Subscribe:

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Shops Online

Shops Online

Amazon's Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD arriving in the UK October 25th, starting a...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 04:02 PM PDT

Amazon's Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD arriving in the UK October 25th, starting at £129


Amazon's Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD arriving in the UK October 25th, starting at £129
In case you haven't heard, Amazon happily took the wraps off of its new Kindle Fire lineup during today's earlier event in Santa Monica, California. And, for those living in the UK, you, too, can have the online retail giant take your money for one of these slates pretty soon -- well, at least for a couple of the fresh models. As far as pricing goes, the entry-level Kindle Fire will cost a mere £129 (around $205), while the 7-inch Fire HD takes on the slightly heftier price of £159 and £199 for the 16 and 32GB, respectively. Obviously, this leaves out that 8.9-incher Fire HD, though it looks like Amazon's only bringing the smaller Fires to the United Kingdom, as there's no mention of the company's larger tablet anywhere on the site. Still, folks looking to pre-order can do so now at the source link below, but better hurry, since Amazon does note they're all being fulfilled on a "first come, first served" basis.Filed under: TabletsAmazon's Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD arriving in the UK October 25th, starting at £129 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Amazon (Kindle Fire), (Kindle Fire HD) | Email this | Comments

Cadillac ELR caught testing in production form

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 03:29 PM PDT

Cadillac ELR caught testing in production form


Cadillac ELR caught testing in production form
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Cadillac, Spy Shots After announcing its intent to go forward with a production version of the fetching Converj concept more than a year ago, all has been pretty quiet on the Cadillac ELR front - until now. We burn for this kind of drama. The long lenses have reported in from the field with the first-ever spy shots of the ELR in prototype form. That's right, under a wrapper of black and white triangles and mystery, is the real-deal Voltified version of a new Cadillac coupe. To recap what we know: the ELR will make use of the same basic Voltec powertrain as the Chevrolet Volt, with a four-cylinder gas engine used as an onboard generator to power the electric motor. In concept form, this Caddy boasted a solar panel bedecked glass room, though the tester here has had its roof obscured, frustrating any further intel about the production worthiness of that solar setup. From a styling and design standpoint, fans of the Converj should feel encouraged by this prototype. The same basic fastback silhouette has made the jump from concept to reality, and the proportions seem mostly intact, too (slightly smaller wheels and longer front overhang are in evidence, but subtle). The prototype seems to have held on to the very striking beltline of the concept car, running in a sharp crease along the side bodywork from the tip of the taillight to the top of front wheel well. Of course, the exotically small side view mirrors from Converj have been axed in favor of a set that are actually, you know, functional, but that won't ruin our day. With this prototype being so fully formed we'd expect to see the ELR hit the market in the fall of 2013 or so as a 2014 model.Cadillac ELR caught testing in production form originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

LG's 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale this month in the US for $...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 03:29 PM PDT

LG's 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale this month in the US for $19,999


LG's 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale this month in the US for $19,999
LG said it would release its 84-inch 4K (3,840 x 2,160, or four times the resolution of your current HDTV) UHDTV outside Korea this month and the company reaffirmed that today during an event at CEDIA 2012 before also announcing an MSRP of $19,999. Developing...Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HDLG's 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale this month in the US for $19,999 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

New Nokia Luna Bluetooth headsets, now with wireless charging

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 03:29 PM PDT

New Nokia Luna Bluetooth headsets, now with wireless charging


New Nokia Luna Bluetooth headsets, now with wireless charging
So yesterday saw a whole bunch of new Nokia-related goodies. There were phones (of course), charging pillows, a slew of retailers offering charging stations, and a bevy of new apps. One thing that didn't get a mention was the new Luna Bluetooth headsets. These may look familiar, but in keeping with the trend, these now also support wireless charging. As always, you have a near rainbow of color choices, and can expect up to eight hours talk time and 35 hours on standby. The NFC-enabled headsets do also have a micro-USB port, should you find yourself away from wireless power options. Sadly, no word on pricing and availability at this time.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileNew Nokia Luna Bluetooth headsets, now with wireless charging originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Fone Arena | Nokia | Email this | Comments

Official: Sprint Galaxy Nexus getting Jelly Bean update today

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 03:29 PM PDT

Official: Sprint Galaxy Nexus getting Jelly Bean update today


Official: Sprint Galaxy Nexus getting Jelly Bean update today
Well, well, would you look at that? Staying true to what we'd heard yesterday, it appears that long-awaited Android 4.1 refresh is finally making its way to Sprint's own flavor of the Galaxy Nexus. As expected, the Jelly Bean update brings a slew of familiar, but rather marvelous features to the Now Network's GNex, including Google Now, an improved notification and voice search system, offline dictation and, of course, a smoother UI that's made possible by Mountain View's now-famed Project Butter. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about the Nexus S 4G, as the 4.1.x goods are still MIA for this device -- however, we'll be sure to let you know if that changes any time soon. In the meantime, those lucky Sprint Galaxy Nexus owners can eagerly "check now" for updates on their handset, and don't forget to tell us how much you're liking it so far.Filed under: Cellphones, Software, MobileOfficial: Sprint Galaxy Nexus getting Jelly Bean update today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Sprint | Email this | Comments

Amazon: the Kindle Keyboard is sticking around

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 03:29 PM PDT

Amazon: the Kindle Keyboard is sticking around


Amazon: the Kindle Keyboard is sticking around
Old habits can be hard to break, and while Amazon made the point pretty clear that it's shifted toward a world of touch controls on its devoted e-readers, the company hasn't completely abandoned the Kindle Keyboard. The reader formerly known as the Kindle 3 is still available on Amazon's page in its 3G form and will continue to be so, at least for the time being, at $139 for the Special Offers version and $189 without. An Amazon spokesperson told us that part of the justification for continuing the offering is the device's accessibility features.Amazon: the Kindle Keyboard is sticking around originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon Announces First Kindle Fire Tablets Outside Of The U.S., Starting At £129...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 02:57 PM PDT

Amazon Announces First Kindle Fire Tablets Outside Of The U.S., Starting At £129 In UK, €129 In France


Amazon Announces First Kindle Fire Tablets Outside Of The U.S., Starting At £129 In UK, €129 In France
Along with Amazon's big tablet announcements earlier today, it's finally also unveiled the first markets to get the Kindle Fire tablets -- both the new Kindle Fire and the HD version -- outside of the U.S. The news came in a forum announcement on Amazon.co.uk, which also announced availability of the new Kindle e-reader. The Kindle Fire -- the new version with a faster processor and 16GB of memory -- will sell for £129. The HD model will sell for £159. The new Kindle e-reader will sell for £69.

Experimental 'Green Hornet' Mustang on the block

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 02:57 PM PDT

Experimental 'Green Hornet' Mustang on the block


Experimental 'Green Hornet' Mustang on the block
One of one could fetch a ton.

Amazon's 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD impressions

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 02:25 PM PDT

Amazon's 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD impressions


Amazon's 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD impressions
Hey, check out this beaut. It's the 8.9-inch version of Amazon's new Fire HD tablet. The company trotted several of the 7-inch models, but the big daddy was a rare bird indeed -- thankfully, however, we were able to get up close and personal with the thing. It's almost a shame that this guy shares a name last year's model. This feels like a completely different bird -- Amazon set out to make a slate that can compete with some of the top models out there, and from some passing impressions, this thing seems to stack up. Of course, we're going to have to wait until we can actually spend some more time with it before passing judgement. Peep some more galleries of the newer, bigger Kindle Fire in the gallery below. Gallery: Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inchFiled under: TabletsAmazon's 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Judge approves settlement for Hachette, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins in e-...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 02:25 PM PDT

Judge approves settlement for Hachette, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins in e-book lawsuit


Judge approves settlement for Hachette, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins in e-book lawsuit
It's a big day in the world of e-books, and not just for the crew at Amazon. Today, Judge Denise Cote approved settlement terms for three of the publishers accused by the Justice Department of price fixing. Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins each agreed to settle with the government, rather than face trial -- as Apple, Macmillian and Penguin Group will do in June of 2013. As part of the settlement agreement, each of the publishers will be required to terminate their contracts with Apple within one week. Similarly, they will be required to end contracts with other e-book retailers where clauses exist that would hinder the seller's ability to set pricing. Further, the settling companies won't be able to form contracts for the next two years with e-book retailers that would hinder the seller's discretion to set pricing. During the settlement approval period, individuals and companies alike were given 60 days to weigh in on the matter, which included objections from the American Booksellers Association, the Authors Guild and Barnes & Noble. Ultimately, Judge Cote determined that arguments against the settlement were "insufficient" to block the approval.Judge approves settlement for Hachette, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins in e-book lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The New York Times | Email this | Comments

Deep Dive: 2013 Range Rover bows in London, diesel hybrid confirmed

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Deep Dive: 2013 Range Rover bows in London, diesel hybrid confirmed


Deep Dive: 2013 Range Rover bows in London, diesel hybrid confirmed
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Land Rover This all-new 2013 model might just be the SUV archetype of the future. It's been said that if you want to see what an ordinary sedan will be like in 10 or 20 years' time, you should look at an S-Class from Mercedes-Benz. The thought is that as a leader in innovation, safety, and comfort, the executive sedan's features will eventually trickle down to more mundane iron like your average family four door. The same hasn't always been true of its closest off-road equivalent, the Land Rover Range Rover, but this all-new 2013 model might just be the SUV archetype of the future with its major leaps forward in weight, efficiency, capability and luxury. For starters, as has been previously publicized, the 2013 Range Rover has gone on a massive diet. Thanks largely to its all-aluminum chassis, some 700 pounds has been snipped from the Daddy Rover (some trims save as much as 926 pounds!). Perspective? The vehicle's bodyshell is over 60 pounds lighter than a BMW 3 Series. That's about as sizable a diet as we can remember hearing of a production car from one generation to the next, and this ambitious lightweighting regime shows the way that other SUVs and crossovers will almost certainly have to go in order to meet increasingly stringent fuel economy and emissions targets the world over. Despite being much lighter, the bonded and riveted chassis and bodyframe are significantly stiffer than the third generation Landie, which wasn't exactly a creaking hollow. Even the chassis assembly process uses a lot less energy, and with no need for welding stations, the factory is said to be oddly quiet, too.Continue reading Deep Dive: 2013 Range Rover bows in London, diesel hybrid confirmedDeep Dive: 2013 Range Rover bows in London, diesel hybrid confirmed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watch now: Amazon's Kindle press conference ready to be relived

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Watch now: Amazon's Kindle press conference ready to be relived


Watch now: Amazon's Kindle press conference ready to be relived
Sometimes it's hard to keep abreast of the dizzying product announcements that flutter out at press events. Sometimes you just wish you'd actually been there. In that event, Amazon's now offering up video of its entire Kindle conference from today. So, you can relive the excitement and confusion surrounding the Kindle Fire HDs and Kindle Paperwhite from the screen of your choice. Head to the source below for a download now or keep checking the company's YouTube page for the full Bezos-packed play-by-play.Filed under: TabletsWatch now: Amazon's Kindle press conference ready to be relived originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Amazon, (2) | Email this | Comments

The Kindle Fire HD vs Kindle Fire: What's changed?

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:54 PM PDT

The Kindle Fire HD vs Kindle Fire: What's changed?


The Kindle Fire HD vs Kindle Fire: What's changed?
Well, Amazon unveiled a trio of tablets today, with last year's champ elbowed out of the spotlight by the Kindle Fire HD with its beefier processor and display. While we'll pour one out for the downgraded former flagship, we here at Engadget are more concerned with stacking the stats side-by-side to see what's changed in the 12 months since were here last. If you're curious yourself, why not join us after the break, but we warned, things are gonna get seriously nerdy.Continue reading The Kindle Fire HD vs Kindle Fire: What's changed?Filed under: TabletsThe Kindle Fire HD vs Kindle Fire: What's changed? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover hands-on

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover hands-on


Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover hands-on
Those prone to throwing their e-readers into backpacks and messenger bags know the value of a good case -- and Amazon clearly does, as well. Last time around, the company offered up a lighted version for the Kindle Touch -- obviously that technology's no longer needed on the Paperweight. The design is fairly similar, however, with a form-fitting plastic back and a leather front -- this time out, however, the front and back are bit more textured.The case also has a magnet on its front and inside, helping it close more securely. As with its predecessor, the inside is cloth, to help protect the Kindle's screen and bezel. Best of all, there's a light sensor built-in, so the reader sleeps and wakes and you open and close it. The case is up for order now on Amazon's site for a cool $40. It comes in a rainbow of six colors.Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Amazon | Email this | Comments

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4:45PM!

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:54 PM PDT

The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4:45PM!


The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4:45PM!
Products! Tablets! Phones! More tablets! Even more phones! Also, some readers! All that and a very groggy Brian Heater dialing in from Los Angeles. Join us after the break!Continue reading The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4:45PM!The Engadget Podcast is live tonight at 4:45PM! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Hard cider takes bigger slice of beverage market

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:54 PM PDT

Hard cider takes bigger slice of beverage market


Hard cider takes bigger slice of beverage market
Hard cider has been making a comeback with increased sales and launches of new styles and flavors that have brought a bushel of options to store shelves.

Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:22 PM PDT

Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander


Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi Another entrant in the Paris Motor Show has been revealed, as Mitsubishi has announced that it will unveil a plug-in hybrid version of its updated Outlander SUV. According to Mitsubishi, this is the first ever plug-in hybrid SUV and will join a freshened version of the ASX crossover (Outlander Sport over here), and the i-MiEV Evolution electric racecar which competed in the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Mitsubishi is apparently into that whole multi-dimensional theory, because it describes the Outlander PHEV as "The best of three worlds: The environmental performance of an electric vehicle (EV), the cursing range of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and the on- and off-road performance of an SUV." Though few will venture the Outlander off the smooth tarmac, it would be very interesting to experience the driving characteristics of the Outlander PHEV in electric mode off the beaten path. According to Mitsubishi, the powertrain can run in full EV mode, series hybrid mode or parallel hybrid mode. There is no mention of pricing, and although it is set to hit the Japanese market in early 2013, there is no word as to whether this plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander will reach our shores. To read more on this PHEV CUV, click though to the press release.Continue reading Mitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid OutlanderMitsubishi drops details on plug-in hybrid Outlander originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Amazon's new Kindle line-up now available for pre-order

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:22 PM PDT

Amazon's new Kindle line-up now available for pre-order


Amazon's new Kindle line-up now available for pre-order
Well, that didn't take too long. As promised, Amazon's entire line-up of new Kindles is now available to order on the retailer's site (in the US, at least), from the basic $69 Kindle to the top-end Kindle Fire HD 8.9 with 4G LTE. Of the lot, however, the $69 Kindle is the only one that's shipping now. The rest are up for pre-order, with the Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite 3G (with or without Special Offers) both set to ship on October 1st, while the new Kindle Fire and 16GB 7-inch Fire HD ship September 14th, and the Fire HD 8.9 (with or without LTE) ships November 20th. Those interested in the 7-inch Fire HD with 32GB of storage will have to wait until October 25th.Amazon's new Kindle line-up now available for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Amazon | Email this | Comments

Kindle Fire, meet Kindle Fire HD

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:22 PM PDT

Kindle Fire, meet Kindle Fire HD


Kindle Fire, meet Kindle Fire HD
Kindle Fire, meet the new hotness. The holiday shopping crowd may have fallen in love with Amazon's tablet last year, but there's a new Fire in town. We snuck a Fire into today's Amazon event, and placed up next to the new model, the difference is clear: the Fire felt a bit OEMed and boxy, sort of a remake of the BlackBerry PlayBook, from a hardware perspective, at least. This is clearly not the case with the seven-inch HD -- it really feels like a reasonably high-end tablet with an extremely nice price point. And what about the Kindle Touch versus the Kindle Paperwhite? The difference aren't quite as extreme, but they're definitely apparent. The new devoted e-reader from Amazon is an extremely well built device at first glance. Check out a picture of the two after the break.Continue reading Kindle Fire, meet Kindle Fire HDFiled under: TabletsKindle Fire, meet Kindle Fire HD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite hands-on

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 01:22 PM PDT

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite hands-on


Amazon Kindle Paperwhite hands-on
Of course, today's event wasn't just about the Fires. Amazon's still got a dog in the devoted e-reader race as well. The big news here, of course, is the company's entry into the world of lighted E Ink readers -- coming several months after the release of Barnes & Noble's own Nook Simple Touch With GlowLight. The front-lit technology here is proprietary, of course. Amazon mentioned some four years in R&D on glowing alone. And the difference is pretty immediately clear: it's all about distribution. Looking at the Nook for a second, you can immediately isolate the top as the light source, with a stronger concentration and somewhat even distribution. The Kindle's light however, is hard to spot, thanks in part to a much thinner bezel: you can't just angle the reader and see the lights here. Hold the new Kindle up to the old and something else is immediately obvious: there's a reason the company is calling this thing the Paperwhite. The contrast is like night and day here. That tinted display we've become accustomed to has been traded in for something much lighter, and the text is that much sharper. There's a reason Amazon went hog wild with the font styles and sizes: they're all visible here. Also, at first glance, there doesn't seem to be any degradation in sharpness due to the addition of glow technology, which we saw in the new Nook. The glow is quite bright, even with the lights on -- we get Amazon's point about wanting to keep it on at all times, so that increased battery life (eight weeks with the light on) is certainly a huge bonus here. We find ourselves turning it on and off a lot with the Nook -- not here. Adjusting the light is also quite nice, with a dimmer switch that runs up and down and a whole lot of brightness levels. The reader also just looks better. Physical buttons have been dropped altogether here (which is either a curse or a blessing, depending on who you ask) and the reader is a bit shorter and thinner than its predecessor. In place of the menu button is a white Kindle logo along the bottom bezel. The silver of the last version has been dropped for a matte black, which is really just nicer to look at, with a rubberized back that makes it harder for it to slip from your hands. Weight-wise, we're talking roughly the same ballpark as the Kindle Touch. We still prefer the Nook's trademark design for long-term reading -- one of the downsides of a smaller bezel is that there's less place for your fingers to go. And while there's an indented Kindle logo on the back, we still prefer the Nook's concave rear.Gallery: Amazon Kindle PaperwhiteAmazon Kindle Paperwhite hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Kindle Fire HD 7-inch hands-on

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:45 PM PDT

Kindle Fire HD 7-inch hands-on


Kindle Fire HD 7-inch hands-on
As expected, the big news at today's gadget-filled Amazon event is the successor to the Kindle Fire, which was launched in New York, roughly this time last year. It's not the Fire 2, however -- this is the Kindle Fire HD. It's clear the minute you grab hold of it that Amazon wanted to start over with this device in a number of ways. There's none of that OEM build quality from the first go-round. This is a nice, slim device that really feels as though it can stand up to some of the nicer Android tablets out there -- we'd certainly put our initial impressions of build up there with the Nexus 7. The corners of the tablet are more rounded than its predecessor, with a glossy bezel going around the display -- a little bit of the rubberized backing creeps out on top of this. There are no buttons here, however. If you want to effect the screen, give it a tap and you get a small virtual menu on the side. As advertised, the display is quite vivid. Amazon talked up the decrease of glare, though it was a bit hard to tell just how successful the company was, given the fact that we're indoors. The device has a matte rear, with that stereo speaker going down a line in a middle, vents on either side. Performance-wise, this seemed pretty snappy, and we got the pre-loaded (at least on Amazon's own tablet) Hunger Games movie to load quite quickly, thanks no doubt to all of the investment the company put into the WiFi side of this device. Interestingly, there was a little lag as we were flipping through the pages of a book, with the Fire doing a little loading every few pages or so.Gallery: Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7-inchFiled under: TabletsKindle Fire HD 7-inch hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Average US rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgage slips to 3.55 pct.; 15-year stead...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:45 PM PDT

Average US rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgage slips to 3.55 pct.; 15-year steady at 2.86 pct.


Average US rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgage slips to 3.55 pct.; 15-year steady at 2.86 pct.
Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages changed little this week and remained slightly above record lows reached earlier this year.

Amazon announces $499 Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE, $50 a year for 250MB monthly

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon announces $499 Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE, $50 a year for 250MB monthly


Amazon announces $499 Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE, $50 a year for 250MB monthly
More tablets with more ways to connect! Jeff Bezos has just announced another flavor of the Kindle Fire HD, this one offering connectivity to AT&T's 4G LTE network. It's the 8.9-inch model, meaning you're paying a $200 premium for that LTE antenna. But, Amazon has paired that with an absolutely killer data deal. For $50 a year you'll get 250MB monthly. AT&T's current data plans would have you paying $14.99 monthly for that much data. If we were a mathematician we'd say that's a savings of 129.88 a year. But, since we're not, we'll just say that sounds like good value to us. The Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE will be available for pre-order today, shipping on November 20th.Gallery: Amazon announces $499 Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE on AT&T Follow the Amazon liveblog here!Filed under: TabletsAmazon announces $499 Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE, $50 a year for 250MB monthly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon outs X-ray for Textbooks, 'smart glossary' for all of your learning needs

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon outs X-ray for Textbooks, 'smart glossary' for all of your learning needs


Amazon outs X-ray for Textbooks, 'smart glossary' for all of your learning needs
Ever wanted Amazon's X-ray for books to play nice with those school publications as well? If so, you're in the luck. The outfit announced today that X-ray for Textbooks will provide a library of terms to lend a hand with your studies alongside a similar function for movies that's powered by IMDB. Of course, the helpful tech will land with the trio of new slates that were also unveiled at the event.Filed under: Tablets, SoftwareAmazon outs X-ray for Textbooks, 'smart glossary' for all of your learning needs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Holy Roller: Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Holy Roller: Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness


Holy Roller: Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Renault Popes know how to travel in style, as the long list of iconic Popemobiles can attest to. In recent years, His Holiness Benedict XVI - aka the "Green Pope" - has been trying to clean up those bubbly vehicles with alternative powertrains. He wanted a plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz or a solar-powered car, but those have yet to come to fruition. In July, the Vatican did get an all-electric vehicle from NWG Zero. The latest holy roller is a new all-electric vehicle from Renault. Modified with help from Gruau, the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. was donated to the Vatican by Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn at the Holy Father's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo yesterday. The Pope's bodyguards can ride in EV style, too, since Renault donated a second EV, this one decked out in blue and white, to the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City. The EVs use lithium-ion batteries for an estimated range of 105 miles on the lenient European NEDC test cycle. The interiors "are fitted with two particularly comfortable separate seats at the rear," says Renault. The roof opens, too, in case His Holiness would like to stand and wave at people who don't get free cars.Continue reading Holy Roller: Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His HolinessHoly Roller: Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Amazon unveils Kindle FreeTime, gives kids their own space to play

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon unveils Kindle FreeTime, gives kids their own space to play


Amazon unveils Kindle FreeTime, gives kids their own space to play
Amazon just solved one of the bigger dilemmas for parents buying that new Kindle Fire HD -- how to keep the kids in a safe zone for content. It's introducing Kindle FreeTime, a special mode that makes it easier for younguns to navigate while letting the adults create separate profiles dictating what children can access and for how long. The filters are separated by media type, and Amazon even turns the background from black to blue to reassure parents by the glow of the screen on Junior's face. We'd call the parental control a long overdue feature, although we're sure Amazon also sees it as a chance to scoop up an extra Kindle Fire sale or two among families. Follow the Amazon liveblog here!Filed under: TabletsAmazon unveils Kindle FreeTime, gives kids their own space to play originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon announces X-Ray for Movies, a Kindle feature that uses IMDB to name the a...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon announces X-Ray for Movies, a Kindle feature that uses IMDB to name the actors for you


Amazon announces X-Ray for Movies, a Kindle feature that uses IMDB to name the actors for you
Amazon is on a roll at its Kindle press event today, unveiling tons of new hardware, but it's also got some software tricks up its sleeve too: the company just announced X-Ray for Movies, a feature that uses the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) to name the actors for you. As you might know, Amazon already offers X-Ray for books, but this is the first time you can use the feature to get more information about films. To active X-Ray, just pause whatever you're watching and you'll see things like actor bios, a cast list and links to other titles (which you can purchase, natch). Look for it on the new Kindle Fire HD or the smaller $159 Fire that was also announced earlier.Filed under: TabletsAmazon announces X-Ray for Movies, a Kindle feature that uses IMDB to name the actors for you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon announces Whispersync for Voice and Whispersync for Games, cloud syncing...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon announces Whispersync for Voice and Whispersync for Games, cloud syncing goes meta


Amazon announces Whispersync for Voice and Whispersync for Games, cloud syncing goes meta
Audiobooks are great for the car. Textual books? Not so much. Now Amazon is bringing those two great experiences together and letting you pick up in text right where your audio book left off. So, if you've listened half-way through chapter three while in the car but you feel like reading something after you get home, your Kindle will bring you in the text exactly to where you stopped listening. And, in the morning when it's time to commute back to the office, the audio version will skip ahead as appropriate! Amazon also announced Whispersync for Games, which would allow game developers to store game progress in the cloud. Sick of re-starting Angry Birds every time you get a new device? Never again. Take that, piggies.Gallery: Amazon announces Whispersync for Voice and Whispersync for Games Follow the Amazon liveblog here!Amazon announces Whispersync for Voice and Whispersync for Games, cloud syncing goes meta originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon unveils new Kindle Fire with doubled RAM, 44 percent better performance a...

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon unveils new Kindle Fire with doubled RAM, 44 percent better performance and $159 price


Amazon unveils new Kindle Fire with doubled RAM, 44 percent better performance and $159 price
Amazon has officially unveiled the 2012 vintage of the Kindle Fire, which is reportedly 44 percent more powerful than its predecessor. The service-orientated slate (as opposed to a gadget, which CEO Jeff Bezos claims nobody wants) comes with a bigger battery, a new processor and 1GB RAM -- double that of the 2011 model. The only other change comes in the form of a front-facing camera, unlike its closest rival. Internally, the device is called the Kindle SD as it now plays second-fiddle to a pair of Kindle Fire HD devices with 1,920 x 1,200 displays, but will be called the "new" Kindle Fire in public. Amazon has also slashed the price of the hardware, which at $159 is $40 cheaper than Google's Nexus 7 -- as well as competing with e-book tablet adversaries Kobo Arc and the forthcoming Nook Tablet replacement with an "incredible" 243ppi display, unless Barnes & Noble are also producing SD and HD hardware. It'll begin shipping on September 14th, with pre-orders expected to begin very soon. Developing... Gallery: Amazon officially announces the new $159 Kindle FireFiled under: TabletsAmazon unveils new Kindle Fire with doubled RAM, 44 percent better performance and $159 price originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Amazon announces 7 and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDs, pricing starts at $199

Posted: 06 Sep 2012 12:14 PM PDT

Amazon announces 7 and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDs, pricing starts at $199


Amazon announces 7 and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDs, pricing starts at $199
Amazon has made the jump from small to big screens with its e-readers in the past, and its now done so again with its tablets. The company has just announced a new Kindle Fire HD with an 8.9-inch, 1920 x 1200 display (or 254 ppi). The device measures 8.8mm thick and weighs in at 20 ounces, and that high-res screen has a polarizing filter on it that promises to cut down on glare -- the touch sensor is also laminated, which Amazon says offers better sharpness and contrast. As for internals, the Fire HD 8.9 (as Amazon has a distinguished it) has a TI OMAP 4470 processor, dual speakers, a front-facing HD camera, and HDMI out. As Amazon is happy to point out, it's also the first tablet with MIMO, dual-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz) technology, which Amazon says makes the device's WiFi 41 percent faster than the latest iPad. Look for it to run you $299 for the 16GB version when it starts shipping on November 20th. Those looking for some added connectivity will also be able to buy a Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE for $499 (also shipping November 20th). That includes 250MB of data per month from AT&T, and the tablet itself ups your storage to 32GB . But that's not all, Amazon has also announced a smaller, 7-inch Kindle Fire HD that will run you just $199 (also for 16GB). It apparently has most of the same specs as its larger counterpart, but we're still waiting for specifics. Pre-orders for all three options start today.Gallery: Amazon announces 7 and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDsFiled under: TabletsAmazon announces 7 and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDs, pricing starts at $199 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments