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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

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Reminder: Apple’s iOS 6 Arrives Tomorrow, Here’s What You Need To Know

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

Reminder: Apple's iOS 6 Arrives Tomorrow, Here's What You Need To Know


Reminder: Apple's iOS 6 Arrives Tomorrow, Here's What You Need To Know
Apple's latest mobile operating system gets released tomorrow, a few days ahead of the iPhone 5's launch on Friday. iOS 6 brings a lot of new stuff, and we've covered that in detail in previous posts. Here's the skinny on what's important to remember ahead of the iOS 6 launch tomorrow beyond the added features, which we'll letting you know about as soon as it's live and ready for download.

RIM's L-Series BlackBerry 10 handset gets another chance to pout for the cameras

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

RIM's L-Series BlackBerry 10 handset gets another chance to pout for the cameras


RIM's L-Series BlackBerry 10 handset gets another chance to pout for the cameras
Those excited about what handsets RIM will belatedly produce at the start of next year should check out these two pictures of an L-Series handset taking it easy on someone's desk. There isn't much to glean from the pair, aside from confirmation that the battery door is the entire backside of the device in the image that you'll find after the break. Oh, and don't try searching those handwritten sheets for exciting clues -- we've tried, unsuccessfully. Continue reading RIM's L-Series BlackBerry 10 handset gets another chance to pout for the camerasFiled under: Cellphones, MobileRIM's L-Series BlackBerry 10 handset gets another chance to pout for the cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | N4BB | Email this | Comments

Paris Motor Show Preview

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

Paris Motor Show Preview


Paris Motor Show Preview
A look at some of the most exciting cars expected at the Paris Motor Show.

Microsoft hires former CBS executive to produce original video content for Xbox

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

Microsoft hires former CBS executive to produce original video content for Xbox


Microsoft hires former CBS executive to produce original video content for Xbox
Earlier today, rumors started circulating around the web about Microsoft having hired a former CBS executive to oversee the creation of original video content for the company's famed console. It didn't take long for the whispers to turn into something more concrete, however, as Redmond has now made it official, announcing that Nancy Tellem will be the outfit's Entertainment and Digital Media president. According to Microsoft, Tellem's set to take over a new production studio in Los Angeles, California -- one that's going to be in charge of developing "interactive and linear content for Xbox and other devices." Certainly this could be seen as a smart move from Microsoft in its quest to take over the living room reigns, which would make perfect sense given the Xbox's obvious transition from a simple gaming console to an all-around media hub. You'll find all the official details inside the presser below. [Image Credit: Getty Images / Peter Kramer]Continue reading Microsoft hires former CBS executive to produce original video content for XboxFiled under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HDMicrosoft hires former CBS executive to produce original video content for Xbox originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Microsoft | Email this | Comments

2013 CX-9 Debuts Before Australian Show

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

2013 CX-9 Debuts Before Australian Show


2013 CX-9 Debuts Before Australian Show
Mazda will fully reveal the SUV in October.

iRobot buys rival Evolution Robotics for $74 million to expand hard-floor cleani...

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

iRobot buys rival Evolution Robotics for $74 million to expand hard-floor cleaning tech


iRobot buys rival Evolution Robotics for $74 million to expand hard-floor cleaning tech
iRobot celebrated Roomba's 10th birthday quietly teeing up a $74 million acquisition of rival Evolution Robotics Inc. The Pasadena-based company produces the Mint, a hard-floor 'bot that uses ordinary Swiffer pads to wet-wipe your wooden decks clean -- and comes with the more sophisticated "Northstar" GPS-style positioning tech. As part of the deal, Evolution CEO Paolo Pirjanian will become iRobot's new CTO and the Mint and Mint Plus will be folded into the company's stable of Roomba cleaners -- with the deal expected to be fully approved by the fourth quarter of the year.Continue reading iRobot buys rival Evolution Robotics for $74 million to expand hard-floor cleaning techFiled under: RobotsiRobot buys rival Evolution Robotics for $74 million to expand hard-floor cleaning tech originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

McRib to be brought back in December

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 02:49 PM PDT

McRib to be brought back in December


McRib to be brought back in December
Fan's of the McRib will have to wait a bit longer to get their fix this year.

BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk retire, to exit the game industry

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:40 PM PDT

BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk retire, to exit the game industry


BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk retire, to exit the game industry
BioWare co-founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka collectively announced their retirement today from the studio they founded nearly 20 years ago, as well as from their positions at parent company Electronic Arts. Each is leaving the game industry altogether, with Muzyka heading into philanthropy, and Zeschuk into the world of craft brewing. Muzyka reflected on his years in game development and management in a blog post. "It's not often that you can truly say you were able to pursue and achieve your dream job; I know how lucky I am to be able to say that now, in my early 40s," he said. Zeschuk was similarly reflective. "Building BioWare over the years with Ray and the many other people involved was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I'll cherish it always," he wrote. The two former doctors founded Bioware in 1995, and developed iconic titles like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and most recently, Star Wars: The Old Republic (an MMO). BioWare was purchased by Electronic Arts in 2007, and its name has since spread to a variety of EA's other studios.Filed under: Gaming, AltBioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk retire, to exit the game industry originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink @OneLetter | Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk, BioWare Blog | Email this | Comments

Biodiesel advocates feel respect after feds raise mandate by 28%

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Biodiesel advocates feel respect after feds raise mandate by 28%


Biodiesel advocates feel respect after feds raise mandate by 28%
Filed under: Biodiesel, Legislation and Policy, USA Brad Albin, president of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, and Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, were thrilled to see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approve a 28-percent increase in the amount of biodiesel that will be mandated for the nation's diesel engine vehicles in 2013. Up until last year, under the 2007 Renewable Fuels Act, biodiesel had been sort of a stepchild to ethanol. Ethanol enjoyed large mandates with the passage of that bill, but biodiesel was later added at 800 million gallons per year in 2011 and one billion in 2012. That number has been increased to 1.28 billion gallons for 2013. "I want to thank President Obama and his staff for listening to our concerns and recognizing the value and potential of America's Advanced Biofuel - biodiesel," Albin said. National Biodiesel Board's Jobe said the increase "represents a modest increase from the industry's record production last year of nearly 1.1 billion gallons and puts the industry on course for steady, sustainable growth in the coming years." The EPA noted that the biodiesel industry is already producing at a rate consistent with an annual volume of about 1.3 billion gallons. This is bigger than the recycled waste biodiesel of old. Bio-based diesel products are defined as being advanced biofuels derived from biomass sources that include vegetable oils and wastes oils from renewable sources. And there more and more of it.Biodiesel advocates feel respect after feds raise mandate by 28% originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Marvell and Stanford create SMILE Plug cloud computer, SMILE Consortium to get c...

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Marvell and Stanford create SMILE Plug cloud computer, SMILE Consortium to get companies and devs to build a better education system


Marvell and Stanford create SMILE Plug cloud computer, SMILE Consortium to get companies and devs to build a better education system
Last time we saw the SMILE Plug cloud computer, it was nothing more than a render -- an alabaster box with dual external antennas and a glowing green (or red) visage to let you know when it's functioning properly. We were told that it would be a dev kit that creates an ad-hoc network within a classroom that serves up to 60 devices at once using Arch Linux, and can run off a wall outlet or a battery pack. Well, that bit of vaporware has coalesced into what you see above, and it seems that Marvell has delivered everything it promised. The final SMILE Plug packs 512MB of RAM, a 2Ghz single-core Armada 370 SoC and an enterprise-class 802.11 a/b/g/n Avastar WiFi chip to ensure high connectivity and power efficiency at a low monetary cost. It also has two Gigabit Ethernet ports, dual USB 2.0 plugs and a microSD slot for folks needing more than the 512MB of onboard storage. As currently configured, the SMILE Plug will cost around $30, and it'll start shipping to Stanford's SMILE (Stanford Mobile Inquiry-based Learning Environment) pilot programs next month.Gallery: Marvell SMILE Plug cloud computer hands-on Marvell doesn't plan to be the only one building these cloud computers, however, which is where the SMILE Consortium comes in. You see, the SMILE Plug is but a reference design, and Marvell and Stanford are trying to get OEMs building their own SMILE Plugs. The consortium is dedicated to "developing innovative education solutions on an open platform" and is seeking both hardware manufacturers and software developers to meet its goal of changing educational environments around the world. What kind of classroom do Stanford and Marvell envision, and how does the SMILE Plug fit into it? Join us after the break to find out.Continue reading Marvell and Stanford create SMILE Plug cloud computer, SMILE Consortium to get companies and devs to build a better education systemFiled under: WirelessMarvell and Stanford create SMILE Plug cloud computer, SMILE Consortium to get companies and devs to build a better education system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | SMILE Consortium, Stanford | Email this | Comments

Kobo cuts 8GB Arc tablet in favor of larger models, pricing still starts at $200

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Kobo cuts 8GB Arc tablet in favor of larger models, pricing still starts at $200


Kobo cuts 8GB Arc tablet in favor of larger models, pricing still starts at $200
It's only been a couple of weeks since Kobo took the wraps off of its new lineup of readers and tablets, but someone must have told the company spacier Arcs were in need. Today, the outfit announced it's bringing a fresh pair of 32 and 64GB models to its Ice Cream Sandwich slate, opening the door to those who thought the 8 and 16GB flavors simply didn't offer enough storage space. Kobo's pricing the 32GB Arc at a decent $250, while the larger 64GB unit will carry a $300 tag -- both are set to be up for grabs in November alongside that entry-level 16GB model, with the 8GB getting the boot altogether.Continue reading Kobo cuts 8GB Arc tablet in favor of larger models, pricing still starts at $200Filed under: TabletsKobo cuts 8GB Arc tablet in favor of larger models, pricing still starts at $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Kobo | Email this | Comments

5 Steps to preparing your home for a disaster

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

5 Steps to preparing your home for a disaster


5 Steps to preparing your home for a disaster
September is Disaster Preparedness Month, and we've got tips for making sure your home is ready for nature's wrath.

Vizio All-in-One review (24-inch): a TV maker tries its hand at desktops

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Vizio All-in-One review (24-inch): a TV maker tries its hand at desktops


Vizio All-in-One review (24-inch): a TV maker tries its hand at desktops
More Info Vizio Thin + Light review (14-inch, 2012) Vizio officially introduces PC line Vizio's 24- and 27-inch Ivy Bridge all-in-ones get official: on sale today for $898 and up We see lots of computers announced every year: many of them are forgettable, and we don't even have the manpower here at Engadget to review them all. You might wonder, then, why we've been a little fixated on Vizio's. Well, for starters, up until a few months ago the company didn't even make PCs, and now it's selling five. Secondly, they actually look pretty good, especially for an outfit that's best known for its value-priced TVs. We've already had a chance to take its 14-inch Thin + Light laptop for a spin, and came to the conclusion that although it had a flaky trackpad and poor battery life, it represented a good start for a company that hadn't previously made a computer. Now we're taking a look at one of the company's all-in-one desktops -- the 24-inch version, to be exact. At $800 and up, it, too, is attractively priced, with an eye-catching metal design, external subwoofer and a crapware-free Windows install. But is it as good as it looks? Let's find out.Continue reading Vizio All-in-One review (24-inch): a TV maker tries its hand at desktopsFiled under: DesktopsVizio All-in-One review (24-inch): a TV maker tries its hand at desktops originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Internet Archive puts all TV news since 2009 online, helps you stay classy

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Internet Archive puts all TV news since 2009 online, helps you stay classy


Internet Archive puts all TV news since 2009 online, helps you stay classy
Wish you could spend your evenings and weekends reliving the halcyon days of broadcast news? You should head on over to the Internet Archive. Founder Brewster Kahle has collected TV news from 20 major channels since 2009, and is making them available online from today. The archive stretches from the 24-hour CNN through to The Daily Show -- with whole episodes available to rent for a fee of $50 per disc. Kahle's planning to add additional years in reverse chronological order at least back to 2002, since that's when closed captioning (which the system uses to catalog the footage) was introduced. Unless, of course, we all fancy transcribing an hour or two of Channel 4 News circa 1975 to help out.Filed under: InternetInternet Archive puts all TV news since 2009 online, helps you stay classy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink The New York Times | Internet Archive | Email this | Comments

Analyst Estimates On iPhone 5 Launch Weekend Sales Range From 3M-10M

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

Analyst Estimates On iPhone 5 Launch Weekend Sales Range From 3M-10M


Analyst Estimates On iPhone 5 Launch Weekend Sales Range From 3M-10M
Analysts have begun making their predictions about the iPhone 5's odds of success for launch weekend sales, and in fact there's quite a range when it comes to how the experts see things shaking out. After Apple unveiled iPhone 5 pre-order totals of 2 million over 24 hours, double the 1 million the iPhone 4S managed, it would seem like multiplying out the 4S launch weekend total of 4 million total sales is a safe bet. But that's not necessarily the tack all industry analysts are taking.

All-New McLaren P1 Set to Rock Paris

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

All-New McLaren P1 Set to Rock Paris


All-New McLaren P1 Set to Rock Paris
New hypercar "aims for pole position," McLaren says.

We're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser)

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 01:08 PM PDT

We're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser)


We're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser)
HTC isn't betraying too much with its event invite, but we've got our suspicions about what the Taiwanese company has up its sleeve. Maybe there will even be a few surprises in store for us, who knows? That's why we had to accept HTC's invite and will be there live, in person to experience the reveal ourselves. Since you can't be there (and we wouldn't want you to be square), join us tomorrow morning at 11am ET and follow along in the liveblog right here -- we'll know you're with us in spirit. Update: How about that: the company just whittled down the possibilities through an official teaser on its Facebook page. All we see is the corner of a Windows Phone, the event date and a promise that it's a day "when beautiful hardware meets stunning software." It doesn't take much sleuthing to deduce that this is HTC's turn at a Windows Phone 8 device launch, and that we may well see devices like the 8X when the New York City gathering gets started. Jon Fingas contributed to this post.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileWe're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

We're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser)

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 12:35 PM PDT

We're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser)


We're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser)
HTC isn't betraying too much with its event invite, but we've got our suspicions about what the Taiwanese company has up its sleeve. Maybe there will even be a few surprises in store for us, who knows? That's why we had to accept HTC's invite and will be there live, in person to experience the reveal ourselves. Since you can't be there (and we wouldn't want you to be square), join us tomorrow morning at 11am ET and follow along in the liveblog right here -- we'll know you're with us in spirit. Update: How about that: the company just whittled down the possibilities through an official teaser on its Facebook page. All we see is the corner of a Windows Phone, the event date and a promise that it's a day "when beautiful hardware meets stunning software." It doesn't take much sleuthing to deduce that this is HTC's turn at a Windows Phone 8 device launch, and that we may well see devices like the 8X when the New York City gathering gets started. Jon Fingas contributed to this post.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileWe're liveblogging HTC's big reveal tomorrow at 11am ET! (update: teaser) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 11:32 AM PDT

Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October


Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October
Filed under: Flex-Fuel, Manufacturing/Plants, Legislation and Policy The Brazilian Hyundai subsidiary has launched a Brazil-only flex-fuel model called the HB20. It will be manufactured at its new plant in Piracicaba, Brazil, which starts production September 20 ahead of an early October sales launch.Hyundai decided to bring its first Brazil-exclusive car to market to meet the tastes of Brazilian consumers and driving conditions in the country. Small cars make up Brazil's largest and most competitive segment. "I guarantee with pride that HB20 will change the perception of Brazilian customers in the small car segment," said Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motor Brasil. The HB20 is Hyundai's first flex-fuel car. Building the HB20 as a flex-fuel car was a good idea, considering Brazil requires gasoline to contain a minimum of 20 percent sugar cane ethanol. The Hyundai HB20 will be offered in nine versions with a comprehensive package offered as standard from entry levels - hydraulic power steering, dual front airbags, air conditioning, and a spoiler with built-in brake lights, to name a few. The HB20 comes with three powertrains: 1.0L and 1.6L, with a manual gearbox and 1.6L, with automatic transmission. The name "HB" stands for Hyundai Brasil, and the number "20" is the company's characterization for vehicles in this segment, a category that includes models assembled on small or compact vehicle platforms. See also: the i20. Hyundai took about five years to develop the new model, which is part of the company's larger regionalization strategy. Dozens of Brazilian and Korean engineers were involved in the concept phase. Their strategy was to build a car tailored to Brazilian consumers' sensitivity to stylish and fuel-efficient cars. HB20 also features advanced anti-theft functions for maximum security.Continue reading Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in OctoberHyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

SkyDrive adds recycle bin, Excel surveys for the chronically indecisive

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 11:31 AM PDT

SkyDrive adds recycle bin, Excel surveys for the chronically indecisive


SkyDrive adds recycle bin, Excel surveys for the chronically indecisive
For all of the talk of cloud backups and sync, there isn't always a safety net when working from the cloud itself -- delete a file online and it might be gone forever. With that in mind, Microsoft just brought Windows' recycle bin concept to SkyDrive through a low-key update. You can now delete anything immediately, knowing that you can change your mind within three days -- and longer still, should the recycle bin occupy less than 10 percent of the storage limit. If you're just as uncertain about creating content as scrapping it, SkyDrive has also received support for creating and sharing Excel surveys to narrow down the scope of a project. The recycle bin should slide into your SkyDrive account within the next day; Excel surveys aren't yet polished enough, but they should be ready "soon."Filed under: InternetSkyDrive adds recycle bin, Excel surveys for the chronically indecisive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Windows Team Blog | Email this | Comments

Battle of the factory drag cars

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Battle of the factory drag cars


Battle of the factory drag cars
Buy on Monday, race on Sunday.

Philly pizza museum serves up slices, memorabilia

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Philly pizza museum serves up slices, memorabilia


Philly pizza museum serves up slices, memorabilia
How much does Brian Dwyer love pizza?

JetBlue Ka-band high-speed internet now arriving in early 2013, eight times fast...

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

JetBlue Ka-band high-speed internet now arriving in early 2013, eight times faster than the competition


JetBlue Ka-band high-speed internet now arriving in early 2013, eight times faster than the competition
JetBlue Airways' high-speed wireless initiative is being held in a flight pattern until "early 2013," apparently. The company announced as much in a detailed blog post this afternoon, which also compared speeds of its forthcoming in-plane high-speed internet to the competition -- JetBlue's Ka-band operates roughly eight times faster than the Ku-band competition, and over nine times faster than ATG. Moreover, Ka-band can scale to a full plane of passengers, meaning everyone gets the "at-home experience" they'd like regardless of how many folks are signed on. As previously noted, the "basic Wi-Fi" service with JetBlue will cost nothing -- which sounds to us like there are plans to reveal a more expensive tier (or tiers) in the near future. But then again, we really like free things.Filed under: Transportation, Wireless, InternetJetBlue Ka-band high-speed internet now arriving in early 2013, eight times faster than the competition originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | JetBlue Airways | Email this | Comments

Fox kicks off its Digital HD initiative by joining Google Play and YouTube, offe...

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Fox kicks off its Digital HD initiative by joining Google Play and YouTube, offering movies early


Fox kicks off its Digital HD initiative by joining Google Play and YouTube, offering movies early
Fox embraced a radical thought when it outlined its Digital HD initiative earlier this month: customers are more likely to buy digital movies if the content isn't artificially delayed and priced to match the releases on conventional discs. The studio is about to see if that gamble on common sense pays off. As of today, you'll find 600-plus Fox movies ready to buy or rent in HD across every major digital video store in the US, with many downloads cleared to arrive ahead of their physical counterparts at lower prices that reflect a disc-free reality. The media giant has also decided to play nicely with Google after a longstanding absence, putting its movies and TV shows on Google Play Movies and YouTube. Its tentpole movie release Prometheus is unsurprisingly being used as the prime incentive to try Digital HD; the title is available online three weeks before the Blu-ray launch at a more reasonable $15 price. The sci-fi thriller is even Fox's first movie destined for UltraViolet cloud lockers. Only Americans will have expanded access to movies and TV at first, but it shouldn't be too long before many countries can be creeped out by Michael Fassbender's android -- including on their Android devices.Continue reading Fox kicks off its Digital HD initiative by joining Google Play and YouTube, offering movies earlyFiled under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, Internet, HDFox kicks off its Digital HD initiative by joining Google Play and YouTube, offering movies early originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Google Official Blog, Google Play | Email this | Comments

Project Holodeck gets help from Razer, swaps Kinect for Move tracking

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Project Holodeck gets help from Razer, swaps Kinect for Move tracking


Project Holodeck gets help from Razer, swaps Kinect for Move tracking
The group of folks bent on crafting a real-life version of Star Trek's "Holodeck" -- a virtual playground, essentially -- are getting official support from gaming hardware company Razer. That support means not only access to Razer's hardware but also the company's staff of trained professionals. The Project Holodeck team have already implemented Razer's "Hydra" -- a PC-based motion controller that originally shipped with Portal 2 -- into their work on Holodeck showcase game, "Wild Skies." But that's not the only big news for Project Holodeck, as the team recently swapped Microsoft's Kinect motion tech for Sony's PlayStation Move motion tech. Project lead James Iliff told RoadtoVR.com, "The Kinect hardware is extremely lacking in fidelity. Every point the Kinect tracks is filled with unmanageable jitter, rendering the data useless for anything other than the most simple of interactions. We tried very hard to get around this with several software algorithms we wrote, to get multiple Kinects to communicate with each other, however this did not really make anything more accurate unfortunately." In place of Kinect, the team strapped a PlayStation Move setup to a Pro-Tec skateboard helmet, and combined that tracking with the Hydra's motion control and Oculus Rift's head-mounted display. The result is ... well, it's a person standing in a room with a whole bunch of electronics attached to their person. But also, it allows players to interact in a 3D environment -- from perception to engagement. The team's still got plenty of work ahead of them, as evidenced by their latest video (below), but it sounds like things are coming together more cohesively than before.Continue reading Project Holodeck gets help from Razer, swaps Kinect for Move trackingFiled under: GamingProject Holodeck gets help from Razer, swaps Kinect for Move tracking originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | RoadtoVR.com, Project Holodeck | Email this | Comments

Blink's new CEO says that even with the largest charger network in U.S., bigger...

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Blink's new CEO says that even with the largest charger network in U.S., bigger is better


Blink's new CEO says that even with the largest charger network in U.S., bigger is better
Filed under: EV/Plug-in Last week, ECOtality announced that H. Ravi Brar is taking over as the company's new CEO, shifting over from CFO, a position he has held since 2010. Brar is taking over from former CEO Jonathan Read at a time when the Blnk plug-in vehicle charging network continues to grow and has already gotten data on over 38 million electric miles. We asked Brar a few questions about his new position via email: Where do you see Blink going in the next few years? We are excited about where the company is now - we have an industry-leading product, the most chargers in the ground in the US, the most data recorded of EV driving behavior ever, and a JV ramping up in China that will expand our sales footprint. Additionally, we will focus increasingly on commercial sales and expanding the industrial markets, and will invest in product hardware and software improvements that will deepen customer engagement. Like any business we have our challenges, but we are a leader in an industry that will see exponential levels of growth over the next five to ten years. How does your transition from CFO to CEO change the company (if at all)? We're on strong footing today. As we continue to build out the largest deployment of charge infrastructure in history, we will draw on the company's demonstrated market leadership as we transition to focus more heavily on commercial sales. And we'll build on partnerships with Kohls, IKEA, Cracker Barrel and other commercial customers to continue leading the Blink network into new markets while returning value to shareholders. How will it change your work load / work style? My day to day functions will change. We have promoted Susie Herrmann to acting CFO and we have an incredible team of talent in our Executive team - Murray Jones, COO, Greg Fioriti, Chief Revenue Officer, Don Karner, Chief Innovation Officer, to name a few - who will continue our hard work in moving this company forward and delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction to our residential and commercial hosts alike. My work style will remain steadfast in ensuring we are operating effectively and we continue to deliver value to both our customers and shareholders as well. For more on Blink and Ecotality, read this report from EVS26.Continue reading Blink's new CEO says that even with the largest charger network in U.S., bigger is betterBlink's new CEO says that even with the largest charger network in U.S., bigger is better originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Panasonic Toughbook 19 gets Ivy Bridge upgrade, small price bump

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Panasonic Toughbook 19 gets Ivy Bridge upgrade, small price bump


Panasonic Toughbook 19 gets Ivy Bridge upgrade, small price bump
There's no doubt Panasonic keeps its Toughbook 19 line updated with the recent times, and today's no exception. This time out a processor upgrade is the main change, with the company announcing the rugged convertible will now ship sporting one of Intel's latest CPU creations -- a Core i5-3320M vPro, to be precise. That's not all, however, since there are also improvements in battery life, the addition of USB 3.0 ports and the option to load it with a beefier 500GB hard drive. Naturally, these nice enhancements had a mild effect on the price tag, making the jump from the previous starting price of $3,349 to a slightly heftier $3,549. But, hey, if you're already spending that much, 200 extra bucks shouldn't cause you any sweats.Filed under: Laptops, TabletsPanasonic Toughbook 19 gets Ivy Bridge upgrade, small price bump originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Digital Tech News | Panasonic | Email this | Comments

Chevy Volt Joins the Army

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Chevy Volt Joins the Army


Chevy Volt Joins the Army
The plug-in hybrid will serve in a "nontactical" capacity.

Polaroid XS7, XS20 and XS100 Sports Cameras run $69 and up, we snap away at Phot...

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Polaroid XS7, XS20 and XS100 Sports Cameras run $69 and up, we snap away at Photokina (sample video)


Polaroid XS7, XS20 and XS100 Sports Cameras run $69 and up, we snap away at Photokina (sample video)
Polaroid may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of adventure-friendly video cams -- Contour and GoPro own that space, with Sony now making a heavy push of its own -- but the insta-film maker turned camera manufacturer now has a rugged lineup of its own. First off the assembly line is the XS7, a $69 cam that packs a waterproof housing (rated to 10 meters), 720p video capture and a 2-inch touchscreen. This model is as entry level as they come, and Polaroid reps said to expect to see it in stores like Toys 'R' Us. If you're slightly more serious about image quality, you might opt for the XS20, which packs a "professional" CMOS sensor, 720p shooting, a waterproof housing (20 meters) and a battery that's rated for up to 3 hours of use. It also includes a fixed lens with a 120-degree viewing angle that's surrounded by eight LCDs, for shooting in the dark. Finally, The XS100 is what you might consider to be Polaroid's flagship, with support for 1080p video, an adjustable frame rate, a 170-degree lens, an orientation sensor for auto rotation and a $200 price tag. All three cameras use microSD cards, but the XS100 also includes 32MB of internal storage, letting you store a small collection of 5-megapixel stills. The sports-shooting trio may not blow you away spec-wise, and we also weren't floored by the design, but they weren't created to lead the market from a performance perspective -- Polaroid is playing up the cost angle here, and we don't blame them. Based on our quick test of the XS7, image quality was passable, but you're not going to want to use it for close-up shots as we did here. Even with the underwater housing removed, frames were either under or overexposed, generally unsharp and audio wasn't terribly clear. It's worth noting that we played with a pre-production sample, that'll run you just shy of $70 when it does hit stores. That said, if quality is key and you don't mind dropping a few hundred bucks, you'll probably be happier with a more established model. Because we're at a photo show and Polaroid was generous enough to let us take the XS7 for a spin, we figured there's no better way to demonstrate this camera's capabilities by using it to film our hands-on -- you'll find that video tour just past the break.Gallery: Polaroid XS7, XS20 and XS100 hands-onContinue reading Polaroid XS7, XS20 and XS100 Sports Cameras run $69 and up, we snap away at Photokina (sample video)Filed under: CamerasPolaroid XS7, XS20 and XS100 Sports Cameras run $69 and up, we snap away at Photokina (sample video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Open Ocean Invests $1.3M To Push Crowdsourced Directory Truecaller’s Global Reach

Posted: 18 Sep 2012 10:59 AM PDT

Open Ocean Invests $1.3M To Push Crowdsourced Directory Truecaller's Global Reach


Open Ocean Invests $1.3M To Push Crowdsourced Directory Truecaller's Global Reach
Open Ocean, the VC fund led by former MySQL and Nokia execs, is investing $1.3 million in Stockholm, Sweden-based startup Truecaller -- maker of the crowdsourced phone directory app and web white pages service that lets you look unknown phone numbers and match them with names. The Series A funding comes from Open Ocean's Fund Three fund.