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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

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Gadgets to make your neighbors jealous

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 02:08 PM PDT

Gadgets to make your neighbors jealous


Gadgets to make your neighbors jealous
If you love making your neighbors jealous, check out some of these cool tools for around the home that will wow them and have them burning with envy.

High-end homeowners racing to sell before tax cuts end

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 02:08 PM PDT

High-end homeowners racing to sell before tax cuts end


High-end homeowners racing to sell before tax cuts end
If the Bush-era capital-gains tax cuts expire in January, as they are expected to, some homeowners would be shelling out a lot more on sales.

Shader Printer uses heat-sensitive 'paint' that can be erased with low temperatu...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 02:08 PM PDT

Shader Printer uses heat-sensitive 'paint' that can be erased with low temperatures (hands-on video)


Shader Printer uses heat-sensitive 'paint' that can be erased with low temperatures (hands-on video)
Lovin' the bold look of those new Nikes? If you're up to date on the athletic shoe scene, you may notice that sneaker designs can give way long before your soles do. A new decaling technique could enable you to "erase" labels and other artworks overnight without a trace, however, letting you change up your wardrobe without shelling out more cash. A prototype device, called Shader Printer, uses a laser to heat (at 50 degrees Celsius, 120 degrees Fahrenheit) a surface coated with a bi-stable color-changing material. When the laser reaches the "ink," it creates a visible design, that can then be removed by leaving the object in a -10 degree Celsius (14 degree Fahrenheit) freezer overnight. The laser and freezer simply apply standard heat and cold, so you could theoretically add and remove designs using any source. For the purposes of a SIGGRAPH demo, the team, which includes members from the Japan Science and Technology Agency and MIT, used a hair dryer to apply heat to a coated plastic doll in only a few seconds -- that source doesn't exactly offer the precision of a laser, but it works much more quickly. Then, they sprayed the surface with -50-degree Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit) compressed air, which burned off the rather sloppy pattern in a flash. There were much more attractive prints on hand as well, including an iPhone cover and a sneaker with the SIGGRAPH logo, along with a similar plastic doll with clearly defined eyes. We also had a chance to peek at the custom laser rig, which currently takes about 10 minutes to apply a small design, but could be much quicker in the future with a higher-powered laser on board. The hair dryer / canned air combo offers a much more efficient way of demoing the tech, however, as you'll see in our hands-on video after the break.Gallery: Shader Printer with heat-sensitive 'paint' hands-onContinue reading Shader Printer uses heat-sensitive 'paint' that can be erased with low temperatures (hands-on video)Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, HouseholdShader Printer uses heat-sensitive 'paint' that can be erased with low temperatures (hands-on video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | SIGGRAPH | Email this | Comments

Super Angry Birds USB controller puts the sling back in your shot (video)

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 02:08 PM PDT

Super Angry Birds USB controller puts the sling back in your shot (video)


Super Angry Birds USB controller puts the sling back in your shot (video)
Yeah. We know. There are pretty much as many ways to play Angry Birds, as there are people who play it. That's a lot. However, the Super Angry Birds controller you see above speaks to us. Why? Because it's not just a sling shot, or a fudged use of existing technology. That wooden "sling" hides one of those motorized faders you see in big music studio desks. Using some coding magic (i.e. a force curve stored in a table), the creators were able to give it a realistic resistance feeling, sans elastic. The rest of the hardware is programmed in Max / MSP and Arduino, with a "Music and Motors" microcontroller. It's not just the sling part, either, with angle and special power triggering available from the same device. A pretty neat solution, we think. Now, we wonder if we could scale this thing up?Continue reading Super Angry Birds USB controller puts the sling back in your shot (video)Filed under: Gaming, PeripheralsSuper Angry Birds USB controller puts the sling back in your shot (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The Verge | Sound Plus Design | Email this | Comments

2013 Honda Accord Gets Sculpted

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 02:08 PM PDT

2013 Honda Accord Gets Sculpted


2013 Honda Accord Gets Sculpted
Popular sedan is redesigned, sportier-looking and big on tech, mileage.

Mitsubishi iMiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:34 PM PDT

Mitsubishi iMiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb


Mitsubishi iMiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, RacingMitsubishi had high hopes for this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, entering a production i-MiEV and a radical racing version called the i-MiEV Evolution into the ever-growing Electric Division. We had our eye on the Evolution model in particular, as the car was specially developed for the hill climb with a tube-frame chassis, sleek carbon fiber body and an all-wheel-drive system. Things haven't started quite as Mitsubishi planned, though, with the i-MiEV Evolution crashing during today's second practice session on the lower third of Pikes Peak. The car overshot one of the many hairpins on the course, ending up in a ditch several feet off the road. There's no word on whether the incident was due to a mechanical problem or driver error, but the car looks to be pretty heavily damaged. Fortunately, driver Hiroshi Masuoka, one of Mitsubishi's test drivers and two-time Dakar Rally winner, was unhurt in the accident. We don't know whether the crew at Mitsubishi will be able to repair the car in time for this weekend's race, but we hope to see it on the mountain come Sunday.Mitsubishi iMiEV Evolution crashes on first practice day of Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Antec SP1 portable Bluetooth speaker stops by the FCC

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:34 PM PDT

Antec SP1 portable Bluetooth speaker stops by the FCC


Antec SP1 portable Bluetooth speaker stops by the FCC
The last Antec product that blipped on our radar was many moons ago, but it looks as though the company is having a second stab at audio hardware in its latest filing with the FCC. The documents reveal a new Bluetooth speaker going by the handle SP1 and assuming more of a Braven form factor, as opposed to the pocket-sized trend. Antec's Rockus 3D|2.1 speakers were aimed at the higher end of the market, but we would be tempted to bet that the SP1's focus is a little broader. We've struggled to dig up any more detail on the speaker, like launch plans or pricing, but did stumble upon a particularly glamorous advert, which you'll find after the break.Continue reading Antec SP1 portable Bluetooth speaker stops by the FCCFiled under: Home Entertainment, WirelessAntec SP1 portable Bluetooth speaker stops by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FCC | Email this | Comments

HP expects to take $8 billion hit over its purchase of EDS

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:34 PM PDT

HP expects to take $8 billion hit over its purchase of EDS


HP expects to take $8 billion hit over its purchase of EDS
Normally shake ups in management and earnings outlooks don't really grab our attention. But, buried in the PR for just such moves from HP today was a particularly intriguing tid bit of information. In Q3 the company expects to be hit for $8 billion in pre-tax assets (but not cash) as part of an "impairment of goodwill" charge related to the purchase of Electonic Data Systems. That's in addition to a $1.5 billion charge it'll be absorbing following the layoff of some 27,000 employees in May. While the company has actually raised its earnings outlook for the quarter, we'll have to wait till August 22nd to find out just how much these two charges will affect the bottom line. For some more detail, check out the PR after the break.Continue reading HP expects to take $8 billion hit over its purchase of EDSFiled under: Misc. GadgetsHP expects to take $8 billion hit over its purchase of EDS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Samsung patents perfume-packing cellphone... again

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:33 PM PDT

Samsung patents perfume-packing cellphone... again


Samsung patents perfume-packing cellphone... again
Seriously, Samsung, what the heck is with the scented cellphone patents? This isn't the first, or even the second time you've thought to put pockets of perfume in a handset. This latest patent is slightly different from earlier concepts, we suppose. We see this one has a scent refilling station built into the charging dock. So, when you set the phone down to charge the battery, it also "charges" the aromatic sponge in the body. It's also notable that this isn't a passive scented strip or a spraying mechanism. Instead the "absorbant material" is heated, either by the battery directly or by circuitry triggered as part of an alert. So, every time your hippy buddy calls, your phone could blast Phish and fill the air with the scent of patchouli (or, something else...).Filed under: CellphonesSamsung patents perfume-packing cellphone... again originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | USPTO | Email this | Comments

NPD: Apple, Samsung control 55 percent of the smartphone market, prepaid sales u...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:33 PM PDT

NPD: Apple, Samsung control 55 percent of the smartphone market, prepaid sales up 91 percent


NPD: Apple, Samsung control 55 percent of the smartphone market, prepaid sales up 91 percent
According to NPD DisplaySearch, Apple and Samsung control more than half of the American smartphone market. The second-quarter figures reveal that while contract phone sales are flatter than month-old soda, those for pre-paid handsets have shot up by 91 percent compared to the same quarter last year. The upswing is credited to last year's flagship handsets falling down the price ladder, snaring lower-income customers who were unable to afford to be early adopters. Cornering that element of the market has helped the battling duo increase their sales by 43 percent, leaving the rest of the technology pantheon scraping around for crumbs. Speaking of which, HTC is a distant third, having 15 percent of the market, while Motorola (12 percent) and LG (six percent) round out the top five.Continue reading NPD: Apple, Samsung control 55 percent of the smartphone market, prepaid sales up 91 percentFiled under: CellphonesNPD: Apple, Samsung control 55 percent of the smartphone market, prepaid sales up 91 percent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | | Email this | Comments

The Top 5 iPhone Cases For The College-Bound

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:33 PM PDT

The Top 5 iPhone Cases For The College-Bound


The Top 5 iPhone Cases For The College-Bound
There you are, full of gumption, standing next to a packed car. You're off to college. You're about to set off into the world to, as they say, make something of yourself. Armed with your trusty iPhone, you'll likely reach your lofty goals. But an iPhone can be more than just a smartphone. With the right case, an iPhone can be a multifunctional tool, converging the power of the Internet with personalization more brilliant than the mating dance of a peacock.

NASA's X-48C hybrid wing-body plane completes first test flight

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:33 PM PDT

NASA's X-48C hybrid wing-body plane completes first test flight


NASA's X-48C hybrid wing-body plane completes first test flight
After planting a rover firmly on Mars' surface and testing a new methane-fueled lander, NASA has squeezed in the first test flight of its X-48C hybrid wing-body aircraft. Thanks to its design, which combines those of flying-wing and conventional planes, the X-48 could offer 20 to 30 percent more fuel-efficiency, greater fuel capacity and a quieter ride in its final form than traditional craft. The finished model has a projected range of 11,000 nautical miles and a 240-foot wingspan. As an 8.5 percent scale of the full-sized airplane, the remotely piloted prototype weighs in at 500 pounds with a 20-foot wingspan. During the test, it successfully took to the skies for nine minutes and peaked at an altitude of 5,500 feet -- though it's capable of soaring for 35 minutes and climbing nearly twice as high. Another version of the craft (likely with a human behind the flight stick) is estimated to be at least four years down the road, and the final model isn't expected to arrive for another decade.Filed under: ScienceNASA's X-48C hybrid wing-body plane completes first test flight originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | CNET | Email this | Comments

Editorial: when the ecosystem is the product, picking a favorite isn't easy

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:33 PM PDT

Editorial: when the ecosystem is the product, picking a favorite isn't easy


Editorial: when the ecosystem is the product, picking a favorite isn't easy
Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test? If not, you will eventually fail in a happy hour when people compare their personality-type acronyms. I took the test years ago, and have no recollection of my official personality type. ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)? ISFP (Introverted, Sensual, Feeling, Perceiving)? No idea. But I can tell you this: I am a WiBG digital citizen. That is my Ecosystem Type Indicator. Back to that in a minute. First, some ecosystem history.Continue reading Editorial: when the ecosystem is the product, picking a favorite isn't easyFiled under: Desktops, Laptops, SoftwareEditorial: when the ecosystem is the product, picking a favorite isn't easy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google keeps the interactive Olympic doodles going, tests your spacebar with a g...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 01:00 PM PDT

Google keeps the interactive Olympic doodles going, tests your spacebar with a game of hoops


Google keeps the interactive Olympic doodles going, tests your spacebar with a game of hoops
If your keyboard survived yesterday's track & field test, the folks in Mountain View have posted another interactive doodle to satisfy your Olympic dreams. This time around, you can give acarde-style basketball your best shot by tapping on your spacebar to get into a rhythm from the charity stripe. Once you hit that blue play buttion, you'll have 24 seconds to give the main search page your best Kevin Durant. A chance for Google+ bragging rights awaits your fingers via the source link below.Filed under: InternetGoogle keeps the interactive Olympic doodles going, tests your spacebar with a game of hoops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google | Email this | Comments

Disney Research's Botanicus Interacticus adds capacitive touch to ordinary plant...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 12:29 PM PDT

Disney Research's Botanicus Interacticus adds capacitive touch to ordinary plants, we go hands-on


Disney Research's Botanicus Interacticus adds capacitive touch to ordinary plants, we go hands-on
Sure, you spend plenty of time talking to your plants, but have you ever made them sing? Walt Disney's experience development arm, coined Disney Research, has found a way to take human-plant interaction to an almost freakish level. The project's called Botanicus Interacticus, and centers around a custom-built capacitive sensor module, which pipes a very low current through an otherwise ordinary plant, then senses when and where you touch. Assuming your body is grounded, the device uses more than 200 frequencies to determine exactly where you've grabbed hold of a stem. Then, depending on how it may be programed, the sensor can trigger any combination of feedback, ranging from a notification that your child is attempting to climb that massive oak in the yard again, to an interactive melody that varies based on where your hand falls along the plant. Because this is Disney Research, the company would most likely use the new tech in an interactive theme park attraction, though there's currently no plan to do much more than demo Botanicus Interacticus for SIGGRAPH attendees. This week's demonstration is giving the creators an opportunity to gather feedback as they try out their project on the general public. There's four different stations on hand, ranging from a stick of bamboo that offers the full gamut of sensitivity, including the exact location of touch, to an orchid that can sense an electric field disruption even as you approach for contact. While interactive plants may not have a role in everyday life, Botanicus Interacticus is certainly a clever implementation of capacitive touch. You can see it action just past the break.Gallery: Disney Research Botanicus Interacticus hands-onContinue reading Disney Research's Botanicus Interacticus adds capacitive touch to ordinary plants, we go hands-onFiled under: Household, PeripheralsDisney Research's Botanicus Interacticus adds capacitive touch to ordinary plants, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Disney Research | Email this | Comments

Apple starts selling refurbished 'new' iPads for $50 less than MSRP

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Apple starts selling refurbished 'new' iPads for $50 less than MSRP


Apple starts selling refurbished 'new' iPads for $50 less than MSRP
Back when Apple's third-gen slate was originally unveiled to the world, the company very quietly slashed down the prices of its first and second generation refurbed iPads. Now, some five months after its triumphant launch in the US of A and other countries, Cupertino's started selling the pixel-packed new iPad for 50 bucks less than the original price -- that's if, of course, you don't mind a refurbished unit. Still, as we've said before, Apple includes a one-year warranty with each iPad sold via its "Certified Refurbished" online store, which is considerably better than any Craigslist deal you might find out there. Currently, stock appears to be quite loaded, but you never know how long that's going to last. In other words, you may want to get 'em while they're hot.Filed under: Tablet PCsApple starts selling refurbished 'new' iPads for $50 less than MSRP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Cult of Mac | Apple Store | Email this | Comments

Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:51 AM PDT

Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system


Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap The Zap Xebra. Wow. There's a vehicle we haven't written about in a long, long while. Don't get your hopes up Zap fans (by which we mean Zapp Brannigan, of course), because even though we're doing so now, the news isn't good. Almost 700 units, all produced during the 2008 model year, are being recalled - again - by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for brake issues. In 2009, 738 units of the 2008 model year Xebras were recalled for not being able to brake in a short enough distance. The important thing to remember is that the three-wheeled Xebra is technically motorcycle, for regulation purposes. Thus, the new recall for the 691 electric Xebras is because they, "do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, 'Motorcycle Brake Systems.'" The problem is that the Xebras do not have, "a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device" and, NHTSA said, that's why, "fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash." As we said, the news isn't good. QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd. manufactured the Xebras for Zap, which is now part of Zap Jonway. Zap will now notify owners either install a remedy kit or send one to each owner. If you're affected by this recall, you can find a phone number for Zap and NHTSA below.Continue reading Zap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake systemZap Xebra hit by recall for faulty brake system originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameStop Mobile will not be an MVNO; company still testing sales of prepaid SIMs...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:51 AM PDT

GameStop Mobile will not be an MVNO; company still testing sales of prepaid SIMs from other carriers


GameStop Mobile will not be an MVNO; company still testing sales of prepaid SIMs from other carriers
In a recent interview with us, GameStop CEO Paul Rainer confirmed that GameStop Mobile -- an entity that appeared to be on the brink of selling prepaid GSM SIM cards to GameStop patrons -- is nothing more than "a mockup." If you'll recall, an entire website launched back in May showcasing what appeared to be GameStop's portal for hawking SIM cards that relied on AT&T's network to provide service. At the time, the collective held its breath awaiting a confirmation of truth -- after all, it's not exactly easy to pry a data-only SIM out of AT&T's hands, particularly one that's free of a contract. Sadly, the CEO informed us that it was "just a creative thing," noting that it "wasn't even an idea being pitched." Continuing, Rainer stated: "We don't have an MVNO (laughing). If you are trying to provide your customers with a bundle that comes with a pre-owned phone and will allow them to play games, make calls, and everything else -- you don't have to have a network to do that; you can sell SIM cards and pre-paid plans, those things exist, and we are in the process of testing several to see which ones makes sense." Of course, accidentally publishing an entire website dedicated to the idea seems a bit crazy for something that wasn't even being pitched -- what kind of designer has that much free time? -- but at least the story has an ending for now. "For now," we say, because the aforementioned pitch could finally happen now that AT&T's Mobile Share plans are debuting this month.Filed under: CellphonesGameStop Mobile will not be an MVNO; company still testing sales of prepaid SIMs from other carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Engadget Interview with Paul Rainer | Email this | Comments

The Engadget Interview: GameStop CEO Paul Rainer talks tablets, OUYA and the MVN...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:51 AM PDT

The Engadget Interview: GameStop CEO Paul Rainer talks tablets, OUYA and the MVNO that never was


The Engadget Interview: GameStop CEO Paul Rainer talks tablets, OUYA and the MVNO that never was
Looking to unload your unwanted gaming gear? You're probably on your way to GameStop. As the largest dedicated video game retailer in the world, it's hard to imagine a games enthusiast who hasn't browsed its wares a time or two. Over the last few years, however, the firm has been expanding outside of retail sales -- dipping its fingers into digital distribution, streaming and even phones and tablets. The brick-and-mortar store even seemed to be flirting with building a mobile network. With all these changes underfoot and a new console cycle just around the corner, it seemed like a good time to catch up with GameStop CEO Paul Rainer to get some perspective.Continue reading The Engadget Interview: GameStop CEO Paul Rainer talks tablets, OUYA and the MVNO that never wasFiled under: GamingThe Engadget Interview: GameStop CEO Paul Rainer talks tablets, OUYA and the MVNO that never was originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Valve announces new Software section for Steam, games to get some company Septem...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Valve announces new Software section for Steam, games to get some company September 5th


Valve announces new Software section for Steam, games to get some company September 5th
We've had some indication that Valve would soon be expanding its Steam offerings beyond games thanks to a new batch of categories that briefly turned up in its Android app last month, and the company has now made the move official. While not discussing the mobile app specifically, Valve has confirmed that the first set of non-game titles will be hitting Steam on September 5th, offering a variety of (as yet unnamed) applications that the company says "range from creativity to productivity." As you'd expect, those will all be able to be installed and updated through Steam, and you'll be able to save your work in the Steam Cloud and access it on any computer. Valve also says that titles will continue to be added in an "ongoing fashion" after the initial batch, and developers will be able to submit their own applications through the Steam Greenlight system.Continue reading Valve announces new Software section for Steam, games to get some company September 5thFiled under: Gaming, SoftwareValve announces new Software section for Steam, games to get some company September 5th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq | | Email this | Comments

Square CEO hints at Windows Phone app, says Starbucks funding will go toward 'in...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Square CEO hints at Windows Phone app, says Starbucks funding will go toward 'international efforts'


Square CEO hints at Windows Phone app, says Starbucks funding will go toward 'international efforts'
As you probably have heard -- it's created quite some buzz, after all -- Starbucks just announced a partnership with Square to accept mobile payments via the Pay with the Square app. That's huge news for Square, which currently processes transactions for some 75,000 merchants, as the coffee retailer is one of the largest national chains to integrate with the payment service. At a breakfast in New York today, Square CEO and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz fielded questions about the partnership's importance. While most of the talk centered on the rollout that will bring Square payments to 7,000 Starbucks stores ahead of the holiday season, the discussion also touched upon other areas of expansion for the mobile payments company. Currently, the Pay with Square app is only available on iOS and Android. Asked whether a Windows Phone app is in the making, Dorsey said, "We will definitely build for where the users are, and we're excited about the Windows Phone interface." Take that as you will. Starbucks will start accepting Square payments ahead of the holiday season, and Dorsey said the coffee retailer's $25 million investment will be used for hiring and to expand "international efforts." Starbucks, which has 18,000 stores in 60 countries, would certainly be a natural partner in any overseas plans.Filed under: Cellphones, SoftwareSquare CEO hints at Windows Phone app, says Starbucks funding will go toward 'international efforts' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Google's revamped voice search coming to iOS, tackles Siri on her home turf

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Google's revamped voice search coming to iOS, tackles Siri on her home turf


Google's revamped voice search coming to iOS, tackles Siri on her home turf
Google has been offering the ability to search the web with your voice using its iOS app for some time. But, it always just spit out a pile of links. While the next version wont be getting quite as creepy as Google Now, it'll be bringing with it the vocalized responses that debuted as part of Jelly Bean's revamped search offerings. The UI is also getting an overhaul to bring it inline with Now and Mountain View's recent aesthetic tendencies towards sharp lines and limited color schemes. Obviously, the new app also taps the Knowledge Graph, allowing you to make natural language queries like, "what's the weather like in San Francisco," and get a detailed vocalized response. According to Google the update should be hitting the App Store in "the next few days," but don't expect it to keep tabs on your favorite sports team for you.Continue reading Google's revamped voice search coming to iOS, tackles Siri on her home turfFiled under: Cellphones, SoftwareGoogle's revamped voice search coming to iOS, tackles Siri on her home turf originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Official Blog | Email this | Comments

Google Knowledge Graph coming to all English-speaking nations tomorrow, adds lis...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 11:50 AM PDT

Google Knowledge Graph coming to all English-speaking nations tomorrow, adds lists to results


Google Knowledge Graph coming to all English-speaking nations tomorrow, adds lists to results
Google launched its contextual and intelligent search service, Knowledge Graph, only a few months ago. Till now, it's been limited in its availability and, while most nations will still be left out, tomorrow it will be coming to all "English-speaking" countries. The ability to discern your intended search goal and present you with relevant information immediately, as opposed to just a page of links, is the next step in search technology and the secret sauce powering the somewhat creepy Google Now in Jelly Bean. The Graph has also received a few enhancements and tweaks, including the ability to answer queries with collections and lists. So, say you're looking for rides in Disney World, a thumbnail of every attraction will appear at the top in a horizontally scrollable list. How much longer till our Spanish, French or Chinese speaking pals can get in on the action? That's anyone's guess. But, if English is the native tongue of your home, then rest assured your flavor of Google has just gotten a little bit smarter.Continue reading Google Knowledge Graph coming to all English-speaking nations tomorrow, adds lists to resultsFiled under: Internet, SoftwareGoogle Knowledge Graph coming to all English-speaking nations tomorrow, adds lists to results originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Official Blog | Email this | Comments

4.1 million electric vehicle charging stations in five years? What?!

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 10:41 AM PDT

4.1 million electric vehicle charging stations in five years? What?!


4.1 million electric vehicle charging stations in five years? What?!
Filed under: EV/Plug-in Frost & Sullivan has released a report stating that 4.1 million electric vehicle charging points will be in place in North America by 2017. The most common ones, 71 percent will be Level 1 charging stations for home charging, followed by level 2, which will account for 27 percent of the installed network (DC fast chargers will only make up a sliver of the total). To go along with the fact that most chargers will be private, nearly 87 percent of all electric vehicles are expected to be charged in residential locations, where they'll be parked in the garage for 10 to 12 hours in a day. As stated, the report forecasts 4.1 million of these chargers being ready in five years. Wow! Okay, let's start with EV charging stations currently in place and do the numbers. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are currently a little bit more than 4,150 EV charging stations in the U.S. Statistics were not readily accessible on Canada and Mexico, but let's assume there are at least 500, bringing the North American total for public charging stations to about 4,600. Now, let's assume there are roughly 35,000 home charging stations installed since that's about how many Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and competitive models have been sold in the past couple of years. So, we figure, there could be about 40,000 charging stations currently installed in North America. "The charging infrastructure is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 128.12 percent, due to the currency of the 'green' concept and oil prices' volatility," according to the press release. Now, wait a minute. We calculated the CAGR from 40,000 to 4.1 million in five years and got 152.43 percent. Perhaps Frost & Sullivan is starting from a slightly higher number of installed chargers, but something seems to be missing here.Continue reading 4.1 million electric vehicle charging stations in five years? What?!4.1 million electric vehicle charging stations in five years? What?! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSA: T-Mobile Galaxy Note now available for your purchasing pleasure

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 10:41 AM PDT

PSA: T-Mobile Galaxy Note now available for your purchasing pleasure


PSA: T-Mobile Galaxy Note now available for your purchasing pleasure
It's August 8th: do you know where your Samsung Galaxy Note is? If you're a T-Mobile customer, the fantastically famed phablet is now ready to drain your finances. Feel free to head into your local store or go online -- if the idea of a sequel coming in three weeks doesn't deter you from plunking down $250 in exchange for a fresh two-year commitment. Head to the source below to begin your shopping adventure. Note (no pun intended): Walmart is offering the T-Mobile Galaxy Note for $350 with no contract attached. We're not sure if this is a limited-time deal, but it's strongly worth considering. [Thanks, Joe!]Filed under: Cellphones, WirelessPSA: T-Mobile Galaxy Note now available for your purchasing pleasure originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Source:T-Mobile | Email this | Comments

Acer breeds LEDs with lasers, new hybrid projector is born

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 10:41 AM PDT

Acer breeds LEDs with lasers, new hybrid projector is born


Acer breeds LEDs with lasers, new hybrid projector is born
Acer usually graces our pages for its pico projector range, but the company's taken a leaf out of the high-end book for its latest non-portable model, the K750 LED-laser hybrid. The world's first combo projector spits out 1080p, just as you would expect, at a contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1. Acer claims the color brightness, saturation and fidelity are significantly better than mercury lamps, and appears to be leaning towards the business and education markets, citing the K750's instant on / off capability to sway the productive types. If you fancy one of these in your house, however, better start saving your cash -- AVForums claims it'll be available in the UK later this month bearing a price tag of around £1,700 (approximately $2,650).Continue reading Acer breeds LEDs with lasers, new hybrid projector is bornFiled under: DisplaysAcer breeds LEDs with lasers, new hybrid projector is born originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Via:AVForums | | Email this | Comments

EMarketer: 26% Of U.S. Consumers Access Social Networks On Mobile Today, Faceboo...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 09:27 AM PDT

EMarketer: 26% Of U.S. Consumers Access Social Networks On Mobile Today, Facebook 85% Of That


EMarketer: 26% Of U.S. Consumers Access Social Networks On Mobile Today, Facebook 85% Of That
Figures out today from eMarketer estimate that in the U.S., just under 82 million consumers, or 26% of the population, will access social networks from their phones this year, rising to nearly 117 million by 2014. But if you are a social networking startup that sees that low-penetration figure as an opportunity, be aware that at the moment Facebook has all but cornered the market, and that the market is slowing down. Facebook today accounts for 85% of all mobile social networking activity, and that proportion is only growing: eMarketer projects that Facebook will account 87.4% by 2014 -- or four out of every 10 mobile users and nearly two-thirds of smartphone users. Meanwhile, growth in social network on mobile is slowing right down, from 50% in 2011 to 18% by 2014.

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: ultraportables

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 09:27 AM PDT

Engadget's back to school guide 2012: ultraportables


Engadget's back to school guide 2012: ultraportables
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 getting down to the very important business of helping you sift through laptops -- 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 August we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- you can hit up the hub page right here! Given their roots -- luxury machines like the original MacBook Air ($1,800) and last year's Samsung Series 9 ($1,649) -- you'd be forgiven if you initially dismissed Ultrabooks as being too extravagant for a college-bound student. Thankfully, though, prices have sunk so low that you can now find a thin, fast, ultraportable laptop for as little as $700. The only problem, perhaps, is a paradox of choice: the selection is already crowded with dozens of contenders, and there are 100-some-odd more models in the pipeline, according to Intel. Fortunately for you, dear readers, we've had the chance to handle or even review many of them, and were able to whittle down the offerings to a handful of promising contenders. Whether you're prepared to spend $750 or $1,400, we have something that'll fit the bill. Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2012: ultraportablesFiled under: LaptopsEngadget's back to school guide 2012: ultraportables originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

iFixit produces repair manual for MacBook Pro with Retina display, tests DIY's l...

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 09:27 AM PDT

iFixit produces repair manual for MacBook Pro with Retina display, tests DIY's limits


iFixit produces repair manual for MacBook Pro with Retina display, tests DIY's limits
While we've been fans of the MacBook Pro with Retina display, iFixit hasn't been so keen -- a company based around DIY repairs isn't fond of a system where most components are glued or soldered into place. That hasn't stopped the team from developing a repair manual for those who want to give maintenance a try. A total of 16 guides show us how to disassemble or remove those parts that stand a realistic chance of leaving the system unscathed. While that does include some key components, iFixit continues to fly some caution flags: getting to one part often requires taking apart others, and removing the battery carries the very real possibility of permanent damage. If you'd still prefer to upgrade the SSD yourself (when an option) than pay Apple more for a custom order, there's now a helping hand for your thriftiness.Filed under: LaptopsiFixit produces repair manual for MacBook Pro with Retina display, tests DIY's limits originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | iFixit | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Prices 2013 Santa Fe Sport

Posted: 08 Aug 2012 09:27 AM PDT

Hyundai Prices 2013 Santa Fe Sport


Hyundai Prices 2013 Santa Fe Sport
The redesigned 190-hp 5-seat crossover comes in a little over $25,000.