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Friday, October 19, 2012

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Report: Toyota Prius now best-selling model(s) in California

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 03:14 PM PDT

Report: Toyota Prius now best-selling model(s) in California


Report: Toyota Prius now best-selling model(s) in California
Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota We've heard the Toyota Prius jokingly called the State Bird of California, but recent sales data shows that the world's most popular hybrid is, in fact, the best-selling car in the state. Well, the best-selling vehicle line, at least, since the Prius now comes in four variants. If you add up sales of the Prius Liftback (aka, the regular Prius), the C, V and Plug-In models, you get 46,380 units for the first three quarters of 2012, according to numbers from the California New Car Dealers Association and reported by Bloomberg. That's enough to move the Prius from fourth place last year to first this year in the sales rankings in America's most populous state. In fact, roughly a quarter of the Priuses that Toyota sold in the US were in California. Reports of $5 gallons of gas are relatively recent, but we have to assume that the state's long-time high gas prices are playing a role in pushing the Prius to the pinnacle there. Nationwide, Bloomberg says, the Prius is in seventh place ("by sales volume among car models"). The Prius is already the best-selling car in Japan, and has been for years, even though the Honda Fit has been nipping at its heals. Worldwide, the Prius family was the third best-selling nameplate in the first quarter of 2012, behind the Toyota Corolla and the Ford Focus.Toyota Prius now best-selling model(s) in California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes and Maseratis recalled

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 03:14 PM PDT

Mercedes and Maseratis recalled


Mercedes and Maseratis recalled
Defective airbags and computers propt recalls.

Official: Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 03:14 PM PDT

Official: Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia


Official: Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia
Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Toyota Now that Lexus has revealed more details of its LF-LC hybrid down under, we can conclude that the car's power is over the top. Lexus, which first unveiled a concept version of the 2+2 hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show in January, showed a second version of the car - this one decked out in blue, giving it the creative name of LF-LC Blue - at the Australian International Motor Show. The Toyota luxury badge touted the car's carbon-fiber body as well as its wrap-around windows, sculpted air intakes, and two 12-inch LCD screens allowing for touch-screen interior controls. More impressively, Lexus said the car's hybrid powertrain delivers 500 horsepower. We've got a fresh press release and, more importantly, Lexus's two-minute video of the car below.Continue reading Lexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in AustraliaLexus reveals more details of LF-LC 2+2 hybrid in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Droid RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD review

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 02:24 PM PDT

Droid RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD review


Droid RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD review
When Motorola resurrected the RAZR brand last year we didn't realize that we were looking at the new face of the company. At the time, Google had yet to officially take over the handset manufacturer, it had a deep stable of less-than-impressive devices and, while it was a moderate success, the Droid RAZR didn't exactly turn the market on its head. Still, in retrospect, it only makes sense that the RAZR would once again become the standard bearer for Moto. Even if we weren't blown away by last year's model, it was a big step in the right direction for the company, a device that featured a great mix of premium styling and performance. The new RAZR HD and MAXX HD take that basic formula and attempt to address our concerns about the display and battery life, the latter of which was already handled in dramatic fashion by the RAZR MAXX. So, how do the latest caps-happy, vowel-averse handsets from Motorola stack up against last year's incarnations and the current crop of competitors? Keep on reading after the break to find out.Gallery: Droid RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD reviewContinue reading Droid RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD reviewFiled under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, VerizonDroid RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

T-Mobile drops 200MB smartphone data plan, 2GB now the new standard

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 01:33 PM PDT

T-Mobile drops 200MB smartphone data plan, 2GB now the new standard


T-Mobile drops 200MB smartphone data plan, 2GB now the new standard
T-Mobile silently killed off its $10 per month 200MB data plans, a leaked document reveals. A company spokesperson verified the news with Fierce Wireless. This decision is most likely due to the growing demand for mobile data as smartphone applications continue to evolve. Grandfathered customers will not be affected by this new policy, but will need to pay full price for a device and sign up for a "Value" plan when upgrading in order to maintain their existing service plan. T-Mobile now requires its smartphone customers to have a minimum data plan of 2GB or higher, which starts at $20 per month. While this change may make sense for most smartphone users, existing customers who are light on data and heavy on savings might have a different perspective when it's time to buy a new phone. Check out an extreme closeup of T-Mobile's document after the break.Continue reading T-Mobile drops 200MB smartphone data plan, 2GB now the new standardFiled under: Cellphones, Mobile, T-MobileT-Mobile drops 200MB smartphone data plan, 2GB now the new standard originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Phone Scoop, Fierce Wireless | TmoNews | Email this | Comments

The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5pm ET!

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 01:33 PM PDT

The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5pm ET!


The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5pm ET!
It's been too long since our last podcast, and our breadbaskets doth overflow with mobile news. The fall season is always a crazy one as companies unleash a flood of new phones before the holidays, so naturally we're keeping ourselves pretty busy. Join us live as we work to make sense of it all, won't you? October 19, 2012 5:00 PM EDTContinue reading The Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5pm ET!Filed under: Announcements, MobileThe Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 5pm ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Evernote for Android gets new offline notebooks, widgets and more

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 12:43 PM PDT

Evernote for Android gets new offline notebooks, widgets and more


Evernote for Android gets new offline notebooks, widgets and more
Evernote has already revamped a few of its offerings this month, and it's now brought some changes to its Android app as well. That includes new offline notebooks for premium subscribers that'll let you download multiple notebooks in one shot, a pared down note editor toolbar, retooled Action Bars for Android tablets and a new resizable Grid Widget for your homescreen. Not surprisingly, Evernote also says that the update includes a slew of other fixes and tweaks that promise to make the app "faster and more reliable," and it's promising that there's still "lots more to come." You can find the updated app in the Google Play store at the link below. Filed under: Software, MobileEvernote for Android gets new offline notebooks, widgets and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Slash Gear | Evernote, Google Play | Email this | Comments

Apsalar’s Mobile Analytics Can Now Track The Effectiveness Of Facebook’s New App...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 12:43 PM PDT

Apsalar's Mobile Analytics Can Now Track The Effectiveness Of Facebook's New App Ads


Apsalar's Mobile Analytics Can Now Track The Effectiveness Of Facebook's New App Ads
San Francisco-based mobile analytics startup Apsalar got some plum access to Facebook's new ad network for promoting mobile apps. The company can now help developers see in real-time how their spending on Facebook ads is affecting downloads of their mobile apps. Apsalar's marketing tool 'Campaign Source Insights' lets developers see where their users are coming from -- whether that's a regular mobile banner ad network or a another developer that works with them as a cross-promotion partner. It also measures how much users from all of these sources are spending so that a developer can see where the most valuable users are coming from.

'The Love Bug' Ferrari on sale for $7.5 million

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 12:43 PM PDT

'The Love Bug' Ferrari on sale for $7.5 million


'The Love Bug' Ferrari on sale for $7.5 million
Got beat by a beetle?

Formlabs FORM 1 high-resolution 3D printer spotted in the wild, we go eyes on (v...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 12:43 PM PDT

Formlabs FORM 1 high-resolution 3D printer spotted in the wild, we go eyes on (video)


Formlabs FORM 1 high-resolution 3D printer spotted in the wild, we go eyes on (video)
Last time we checked in with the 3D printing upstarts over at Formlabs, their Kickstarter was doing splendidly, having over doubled its initial funding target. Well, less than a month later, and with the money still rolling in, the current total stands (at time of writing) at a somewhat impressive $2,182,031 -- over 20 times its initial goal. When we heard that the team behind it, along with some all important working printers, rolled into town, how could we resist taking the opportunity to catch up? The venue? London's 3D print show. Where, amongst all the printed bracelets and figurines, the FORM 1 stood out like a sore thumb. A wonderfully orange, and geometrically formed one at that. We elbowed our way through the permanent four-deep crowd at their booth to take a closer look, and as the show is running for another two days, you can too if you're in town. Or you could just click past the break for more. Gallery: Formlabs FORM 1 eyes-onContinue reading Formlabs FORM 1 high-resolution 3D printer spotted in the wild, we go eyes on (video)Filed under: MiscFormlabs FORM 1 high-resolution 3D printer spotted in the wild, we go eyes on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Formlabs (Kickstarter) | Email this | Comments

Chef Scott Conant aims to cook like Nona Carmela

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 12:43 PM PDT

Chef Scott Conant aims to cook like Nona Carmela


Chef Scott Conant aims to cook like Nona Carmela
Chef Scott Conant has built an empire perfecting the food he knows best – Italian.

Video: Courb C-ZEN impresses with looks, test drive

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Video: Courb C-ZEN impresses with looks, test drive


Video: Courb C-ZEN impresses with looks, test drive
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU, Videos Let's just say the Courb C-ZEN had a bit of a home-court advantage when Technologic Vehicles got to test drive the two-seat electric vehicle. The French EV was put through its paces at the Paris Motor Show recently, and the little car was apparently impressive. Technologic Vehicles said the Courb was "very comfortable," had a "high-quality finish" and an "impressive" trunk that holds 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet). The C-ZEN, which will also come in a pick-up version called the C-TOP, will start deliveries next year with a lease price of about 300 euros ($392 US at current exchange rates) per month and a purchase price of more than 25,000 euros ($32,690). The car, which uses battery packs from Valence Technology, was first unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Back then, it was said the car would have a single-charge range of 125 miles and a top speed of 68 miles per hour. Technologic Vehicles didn't get a chance to test both those numbers out, but you can watch the 85-second test-drive video below.Continue reading Courb C-ZEN impresses with looks, test driveCourb C-ZEN impresses with looks, test drive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facebook VP: We Pivoted To Create The Right Mobile Experience First, The Desktop...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Facebook VP: We Pivoted To Create The Right Mobile Experience First, The Desktop Can Catch Up Later


Facebook VP: We Pivoted To Create The Right Mobile Experience First, The Desktop Can Catch Up Later
"Since the start of this year, if you turned up at a product review and showed anything other than mobile at the start or for the bulk of the presentation, you'd be asked to go back and do it again" said Facebook's VP of corp dev Vaughn Smith today at the Global Mobile Internet Conference. Facebook is sending the message that it's evolved into a mobile-first company ready to thrive on the small screen.

Engadget's Seattle reader meetup is happening soon -- get on the waiting list!

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Engadget's Seattle reader meetup is happening soon -- get on the waiting list!


Engadget's Seattle reader meetup is happening soon -- get on the waiting list!
Yep, we ran out of tickets -- and then we ran out again. But don't worry, if you're planning on being in the Seattle area on October 29th, there's still hope. We're opening the waiting list up to those who didn't manage to make it in during the first two rounds. Click here to add your name. And, as ever, if you're interested in sponsoring the event, there's still time. Just drop us a line at sponsors [at] engadget [dot] com, and for more information on SIC, check out the source link below.Engadget's Seattle reader meetup is happening soon -- get on the waiting list! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Seattle Interactive Conference | Email this | Comments

ShoutEm Launches A Simple Native iPad App Builder

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

ShoutEm Launches A Simple Native iPad App Builder


ShoutEm Launches A Simple Native iPad App Builder
Back in August ShoutEm launched a way for to easily create HTML5 apps that can be viewed in any mobile web browser. Now it's launched a native iPad app builder within its mobile app creator. This means ShoutEm's app offering spreads from from mobile web to tablet, aiming at publishers that want to build for the iPad.

Pizza delivery vehicle of the future?

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Pizza delivery vehicle of the future?


Pizza delivery vehicle of the future?
Sure beats a beater.

T-Mobile schedules new product event on October 29th

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

T-Mobile schedules new product event on October 29th


T-Mobile schedules new product event on October 29th
T-Mobile has just sent out invites to the press for a product launch event on the evening of October 29th. We weren't given any clues as to what this new item (or items) could be -- aside from the fact that it will include T-Mobile's full fall lineup -- but we certainly have a few suspicions considering the timing of such an event. Microsoft and Google are both holding press events earlier in the day, after all, which means we're either going to be treated to T-Mobile's Windows Phone 8 lineup or (this is less likely, but anything's possible) a T-Mobile Nexus. Feel free to put your wagers in the comments below, and we'll work to sort out the craziness that will most certainly ensue that day.Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, T-MobileT-Mobile schedules new product event on October 29th originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Chinese online retail giant 360buy spreads worldwide, may keep Amazon on its toes

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Chinese online retail giant 360buy spreads worldwide, may keep Amazon on its toes


Chinese online retail giant 360buy spreads worldwide, may keep Amazon on its toes
Many of us who live in North America and Europe consider Amazon synonymous with online retail -- yet we forget that the company barely even registers in some parts of the world. That misconception is about to be cleared up now that one of China's largest online retailers, 360buy, is going global. A just-launched English version of the store is initially shipping China-made goods for free to 36 countries that include obvious candidates like Australia, Canada, the UK and the US as well as France, Germany and southeast Asia. You're unlikely to find a Kindle Fire HD equivalent in the selection, but the mix could still make Amazon nervous when the brand-agnostic can already find real bargains. Combined with long-term plans to set up local distribution points, 360buy's international expansion could get more of us comfortable with buying from China and heat up a retail race that some thought had already been won.Filed under: Internet, AmazonChinese online retail giant 360buy spreads worldwide, may keep Amazon on its toes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink PConline (translated), ZDNet | 360buy | Email this | Comments

Restaurant cell phone distractions still irritate

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Restaurant cell phone distractions still irritate


Restaurant cell phone distractions still irritate
The digital divide is wider than ever between diners who talk, tweet and snap pictures mid-meal and those who wish they'd just shut up, shut down and be present.

F1 race in New Jersey scrapped until 2014

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

F1 race in New Jersey scrapped until 2014


F1 race in New Jersey scrapped until 2014
"Didn't quite know what they were doing."

Caltech laser accelerometer research may bring fine-tuned position tracking, gro...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:02 AM PDT

Caltech laser accelerometer research may bring fine-tuned position tracking, grocery ads


Caltech laser accelerometer research may bring fine-tuned position tracking, grocery ads
One way that sensors can track your position without using an array of satellites is by measuring your acceleration as you move around -- but unless you're piloting a jumbo jet, current devices aren't very accurate. Researchers at Caltech hope to change all that with a new, ultra-sensitive accelerometer they developed, which uses laser light to detect motion changes. The scientists managed to shrink a so-called large-scale interferometer down to micro-scale sizes, creating a device "thousands of times faster than the most sensitive sensors used today." That could allow a smartphone with such a micro-sensor to detect your exact position even while inside a grocery store, and flash "ads and coupons for hot dog buns" while you're in the bread aisle, according to Caltech. All that sounds good, but we can perhaps think of more inspiring uses for the new tech.Filed under: Cellphones, Science, AltCaltech laser accelerometer research may bring fine-tuned position tracking, grocery ads originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Tech Eye | Caltech | Email this | Comments

FTC offers $50,000 prize for stopping illegal robocalls, we could have used this...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:02 AM PDT

FTC offers $50,000 prize for stopping illegal robocalls, we could have used this a few months ago


FTC offers $50,000 prize for stopping illegal robocalls, we could have used this a few months ago
Robocalling is considered a plague in the modern phone world, especially during an election year -- and while you likely won't get rid of all the pitches from political candidates anytime soon, most of the commercial calls are outright illegal. The Federal Trade Commission has devised a unique contest to help cut back on those law-breakers without having to chase down every shady debt relief offer. It's offering a $50,000 reward for the cleverest solution to blocking the banned variety of robocalls. The only requirement is that you be an adult US resident: if you can invent a surefire remedy in your basement, the FTC wants to hear from you. Entries will be open between October 25th and January 17th, with word of a winner around April 1st. We're hoping that the champion has a truly effective cure in use before long, because we'll undoubtedly have reached our breaking point on robocalls by... oh, around November 6th. [Image credit: SarahNW, Flickr]Filed under: MiscFTC offers $50,000 prize for stopping illegal robocalls, we could have used this a few months ago originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | FTC (PDF) | Email this | Comments

Instagram Just Solved A Major Pain, Now Translates Its @ Mentions To Correct Twi...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 11:02 AM PDT

Instagram Just Solved A Major Pain, Now Translates Its @ Mentions To Correct Twitter Usernames In Tweets


Instagram Just Solved A Major Pain, Now Translates Its @ Mentions To Correct Twitter Usernames In Tweets
There's nothing worse than mentioning someone on Instagram when their username is different from their Twitter name. If you tweet the image, then the username doesn't properly sync up. The team has fixed that today, according to its blog

Engadget Podcast 314 - 10.19.2012

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Engadget Podcast 314 - 10.19.2012


Engadget Podcast 314 - 10.19.2012
The Engadget Podcast mini. Same wow, more go. Now available in the same colors it's always been available in. Hosts: Brian Heater, Dana WollmanProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Orbital - Never 02:00 - Microsoft reportedly building up to 5 million Surface tablets for the fall 16:44 - Microsoft Surface for Windows RT pricing now official: tablet starts at $499, keyboard not included 21:04 - Microsoft turns Surface tablet into a skateboard, Windows chief Steven Sinofsky takes it for a spin 22:11 - Apple announces 'Special Event' for October 23rd -- we'll be there live! 34:20 - Google 11.6-inch ARM-based Samsung Chromebook hands-on (update: video) 38:12 - We have lift off: Felix Baumgartner and Red Bull Stratos launch for record-breaking space jump, watch right here (update: done!) 42:50 - Engadget Eurocast 001 - 10.18.2012Hear 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 Follow us on Twitter: @bheater, @danawollman 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 314 - 10.19.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

BMW unveils 2 limited-edition models

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:12 AM PDT

BMW unveils 2 limited-edition models


BMW unveils 2 limited-edition models
X6 Performance Edition and 6-Series Frozen Edition join the lineup.

LG’s Rumored Nexus 4 Gets Caught On Film Again, Ahead Of Potential October 29 Un...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:12 AM PDT

LG's Rumored Nexus 4 Gets Caught On Film Again, Ahead Of Potential October 29 Unveiling


LG's Rumored Nexus 4 Gets Caught On Film Again, Ahead Of Potential October 29 Unveiling
Considering the sheer volume of leaks and information floating around right now, it's becoming more and more clear that the so-called LG Nexus 4 is the real deal. In case you didn't already have enough to ponder though, the folks behind the infamous @evleaks Twitter account have gotten their hands on yet another photo of the unreleased device and a few new particulars about its size and weight.

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro available on AT&T October 21st for $100

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:12 AM PDT

Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro available on AT&T October 21st for $100


Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro available on AT&T October 21st for $100
Fans of rugged Android phones, rejoice: you only have to wait until this Sunday to get the Samsung Galaxy Rugby Pro on AT&T. The carrier just announced that it'll be making its way into stores on October 21st and will run you a whole $100 on a two-year commitment. It isn't going to be the stellar top-end device many power users crave, as it features a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display, 5MP rear-facing camera with 720p video recording, 8GB onboard storage, ICS, LTE, Enhanced Push-to-Talk, 810g military-spec certification and EAS corporate email support. It's a definite upgrade from the Smart, no doubt, but we're still pining for the day that rugged phones can have the best components and bounce off a concrete floor without incident.Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, AT&TSamsung Galaxy Rugby Pro available on AT&T October 21st for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: fall 2012 edition

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:11 AM PDT

Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: fall 2012 edition


Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: fall 2012 edition
Shopping for a smartphone can be an exciting and arduous experience. Along with the promise of something new and fantastic, it brings the fear of commitment, and even worse, the prospect of saddling yourself to a lousy device for two years. Fortunately for you, Engadget spends tons of time playing with the latest gear and we're constantly on the lookout for what's coming next. If you're wanting to take the pain out of shopping for a smartphone, you've come to the right place. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: your one-stop resource to finding the best and most exciting handsets on the market today. Before you dive in, however, we've introduced a few changes to the buyer's guide, so take a minute to prepare yourself for what's in store. First and foremost, you'll now find alternate selections to supplement our top picks. This should already be familiar to many of you, which is the same format we use for our seasonal gift guides. The next one is a biggie: we've dropped the QWERTY selection. By and large, manufacturers and carriers alike have shifted their focus away from keyboard-equipped smartphones, and you'll rarely find more than one option on any given carrier. That said, if you still insist on the tactile experience, you'll always find everything you need to know in our reviews. Finally, whenever possible, you'll now find prices from Amazon Wireless, which allows us to provide you with more compelling budget selections and highlight the substantial savings that you can score by circumventing the carriers. It's not like they need your charity, anyway. If you're curious to see how it all unfolded -- and we know you are -- join us after the break, where we round up the very best smartphones of the season.Continue reading Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: fall 2012 editionFiled under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, Google, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, LG, T-MobileEngadget's smartphone buyer's guide: fall 2012 edition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

NEC LaVie Y brings Lenovo's 360-degree IdeaPad Yoga hybrid tablet to Japan

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:11 AM PDT

NEC LaVie Y brings Lenovo's 360-degree IdeaPad Yoga hybrid tablet to Japan


NEC LaVie Y brings Lenovo's 360-degree IdeaPad Yoga hybrid tablet to Japan
Don't think that Lenovo is keeping the IdeaPad Yoga's bendy secrets all to itself: its Japanese partner NEC is bringing a variant of the ARM-based Yoga 11 to the land of the rising sun as the LaVie Y. The 11.6-inch blend of laptop and tablet keeps the signature 360-degree display, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as its more internationally-minded counterpart, and confirms that there's a quad-core Tegra 3 powering either of the Windows RT systems. What differences exist will stem from the software: there's hints of a custom NEC app on an otherwise vanilla interpretation of Microsoft's platform. The LaVie Y should precede its IdeaPad sibling by days, arriving in stores around November 22nd, although any local buyers will pay dearly for the privilege with an estimated $1,136 price. We'd suggest that patience ought to be a virtue for everyone else. [Thanks, Gerald]Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, LenovoNEC LaVie Y brings Lenovo's 360-degree IdeaPad Yoga hybrid tablet to Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | NEC | Email this | Comments

Polish architect designs 4 foot wide livable house

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:11 AM PDT

Polish architect designs 4 foot wide livable house


Polish architect designs 4 foot wide livable house
The new house is only four-feet wide, but it comes with a bathroom, a kitchen and a bedroom, and its first tenant will move in this weekend.