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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Engadget News

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Engadget News

Archos 80 G9 Turbo slate shipping now, Ice Cream Sandwich on board

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 11:27 AM PDT

Archos has been pushing out an array of slates ranging from kid-friendly to Prime contenders, leaving you with a plethora to choose from. One of which, is a souped-up variant of that 80 G9 we showed you a while back. The Archos 80 G9 Turbo ICS, to call it by its full name, is now ready to leave its warehouse status behind and head toward your front door. Perhaps, its main selling point is the ICS treat it brings along (shockingly, this inclusion is still a relative rarity), but it's also packing a 1.5GHz OMAP4 CPU, a 720p front-facing shooter as well as an 8-inch, 1024 x 768 display. Additionally, the G9 Turbo comes in two flavors: 8GB and 16GB, both priced at around $310 and $380, respectively. Folks looking to snag one of these turbolicious tabs can head over to the source link below.

Want to work for Engadget? We're hiring a copy editor!

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 11:00 AM PDT

PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 10:38 AM PDT

Hear that? That's the sound of coins hitting the mental floor at a breakneck pace, and if PayPal's meteoric success is any indication of how it'll do in mobile... well, stockholders should be pleased. Nearly three years after first hearing of Jack Dorsey's Square (formerly 'Squirrel') project, the most hated division of eBay is coming out with a rival. President and CEO of eBay John Donahoe took the wraps off of the device at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco today, with an aim to bring PayPal to "merchants in the offline world." The plastic triangle module plays a familiar role: pop it into an iPhone, load up an app and swipe until you just can't sell anything else. We're hearing that PayPal will charge merchants 2.7 percent (just 0.05 percent less than Square), but further details -- and even the thing's name -- are still developing.

As much as we jest about PayPal's polarizing nature, we've been victim to one too many unjustified account freezes to become overly joyous here, but we won't kvetch about a little competition. Here's hoping we see rates and fees on the decline thanks to another major player stepping up to bat, but something tells us those kinds of dreams are dreamt only by fools. That aside, the fact that famed designer Yves Behar (profiled here on The Engadget Show) and Fuseproject were tapped to engineer it gets a major thumbs-up from us.

Update: Looks like it'll go by the name Here. PayPal Here. Moreover, the hardware and app will be gratis, and shipments will begin to go out in the US, Hong Kong, and Australia today. Everyone else will need to sit tight for a few weeks, and we're still digging for information on compatibility beyond the iPhone.

AllThingsD: Google diggs Kevin Rose

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 10:37 AM PDT

You might know Kevin Rose from his days at TechTV, as the cofounder of the social news website digg.com, or from his awesome drunken (and sometimes quotable) ramblings on his former video podcast diggnation. However, per AllThingsD, it appears that Rose, and perhaps a bunch of his cohorts at his latest gig, Milk, have been poached to work at the Google mothership. That comes merely a day after Milk shuttered its first product, Oink -- an app enabling users to rate experiences rather than venues, think Yelp but for things. As to what Rose and any coworkers that come with him will be doing once in Mountain View is currently unknown, but unfortunately it looks like Milk's headed to the deadpool, folks.

Microsoft patent application details branded web browser frame

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 10:01 AM PDT

Originally filed in the halcyon days of 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has just published a web browser-centric patent application from the fine folks in Redmond. Microsoft's "Branded Browser Frame" app details a "computer-readable storage media" that can be specifically executed (presumably by surfing over to a website that's capable of handling said execution), and then used to present a varying interface based on what the underlying instructions are telling it to do. According to the independent claims put forth, we're told about a "control layout area... wherein one of the selected controls comprises a website-branded control that serves as a website's homepage button, and a navigation control that provides an input field."

In lay terms, that sounds a lot like a browser function that would enable many of the typical graphical elements we see atop our URL bars today to be adjusted and dynamically tweaked based on inputs from whatever address it was currently on. We aren't putting words in the applicant's mouth, but we're envisioning a top bar in Internet Explorer that turns red and features DVDs as the forward and back buttons when surfing over to Netflix.com (perhaps a stretch, but you catch the drift). IE9 does a bit of that color changing today, but it's possible that more is in store. Naturally, it'll take some time to see if this here app is actually granted, and it's possible that it'll look / function quite differently in its final form, but there's no doubt that someone at Microsoft is dreaming about a sexier (if not more sellable) browser bar.

DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissance

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 09:33 AM PDT

A new project from DARPA could successfully bring satellites to the same throwaway status as paper cups and Charlie Sheen's income (#winning). At $500,000 a pop, the orbitals would hardly be chump change, but the Pentagon insists these airborne systems could provide reconnaissance within 90 minutes of deployment and would deliver valuable tactical information to areas not covered by current satellites. Known as SeeMe, the systems would be launched in groups of 24 -- which equates to a $12 million cluster -- and would remain in orbit for 60 to 90 days, at which point they'd burn up upon atmospheric re-entry. Currently, DARPA is seeking contractors that can manufacture the systems rapidly at low costs, which can also "develop advanced technologies for optics, power, propulsion and communications to keep size and weight down." It's said to further discuss the project at a March 27th event known as Proposers' Day. In the meantime, we're going to hit the junkyard and see what we can cobble together.

Samsung, LG and Pantech, among others, fined $40 million in Korean price fixing scam

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 09:08 AM PDT

The truth in advertising is that there is none -- it's mostly all smoke and mirrors. But sometimes those illusory promises have real-world criminal intent behind them, like this latest ruling from the Korean government's corporate regulator. In a decision handed down earlier today, that governing body found mobile phone makers LG, Samsung and Pantech, in addition to operators KT, SK Telecom and LG Upius guilty of price fixing. In what's been framed as a case of consumer fraud, the OEMs reportedly inflated the associated costs of handsets, which were then marketed with supposed discounts by the colluding carriers. Collectively the group's been ordered to pony up about 45.3 billion won (or $40.2 million) in fines, with the largest of those penalties belonging to Samsung at 14.2 billion won (about $12.6 million) and SK Telecom at 20.2 billion won (about $18 million). Adding further insult to this public injury is the FTC, which has taken the extra step of imposing sales restrictions that are intended to prevent the involved parties from committing future infractions. Check out the source below for the full scoop on this corporate back-scratching.

Visualized: BRD RedShift MX poses for the camera, shows off its rugged good looks

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 08:46 AM PDT

Remember our testdrive of the RedShift SM through the hills near San Francisco? Well, if that didn't get you revved up for BRD's electric duo, perhaps these new studio shots of the MX can help. The folks in Northern California have passed on a few shots of the upcoming RedShift MX motocrosser that is expected to pull into garages later this year. If you recall, BRD says this electric motorcycle performs just as well as any race-ready four-stroke 250-cc gas-powered machine and splurging for one will set you back around $15,000 -- for a base model. Go on, hop in the gallery below and take a closer look.
BRD RedShift MX electric motorcycle

iFixit begins surgery on new iPad

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 08:27 AM PDT

Need something to keep you occupied as you wait in line for the latest iPad? What better way to wile away the time waiting for its 8AM release in your part of the world than watching someone else tear apart their brand new tablet? iFixit has already managed to get its hands on the "resolutionary" new product with help from some time zone trickery, and is digging into the slate as we speak. The site has only posted the above image at present, but we'll hit you with the link as soon as we get it. Stay tuned.

Update: And it begins! Check out the source link below to follow all of the fun. Looks like the site got its hands on a 4G model, courtesy of a store in Melbourne, Australia. So far there's nothing super shocking inside -- it's packing that dual-core A5x processor and a 9.7-inch display, which looks like it may have been crafted by Samsung, according to the site. The iPad's SoC has also been confirmed as the Quad-core PowerVR SGX MP4+ -- just like we surmised last week.

Meizu Flyme Store surpasses 100 million downloads, now boasts 10,000 apps

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 08:15 AM PDT

It looks like Apple isn't the only company that has some boasting to do for its app store. Meizu, the company behind the eponymous Meizu MX smartphone and the Flyme OS (based on Android), has just shouted from the figurative rooftops that its Flyme Store has now surpassed 100 million downloads. Most impressive about this achievement is that of the total sum, a full 90 million took place in the last year alone. Unlike Apple's App Store, which now contains more than 550,000 titles, the Flyme Store currently offers just 10,000 applications, which makes the achievement all the more impressive. To mark the event, Meizu rewarded its 100 millionth customer with a 10,000 yuan credit for the Flyme Store -- which means a shopping spree is definitely in order. You'll find the celebratory PR after the break.
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MEIZU Flyme Store passes 100 million downloads

HONG KONG-March 14, 2012-MEIZU announces today that its Flyme Store passes 100 million downloads through the millions of MEIZU smartphones in China, Hong Kong, and beyond. The 100 millionth app downloaded was Mobile QQ by Zeying Mao (Flyme ID: mao330) from Tianjin. As the user who downloaded the 100 millionth app on Flyme Store, Zeying will receive 10,000 yuan in credit for use on the Flyme Store.

"Before launching M9 in 2011, the Flyme Store had around 10 million downloads. One year later, we broke through the 100 million barrier. Following the release of the MX, the rate of new downloads is accelerating even more." said Eddy Lin, Flyme Store Product Manager. "We want to create a better environment for our developers. Previously, we gave away 10 million yuan in Flyme Store credits to our users when we launched paid apps, working hard to cultivate the acceptance of paid apps in China."

Launched in November 2009, the Flyme Store was designed to give MEIZU smartphone users greater choice and higher quality mobile apps. MEIZU offers developers its own SDK, through which developers can create apps fully compatible with MEIZU hardware and the Flyme UI which users around the world have come to love. Currently, the Flyme Store features over 10,000 downloads organized in 13 categories; including games, lifestyle, multimedia, transportation and the newly launched themes.

Amazon Appstore for Android celebrates a year of life, deals for a week

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 07:53 AM PDT

Whatever Google can do, Amazon can do... too? Sure seems it, as the latter is celebrating a rather momentous occasion by giving back to the people that have brought it this far: you (and you, and you!). The Amazon Appstore for Android has officially been alive and kicking for 12 months, and Bezos and co. are slashing prices for a week instead of tossing one forgettable party. We're told to expect rock-bottom rates on iconic titles such as Fruit Ninja, Wolfram Alpha, Splashtop Remote Desktop, Dr. Seuss's The Shape of Me and Other Stuff, TuneIn Radio Pro, TETRIS, PAC-MAN, The Lost City, MONOPOLY, AccuWeather Platinum and more. Birthday deals start today with one of the top paid apps, Plants vs. Zombies, at 67 percent off, and you can expect to see more in the coming days. Crack open that dusty wallet and hit the source link, vaquero.
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Amazon Appstore for Android Celebrates First Birthday with a Week of Deals on Customers' Favorite Apps and Games

Since its launch one year ago, Amazon Appstore customers have bought millions of apps and games for Kindle Fire and other Android-based devices

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amazon Appstore for Android is celebrating its first birthday with a week of deals on some of its customers' favorite apps and games, including iconic titles such as Fruit Ninja, Wolfram Alpha, Splashtop Remote Desktop, Dr. Seuss's The Shape of Me and Other Stuff, TuneIn Radio Pro, TETRIS, PAC-MAN, The Lost City, MONOPOLY, AccuWeather Platinum and Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals. Birthday deals start today with one of the top paid apps, Plants vs. Zombies, at 67 percent off.

"Customers have used the Amazon Appstore to test drive and buy millions of apps and games for their Kindle Fire and other Android devices in the first year alone"

Tomorrow, Amazon will announce two more app deals. On day three, three more new app deals will be revealed and so on for the remainder of the week-long celebration. Also starting today, the Amazon Appstore kicks off its Amazon Appstore for Android Birthday Giveaway and will award a Kindle Fire to eight lucky winners who enter the sweepstakes by March 31.* For more information and for all birthday deals visit www.amazon.com/appstorebirthday.

"Customers have used the Amazon Appstore to test drive and buy millions of apps and games for their Kindle Fire and other Android devices in the first year alone," said Aaron Rubenson, director of Amazon Appstore for Android. "To thank customers for shopping with us, we worked closely with our developers to offer special discounts on some of the most popular apps all week long."

Customers can use Amazon's Test Drive feature to test out apps before buying. Once they download an app they can use it across multiple devices, including Kindle Fire, giving developers a new platform for reaching customers.

"We know how important discovery and monetization are for app developers," said Rubenson. "Our investment in personalization technology helps customers find the best apps for their needs. And, our 1-Click technology makes it trivially easy to purchase apps with one click."

"It's been an exciting first year in the Amazon Appstore and we look forward to many more," said Andrew Stein, director of Global Mobile Business and Products at PopCap Games, Inc. "All of our games, including the megahit Plants vs. Zombies, have done extremely well in the Amazon Appstore, for both Kindle Fire and other Android devices; it's a testament to the great Amazon Appstore shopping experience resulting from its user-friendly design and comprehensive catalog."

"We expected that the Amazon Appstore would be a success and it's been evidenced in the growth of the revenues since the launch," said Adam Flanders, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing at Glu Mobile, Inc. "We have seen revenues from Amazon grow by over 1,000 percent in the four months since the Kindle Fire launched alone, and Blood and Glory recently reached the #2 spot in Top Selling Games. Glu is thrilled with the momentum behind Kindle Fire and the Amazon Appstore's strong platform, global customer base, and exceptional merchandising capabilities."

"We were grateful that we were able to bring Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears and Mercer Mayer's Little Critter apps to the Amazon Appstore from the very beginning," said Michel Kripalani, president of Oceanhouse Media. "Amazon provides visibility to a huge customer base. We've seen increased engagement with the apps over the last year, especially since the launch of Kindle Fire."

"As Pandora continues our mission to provide people with personalized music they love, being a featured app on Kindle Fire has given us an exciting new platform to connect with our listeners, both existing and new, and we've been impressed with the high engagement rate we've seen on Kindle Fire," said Simon Fleming-Wood, chief marketing officer of Pandora Media.

"At Quickoffice, we've experienced a massive lift in our Android app sales since the launch of Kindle Fire. The Amazon Appstore has been a great showcase for our app, and we've seen significant gains in conversion rates compared to other app stores based on the integrated Amazon buying experience," said Alan Masarek, CEO of Quickoffice, Inc.

Amazon Appstore has grown its selection nearly eight-fold since launch, from 4,000 apps to over 31,000.
In its first year, the most downloaded paid app in the Amazon Appstore was Cut the Rope, followed by Angry Birds (Ad-Free) and Where's My Water?; the most downloaded free app was Angry Birds Free, followed by Netflix and Solitaire by MobilityWare.
Amazon Appstore offers a paid app for free every day. If a customer had downloaded every Free App of the Day since launch, they would have saved nearly $1,000.
The paid app with the most 5-star reviews in the first year of the Amazon Appstore was Where's My Water?, with over 3,000; the free app with the most 5-star reviews was Blood & Glory, with over 4,000.
In the Amazon Appstore's first year, customers spent more than 7,700,000 minutes test driving apps; Bubble Buster was the most test-driven app, followed by Amazon MP3 for Android with Cloud Player and Memory Trainer.
Over the past year, the most popular app category for customers is games, followed by entertainment and productivity. Some of the most popular apps include Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, QuickOffice Pro, CalenGoo and Exchange by TouchDown.

Top Paid Apps (over the last 12 months)

1. Cut the Rope

2. Angry Birds (Ad-Free)

3. Where's My Water?

4. Angry Birds Rio (Ad-Free)

5. Angry Birds Seasons (Ad-Free)

6. Plants vs. Zombies (Kindle Fire Edition)

7. Fruit Ninja

8. SCRABBLE (Kindle Fire Edition)

9. UNO (Kindle Fire Edition)

10. TETRIS

Top Free Apps (over the last 12 months)

1. Angry Birds Free

2. Netflix

3. Solitaire

4. Fruit Ninja Free

5. Angry Birds Seasons Free

6. Bubble Buster

7. Little Piano Free

8. Roller Lite

9. Jewels

10. Hangman Free

For more details and to find all deals that are part of the birthday celebration, visit www.amazon.com/appstorebirthday or follow the Amazon Appstore on Twitter (@amazonappstore).

*After 10:00 a.m. (PT) today, visit the Amazon Appstore for Android Facebook page at www.facebook.com/amazonappstoreforandroid to learn more about the Amazon Appstore for Android Birthday Giveway and to enter for a chance to win. See the Official Rules at www.amazon.com/AppstoreBirthdayGiveaway. There is no purchase necessary to enter.

About Amazon Appstore for Android

The Amazon Appstore for Android is where customers can find, discover and buy thousands of apps using Amazon's convenient and trusted shopping features. Customers can access the store directly on Kindle Fire, from any computer, or on an Android phone or tablet. Amazon Appstore has a broad selection of paid and free apps and games, including established best sellers and new apps from top-tier brands. There are over 31,000 apps in the store and more apps and games are added all the time. Plus, the Amazon Appstore offers customers a great paid app for free, every day.

Netflix reveals Android app tests that keep it running on 'around 1000' devices daily

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 07:34 AM PDT

In a quick peek behind the curtain at what life can be like as an Android developer, Netflix's Tech Blog has posted details of the testing process for each iteration of its app. According to Netflix's own stats, after being initially released for just a handful of phones nearly a year ago it now streams to "almost around 1,000" different devices daily. The situation of building one app for different hardware, software (including CM7 and CM9), screen sizes and and other variations like hardware or software decoding presents many challenges, but the team has filtered down to 14 devices (10 phones, 4 tablets) that give maximum coverage for their daily tests. Add in an HTML5 frontend for the native video video player, and suddenly the staggered rollout across devices starts to make more sense. Hit the source link for more info on how it all gets put together and shaken down through both automated and human testing, while Apple fans can wait for a similar breakdown of the iOS process that's on the way.

Scientists: 'Games are hard'

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 07:11 AM PDT

While we've been telling jaded partners and family members for ages, it looks like there's some -- slightly obscure -- proof. The researchers reconstructed their own levels, forcing gamers to choose between one of two paths, with a mix of power-ups, health items and enemies that created a "logical statement". If you can complete the level with that particular combination, then it would resolve the Boolean satisfiability problem -- a logic puzzle that squares variables against whether a statement is true, and whether the same can be said of all similarly composed statements. While the theory sounds trickier than the first stage of Mario, Nintendo's flagship title -- as well as Donkey Kong, Legend of Zelda, Metroid and the Pokémon series -- were categorized as NP-hard. This means deciding if a player can solve a certain part of the game is at least as hard as the most difficult problems in NP; a classification that involves easy-to-check, difficult-to-solve propositions. While you figure out what that means, we're hitting up Nintendogs 3D. Because we like a challenge.

Sony Bloggie Sport HD arriving in stores ready for your extreme weekend (video)

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 06:48 AM PDT

We do love documenting our dirt-trail journeys to show our friends at, ah, dirt-trail bike club. If you feel the same way, then you'll love Sony's Bloggie Sport HD, which ships today. Announced at CES, it takes the features we know and love from the pocket camcorder and wraps it in a shock, dust and waterproof shell you can take to depths of five meters for up to an hour. Fancy watching one get played with underwater? We've got video to excite you ready for this weekend's extreme sports adventuring.

Dish Network starts rolling out Hopper / Joey multiroom DVR setup today (video)

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 06:25 AM PDT

We're still not sure what inspired Dish Network to choose a kangaroo theme for its new multiroom DVR setup -- going as far as bringing out a live baby 'roo during its CES 2012 unveiling -- but if there's room in your home and heart for the Hopper (XiP813) and Joey (XiP110) boxes, they're available now. As we saw in our hands-on in January, they have a UI similar to the previous 922 boxes, with a few new screens added for new features and icon-based tile navigation. The Hopper DVR itself packs a 2TB drive which is put to use by PrimeTime Anytime, a feature that records three hours of network programming every night (using only one of its three tuners, thanks to the magic of satellite transponders) and stores them for eight days, just in case you missed something. The Joey multiroom extender boxes bring the video to other spots in the house and can be wired up over the existing coax thanks to MoCA technology. The price for all of this is a whole home DVR fee of $10 per month for the Hopper, and $7 per month for each Joey, while subscribers on the America's Top 200 plan or higher can get a free installation with up to three extenders. The folks over at SatelliteGuys.us got some early hands-on time and have posted detailed impressions, hit the link below for those or check out the press release and our CES video demo after the break. Oh, and the Exede-powered satellite broadband package that was announced at CES? We're hearing that's still on the slate for this summer, although the potential LTE portion may have to wait a while.

[Thanks, Mr. Brightside]

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Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR System Now Available From DISH
ENGLEWOOD, CO--(Marketwire - Mar 15, 2012) - (NASDAQ: DISH) -- DISH Network L.L.C., the nation's third largest pay TV provider, announced today the availability of the Hopper™, the fastest, most powerful, technically advanced whole-home high definition DVR entertainment system.

The Hopper was first introduced at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show where it was awarded the Popular Mechanics "Editors' Choice" Award, recognized as a finalist by CNET, and honored with a CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Award.

The Hopper system lets viewers share DVR content on TVs throughout the home. Customers can pause, play and rewind both live and recorded HD programs in up to four rooms using a Hopper and small units called "Joeys™" that work in tandem with the main Hopper unit.

Other Hopper highlights include the following:

Two-terabyte hard drive for up to 2,000 hours of entertainment
PrimeTime Anytime™ - customers, with a single click, can enable recordings of four primetime HD network channels, where available, and store them for up to eight days
Record up to six HD shows at once during primetime hours
Ability to watch HD programs and control the DVR in up to four rooms
The Hopper system is available through the DISH lease program. New DISH customers who subscribe to DISH's America's Top 200 or DishLATINO Dos programming packages or greater can receive one Hopper and up to three Joey units for free, including a standard professional installation. The Hopper system requires a whole-home DVR fee of $10 per month and $7 per month for each Joey.

"Whether watching your favorite primetime network show or the men's college basketball championship games, there's no better way to enjoy TV than 'jumping' from room to room using the award-winning Hopper and Joey," said DISH Network CEO Joe Clayton. "The Hopper, named after DISH's new kangaroo mascot, delivers network TV shows on demand and thousands of movie choices streaming or delivered to the hard drive; it's a slam dunk in providing the most entertainment options for the entire family."

DISH is promoting the Hopper through national TV advertising starting today. Visit here or www.youtube.com/dish to watch a TV spot.

New Must-have Feature -- PrimeTime Anytime™

The Hopper's unparalleled feature, called PrimeTime Anytime, allows customers, with a single click, to enable recordings -- using a single tuner -- of all primetime TV shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. PrimeTime Anytime records three hours of network programming in high definition, where available, every night from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on Sunday. The Hopper stores the primetime programs for eight days after they have aired. This creates an on-demand library of approximately 100 hours of primetime TV shows, making it easy to catch up on missed episodes.

For Internet-connected customers, The Hopper's on-demand capabilities give access to DISH's Blockbuster @Home™ for $10 per month, providing thousands of movies and TV shows streaming to the TV.

The Ultimate TV Everywhere Experience

The Hopper offers the ultimate TV Everywhere experience. Customers can manage their Hopper's DVR and timers via the Internet at www.dishonline.com or from the DISH Remote Access app available for tablets, smartphones and computers. Connecting the Hopper with the DISH Sling® Adapter provides customers the ability to watch and control all live TV channels and their DVR from their tablet, smartphone and computer wherever they go.

For more information about the award-winning Hopper and Joey by DISH, including technical specifications, please visit www.dish.com/hopper.

Neutrinos can transmit messages through walls, mountains, planets

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 05:56 AM PDT

Neutrinos may not travel as fast as we first hoped, but then they have other special abilities to make up for it. Being almost massless, they can penetrate the thickest barriers, which ought to make them ideal message carriers. To illustrate the point, scientists sent the word "Neutrino" on a beam of particles through 240 meters (800 feet) of solid stone and received it loud and clear on the other side. The same approach could potentially be used to send a message right through the center of a planet, making it possible, according to one of the researchers, to "communicate between any two points on Earth without using satellites or cables." The experiment required the latest particle accelerators at Chicago's Fermilab, which flung the neutrinos over a 2.5 mile track before firing them off at an underground receiver, but it proved the principle: Shrink the accelerator down to the size of a smartphone and neutrino messaging could be huge. Or it could die in a format war with quantum teleportation.

Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 3.6 hands-on (video)

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 05:23 AM PDT

If you were paying very close attention during Samsung's IFA announcements last year, you may have caught wind of a 3.6-inch PMP, fittingly called the Galaxy S WiFi 3.6. Now, Samsung has confirmed that this elusive entry-level Gingerbread handheld will finally be making its way to North America, with a 3.6-inch 800 x 480-pixel display and 1GHz Hummingbird processor in tow. There's no question that this isn't going to be a must-have gadget for power users, but for children and those new to Android or portable media players, the 3.6 will suit just fine. It's still a capable device, though on a more modest scale than pricier models -- there's a rear-facing 2-megapixel camera with a VGA snapper up front, a 1500mAh removable battery, a microSD slot for memory expansion, micro-USB and headphone ports on the bottom, and a power button and volume rocker on the side.

We had a chance to go hands-on with the 3.6 ahead of its U.S. launch during a visit to Samsung HQ in South Korea. The first thing we noticed is its size -- the compact design and light weight make single-handed operation quite feasible, even for those with smaller hands. The relatively high-res display (given the size) is of the LCD variety, as with other Galaxy Players, though with the same amount of screen real estate as larger devices, you should have no problem using the PMP for occasional email and basic web-browsing. Surprisingly, we also didn't have any issue using the keyboard, even in portrait mode with fairly stocky fingers. Navigation was noticeably sluggish compared to higher-end Samsung Galaxy devices, but not out of the ordinary for a mid-tier gadget. We wouldn't necessarily recommend purchasing the Galaxy S WiFi 3.6 if your everyday device has a large, gorgeous AMOLED display and plenty of processing power under the hood, but if you're looking for a PMP to compliment your prepaid feature phone, this budget offering should fit the bill. We're still awaiting confirmation of U.S. pricing and availability, though it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect it to land within the $150-200 range. Jump past the break for our video hands-on.
Samsung Galaxy WiFi 3.6 hands-on

Western Digital MyBook Thunderbolt Duo is available now starting at $600

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 05:00 AM PDT

Back at Macworld, we laid our peepers on Western Digital's MyBook Thunderbolt Duo and were able to take a demo setup for a quick spin. Now, the dual-wielding external HDDs are officially on the market. You can snag 4TB (2x 2TB) and 6TB (2x 3TB) versions of this "über-fast" MyBook for $599 and $699, respectively. Don't forget: you can daisy chain up to six of these bad boys via the dual Thunderbolt ports on the kit's backside (if you have quite the piggy bank, of course) -- just like the four-unit set we encountered sporting 700MB/sec read and 500MB/sec write speeds in RAID 0. WD also says the storage devices are Time Machine compatible as soon as you can unpack 'em. If you're anxious to grab one of your own, hit the source link below to part with your funds. And for a quick refresher, take a gander at the gallery below.
Western Digital MyBook Thunderbolt Duo eyes-on at Macworld 2012 (video)
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WD® SHIPPING MY BOOK® THUNDERBOLT™ DUO DUAL-DRIVE STORAGE SYSTEM: ULTRA-FAST READ/WRITE TIMES FOR CREATIVE PROS, AND TODAY'S NEED-IT-NOW CONSUMERS

Up to 6 TB Capacities, Double-safe Protection, RAID, User Serviceability, and Dual Thunderbolt Ports for Daisy Chaining and Unparalleled Workflow Efficiency


IRVINE, Calif. – Mar. 15, 2012 – Western Digital® (NYSE: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, is now shipping its first external hard drive with Thunderbolt™ technology – the My Book® Thunderbolt™ Duo dual-drive storage system. The new My Book Thunderbolt Duo provides professionals and Mac® enthusiasts with five primary areas of performance, double-safe data protection and flexibility; ultra-fast data transfer rates for greater work efficiency; a 4 TB/6 TB large-capacity; customized dual-drive storage system with RAID 0, 1 and JBOD options; customer serviceable drives; and dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining multiple My Book Thunderbolt Duo devices or other peripherals.

Thunderbolt technology brings a new way to connect high-speed storage devices to any desktop or notebook computer with a Thunderbolt port while delivering unmatched speed for multitasking activities such as, editing video/music, 3D rendering, and completing other high definition graphics-intensive projects.

"Offering lightning-fast throughput in both directions, the new WD Thunderbolt Duo storage systems are just what I need for organizing, editing, and archiving complex High Definition video projects," said Bruce Dorn, DGA (Director's Guild of America). Configurable as either RAID 0 or RAID 1 - and offered in both 4 TB and 6 TB capacities - these new WD Thunderbolt Duo systems are the perfect solution for video filmmakers who are desperate for an uber-fast time sensitive project management solution."

"The My Book Thunderbolt Duo offers large storage capacities for creative professionals and enthusiasts who produce, edit, or need quick access to large files, including HD video," said Jody Bradshaw, general manager of WD consumer storage solutions. "Its dual Thunderbolt ports provide amazing creative flexibility while allowing daisy-chaining of up to six My Book Thunderbolt Duo drives or other high performance peripherals for fast and efficient workflow. The combination of storage, backup, security, flexibility and speed makes the My Book Thunderbolt Duo the ideal choice for creative professionals that need to write, store, protect and edit high-definition and graphic intensive projects."

My Book Thunderbolt Duo is an ideal, all-in-one external drive for creative professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers who own vast amounts of digital content including videos, music, and photos. The drive serves as a safe and reliable way to backup content stored on your computer while providing the fastest way to get information to and from the WD drive. In addition, its RAID 1 support allows users to create a second copy of their digital content on the drive for double-safe protection, and peace of mind. The drive also supports a JBOD mode (allocate each disk individually to a specific task) excellent option for users running Windows OS on a Mac.

Additional features found on the My Book Thunderbolt Duo include out-of-the-box compatibility with Mac OS Time Machine and formatting for HFS + Journaled for Mac; capability for multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty.

Price and Availability
The My Book Thunderbolt Duo is available now at select U.S. retailers and online at www.wdstore.com starting at $599.99 USD MSRP (4 TB) and $699.99 (6 TB).

Virgin Media wins London Underground WiFi contract, provides conduit for tube station tweets

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 04:36 AM PDT

Remember the ten dozen WiFi hotspots London's underground said it was prepping ahead of the 2012 Olympic games? Virgin Media says they'll be free -- at least to start. By the time July rolls around, 80 stations will be rocking that sweet, sweet internet, and an additional 40 tube stops will go live by the end of the year. The service will be gratis during the summer, Virgin's press release explains, but will eventually join the outfit's broadband and mobile subscription network -- doling out only basic travel information and a pay-as-you-go option to the unsubscribed. Just make sure you finish Facebooking before your train arrives -- the tubes themselves are as dark as ever. Read on for Virgin Media's official press release.
Show full PR text
London Mayor announces digital first as Virgin Media selected to offer Wi-Fi on Tube stations

Free Wi-Fi service for millions of commuters and visitors during summer 2012

The Mayor of London today confirmed that Londoners will be able to use Wi-Fi to access mobile internet services at Tube stations for the first time from this summer. A contract has been awarded to Virgin Media to provide public access Wi-Fi at up to 120 Tube station platforms at zero cost to the fare or taxpayer.

The new Wi-Fi service will launch as a free, unlimited service for all Tube passengers from summer 2012 and will continue to offer free live TfL travel information via a new online portal after this period.

Virgin Media, in partnership with London Underground, will introduce Wi-Fi at over 80 stations ahead of the summer. By the end of 2012, up to 120 Tube stations, many of them deep-level, will be connected.

From July 2012, all Tube passengers will be able to connect to the internet at stations for free, enabling millions of commuters and visitors to access websites and online destinations and stay up-to-date with news and events listings, review the best spots for lunch and discover great London attractions from their mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other connected devices. Following this period, Wi-Fi at Tube stations will be made available as part of Virgin Media's broadband and mobile subscriptions and all Tube passengers will be able to stay up-to-date with travel information thanks to the free online portal. Full Internet access via Wi-Fi will become available via Pay-As-You-Go and other commercial models.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: "It's vital that we harness the massive opportunities stemming from the digital revolution, by creating a vibrant, world class industry to attract investment and create jobs for Londoners. Millions of passengers will now be able to connect to their work, friends or access the latest news and travel information whilst on the move. This is a fabulous new and free resource which will be in place from this summer when London is being showcased on a global stage and playing host to millions."

Gareth Powell, LU's Director of Strategy and Service Development, said: "We're upgrading the Tube to make it fit for the 21st Century. This latest innovation is great news for Tube customers, who now have access to emails, web and social media underground for the first time. It's also delivered at no cost to fare payers and taxpayers.

"Today, TfL provides a wealth of free live travel information, via our website and through the many excellent travel apps now available. Wi-Fi on the Tube means our customers can now get the latest live travel information and check how services are running, on the move and underground, where and when they need it."

Neil Berkett, CEO, Virgin Media, said: "With the eyes of the world on London this summer, we'll be showing off our capital as a leading connected city on the global stage. We're putting the power of Virgin Media's fibre optic network in the hands of millions of Londoners, commuters and visitors and are delighted to be launching Wi-Fi for free throughout summer 2012 and beyond. We'll help people make the most of the city and will continue to evolve the service, ensuring everyone can benefit from a service London will be proud of."

Ian Merricks, Accelerator Academy Co-founder and White Horse Capital Managing Partner said: "We entered the early stage entrepreneurial ecosystem last year, creating the Accelerator Academy for emerging entrepreneurs. WE saw the growth potential of London's tech entrepreneurs and working with investors we now hope to deploy £35m to help these firms grow."

iHome's iW2 AirPlay speaker to begin shipping this April, for $200

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 04:09 AM PDT

It's been a while since we've heard about iHome's iW2 AirPlay speaker, but that all changed Wednesday, when the company announced that its wireless system will begin shipping on April 1st. Standing at a little under six inches tall, this setup is about 25 percent smaller than its predecessor, the iW1. It's also a bit cheaper, at about $200, though it won't come with a built-in rechargeable battery. For more details and insight, check out the PR after the break.
Show full PR text
iHome Expands AirPlay Lineup with Release of iW2 Speaker System

Whole Home Audio Solution Using Wi-Fi Instead of Wires

RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Making it a snap to have music in every room of the house without tearing through walls to run wire, iHome today announced that on April 1, 2012 their AirPlay speaker line will expand with the release of the iW2 Wireless Speaker System with AirPlay®. When placed within a Wi-Fi network, iHome's latest Wi-Fi enabled speaker system seamlessly connects to offer an affordable option for achieving premium whole home audio with simple turn-key set up.

"Many whole home audio systems require a significant investment from consumers and, until recently, a certain level of technical skill as well," said Evan Stein, Director of Marketing, iHome. "Easy to set up, the iW2 offers a cost-effective entry into the world of wireless home entertainment without sacrificing quality or functionality."

The iW2 is an app-enhanced AirPlay wireless speaker system that uses your Wi-Fi network to connect and control your iTunes library, and provide wireless audio anywhere in the home. The iW2 has a USB port for charging and music playback from your iPad, iPod and iPhone with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. SRS Trubass sound processing custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers delivers exceptional audio.

Music fans can embrace a wireless music system today as the iW2 will be available for purchase April 1 at Best Buy, Crutchfield and select Target stores, and at iHomeAudio.com for $199.99. For detailed product information, please visit http://www.ihomeaudio.com/iW2BC/.

Nokia design chief spending a third of his time on future tablet

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 03:31 AM PDT


Nokia design chief Marko Ahtisaari wasn't going to be drawn on details and release dates, but he has revealed that a tablet from the (predominantly) phone-focused company was definitely in the works -- and taking up a fair chunk of his time. In an interview with Finnish magazine Kauppalehti Optio, Ahtisaari said that he was looking to create a new device that would stand out from the increasingly packed tablet crowd. The full interview isn't online just yet, but the teaser adds that the head of design is also involved in a new 'revolutionary' user experience that means you wouldn't have to be constantly arched over your phone -- whatever that involves. A Nokia spokesperson told Reuters that they "continue to eye the tablet space with interest, but have made no specific announcements." However, we're sure Nokia will have plenty more to say about these nebulous ideas in the near future.

iRobot Scooba 390 hands-on

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 03:01 AM PDT

Last week's trip to iRobot's headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts wasn't just about tossing battlefield 'bots about. We also had the opportunity to check out some of the company's more domestic offerings. The Scooba 390 is the latest addition to the iRobot's line of floor cleaners. The mopping 'bot offers a couple of enhancements to its older sibling -- rather than considering it a full refresh, the company's referring to it as an "update to respond to customer feedback." The biggest difference here is improved battery life -- a welcome change in any device. According to iRobot, the 390 should provide users with around 30 percent more battery life than its predecessor, covering up to 450 square feet per cleaning session.
Scooba 390 hands-on



The other primary difference here is aesthetic. iRobot has simplified the design scheme to make using the cleaning bot as simple as possible -- and really, gadgets don't come much more simple to operate than the Scooba. You open it up by pressing down and pulling up the big, clearly marked handle. Stick some of the cleaning solution into the clean tank -- delineated by the bright blue rubber "Clean" tab (not to be confused with the dull gray "Dirty" one) -- and fill the rest up with water. A full tank should last you about 45 minutes worth of scrubbing.

The Scooba's got a few levels of cleaning protection on the bottom -- it sucks up small debris into its tank (for the full vacuuming deal, iRobot still recommends the Roomba), washes the floor with a small amount of cleaning solution, scrubs the surface with rotating bristles and then a thin squeegee-like apparatus sucks up the rest of the liquid dirt. The front side of the Scooba is a fashioned into something of a bumper, so the 'bot can lightly bang into walls to find its way, readjusting itself in the process. The Scooba also ships with a Virtual Wall device, which runs on D-sized batteries (the Scooba itself has one giant lithium ion rechargeable one). Put this down to create a boundary, so the cleaner doesn't get up to anything you don't want it to. As advertised, the Scooba avoided the invisible border like the plague.


The Scooba's cleaning pattern is fairly unpredictable. According to iRobot, it chooses one of three patterns: wall following, spiraling and room crossing -- all are pretty much what they sound like on paper. We dumped some liquid on the ground and waited around for what seemed like forever trying to get the 'bot to hit a particular spot on the floor. The watched Scooba never mops -- not where you want it to, at least. It took some time, but the Scooba finally hit its mark, cleaning the spill, but leaving a damp floor in its wake.

Givit video sharing service offers easy export of FlipShare clips

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 03:00 AM PDT

Clinging desperately to the last vestiges of your beloved Flip? Well, as the December 31st, 2013 deadline to rescue your vids approaches, you're running out of time to pick a successor to your FlipShare affections. Sharing service Givit hopes to be the platform that takes the reins to your video-sharing heart. In order to lure in new users, it's integrating (however briefly) with FlipShare to offer you one click exporting of your clips from the doomed Cisco property. Users who log into FlipShare will see a link offering them 25GB 2GB of free storage if they move their movies to Givit as well. All in all, not a bad deal. If you want to give it a test run before handing over the keys to your memories, hit up the source link.

Update: Givit reached out to correct an error in the original release they sent us. New members will only get 2GB free, but those signing up from FlipShare will received double the normal amount of storage on premium accounts.
Show full PR text
Givit (www.givit.com) – the first universal cloud service for personal, private video sharing – will be integrating with Flipshare, the companion video sharing software included with the Flip Camera, offering more than 3 million users of the device a new place to permanently store and privately share their videos. Flipshare will be closed down in December 2013, and all videos on the service will be permanently deleted within 30 days from the announcement. When logging in to FlipShare, users will find a link allowing them to instantly transfer their entire library over to Givit with just one click. People transferring over their data will receive 25GB of free storage on the new platform.

Givit, currently available on iOS, Android, web and PC / Mac, is universally compatible with all video formats, types, devices, file sizes and more. Private by default, Givit is the perfect solution for sharing private home videos, personal messages or confidential business projects with friends, family and colleagues. Videos can be instantly and securely captured, shared and viewed on any device, adaptive to available network / bandwidth speeds for optimal playback. The service offers a simple and convenient platform for all your personal video content.

An incredibly simple interface makes the service accessible to anyone, and the private-by-default platform keeps shared content confined to a closed network of recipients with private feedback and response features akin to those for YouTube videos.

Givit CEO & Founder Greg Kostello is available for interview or a demo of the service any time at your convenience – if you'd be interested in speaking with him, simply let us know. Please see below for the full embargoed release with more information. We will also have a video demonstration of the video transfer process available shortly.

Givit iTunes free download: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/givit-private-video-sharing/id481505334?mt=8

Givit Android Market free download: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.givit

Insert Coin: Help some dudes make a robot fighting ring

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 02:30 AM PDT

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.
The fine folks at Mech Warfare have a problem: their robots are a little too awesome. The housing tents made from PVC pipes and canvas just aren't cutting it. The crew needs a cool $6,000 to provide their 'bots with the modular lexan & aluminum-armored arena they deserve -- because the last thing you want to do is upset a team of weaponized fighting robots, right? Mech Warfare has promised to offer up the plans for the arena online, while using any extra money for networking equipment, so that you can enjoy the inalienable human right that is robot fighting from the comfort of your own home. Pledge $10 or more, and you'll get your name on the Sponsors page -- pledge more than $5,000, and the crew will help coach you in designing a battling 'bot of your very own. Check out some sweet robot fighting action in the video after the break.



Previous project update: With 46 days left to contribute, Instaprint still has a ways to go, with around $133,000 of its $500,000 goal reached, thanks to some 494 backers.

Google to switch on 'semantic search' within months, emphasize things as well as words

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 01:32 AM PDT

A search engine should be about more than just keywords. MC Hammer believes that passionately and Google must do too, because over the next few months and years it'll gradually adjust its own algorithms to put greater emphasis on "semantic search". Under this system, search queries are run through a vast knowledge database that discovers relationships with other words and facts. A Mountain View exec explained it thus: If you search for "Lake Tahoe", you won't just get ranked websites containing those two words but also key attributes about the lake, such as its location, altitude, average temperature and Bigfoot population. If a piece of knowledge isn't the in the ever-expanding database, the search engine will still use semantic search to help it recognize and evaluate information held on websites. In doing this, Big G hopes to compete with social networks that are amassing their own valuable (and sometimes intrusive) databases full of personal information, while also encouraging people to stay longer on its site and see more targeted ads. Google, who is Viviane Reding?

BlackBerry 10 coming to the PlayBook, RIM confirms

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 12:32 AM PDT

RIM's handsets won't be getting BlackBerry 10 until later this year, but once they do, the PlayBook will be next in line. That's according to Rob Orr, RIM's VP of product management, who confirmed the news to TechRadar. "We've said publicly a number of times that our first BB10 handset will be available towards the end of 2012, and that's still firmly the case," Orr said. "At some point after the launch we'll bring BB10 to our PlayBooks, yes." Orr apparently didn't get any more specific than that, though he did mention that RIM has seen a spike in updates to PlayBook OS 2.0, which came out just last month. According to the exec, about 50 percent of all users made the jump on the day it came out, which just goes to show how great e-mail is.

AU Optronics found guilty of US price fixing, appeal already in the works

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 11:38 PM PDT

AU Optronics has had its name bandied about in the courtroom before, most recently in a 2009 group suit where it was targeted for LCD price fixing. 'Course, LCD price fixing has been quite a popular pastime for a smattering of outfits, but it looks like AUO will be seeing the wrong end of the decision process here in the States. A US court found the Taiwanese company guilty in a case that could see it hit with a fine totaling as much as $1 billion. Yeah, with a b. As it goes, the outfit was charged as part of an alleged price-fixing group that operated between 1999 and 2006, but it was the only Asian LCD maker in that lot to plead not guilty. This here ruling comes after LG agreed to pay a $400 million fine in 2008, while Samsung talked itself into an early deal to sidestep prosecution. A pair of AUO execs were also found guilty, but its former CEO L.J. Chen (who is still hanging around in the top brass) was not. We're told that the company plans to appeal -- a process that could last as long as a year -- but that hasn't kept its stock price from sinking in the interim. First comes sliding LCD margins, and now the looming thought of a $1 billion slap on the wrist; suddenly, your woes don't seem so bad, huh?

Wolfram Alpha in-app purchase for iOS adds advanced image processing capabilities

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 11:36 PM PDT

Version 1.4 of Wolfram Alpha has just landed in Apple's App Store, and in addition to a visual refresh for weather queries and the ability to procure items from Best Buy, users will also discover a new in-app purchase option that brings image analysis and manipulation to the venerable analytics platform. For $0.99, the new Image Input feature allows users to add filters, perform color processing and OCR recognition, detect features and view EXIF and histogram information of their photos. The Wolfram Alpha app itself will set you back $2.99, so if you've yet to hop aboard, you can expect to plunk down just shy of $4.00 for the app and its add-on -- no doubt a small price for true photo junkies.

Visualized: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell bares all

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 10:42 PM PDT

Mercedes' electric AMG SLS E-Cell is the teutonic powerhouse's futuristic new gull-wing coupe. An electric motor stationed upon each wheel helps it develop 525 horsepower and go from 0-60 in four seconds (three tenths of a second slower than promised). Now its whipped that neon yellow body from the chassis to take us all on a tour of what lies beneath. Batteries from SK Innovations will gain charge from a similar energy recovery system to the KERS we see in F1 cars, all mounted upon a lightweight carbon fibre structure. If you're interested in taking the full tour, check out the gallery of pictures we've got for you below.
Mercedes SKS ANG E-Cell Drivetrain
Show full PR text
The drive system of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL: Advanced technology made visible
Stuttgart
Mar 09, 2012, Affalterbach – With the electric drivetrain system of the SLS AMG E-CELL, Mercedes-AMG GmbH is providing yet another glimpse of its latest development project. The drivetrain has been in development since 2010 as a result of the cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. Four synchronous electric motors located near the wheels, providing a peak output of 392 kW and torque of 880 Nm, help to provide the SLS AMG E-CELL with its exciting driving dynamics. The carbon-fibre transmission tunnel, which also serves as the monocoque housing for the high-voltage battery modules, is structurally integrated into the aluminium body shell and firmly bonded to it. The lightweight fibre composite materials have their origins in the world of Formula 1, among other areas.
A small series-production run of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is expected to be launched onto the market in 2013. The powerful and locally emission-free super sports car with electric drive is yet another example of the innovative strength and development competence of the AMG performance brand.

The ground-breaking drive system of the technology vehicle boasts some outstanding features: powerful traction is provided by four synchronous electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four compact electric motors each achieve a maximum rotational speed of 12,000 rpm and are positioned close to the wheels. As a result, compared with wheel-hub motors, the unsprung masses are substantially reduced. One transmission per axle transmits the power.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically-powered SLS makes a statement: the gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds – which almost puts it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW (571 hp), which can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Further exciting touches are provided courtesy of the agile accelerator response and the straight-line performance: unlike a combustion engine, torque build-up in an electric motor is instantaneous – maximum torque is available virtually from a standstill. The spontaneous torque build-up and confident power delivery - which does not suffer from any interruption of tractive power - are combined with engine running characteristics which are totally free of vibration.

The key data at a glance:

SLS AMG E-CELL
Max. output 392 kW
Torque 880 Nm
0 - 100 km/h 4.0 s
Energy content 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

All-wheel drive with torque vectoring enables completely new levels of freedom
Four wheels, four motors – the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the electric SLS guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Optimum traction is therefore ensured, whatever the weather conditions. According to the AMG developers, "torque vectoring" involves the individual control of the electric motors, something which enables completely new levels of freedom to be achieved. Torque vectoring is permanently active and allows for selective distribution of forces for each individual wheel. The intelligent distribution of drive torque greatly benefits driving dynamics, handling, driving safety and ride comfort. Each individual wheel can be electrically driven and electrically braked, depending on the driving conditions, thus helping to optimise the vehicle's cornering properties, reduce the tendency to oversteer/understeer, increase the yaw damping of the basic vehicle, reduce the steering effort and steering angle required, increase traction, and minimise ESP® intervention.

Torque vectoring enables optimum use of the adhesion potential between the tyres and the road surface in all driving conditions, thereby extending the critical limits of the vehicle's driving dynamics.

Advanced technology from Formula 1: high-voltage lithium-ion battery
The SLS AMG E-CELL incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery featuring a modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh. Its development has made use of advanced technology from the world of Formula 1: the battery is the first result of the co-operation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (formerly Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines). Headquartered in Brixworth, England, the company has been working closely with AMG for a number of years. F1 engine experts have benefited from its extensive expertise with the KERS hybrid concept, which made its debut in the 2009 Formula 1 season. At the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009, Lewis Hamilton achieved the first historic victory for a Formula 1 vehicle featuring KERS hybrid technology in the form of the Mercedes-Benz KER System.

The high-voltage battery consists of 12 modules each comprising 72 lithium-ion polymer cells. This optimised arrangement of a total of 864 cells has benefits not only in terms of best use of the installation space, but also in terms of performance. The maximum electric load potential of the high-voltage battery is 480 kW, which is an absolute best value in the automotive sector. Another technical feature of this considerable performance is the intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules – this also helps to maximise the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. As in Formula 1, the 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

High-performance control as well as effective cooling of all components
A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current which is required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow for all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature. A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. In low external temperatures, the battery is quickly brought up to operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element. This helps to preserve the overall service life of the battery. In extremely high external temperatures, the cooling circuit for the battery can be additionally boosted with the aid of the air conditioning system.

"AMG Lightweight Performance" design strategy
The trailblazing body shell structure of the SLS AMG E-CELL is part of the ambitious "AMG Lightweight Performance" design strategy. The battery is located within a carbon-fibre monocoque which forms an integral part of the body shell and acts as the gullwing model's "spine". The fibre composite materials have their roots in the world of Formula 1, among other areas. The advantages of carbon-fibre were exploited by the AMG engineers in the design of the monocoque. These include their high strength, which makes it possible to create extremely rigid structures in terms of torsion and bending, excellent crash performance and low weight. CFRP components are up to 50 percent lighter than comparable steel ones, yet retain the same level of stability. Compared with aluminium, the weight saving is still around 30 percent, while the material is considerably thinner. The weight advantages achieved through the carbon-fibre battery monocoque are reflected in the agility of the SLS AMG E-CELL and, in conjunction with the highly innovative wheel-selective four-wheel drive system, ensure true driving enjoyment.
The carbon-fibre battery monocoque is, in addition, conceived as a "zero intrusion cell" in order to meet the very highest expectations in terms of crash safety. It protects the battery modules inside the vehicle from deformation or damage in the event of a crash.

The basis for CFRP construction is provided by fine carbon fibres, ten times thinner than a human hair. A length of this innovative fibre reaching from here to the moon would weigh a mere 25 grams. Between 1000 and 24,000 of these fibres are used to form individual strands. Machines then weave and sew them into fibre mats several layers thick, which can be moulded into three-dimensional shapes. When injected with liquid synthetic resin, this hardens to give the desired structure its final shape and stability.

Through their experience with the SLR, the AMG Black Series vehicles and in motorsport, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have accumulated more than 10 years of expertise in working with carbon-fibre materials. AMG currently makes the propshaft for the SLS AMG, for example, in carbon-fibre. On the SLS Roadster, the supporting structure for the draught-stop is made as standard as a carbon sandwich structure. This component, with extremely short cycle times in an industrially oriented manufacturing process, already demonstrates what will be possible in the future.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the gullwing model was being developed. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-voltage battery. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically-powered gullwing model shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

New front axle design with pushrod damper struts
The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers.

Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the world of motorsport, the agility and driving dynamics of the SLS AMG E-CELL attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.

AMG ceramic composite brakes for perfect deceleration
The technology vehicle is slowed with the aid of AMG high-performance ceramic composite brakes, which boast extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions. The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.

The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed. The ABS and ESP® systems have been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the permanent all-wheel drive.

BBC's Director-General confirms instant video on-demand store is coming

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 08:37 PM PDT

Just last week, rumors regarding the BBC's purported iTunes competitor were making the rounds. Now, thanks to Director-General Mark Thompson, we can confirm that it is indeed in the works. Currently known around the British offices as "Project Barcelona," the service is expected to be an à la carte media offering, allowing you to "purchase a digital copy of a program to own and keep for a relatively modest charge." Speaking of which, movies, TV shows and specials are expected to start at £1.89 and may be available minutes after they're broadcast on TV, though we've yet to hear an official word on pricing. The Broadcasting Corporation chief went on to say this isn't "a second license-fee by stealth or any reduction in the current public service offering from the BBC, it's the exact analogy of going into a high-street shop to buy a DVD." He didn't, however, give any deets on when we can expect the service to launch.

Mozilla outlines plans for Firefox in 2012: less emphasis on version numbers, more focus on user experience

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 07:51 PM PDT

We've already seen Firefox move to a more rapid release schedule, and it looks like we'll soon also see far less emphasis placed on those rapidly increasing version numbers (much like Google has already done with Chrome). That's one detail revealed by Mozilla in a blog post today, which recaps its activity in 2011 and outlines some of its goals for 2012. That includes silent updates in the background to counter what Mozilla calls "update fatigue," as well as a number of efforts to make web apps more integrated into Firefox (and complement the Mozilla Marketplace). More on that and some additional technical details can be found at the source link below.

Hand-cranked vending machine offers products sans power, refreshments during emergencies (video)

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 06:15 PM PDT

Ever needed to grab a bottle of water only to find the vending machine you've spotted is without power? The folks in Japan have, especially in the period immediately following natural disasters. The solution? Easy. A hand-cranked vending machine that still affords you the option of your desired food or beverage even during an emergency when the power is down. Sanden, a Japanese vending outfit, has developed the system that would allow the country's 5.5 million machines to run sans electricity or solar power and rely on good ol' fashioned muscle. You'll just need to dish out 70 cranks, in addition to the cost of your selection, and in about 20 seconds the kit powers on. The machine shown here will dispense around seven bottles before needing a full re-crank and there's no word on what the additional cost per vending unit will be. For look at the tech in action, hit the video above and prepare for a bicep workout.

RIM gets funky, patents fuel cell manufacture for mobile devices

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 05:26 PM PDT

If the engineers in Waterloo have their way, your future mobile handset may be able to recharge itself on-the-go with the help of fuel cells. A new patent from RIM describes a method of manufacture that sandwiches a fuel cell assembly between the keyboard and printed circuit board, wherein the fuel cell ventilates through the keyboard (and likely, channels in the keys themselves). The claims describe the PCB as being formed on the fuel cell -- perhaps in effort to reduce size -- to which a fuel tank is then located beneath the printed circuit board. It seems that users will be able to initiate the fuel cell assembly in some manner, as the claims also describe a conductive, metallic plunger on at least one of the keys that's able to fit through a hole within the fuel cell. One omission we've spotted right off the bat is a lack of description of how the fuel tank is filled, so perhaps we'll learn that tidbit another day.

Prestigio's Multi 9.7 Android 4.0 tablet has an IPS display, arrives in May for 199 Euro

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 04:38 PM PDT

We were so busy fondling gaming machines and touchscreen Ultrabooks at CeBIT last week that we missed that tablet you see up there. That would be the Prestigio Multi 9.7, which -- surprise, surprise -- sports a 9.7-inch display. What's intriguing to us (besides the fact that we're generally obsessed with this sort of thing), is that we don't see nearly as many budget 10-inch tablets as we do 7-inchers. As you can see in the video below, it has a nice, fingerprint-resistant rubber back, along with an IPS display and Ice Cream Sandwich as an OS -- not too shabby for what's clearly a low-end device. Then again, the specs are appropriately modest: it has 8GB of built-in storage (expandable via microSD) and runs on a single-core 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 chip, bolstered by 1GB of RAM. According to Notebook Italia, it'll hit Italy in May for €199, though it's unclear if it will be available in other countries as well. Head past the break to find a video of it in action (skip to about 1:30 in), and hit that source link for more pics.

Cricket looks to enhance LTE rollout plan, strikes five-year deal with Clearwire

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 03:59 PM PDT

It looks as if the Big G's plan to offload its Clearwire stake didn't stop Cricket from striking a deal with the Sprint-born network. The five-year agreement allows the underdog wireless carrier to use Clearwire's LTE Advanced-ready waves to aid with its own rollout, which is expected to be fleshing out over the next "two to three years." Similar to that LightsSquared pact from last year, mum's the word on how much cash was involved in the signing. That said, chances are all you care about is how speedy the 4G browsing will be (and how much you can use before getting throttled).
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Cricket and Clearwire Announce Long-Term Wholesale 4G LTE Agreement

Clearwire's LTE Advanced-Ready Network to Offer Capacity Resources for Cricket's 4G Network

Agreement Will Supplement LTE Coverage that Cricket is Deploying Across its Own Networks

SAN DIEGO and BELLEVUE, Wash., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services, and Clearwire Corp (NADSAQ: CLWR) today announced that they have entered into a five-year wholesale agreement. With the agreement, Cricket will become the second operator to have signed on to leverage Clearwire's forthcoming LTE Advanced-ready network, which will provide capacity off-load services to supplement Cricket's own LTE network. Cricket currently plans to deploy LTE across approximately two-thirds of its current network footprint over the next two to three years and to cover up to approximately 25 million POPs with LTE network technology in 2012.

"The high-speed 4G LTE networks we are deploying will complement our robust 3G network and allow us to continue innovating value for our Cricket customers," said Doug Hutcheson, President and CEO of Leap Wireless International, Inc., Cricket's parent company. "We believe this agreement with Clearwire provides us with an attractive option to supplement our own LTE build-out strategy and gives us the flexibility to access additional 4G capacity where needed as data-centric devices continue to become more popular."

"This long-term partnership with Cricket is a key step forward in the development of Clearwire's wholesale LTE business model," said Erik Prusch, President and CEO of Clearwire. "Not all LTE networks are created equally. We have always believed that our unmatched spectrum portfolio offers a compelling resource that can and will enable wireless operators to thrive in the 4G marketplace of the future. We are very pleased to provide Cricket with additional mobile broadband resources to supplement their own LTE build and we plan to continue to actively seek new opportunities to serve the needs of other 4G providers."

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Cricket

Cricket is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts serving more than 5.9 million customers. Cricket offers wireless voice and mobile data services over the latest, high-quality, all-digital 4G (LTE) and 3G CDMA wireless networks. In 2011, Cricket launched its award-winning Muve Music® product, the first music service designed for a wireless phone that now has more than 500,000 customers. Cricket's innovative products and services are available at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers, national retailers and at www.mycricket.com. For more information about Cricket, please visit www.mycricket.com.

About Clearwire

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services covering more than 130 million people in the U.S. The company holds the deepest portfolio of wireless spectrum available for data services in the U.S. Clearwire serves retail customers through its own CLEAR® brand as well as through wholesale relationships with some of the leading companies in the retail, technology, and telecommunications industries, including Sprint. The company plans to launch a next-generation 4G LTE Advanced-ready network to address the capacity needs of the market, working closely with the Global TDD-LTE Initiative and China Mobile. Clearwire is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. Additional information is available at http://www.clearwire.com.

Archos outs G10 xs tablet line, readies Transformer Prime contenders

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 03:21 PM PDT

After releasing a teaser earlier today, Archos is now shedding a tiny bit of light on its upcoming G10 xs series. As slides from its recent Paris presser show, the upcoming tabs, of which little is known, will reportedly measure in at only 7.6mm thick, besting the silhouette of Apple's newest iPad; a figure that bumps up to only 11mm when paired with its companion keyboard dock. The convertible slates are set for a retail debut sometime this year and, despite not sharing the hinged design of ASUS' Transformer Prime, look to be aimed squarely at that same market space. No information was given as to the lineup's OS of choice (presumably, Android ICS) or specs, but we do know the devices will retail between 200 to 400 Euros, depending on the configuration. Hop on past the break for a brief video glimpse of this next generation in French-made tablet tech.

Dolphin Browser arrives in BlackBerry App World, now with developer's permission

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 02:56 PM PDT

Everybody loves happy endings, so it's with this in mind that we bring you news of the official "sanctioned" arrival of Dolphin Browser within the BlackBerry App World. At version 7.2, this app isn't quite as fresh as its native Android counterpart -- which sits at version 7.5 in the Play Store and offers Sonar voice features -- but it still brings its webzine and gesture-driven mannerisms that many appreciate. As you may recall, this isn't the first time that the Dolphin Browser has graced the App World, but this time around, it was submitted by MoboTap -- so yeah, they know it's in there. If you happen to have a PlayBook and would like to try the alternative browser, be sure to hit up the source link.

Canada relaxes rules on foreign ownership of wireless companies, plans spectrum auction for first half of 2013

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 02:34 PM PDT

The Canadian government made a major announcement on telecom policy late this afternoon, revealing a change that opens the door to more foreign ownership of wireless companies -- an issue that's been a point of contention for some time. As The Globe & Mail reports, the new rules will allow for 100 percent ownership of companies with a market share of ten percent or less -- something that can then grow beyond ten percent, so long as it's not done through mergers or takeovers. Previously, total foreign ownership in telecom companies has been restricted to 46.7 percent.

Along with that news, the government also confirmed that the anticipated 700MHz spectrum auction will take place in the first half of 2013 (with a 2500 MHz auction to follow within a year), and that there will be caps in place that are said to "effectively ensure that new wireless entrants and regional providers have access to prime spectrum." The auction will also have some conditions intended to bring service to rural areas, and there will be a block of spectrum reserved for public safety use. All of this, the government says, is intended to "provide Canadian families with more choices at low prices," although we'll naturally have to wait and see if that last bit pans out.

[Tower photo via Shutterstock]

The Hague to Samsung: no injunction for 3G patent infringement if Apple's willing to FRAND license

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 02:20 PM PDT

Since it's been more than 24 hours since the last bit of news in the ongoing legal battle between Samsung and Apple, we figured you could do with another litigation revelation. Late last year, the Hague shot down Sammy's request to prevent iPads and iPhones from being sold in the Netherlands. Today, the Dutch court went a step further, telling the Korean company that it can't pursue any other injunctions based upon its FRAND 3G patents as long as Cupertino's willing to talk about licensing them. Not only that, it went on to hold that those patents don't apply in Sammy's case against the iPhone 4S due to the theory of patent exhaustion. The allegedly infringing bits in the handset are made by Qualcomm, who licensed the technology directly from Samsung -- granting Apple protection under the license as a third party beneficiary -- and Apple prevailed using arguments not unlike those it made in a suit it recently filed against Motorola. Score one more legal victory for Tim Cook and company, but as you already know, the war is far from over.

iTunes movies in 1080p: less than or equal to Blu-ray image quality?

Posted: 14 Mar 2012 01:56 PM PDT

Blu-ray's been atop the home entertainment mountain, with only fleeting competition from HD-DVDs, ever since its introduction. Since then, home internet connections have gotten faster and the quality of downloadable content has improved such that iTunes can offer 1080p versions of your favorite movies. But, does iTunes really provide the crystal clear quality we're accustomed to seeing from its disc-based competition? The good folks at Ars Technica decided to find out using the film 30 Days of Night, and results were mixed: text and color reproduction were virtually indistinguishable, but the compressed iTunes version showed warts when dealing with bright spots and dark gradients. Highlights in the downloaded movie were a little blown out and lacked the detail of their Blu-ray counterparts, and banding was visible in the downloaded movie during a darker scene. So, it seems that supreme video quality still comes via optical drive, but if you're willing to sacrifice a smidge, the iTunes alternative is still pretty darn good. Don't take our word for it, though, there's lots of photos detailing the difference at the source below.
at 11:56 AM

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