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Monday, July 18, 2011

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HTC's Puccini tablet passes through the FCC, has AT&T written all over it

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 10:31 AM PDT

Remember that HTC 10-inch Puccini tablet we spotted in May? It just passed through the FCC's gates with the model number PG09410 and from the looks of things, is headed straight for AT&T's network. The rumored Honeycomb tablet's sporting the requisite GSM 850, 1900MHz frequencies and 3G WCDMA 850 and 1900MHz bands, but the real showstopper here are the slate's LTE radios. With both AWS 4 and 17 bands on board, it'd be a pretty safe guess to see this launch alongside the orange-colored carrier's LTE rollout. We should note that the FCC doesn't test for European compatibility, so you could still see this bad boy hit across the Atlantic. What else can we glimpse from that diagram in blue? Based on the size of what appears to be a SIM card slot, we found this Android tab measuring in at the 10-inch mark. Also, you can expect a dual speaker set-up, but sadly no 3D camera. With the rumored June launch date already passed, we're hoping this'll hit late summer.

Suzuki unveils Every electric van, bead curtains sold separately

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 10:24 AM PDT

Just when you thought the electric van couldn't get any more stylish, Suzuki went out and raised the bar even higher, with its Every van -- a prototype plug-in that has state felony written all over it. Following in the wake of Mitsubishi's Minicab i-MiEV, this love bus is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be fully juiced in about five hours, with a cruising range of up to 62 miles. It's also a good 400 pounds heavier than its gas-powered predecessor, though, as Integrity Exports explains, its cargo capacity remains fixed at around 550 pounds. For now, Suzuki is sending out just 13 vehicles to a handful of Japanese dealerships, in the hopes of testing the market before a potential widespread launch. No word yet on when that could happen, but Japan's soccer moms and airport shuttle drivers must be licking their chops.

Poll: Spotify is finally available in the US. Now what?

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

We waited and we waited and we waited some more, and now Spotify has finally arrived in the US. As announced earlier, the popular European music streaming service will offer up the free version that helped make it such a hit in Europe, as well as two pricing plans at $4.99 and $9.99, the latter of which will let users stream music to Android and iOS devices. The question then, is how many will opt to pay a monthly fee in order to rid themselves of ads. Let us know your plan in the poll below, and tell us why in the comments.

Oh, and did we mention that we got our hands on 500 or so invites to the free version of the service? If you've been aching to try it out, shoot an email over to engadgetspotify [at] gmail [dot] com. We're going to be staggering the invites out over the next few days, so don't be too distraught if you don't get one right away.

Now that Spotify is here in the US, will you pay for the premium version?

There's a web browser hiding inside the iriver Story HD, but it's pretty shy

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 09:46 AM PDT

Looking for a way to surf the web on your new iriver Story HD? The Digital Reader's got you covered, with a nifty, albeit not totally satisfying hack. As it turns out, the Story HD's much-ballyhooed Google eBookstore operates as a mobile version, rather than an app, meaning you can use it to access other pages -- if you know the trick. All you have to do is navigate to the first Help page within the eBookstore, where you'll see a list of links running across the top. The Books link leads to books.google.com, from which you can jump to google.com, effectively putting the internet at your fingertips. The major downside, however, is that iriver's hidden browser won't give you an address bar, though it does offer basic refresh and page-flipping capabilities, located within the options menu. It's certainly not as fluid as the WebKit-based browser you'll find on Amazon's third-generation Kindle, nor is it as straightforward as that experimental feature buried within the Nook WiFi -- but at least it's there. If you're interested in digging it up, hit the source link for more details.

[Thanks, Nate]

CNN starts streaming 24 hours of 'news' online and on your iPhone

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 09:23 AM PDT

CNN Stream
Still trying to scratch that itch left by the slow fade out of the Casey Anthony drama? Well, good news kiddies, CNN is pointing its 24-hour news hose straight at your face over a little thing we like to call the internet. The OG cable news network is finally returning to the streaming fray (die-hard Blitz-heads may remember a little service called CNN Pipeline) and offering live feeds of CNN and HLN, online and through its iOS apps. Unfortunately, just like HBO Go, you'll need to have a pay TV subscription through AT&T, Comcast, Cox, DISH Network, Suddenlink or Verizon to access the streams. For the moment Android users are left out in the cold but, that's ok, fans of dessert-themed OS names can pull in Al Jazeera English free of charge.
Show full PR text
CNN is First to Stream 24-Hour News Network Online and On Mobile

CNN.com Unveils New Video Experience to Showcase Live CNN and HLN TV, On-Demand Video, Multi-tasking

CNN and HLN's complete 24-hour television networks will be streamed live on CNN.com, the CNN App for iPad and the CNN App for iPhone and iPod touch beginning today, July 18. CNN Worldwide is the first news organization to stream its linear television channels online and on mobile devices to consumers who subscribe to a multi-channel video service. Simultaneous to this launch, CNN.com has debuted its new video experience, which seamlessly integrates live network TV into a larger and higher-quality video player, capable of delivering HD quality.

CNN and HLN online and mobile streaming is currently available to approximately 50 million households with subscribers to participating pay TV providers, including: AT&T, Comcast, Cox, DISH Network, Suddenlink and Verizon.

"A principle goal for CNN is to make more of our content available to more people on more platforms, and CNN's participation in the TV Everywhere initiative is another step forward in that effort," said Jim Walton, President of CNN Worldwide. "We have long believed that our growth depends on keeping CNN essential and relevant to consumers wherever they are."

To access CNN and HLN online, users can go to www.cnn.com/video, click on the "Live" tab and log-in through their cable, satellite or telco provider with a username and password.

For mobile devices, a user can download the CNN App for iPad or the CNN App for iPhone and iPod touch (or update their app to version 1.2 for iPhone, 1.1 for iPad), and authenticate in the same way.

"CNN is taking a significant step forward by offering live CNN and HLN TV to our audiences whether they are on their couches at home or have their toes in the sand on the beach," said KC Estenson, general manager of CNN Digital. "The 10 million users who have downloaded CNN's mobile apps and the tens of millions of people who get the latest news and information from CNN.com every day will soon be able to watch CNN TV on every device they have."

CNN.com video experience

CNN.com's new video experience offers a cinematic player that optimizes the video quality for a user based on their Internet connection, with the capability of delivering HD quality. Video can be "squeezed back" to allow a user to browse through curated CNN video collections and TV show clips without leaving the video experience.

In addition to the live streams of CNN's networks, the video experience will continue to offer up to four live streams of breaking news and events, original video series and on-demand video clips with related CNN and HLN show information.

The CNN App for iPad and CNN App for iPhone and iPod touch are available for free from the App Store or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

Nokia RM-670 swans through the FCC, gives us another 'Zeta' portrait to admire

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 08:59 AM PDT

We first saw the Nokia RM-670 (aka the N7 or 700 Zeta) in a batch of unflattering spy-shots, then in some leaked publicity poses, and now we also have an exquisite line drawing courtesy of the FCC. Sure, it's not the most detailed of portraits, but it's the first absolutely concrete evidence we have that the RM-670 exists and may be headed to the New World. The FCC paperwork lists 1700MHz AWS and 850/1900Mhz 3G bands, suggesting that the handset could potentially work on T-Mobile or AT&T. Other rumored specs doing the rounds include the new Symbian Belle OS, a 1GHz processor, NFC and a 3.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen -- as if those rounded contours weren't pleasing enough.

[Thanks, Glenn]

Amazon rolls out textbook rentals for Kindle, promises discounts up to 80 percent

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 08:36 AM PDT

Students can already save a few bucks by opting for a digital version of a textbook over a hardcover, and they can now save even more courtesy of Amazon if they aren't too intent on hanging onto the book after they're done with it. The company has just announced textbook rentals for Kindle, which promises to let students save "up to 80 percent" off the list price of those often pricey textbooks. That discount varies depending on the rental period -- which can be anywhere from 30 to 360 days -- and the option is already available on "tens of thousands" of textbooks from a number of publishers including John Wiley & Sons, Elsevier and Taylor & Francis. What's more, you can also rest assured that all of your annotations will be saved even after the rental has expired, and be accessible at any time on the Kindle website (or in the book itself if you ever decide to rent it again for old time's sake). Press release is after the break.
Show full PR text
Students Can Now Save Up To 80% with Kindle Textbook Rental

Low rental prices and flexible rental periods of any length between 30 and 360 days
Margin notes and highlighted passages are stored in the Amazon Cloud for viewing anytime, anywhere – even after a rental expires

SEATTLE, July 18, 2011-(NASDAQ: AMZN)-Today, Amazon.com announced the launch of Kindle Textbook Rental-now students can save up to 80% off textbook list prices by renting from the Kindle Store. Tens of thousands of textbooks are available for the 2011 school year from leading textbook publishers such as John Wiley & Sons, Elsevier and Taylor & Francis. Students can find details about the program at www.amazon.com/kindletextbooks.

"Students tell us that they enjoy the low prices we offer on new and used print textbooks. Now we're excited to offer students an option to rent Kindle textbooks and only pay for the time they need-with savings up to 80% off the print list price on a 30-day rental," said Dave Limp, vice president, Amazon Kindle.

Kindle Textbook Rental offers the ability to customize rental periods to any length between 30 and 360 days, so students only pay for the specific amount of time they need a book. Students can also easily extend any rental period in increments as small as one day or choose to purchase the book they are renting at any time.

"We've done a little something extra we think students will enjoy," continued Limp. "Normally, when you sell your print textbook at the end of the semester you lose all the margin notes and highlights you made as you were studying. We're extending our Whispersync technology so that you get to keep and access all of your notes and highlighted content in the Amazon Cloud, available anytime, anywhere – even after a rental expires. If you choose to rent again or buy at a later time, your notes will be there just as you left them, perfectly Whispersynced."

Kindle Textbooks are "Rent Once, Read Everywhere" as they can be read across the most popular devices with free Kindle Reading Apps for PC, Mac, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Android-based devices.

For more information about Kindle Textbook Rental, visit www.amazon.com/kindletextbooks.
About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle, Kindle 3G, Kindle with Special Offers, Kindle 3G with Special Offers and Kindle DX are the revolutionary portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers, blogs and personal documents to a crisp, high-resolution electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. Kindle 3G, Kindle 3G with Special Offers and Kindle DX utilize the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones, so users never need to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. Kindle is the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, and www.amazon.it. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Asus updates Xtion Pro motion sensor, makes it even more like Kinect

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 08:11 AM PDT

Remember the Xtion Pro and Wavi Xtion motion sensors that Asus showed off at CES? Well, fast-forward six months and there's already an updated model on the market: the Windows- and Linux-compatible Xtion Pro Live. The new version complements the original's IR and depth sensors with a Kinect-like VGA webcam and a pair of microphones, while also jacking up the bill to a distinctly un-Kinect-like 175 Euros ($300). That price tag won't make us shift our living room furniture around anytime soon, especially since Kinect is already officially heading to the PC. However, that isn't really the point: the Pro Live edition is primarily meant to help developers design better games and apps for the more consumer-focused but as yet unreleased Wavi. Soon as they develop a game that rewards rather than punishes us for dancing like Tina Turner, we'll be right there.

[Thanks, TheLostSwede]

Motorola XT860 4G is the Droid 3's curling loving cousin for Bell

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 07:50 AM PDT

Motorola XT860
Looks like someone took the Droid 3, slapped a new name on it, and shipped it north to our friends in Canada, but added one neat twist -- it's now rocking an extra "G." Officially known as the XT860 4G, Bell's version of Motorola's QWERTY slider comes packed with a HSPA+ radio that can handle the 850MHz, 1900MHz, and 2100MHz bands. That means not only can our ice-sweeping neighbors enjoy blazing fast mobile data, but they can roam the globe without sacrificing their deliciously speedy connection. Otherwise, you're looking at the same 4-inch, dual-core Gingerbread device that just launched here in the states. For the moment though, price and availability are still up in the syrup-scented air.
Show full PR text
Motorola Mobility Canada Introduces Motorola XT860 4G: World's Thinnest QWERTY Slider Smartphone

Thin, fast, strong - Motorola XT860 4G offers unprecedented mobile power to Canadians

TORONTO, July 14, 2011 /CNW/ - Setting a new standard for superphones, Motorola Mobility Canada Ltd. introduces the Android™-powered Motorola XT860 4G, available soon exclusively at Bell Mobility. The mobile powerhouse delivers uncompromising web, email and media content to Canadians and will be Bell's first superphone equipped with a full slide-out keyboard. The individuals using this device will become digital trailblazers, channeling the strengths of the device to power through their day.

Among the many strengths of Motorola XT860 4G is the device's dual-core 1GHz processor, enabling users to simultaneously run apps, stream media, talk, email and surf the web, all without delay. A permanent number row on the top of the thin QWERTY keypad lets users type and text faster and more accurately without the need to always hit the 'ALT' button. And with a brilliant 4.0-inch qHD touchscreen display, Motorola XT860 showcases clearer photos, Web pages and video content.

"The Motorola XT860 4G is the superphone for the superhuman task of balancing our personal and business lives," said David Petrou, sales director, Motorola Mobility Canada. "With a dual core processor, ultra-efficient 5th row QWERTY and powerful multimedia features, you're up to the challenge."

"Bell has established itself as Canada's superphone destination and we're excited to add the Motorola XT860 4G - our first superphone with a full keyboard - to our already impressive portfolio of these powerful devices," said Tony Grewal, Director of Products at Bell Mobility. "On Canada's best network, the XT860 will offer a range of benefits for both business and consumer customers."

Marvel at Mind-Blowing Media Content
Motorola XT860 4G offers loads of features for extraordinary entertainment and functionality. Users have the benefit of Adobe Flash 10, allowing them to stream web content, videos and games on the most popular video player available today. The XT860 4G features a front-facing camera to video chat with friends, family and coworkers whether with Wi-Fi or a HSPA+ connection. All of this is delivered on a generous and brilliant 4.0-inch qHD display. Connect Motorola XT860 4G to other media devices - such as computers and televisions - with plug and play technology, via DLNA or HDMI, to enjoy multimedia on multiple screens with mirror mode.

Motorola XT860 4G comes with Connected Music Player, a personal music dashboard powered by TuneWiki, allowing users to stream music from the Web, including podcasts, Web radio or other web-based streaming content. Also, while songs are playing, lyrics are streamed so users can sing along without missing a beat.

Discover and Connect While On-the-Go
With Motorola XT860 4G, individuals can stay informed of up-to-the-minute events, bargains, restaurants and other opportunities that are in their vicinity and match their preferences. Using Motorola's Social Location technology, local information is compiled from thousands of the Internet's most powerful websites, and then filtered based on context and past behavior before it is pushed out to the device enabling people to explore new shops and restaurants, find friends who are in the same area, and call for reservations or tickets with the click of a single button. Information filters are updated based on response, and relevant data is only sent to the user when he or she is looking for it, without being intrusive.

Motorola XT860 4G leverages smart docking technology, offering tailored experiences based on home, office, bedroom or car dock settings. As users transition environments throughout the day, Motorola XT860 4G adapts its features automatically based on the dock it's connected to and pre-defined settings. For example, when a user connects his or her Motorola XT860 4G into a dock in the bedroom, the device automatically adjusts to pre-defined settings, such as a lower screen brightness, alarm clock and homescreen news updates. When moved from the bedroom dock to the car dock, Motorola XT860 4G can automatically display GPS navigation and stream a pre-selected morning radio program, giving users the experience they desire as they transition throughout the day.

Built for Fun but Ready for Business
Motorola XT860 4G empowers users to manage business instantly, intuitively and securely. Never be out of the know with work issues by keeping up with corporate email sent directly to the device. Users can keep track of their schedule through a full calendar and they have the ability to see if colleagues are busy and initiate new meetings. Users can download, review and edit documents, presentations or spreadsheets with a pre-loaded Quick Office. Also, with the built in Citrix Receiver application, business users benefit from simple, secure access to business applications, desktops, and IT services. The large 4.0-inch qHD display makes it easy to see the document with little scrolling or panning. Additionally, the five-row QWERTY keypad makes it easy to quickly type up responses to emails, and there's no need to wonder if the IT department will approve Motorola XT8604G, as the device is fully business ready with security, password protection and encryption requirements.

Key Features and Specifications:

A dual-core 1GHz processor capable of opening web pages and rendering games fast, and displaying HD video on big-screen TVs
Runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the mobile platform from Google
4.0-inch qHD display, offering high resolution and 24-bit color, making it easier to read indoors and outdoors and perfect for watching popular live and on-demand content on Bell Mobile TV
Combined five-row QWERTY and touchscreen keypad for faster and easier typing and texting
8-megapixel rear-facing camera with dual LED flash, 1080p video-capable
Front-facing VGA camera for video chat
Up to 32GB of storage (16GB internal) - enough to store thousands of songs, photos and movies
Social Location delivers location-based content to users based on relevancy and preferences
Connected Music Player is a personal music dashboard powered by TuneWiki
Access to Google™ Mobile Services (Google Maps™ 5.0 with 3D maps and Navigation, Google Talk™, and Browsing)
Comprehensive business features, including: GA Lookup for eMail & Calendar access; remote document access (QuickOffice); and complex security, password and data encryption

Availability
Motorola XT860 4G will be available exclusively to Bell Mobility clients this summer. For more information visit Motorola.ca.

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people's lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, please visit: www.motorola.com/mobility.

Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Contact your service provider for details. All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. 4G refers to Bell's next generation wireless network. See http://best.bell.ca/en/fastest/ for details.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Android, Google, Google Maps and Google Talk are trademarks of Google, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Motorola Mobility, Inc. All rights reserved.

Human-derived gelatin spares the livestock, confuses vegans

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 07:26 AM PDT

Vegans are going to be super-conflicted by this one. Researchers at Beijing University's College of Life Science and Technology are pioneering a four-legged creature friendly method for cranking out the 300,000 tons of gelatin produced each year. Their solution: people. Well, not in the Soylent Green sense. No, the process in question here takes "human gelatin genes [and inserts them] into a strain of yeast [producing] gelatin with controllable features." Sound appetizing? It might, if you want to avoid chowing down on "Mad Cow" tainted gummy worms at the cinema. Alright, so maybe these Chinese scientists are signaling the sensationalist red alert a bit prematurely -- it's just too bad Charlton Heston isn't around to witness this bit of life science imitating his art.

[Image credit via Film Critic]
Show full PR text
New method for making human-based gelatin

"New Strategy for Expression of Recombinant Hydroxylated Human-Derived Gelatin in Pichia pastoris KM71"
Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry

Scientists are reporting development of a new approach for producing large quantities of human-derived gelatin that could become a substitute for some of the 300,000 tons of animal-based gelatin produced annually for gelatin-type desserts, marshmallows, candy and innumerable other products. Their study appears in ACS's Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.

Jinchun Chen and colleagues explain that animal-based gelatin, which is made most often from the bones and skin of cows and pigs, may carry a risk of infectious diseases such as "Mad Cow" disease and could provoke immune system responses in some people. Animal-based gelatin has other draw-backs, with variability from batch to batch, for instance, creating difficulties for manufacturers. Scientists thus have sought alternatives, including development of a human-recombinant gelatin for potential use in drug capsules and other medical applications.

To get around these difficulties, the scientists developed and demonstrated a method where human gelatin genes are inserted into a strain of yeast, which can produce gelatin with controllable features. The researchers are still testing the human-yeast gelatin to see how well it compares to other gelatins in terms of its viscosity and other attributes. Chen and colleagues suggest that their method could be scaled up to produce large amounts of gelatin for commercial use.

The Engadget Show returns next Monday, July 25th -- win a ticket to the taping!

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 07:00 AM PDT

After a month-long slumber, the Engadget Show is back! We're taping in just over a week, on Monday, July 25th at 6:00pm! Tim Stevens and Brian Heater will be your guides through the world of all things audible. First up, our own Darren Murph will have a tour of Westone's facilities, showing us how their astonishing buds get made. Next is an Engadget Labs segment, where Brian and Terrence O'Brien put a plethora of cheap and not-so-cheap earbuds to the test, to see how they compare. All cumulating in a roundtable discussion on the state of streaming music. And it wouldn't be an Engadget Show without music, giveaways, and maybe a few surprises.

The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint and will take place in our intimate NYC studio, so if you want to get in, you'll need to win a ticket in advance. But don't worry, if you can't get there in person we'll have a download up soon after taping.

Sprint is also offering guaranteed tickets to The Engadget Show taping to the first 60 entrants who text "ENGADGET" to 467467 or enter online! Standard text messaging rates apply. Click for the Official Rules and see how to enter online.

If you live outside of the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT), you can enter online for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City to attend The Engadget Show. Standard text messaging rates apply. Click here to enter.

Here are the details if you win a ticket:
  • The event is all ages.
  • We'll open doors and begin seating at 5:15pm on July 25th, and the taping begins at 6:00PM. We'll be closing the doors at 5:50PM.
  • Winners must pick confirm and print tickets 24 hours before taping begins or risk forfeiting their seat.
  • Please bring a photo ID with you to the taping.
  • The show length is around an hour.
If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com.

Subscribe to the Show:

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Grundig Digta 7 stakes claim as world's first Bluetooth dictation device, period, line break

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 06:33 AM PDT

Grundig reckons its customers still prefer "dictating with a professional dictation device," rather than merely "recording" themselves with a smartphone. Say what? Nevertheless, the company's new Digta 7 Premium BT voice recorder does embrace modernity in its own particular way, by sharing files wirelessly at up to 30 feet with Bluetooth-equipped smartphones and PCs. A Blackberry app is also in the works that will allow the customized routing of audio files via email. No official word on pricing, or when the app will be available, but our secretary tells us that the device is already selling in the UK for a stutter-inducing £500 ($800). We're still looking for justification in the PR, after the break.
Show full PR text
GBS: Sending Dictations Practically, On the Go – with Digta 7 Premium BT, the Bluetooth Dictation Device

Speech recognition for establishing dictation IDs quickly

NAPERVILLE, Ill--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grundig Business Systems (GBS), one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional dictation systems, will release the Digta 7 Premium BT for delivery starting in July. This product is the world's first dictation device with a built-in Bluetooth module. It can be used, for example, to send a dictation via Bluetooth directly from the dictation device to a BlackBerry for automatic transfer, or to a Bluetooth-enabled PC.

"Our clients have repeatedly told us they prefer 'dictating' with a professional dictation device, as opposed to 'recording' with purely smartphone based tools. The Digta 7 Premium BT allows users to continue to dictate as they are used to, while taking advantage of their smartphone as the dictation file transmission method, further decreasing the transcription processing turnaround time," says GBS Managing Director Roland Hollstein. GBS will also release the "Dictation Blue" app for the BlackBerry, which will allow for customized routing of dictations via the secure e-mail client of the BlackBerry.

"With this innovative dictation device, our customers get to benefit from the excellent ergonomical design and sound quality of professional dictation devices, while enjoying the great flexibility of being able to send their dictations to their assistant any time, from anywhere, reflecting the demands of an increasingly mobile workforce. Their transcribed and formatted document could already be waiting for them when they return to the office," explains Mr. Hollstein. The Bluetooth device, when used for transmitting dictations in DSS, DSSPro or WAV format, has an operating range of around 15 to 30 feet.

New functions for easier dictation

The Digta 7 Premium BT is especially simple and intuitive to operate with its innovative Touch Pin slide switch. With the Touch Pin, the user can operate the dictation device by feel, as the Touch Pin protrudes slightly from the switch when set on 'stop'. Another special feature is the use of speech recognition for creating an alphanumeric dictation ID, also enabling the natural pronunciation of numbers. Dictation IDs can also be entered quickly and easily with the customizable text editor or a barcode scanner. Alternatively, data lists can be prepared in advance and loaded over to the dictation device.

For further information on the Digta 7 Premium BT as well as other models in the "Digta 7" dictation device line: www.digta7.com

Ideum's MT-55 'Platform' multitouch table goes ultrathin, demands but $18,000

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 06:00 AM PDT

It's been a hot minute since we've heard from the fine folks at Ideum, but when the image above floated into our inbox... well, it's safe to say our interest was piqued. We last heard from these guys back in the fall of 2009, and while The Platform is certainly a bit smaller than the 100-inch MT-50 that came before it, it's also a heck of a lot more practical for average consumers. Well, save for the price. Looking beyond that for a moment, you'll find a devilishly thin (3-inches) table, complete with 55-inches of 1080p gorgeousness, a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree viewing angle and support for a 64-bit copy of Windows 7 Professional. The internal computer includes a dual-core Core i5 CPU (2.66GHz), 8GB of memory and a 128GB SSD; you'll also find WiFi, Bluetooth and a slew of "hidden ports." The entire thing is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, and it supports a total of 32 touch points. We'll leave it to you to discover what it'll be used for in your future abode, but if you've got the $17,950 to take one home, you've probably got the brains to figure it out.

Bomb-sniffing crystals may save us from nuclear Armageddon, tea leaves agree

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 05:35 AM PDT

Worried that a nuclear attack might wipe out all of American civilization? You needn't be, because the scientific community's crystal ball says crystal balls may save humanity. Last week, the Department of Energy awarded a $900,000 grant to Fisk University and Wake Forest, where researchers have been busy exploring the counter-terrorist capabilities of strontium iodide crystals. Once laced with europium, these crystals can do a remarkably good job of picking up on and analyzing radiation, as the team from Fisk and other national laboratories recently discovered. Cost remains the most imposing barrier to deploying the materials at airports or national borders, though soothsaying scientists claim it's only a matter of time before they develop a way to produce greater crystalline quantities at an affordable price. The only thing Miss Cleo sees is a glistening press release, in your very near, post-break future.
Show full PR text
Crystals detect threats to national security

Wake Forest University and Fisk University awarded $900,000 to detect nuclear threats

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – July 15, 2011 – Using a crystal ball to protect homeland security might seem far-fetched, but researchers at Wake Forest University and Fisk University have partnered to develop crystals that can be used to detect nuclear threats, radioactive material or chemical bombs more accurately and affordably.

The research is made possible by a $900,000 grant from the Office of Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development of the National Nuclear Security Administration, within the U.S. Department of Energy.

The grant will support both universities' continued research in the area of radiation detection, which ultimately could lead to improved detector devices for screening cargo containers at ports, airports and border crossings. It would detect trace amounts of radioactive or chemical material – similar to a CT scan or PET scan detecting a tumor in the human body – and lead to better medical diagnostics.

"This grant is an acknowledgement of Fisk and Wake Forest's excellence and leadership in the field of radiation detection research," said Fisk University Professor of Physics and Vice Provost Arnold Burger.

Researchers at Fisk and in national laboratories previously discovered that strontium iodide crystals doped with europium are able to detect and analyze radiation better than most other detection materials. Wake Forest researchers recently demonstrated the unexpectedly crucial role of specific parameters – electron and hole mobilities – needed to predict the best energy resolution of a given detector crystal.

Currently, expense is an issue because of the large quantities of the crystalline material ultimately needed for widely deployed screening devices. However, strontium iodide already performs much better than the most affordable detectors currently used, and the scientists are optimistic that with the right calculations and adjustments, crystals of the needed quality and size can be grown and produced affordably.
"Unexpected radiation situations are a fact of our modern world," said Dr. Richard Williams, Professor of Physics at Wake Forest. "By improving radiation detection and diagnostics, our research will benefit medical advancement as well as international security."

KDDI's mind-reading Android app monitors your brainstorms, or lack thereof... (video)

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 05:08 AM PDT

Ready for an epic brainwave dance-off between Jobs' Jets and Rubin's Sharks? Well, put down your shivs and get back to that alpha state because it's gonna take a little while. Developed by KDDI's R&D labs, this prototype mind-monitoring, sensor-laden headband connects wirelessly to your Android device to let you know just how stressed out you are. All it takes is a simple 30-second game of "mash mash mash the little green robot" (amongst others) to translate your focused and relaxed states into an easily readable brain pattern chart. The tech's nothing we haven't already seen the ominously named NeuroSky do for the iOS platform, but it should help to get those fanboy flames a-blazing. Of course, if mobile OS turf wars don't get your neurons in a tizzy, you could always spend half a minute thinking of your honey -- or actual honey. Whatever floats your neural boat. Video demonstration after the break.

Lego folding farm fights cancer, looks good doing it

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 04:19 AM PDT

Lego Folding Farm
Sure, this Lego monstrosity isn't as cute or agile as some other plastic brick creations we've seen, but can those works of snap-together art cure cancer? OK, this folding farm might not actually put an end to tumors, but it can churn out 135,000 points of crunching power per-day in IBMs World Community Grid. Inside are actually three separate PCs powered by a trio of Core i7 2600ks and a single, massive 1,200-watt power supply. But who cares about that -- just look at all those bricks! About 2,000 of them, along with a few aluminum bars, make up this DIY case. And, thanks to the over-sized supply and modular design, creator Mike Schropp can easily stack another system or two on top, should it tickle his fancy. We'll leave you with some advice from Mr. Schropp -- should you ever be working on a project and unable to find exactly what you're looking for, just stop and ask yourself, "can I use Legos?"

Archos G9 tablets priced: $300 and up, ship in September

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 03:31 AM PDT

If you're still waiting to pull the trigger on an Android 3.1 tab, decision day may be coming soon. Back in June, Archos revealed two G9 models: the 8-inch 80 and the 10-inch 101. Well... in case you needed time to save up a little extra dough from your paper route, pricing has been revealed ahead of the September release. The smaller of the two tablets will start out at $299.99 and the more stout of the pair at $369.99 (both 8GB base models), a cool Jackson more than originally reported. Just as a quick refresher, keep in mind that beastly 250GB options are available for both, boasting Seagate's 7mm Momentus Thin HDD technology. You know, if you're wanting to carry around your entire Metallica bootleg discography on one of these bad boys.

[Thanks, Elliott]

Versetta iPad cases promise form and fashion, deliver something else

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 02:23 AM PDT

Versetta iPad cases promise form and fashion, deliver something else
When we first got wind of Versetta's line of iPad-toting totes, we were immediately intrigued. Handbags and cases that deliver form and fashion you say? Well, we took the extra two seconds to scroll on past the press release and found -- to our surprise -- the peak-a-boo bag featured above. Now, Versetta's clearly taken some liberties with the English language here -- its bags are more Paris, Texas than Paris, France -- but we're nonetheless impressed with the novel approach to stowing your iOS slab. The company's pushing two separate lines for its pouches -- one for professionals and one for ladies who lunch -- both of which allow you to access your iPad, ports and all, without taking it out of its case. Sure they're more QVC than LV, but if you're into trap doors, you can grab a bag at the source link below. Full PR after the break.
Show full PR text
Versetta® handbags and cases deliver form and fashion for today's iPad® users

Peoria, IL., July 15, 2011 Scott Creations LLC is pleased to announce the availability of Versetta handbags and cases. Versetta bags are designed specifically to make carrying and interacting with your iPad simple and intuitive-like it was supposed to be! Each bag features an incorporated frame, with a protective flap, which securely holds the iPad (version 1 or 2). Once the flap is opened, the iPad, and it's ports, can be accessed without removing it from the bag.

While the benefit of having your handbag double as a work station is obvious, it's the bags' style and color choices that are exciting customers. Whatever one's personal preference in bags - tote, satchel, hobo, attaché - there's a Versetta bag available, in colors ranging from business black and brown to turquoise, pink, sunny yellow and trendy coral.

The Prima collection is a line of women's fashion handbags in sought-after colors and styles. Women who appreciate fashion and technology will appreciate the freedom from frumpy, stuffy laptop bags, and will love Versetta handbags' quality construction, material and hardware. "No longer do women have to dig in their purse to find their tablet, nor do they have to carry a separate bag to carry their iPad safely and securely", stated Susan Scott, founder of Scott Creations LLC.

The Affari collection is classic designs for professionals who have embraced today's technology. Lawyers, executives, realtors, road warriors and medical reps will welcome the ability to work on-the-go.

Beginning July 15th, Versetta handbags will be available for purchase. Scott Creations LLC, the manufacturer of Versetta handbags, will take orders through the website, www. versetta.com. The fully functional online store will process all credit cards, issue gift certificates, and create wish lists for their clients. Retailers can also contact Scott Creations LLC directly through the web site to carry the popular handbags in their stores.

"We introduced the Versetta bags and cases at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show and received rave reviews," said Scott. "iPad enthusiasts, particularly the 'Techy Moms' were thrilled to find a truly fashionable solution to easily access and interact with their tablet computers. "

Versetta is the first bag of it's kind in the marketplace. Demand for the collection is expected to be great, as consumers and bloggers have been anticipating the release. Consumers and retailers are encouraged to place their orders quickly.

Sonos S3 / Play:3 all-in-one speaker system pops up at Amazon for $300, gets yanked post-haste

Posted: 18 Jul 2011 01:12 AM PDT

Sonos S3 / Play:3 all-in-one speaker system pops up at Amazon for $300, gets yanked post-haste
Sonos has proven to be quite the tease in its handling of the Sonos S3 (or is it the Play:3?). The wireless all-in-one speaker system made its first clandestine appearance at the FCC earlier this month, but gave little in the way of details, and now it's popped up in an (already pulled) Amazon pre-order page. This latest lift of the curtain hasn't given us much more to go on, but at least now we have a price -- $300 -- and confirmation that the speaker system is indeed rocking a "trio of drivers and amplifiers," as we previously speculated. Specifically, it's got one tweeter, two mids, and a single bass radiator on board. Amazon lists the system as PLAY3US1BLK, leading us to believe that we were also right in assuming that the S3 will come in the traditional black and white. As of now, we don't have anything confirming a shipping date, but you can bet we'll blast it your way when Sonos finally decides to give up the details.

[Thanks, Charlie]

Polyphonic Spree melds music video and Choose Your Own Adventure in new iOS app

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 11:03 PM PDT

Anxious to get your ears on new tunes from The Polyphonic Spree? Join the crowd. For those in possession of an iOS device, you can have a listen at the freshest of the fresh ("Bullseye"), while entertaining yourself all the while. As artists look for ever-changing ways to get their points across, this particular group has teamed up with Moonbot Studios in order to create an interactive, character-based narrative music video. It's a Choose Your Own Adventure novel, layered atop a music vid; hit the source link to get your download on.

Want to write for Engadget? We're hiring in Tokyo, Japan!

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 09:00 PM PDT

Oh sure, you love gadgets -- but do you have the chops to write about them? We'd love to know if you think you do, because we're looking to actually pay humans to do this stuff. Professional writing experience isn't necessary (though folks with it will get first consideration), but what we really care about is that you can write skillfully about gadgets with wit, concision, and authority. And being obsessed with Engadget is good, too. So here's what we're after:
  • Tokyo, Japan-based editor: Full-time, based in Tokyo (or nearby), able to work from home and quickly commute to the city for events, meetings, etc. English must be your first language, as that's what you'll be writing for us in. Speaking Japanese isn't a requirement, but it doesn't hurt. To clarify, this is an Engadget US position, but based in Tokyo. This is not a position for our sister site, Engadget Japan.
Want to apply? Read on.

If you're an established writer, you can bypass the "Writing" section below and forward links / attachments of your articles to jobs *at* engadget *dot* com.

If not, here's what you to do to apply (and just a heads up, if you don't follow the rules, you really hurt your chances):

Writing
  • Send in three sample posts written in the Engadget style to the email address at the bottom of this article.
    • "The Engadget style" doesn't mean a generic-sounding blog voice -- think about how your own writing style and voice can shine through while still fitting Engadget.
    • These sample posts can be about whatever you want, but they should seem like they could have been written by one of our writers (but without all the typos and gross inaccuracies). Avoid making up products or stories -- keeping it real helps us see how you might handle an actual news item.
    • Make sure these are germane to the site you want to write for.
    • We won't be using these on the site, we just want to get a sense of how well you can do this stuff.
  • Your favorite related gadgets (and why).
  • Give us a few words about how you think Engadget differs from other technology pubs out there.
About You
  • A few words about yourself. (Please note, due to legalities we can't hire minors.)
  • Your contact info.
  • How much time per week you can commit to blogging. If it's less than 40 to 50 hours then you probably shouldn't bother, and keep in mind we're looking for folks to be on as much as humanly possible. But be realistic, okay?
  • Any foreign languages you speak. Those fluent in Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean and / or Chinese will be looked fondly upon.
  • Any experience you have with CSS / HTML / PHP coding, or otherwise monkeying with code in a content management system (don't freak out if you have none of this).
  • Any other questions you may have about the gig.
What not to do (and what to do)
  • If you're an established writer, you can attach a resume (either in the body of the email itself or as an attachment is fine) as well as a cover letter with links to your previous work.
  • If you have any questions, email darrenATengadgetDOTcom directly.
Note that we will only review fully complete applications, and remember to put the name of the position you're applying for in the title of your email (read: "Tokyo Editor").

We also apologize, but the sheer volume of applications makes it difficult to respond to everyone. If we're interested we'll get in touch, and thanks in advance!

To apply to Engadget, please send us an email at jobsATengadgetDOTcom with the phrase "Tokyo Editor" in the subject line!

Roku 2 launch could be just around the corner

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 08:36 PM PDT

If the Roku 2 hardware spied passing through the FCC and lounging around a few beta tester's pads piqued your interest we have good news, it may be about to launch very soon. So far all we know is what we've seen of the shrunken cases and revamped IT remote, while upgraded processors within are bringing Angry Birds this summer. In the meantime, Zatz Not Funny has strung together an FCC filing for the new RF remote control and rumors indicating an impending launch at prices identical to current models. That puts the XD at $80 and the XS at $100, so if you were thinking about stopping off at Best Buy for a media streamer, you might want to hold off for a day or three.

How would you change Nokia's E7?

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 07:28 PM PDT

Hard to believe the last great Communicator was launched but a few months back, huh? In the time since, Nokia has bestowed upon us the first image of its forthcoming WP7 handset, rolled out the MeeGo-based N9 and flaunted the dev-only N950. That said, Symbian's still claiming a staggering piece of the market from a global perspective, and even though Elop and co. have largely given up on it for their future smartphones, we're pretty certain at least a few of you sprung for the oh-so-gorgeous E7. So, now that you've had a few months to put it through its paces, what say you? Would you change the keypad in any way? Is that panel dense enough for you? Would you have preferred a different OS? How's about a non-EDoF camera? Shoot the breeze down in comments below, but let's keep it civil, okay? It's Sunday, after all.

Russia's RadioAstron telescope finally set to launch, blanket space with its radio eye

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 05:14 PM PDT

Considering all the space nostalgia we've been swimming in recently, it's somewhat appropriate that a Cold War-era telescope is gearing up to make its maiden voyage, after more than three decades of development (and delays). The Russian mission, known as RadioAstron, will finally become a reality on Monday, when a radio telescope launches from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome before soaring into orbit some 350,000 kilometers away from the Earth. At just ten meters in width, the craft's antenna is small in comparison to other radio 'scopes, but its reach can be dramatically expanded when combined with signals from those on the ground. This technique, called interferometry, will effectively create the largest telescope ever built, covering an area nearly 30 times the Earth's diameter and allowing RadioAstron to capture interstellar images in 10,000 times the resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope. There remains, however, one major hurdle -- because the spacecraft collects data at about 144 megabits per second, it must constantly transfer information to antennas on the ground. Problem is, there's only one antenna capable of receiving RadioAstron's signals and, unless others are constructed soon, a healthy chunk of its observations could be lost. How do you say "buzz-kill" in Russian?

Spotify teams up with Chevy to announce invites, not integration

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 03:54 PM PDT

Spotify teams up with Chevy to announce invites, not integration
Still waiting for that Spotify invite? If you're hip on getting some Chevy Sonic-colored spam, you can snag another ticket in the invitation raffle: the carmaker recently declared itself Spotify's "exclusive automotive advertising partner." What's this mean to you? Chevrolet is doling out Spotify invites to the first 150,000 folks to request info about the upcoming Chevy Sonic. The automotive firm goes on to toot its own horn, bragging that the mere mention of its automobiles in countless country and rock songs qualify it for the partnership. Could this be the start of a beautiful, music streaming, friendship? We certainly wouldn't scoff at a generation of Spotify-enabled Chevys. Hit the break for the official press release, and conjure up some conjecture of your own.
Show full PR text
Chevrolet and Spotify Offer a World of Music to U.S. Fans

Exclusive automotive advertising partner for U.S. launch of Euro-based service

DETROIT – Chevrolet is offering U.S. music lovers access to Spotify, the award-winning digital music service used by more than 10 million Europeans.

As part of Spotify's U.S. launch today, the first 150,000 requests received through the Chevrolet Sonic tab on the Chevrolet Facebook page will receive an invitation to Spotify's free on-demand streaming of one of the world's biggest music libraries.

"Chevrolet continues to play a significant role in America's popular music culture as evidenced by the brand and vehicles being highlighted in hundreds of songs over the years," said Kevin Mayer, director of Chevrolet Advertising. "Supporting Spotify's U.S. launch resonates with Chevrolet's long-standing tradition of bringing U.S. consumers a new way to listen and share music."

Chevrolet is among Spotify's first U.S. advertisers and the only automotive brand to support the company's U.S. launch. The Sonic is the only subcompact car built in the United States.

"We are very excited to be bringing Spotify to the U.S., and to be working with partners such as Chevrolet towards our goal of making all the world's music available for everyone to enjoy, whenever they want it and wherever they are," said Ken Parks, chief content officer and managing director, Spotify, North America.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar-powered Supertrees, hydrogen racecars and LED-studded shoes

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 03:19 PM PDT

The hot summer sun sparked blazing advances in solar energy this week as Inhabitat reported that a crop of incredible solar-powered Supertrees sprouted at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay conservatory. We also saw designers float plans for a series of gorgeous sun collecting water lily islands, and speaking of flowers, we learned that scientists are breeding cold-resistant super bees that can withstand mites and disease. Scotland made waves as well when it unveiled the next-generation Oyster 800 wave energy plant, and Japan's Prime Minister signaled a sea change as he called for a complete phase-out of nuclear power.

Several cities took steps away from car culture this week as a Spanish town offered residents lifetime tram passes in exchange for their cars, and JetBlue launched a set of dubious $4 flights to offset the closing of the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. We also took a look at the green technologies launched by NASA's soon to be extinct space shuttle program and we saw the unveiling of the world's first student-built hydrogen racecar.

In other news, we peered into the future of consumer tech as we counted down our six most desired green upgrades for the Phone 5 and we saw Jawbone launch an app-powered wristband that promotes healthy living. LED technology also lit up our lives as Philips rolled out a beautiful new breed of luminous wallpaper and Chanel kicked of its latest fashion show with a line of LED-studded shoes. Last but not least, we spotted a set of magnetic building blocks that help Honduran families, and this week gadget expert and Engadget founder Peter Rojas closed our Ask a Tech Geek column with a look at six great ways to charge your gadgets with renewable energy. If you're thirsting for more, don't miss Peter's posts about fine tuning your laptop to save energy, vanquishing vampire energy drain, and recycling your old cables and chargers!

Switched On: The bedeviled bezel

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 02:38 PM PDT

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

One of the few homages that the Palm Pre paid to the Palm Pilot was the gesture area, a separate part of the display face below the screen used for swipes just as the Pilot had a separate area devoted to entering Graffiti strokes. Unfortunately (like Graffiti before it), the gesture area was one of the least intuitive aspects of the Pre's operation, and HP has been moving away from it as a required navigation element. On the TouchPad, the gesture area has been scrapped in favor of an iPad-like bottom button.

But HP hasn't outright ignored the bezel on the TouchPad. Users can still swipe inbound from the bezel as an alternative way of bringing up its card view. Indeed, in 2011, it seems like nearly everyone has been taking a swipe at the bezel around touchscreen displays. First, RIM introduced inbound bezel swipes as a key navigation element on the PlayBook for activating menus, bringing up applications to launch, and its own webOS-like app switching interface. Microsoft showed how inbound bezel swipes will be part of the navigation for touchscreen devices in Windows 8. And MeeGo also uses the inbound bezel swipe as its keystone user interface element on smartphones...

Bezel swipes are a clever way to activate functions without having to add physical buttons (as on the iPad) or persistent software buttons (as in Honeycomb). But they have their drawbacks. If you are careless, it's easy to activate capacitive bezel elements unintentionally. On the PlayBook, for example, there is a Fruit Ninja-style game called Popcorn Rush that relies on swift swiping. However, Orville Redenbacher himself would find it difficult to pop the airborne snacks without activating the app switching mode on the PlayBook. Talk about a kernel panic.

Capacitive bezel controls can cause problems on other devices as well. On the Samsung Focus, for example, if your fingers stray as you are zooming out a map using multitouch, it's not difficult to hit one of the three Windows Phone keys that will take you away -- if only temporarily -- from your current app. Again, this accidental activation becomes even easier in a game that requires fast zooming or swiping that could inadvertently extend beyond the display area.

The bezel certainly isn't the first control to have issues with accidental activation. Many notebook users bemoan the sensitivity of trackpads and companies have responded with features such as sensitivity adjustments, palm detection, and the ability to turn off the trackpad completely. And Windows gamers once had a formidable foe in the Windows key. But while a mouse offers an escape for those who suffer from a twitchy trackpad, touch has simply become too integral to the operation of tablets and in increasingly all handsets.

In the case of the Focus, it seems like a pretty simple fix. Just make sure that a capacitive button activation requires a small gap in time between a swipe toward the "bottom" of the screen and capacitive button activation. For the swipe issue on tablets, there could be a few alternatives. If there are alternative navigation methods such as on the TouchPad, there could be an option to disable bezel gestures, at least for certain apps such as games. For devices that depend on bezel swipes, there could be an option to require a two-finger swipe to activate the function. Whatever the case, the chosen alternative has the opportunity to preserve the slickness of the feature while avoiding any surprises.

Ross Rubin (@rossrubin) is executive director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group. Views expressed in Switched On are his own.

Orphiro's electric motorcycle: like a Harley, just not obnoxiously loud

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 01:03 PM PDT

It's certainly not the first electric motorcycle to (quietly) crisscross our desks, but the self-titled Orphiro is surely one of the classiest. Designed over in Holland as a wide-body alternative to petrol-guzzling hawgs, this eco-friendly two-wheeler relies on Li-ion batteries and a motor that pushes a grand total of 72 volts. The top speed of 75 miles-per-hour probably wouldn't rile up the crowd in Sturgis, but cruising for 60 solid miles without using a drop of gas just might. If all goes well, we should see the first commercial version hit the pavement this September, but ominously, there's no mention of price. Something tells us it'll fall squarely in the "if you have to ask..." category.

iUsers frees your iPad of monogamy, enables multiple user profiles

Posted: 17 Jul 2011 11:41 AM PDT

Share an iPad? A new tweak is on its way to that other app store that should make your life a little easier: user profiles for iOS. The mod, dubbed iUsers, adds a user login button to the iPad's lock screen. The tweak segregates application data and preferences between users, meaning that user A's Angry Birds score won't muddle and mix with User B's perfect three-star rating. App installations, music, and video content are currently shared between users, but the tweak's creators hope to remedy that in a future update. It's a jailbreak only mod, of course, but still a neat feature we'd love to see implemented in future versions of iOS. The iUsers tweak should be hitting Cydia soon, but folks who want an early peek can snag it now by following the instructions in the source link.
at 11:30 AM

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