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Saturday, August 25, 2012

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Alt-week 8.25.12: robotic noses, Nodosaurs and Space X launches again

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 03:36 PM PDT

Alt-week 8.25.12: robotic noses, Nodosaurs and Space X launches again


Alt-week 8.25.12: robotic noses, Nodosaurs and Space X launches again
Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days. All good things come to and end, they say. Thankfully, most bad things do, too. So while the rest of the world of tech is dealing with the fallout, and possible implications of patent law, over here in the wild party that is Alt, we're fist pumping at all the awesome weekly sci-tech fodder. For example, we've got a robo-nose that can sniff out nasties in the air, a 110-million-year-old footprint found in NASA's back yard, and not one, but two space stories to reflect on. There's a hidden joke in there too, come back once you've read through to find it. This is alt-week.Continue reading Alt-week 8.25.12: robotic noses, Nodosaurs and Space X launches againFiled under: Science, Internet, AltAlt-week 8.25.12: robotic noses, Nodosaurs and Space X launches again originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Editorial: Engadget on the Apple vs. Samsung ruling

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 03:03 PM PDT

Editorial: Engadget on the Apple vs. Samsung ruling


Editorial: Engadget on the Apple vs. Samsung ruling
It's done. It's all over. There's nothing left now but the tears, the big checks -- and the appeals. After weeks of laborious deliberations and no shortage of courtroom antics the jury has issued its verdict and, while it isn't a complete victory for Apple, it's most certainly a loss for Samsung. Naturally, we have some thoughts on the subject. Join us after the break as we express our feelings.Continue reading Editorial: Engadget on the Apple vs. Samsung rulingFiled under: MobileEditorial: Engadget on the Apple vs. Samsung ruling originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Forbes gives three reasons to be skeptical of Tesla's success

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 01:47 PM PDT

Forbes gives three reasons to be skeptical of Tesla's success


Forbes gives three reasons to be skeptical of Tesla's success
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Manufacturing/Plants, Tesla Motors The future's cloudy, but you should still buy the stock. That's the message Forbes is sending about Tesla Motors. Tesla's stock price may rise another 50 percent or so, but the electric-vehicle maker's steep ramp up, potential competition and dependence on a single model for its success (for now) pose risks to the automaker's future, Forbes writes. The company, which has more than 12,000 reservations for its Model S sedan so far, is planning on ramping up to build as many as 20,000 units next year. Earlier this year, it was making around 10 units a week (this past Thursday, Tesla confirmed that it made its 100th production Model S), and to ramp up that quickly creates the potential for quality control and supplier performance issues, said Forbes. Nonetheless, Forbes has a $41 price target on the stock; Tesla was trading at about $29 a share on Friday. Tesla started deliveries of the Model S in June and said last month that its second-quarter loss widened by 84 percent to $106.5 million because expenses jumped and revenue fell as the company prepared for the car's debut. Additionally, with companies like BMW and Audi jumping into the advanced-powertrain fray, Tesla can expect to see increased competition just as it looks to expand production of the Model S.Forbes gives three reasons to be skeptical of Tesla's success originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pioneering astronaut Neil Armstrong dies at 82

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 01:47 PM PDT

Pioneering astronaut Neil Armstrong dies at 82


Pioneering astronaut Neil Armstrong dies at 82
It's a story that we hoped we'd never have to report. Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on Earth's Moon, has died at the age of 82 after complications from heart surgery three weeks earlier. His greatest accomplishment very nearly speaks for itself -- along with help from fellow NASA astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, he changed the landscape of space exploration through a set of footprints. It's still important to stress his accomplishments both before and after the historic Apollo 11 flight, though. He was instrumental to the Gemini and X-series test programs in the years before Apollo, and followed his moonshot with roles in teaching aerospace engineering as well as investigating the Apollo 13 and Space Shuttle Challenger incidents. What more can we say? Although he only spent a very small portion of his life beyond Earth's atmosphere, he's still widely considered the greatest space hero in the US, if not the world, and inspired a whole generation of astronauts. We'll miss him. [Image credit: NASA Apollo Archive]Filed under: Transportation, Science, AltPioneering astronaut Neil Armstrong dies at 82 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | NBC | Email this | Comments

LG's Optimus G caught on camera, flexes quad-core muscles

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 11:10 AM PDT

LG's Optimus G caught on camera, flexes quad-core muscles


LG's Optimus G caught on camera, flexes quad-core muscles
So, it seems that all those airborne clues about LG's new superphone are slowly coalescing into something more concrete. In fact, according to the folk at AndroidMx, so concrete they've actually had a go with one. Most of the specification they report chimes with what we'd already heard. The 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4, the 2GB of RAM, the 4.7-inch IPS display, Android 4.0.4 and 13-megapixel camera, all present and correct. The screen resolution actually claims to be 1,280 x 768 if the grabs are to be believed, but AndroidMx does remind us that this is all pre-production hardware, so final details might change. This makes sense, especially given the video tease we saw yesterday, which hinted at a slightly more rounded design. Hopes are, that we'll be put out of our misery come IFA, but with other potentially big announcements also in the pipeline, it's going to be a busy week in mobile-land.Continue reading LG's Optimus G caught on camera, flexes quad-core musclesFiled under: Cellphones, MobileLG's Optimus G caught on camera, flexes quad-core muscles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PocketNow | AndroidMx | Email this | Comments

Video of protein movement within a neuron shows how our brains renew themselves

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 10:37 AM PDT

Video of protein movement within a neuron shows how our brains renew themselves


Video of protein movement within a neuron shows how our brains renew themselves
If, like us, you spend most of your time wondering exactly what's going on in other people's heads, then this video is for you. Okay, so it might not reveal the reason why that jerk cut you off at the junction, or why that co-worder didn't show up to your date exactly, rather, it's a little more literal than that. This is video footage of proteins moving within a single neuron. The USC researchers were able to capture this video by using bioluminescent proteins from a jellyfish to visually track their movement. Not only is this mind-boggling to the layperson (just think how small these things are) it's also mind-revealing. By that, we mean it gives scientists an opportunity to observe how these tiny, yet vital, cerebral elements restore themselves. Which, when you you're constantly worried about the amount of grey matter you were blessed with in the first place, can only be a good thing.Filed under: Science, AltVideo of protein movement within a neuron shows how our brains renew themselves originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink io9 | Cell Reports | Email this | Comments

AllThingsD: 'iPad Mini' to get its own event in October after new iPhone reveal

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 10:37 AM PDT

AllThingsD: 'iPad Mini' to get its own event in October after new iPhone reveal


AllThingsD: 'iPad Mini' to get its own event in October after new iPhone reveal
After refreshing its computer range, Apple's gearing up for two events for its new phone and tablet hardware, according to sources at AllThingsD. Given the excitement welling up behind its next iPhone, many have noted (including Daring Fireball's John Gruber) that it would make a whole lot of sense to furnish both the phone and the heavily rumored smaller tablet with individual events -- and that is, apparently, what's going to happen. Unfortunately, the anonymous sources weren't revealing anything further -- Apple's yet to confirm that posited September 12th event date, let alone any secondary event. But when it does, be assured that we'll be there to cover both of them.Filed under: Cellphones, TabletsAllThingsD: 'iPad Mini' to get its own event in October after new iPhone reveal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | AllThingsD | Email this | Comments

1928 Mercedes Wins Best of Show

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 09:26 AM PDT

1928 Mercedes Wins Best of Show


1928 Mercedes Wins Best of Show
Mercedes 680S Saoutchik takes top honors at Pebble Beach.

Meet the OwnFone: a customizable mobile phone that epitomizes simplicity

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 08:45 AM PDT

Meet the OwnFone: a customizable mobile phone that epitomizes simplicity


Meet the OwnFone: a customizable mobile phone that epitomizes simplicity
The OwnFone is neither smart nor world-friendly, and yet it's managed to grab our attention just the same. Designed for use only in the United Kingdom, it represents a rather novel take on the mobile phone with its customizable nature and simplistic design. Before ordering, owners must select among two, four, eight or a dozen contacts, and it's highly recommended to include emergency services among that bunch -- there's no option to dial actual numbers, as every contact is programmed and stored in the cloud. In its current incarnation, contacts are represented by their names, but it will soon be possible to customize a phone with either photos or Braille. While owners can update a contact's phone number with a simple call to customer support, it's more cumbersome to replace a contact, as you'll need to order a decal to affix over the former friend. Due to its limited functionality, the OwnFone is best positioned as a backup or secondary phone, although its simplicity makes it particularly well-suited for children and some elderly individuals. As another nice touch, one's phone number is printed on the back of the OwnFone. You'll find it available today for £55, and all those curious to discover the customization options can check out the various colors, patterns and photos on OwnFone's website.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileMeet the OwnFone: a customizable mobile phone that epitomizes simplicity originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | OwnFone | Email this | Comments

Breaking down Apple's $1 billion courtroom victory over Samsung

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 08:09 AM PDT

Breaking down Apple's $1 billion courtroom victory over Samsung


Breaking down Apple's $1 billion courtroom victory over Samsung
With a 20-page verdict form and 100 pages of instructions to explain it, many figured it would take longer for the jury to render a decision. But, the tech trial of the century has concluded, with Apple scoring a not-quite-flawless victory over its rival Samsung. While the company didn't win on every count, its cadre of lawyers did convince the nine jurors to award Apple over $1 billion in damages for Samsung's IP transgressions. Join us after the break and we'll hit you with the legal math that gave Apple a ten-figure bump to its bottom line -- and served as a shot across the bow of every other mobile phone manufacturer.Continue reading Breaking down Apple's $1 billion courtroom victory over SamsungFiled under: Cellphones, Tablets, MobileBreaking down Apple's $1 billion courtroom victory over Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 10:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Jury verdict (PDF) | Email this | Comments

'Underwater,' 'Man Cave' added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 07:34 AM PDT

'Underwater,' 'Man Cave' added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary


'Underwater,' 'Man Cave' added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary
One of the words just added to the newest edition of the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary speaks volumes about the impact of the financial crisis, especially when it comes to housing.

The Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine: paper sketchbooks and journals get con...

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 06:54 AM PDT

The Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine: paper sketchbooks and journals get connected


The Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine: paper sketchbooks and journals get connected
Evernote has trotted out an update to its iOS app and accompanied the software release with an announcement of a collaboration with Moleskine. Yes, you read that correctly. The digital note-taking application has teamed up with the analog sktechbook maker to produce the Evernote Smart Notebook. Designed specifically for the refreshed iPhone and iPad software, the notebooks allow users to snag written notes or drawings right off the paper and archive them with the app -- making them searchable and organized for future reference. So where exactly does the tech angle come in? First, pages are lined using a dotted pattern that is optimized for the upated mobile software. With the new Page Camera feature, photos of pages are shot and automatically given a proper contrast adjustment. The add-on also finds the aforementioned dots are corrects a skewed photo. Last but certainly not least, each Smart Notebook comes with a set of Smart Stickers. Evernote will now recognize each of these and apply the appropriate tags before sorting. While the stickers come with pre-defined tags, they are customizable to accomodate your particular sensibilities. These pseudo-digital Moleskines will be available in both pocket (3.5 x 5.5 inches / 8.89 x 13.97 cm) and large (5 x 8.25 inches / 12.7 x 20.96 cm) sizes, carrying $25 and $30 price tags when they hit shelves October 1st. If you can't contain your excitement, head on to the coverage link below to pre-order yours now. Gallery: Evernote Smart Notebooks by MoleskineFiled under: Misc, Internet, SoftwareThe Evernote Smart Notebook by Moleskine: paper sketchbooks and journals get connected originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | Evernote (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

Mullite mineral reduces diesel engine pollution by almost 50%

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 06:15 AM PDT

Mullite mineral reduces diesel engine pollution by almost 50%


Mullite mineral reduces diesel engine pollution by almost 50%
Filed under: Diesel, Emerging Technologies People looking to maintain their health have long been advised to take their minerals. Will trucks be doing the same thing? Maybe. A mineral made from the oxide family has been found to cut diesel-engine pollution by as much as 45 percent and may be able to replace the use of platinum as a pollution-reducing agent, the website Environmental Protection reported, citing the periodical Science. A man-made version of mullite - the oxide - is not only more effective at cutting diesel pollution but will likely be cheaper to produce than platinum, which is considered a precious metal. The discovery was made by a company led by Dr. Kyeongjae Cho, a professor at the University of Texas, Dallas, and may lead to commercialization of the product. The issue of diesel pollution, especially from trucks, has gained importance as more people become aware of climate change and greenhouse-gas emissions. Diesel pollution hit the headlines in June when the World Health Organization officially linked diesel exhaust to lung and bladder cancers after studying reports by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).Mullite mineral reduces diesel engine pollution by almost 50% originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700KL coming to Germany, that's L for LTE

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 05:03 AM PDT

ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700KL coming to Germany, that's L for LTE


ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700KL coming to Germany, that's L for LTE
If you've ever had the pleasure of cruising on Germany's Autobahns, you'll know the locals like to go fast. This hold true for technology too, it seems. A recent press release from Vodafone has revealed that the LTE variant of the TF700 Transformer Pad will be joining its equally 4G-enabled sibling in the land of beer and wurst. No word on whether it'll be showing up on other networks just yet, but if you want a slice of the action you'll have to open up the throttle wallet to the tune of €820 (about $1,000 sans commitment,) or €170 ($210) is you're willing to sign on the dotted line.Continue reading ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700KL coming to Germany, that's L for LTEFiled under: TabletsASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700KL coming to Germany, that's L for LTE originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 07:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Notebook Italia | | Email this | Comments

The High Life: Coolest treehouses you've ever seen

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 05:03 AM PDT

The High Life: Coolest treehouses you've ever seen


The High Life: Coolest treehouses you've ever seen
Treehouses that make us want to live in the woods.

ITU approves NHK's Super Hi-Vision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling v...

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 03:19 AM PDT

ITU approves NHK's Super Hi-Vision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling very slowly


ITU approves NHK's Super Hi-Vision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling very slowly
We'd heard that the International Telecommunication Union was close to approving Super Hi-Vision as an Ultra High Definition TV standard, and the UN agency hasn't waited long to confirm the rumors. The recommendation to use NHK's 7,680 x 4,320 format has gone unopposed and should define the parameters for incredibly detailed 8K video worldwide. This shouldn't lead anyone to return that 4K TV just yet -- once again, it's important to remember that NHK still won't start any kind of wider testing until 2020. That's also assuming that the first 8K sets are down to Earth instead of the incredibly expensive 145-inch variety.Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HDITU approves NHK's Super Hi-Vision as 8K standard, sets the UHDTV ball rolling very slowly originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink BBC | ITU, NHK (translated) | Email this | Comments

Hisense building budget-friendly Google TV set-top box, will put Android in your...

Posted: 25 Aug 2012 12:47 AM PDT

Hisense building budget-friendly Google TV set-top box, will put Android in your living room for under $100


Hisense building budget-friendly Google TV set-top box, will put Android in your living room for under $100
Looks like consumers are about to get another option in their search for an affordable connected TV solution: Hisense is building its own Google TV set-top box. The product doesn't have a price -- let alone a name -- but will sell for under $100 when it hits shelves later this year. "Hisense adds even more innovation to the growing list of Google TV-powered devices available around the world." Says Google TV partner manager Mickey Kim. "We're working closely with partners like Hisense to bring services from Google and multiple other providers to your TV with an experience tailored for the living room." Details are scarce, but the outfit promises to reveal more at IFA next week. Can't wait? Check out Vizio's Co-Star.Filed under: HDHisense building budget-friendly Google TV set-top box, will put Android in your living room for under $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 03:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | PC World | Email this | Comments

Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 now working on Linux through Google Chrome, more or...

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 11:06 PM PDT

Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 now working on Linux through Google Chrome, more or less


Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 now working on Linux through Google Chrome, more or less
A Holy Grail of Linux gaming has been an Unreal Engine 3 port. Getting one for the OS would unlock a world of games that has been the province of, well, just about any other mainstream platform. Thanks to Google preserving Flash on Linux through Chrome, that dream is alive in at least a rudimentary form. Experimenters at the Phoronix forums have found that Chrome 21 has support for the Stage 3D hardware acceleration needed to drive Epic Games' Flash conversion of UE3. Tell Chrome to enable support as well as ignore a graphics chip blacklist, and suddenly you're running Epic Citadel from your Linux install. When we say "running," however, we're taking a slight amount of poetic license. Performance isn't that hot, and certain configurations might not show the medieval architecture in all its glory. We've confirmed with Epic that it works, but it's still firm on the stance that there's no plans for official UE3 support on Linux "at this time." It's still promising enough that maybe, just maybe, gamers can embrace an open-source platform without having to give up the games they love.Filed under: Gaming, SoftwareEpic Games' Unreal Engine 3 now working on Linux through Google Chrome, more or less originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 01:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Phoronix, Unreal Engine | Email this | Comments

Lexibook kids-tablet coming to the US, makes fifth-graders dream of an Aakash

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 08:26 PM PDT

Lexibook kids-tablet coming to the US, makes fifth-graders dream of an Aakash


Lexibook kids-tablet coming to the US, makes fifth-graders dream of an Aakash
French educational tech maker Lexibook is bringing its eponymous kiddy-tablet to the US from next month. It's not talking specs or price, but we're expecting it to be close to the Lexibook First currently available in Europe. The seven-inch slate packs a 600MHz processor, 256MB RAM, 4GB storage (expandable to 16GB with an microSD card), parental controls and 802.11 b/g WiFi. The FroYo-running device retails for £150 ($237) over the pond, but if the company tries something similar over here, we suspect people might plump for something a little more powerful, or less expensive, or both.Continue reading Lexibook kids-tablet coming to the US, makes fifth-graders dream of an AakashFiled under: TabletsLexibook kids-tablet coming to the US, makes fifth-graders dream of an Aakash originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

The Battle Continues: Apple/Samsung Injunction Hearing Set For September 20

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 07:16 PM PDT

The Battle Continues: Apple/Samsung Injunction Hearing Set For September 20


The Battle Continues: Apple/Samsung Injunction Hearing Set For September 20
Oh, you thought this whole mess was over now that Samsung has to pony up $1.049 billion in damages to its bitter rival Apple? Not by a long shot. According to The Verge, Samsung and Apple attorneys have been talking with Judge Koh about a preliminary injunction hearing, and have apparently agreed to schedule it on September 20. Now that Apple has a considerable jury verdict to back up its claims, you can expect the company to push Samsung hard to either license the infringed patents in question (meaning Samsung would have to pay out even more money on top of the damages it already owes) or bar the Korean electronics giant from peddling some of its questionable wares in the United States.

Apple, Samsung respond to the jury's decision; September 20th court date for set...

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:41 PM PDT

Apple, Samsung respond to the jury's decision; September 20th court date for set for injunction hearing


Apple, Samsung respond to the jury's decision; September 20th court date for set for injunction hearing
Well. The verdict for the tech industry patent trial of the week is in, and the jury agreed with Apple's version of the events enough to award it a billion dollars and change in damages while awarding Samsung... nothing. Naturally, the two companies differ in their viewpoints on this ruling, with Apple celebrating a decision that supports its originality and innovation, and is "sending a loud and clear message that stealing isn't right." Samsung, on the other hand, claims it's all about standing up for the consumer, who it believes will be the true victim here, forced to pay more for fewer choices and less innovation now that one company has "a monopoly over rectangles with rounded corners." Before we get to the inevitable appeals, Apple is seeking a preliminary injunction against Samsung's infringing products and Judge Lucy Koh has set September 20th as a date for the hearing. Apple has until the 29th to file its motion, which Samsung will have 14 days to respond to, before Apple has two days to craft a response of its own. While we all take a breather before the lawyers get back at it, you'll find the statements form both companies after the break.Continue reading Apple, Samsung respond to the jury's decision; September 20th court date for set for injunction hearingFiled under: MobileApple, Samsung respond to the jury's decision; September 20th court date for set for injunction hearing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Dan Levine (Twitter), CNET, The Verge | Email this | Comments

Twitter set to become the newest addition to the Linux Foundation

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:05 PM PDT

Twitter set to become the newest addition to the Linux Foundation


Twitter set to become the newest addition to the Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation's been racking up big-name brands since its early days, and one of the latest is mostly everyone's favorite rapid-blogging service, otherwise more commonly as Twitter. Following in the steps of chip-maker NVIDIA and that Platinum-leveled Samsung, the Blue Bird's recently announced it'll be joining the open-source association come next week, with the official revelation set to take place in a few days at the LinuxCon North American gathering in California. Twitter's Manager of Open Source, Chris Aniszczyk, says that by doing so "we can support we can support an organization that is important to us and collaborate with a community that is advancing Linux as fast as we are improving Twitter." Needless to say, this is a win-win situation for all parties involved.Filed under: Misc, InternetTwitter set to become the newest addition to the Linux Foundation originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | The Linux Foundation | Email this | Comments

All-electric Exagon Furtive eGT 'Rings Sabine Schmitz's bell

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 05:32 PM PDT

All-electric Exagon Furtive eGT 'Rings Sabine Schmitz's bell


All-electric Exagon Furtive eGT 'Rings Sabine Schmitz's bell
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Racing, Videos Two years after the Exagon Furtive eGT was revealed, the production version of French electric sports car is set to debut at the 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show. While the newer version may soon steal the spotlight with its upsized set of 148-kW (198.5 horsepower) motors and a slightly larger 57-kWh battery, the original is not going gently into that good night. Indeed, the silver all-electric beauty was, not long ago, spotted at a well-known track near the town of Nürburg, Germany, spending some quality time with one Sabine Schmitz. The "Queen of the Nürburgring," as she is known, wasn't out to steal the Audi R8 e-tron's recent record, though. Rather, it seems like she was just putting the prototype through its paces and getting up to speed, as it were, with the whole electric drivetrain thing. So, what did she think? Well, she certainly seemed impressed with the chassis and mechanicals. But it was the seemingly effortless acceleration and battery-induced low center of gravity that had her saying things like, "it's like floating on a cloud." But don't just take our word for it. Scroll on down for a brief video featuring shots of Miss Schmitz throttling through the Nordschleife, sharing her impressions via the magic of voice-over.Continue reading All-electric Exagon Furtive eGT 'Rings Sabine Schmitz's bellAll-electric Exagon Furtive eGT 'Rings Sabine Schmitz's bell originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hang On A Minute: Jurors Awarded Apple Damages Without Finding Infringements

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 05:32 PM PDT

Hang On A Minute: Jurors Awarded Apple Damages Without Finding Infringements


Hang On A Minute: Jurors Awarded Apple Damages Without Finding Infringements
It's a good thing that lawyers from both Apple and Samsung were allowed to review the jury's verdict document after it was read, because there seem to be a few issues with it. Upon further review, there were two instances in which the jury prescribed monetary damages in Apple's favor without actually backing up the decision. According to Judge Lucy Koh, the jury awarded Apple nearly $220,000 in damages when it came to Samsung's LTE-capable Galaxy Tab 10.1, but didn't formally note any instances of patent infringement or inducement.

Jury finds Apple did not infringe on Samsung's patents, awards no damages

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:56 PM PDT

Jury finds Apple did not infringe on Samsung's patents, awards no damages


Jury finds Apple did not infringe on Samsung's patents, awards no damages
The jury in Apple v. Samsung dealt a big blow to Samsung by finding that it did infringe on some of the Apple patents at the center of the case, and it didn't have any better news when it came to Samsung's own claims that Apple infringed on some of its patents as well. The jury found that Apple did not infringe on those in all five cases (the so-called utility patents), although it did rule that the patents were valid. That also, of course, means no damages awarded to Samsung.Filed under: CellphonesJury finds Apple did not infringe on Samsung's patents, awards no damages originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Wall Street Journal, San Jose Mercury News | Email this | Comments

Renault says Zoe performance changes 'almost unnoticeable' in cold weather

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:20 PM PDT

Renault says Zoe performance changes 'almost unnoticeable' in cold weather


Renault says Zoe performance changes 'almost unnoticeable' in cold weather
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Europe/EU Here's something that should warm the hearts of electric-vehicle enthusiasts in cold-weather climes.Renault ran tests of its battery-electric Zoe in way-sub-freezing temperatures in Finland and found that the EV compromised little in the way of performance, the French automaker said recently on its blog. The Zoe, which was being tested in Finland's Lapland region, was subject to testing in the -25 Celsius (-13 Fahrenheit) range and experienced "almost unnoticeable" declines in performance. How unnoticeable? Specifically, Renault said, the car's defogging systems worked well, while the car's power and single-charge range were similar to those in higher temperatures. Renault engineers were "pleasantly surprised" by the performance of the car, which also gripped well on icy surfaces. Renault was looking to address what some say is a major drawback of EVs, whose batteries tend not to perform as well in very hot or very cold temperatures. While it's true that most vehicles suffer some performance loss when the mercury drops, we like the idea of not being able to notice it.Renault says Zoe performance changes 'almost unnoticeable' in cold weather originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple Awarded $1.051 Billion In Damages As Jury Finds Samsung Infringed On Desig...

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:20 PM PDT

Apple Awarded $1.051 Billion In Damages As Jury Finds Samsung Infringed On Design And Software Patents


Apple Awarded $1.051 Billion In Damages As Jury Finds Samsung Infringed On Design And Software Patents
The jury in the landmark Apple-Samsung trial announced moments ago that Samsung infringed on patents for "bounce back" scrolling functionality on all devices. On the '915 patent, relating to one finger to scroll, two to pinch and zoom navigation, all but three Samsung devices (Ace, Intercept and Replenish) infringed.

Apple v. Samsung jury finds Apple's patents valid, awards it more than $1.05 bil...

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:20 PM PDT

Apple v. Samsung jury finds Apple's patents valid, awards it more than $1.05 billion in damages


Apple v. Samsung jury finds Apple's patents valid, awards it more than $1.05 billion in damages
The federal court jury in the patent infringement lawsuit between Apple and Samsung has presented its verdict after deliberating for just for 21 hours and 37 minutes following the three week trial. This particular case started with Apple's lawsuit last April and now the jury's decision is that Samsung did infringe on Apple's bounceback patent with all 21 of its products in question. For the patent on pinch-and-zoom, the jury ruled all but three of the devices listed infringed, and more damningly, found that Samsung executives either knew or should have known their products infringed on the listed patents. The jury has also found against Samsung when it comes to Apple's contours on the back of the iPhone and its home screen GUI. The Galaxy Tab however was found not to have infringed upon Apple's iPad design patents. The bad news for Samsung continues, as the jury decided that not only did it willfully infringe on five of the seven Apple patents, but it also upheld their validity. The amount of the damages against Samsung is in: $1,051,855,000.00. The jury has also ruled that Apple did not infringe upon Samsung's patents with the iPhone 3G and 3GS, and has awarded it zero dollars in damages. The jury form consists of many questions (The Guardian has a summarized list) which it is still running through, and of course whatever is decided there will inevitably be appeals. We'll have more information for you as it become available. Developing....Filed under: Cellphones, MobileApple v. Samsung jury finds Apple's patents valid, awards it more than $1.05 billion in damages originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | San Jose Mercury News | Email this | Comments

ITC decides Apple didn't violate Motorola WiFi patent after all, tosses case bac...

Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:20 PM PDT

ITC decides Apple didn't violate Motorola WiFi patent after all, tosses case back to judge


ITC decides Apple didn't violate Motorola WiFi patent after all, tosses case back to judge
Trouble looked to be brewing for Apple last April: an International Trade Commission judge made an initial ruling that Apple infringed on a standards-essential Motorola WiFi patent, raising the possibility of a trade ban if the verdict held true. The fellows in Cupertino may have caught a big break. A Commission review of the decision on Friday determined that Apple didn't violate the patent, and it upheld positions that exonerated the iPhone maker regarding two others. Apple isn't entirely off the hook, however. The ITC is remanding the case to the judge to review his stance that Apple hadn't violated a non-standards-based patent, which still leaves Apple facing the prospect of a ban. However, having to revisit the case nearly resets the clock -- we now have to wait for another ruling and a matching review, and that likely puts any final decision well into 2013. Google-owned Motorola isn't lacking more weapons in its arsenal, but any stalled proceedings take away bargaining chips in what's become a high-stakes game.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileITC decides Apple didn't violate Motorola WiFi patent after all, tosses case back to judge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink FOSSpatents | ITC (PDF) | Email this | Comments