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Monday, August 27, 2012

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Star Trek fans rescue Enterprise-D bridge, plan to restore it to former glory

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 03:05 PM PDT

Star Trek fans rescue Enterprise-D bridge, plan to restore it to former glory


Star Trek fans rescue Enterprise-D bridge, plan to restore it to former glory
A trio of Star Trek: The Next Generation fans have rescued the junked remains of the Enterprise-D bridge from Paramount Pictures, with an eye to restoring it to its former glory. The fibre glass set was built for Star Trek: The Experience, after the original (wooden) set was unsurprisingly destroyed filming Star Trek: Generations. When the group knows how much the project will cost, they'll go to Kickstarter to raise funds, with the hope of exhibiting the set to the public. If you feel you might well-up at the sight of your childhood heroes' home lying in pieces in a parking lot, we advise you not to click on the gallery below, and instead kick in a couple of bucks when their appeal goes live. Filed under: Home Entertainment, Meta, AltStar Trek fans rescue Enterprise-D bridge, plan to restore it to former glory originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink WhatCulture! | New Starship, (2) (Facebook) | Email this | Comments

Samsung Stratosphere II flaunts its keyboard for Verizon, LG Spectrum 2 confirme...

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 02:32 PM PDT

Samsung Stratosphere II flaunts its keyboard for Verizon, LG Spectrum 2 confirmed as VS930


Samsung Stratosphere II flaunts its keyboard for Verizon, LG Spectrum 2 confirmed as VS930
We've had a successor to the Stratosphere on our radar for a while now, but the expected refresh is now much more tangible, as the Samsung Stratosphere II has just been leaked as part of Verizon's equipment guide. Other than its QWERTY keyboard, 4-inch Super AMOLED display and LTE connectivity, however, little is known about the Android smartphone. As one point of interest, recent FCC certifications suggest that it'll support global roaming. Also revealed in the same equipment guide is the LG Spectrum 2, a localized version of the Optimus LTE II, which you've previously known as the VS930. The prevailing wisdom suggests it'll combine a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS 720p display and Android 4.0.4. Like the Stratosphere II, the refreshed Spectrum is said to support global roaming -- just one more reason to take that dream vacation.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileSamsung Stratosphere II flaunts its keyboard for Verizon, LG Spectrum 2 confirmed as VS930 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Police | Droid Life | Email this | Comments

Apple promotes pair of execs to Senior VP level, Bob Mansfield to hang around af...

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:55 PM PDT

Apple promotes pair of execs to Senior VP level, Bob Mansfield to hang around after all


Apple promotes pair of execs to Senior VP level, Bob Mansfield to hang around after all
It's a day of upheaval in the boardroom at Apple -- in the good sense. Remember how Bob Mansfield said he would retire in June? He's had a change of heart and will keep working on future products. Meanwhile, two of the vice presidents who've been mainstays of Apple's recent plans -- Mac Software Engineering VP Craig Federighi and Hardware Engineering VP Dan Riccio -- have been promoted to Senior VP. All three will report directly to Tim Cook. Developing...Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Laptops, TabletsApple promotes pair of execs to Senior VP level, Bob Mansfield to hang around after all originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:55 PM PDT

Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET


Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET
It's Monday, which means it is time for you to listen into the recording booth when the Engadget HD podcast goes to mp3 at 5:30PM. Please be a part of it by reviewing the list of topics after the break, then participating in the live chat too. Continue reading Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ETFiled under: HDJoin the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 5:30PM ET originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung Galaxy Stellar gets premature outing at Best Buy

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:21 PM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Stellar gets premature outing at Best Buy


Samsung Galaxy Stellar gets premature outing at Best Buy
Verizon just isn't having much success preserving its secrets these days. What hope the carrier had left of keeping the Samsung Galaxy Stellar under wraps has just been been dashed by a full product page at Best Buy. Like we suspected, that astronomical name is attached to the conspicuously grounded Jasper: as long as the listing is accurate, we're looking at a 1.2GHz dual-core processor (toned down from the 1.5GHz rumor), a 4-inch, 800 x 480 display, a so-so 3.2-megapixel back camera and a 1.3-megapixel shooter at the front. We aren't seeing the leaked mentions of Amazon apps or a Starter mode, but there is hope that the Galaxy Stellar might undercut the still fairly stiff $100 price from the earlier Verizon-sourced scoop -- while it's not guaranteed to remain, the $450 contract-free price at Best Buy is about $50 less than we saw before. All that Verizon needs to do now is dispense with formalities and commit to a launch; meanwhile, you can catch a snap of the listing after the break and click the source to see the page for yourself, while it lasts.Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Stellar gets premature outing at Best BuyFiled under: Cellphones, MobileSamsung Galaxy Stellar gets premature outing at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Police | Best Buy | Email this | Comments

Japan discloses CHAdeMo fast charger info to increase acceptance

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Japan discloses CHAdeMo fast charger info to increase acceptance


Japan discloses CHAdeMo fast charger info to increase acceptance
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, JapanThere's no question that the CHAdeMO quick-charging technology standard is a Japanese thing. But the Japanese government wants to take it global, and has thus disclosed more information about the CHAdeMO quick-charging technology standards as a way to encourage CHAdeMO adoption by more automakers. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry would like to see the charging infrastructure grow and EV prices come down by encouraging more competition through a widespread charging infrastructure. Before the announcement, the standard was only available to some automakers and power companies. Some of the information that will be disclosed includes the shape of the plug that connects the car to the charger and how to prevent electrocutions, writes Green Car Congress, citing Nikkei. CHAdeMo uses 480 volts of electricity, so safety will continue to be an important issue to address. Outside of Japan, the question of which fast charging technology will prevail is an open question. The new SAE Combo Charger design was unveiled earlier this year, but its exact standards have yet to be released. Still, most non-Japanese EV makers are embracing this technology rather than CHAdeMO. Right now, the only available mass-market EVs capable of fast charging with CHAdeMO are the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i. CHAdeMO was jointly developed by Toyota, Nissan and others, but Toyota has yet to take a stand on what fast charging technology will be used for the Toyota RAV4 Electric or other plug-in Toyota products. Most likely, it will be CHAdeMo for Toyota, joining ranks with the Japanese auto industry, versus U.S. and German automakers waiting for the SAE Combo Charger details to be announced. It has been a source of conflict between automakers.Japan discloses CHAdeMo fast charger info to increase acceptance originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Logitech teases new Ultimate Ears lineup, says it's bringing 'power to the music...

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Logitech teases new Ultimate Ears lineup, says it's bringing 'power to the music' on August 29th


Logitech teases new Ultimate Ears lineup, says it's bringing 'power to the music' on August 29th
Having most recently introduced products like its water-friendly K310 washable keyboard and that TV Cam HD, Logitech's now apparently prepping a fresh Ultimate Ears portfolio for all sound lovers out there. Via its UE page on Zuck's social network, the company's teasing a plethora of products with some rather suppressive shots that don't quite tell us what's on the other end, though we can slightly see new headphones and speakers will be the focus of the main 'Power to the Music' event in a couple of days -- or August 29th, to be exact. For now, it looks like we'll have to keep wondering, but you can get a better hint for what to expect by tapping on the Facebook link below. [Thanks, Khaled]Filed under: Misc, Portable Audio/Video, WearablesLogitech teases new Ultimate Ears lineup, says it's bringing 'power to the music' on August 29th originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Logitech Ultimate Ears (Facebook) | Email this | Comments

Fashion-Focused Kaleidoscope App Readies Personalized Shopping & Recommendations

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Fashion-Focused Kaleidoscope App Readies Personalized Shopping & Recommendations


Fashion-Focused Kaleidoscope App Readies Personalized Shopping & Recommendations
Kaleidoscope, the mobile and desktop app which is the e-commerce equivalent to Pinterest's fashion-focused boards, helps users - primarily women - not just find outfits they like, but actually purchase them. The company recently rolled out an updated version of its app which represents the first step towards an important, forthcoming feature: Kaleidoscope is moving into personalized recommendations for fashion. What this means is that, going forward, Kaleidoscope won't be just about randomly browsing through tops and skirts and handbags and shoes - it will begin to learn what it is you like.

Spyker, Youngman Plan Saab-Based Car

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Spyker, Youngman Plan Saab-Based Car


Spyker, Youngman Plan Saab-Based Car
Dutch supercar maker, China firm to form two joint ventures.

As Samsung Tries To Get Galaxy Tab Injunction Lifted, Apple Names Eight Samsung...

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:49 PM PDT

As Samsung Tries To Get Galaxy Tab Injunction Lifted, Apple Names Eight Samsung Products It Wants Banned


As Samsung Tries To Get Galaxy Tab Injunction Lifted, Apple Names Eight Samsung Products It Wants Banned
After Friday's $1.05 billion verdict in favor of Apple, Samsung is now trying everything to reverse the trend while Apple is charging foward at full speed. Even though the injunction hearing will take place on September 20, some Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy Tab 10.1, were subject to preliminary injunctions. The jury decided that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 did not infringe the iPad D'889 design patent — Apple's trade dress — and therefore invalidated the prior injunction. Samsung requests a dissolution of the sales ban, the $2.6 million bond from Apple that protected Samsung if it was determined that the injunction was unnecessary, and probably damages for lost sales. Meanwhile, Apple just named the eight Samsung products it wants banned from the U.S. The full list is after the jump.

Well’s Social List-Making App Thinks Outside The “To-Do”

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:49 PM PDT

Well's Social List-Making App Thinks Outside The "To-Do"


Well's Social List-Making App Thinks Outside The "To-Do"
Well, a new social and collaborative to-do list application from former Digg, Blip.fm and Rackspace engineers, is officially launching today on iPhone, web and mobile web. But according to ex-Digg engineer and Well CEO Arin Sarkissian, the focus for the application isn't only on typical "to-dos" which is why the app's name doesn't include "to-do" in its title. Instead, the idea for Well is to serve as a repository for any type of list, whether that's books to read, movies to see, things you like or don't like, or even a collection of things you may be comparing in advance of a future purchase.

Engadget's next reader meetup happens in Seattle on October 29th!

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:11 PM PDT

Engadget's next reader meetup happens in Seattle on October 29th!


Engadget's next reader meetup happens in Seattle on October 29th!
Get ready Seattle, we're coming for you! You asked for it and you've got it, we'll be in the Emerald City in October, hosting a meetup as part of the the annual Seattle Interactive Conference (SIC), the self-described "intersection of technology, creativity and emerging trends." Whether or not you're a show attendee, you can join us on the October 29th, for an evening of Engadget-led events, including conversations with tech luminaries, product demos, giveaways and lots, lots more. We'll be revealing more information about the festivities in the very near future. In the meantime, if you're interested in sponsoring the event, drop us a line at sponsors [at] engadget [dot] com, and for more information on SIC, check out the source link below.Filed under: AnnouncementsEngadget's next reader meetup happens in Seattle on October 29th! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Seattle Interactive | Email this | Comments

Motor Trend tests Tesla Model S for range, efficiency; finds good and bad news

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:11 PM PDT

Motor Trend tests Tesla Model S for range, efficiency; finds good and bad news


Motor Trend tests Tesla Model S for range, efficiency; finds good and bad news
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla MotorsTesla has said the highest-end Model S has a range of 300 miles (at 55 miles per hour), but until recently, it's been tremendously difficult for anyone outside the company to verify this number. When the EPA did its testing thing, it came up with a 265-mile range estimate for the version with the 85-kWh battery pack. Tesla is even offering a prize of some sort to anyone who drives a Model S over 400 miles on one charge. Now, Motor Trend writers has had the chance to spend some time in Tesla CEO Elon Musk's personal Performance Signature Model S to see just how far the electric car can be driven. The result? Your results may vary. First, the good news. Motor Trend ran a battery of tests on the Model S, and its independent measurements discovered the following ways that their independent testing beat the manufacturer's official numbers: 0-60 time: 3.9 seconds (Tesla official number is 4.4 seconds) Quarter mile: 12.5 seconds at 110.9 mph (12.6 seconds) 100.7 MPGe during a 200+ mile drive (EPA says 89 MPGe). So, then, what's the bad news? At roughly 65 mph with no A/C, MT "only" got 238 miles out of the battery. That's less than advertised, but MT offers an important and reasonable take on this issue: But the range that matters is really a psychological/perceptual one, not a specific number. Think about it: We drove from Fontana on the eastern edge of the L.A. basin to San Diego and all the way back to L.A.'s Pacific edge on one charge. Five hours of continuous driving. This is a breakthrough accomplishment that ought to knock down the range anxiety barrier that's substantially limited EV sales. Word.Motor Trend tests Tesla Model S for range, efficiency; finds good and bad news originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony VAIO Duo 11 convertible Windows 8 tablet surfaces in leaked photos

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Sony VAIO Duo 11 convertible Windows 8 tablet surfaces in leaked photos


Sony VAIO Duo 11 convertible Windows 8 tablet surfaces in leaked photos
We got a look at some hybrid PC concepts from Sony at CES way back in January, and it looks like we could soon be seeing one such device in actual product form. PocketNow has gotten a hold of the image above (and a few more) revealing a hereto unannounced VAIO Duo 11 convertible tablet / laptop. That's quite obviously a Windows 8 device -- likely not the RT version, as PocketNow points out due to the presence of a full-fledged Office -- but details are unfortunately light beyond that. As you can see, it also apparently includes a stylus, and that "11" in the name would seem to indicate an 11-inch screen -- putting it in line with the 10.6-inch display on Microsoft's own Surface. You can get a closer look at it at the source link below.Filed under: Laptops, TabletsSony VAIO Duo 11 convertible Windows 8 tablet surfaces in leaked photos originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge | PocketNow | Email this | Comments

Apple asks that eight Samsung devices be banned from US store shelves

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:10 PM PDT

Apple asks that eight Samsung devices be banned from US store shelves


Apple asks that eight Samsung devices be banned from US store shelves
Favorable infringement findings in hand, we knew Apple would seek injunctions to ban Samsung devices from being sold in the US. And now we know that Tim Cook and company are following up on that billion dollar verdict and are seeking to enjoin eight handsets from being sold. As you can see in the chart above, the Galaxy S 4G, four Galaxy S II variants, the Galaxy S Showcase, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Prevail are all on the chopping block. Why is Apple only going after eight of the twenty-something devices found to be infringing its IP? Well, most of them are no longer being sold, and we all know how Judge Koh just hates having her time wasted.Filed under: CellphonesApple asks that eight Samsung devices be banned from US store shelves originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge | Court Filing (PDF) | Email this | Comments

5 DIY Emergency Roadside Repairs

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:10 PM PDT

5 DIY Emergency Roadside Repairs


5 DIY Emergency Roadside Repairs
Simple fixes can get you from broken down to roadworthy in no time.

Kodak announces 'asset protection' cinema film, thumbs nose at your digital movi...

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:09 PM PDT

Kodak announces 'asset protection' cinema film, thumbs nose at your digital movie collection


Kodak announces 'asset protection' cinema film, thumbs nose at your digital movie collection
Kodak may not be beloved by digital filmmakers, but it's not fallen out of love with the talkies. It's new "asset protection" cinema film is designed to save motion pictures from being lost if your digital-storage-medium-of-choice is rendered obsolete. It's designed for long-term archive storage, with your Hollywood blockbuster stored in a "human-readable" format that'll remain usable "well into the future." As such, the reels are loaded with dyes that will reportedly remain stable for "decades," but the company thinks will remain viable for over a century -- in stark contrast with the short life of your average hard-drive. It'll add a monochrome offering to the range later in the year, but if you want the color version now, your people will have to talk to Kodak's people, Mr. Producer.Filed under: CamerasKodak announces 'asset protection' cinema film, thumbs nose at your digital movie collection originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kodak, (2) | Email this | Comments

'Chicken Soup for the Soul' to jump from books to bowls

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:09 PM PDT

'Chicken Soup for the Soul' to jump from books to bowls


'Chicken Soup for the Soul' to jump from books to bowls
The inspiring stories in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books have warmed the hearts of readers around the world. Soon, the book's publisher will also be responsible for nourishing bodies.

LG's Game World landing on its own Smart TVs

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 11:33 AM PDT

LG's Game World landing on its own Smart TVs


LG's Game World landing on its own Smart TVs
LG has just announced Game World, a new Smart TV portal that's only available to Cinema 3D Smart TV owners. The service will let users snap up downloadable games in categories such as action, RPG or arcade, then play them in 2D or 3D with the company's Magic Remote or other third-party controller. The service is not to be confused with LG's Gaikai cloud gaming service, and the company said most of the titles will be family-friendly. Mind you, that looks like Shadowgun on the main page above, so there's clearly some grown-up only entertainment, too.Continue reading LG's Game World landing on its own Smart TVsFiled under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, Internet, HDLG's Game World landing on its own Smart TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Hisense Pulse Google TV set-top box coming in November for $99

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:53 AM PDT

Hisense Pulse Google TV set-top box coming in November for $99


Hisense Pulse Google TV set-top box coming in November for $99
It was just two days ago that a Google product manager let slip that Google was working with Hisense on a low-cost Google TV box. At the time, we didn't know much -- not even a product name -- but Google did intimate this mystery item would sell for under $100. Now, Hisense is stepping in to clarify a few key details. For starters, this thing is called the Pulse, and it will arrive in November priced at $99, just like Google said it would. Other than the fact that it's built on Android (duh), it supports resolutions ranging from 480i to 1080p and has HDMI, USB and Ethernet sockets. (It also has WiFi, of course, in case you'd rather not make use of that wired internet connection.) Hisense also says it will ship with a double-sided remote, with a full QWERTY keyboard on one side, and a touchpad and dedicated Netflix button on the other. The Pulse is slated to arrive in mid-November, but there's a good chance we'll see it before then -- it's going to be on display at IFA, where we'll be reporting live this week.Continue reading Hisense Pulse Google TV set-top box coming in November for $99Filed under: HDHisense Pulse Google TV set-top box coming in November for $99 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bid

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT

Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bid


Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bid
Best Buy founder Richard Schulze may have stepped down as chairman of the board, but he's certainly not out. His plan to buy the turbulent company has reached the next step -- an agreement which pre-empts the formal offer. Schulze now has access to all the private numbers he'll need to put together an investor group within the 60-day timeframe. And, if this round is unsuccessful, it'll be next January before another bid can go to the Board of Directors, followed by direct shareholder offers if the second attempt fails. Given that Schulze owns 20 percent of Best Buy, he gets two seats-worth of voting power as long as he sticks to the agreed process. So, with a new CEO taking the reigns in September and the acquisition machinery in top gear, is there fresh hope for the big box retailer?Continue reading Best Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bidFiled under: MiscBest Buy founder ever closer to finalizing company buyout bid originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Pocket Gems Eyes A Younger Female Audience With Tap Campus Life

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT

Pocket Gems Eyes A Younger Female Audience With Tap Campus Life


Pocket Gems Eyes A Younger Female Audience With Tap Campus Life
Pocket Gems, a Sequoia Capital-backed mobile gaming startup, is eyeing a younger female demographic with a new game out today -- Tap Campus Life. It puts the company in more direct competition with rivals like Crowdstar, which is behind fashion-focused Top Girl and Social Girl. Tap Campus Life is a sorority and fashion game where players have to build up a house by recruiting new members and decorating. Like other freemium gaming companies, Pocket Gems should be facing some heat or downward pressure on valuations after Zynga's tumultuous decline from a $14 billion valuation before its IPO to its current $2.5 billion market capitalization. But the company says it has had its best month ever in terms of revenues, particularly with games like Tap Paradise Cove.

Winnebego's high-tech RV

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT

Winnebego's high-tech RV


Winnebego's high-tech RV
Via is a rolling man-cave.

Does MyFord Touch Really ‘Stink’?

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT

Does MyFord Touch Really 'Stink'?


Does MyFord Touch Really 'Stink'?
Consumer Reports thinks so, but we find redeeming features in the system.

2013 Ford Explorer Sport Priced

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT

2013 Ford Explorer Sport Priced


2013 Ford Explorer Sport Priced
High-performance SUV makes 365 horses, gets 22 mpg highway.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid [w/video]

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:46 AM PDT

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid [w/video]


2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid [w/video]
Filed under: Hybrid, FordNo One Ever Said Dethroning A Prius Would Be Easy It's generally not polite to start a story about a new Ford by referencing a very popular Toyota, but we're going to make an exception this time. With fuel prices continuing to creep upwards, sales of advanced-powertrain vehicles are booming (in May of this year alone, nearly 46,000 units left showrooms). While some vehicles, like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, soldier forth with modest sales from month-to-month, Toyota's Prius family of vehicles (the standard Prius, smaller Prius C, larger Prius V and Prius Plug-In Hybrid) consistently leads the sales race. Understandably, that places a big red target on their backs. Aiming its scope, and bracketing wisely, Ford is introducing a slew of new advance-powertrain models over the next year. These include full hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles. One of the first to arrive is the all-new C-Max Hybrid, which has the Prius V aligned in its crosshairs, and not a single person carrying a Blue Oval business card is keeping it a secret. To determine whether or not the new Ford has the right stuff to challenge the Prius V, we put one through its paces in Southern California last week.Continue reading 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid [w/video]2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

RadioShack No Contract Wireless rate plans leak, $60 will get you everything

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:46 AM PDT

RadioShack No Contract Wireless rate plans leak, $60 will get you everything


RadioShack No Contract Wireless rate plans leak, $60 will get you everything
We're just about a week out from the rumored launch of RadioShack's Cricket-based No Contract Wireless plans, and more details are beginning to trickle out about the prepaid service. Specifically, we've just received information concerning how much The Shack intends to charge on a monthly basis, and it's just about what you'd expect: you can choose between featurephone and smartphone options, with the former hooking you up with unlimited messaging and your choice of 300 minutes for $25 or 1,000 minutes for $35. As for the smartphone plans, you'll get unlimited voice, messaging and Muve Music downloads on both selections; the $50 option will get you one gigabyte of 3G data (before throttling ensues), while $60 bestows you with 2.5GB data and mobile hotspot use, Visual Voicemail access, unlimited international text and all-you-can-eat directory assistance. As a comparison, Cricket's $35 featurephone plan will give you unlimited voice and SMS, compared to 1,000 minutes and unlimited SMS / MMS / 1X data on The Shack. The carrier's basic smartphone option is $55 and offers unlimited voice, messaging and 3G data (throttled at 2.5GB); this may seem like the better deal -- unless you're interested in using Muve Music. Since you have to pay an extra $10 to add the unlimited music service into the mix on Cricket, you'll see a monthly savings of $5 if you waltz into The Shack for the top-tiered plan. We're still waiting for RadioShack to come clean and acknowledge the existence of the NoContract service, but we'll continue to reveal more details as they come down the pipeline. Check out the featurephone rate plans after the break. [Thanks, Anonymous!]Continue reading RadioShack No Contract Wireless rate plans leak, $60 will get you everythingFiled under: Cellphones, Wireless, MobileRadioShack No Contract Wireless rate plans leak, $60 will get you everything originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Flurry: China Is Fastest Growing Market For iOS & Android Devices, Chile Comes I...

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:46 AM PDT

Flurry: China Is Fastest Growing Market For iOS & Android Devices, Chile Comes In 2nd


Flurry: China Is Fastest Growing Market For iOS & Android Devices, Chile Comes In 2nd
It's no secret that mobile analytics firm Flurry gets a kick out of tracking apps and mobile device adoption trends, and today it released some new data on iOS and Android device adoption around the globe. The United States still leads in the number of active iOS and Android devices with 165 million, with China coming in just behind it with 128 million net active smart devices. From there, the numbers just sort of drop off — the UK finishes in third with 31 million active devices, while South Korea and Japan round out the top five with 28 and 22 million respectively.

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: bags and cases

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:46 AM PDT

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: bags and cases


Engadget's back to school guide 2012: bags and cases
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're helping you keep all your gear organized -- 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! Trying to pack a load of gadgets, peripherals and a laptop into your average book bag usually isn't the most ideal setup -- especially when it's time to grab what you need throughout the day. To solve that dilemma, we've selected more than a handful of sacks and cases that'll keep your gear at hand and organized so that you'll spend less time rummaging for your gizmos and more time exploring your campus. Best of all, you can rest assured knowing many of the selections past the break are goods that we here at Engadget even rely on to get our gear in and out of the various events we attend -- jump past the break to see our picks. Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2012: bags and casesFiled under: Handhelds, WearablesEngadget's back to school guide 2012: bags and cases originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Chevy recalling 44,000 Sonic subcompacts

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:46 AM PDT

Chevy recalling 44,000 Sonic subcompacts


Chevy recalling 44,000 Sonic subcompacts
Fluid may miss the windshield.