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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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Olympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundle

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Olympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundle


Olympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundle
Thought Olympus only made one camera named after a writing implement? Meet the Stylus SP-820UZ, announced alongside the less romantically titled SP-720UZ and the SZ-14 DX bundle. The Stylus (the only one we're expecting to see in the US) comes with a 14-megapixel CMOS tied to the same image engine you'll find inside the company's desirable PEN series. It's ideal for crazy cat people, since it comes with a Pet-face detection mode to ensure your hilarious cheezburger submissions are perfectly focused, and it's even got a series of magic filters to jazz 'em up further. The snapper uses AA batteries (a genius or insane move, depending on how cheaply you can pick 'em up at the store) and will arrive in September. Meanwhile, the SP-720UZ includes a 26x optical lens perched in front of a 14-megapixel sensor with HDR backlit correction and high-speed shooting. The company's also outing the "Big Telephoto Set," combining a SZ-14 compact camera with a pair of binoculars for those who want to drag along a spotter. Both sets will be available in August, though Olympus has only confirmed US availability for the 820UZ, which is expected to retail for $330 in silver and black.Continue reading Olympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundleFiled under: Digital CamerasOlympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundle originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Olympus Stylus TG-625 Tough adds AF light for tricky shots in rough situations

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 02:33 PM PDT

Olympus Stylus TG-625 Tough adds AF light for tricky shots in rough situations


Olympus Stylus TG-625 Tough adds AF light for tricky shots in rough situations
It's been awhile since we've seen Olympus tackle the more affordable side of its rugged camera lineup, which makes its latest entry feel overdue. The Stylus TG-625 Tough effectively replaces the TG-620 by adding something that's been commonplace in the camera world: an autofocus illuminator light to improve focusing at night or, more likely with this camera, when it's plunged 16 feet underwater. Outside of a new double-lock system, though, you're looking at the hardware that has defined most of Olympus' rugged line this year, including a 12-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 28-140mm equivalent lens, 1080p movie making and a 3-inch LCD. The Japanese should get the TG-625 the soonest, on August 31st. There's no word on whether or not there's an upgrade on the way for the US, although we can picture it slotting into the American lineup without much trouble.Continue reading Olympus Stylus TG-625 Tough adds AF light for tricky shots in rough situationsFiled under: Digital CamerasOlympus Stylus TG-625 Tough adds AF light for tricky shots in rough situations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Olympus Japan (translated) | Email this | Comments

HTC Arrive makes its exit, leaves Sprint with a Windows Phone-shaped hole

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:54 PM PDT

HTC Arrive makes its exit, leaves Sprint with a Windows Phone-shaped hole


HTC Arrive makes its exit, leaves Sprint with a Windows Phone-shaped hole
Call it the end to a brief chapter in the Windows Phone saga. While there had been murmurs that the HTC Arrive was on its way out soon, any doubt has been removed now that the smartphone has vanished from Sprint's website and is likely on the endangered list at retail stores. The QWERTY slider's retirement leaves Sprint without any sort of Windows Phone in its roster, cutting the number of major US carriers backing Microsoft's platform down to three. Before you ask, we honestly don't know if the CDMA provider has a replacement waiting in the wings anytime soon: rumors of a Sprint Windows Phone 8 model surfaced as early as March, but the Yellow Swoosh network was nowhere to be seen among the Windows Phone 8 launch partners slated for this fall. The gap is conspicuous enough that Sprint subscribers may need a heaping amount of patience if they're not willing to switch networks for a Windows Phone fix in the near future.Filed under: CellphonesHTC Arrive makes its exit, leaves Sprint with a Windows Phone-shaped hole originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | WPCentral | Email this | Comments

HP exceeds Q3 expectations: rakes $29.7 billion in revenue, still posts a loss

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:54 PM PDT

HP exceeds Q3 expectations: rakes $29.7 billion in revenue, still posts a loss


HP exceeds Q3 expectations: rakes $29.7 billion in revenue, still posts a loss
To say that HP is in a bit of a transitional period would probably be an understatement. As expected, the $8 billion hit it took over the EDS purchase severely impacted its bottom line. While revenue was down year-over-year to $29.7 billion, that five percent drop equated to a 568 percent decline in income as the company posted a loss of $8.9 billion. If not for the combined $10.8 billion in charges it was forced to absorb this quarter, the company's net-income would have stood at $2 billion -- which would have been a significant improvement over Q2's $1.6 billion in profit. While such a staggering loss does appear bad, the non-GAAP results should give investors some hope, as the merger and layoff related charges are a one-time deal. Still, the outlook continues to be grim at the Personal Systems Group which has seen revenue drop 10 percent over the last year. The lone bright spot in the company's line up appears to be its software division, where revenue has grown 18 percent year-over-year. CEO Meg Whitman issued a statement alongside the Q3 2012 earnings report looking to assuage nervous investors' fears. "HP is still in the early stages of a multi-year turnaround, and we're making decent progress despite the headwinds," she asserts and assures that better days lie ahead. For more financial fun, check out the PR after the break and all the tables and charts you can handle at the source.Continue reading HP exceeds Q3 expectations: rakes $29.7 billion in revenue, still posts a lossFiled under: Misc. GadgetsHP exceeds Q3 expectations: rakes $29.7 billion in revenue, still posts a loss originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | HP | Email this | Comments

Facebook Messages gets retooled layout, improved search

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Facebook Messages gets retooled layout, improved search


Facebook Messages gets retooled layout, improved search
It looks like those who rely more on Facebook Messages than email these days will have a bit of adjusting to do. The company has just announced a new look for that key component of the social network, one that now sports a side-by-side layout and support for multiple inline images -- not to mention emoticons. It's also promising a number of other improvements that are less immediately evident, including the ability to search by a sender's name or keyword directly from the main messages view, and a number of new keyboard shortcuts.Filed under: InternetFacebook Messages gets retooled layout, improved search originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Facebook | Email this | Comments

PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:54 PM PDT

PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership


PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership
PayPal already has a partnership with MasterCard in place that lets you use its debit cards in stores, but the company has now expanded that retail presence even further with a new deal it's struck with Discover. Starting sometime next year, that arrangement will let PayPal customers use their charge cards at any of the 7 million retail locations that accept Discover cards, with funds drawn directly from their PayPal account. What's more, PayPal says that retailers won't have to make any hardware or software upgrades to accept the PayPal payments, noting that they'll simply have to let customers know of the new option with in-store signage. Of course, the deal also likely has implications beyond traditional plastic cards, as PayPal is now also pushing its mobile payments more than ever, not to mention its own triangular Square competitor. You can find the official announcement below.Continue reading PayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnershipFiled under: Misc. GadgetsPayPal expands presence in US retail stores with new Discover partnership originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink AllThingsD | | Email this | Comments

Hell For Leather rides the Brammo Empulse R, declares electric motorcycles have...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:18 PM PDT

Hell For Leather rides the Brammo Empulse R, declares electric motorcycles have arrived


Hell For Leather rides the Brammo Empulse R, declares electric motorcycles have arrived
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels After becoming the first media outlet to ride the Brammo Empulse R, Hell For Leather has announced that the electric motorcycle has finally arrived. The enthusiast website has, in the past, had its way with other battery-powered bikes, but they either were not yet available for sale or, if they were, they failed to impress. Not so with the Empulse. Comparing it to the Triumph Street Triple that Brammo used as a benchmark for its naked streetfighter, HFL concluded that the Empulse is actually a better machine. With half the horsepower, slightly less torque and more weight, it's not quicker, faster nor does it offer better range than the gasser. By better they mean that it offers a more pure riding experience. Considering the source, that is high praise, indeed. Over two days of cruising around Ashland, OR, the Empulse impressed the journalist with its superior handling. Similar to the Mission R, the optimal packaging of batteries and mechanicals of the Empulse make it quite flickable and, with help from top-shelf suspension components, super solid in the turns. Unlike the Mission Motors machine - and most electric motorcycles - the Empulse has a 6-speed transmission and that was just fine by the HFL jockey. Although he found the clutch somewhat heavy and the shift movement a tad clunky, it did involve the rider in a rewarding way. Of course, we can't communicate everything about this first ride in quite the way the actual participants did, so head on over and read for yourself how eyes are being opened to the potential of the electric drive experience.Hell For Leather rides the Brammo Empulse R, declares electric motorcycles have arrived originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

AT&T suspends 2G in Oakland after cell towers step on police frequencies

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:18 PM PDT

AT&T suspends 2G in Oakland after cell towers step on police frequencies


AT&T suspends 2G in Oakland after cell towers step on police frequencies
An $18 million dollar radio system purchased by the Oakland Police Department has been giving static instead of 10-30s in progress, and the interfering party has now been collared -- AT&T. Local officials and the FCC told the mobile network that its towers were blocking police communication, particularly when patrol cars were within a quarter-mile of one. However, some local pundits have said the problem is of the PD's own making, claiming it invested in an inferior system and didn't check carefully enough for interference before making the buy. As a result, AT&T has temporarily shut down 2G frequencies around the city -- giving the telecom giant an unplanned sneak preview of the upcoming phase-out.Filed under: CellphonesAT&T suspends 2G in Oakland after cell towers step on police frequencies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Ars Technica | SFGate | Email this | Comments

2013 Infiniti JX Recalled

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:18 PM PDT

2013 Infiniti JX Recalled


2013 Infiniti JX Recalled
The new crossover may run out of fuel without warning.

Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G hits US Cellular this Friday for $180

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 01:17 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G hits US Cellular this Friday for $180


Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G hits US Cellular this Friday for $180
There are plenty of (terribly named) stars in Samsung's Galaxy, but despite the overcrowding, its stateside constellation's showing no signs of slowing. Joining US Cellular's lineup as early as this Friday, the Metrix 4G packs a mix of yesteryear's specs for a budget LTE alternative to the GS III. The 4-inch handset, outfitted with the OEM's preferred Super AMOLED display tech, runs the incredibly stale Android 2.3 Gingerbread atop a single-core 1GHz processor and packs a dual 1.3-megapixel front facing / 5-megapixel rear camera setup into a slide-out QWERTY form factor. If you happen to live within the operator's 4G footprint, you'll be able to snag this handset for $130 with a mail-in rebate, otherwise outliers will have to chalk up an additional $50. Skip on past the break to check out the company's official PR.Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Metrix 4G hits US Cellular this Friday for $180Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessSamsung Galaxy Metrix 4G hits US Cellular this Friday for $180 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Toshiba / Samsung joint venture hit with lawsuit by LG over DVD+RW/RAM patents

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Toshiba / Samsung joint venture hit with lawsuit by LG over DVD+RW/RAM patents


Toshiba / Samsung joint venture hit with lawsuit by LG over DVD+RW/RAM patents
LG Electronics has found itself at the center of quite a few patent lawsuits in recent years (both as a plaintiff and defendant), and it's now kicked yet another one off. As Bloomberg reports, LG has today filed suit against Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology, alleging that the Toshiba / Samsung joint venture violated a number of patents related to DVD+RW and DVD-RAM technology. In the complaint, LG further alleges that TSST is knowingly infringing on the patents as they were previously licensed to Toshiba itself (and TSST as an affiliate company) as part of a deal that expired in 2010. LG is asking for a jury trial to sort things out, and demanding that TSSC pay "no less than a reasonable royalty" along with some unspecified damages. You can find the complaint in full at the link below.Filed under: StorageToshiba / Samsung joint venture hit with lawsuit by LG over DVD+RW/RAM patents originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Bloomberg, LG v. TSST complaint (PDF) | Email this | Comments

Renters vs. Landlords: How to stay in the clear

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Renters vs. Landlords: How to stay in the clear


Renters vs. Landlords: How to stay in the clear
Dealing with a landlord can be tricky business. Here are six tips to ensure you'll be protected from a potentially unscrupulous landlord.

Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies


Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies
You know Sennheiser's pissed when it holds a press conference just to talk about its anti-counterfeit efforts. In Guangzhou yesterday, the German audio company brought along two executives to debut its new authentication technologies on its retail packaging: a shiny Tesa PrioSpot authenticity label plus a "fool-proof" online look-up system. For the former, President of Corporate Services Volker Batels claims it's treated as securely as one would with cash money, in the sense that it has many visible and invisible features. There's also a QR code plus its corresponding label ID printed below the foil, and scanning the former or entering the latter on qr-sennheiser.com returns a virtual copy of the foil label plus a visual description. If what you have matches the label on the screen then hakuna matata. But if the code's been looked up many times already, the website will also give you a warning like in the screenshot after the break -- chances are the label's been duplicated, so potential buyers should always check this before handing the money over. Marc Vincent, the company's President of Greater China, aims to have this "urgent project" covering most products by the end of this year. "We have been fighting counterfeits for five years with some result, but now we have officially declared war on counterfeiting," Mr. Vincent said in a stern voice. "Manufacturers of counterfeit products are social parasites. They really damage our reputation." Gallery: Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologiesContinue reading Sennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologiesSennheiser boasts anti-counterfeit efforts, unveils new authentication technologies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Fisker halting Surf production, but will build you one if you've got a 'big enou...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:07 PM PDT

Fisker halting Surf production, but will build you one if you've got a 'big enough checkbook'


Fisker halting Surf production, but will build you one if you've got a 'big enough checkbook'
Like the ambitious diner at the all-you-can-eat-buffet, Fisker's got a lot on its plate. Between recalling all of its self-immolating Karma models, taking flack from its rivals and hiring a new CEO, something had to give. As such, it's halted production on the Surf and Sunset while it concentrates on getting the Nina / Atlantic onto the streets. However, one-percenters needing a five-door EV are in luck -- Fisker's Roger Ormisher has said that "if someone came along with a big enough checkbook" they'd discuss building a model tailored to their needs. While he remained coy about a specific price in his statement to Autoblog (after the break), a Fisker Buzz member has pegged the figure to be $200,000 -- but hey, that's pocket change to you, right?Continue reading Fisker halting Surf production, but will build you one if you've got a 'big enough checkbook'Filed under: TransportationFisker halting Surf production, but will build you one if you've got a 'big enough checkbook' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Autoblog Green, Fisker Buzz | Email this | Comments

Indian Music Service Dhingana Launches Its Ad Platform, Recruits Facebook’s Goku...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:07 PM PDT

Indian Music Service Dhingana Launches Its Ad Platform, Recruits Facebook's Gokul Rajaram To Advisory Board


Indian Music Service Dhingana Launches Its Ad Platform, Recruits Facebook's Gokul Rajaram To Advisory Board
Since launching in 2007, Indian music streaming service Dhingana has focused less on monetization and more on building its product and its audience, according to co-founder and COO Swapnil Shinde. That focus has paid off in licensing deals with more than 500 music labels and Bollywood production houses, as well as on audience of 11 million monthly active users. So now the company is ready to make money. Specifically, Dhingana is launching its advertising platform. Shinde says he wants the service to become a "must buy" for advertisers such as movie production studios, music labels, independent musicians, mobile carriers, and any other brands that want to reach a young, engaged audience. Dhingana is offering a number of ad formats (the most popular so far, Shinde says, is a reskin of the homepage), and it can target ads based on factors like music genre, platform, geo-location, and audience demographics.

Microsoft permanently lowering Kinect price in the US to $110, slightly reducing...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 12:07 PM PDT

Microsoft permanently lowering Kinect price in the US to $110, slightly reducing it in other parts of the world


Microsoft permanently lowering Kinect price in the US to $110, slightly reducing it in other parts of the world
Well, it certainly looks like the news of that Xbox Essentials Pack isn't the only thing coming out of Redmond today. As the communicative Major Nelson unequivocally notes, Microsoft's officially dropping down the price of its "You Are the Controller" Xbox 360 add-on in the US to a mere 110 bucks. Additionally, he's also said there's a "permanently reduced" pricing scheme coming to other countries in North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific regions (save for Japan) where the company's Kinect is available for purchase; meanwhile, folks in the Middle East, Europe and Africa seem to be out of luck for now, since there are no price-slashing plans for the time being.Filed under: Gaming, Home EntertainmentMicrosoft permanently lowering Kinect price in the US to $110, slightly reducing it in other parts of the world originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Major Nelson | Email this | Comments

HTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 11:33 AM PDT

HTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270


HTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270
The One line hasn't seen much carrier love lately, but that's all set to change next month. Beginning September 2nd, the littlest member of that smartphone troupe -- the One V -- will be hitting Cricket's lineup at $270, no contract necessary, and notching two milestones in the process. Aside from offering subscribers a belated first taste of Ice Cream Sandwich, the Sense-skinned 3.7-incher's release also counts as HTC's official hardware debut on the network. In case you've forgotten and need a bit of a spec refresher, the odd-lipped Legend throwback bucks the de rigeur multi-core trend for a single 1GHz Snapdragon S3 CPU running Android 4.0, a 5-megapixel rear camera powered by ImageSense tech and, for better or worse, features Beats Audio integration. It's no heavyweight as current smartphones go, but if you're keen to push things forward, this lil' fella packs a considerable punch. Check out the company's official presser after the break.Continue reading HTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessHTC One V makes the leap to Cricket's lineup September 2nd for $270 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Five states ask feds for help with high corn prices, say livestock more imporant...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Five states ask feds for help with high corn prices, say livestock more imporant than ethanol


Five states ask feds for help with high corn prices, say livestock more imporant than ethanol
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA The food vs. fuel debate over ethanol continues, this time through the actions of a handful of U.S. states that are asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lift - temporarily, at least - the rules that require a "large share" (to use Reuters' words) of the corn crop in America to be used to make ethanol. Instead, says Georgia, the latest state to join the chorus, the corn should be used to feed chickens to counteract the effects of the drought affecting America this summer. New Mexico said something similar, but with cattle in the starring role. Despite recent reassurances from the Renewable Fuels Association that the drought would not raise food prices, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has written a letter to the federal government that says, in part, "the unprecedented drought experienced in major crop areas of the country, especially throughout extensive areas of the Midwest and South, has significantly decreased crop yields." Reuters writes that Deal calculates the extra cost to poultry farmers in Georgia at $1.4 million a day, thanks to the double-whammy of the drought and biofuel requirements. The EPA doesn't have to decide on the waiver request until November, so expect this fight to continue.Five states ask feds for help with high corn prices, say livestock more imporant than ethanol originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suit

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:59 AM PDT

BMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suit


BMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suit
BMW kicked off its DriveNow car sharing service in its home country last year to see if urban EV rentals would catch on. Something must have clicked in Germany, as the automaker is exporting the concept to the San Francisco Bay Area as of September. DriveNow's initial fleet of 70 ActiveE vehicles will rely on a different business model after getting its American visa: the service drops the strictly by-the-minute model of the German operation in favor of a $12 base fee for a half-hour's trip, with a 32 cents per minute rate kicking in only during longer drives. Travelers will have to drop off the cars at specified stations, too. There's a consolation for the trouble through a ParkNow reservation service, which locks in a parking space at a guaranteed rate and navigates there through an iPhone app or the web. Just be aware that those spaces will be limited -- only eight DriveNow stations and 14 ParkNow lots are active, which doesn't afford a lot of free roaming even after discounting the lack of immediate plans for other US cities. We're nonetheless glad that Bay Area locals without their own ride will have an easier time staying green for their cross-city jaunts.Continue reading BMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suitFiled under: TransportationBMW DriveNow EV car sharing comes to San Francisco Bay Area, ParkNow follows suit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Autoblog | DriveNow | Email this | Comments

YouTube's Elections Hub is a one-stop channel for the latest US political happen...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

YouTube's Elections Hub is a one-stop channel for the latest US political happenings


YouTube's Elections Hub is a one-stop channel for the latest US political happenings
In case you haven't noticed, it's election year in the US of A. And while we already have a slight idea of which political party your beloved neighbors prefer, why not have an all-inclusive video hub to keep you updated with the latest action taking place on the road toward America's historical White House. Here's where YouTube comes in. The Google-owned service announced earlier today the creation of its Elections Hub, which it's dubbing as the "one-stop channel for key political moments" happening now and all the way until the final US election day on the 6th of November. Naturally, the social vid giant's teamed up with some of the biggest outfits around to bring live and on-demand content to the Elections 2012 channel, including ABC News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and, for the spanish-speaking crowd, Univision. Regardless of who's landing your worthy, priceless vote, this should be great corner of the internet to keep you in the loop during this year's Stateside political battle.Filed under: InternetYouTube's Elections Hub is a one-stop channel for the latest US political happenings originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | YouTube Blog | Email this | Comments

Vizio Co-Star teardown supplies the tech specs we never had

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Vizio Co-Star teardown supplies the tech specs we never had


Vizio Co-Star teardown supplies the tech specs we never had
Vizio's Co-Star Google TV hub has been public knowledge for more than half of 2012, but it might as well have been a black box as far as its internals were concerned. It's mostly been a mystery beyond the acknowledgment of a Marvell ARM chip inside. The teardown gurus at iFixit certainly weren't content to let that riddle go unanswered. Their exploration of the box shows that Vizio is very much clinging to the initial Marvell vision of using a dual-core, 1.2GHz Armada 1500 to handle 1080p video at that $100 price -- albeit with just 4GB of flash to store everything the Android OS demands. What may interest hobbyists is simply the accessibility of the set-top box: just about every board and component comes out easily, which could lead to some cheaper DIY surgery. The full parts list is waiting at the source if knowing how your Google TV box operates is as important as catching up on Netflix.Filed under: Home EntertainmentVizio Co-Star teardown supplies the tech specs we never had originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | iFixit | Email this | Comments

Xbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Xbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80


Xbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80
Even if you didn't make the cut for the most recent Dashboard beta, Microsoft's still got some goodies for you. It's helping budget-conscious gamers with more than one friend swell their collection of accessories with the Xbox 360 Essentials pack. The package includes a controller, media remote, three months' Gold subscription and a HDMI cable you'll probably leave in a drawer. The set will arrive in October, setting you back $80 before the holiday shopping begins in earnest.Filed under: GamingXbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq | Microsoft | Email this | Comments

LA smog has less of a chokehold than years ago, NOAA study says

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

LA smog has less of a chokehold than years ago, NOAA study says


LA smog has less of a chokehold than years ago, NOAA study says
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Legislation and Policy If you visited or lived in the Los Angeles area many years ago, you why it was called, unofficially, the City of Smog. In the early 1970s, I attended the LA Zoo with my third grade classmates on one of those given days when the South Coast Air Quality Management District likely issued a smog warning. The sky was gray, thick, and hazy. My eyes were red, my throat was thick and sore and it hurt to breathe deeply. Even though there are more cars on the streets and freeways of LA now than 40 years ago, I haven't experienced that kind of aerial assault lately. Treehugger's Brian Merchant, has had similar experiences: My earliest memories of L.A. are colored with a grey, dystopian palette-I remember staring out at a hazed-over full moon, actually impressed by the way the smog smeared the city lights and hung thick in the air even at night. It was surreal and noirish and pretty repulsive. And that was just over ten years ago. Like me, Merchant has been impressed to witness a typical day in LA with much lighter smog levels. In fact, the LA basin has seen vehicle-related air pollutants decrease by about 98 percent since the 1960s, even as locals are burning three times as much gasoline and diesel fuel since my day at the LA Zoo. That number comes from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report that tracks the trend, including findings on the air pollutants called volatile organic compounds that dropped by half between 2002 and 2010. Cars are much cleaner and efficient than they used to be, but there are a lot more of them, which leads to three times as much fuel consumption as in the 1960s, the report says. Local residents and visitors do get stuck in traffic a lot, but the air is cleaner because technology has made breakthrough advancements. Some of those changes include requirements for catalytic converters, use of reformulated fuels less prone to evaporate and the improved engine efficiency of new vehicles. All this does offer Angelenos, and others who live in congested mega-cities, a little bit of hope, even though smog is still present. According to the NOAA article, "People who lived in the city in the 1960s often couldn't see nearby mountains through the smog; today, they often can."LA smog has less of a chokehold than years ago, NOAA study says originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

HTC’s One V Will Hit Cricket Wireless Shelves On September 2

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

HTC's One V Will Hit Cricket Wireless Shelves On September 2


HTC's One V Will Hit Cricket Wireless Shelves On September 2
HTC and Cricket Wireless have just announced that the carrier will offer the HTC One V, the little brother in HTC's new One series, starting September 2. Cricket has yet to carry an HTC phone. However, HTC has long planned that this phone would be more of a pre-paid offering, with T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular carrying the phone on-contract and Virgin and MetroPCS offering the One V as a pre-paid option. Now, obviously, Cricket Wireless has joined the ranks.

Boston Market cuts salt, yanks shakers

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Boston Market cuts salt, yanks shakers


Boston Market cuts salt, yanks shakers
Boston Market is reportedly pulling salt shakers off its tables and plans to reduce sodium levels in some of its food.

Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage


Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage
More Info Archos outs G10 xs tablet line, readies Transformer Prime contenders Archos teases G10 xs with first press shot, vows launch in three weeks Archos 80 G9 review Archos has had its hand in the slate game since the early days of "internet media tablets," and while its products don't have quite the same brand recognition as, say, Samsung's, we've found the French company's devices to be some of the best-value tablets available. Budget-minded prices and innovation don't usually go hand in hand, but in the case of its new 101 XS Android 4.0 tablet, Archos has a few tricks up its sleeve. The slate boasts a keyboard cover and kickstand, along with a magnetic hinge allowing the lid to attach to the display. Arriving in November for $400, the Archos 101 XS is a productivity-minded take on slates, complete with a full set of keys and a bundled copy of OfficeSuite Pro. Do the hardware and software add up to a killer combo? Read on to find out. Gallery: Archos 101 XS reviewContinue reading Archos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stageFiled under: Tablet PCsArchos 101 XS review: a tablet that puts the keyboard center stage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Archos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Archos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet


Archos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet
Archos' new Coverboard-decked 101 XS tablet isn't the end of its Android efforts for 2012. During our briefing, the manufacturer revealed that it has both a 9.7- and 8-inch model incoming. The duo are set to arrive before the end of the year, and will, aside from dimensions, pack the same list of features we saw on the bigger model. Each will come with its own, perfectly-sized keyboard cover and what's likely to be the same raft of connectivity options seen on Archos' first XS tablet. The 8-inch model (80 XS) will pack a 1,024 x 768 resolution screen, while the larger 9.7-inch slab (97 XS) will house a 1,280 x 800 16:10 screen, a ratio that differentiates it, if only a little, from the slightly bigger model unveiled today. Archos is keeping some vital points -- like pricing -- a secret for now, but we'll update with more details as soon as we hear them.Filed under: Tablet PCsArchos readying 9.7- and 8-inch versions of its 101 XS tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400


Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400
Archos recently dropped a few hints about a Gen 10 tablet, and, just as promised, three weeks later the device is getting its official unveiling. Meet the Archos 101 XS, a 10-inch slate running Ice Cream Sandwich and a dual-core TI OMAP-4470 processor. Staying true to the company's budget-friendly rep, the 101 XS will go for $400 when it drops in November, and that includes the tablet's main attraction: a keyboard dock that also acts as a cover to protect the 1,280 x 800 display. The so-called Coverboard attaches to the tablet's body magnetically, and there's a dock for securing the device when you want to type. The Coverboard sports a full QWERTY layout along with home, back and recently open buttons for navigating the Android OS. Speaking of which, Archos says the XS will be upgradeable to Jelly Bean in October. Other key specs include 16GB of internal storage, a 1.3-megapixel, 720p webcam and a 1.3-pound, 0.31-inch-thick design. To complement its new slab, Archos has also announced several new docks and covers. The Boombox speaker dock will charge your 101 XS while you soak up 32 watts of music playback. If you'd prefer to hook it up to your existing system, the Cradle dock has audio-out ports alongside a pair of USB sockets that can be connected to portable hard drives -- and more music. A selection of pouches and sleeves will also be up for grabs for anyone who's willing to leave that Coverboard behind. Pricing info for these accessories is yet to come. For more info, head past the break for the press release (and photos). We also have a full review of the 101 XS -- check it out here. Jamie Rigg contributed to this report.Continue reading Archos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400Filed under: Tablet PCsArchos announces 101 XS tablet with built-in keyboard dock, arriving in November for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: accessories

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:58 AM PDT

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: accessories


Engadget's back to school guide 2012: accessories
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we've got a slew of accessories -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Sure, you may need ultraportables and such to get the bulk of your work done, but you also need a few add-ons to make tasks just a bit easier. In this installment of the back to school guide, we'll offer a collection of accessories that will do just that. From extra batteries to external hard drives and peripherals, what you'll find here should help you get through a day of back-to-back classes, without the need to worry about losing all those term papers if something goes wrong with the SSD. Of course, not all of these are meant to aid in serious, head-down studies. We also tackle a few options for keeping fit and iPad-powered study breaks, too. So head on past the break for the rundown on a gadget stash that'll help you ease back into the flow of things this fall. Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2012: accessoriesFiled under: Misc. Gadgets, Household, Peripherals, Wearables, StorageEngadget's back to school guide 2012: accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

TriPlay Rakes In $5M And A New Oligarch Investor To Take Its Consumer Cloud To E...

Posted: 22 Aug 2012 10:22 AM PDT

TriPlay Rakes In $5M And A New Oligarch Investor To Take Its Consumer Cloud To Europe + Asia


TriPlay Rakes In $5M And A New Oligarch Investor To Take Its Consumer Cloud To Europe + Asia
TriPlay, a U.S./Israeli-based developer of cloud services that lets people consume music and other media across different devices, is today announcing a Series C round of $5 million to take its technology into new and emerging markets in Asia and Europe, and hire more people, including a CMO. The $5 million comes from new investor Kenges Rakishev, a Kazakh businessman who has made millions in petrochemicals and more and is now using some of the proceeds to back tech companies. The company has raised $15 million to date, with other backers including angel investors and the CEO and founder Tamir Koch. Users of TriPlay's cross-platform streaming services number in the hundreds of thousands of users; with partners like Pelephone Musix and Conduit SendSMS, the figure goes up to 11.8 million. Now, the idea behind extending to emerging markets is that smartphone and tablet takeup is in earlier stages, which feature phones still driving sales for companies like Samsung and Nokia. This is rapidly changing, and given that smartphones and tablets have been major driver for cloud service uptake, it's a good moment to pick up new users who are just starting to need those kinds of solutions.