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Saturday, October 20, 2012

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Alt-week 20.10.12: our oldest ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with...

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 02:05 PM PDT

Alt-week 20.10.12: our oldest ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with four stars


Alt-week 20.10.12: our oldest ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with four stars
Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days. Most mornings, we wake up with little to no idea what happened the day before, let alone last week. Fortunately, they don't let us run important scientific research projects. Or maybe they do, and we just forgot? This week (and most others as it goes) we definitely leave it to the pros, as we get some insightful glimpses at some important origins. Ball Lightning, the moon and even us humans are the benefactors of those tireless scientists, who work hard to explain where it all comes from. There's also a planet with four stars that sees the first few paragraphs of its origin story excitedly written out. One thing we never forget, however, is that this is alt-week.Continue reading Alt-week 20.10.12: our oldest ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with four starsFiled under: AltAlt-week 20.10.12: our oldest ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with four stars originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

LG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the...

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 12:34 PM PDT

LG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the same time (video)


LG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the same time (video)
LG's been stepping up its mobile game recently, with the Optimus G being the firm's clearest display of podium-position ambitions yet. And just like its regional neighbors, it's getting in on the "explaining-ideas-behind-concepts" video action. In this clip we see senior research engineer, Sebastian Hochan Song, explain the inspiration and process behind the new phone's QSlide multitasking function. Again, like its fellow Korean nationals, nature and the real world play a heavy part in the idea process. Head past the break if you want to see LG's thoughts about pushing Android multitasking forward, and keep an eagle eye out for one of our very own editors' quick cameo appearance.Continue reading LG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the same time (video)Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LGLG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the same time (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL review

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 11:04 AM PDT

Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL review


Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL review
More Info Huawei Ascend D Quad XL announced at MWC Huawei Ascend D Quad hands-on Huawei Ascend D Quad gets FCC approval In February of this year, Huawei took to the stage at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to highlight its most ambitious smartphone strategy to date. Its plan: to establish a new classification system by dividing the bulk of its handsets into four core groups starting with the high-end D-series at the top and working its way down to the bargain bin Y-series. Hogging Accepting the bulk of the spotlight, however, was the Ascend D Quad XL, a "superphone" containing a homegrown quad-core CPU. For a manufacturer that hadn't even put a dual-core phone on the market (the Ascend P1 wasn't on sale yet), a launch in the second quarter of this year felt incredibly aggressive. This was Huawei's first real chance to make a legitimate name for itself outside of Asia; pushing out an impressive device in a timely fashion was imperative. Fast-forward eight months, and we've witnessed the 2012 equivalent of the Motorola Droid Bionic: the unfortunate device has been the subject of uncertainty and countless delays. Fear not, it's finally been released. However, it faces an incredibly competitive market coming into the holiday season, with quad-core heavyweights like the Samsung Galaxy Note II, LG Optimus G and HTC One X+ ready to duke it out. We had this question when it was originally announced, and it's become even more relevant now: can the Huawei D Quad XL (and its freshly made SoC) hold up respectably amongst its new peers? Delay no further and join us after the break to get the full scoop. Gallery: Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL reviewContinue reading Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL reviewFiled under: Cellphones, Wireless, MobileHuawei Ascend D1 Quad XL review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

CEA officially brands 4K as Ultra HD, gets ready for a flood of new displays at CES

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 10:18 AM PDT

CEA officially brands 4K as Ultra HD, gets ready for a flood of new displays at CES


CEA officially brands 4K as Ultra HD, gets ready for a flood of new displays at CES
Now that HDTV is "the new normal" according to Nielsen (its most recent stats say more than 75 percent of US households have one) then naturally, it's time to upgrade to 4K. This week the Consumer Electronics Association officially dubbed such screens -- with characteristics including at least eight million active pixels, and 3,840 x 2,160 resolution, among other things -- Ultra High-Definition, or Ultra HD in order to help educate consumers about the new tech. The ITU already laid down its spec recommendations for Ultra High Definition TV so the industry should be able to move forward in unison pushing super high-res displays across the land. Of course we did say "should," and Sony is already informing media outlets that it plans to market its 4K products as "4K UHD." Whatever it's called, we saw 84-inch screens from multiple manufacturers announced recently, and with the CEA's announcement we're penciling in a few more pixel-dense models for the big Las Vegas show in January.Filed under: Home Entertainment, HDCEA officially brands 4K as Ultra HD, gets ready for a flood of new displays at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | CEA | Email this | Comments

13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display reportedly seen with 2,560 x 1,600 LCD,...

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 08:02 AM PDT

13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display reportedly seen with 2,560 x 1,600 LCD, dual Thunderbolt ports


13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display reportedly seen with 2,560 x 1,600 LCD, dual Thunderbolt ports
We hope you didn't want Apple's little event next week to be a complete surprise. After promises of extra details for a prior leak, a WeiPhone forum goer has returned with photos of what's supposed to be the active screen and ports of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display that might be on stage come October 23rd. If this is what we get alongside the similarly unofficial miniature iPad, we'll take it. The possible leak shows a 2,560 x 1,600 LCD (four times higher in resolution than the existing MacBook Pro) and, importantly, no sacrifices in expansion versus the 15-inch Retina model -- there's still the dual Thunderbolt ports and HDMI video that shipped with this system's bigger brother. Vital details like the performance and price are left out, so there's a few cards left off Apple's table, but the images hint at what could be a tempting balance between the 15-inch MacBook Pro's grunt and the MacBook Air's grace. Gallery: Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display leakFiled under: Laptops, Apple13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display reportedly seen with 2,560 x 1,600 LCD, dual Thunderbolt ports originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink 9to5Mac | WeiPhone (translated) | Email this | Comments

Making your next move easier with kids

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 08:02 AM PDT

Making your next move easier with kids


Making your next move easier with kids
No one loves moving (or packing), and sometimes it's especially difficult with little ones around. We'll offer tips to keep you (and your kids) sane during the process.

Report: Fisker may one day build all-wheel plug-in hybrids and ... boats?

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 06:31 AM PDT

Report: Fisker may one day build all-wheel plug-in hybrids and ... boats?


Report: Fisker may one day build all-wheel plug-in hybrids and ... boats?
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Fisker Guys like Henrik Fisker don't get to where they are by being modest. The founder and namesake of the California-based extended-range plug-in vehicle maker spoke to the Wall Street Journal about his drivetrain technology and how it could be expanded to other forms of transportation. Fisker, who was born in Denmark, specifically mentioned four-wheel-drive vehicles would be a good fit for extended-range plug-in technology. He then went one step further, saying boats could use a similar powertrain setup to use electric power inside harbors and switch to diesel fuel out in the open water. Yes, in case he's asking for our opinion, we would like to see a water-ready Fisker hybrid design. In the meantime, Fisker, who has helped raise $1.2 billion in equity for his company, called his company a "historic brand" for its sales of about 1,500 Fisker Karma vehicles globally since the model debuted late last year. Later this year, Fisker will start selling Karmas in Dubai and China. No word on whether extended-range plug-in boats will be offered there.Fisker may one day build all-wheel plug-in hybrids and ... boats? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft 'retiring' Facebook and Twitter Xbox 360 Dashboard apps

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 05:46 AM PDT

Microsoft 'retiring' Facebook and Twitter Xbox 360 Dashboard apps


Microsoft 'retiring' Facebook and Twitter Xbox 360 Dashboard apps
Eagle-eyed gamers may have already noticed that the Xbox 360's dedicated Twitter and Facebook apps have gone missing after the latest Dashboard update, and now Redmond has confirmed it's put the applications out to pasture. According to a Microsoft representative that spoke to IGN, the firm is "retiring the Facebook and Twitter apps" as it works to streamline functionality. When asked if the pair of apps will ever make a comeback, Ballmer and Co. didn't comment. Still crave to update your friends on your latest gaming exploits through the console? Spreading the news on the digital grapevine is still possible, but you'll have to access the social networks through the freshly added Internet Explorer app -- an experience we hope Xbox SmartGlass will improve.Filed under: Gaming, InternetMicrosoft 'retiring' Facebook and Twitter Xbox 360 Dashboard apps originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq | IGN | Email this | Comments

YouTube Campaigns lets nonprofits draw our interest without the telethons

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 03:30 AM PDT

YouTube Campaigns lets nonprofits draw our interest without the telethons


YouTube Campaigns lets nonprofits draw our interest without the telethons
Trying to launch a concerted nonprofit video campaign can feel like tilting at windmills: you might have one moment of undivided attention from viewers before they're off to watch cats and Nigerian pygmy goats. Google wants to make the most of that time through its YouTube Campaigns initiative. The strategy brings on-video overlays and channel sections that show viewers both a progress meter for the campaign as well as a handy links to explore and share what they've found. If all goes well, charities and like-minded organizations get more donations and YouTube views, while we in the general public are reminded that there's more to life than K-pop videos. It certainly beats manning the phones for a celebrity fundraiser.Filed under: Internet, Alt, GoogleYouTube Campaigns lets nonprofits draw our interest without the telethons originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 06:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Official YouTube Blog | Email this | Comments

Microsoft Surface pre-orderers in Canada, UK report release date pushed back to...

Posted: 20 Oct 2012 01:14 AM PDT

Microsoft Surface pre-orderers in Canada, UK report release date pushed back to November 2nd


Microsoft Surface pre-orderers in Canada, UK report release date pushed back to November 2nd
Microsoft's Surface for Windows RT appears to be flying off the virtual shelves, however it appears some of the customers who've pre-ordered will be waiting about a week longer than they thought. We've received several tips from readers in Canada and the UK indicating they've received emails (as seen above, check after the break for similar reports from Twitter) explaining that their tablets will be shipping on November 2nd, instead of October 26th as originally scheduled when they put their requests in days ago. There's no reason currently listed for the delay, however we have contacted Microsoft for further comment on the situation. Currently the Surface is listed as completely sold out on the UK and Canada Microsoft Store sites, and in the US all three variants are no longer promised for delivery on release date. It's been reported that Microsoft is building up to five million of the devices for launch this fall, hopefully they can all find their way to good homes sooner rather than later. [Thanks to Jack, everyone who sent this in]Continue reading Microsoft Surface pre-orderers in Canada, UK report release date pushed back to November 2ndFiled under: Tablets, MicrosoftMicrosoft Surface pre-orderers in Canada, UK report release date pushed back to November 2nd originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 03:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Microsoft Store (UK), (Canada) | Email this | Comments

Google Knowledge Graph explains related content, finds the six degrees with less...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:57 PM PDT

Google Knowledge Graph explains related content, finds the six degrees with less Bacon


Google Knowledge Graph explains related content, finds the six degrees with less Bacon
We had a bit of a laugh with Google's Kevin Bacon calculator. Not everyone needs to tie their searches to the star of Footloose, though, which is partly why Google is pushing out an update to its Knowledge Graph that explains how searches turn up related items. The effort is starting with actors, celebrities and their links to any movies and TV shows they've starred in. Looking for Orson Welles and mousing over Rita Hayworth's portrait reminds us that the two luminaries were married for years, for example. We won't know when the more intelligent searches will expand, but at least we won't be quite so confused if the animated Transformers movie appears next to Citizen Kane.Filed under: InternetGoogle Knowledge Graph explains related content, finds the six degrees with less Bacon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 01:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink TechCrunch | Inside Search | Email this | Comments

Brewster: The Smart Contacts App That Wants To Rule Them All, Now Conquering Eur...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 10:12 PM PDT

Brewster: The Smart Contacts App That Wants To Rule Them All, Now Conquering Europe, Too


Brewster: The Smart Contacts App That Wants To Rule Them All, Now Conquering Europe, Too
Brewster, the relationship-centric iOS address book app that went live in the U.S. in July with some fanfare (and a little controversy for good measure), is picking up some more steam. On the heels of an app update earlier this month, this week it is launching across Europe, available for the first time in iOS App Stores across the region.

Tesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV ro...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 08:41 PM PDT

Tesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV road trips


Tesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV road trips
Time to go on that great California road trip, Tesla owners; the EV maker has just launched new Superchargers in six Golden State locations: Folsom Premium Outlets, Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Gilroy Premium Outlets, Barstow, Tejon Ranch in Lebec and Hawthorne. They appear to be strategically placed to ease journeys between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, NV. The solar powered stations from SolarCity are designed just for Tesla vehicles, with Model S sedans being able to charge for free. According to Tesla, a Model S can be charged in about 30 minutes if you want to get around three hours of 60mph driving out of it, so you'll have plenty of time to grab an In-N-Out Double Double on your way to Sin City.Filed under: TransportationTesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV road trips originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink GigaOm | Translogic, Tesla Motors (Twitter) | Email this | Comments

Dissecting The Sony Nexus X, The Fake That Launched A Thousand Stories

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 07:16 PM PDT

Dissecting The Sony Nexus X, The Fake That Launched A Thousand Stories


Dissecting The Sony Nexus X, The Fake That Launched A Thousand Stories
So hey, remember that Sony Nexus X image that made the rounds earlier this week? The one that more than a few commentors called a hoax after I ran a story about it? Well, the skeptics among you were right -- creator of the faux-Nexus came forward not long ago with a tell-all Tumblr spelling out what he did and (more importantly) how he did it.

Motorola lists phones that won't get Jelly Bean, offers $100 credit to buy a pho...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 05:38 PM PDT

Motorola lists phones that won't get Jelly Bean, offers $100 credit to buy a phone that will


Motorola lists phones that won't get Jelly Bean, offers $100 credit to buy a phone that will
Back in September, Motorola Mobility announced that some of its handsets from 2011 and later wouldn't be making the jump to Jelly Bean. In an effort to smooth things over with exiled customers, the company pledged that it would offer a $100 rebate to those who trade up to a select Motorola smartphone. Today, the Google-owned Android maker has released a list detailing which phones qualify for this promotion. If you're among the many who purchased a Droid 3, Droid X2 and Photon 4G, it looks like an official update to Android 4.1 is out of the question. It should be noted that this offer doesn't affect your wireless contract's terms and conditions (read: ETF may still apply). However, if you're just aching to pick up a Motorola phone that released in 2012, then why not score a $100 credit for your troubles? Move past the break to see which other devices made didn't make the cut.Continue reading Motorola lists phones that won't get Jelly Bean, offers $100 credit to buy a phone that willFiled under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, GoogleMotorola lists phones that won't get Jelly Bean, offers $100 credit to buy a phone that will originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 20:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Droid-Life | Motorola | Email this | Comments

Waze Is The Only App To Gain Meaningful Marketshare After Apple Maps Fail, Onavo...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 05:38 PM PDT

Waze Is The Only App To Gain Meaningful Marketshare After Apple Maps Fail, Onavo Finds


Waze Is The Only App To Gain Meaningful Marketshare After Apple Maps Fail, Onavo Finds
The poor reception for Apple's new maps app temporarily boosted usage for other map applications, but it didn't actually increase longer-term marketshare for any of them -- except for one. Israel's Waze boosted its market share to 10 percent of U.S. iPhone users from 7 percent, according to a study from Sequoia Capital-backed mobile data compression company Onavo.

Report: UK Nissan dealers offering Leaf loaner cars, even when ICE vehicles are...

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 04:47 PM PDT

Report: UK Nissan dealers offering Leaf loaner cars, even when ICE vehicles are in the shop


Report: UK Nissan dealers offering Leaf loaner cars, even when ICE vehicles are in the shop
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, UK Try it, you just might like it. That's what UK Nissan dealers are saying in an attempt to sell the all-electric Leaf across the pond. Nissan UK sent a letter to its customers saying that Nissan owners could use the Leaf as a courtesy car when their vehicles are in the shop, according to Green Car Reports. And the automaker stressed that this applied to owners of all Nissan vehicles, not just those who already own Leafs "We thought the chance to drive the 100% Leaf might come as something of a pleasant surprise," the letter says in an oh-so-polite British tone. A loaned-out Leaf with a right-hand drive? We'll take that.UK Nissan dealers offering Leaf loaner cars, even when ICE vehicles are in the shop originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

32GB Nexus 7 tablets appear at retail with $249 price tag, October 29th street date

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 04:47 PM PDT

32GB Nexus 7 tablets appear at retail with $249 price tag, October 29th street date


32GB Nexus 7 tablets appear at retail with $249 price tag, October 29th street date
Ahead of Google's Android event on the 29th there's additional confirmation of a storage upgrade for the Nexus 7, as 32GB units have now been spotted on shelves at US retailers. Seemingly dead-set on matching the LG E960 "Mako" Nexus G for the title of worst-kept secret, we've received this photo of a tag for the new unit at a Sam's Club (with a placeholder price). Reports on Android Central and The Verge also mention hardware spotted at Staples locations, with one person actually succeeding in buying one. All of that follows a listing on the Staples website and one Japanese buyer apparently receiving one early by accident. According to the tags and receipts, the new units are scheduled to go on sale the same day as the Android event, and at the same $249 price of the current 16GB model. Now that the alleged Sony Nexus phone has been exposed as a fake we don't know if there will be any surprises left, but if you want to buy anything from Google's brand then patience (or at least shopping around) is probably your best strategy. [Thanks, Adam]Filed under: Tablets, Google32GB Nexus 7 tablets appear at retail with $249 price tag, October 29th street date originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Droid Bionic finally gets an ICS update as everyone else moves on to Jelly Bean

Posted: 19 Oct 2012 04:02 PM PDT

Droid Bionic finally gets an ICS update as everyone else moves on to Jelly Bean


Droid Bionic finally gets an ICS update as everyone else moves on to Jelly Bean
After nearly a year of suffering with Gingerbread, Droid Bionic owners who haven't given up on their phone will finally be rewarded with that long-awaited ICS update; the rollout starts October 19th, according to Verizon. Those who get it will receive a new customizable launch bar, a direct access lock screen, enhanced notifications, Motorola's SmartActions app, Face Unlock, easier multitasking, and many other goodies most Android owners have enjoyed for awhile now. It looks like Motorola Mobility actually made good on some of its promises to fix the handset that has suffered a number of different problems since its launch (which itself took almost nine months from the initial announce date). However, now that Jelly Bean has taken over as the firmware of choice with no word yet if that'll come to the Droid Bionic, we wonder if it's too little, too late. Update: We've learned from the comments, Motorola's owner support forum and its own Facebook page that the company is planning on rolling out Jelly Bean to the Droid Bionic "in the coming months" so don't lose hope just yet, Bionic faithful. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Filed under: Cellphones, MobileDroid Bionic finally gets an ICS update as everyone else moves on to Jelly Bean originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Verizon Wireless (1), (2) | Email this | Comments