED art car with a 3D display where there should have been an interior. Creating the LED light show took 4,600 hours, that was for the installation of 7,500 individually controllable LEDs activated by more than 1,100 lines of programming. You can watch it in action in the video below.Continue reading Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lightingAcura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:30 AM PDT

Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home security


Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home security
Home security may not have reached all-seeing aerial eye proportions, but Swann's TrueBlue 4000 series of D1 DVR systems can place up to eight digital peepers throughout your island fortress or humble abode. With a resolution of 480 x 704 pixels, the cameras offer "DVD-quality" video and feature night vision with up to 65 feet of visibility. Those hankering to remotely keep tabs on their homestead can load up the free SwannView app for Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Mobile 6 and Symbian to watch live video on mobile devices. Footage can also be viewed on monitors using HDMI or VGA connections and can be backed up through USB, eSATA or over a network. The maximum one terabyte of storage space nets continuous recording for up to 30 days -- or longer if the device's motion detection settings are flipped on. A 500GB base model with a quartet of cams rings up at $549.99, while the more expensive $649.99 and $749.99 models each pack 1TB hard drives and eight channel support. However, only the priciest of the trio comes packaged with the octet of cameras. Head past the break for the full PR and a glimpse of the rig in action.Continue reading Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home securityFiled under: Digital Cameras, SoftwareSwann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home security originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Slow-Rising Car Prices May Surprise

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 11:30 AM PDT

Slow-Rising Car Prices May Surprise


Slow-Rising Car Prices May Surprise
We spotted some surprising bumps and drops in current car prices.

LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video)

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:55 AM PDT

LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video)


LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video)
The recent unveiling of that LTE-loaded Galaxy S Lightray doesn't appear to have slowed down MetroPCS, as the Texas-born carrier's quickly following up with yet another 4G handset to bring to its growing smartphone portfolio. Enter the economical 3.5-inch LG Motion 4G. Unlike the aforementioned offering from Samsung, however, the wallet-friendly network's now betting high on selling this new handset on the cheap and, naturally, is flaunting the "4G LTE For All" unlimited access as one of the device's biggest traits. But how exactly does it stack up in the real world? Well, the good news is we were amongst a select group of folks gathered at Manhattan's Andaz, and were lucky enough to take it for a quick spin. So head on past the break to get a better feel for our first, early-on impressions of MetroPCS' newest Android slab.Continue reading LG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video)Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessLG Motion 4G for MetroPCS hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Purported Specs Of The Next Nexus Smartphone Hits The Web

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:55 AM PDT

Purported Specs Of The Next Nexus Smartphone Hits The Web


Purported Specs Of The Next Nexus Smartphone Hits The Web
Forget about the new iPhone. It's almost time for the next Nexus superphone! The Galaxy Nexus one was introduced last November so it only makes sense that the next one will launch around the same time period. Codenamed Superior, specs for the next Galaxy Nexus just appeared but don't get too excited. This next phone, if it really is a Nexus variation, isn't all that more impressive than the current generation.

All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (v...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:55 AM PDT

All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video)


All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video)
Bob Averill, who introduced us to the world of underwater hamster care, had a couple of other projects to show us during our visit to Portland, Oregon, including the All-Weather Motorcycle Helmet. What, you ask, makes a motorcycle helmet "all-weather?" Why, built-in heating and cooling, of course. Averill started with a standard Vega modular helmet, adding an evaporative cooler powered by a solar panel on top. The cooler pulls air from an intake on the helmet's side, sucking up more air at higher speeds and blowing it through a sponge, across the wearer's face. When things get too cold, there's a heater built into the liner, created from a heated mouse pad and powered by a lithium battery. Averill is looking to get the project mass-produced, but that's easier said than done, when it comes to a safety products like this -- and Kickstarter, apparently, isn't playing ball. Check out a video of the helmet after the break.Continue reading All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video)All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET!

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:09 AM PDT

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET!


Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET!
As Leno and Letterman always say, we've got a great show for you coming up as Richard Lai joins the mobile podcast crew to opine on phones from the other side of the Pacific. Okay, Leno and Letterman don't say that last part, but definitely the first. Regardless, tune in to today's mobile podcast for fresh news, reviews and rants from the week that was. August 21, 2012 2:00 PM EDTContinue reading Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET!Filed under: AnnouncementsListen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 2PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Motorola Defy Pro arrives in Rogers stores for $275

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:09 AM PDT

Motorola Defy Pro arrives in Rogers stores for $275


Motorola Defy Pro arrives in Rogers stores for $275
Canadians who need a handset capable of withstanding the frantic hustle of life can now avail themselves of Motorola's Defy Pro. The "lifeproof" smartphone should be able to withstand water, dust and hockey sticks, with a touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard working together in perfect harmony. While it's not yet online at Rogers, the chaps at MobileSyrup found units available in store -- setting you back $275 outright or from as low as a few pennies on the right contract.Filed under: CellphonesMotorola Defy Pro arrives in Rogers stores for $275 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | MobileSyrup | Email this | Comments

PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 10:09 AM PDT

PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots


PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots
Microsoft is working on another update for the Xbox 360 dashboard, which means some lucky individuals will be able to get a sneaky peek thanks to the company's closed beta. Our tipsters have told us it's adding a further 500,000 slots for users on a first come, first served basis for this year's annual refresh -- expected to include Internet Explorer, Pins, and Smartglass amongst others. If you're interested in getting involved, we suggest sprinting on down to the source link to try and beat the rush. [Thanks, Anonymous!]Filed under: GamingPSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Major Nelson | Email this | Comments

PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:33 AM PDT

PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots


PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots
Microsoft is working on another update for the Xbox 360 dashboard, which means some lucky individuals will be able to get a sneaky peak thanks to the company's closed beta. Our tipsters have told us it's adding a further 500,000 slots for users on a first come, first served basis for this year's annual refresh -- expected to include Internet Explorer, Pins, and Smartglass amongst others. If you're interested in getting involved, we suggest sprinting on down to the source link to try and beat the rush. [Thanks, Anonymous!]Filed under: GamingPSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Major Nelson | Email this | Comments

MetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat plan

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:33 AM PDT

MetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat plan


MetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat plan
LTE doesn't have to mean premium pricing -- just ask MetroPCS. The budget carrier, notable for its recent launch of VoLTE, has announced the availability of a limited time promo service bundling unlimited voice, text and data dubbed Wireless for All. And to help give that initiative a proper public splash, the company's tossed in some new kit: LG's Motion 4G. That handset, a humble 3.5-incher, is actually the first Android 4.0 device to bow on the company's lineup and bears a familiar dual-core CPU setup clocked at 1.2GHz, HVGA display, 5GB of internal storage (expandable to 32GB via microSD), a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of 1080p video and 1,700mAh battery. As ICS handsets come, it's certainly no big leaguer, but at $149, plus the addition of that all-you-can eat $55/mo plan, it's hard to find fault with affordable. Skip on past the break to peruse the company's official presser.Continue reading MetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat planFiled under: Cellphones, WirelessMetroPCS outs LG Motion 4G in tandem with unlimited all-you-can-eat plan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

FCC report says 19 million americans still without broadband access

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:33 AM PDT

FCC report says 19 million americans still without broadband access


FCC report says 19 million americans still without broadband access
The FCC believes that 19 million Americans don't have access to broadband, defined as internet access at a speed of 4 megabits per second or more. Understandably, rural areas are the worst hit, with 14.5 million out in the sticks without access, with areas like West Virginia lacking coverage for 45.9 percent of its population. It's not limited to the wide open spaces of states like Montana (16.7 percent) however, even tech-heavy states like California lack access for 35 percent of its denizens. The commission's Connect America fund is charged with closing this gap, and has already awarded CenturyLink $35 million to connect 45,000 homes in under-served areas as part of a plan to help seven million more people get online by 2018.Filed under: InternetFCC report says 19 million americans still without broadband access originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | USA Today | Email this | Comments

Fisker Recalls Karma Over Fire Risk

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:33 AM PDT

Fisker Recalls Karma Over Fire Risk


Fisker Recalls Karma Over Fire Risk
Fisker recalls its luxury hybrid to replace a faulty cooling fan.

Got a heap of Twitter followers? GM might give you a Chevy Volt for a while

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:00 AM PDT

Got a heap of Twitter followers? GM might give you a Chevy Volt for a while


Got a heap of Twitter followers? GM might give you a Chevy Volt for a while
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Chevrolet, GM Just don't tweet from behind the wheel, Okay? Chicago is the most recent city where General Motors is looking to promote its Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in by offering hardcore Tweeters and other social-media mavens free extended test drives. Chevy is targeting 300 of Chicago's most active social-media users with offers of free, three-day Volt test drives for waxing poetic - in 140 characters or less - about the model, the Chicago Tribune reports. GM is looking for hardcore Tweeters with "influence in technology and green issues." Earlier this year, GM ran similar promotions in Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco and Denver. For each metropolitan area, the automaker targets social-media users within a 45-mile radius, the newspaper says. The Volt has long been a part of social media sites like Facebook and GM isn't the only automaker to use your online presence to try and sell you cars.Got a heap of Twitter followers? GM might give you a Chevy Volt for a while originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

TomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social features

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 09:00 AM PDT

TomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social features


TomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social features
TomTom has refreshed its Navigation App for iPhone and iPad with a new user interface, Foursquare integration and constantly updated maps. It'll also automatically check into your favorite hangouts to avoid forgetting to oust your frenemies at your local coffee house. The revised application will also help you avoid French speed traps that don't fall foul of new laws on traffic alerts, with the whole thing playing very nice with the recently announced car kit. The app retails for €70 ($87) in the App Store -- although we're not sure how popular it's going to be if those same features will be bundled in iOS 6.Continue reading TomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social featuresFiled under: Cellphones, GPSTomTom refreshes Navigation app for iOS, adds social features originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

The six F's of arranging furniture

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:26 AM PDT

The six F's of arranging furniture


The six F's of arranging furniture
It has been said that good design has visual appeal as well as function and comfort. But how do you accomplish all three when arranging furniture in a new home? Listed below are six commonsense tips to take the headache out of the process. FUNCTION: You must first determine how the room will be used.

Robot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDog...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:25 AM PDT

Robot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDogs sit


Robot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDogs sit
It's that time again: time for Carnegie Mellon to roll out the red carpet and welcome the crème de la crème of the robotics world into its halls. Since 2003 the school has been selecting the best of the best and inducting them into the Robot Hall of Fame. Past honorees have included everything from LEGO Mindstorms to the Terminator. This year's list of nominees is no less impressive, with celebrity bots Johnny 5 and WALL-E pitted against each other in the entertainment category, while NASA's Robonaut takes on the PR2 and BigDog under the banner of research bots. There will also be two other inductees awarded a spot in the hall in the consumer and education category and the industrial and service field. Best of all, for the first time ever, Carnegie Mellon is letting the public vote on the inductees. And, while PETMAN was snubbed yet again, he's not letting that get him down -- the Boston Dymanic's biped just keeps on struttin'. Hit up the source link to cast your vote before the September 30th deadline and check back on October 23rd to see who's granted a podium speech.Continue reading Robot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDogs sitFiled under: RobotsRobot Hall of Fame voting begins for class of 2012, Johnny 5 learns where BigDogs sit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Robot Hall of Fame | Email this | Comments

Sony Xperia J gets a pre-unveiling hands-on, suggests we'll get exactly what we...

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 08:25 AM PDT

Sony Xperia J gets a pre-unveiling hands-on, suggests we'll get exactly what we pay for


Sony Xperia J gets a pre-unveiling hands-on, suggests we'll get exactly what we pay for
Giving Sony phones hands-on time before they're even announced must be in vogue this year. Hot on the heels of its look at what's now called the Xperia T, Mobile-review has given the entry-level Xperia J a full inspection without even the hint of a press release in sight. The very, very early review makes clear that cost-cutting is the rule of the day: a 2010-era Snapdragon chip, 512MB of RAM and a fairly low-grade 4-inch LCD don't afford much in the way of bragging rights. The absence of a microSD card slot doesn't win any fans, either. Still, the Xperia J looks to be carrying a lightweight instance of Android 4.0 that keeps it reasonably up to date, the battery life is good and the 5-megapixel camera will capture some memories in a pinch. Sony could supposedly have its starter phone on the market as early as September, and for as little as 150 euros ($186) outside of a contract -- no doubt the real selling point if it's at all true, as the cost would be roughly half that of the already budget-minded Xperia U.Filed under: CellphonesSony Xperia J gets a pre-unveiling hands-on, suggests we'll get exactly what we pay for originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Mobile-review | Email this | Comments

Skype adds photo sharing to iPad and iPhone app, soups up performance for both

Posted: 21 Aug 2012 07:39 AM PDT

Skype adds photo sharing to iPad and iPhone app, soups up performance for both


Skype adds photo sharing to iPad and iPhone app, soups up performance for both
Sure there are already a slew of photo sharing options for mobile apps, but those do who most of their chatting in Skype will surely welcome the addition of the feature for iOS devices. Thanks to a new update, folks utilizing the VoIP service on their iPhone and iPad will be able to send photos of any size on their mobile devices. The update also brings some boosts to overall performance, according to Skype, including faster load times and less power hogging. The update is available for devices running iOS 4.3 or later, including the 3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S over on the iPhone side of things. More info can be found in the source link below.Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareSkype adds photo sharing to iPad and iPhone app, soups up performance for both originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Skype | Email this | Comments