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Saturday, October 27, 2012

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Alt-week 27.10.12: ancient texts, super-Earths and special-ops mice

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 02:04 PM PDT

Alt-week 27.10.12: ancient texts, super-Earths and special-ops mice


Alt-week 27.10.12: ancient texts, super-Earths and special-ops mice
Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days. If, like us, you struggle to read the front of the Corn Flakes box of a morning, you likely gave up any hopes of cracking ancient codes long ago. If you didn't, however, then your time might be now, as one of the oldest scripts know to man is still up for grabs. Prefer just to observe? No problem as we've got super-Earth-searching satellites, military mice and vertical farms, all for your viewing reading pleasure. If you hadn't guessed, this is alt-weekContinue reading Alt-week 27.10.12: ancient texts, super-Earths and special-ops miceFiled under: Science, AltAlt-week 27.10.12: ancient texts, super-Earths and special-ops mice originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Engadget Mobile Podcast 156 - 10.27.2012

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 01:18 PM PDT

Engadget Mobile Podcast 156 - 10.27.2012


Engadget Mobile Podcast 156 - 10.27.2012
O hai! Welcome to the 156th edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast, where we've managed to rope in the elusive, globetrotting device-shaker Richard Lai for his opinions on all the hottest new PadFones in the multiverse. If you're in North America, beware: he sounds much smarter because he's British. Actual intelligence quotient of Richard Lai may vary from continent to continent. Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenGuest: Richard LaiProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) 00:01:44 - ASUS PadFone 2 review: two times is a charm for this phone-in-tablet combo 00:33:45 - Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL review 00:45:40 - Samsung Galaxy Note II for Verizon hands-on 00:55:50 - Galaxy Note 2 Tmo review. Not sure we want to cover this again? (maybe the price, which is ridiculous) 01:12:19 - Sony Xperia TL comes to AT&T on November 2 for $99 with a two-year contract Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast podcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.Follow us on Twitter@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile @richardlaiFiled under: Podcasts, MobileEngadget Mobile Podcast 156 - 10.27.2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Ubuntu lands on Nexus 7 slates with Canonical's one-click installer

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 12:33 PM PDT

Ubuntu lands on Nexus 7 slates with Canonical's one-click installer


Ubuntu lands on Nexus 7 slates with Canonical's one-click installer
If you'd rather not let your Nexus 7 live out its life as a Jelly Bean-toting device, Canonical's freshly minted Ubuntu Nexus 7 Desktop Installer can help. Instead of allowing Ubuntu to ride shotgun with Android, the installer requires unlocking the device's bootloader, which wipes the slate clean. Once the Nexus 7 is unlocked, started in fastboot mode and connected to an Ubuntu machine, the one-click installation software takes care of the rest. Roughly 10 to 15 minutes later, your tablet will be running full-blown Ubuntu. Since development is currently focused on getting the core of the desktop OS up and running, there's no tablet-specific Unity UI to see here. However, Raring Ringtail is set to flesh out the mobile experience with an emphasis on sensors, memory footprint and battery life, among other features. Those who regret ousting Google's confection-themed operating system can simply reload their device with stock Android. For the entire walk through, hit the first source link below. [Thanks, Keith]Filed under: Tablets, Software, GoogleUbuntu lands on Nexus 7 slates with Canonical's one-click installer originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Ubuntu Wiki, Jono Bacon | Email this | Comments

Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 11:02 AM PDT

Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries


Google postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries
We hope you weren't basing your calendar around Google's big Android event on October 29th. The company has confirmed to us that it's postponing the event to an as yet undetermined point in the future due to Hurricane Sandy, whose East coast arrival will follow so closely before the New York City gaterhing that Google isn't willing to take the chance on its big day. If you're experiencing a sense of déja vu, you're not alone -- Google delayed last year's event revealing the Galaxy Nexus out of respect for the late Steve Jobs. While it's not what we'd call an auspicious start to Google's holiday launches, we can at least hope for an abundance of riches when the company is ready once again. The full statement waits below. "We are canceling our Monday morning event in New York due to Hurricane Sandy. We will let you know our plans as soon as we know more."Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, GoogleGoogle postpones October 29th event over Hurricane Sandy worries originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 13:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon's Roboti...

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 10:17 AM PDT

Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute


Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute
How was your week? We got to spend a couple of days trekking around the Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh, PA to check out some of the latest projects from the school's world renowned Robotics Institute -- a trip that culminated with the bi-annual induction ceremony from the CMU-sponsored Robot Hall of Fame. Given all the craziness of the past seven days, you might have missed some of the awesomeness, but fear not, we've got it all for you here in one handy place -- plus a couple of videos from the trip that we haven't shown you yet. Join us after the break to catch up.Continue reading Butlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon's Robotics InstituteButlers, lunar rovers, snakes and airboats: the best of Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Introducing Engadget's next giveaway: Five iPhone 5s in five days!

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 08:46 AM PDT

Introducing Engadget's next giveaway: Five iPhone 5s in five days!


Introducing Engadget's next giveaway: Five iPhone 5s in five days!
A lot of you out there have been anxiously awaiting the holidays, and -- more importantly -- an excuse to get your hands on the latest iPhone. In fact, the demand is so high that Apple is still experiencing inventory shortages. We don't want that little niggle getting in your way, of course, so we've teamed up with five different companies to get you set up with an iPhone! So here's the deal: beginning Monday, we will begin one new iPhone 5 contest every day through Friday. Some of the contests will feature the actual phone (carrier branding may vary), while others will offer an Apple Store gift card to cover the cost of buying one without a contract. You can enter each individual contest once, giving you five separate opportunities to win over the course of the next week. So be on the lookout starting Monday, and make sure you come back every day to increase your chances of winning! Below you'll find the companies involved, so that way you know exactly who to thank for your new toy. This post is not a contest, by the way, so leaving a comment here won't enter you to win. Just make sure you're back here bright and early on Monday -- believe us, there will be plenty of other awesome news to check out that day while you're here. Note: this next week is going to be a pretty hectic one, so we're going to keep each contest open for five days rather than the usual two.Continue reading Introducing Engadget's next giveaway: Five iPhone 5s in five days!Filed under: Announcements, HD, MobileIntroducing Engadget's next giveaway: Five iPhone 5s in five days! originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 11:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

How to choose the right real estate agent

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 08:46 AM PDT

How to choose the right real estate agent


How to choose the right real estate agent
Choosing the right real estate agent, whether you are buying or selling a home, is important.

Oakley unveils Airwave ski goggles equipped with Recon's MOD Live heads-up displ...

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 07:15 AM PDT

Oakley unveils Airwave ski goggles equipped with Recon's MOD Live heads-up display, iOS app


Oakley unveils Airwave ski goggles equipped with Recon's MOD Live heads-up display, iOS app
Remember late last year when Recon Instruments introduced its MOD Live Android-enabled heads-up display for the likes of ski goggles?Joining the ranks of other optics makers, Oakley's partnered with the company to seamlessly integrate the augmented-reality unit into its own goggles, dubbed Airwave. It's not just another shell for the system, either, as Oakley will be providing a companion app that'll work with iOS -- which seems to be first official instance as such since Recon itself said it would be coming earlier this year. The MOD Live itself is otherwise the same right-eye positioned system (providing a perceived 14-inch display at five feet away) we've seen for almost a year now, so don't expect to get the clearest picture if you're left eye dominant or use contact lenses for distance. Furthermore, there's still GPS for tracking friends / navigation, and Bluetooth to work with a water-resistant wrist remote that allows you to control your smartphone and the display itself. Of course, this also means Recon's Android SDK will also be workable, as will your Contour camera. If you're interested in Oakley's spin on the MOD Live, the Airwave will hit Apple stores on October 31st for $600 in your choice of black with a black Iridium lens, or a white with black graphics and a "fire" colored variant of the lens -- yes, they're interchangeable just like most of Oakley's other specs. If you're curious for further details in the meantime, check out the simulation video and press release after the break. Now, how about those full-on smart glasses to take on Google Glass as the company's CEO mentioned in April? Continue reading Oakley unveils Airwave ski goggles equipped with Recon's MOD Live heads-up display, iOS appFiled under: Misc, Peripherals, WearablesOakley unveils Airwave ski goggles equipped with Recon's MOD Live heads-up display, iOS app originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Report: BMW i4 coming to LA?

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 06:30 AM PDT

Report: BMW i4 coming to LA?


Report: BMW i4 coming to LA?
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW, LA Auto Show It's a good thing someone at Green Car Reports can read French. The blog, citing France-based L'Automobile, says BMW will unveil its all-electric i4 concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. The i4 will likely be a sportier version of the i3 city EV. The car will have two doors, instead of the i3's four doors, and will likely retail for north of $50,000 whenever it becomes available to the public. Reports started surfacing last August that BMW would introduce i4 and i5 models to complement its i3 and i8 vehicles for the German automaker's i sub-brand of electric-drive vehicles. The i3, the successor to the current ActiveE model that's being leased out in limited numbers, is said to have 170 horsepower and was originally slated to start sales to the public next year, though BMW reportedly was talking about delaying or even shelving sales plans for its electric-drive vehicles because of high costs and perceived lack of demand.BMW i4 coming to LA? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Clearwire moves forward with Huawei in network upgrades after federal consultation

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 05:45 AM PDT

Clearwire moves forward with Huawei in network upgrades after federal consultation


Clearwire moves forward with Huawei in network upgrades after federal consultation
China's Huawei has found itself followed by a cloud of suspicion from governments and national security agencies, both in America, and futher afield. A recent announcement from Clearwire stating it will use the firms hardware in a network upgrade, however, could see some sunshine of confidence finally poking through. Reuters reports that the service provider consulted several technical departments from various federal agencies before making the decision. Clearwire already uses some Huawei equipment in its infrastructure, and it's in these areas that the hardware will be used for upgrades. The firm went on to assure that, overall, less than 5 percent of its LTE budget involves Huawei gear, and irregardless of origin, all vendors are subject to approval from US government approved third parties.Filed under: Cellphones, MobileClearwire moves forward with Huawei in network upgrades after federal consultation originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 08:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Reuters | Email this | Comments

9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 04:14 AM PDT

9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are


9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this just leaves us speechless. Pictured above is a compressed 108,500 x 81,500 pixel image of 84 million stars across central parts of the Milky Way. Taken by the VISTA survey telescope at the ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile, this 9-gigapixel photo is the result of thousands of individual images being meshed together. If it were printed out at the average resolution of a standard book it would measure a mind-boggling 9 x 7 meters. Using three separate infrared filters, VISTA is able to see through dust fields that normally obscure the view of an optical telescope. By studying this monumental image, astronomers hope to gain a better understanding of how galaxies form and evolve. If you'd like to take a look at this galactic work of art in its entirety, you can do so by visiting the source link below. (Image credit: ESO/VVV Consortium)Continue reading 9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly areFiled under: Science, Alt9-gigapixel image of the Milky Way reminds us just how small we truly are originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 06:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | ESO | Email this | Comments

Reebok-CCM partnering on impact-sensing flexible sports cap, hopes to improve re...

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 01:58 AM PDT

Reebok-CCM partnering on impact-sensing flexible sports cap, hopes to improve real-time injury analysis


Reebok-CCM partnering on impact-sensing flexible sports cap, hopes to improve real-time injury analysis
While the whack of two helmets might be an unavoidable part of some high intensity sports, knowing a little more about what's going on during those impacts can mean the difference between a time out, and time in hospital. Reebok-CCM Hockey and electronics form MC10 have just announced that they are developing a wearable cap that will register the strength and severity of head impacts during games. The project is actually aimed at all sports and age-groups, and uses high-performance electronics reshaped into an ultra-thin, breathable, flexible system that technology partner, MC10, expects to also be much more affordable. The cap will allow quick analysis through the use of different colored readouts, illustrating the strength of impact. The product won't be commercially available until next year however, but we're already thinking of potential worthy collaborations.Continue reading Reebok-CCM partnering on impact-sensing flexible sports cap, hopes to improve real-time injury analysisFiled under: WearablesReebok-CCM partnering on impact-sensing flexible sports cap, hopes to improve real-time injury analysis originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 04:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | | Email this | Comments

ASUS unveils RT-N12HP WiFi router with extra-long antennas: compensating for any...

Posted: 27 Oct 2012 12:27 AM PDT

ASUS unveils RT-N12HP WiFi router with extra-long antennas: compensating for anything?


ASUS unveils RT-N12HP WiFi router with extra-long antennas: compensating for anything?
If getting long-range WiFi is a perpetual battle, ASUS just started a nuclear war. Its fresh RT-N12HP router carries a pair of (thankfully removable) high-gain, 9dBi antennas and a separate signal amplifier that can jointly boost the range of the router's 802.11n wireless up to 300 percent versus challengers that reach the same 300Mbps peak speed. Beyond that, the hotspot mostly claims sheer flexibility as its virtue with support for as many as four separate WiFi networks and a fast toggle between pure router, access point and repeater modes. Once ASUS confirms that we can grab the N12HP in specific countries, it'll likely deliver a good signal from corner to corner in most any home -- and invite some Freudian interpretations.Continue reading ASUS unveils RT-N12HP WiFi router with extra-long antennas: compensating for anything?Filed under: Networking, ASUSASUS unveils RT-N12HP WiFi router with extra-long antennas: compensating for anything? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 03:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Fareastgizmos | ASUS | Email this | Comments

HTC One X sees Jelly Bean rollout in Taiwan and Singapore, One S update reported...

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:41 PM PDT

HTC One X sees Jelly Bean rollout in Taiwan and Singapore, One S update reportedly coming soon


HTC One X sees Jelly Bean rollout in Taiwan and Singapore, One S update reportedly coming soon
We've known for months that HTC intends to upgrade the One X to Jelly Bean, but now it appears the update is finally going live, at least for folks in Taiwan. Members of the XDA Developers forum are chiming in about a 352.87MB OTA update that's available within both HTC's home country and Singapore, which brings Android 4.1.1 and HTC Sense 4+ to the One X. Jelly Bean's appearance for the handset matches an earlier report from Engadget Chinese of an incoming update promised by HTC Taiwan. According to PocketDroid, general manager of HTC North Asia, Jack Tong, announced that One X users within Asia will see the update begin to roll today, and that the One S will also receive Jelly Bean a tad later. We've reached out to HTC to verify Mr. Tong's comments, and for clarification of specific regions throughout Asia. [Thanks, Ryan]Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTCHTC One X sees Jelly Bean rollout in Taiwan and Singapore, One S update reportedly coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 01:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink GottaBeMobile | XDA Developers, PocketDroid | Email this | Comments

5 modern classics to buy now

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:25 PM PDT

5 modern classics to buy now


5 modern classics to buy now
Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

Is Tesla selling its cars illegally?

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:25 PM PDT

Is Tesla selling its cars illegally?


Is Tesla selling its cars illegally?
Dealer franchise laws in question.

Microsoft's Sinofsky says Windows 8 PCs can undercut Apple's 'recreational' iPad...

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:25 PM PDT

Microsoft's Sinofsky says Windows 8 PCs can undercut Apple's 'recreational' iPad mini


Microsoft's Sinofsky says Windows 8 PCs can undercut Apple's 'recreational' iPad mini
It just wouldn't be a major Apple launch if there wasn't a Microsoft executive calling out his old rival, would it? In a chat with AllThingsD, Windows division lead Steven Sinofsky has expressed doubts that Apple's iPad mini is really a cost-effective pick against the just-launched Windows 8. It's a $329 "recreational tablet" when there are work-ready Windows 8 laptops that cost $279, he says. He added that there are at least a few touchscreen Ultrabooks that could undercut the non-touch MacBook Air on price, and he ascribed the difference as much to "engineering" as the cost-cutting measures you'd expect. Sinofsky was naturally just as keen to champion the advantages for work that Windows RT tablets like the Surface have when competing more directly with iPads, alluding to that Office bundle which hopefully keeps us more productive than a copy of Documents To Go. The company President would certainly disagree with Apple chief Tim Cook's view that Surface is a confused product, calling it a "PC for everyone" that just doesn't have to be used all the time. He makes valid points on the sheer value for money that you can get from both Windows PCs and tablets, although it would only be fair to mention that he didn't touch on the currently low Windows RT app selection, or if the OS was exactly what the market wanted -- we'd do well to remember that Microsoft alumni have a spotty track record when it comes to predicting Apple's destiny.Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Software, Apple, MicrosoftMicrosoft's Sinofsky says Windows 8 PCs can undercut Apple's 'recreational' iPad mini originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Electronista | AllThingsD | Email this | Comments

LG E960 support manuals confirm Nexus 4 name, 8GB and 16GB configurations

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 07:54 PM PDT

LG E960 support manuals confirm Nexus 4 name, 8GB and 16GB configurations


LG E960 support manuals confirm Nexus 4 name, 8GB and 16GB configurations
The information leaks ahead Google's Android event next week continue to flow, with the latest thanks to support manuals on LG's Australian and UK websites. While we're already familiar with the phone's hardware thanks to a detailed Belarusian review, the manuals confirm it is going to be called the Nexus 4, and that along with the 8GB version we've seen there will definitely be a 16GB edition available. As you can see above, it also includes an induction coil for wireless charging. This all comes after two separate Nexus 10 leaks earlier today, as well as a report by Wired of a lost Nexus 4 recovered in a San Francisco bar (sound familiar?) last month. Hit the source link below to check out the LG E960 PDF for yourself (you may need to select the "show all" radio button), although there's only a few diagrams and support info waiting within. [Thanks, Tim]Continue reading LG E960 support manuals confirm Nexus 4 name, 8GB and 16GB configurationsFiled under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google, LGLG E960 support manuals confirm Nexus 4 name, 8GB and 16GB configurations originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | LG E960 support page | Email this | Comments

NYT: Google actively trialing same-day delivery from retail for the chronically...

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 05:36 PM PDT

NYT: Google actively trialing same-day delivery from retail for the chronically impatient


NYT: Google actively trialing same-day delivery from retail for the chronically impatient
Rumors have floated for the better part of a year that Google has been prepping a same-day delivery service that would pressure eBay and make even Amazon Prime seem pokey. If we're to believe a pair of New York Times contacts, it's much closer to reality. Google staffers and their close connections are supposedly in the midst of testing the extra-fast shipping option in San Francisco with at "at least one" major clothing chain participating alongside local shops. Most details are still missing, including the price premium for waiting mere hours as well as the implied mobile option; Google certainly isn't talking on the record. We're almost hoping that the story is bogus, as the last thing we need is one less reason to step outside.Filed under: Internet, GoogleNYT: Google actively trialing same-day delivery from retail for the chronically impatient originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | New York Times | Email this | Comments

Report: GM will sell all-electric Chevy Spark in South Korea in 2013; US gets it...

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 04:48 PM PDT

Report: GM will sell all-electric Chevy Spark in South Korea in 2013; US gets it later


Report: GM will sell all-electric Chevy Spark in South Korea in 2013; US gets it later
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM, Asia How about a little of that over here? That's what some electric-vehicle proponents may say after General Motors announced the upcoming public debut of an all-electric Chevrolet Spark. In South Korea. GM Korea, which is 77 percent owned by the US automaker (the rest is owned by Korea Development Bank and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.), will start making and selling the all-electric Spark in 2013, according to the Wall Street Journal. GM, which says it's investing more than $900 million annually to further development of electric-drive vehicles, will also eventually "export" the Spark EV here to the US, though fewer details were disclosed about that process. Most likely, the Spark EV will be a California "compliance car." In March, GM started testing Spark EVs in California, and estimated that the car had a single-charge range of about 100 miles. South Korea accounts for about 25 percent of all Chevrolets sold globally. Pictured above is a gas-powered Spark.GM will sell all-electric Chevy Spark in South Korea in 2013; US gets it later originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

How Square Keeps Its Culture Cool And Connected: It’s An App.

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 04:48 PM PDT

How Square Keeps Its Culture Cool And Connected: It's An App.


How Square Keeps Its Culture Cool And Connected: It's An App.
One of the things that really excited me about coming to TechCrunch is that I have the freedom to explore companies in a deeper, more meaningful, way. I've worked for quite a few startups and the people who make things tend to interest me more than what they actually make, sometimes. Along that line of thinking, I visited the Square folks today and had a great conversation about their stance on keeping a cool, calm, collected and connected culture in the office. As you know, the company is moving to a bigger space in San Francisco, one that dons an actual "square." Also, Square has expanded to Canada (eh?), which is always the first stop for full-on internationalization.

Windows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experience

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 04:03 PM PDT

Windows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experience


Windows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experience
There were balloons. There were streamers. There were brand new Ultrabooks, members of staff unfurling banners, and -- once other customers started to arrive -- there was even a vibe of genuine excitement for today's official launch of Windows 8 in the UK. But whichever aisle I scanned, nowhere was to be found what I had come to buy: a Windows 8 disc for desktop upgraders. It was a faltering start, but it was also strangely symbolic of my mission -- namely, to explore what Microsoft's latest operating system can do for regular desktop folk. People who, in other words, aren't yet looking to invest in touch-enabled monitors or laptops or all-in-ones; who rarely get the chance to lean back with a media-consumption tablet; and who simply want to upgrade their traditional tower PC before getting on with their lives. Read on past the break and you can begin this potentially short, hopefully sweet journey with me, starting with a quick rundown of my test rig (which also happens to be my mission critical work computer) and an anti-climactic revelation about whether, in the end, I ever found the software box I was looking for.Continue reading Windows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experienceFiled under: Desktops, SoftwareWindows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experience originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments

Report: Fisker asks bankruptcy judge to delay A123 asset transfer to Johnson Con...

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

Report: Fisker asks bankruptcy judge to delay A123 asset transfer to Johnson Controls


Report: Fisker asks bankruptcy judge to delay A123 asset transfer to Johnson Controls
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker A123 System's bankruptcy created a quite a stir in the plug-in vehicle industry. Now, Fisker is asking the judge that the bankruptcy auction be delayed by a minimum of 30 days so that creditors' value "may be realized through higher and better offers." Fisker is involved in A123 because the battery maker is the sole supplier of battery packs to the Fisker Karma. The deal now means that A123 has $100 million worth of obligations that "give rise to substantial unsecured claims" in Fisker's favor, according to court papers filed today, Bloomberg reports. Fisker said it would also file an emergency motion to challenge "debtor-in-possession loan." Johnson Controls is set to take over A123's automotive assets, and Fisker said it is not trying to stand in the way of an asset sale in theory. It just wants the delay because "various protections" that Johnson Controls has "are unnecessary, excessive, and counterproductive to a successful sales process." Fisker attorney Gregg Galardi said the bankruptcy process was "crafted" to benefit Johnson Controls and that, "The best interests of the estates, however, are not well served through a hasty and unfair sale process designed to ensure that JCI is the ultimate purchaser." In other words: don't let all this good stuff go cheaply.Fisker asks bankruptcy judge to delay A123 asset transfer to Johnson Controls originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android


Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android
Hot on the heels of the Dashboard update for the Xbox 360, Microsoft's SmartGlass integration is now a reality for Android users. The companion app branches out from the earlier My Xbox Live app for Android and allows direct control of some console features from Google-powered gear. While Windows Phone users will find the tightest integration of all, the Android port still lets users steer through the Dashboard, input text, browse the web (with zooming), search for local content, and control media playback. Players can still chat with their friends and modify their Xbox profile if they're not planning to lurk around the system all day. The interface is strikingly similar to past releases (including Android) and still demands at least an 800 x 480 screen for admission -- sorry, Wildfire S fans. You'll find a full roster of features after the break, and can hit up Google Play at the source link below for your own remote. Jon Fingas contributed to this report.Continue reading Xbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to AndroidFiled under: Gaming, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, GoogleXbox SmartGlass now available in Google Play, brings console integration to Android originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Police | Google Play | Email this | Comments

BMW recalls 7-Series

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

BMW recalls 7-Series


BMW recalls 7-Series
Power-closing doors may not latch completely on some 2005-2007 models.

SEMA Show – Live updates 10/30-31

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

SEMA Show – Live updates 10/30-31


SEMA Show – Live updates 10/30-31
Like us on Facebook to see the latest pictures and models from the show.

Sony intros Virtual Book Club, enlists 'Breakfast Club' alum

Posted: 26 Oct 2012 03:17 PM PDT

Sony intros Virtual Book Club, enlists 'Breakfast Club' alum


Sony intros Virtual Book Club, enlists 'Breakfast Club' alum
Need to talk about books, but hate going over to other people's homes? Move over Oprah, because Sony's helping virtualize the whole experience with Readers Book Club, a virtual book club that lets reader chat with authors via Twitter and Facebook. Also on the slate are discounts and downloadable extra. The club kicks off next month, but you'll have to wait until March for some one-on-one time with Molly Ringwald.Continue reading Sony intros Virtual Book Club, enlists 'Breakfast Club' alumSony intros Virtual Book Club, enlists 'Breakfast Club' alum originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Pocket Lint | | Email this | Comments