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Saturday, September 15, 2012

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Alt-week 9.15.12: The ultimate wind machine, Egyptian Lego and the office of our...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 03:03 PM PDT

Alt-week 9.15.12: The ultimate wind machine, Egyptian Lego and the office of our dreams


Alt-week 9.15.12: The ultimate wind machine, Egyptian Lego and the office of our dreams
Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days. Sometime we wonder, what would we have ended up doing if we didn't spend our time trawling the web for the week's best alternative tech stories? We could have been paleontologists, novelists, engineers, or if we were really lucky, worked for Google. Instead, here we are bringing you some of the more colorful tech-tales from the last seven days, which we're really not complaining about. That said though, at least on this occasion, we got to taste a bit of all the above. This is alt-week.Continue reading Alt-week 9.15.12: The ultimate wind machine, Egyptian Lego and the office of our dreamsFiled under: Misc, Science, AltAlt-week 9.15.12: The ultimate wind machine, Egyptian Lego and the office of our dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Engadget Podcast 310 - 09.15.2012

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 03:03 PM PDT

Engadget Podcast 310 - 09.15.2012


Engadget Podcast 310 - 09.15.2012
From the No, We Promise It's Not 2007 department: there is a new iPhone and a new Wii. Listen to us talk about them between catching up with your favorite songs from artists like Gwen Stefani, Fergie, and Akon. Hosts: Tim Stevens, Brian HeaterGuest: Ben Gilbert, Dana WollmanProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Orbital - Never 02:36 - iPhone 5 hands-on! 11:30 - Apple announces redesigned iTunes for Mac, Windows and iOS devices 20:26 - Apple's new iPhone 5 dock connector: It's called Lightning and it's 80 percent smaller, but the adapter is $29 28:00 - 5th-generation iPod touch hands-on! 31:38 - Apple refreshes iPod nano: 2.5-inch multitouch display, 16GB, Bluetooth, available this October for $149 42:00 - Nintendo Wii U arrives in the US on Nov. 18 in two versions for $300 and $350, Europe on Nov. 30 51:00 - Nintendo unveils 'Nintendo TVii' for Wii U (video)Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace. Download the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens. Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot comFiled under: PodcastsEngadget Podcast 310 - 09.15.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 17:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Verizon's Galaxy Note II purportedly poses for the camera, over-branding included

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 02:31 PM PDT

Verizon's Galaxy Note II purportedly poses for the camera, over-branding included


Verizon's Galaxy Note II purportedly poses for the camera, over-branding included
Phablet lovers on Verizon may have reason to rejoice, because the carrier's variant of the Galaxy Note II may have been captured in the flesh. The white device is aesthetically identical to the version straight from Samsung's house, save for its questionable carrier-branding. While the back of the phone sports a seemingly legit "Verizon 4G LTE" logo along with its moniker, you'll notice a rather obnoxiously-planted "Verizon" logo on its home button -- perhaps a bit too ridiculous to be the real deal. That said, it's almost certain that the Note II will officially make it to Verizon, no matter if it's dressed like the photos above or not; this purported variant lines up nicely with screenshots leaked earlier this week showing AT&T and Verizon compatibility. Now, if only we could have further confirmation -- perhaps in the way of a second visit to the FCC in the near feature or some leaky memos. [Thanks, Sean P.]Filed under: Cellphones, MobileVerizon's Galaxy Note II purportedly poses for the camera, over-branding included originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 16:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Petrol crisis thriller "Fumes" makes statement, looks for backers

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 01:25 PM PDT

Petrol crisis thriller "Fumes" makes statement, looks for backers


Petrol crisis thriller "Fumes" makes statement, looks for backers
Filed under: Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, Oil Sands "The UK's fuel supply has run out and the country is coming apart at the seams... Jared must escape London to reach his wife and child. He siphons the petrol from his own car to prevent it from being stolen, but just as he is getting ready to leave, there is a knock at the door... It's an old friend of Jared's: a volatile character named Sy... and Sy needs a ride..." So says the trailer for the film "Fumes," which appears to be a tense, short thriller that's yet to be made and is looking for backers. It's set in near-future London, where an oil crisis has caused the country's petrol supply to run out. The story was Inspired by two crises: a UK petrol shortage in 2009 when pumps were running dry, and the fiery London riots of August 2011 following protests over the shooting death by police of a local man, Mark Duggan. The film will be asking serious questions about society, sustainability, and reliance on fossil fuel. Writer-director-producer Tom Werber, best known for his animated short, "Losers: Flush," is campaigning for financial support and working with up-and-coming young actor Aaron Taylor, known for his role in the film "Some Dogs Bite," who will play troubling friend Sy. The next hurdle is money. The "Fumes" team is working on raising £12,600 ($20,000) through crowd funding site Indigogo. The project has a deadline of mid-October to raise the funds, and so far the numbers have been small. The funding categories pay tribute the movie's theme, such as $5,000 for "The Oil Field," which means you get to be an executive producer in the credits or just $50 for "The Full Tank," where you get your own special DVD copy of the film and a thank you in the film credits. As of press time, $1,050 of the $20,000 had been claimed. "We have assembled a fantastically talented team behind this film. This is a low-budget production, and all of the money we are asking for will go towards equipment, locations and travel costs." said producer Stephen Smith. Once it's shot and edited, "Fumes" the plan is to enter the film in major short film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Sundance, and Toronto. Werber - a director of film, music videos, commercials and animation - has experience showing his work at award festivals and exhibitions, including the Louvre Gallery in Paris, and Encounters festival, BUG and Big Screens in the UK.Petrol crisis thriller "Fumes" makes statement, looks for backers originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft announces new entertainment and game studio focused on Windows 8 table...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Microsoft announces new entertainment and game studio focused on Windows 8 tablet development


Microsoft announces new entertainment and game studio focused on Windows 8 tablet development
Windows 8 slates are riding a wave of 40 Xbox titles into an October launch, and now Microsoft has laid the foundation to deliver more games with a brand new studio focused on tablet development. The currently unnamed, London-based outfit will be headed by former Rare Production Director Lee Schuneman, who has shepherded Kinect Sports titles, the Xbox 360 Avatars, Fable: The Journey and the Xbox's Sky TV app to completion. Slabs running Richmond's latest OS won't see a project from the team for a while, however, as the studio is still looking for new hires and won't open its doors until November.Continue reading Microsoft announces new entertainment and game studio focused on Windows 8 tablet developmentFiled under: Gaming, TabletsMicrosoft announces new entertainment and game studio focused on Windows 8 tablet development originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Ford recalls some 2012 Ford Edge SUVs

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:46 AM PDT

Ford recalls some 2012 Ford Edge SUVs


Ford recalls some 2012 Ford Edge SUVs
Ford Motor Co. is recalling some of its 2012 Edge vehicles because of concerns that the fuel line could leak and potentially cause a fire.

Ceton Echo WMC extender beta units set to ship in October, on target for Novembe...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:14 AM PDT

Ceton Echo WMC extender beta units set to ship in October, on target for November release


Ceton Echo WMC extender beta units set to ship in October, on target for November release
Now that Ceton has pushed its Companion mobile apps for Windows Media Center out the door, our attention returns to the hardware we got a look at during CES. A blog post from the company indicates the Echo extender has passed FCC and CE certifications, with alpha tests under way. If you're not in position to borrow a unit from the home of an employee, your next opportunity to obtain one will come when the beta starts. The 1,000 applicants accepted should receive ordering information around the end of this month before hardware ships on October, which, if there are no delays, could mean general availability as soon as November. Still waiting for word on that slick six tuner Q DVR? So are we, but an update, along with final specs for the Echo version 1, are promised at the end of the month.Filed under: Home Entertainment, HDCeton Echo WMC extender beta units set to ship in October, on target for November release originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Ceton | Email this | Comments

Stan Lee Teams Up With Moonshark To Create His First Mobile Game: Verticus

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 11:14 AM PDT

Stan Lee Teams Up With Moonshark To Create His First Mobile Game: Verticus


Stan Lee Teams Up With Moonshark To Create His First Mobile Game: Verticus
Moonshark, a startup backed by Qualcomm and talent agency CAA, teams up with big-name creative talent to create mobile games and apps. For its first game, it partnered with Jennifer Lopez. For its second title, it's working with a star of a very different type — Stan Lee, the comic book writer who co-created (with artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko) most of Marvel's biggest characters, including Spider-Man, and who's now chairman and chief creative officer at POW! Entertainment. Lee is supposed to take the stage at the Comikaze Expo (or, to use its full title, Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo) this morning, where he's going to announce his partnership with Moonshark and show a brief trailer of the upcoming game, which will be called Verticus. I got on the phone with Moonshark CEO Matt Kozlov yesterday to get some of the details.

Feds probe Ford police cars after complaints about defective steering

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 09:35 AM PDT

Feds probe Ford police cars after complaints about defective steering


Feds probe Ford police cars after complaints about defective steering
Government safety regulators are investigating Ford's Crown Victoria police cars due to complaints about defective steering columns.

How to work with a childproofer

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 09:35 AM PDT

How to work with a childproofer


How to work with a childproofer
Why lose valuable shut-eye worrying over hidden hazards when you can call in this safety pro?

Oppo CEO says quad-core Find 5 will feature a 1080p, 441ppi display, forgets to...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 08:28 AM PDT

Oppo CEO says quad-core Find 5 will feature a 1080p, 441ppi display, forgets to wink at HTC


Oppo CEO says quad-core Find 5 will feature a 1080p, 441ppi display, forgets to wink at HTC
Not sure how this slipped under our radar, but recently Oppo Mobile CEO Chen Mingyong teased that his upcoming flagship phone, the Find 5, will again feature a non-removable but "certainly big enough" battery (for the sake of anti-counterfeiting and, consequently, safety) as well as a 1080p, 441ppi display. That's right, 441ppi! We're finally getting something impossibly sharper than the 326ppi on the latest iPhones (up to 4-inch, 1,136 x 640), or even the 342ppi on the Sony Xperia acro S and the Xiaomi Phone 2 (4.3-inch, 1,280 x 720). Assuming Chen's talking about a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, a quick calculation based on these two numbers would give us a 5-inch screen size. Taking into account that a reliable source of ours got to see HTC's 5-inch 6435LVW phablet recently, this would make the Find 5 unofficially the second device to receive the same full HD panel. Still, there's a significant difference inside these two phones: Chen had previously mentioned that the Find 5 will be joining the quad-core APQ8064 party, while the HTC device appears to sport the dual-core, LTE-enabled MSM8960. Speaking of which, the same source informed us that much like the Flyer, HTC's 6435LVW will also feature N-trig stylus technology. Will Oppo follow in the same footsteps? And will it bring back the slide-out keyboard à la Find X903 (pictured above)? Go on, Mr. Chen, tell us more.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileOppo CEO says quad-core Find 5 will feature a 1080p, 441ppi display, forgets to wink at HTC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 11:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Tom's Hardware | Sina Weibo (login required) | Email this | Comments

Toyota RAV4 EV hits California roads on September 24th with 103-mile range

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 07:24 AM PDT

Toyota RAV4 EV hits California roads on September 24th with 103-mile range


Toyota RAV4 EV hits California roads on September 24th with 103-mile range
Toyota had said its all-electric RAV4 would be ready to tour the California streets at some point "late summer," and with the warmest of seasons coming to an end, the Japanese company's declared September 24th as the date the SUV will go on sale. What's more, today's press release reveals the RAV4 EV boasts a brilliant 103-mile range and 78 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), which, as Autoblog points out, makes this the first non-Tesla-branded EV with an EPA rating of 100-plus miles. If all that is still not enough for you to shell out the $50,000 (not counting rebates and tax credits, of course), Toyota dealers are expected to offer a 36-month lease option for anyone in The Golden State who prefers a shorter-term commitment.Continue reading Toyota RAV4 EV hits California roads on September 24th with 103-mile rangeFiled under: TransportationToyota RAV4 EV hits California roads on September 24th with 103-mile range originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 10:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Toyota | Email this | Comments

Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 06:53 AM PDT

Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco


Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Honda, North America, USA The newest San Francisco treat just might be the Honda Fit EV, which car-sharing service Zipcar says will be available to its customers there starting this month. Zipcar will station Fit EVs at City Hall as well as the InterContinental and Parc 55 hotels. The car-sharing company, which says the EV can be recharged from a 240-volt station in less than three hours, will rent out the car at a starting rate of $8 an hour. Zipcar will also hold demonstrations and free test drives next Monday and Tuesday at San Francisco's Justin Herman Plaza. The company says it will add Fit EVs to its fleets in Los Angeles and Portland, OR, this fall. The Fit EV, whose first deliveries were in California in July, has been rated by the EPA to have a single-charge range of 82 miles, or nine miles more than the Nissan Leaf. Honda is leasing out a limited number of Fit EVs in the state for $389 a month. Check out the press release below.Continue reading Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San FranciscoZipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 06:22 AM PDT

Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco


Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Honda, North America, USA The newest San Francisco treat just might be the Honda Fit EV, which car-sharing service Zipcar says will be available to its customers there starting this month. Zipcar will station Fit EVs at City Hall as well as the InterContinental and Parc 55 hotels. The car-sharing company, which says the EV can be recharged from a 240-volt station in less than three hours, will rent out the car at a starting rate of $8 an hour. Zipcar will also hold demonstrations and free test drives next Monday and Tuesday at San Francisco's Justin Herman Plaza. The company says it will add Fit EVs to its fleets in Los Angeles and Portland, OR, this fall. The Fit EV, whose first deliveries were in California in July, has been rated by the EPA to have a single-charge range of 82 miles, or nine miles more than the Nissan Leaf. Honda is leasing out a limited number of Fit EVs in the state for $389 a month. Check out the press release below.Continue reading Zipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San FranciscoZipcar will start carsharing Honda Fit EVs in San Francisco originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Google knows what you did this summer, shares it with the world

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 05:48 AM PDT

Google knows what you did this summer, shares it with the world


Google knows what you did this summer, shares it with the world
What we wouldn't give to have access to Google's treasure trove of human wonderings. Every day millions of folk tell the search giant exactly what they are thinking about, without even realizing it. It's not all take take take, though, as Mountain View has just released some data letting us all know what we and our (geographical) neighbors did this summer. By compiling popular search terms used in Google Maps between May and September, we can see that, while Canadians and the Spanish were looking for the beach, Britons were more partial to a game of Squash, or a trip around Trafalgar Square. Back home, Death Valley, Redwood and Yosemite National Parks were earning the most interest, while Paintball was the top activity -- but we're hoping the two are unrelated. Want to see how the Dutch like to unwind, or how Indians like to cool off? Jump on the tour bus source link to find out more.Filed under: InternetGoogle knows what you did this summer, shares it with the world originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 08:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Blog | Email this | Comments

Google wants 'better compatibility' for Android, Alibaba says 'Aliyun is separat...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 04:38 AM PDT

Google wants 'better compatibility' for Android, Alibaba says 'Aliyun is separate,' Acer takes the brunt of it


Google wants 'better compatibility' for Android, Alibaba says 'Aliyun is separate,' Acer takes the brunt of it
On Thursday, we starting hearing claims that Google had strong-armed Acer out of launching its A800 CloudMobile in China with the Aliyun operating system. We reached out to the search giant for its response, but they declined to comment. Over the last 24 hours, though, Google has attempted to explain its stance, but at the same time has potentially created some confusion about how open Android really is. Below is the initial statement received by Marketing Land: "Compatibility is at the heart of the Android ecosystem and ensures a consistent experience for developers, manufacturers and consumers. Non-compatible versions of Android, like Aliyun, weaken the ecosystem. All members of the Open Handset Alliance have committed to building one Android platform and to not ship non-compatible Android devices. This does not however, keep OHA members from participating in competing ecosystems." This is clearly outlining Google's intention to prevent forked Android spin-offs from diluting the platform and the user experience. Fair enough. The trouble seems to be, however, defining when something is Android compatible, rather than its own separate (albeit Android-based) operating system. Amazon's Kindle Fire will instantly spring to mind. The new tablets run on Ice Cream Sandwich, but are fenced-off from the official Play store and other Google offerings. According to Alibaba -- the company behind the offending operating system -- this is a similar situation with Aliyun, albeit a change from earlier reports, who responded to the compatibility charge as follows: "Aliyun OS is not part of the Android ecosystem so of course Aliyun OS is not and does not have to be compatible with Android. It is ironic that a company that talks freely about openness is espousing a closed ecosystem." So, what about that Google? Well, it seems that the main complication is the Open Handset Alliance, a sort of club that agrees to help maintain the integrity of Android for the benefit of users, handset makers and developers alike. Membership to this club doesn't prevent you from working with other operating systems (Windows Phone, for example,) but does ask that you commit to the "one Android platform" mentioned above. So, Alibaba says it's not Android, Google claims it is. Which, some might argue, has justifiably led the Chinese software firm's VP of international corporate affairs, John Spelich, to ask "Will someone please ask Google to define Android." This leaves Acer, and other members of the OHA, stuck in the middle, as well as raising further questions about Google's plans for China (where Alibaba is very powerful), and Android as a whole. Unfortunately, back in the immediate, it looks like Acer will have to rethink its strategy for the CloudMobile A800, in one of the world's largest markets. Though if we see a Jelly Bean version popping up soon, don't color us surprised.Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, MobileGoogle wants 'better compatibility' for Android, Alibaba says 'Aliyun is separate,' Acer takes the brunt of it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 07:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Official Android Blog, Andy Rubin (Google+), Marketing Land | Email this | Comments

Nokia to produce Lumia 920 with TD-SCDMA support for China Mobile

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 04:07 AM PDT

Nokia to produce Lumia 920 with TD-SCDMA support for China Mobile


Nokia to produce Lumia 920 with TD-SCDMA support for China Mobile
Scratch one in the victory column for Nokia, as China Mobile -- the world's largest carrier -- has agreed to bring the Lumia 920 into its fold. A representative for Nokia revealed the news late this week, although just like every other handset with Windows Phone 8, pricing and availability remains up in the air. Beyond China Mobile's mind-boggling number of subscribers (hovering above 660 million), the deal is significant because of Nokia's limited willingness to support the network's TD-SCDMA infrastructure. While unconfirmed, we're hopeful to find the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 at the heart of this variant, due to its support for both TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE. That said, because China is in no rush to adopt 4G, the MSM8260A remains a viable candidate. Regardless, perhaps Nokia will be able to turn a bit of a corner with this deal -- in more ways than one.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileNokia to produce Lumia 920 with TD-SCDMA support for China Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 06:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink WPCentral | Winp.cn (translated) | Email this | Comments

Top 10 rosé wines

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 03:34 AM PDT

Top 10 rosé wines


Top 10 rosé wines
The Mediterranean nations, most notably France, Italy and Spain, reign supreme in rosé production, but an increasing number of American wineries have begun producing world-class rosé wines.

Cox TV Connect for iPad gets remote DVR scheduling, access to the guide at home...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 01:59 AM PDT

Cox TV Connect for iPad gets remote DVR scheduling, access to the guide at home or away


Cox TV Connect for iPad gets remote DVR scheduling, access to the guide at home or away
The Cox TV Connect for iPad app that brings live TV streaming to the tablet while customers are at home has received another update that gives it some capabilities outside the house. While that doesn't include the aforementioned TV viewing, version 1.1.2 integrates remote DVR scheduling (previously left to the company's Mobile Connect phone apps) and allows access to the app and recently updated grid guide when the user is away from home. You'll still need to have the proper TV and internet packages from Cox to make it all go, but there's no additional charge for the app that's available at the source link below.Filed under: Home Entertainment, Tablets, HDCox TV Connect for iPad gets remote DVR scheduling, access to the guide at home or away originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 04:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | iTunes | Email this | Comments

Alibaba VP In Response To Google Smackdown: ‘Will Someone Please Ask Google To D...

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 12:48 AM PDT

Alibaba VP In Response To Google Smackdown: 'Will Someone Please Ask Google To Define Android?'


Alibaba VP In Response To Google Smackdown: 'Will Someone Please Ask Google To Define Android?'
While Marissa Mayer is busy trying to figure out what to do with Yahoo's new $4.5 billion in cash -- recently gained from selling 20 percent of its holdings in Alibaba back to, well, Alibaba -- the Chinese web and eCommerce giant has recently been in a heated exchange with Yahoo's old pal, Google. The fun apparently began after Taiwanese PC maker Acer cancelled the launch of its new phone in China -- an event that had been getting a lot of buzz. As things progressed, it became clear that, in fact, Google was at least partially responsible for delaying the launch of the phone. Why? Long story short: Google objected to Acer using a rival OS in its new phone, according to the WSJ.

Uros' Goodspeed hotspot packs 10 SIM cards, says roaming is for chumps

Posted: 15 Sep 2012 12:18 AM PDT

Uros' Goodspeed hotspot packs 10 SIM cards, says roaming is for chumps


Uros' Goodspeed hotspot packs 10 SIM cards, says roaming is for chumps
Snagging international data service usually involves either special agreements or steep roaming costs. Not Uros and its new Goodspeed hotspot. The pocketable, 21Mbps HSPA+ router carries a staggering 10 SIM cards and simply uses a local SIM for whichever destination country you visit. The brute force strategy helps Uros offer a relatively low flat rate for 1GB of data per day, no matter where you are on the coverage map: while the Goodspeed itself costs €273 ($352), Uros asks just €5.90 ($8) a day for occasional visits and €9.90 ($13) a month for frequent fliers. It's a very sizable bargain for the jetset, even with a current scope limited to Finland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the UK. A number of "important" countries are due before Christmas, which could make Uros' hotspot a go-to choice for those who just can't stay settled in one place. [Thanks, Antti]Filed under: Wireless, NetworkingUros' Goodspeed hotspot packs 10 SIM cards, says roaming is for chumps originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 03:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Arctic Startup | Uros | Email this | Comments

US Cellular's Wi-Fi Now for Android hops automatically to partner hotspots, save...

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 10:31 PM PDT

US Cellular's Wi-Fi Now for Android hops automatically to partner hotspots, saves cellular strain


US Cellular's Wi-Fi Now for Android hops automatically to partner hotspots, saves cellular strain
We've seen a paradoxical trend among carriers determined to get users off their networks as often as possible -- they'd rather grant access to sea of public Wi-Fi than push their 3G or 4G networks a step too far. US Cellular isn't immune to peer pressure and has launched Wi-Fi Now, its own take on streamlining hotspot access. Android phones with the app lurking in the background will automatically latch on to the hotspots run by partners, no sign-in required, as well as factor in both the owner's home network and other hotspot accounts. Provided you're a customer, it's an easy decision to start a download from the source link and alleviate US Cellular's burden.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileUS Cellular's Wi-Fi Now for Android hops automatically to partner hotspots, saves cellular strain originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 01:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Police | Google Play | Email this | Comments

PowerSkin launches NFC-friendly battery case for Galaxy S III

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:53 PM PDT

PowerSkin launches NFC-friendly battery case for Galaxy S III


PowerSkin launches NFC-friendly battery case for Galaxy S III
It's tough to get excited about phone cases -- really tough. But, we'll admit that PowerSkin's new Galaxy S III case did pique our interest a bit. It's not a revolutionary design that makes us rethink smartphone protection, but it does pack a number of nice features that definitely make it more interesting than your average silicone skin. Most notable is NFC integration, which means you wont have to take your GS III out of its case to make payments or tap and share data. Of course, like other PowerSkins, it also packs a backup battery (this one a 1,500 mAh pack) that lets you cruise through a day of heavy usage with little worry. That silicone shield should also help keep your precious handset safe in the event of an accidental drop or fall (just don't hit it with a hammer or anything). They're available now for $80 and, if you're curious, the official press release awaits you after the break.Continue reading PowerSkin launches NFC-friendly battery case for Galaxy S IIIFiled under: MobilePowerSkin launches NFC-friendly battery case for Galaxy S III originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Microsoft employees 'sign off' on Windows Phone 8 RTM

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 07:16 PM PDT

Microsoft employees 'sign off' on Windows Phone 8 RTM


Microsoft employees 'sign off' on Windows Phone 8 RTM
Windows Phone 8 may not have a firm release date, but reports are flooding in that it's just been released to manufacturers (RTM) so they can work on their side of the equation: hardware production. According to LiveSino, pictures posted to Chinese social network Sina Weibo show members of the Windows Phone team signing a banner marking the milestone. In particular, Terry Myerson, Corporate Vice President of the Windows Phone Division, was caught penning his name alongside others. ZDNet's own sources corroborate that Ballmer and Co. have deemed the operating system fit to ship. With manufacturers seemingly taken care of, developers will be able to get their mitts on the WP8 software development kit in roughly two weeks.Filed under: CellphonesMicrosoft employees 'sign off' on Windows Phone 8 RTM originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink WMPowerUser, ZDNet | LiveSino | Email this | Comments

Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 06:08 PM PDT

Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions


Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions
In a move that should please the hard of hearing and anyone trying to watch a video quietly sans-headphones, the Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS devices have all recently been updated with support for closed captions. The portable apps for HBO and Cinemax got their refresh yesterday along some unspecified enhancements and bug fixes. For Hulu Plus, the update to version 2.6 not only brings a subtitle toggle for English and other languages, where available (on iOS 4.3 and higher), but also sharing via Twitter, Facebook and email, a 10 second rewind button and the usual unspecified other tweaks. Due to its market share Netflix has gotten most of the pressure when it comes to offering captions, but its good to see other streaming options getting on board as well. All the apps are free, even though the services aren't, hit the source links below to grab the latest versions.Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, MobileHulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Max Go | Email this | Comments

'Monster' Tajima drives Tesla Model S, wants one

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 05:01 PM PDT

'Monster' Tajima drives Tesla Model S, wants one


'Monster' Tajima drives Tesla Model S, wants one
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, USA, Videos Pure driving joy, with a big open-mouthed smile. That's what we see on the face of Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima as he puts a 2012 Tesla Model S through its paces on a test drive down some curvy California roads. Best known for winning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb six times in a row - including in 2011 when he became the first to accomplish the feat in under ten minutes. Tajima-san attempted to top that this year in his custom-built electric Monster Sport E-Runner Pikes Peak Special, but a motor failure less than a mile from the start ended his day. That short circuit, however, hasn't seemed to dampened his enthusiasm for battery-powered cars. Indeed, the jovial racing giant appears to have quite enjoyed his time behind the Tesla wheel, as the video below shows him piloting the all-electric fastback like one might expect a driver of his stature would. Using the whole road and with little regard for the possibility of a speeding ticket, Tajima has his passengers both bracing and grinning nervously while he guides the Model S roller-coaster-like through the twists and turns. His assessment of the new electric American hatchback? Well, scroll down for video of a little Monster-on-Tesla action and see for yourself.Continue reading 'Monster' Tajima drives Tesla Model S, wants one'Monster' Tajima drives Tesla Model S, wants one originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Valve taunts us with prospect of official Portal 2 sentry turret replica (video)

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 05:01 PM PDT

Valve taunts us with prospect of official Portal 2 sentry turret replica (video)


Valve taunts us with prospect of official Portal 2 sentry turret replica (video)
A Holy Grail of gamer memorabilia is the Portal turret replica -- as much a tech toy as proof that you can sing "Want You Gone" from memory. It's already been coveted when made in small batches by fans, so you can imagine the hysteria when Valve Software itself posts a teaser video (found after the break) at its store's Facebook page showing what looks to be a near life-size, computer-linked version of Aperture Science's typical sentry from Portal 2, minus the laser targeting and live machine guns. After that, however, we're left to guess whether or not it's just a decoration for Valve's offices or a commercial product to buy alongside a Companion Cube plushie. We've asked Valve about providing more details in the near future and will let you know if the developer is any more talkative than its robot guards.Continue reading Valve taunts us with prospect of official Portal 2 sentry turret replica (video)Filed under: Gaming, RobotsValve taunts us with prospect of official Portal 2 sentry turret replica (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Valve Store (Facebook) | Email this | Comments

Coda will expand dealer network to 30 next year, from Oregon to Florida

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 03:57 PM PDT

Coda will expand dealer network to 30 next year, from Oregon to Florida


Coda will expand dealer network to 30 next year, from Oregon to Florida
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Coda Automotive Talk about extending your range.Coda Automotive, which sold its first battery-electric sedan in March, is looking to expand its U.S. dealership network to about 30 next year, Bloomberg News reports, citing an interview with Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh. The Los Angeles-based company will add dealers in locales ranging from Oregon to Florida next year in a longer-term effort to capture as much as 15 percent of the non-luxury EV market in the U.S. Coda has delivered about 100 cars since March, though says it has orders for about 1,000 more. The Coda Sedan has been rated by the EPA to have a single-charge range of 88 miles, or about 15 miles more than the Nissan Leaf. The Sedan is priced at $37,250 before the $7,500 federal tax credit many EV buyers in the U.S. can qualify for. Coda, which opened its L.A. headquarters late last year, has raised $320 million in private funding and said in April that it was moving forward with its efforts to work with China-based Great Wall Motors to build what it says would be the world's least expensive mass-produced EV.Coda will expand dealer network to 30 next year, from Oregon to Florida originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple, carrier stores open at 8AM on September 21st for iPhone 5 sales, early pr...

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 03:57 PM PDT

Apple, carrier stores open at 8AM on September 21st for iPhone 5 sales, early pre-order tallies are 'incredible'


Apple, carrier stores open at 8AM on September 21st for iPhone 5 sales, early pre-order tallies are 'incredible'
Apple regularly likes to kickstart major launches with early retail openings, and it's just confirmed that the natural order of things is intact: both its own stores as well as those for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon will open at 8AM local time on September 21st to take iPhone 5 sales from anyone who missed out on the pre-order rush. As for how well those pre-orders have gone so far? Apple's statement on the subject doesn't give us concrete numbers at this stage, but it certainly hints at an upbeat outlook: "Pre-orders for iPhone 5 have been incredible," said Apple spokeswoman, Natalie Kerris. "We've been completely blown away by the customer response."Filed under: Cellphones, MobileApple, carrier stores open at 8AM on September 21st for iPhone 5 sales, early pre-order tallies are 'incredible' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments