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Engadget News |
- Predictably named iPavement puts hotspots into the sidewalk
- Woz: Windows Phone is 'beautiful,' Android 'no contest,' still loves iPhone, ask again tomorrow
- Lenovo's Eedoo CT510 motion gaming console to finally hit China, wants your $600
- Nokia experiments with location-based white space services in Cambridge, UK (video)
- Micromax's Superfone A50 Ninja enters India with AISHA voice assistant, forgets its shuriken
- Google Maps 'Cube' game rolls out, back, up, back again
- Canon reports slightly higher profits in Q1, teases new compact cameras on the way
- ShelfX's Vending Fridge nixes the cashier, uses QR codes, RFID to 'know what you took'
- Space travel coming to an airport near you? Maybe, if Skylon keeps its cool
- Leaked T-Mobile roadmap outlines Ice Cream Sandwich updates, new myTouch devices
- LG gives away 2,000 specially modified phones for the blind
- FAA writing rules for electric aircraft, to allow public to fly them in the next decade
- Time Warner Cable is preparing for TWC TV IPTV streaming on Roku boxes
- Google Drive now offers a bumpy ride for Chrome OS dev-channel users
- Panasonic details radar-based technology that can detect collisions in low light
- Acer Aspire V3 coming to Japan for $1,100 with right processor, wrong ppi
- Reuters: Apple in talks to stream films owned by Epix, no deal expected before September
- AT&T stockholders vote down net neutrality proposal
- Google MapsGL updates 3D buildings, improves virtual tourism
- Sony Xperia ST21i with ICS leaks out, shows off its chunky physique
- Engadget Podcast 291 - 04.27.2012
- Patterned by Nature: it's big, blocky and earth-approved (video)
- Fanatec's Clubsport pedals V2 bring improved brake and clutch feel to the virtual speedway (video)
| Predictably named iPavement puts hotspots into the sidewalk Posted: 28 Apr 2012 10:48 AM PDT
We know what it's like to be in a foreign country without a mobile internet connection. Although there are domestic options making it easier to connect our devices abroad, Spanish company iPavement wants to help confused tourists (and their confused devices) by seamlessly integrating hotspots into tiles -- which are seamlessly integrated into the ground. It's unclear whether users will have open access to the entire world wide web, or only controlled info about the city, but the service is at least free to use. The 24kg (53lb) tiles are slightly larger than normal, installed a maximum of 20 meters (66 feet) from one another and only work at temperatures between 10 - 45 degrees Celsius (14 - 113 degrees Fahrenheit). Touristy cloud apps like maps, coupons, and traffic updates in various languages are also a part of the deal, and you would look like less of a tourist without that huge guide to Madrid. Just lose the fanny pack and you'll be set. |
| Woz: Windows Phone is 'beautiful,' Android 'no contest,' still loves iPhone, ask again tomorrow Posted: 28 Apr 2012 09:09 AM PDT
When Steve Wozniak talks mobile, people love to listen. Last time we checked in, he was lauding some of Android's finer points, and now he's raining praise on Windows Phone. In an interview with A New Domain, the Apple co-founder was all too happy to share his recent positive experiences with the Espoo / Redmond collaboration. In particular, Woz waxes about how intuitive the interface is, and how naturally apps lead you around. He goes on to say how there's nothing he's seen that isn't more beautiful (than iOS and Android) on the Windows system, before claiming Android is "no contest" when it comes to the interface. It's not all lemonade and roses, however, as he then admits he's no fan of the voice control functionality compared to the other two platforms. When pushed to admit what he uses as default, it's still the iPhone -- two of them in fact -- but Woz's ability to see the best in all mobile operating systems will be sure to further confirm his status as one of tech's most liked. Head down to the source to hear for yourself. [Thanks everyone who sent this in] |
| Lenovo's Eedoo CT510 motion gaming console to finally hit China, wants your $600 Posted: 28 Apr 2012 08:42 AM PDT
Product delays that push back release dates a full year are never good. What's worse? When that product finally does launch and even someone inside the company votes against it. That's exactly what's going down with the CT510 GameBox, the Eedoo Kinect competitor for the Chinese market. Though it's gone through a fair share of reincarnations before arriving at its current config (it was formerly known as the eBox), the final package has a dual-core CPU, a minimum of 250GB in HDD storage and a 3D GPU, and comes pre-installed with eight games and ten apps. All told, it will cost a cool 3,799 yuan ($600) when it ships on April 29th -- some very ambitious pricing, considering that the imported Xbox with Kinect (the console isn't officially available in China) already sells for about $459 in China, according to M.I.C. Gadget. A director from the Lenovo-backed company seems to agree: in a Sina Weibo poll asking users whether they'd buy the product (pictured after the break), he selected the answer, "No way! Price-to-performance ratio too low." Though to be fair, the gentleman later clarified that it was an honest mistake, and that his company is targeting the high-end family users instead of the core gamers. Well, we shall let the sales figures do the talking. |
| Nokia experiments with location-based white space services in Cambridge, UK (video) Posted: 28 Apr 2012 06:37 AM PDT
Following news of the first successful white space trials in Cambridge, UK, Nokia is now touting its research in the area with a demonstration of location-based services for the unlicensed spectrum. Traditionally, proponents of white space usage have positioned this unused portion of the airwaves as a viable, low-cost method of data transmission, but the Nokia folks have now demonstrated its ability to pinpoint one's location with much greater accuracy than either WiFi or cellular networks. Think of it as a counterpoint to NFC, if you will, but in the following clip, we're shown how an individual might move throughout a museum, and as they approach various exhibits, one's smartphone could provide supplemental information for the nearby artifacts. Beyond its use in museums, Nokia also foresees the technology as useful in the retail space, where businesses may provide consumers with promotions as they walk by. Currently, the necessary equipment to make this all possible is much too large to fit within a typical smartphone, but Nokia hypothesizes that the necessary chipsets and industry standards may be in place by 2015. Until then, you can dream of what might be with the following video.
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| Micromax's Superfone A50 Ninja enters India with AISHA voice assistant, forgets its shuriken Posted: 28 Apr 2012 05:22 AM PDT
Hoping to compete with the Siris of the world, Micromax has announced its new Superfone A50 Ninja alongside a novel feature dubbed AISHA -- which is short for Artificial Intelligence Speech Handset Assistant. Similar to Cupertino's personal secretary, AISHA vows to help folks with every-day elements such as making calls, setting up calendar events and even reporting what the weather looks like. Much to our disappointment, however, the A50 Ninja runs a not-so-new flavor of Android -- Gingerbread to be exact -- and Micromax left out any mention of Android 4.0. On the specs front, the dual-SIM Superfone sports a 3.1-inch display (mum's the word on the resolution), a two-megapixel shooter, Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities and an unspecified 650MHz processor. All in all, thanks to its 4,999 rupees (around $95) budget price, we can't imagine you'd complain too much. Be sure to hit up the Micromax link below if you're interested in grabbing one of these. Micromax Informatics Limited ("Micromax"), the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics) today announced the launch of A50 Ninja, which comes with an Artificial Intelligence Speech Handset Assistant, "AISHA". Priced at Rs. 4,999/- the Micromax A50 Ninja makes an effort to provide an affordable smartphone solution for the masses who have longed for a phone which is not just smart but an intelligent device. In succession to A85, A75, A73 and A78, Micromax intensifies its Superfone portfolio by introducing A50 and thus offering handsets ranging from Rs. 4,999 to Rs. 12, 500. A50 runs on Android version 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) with a processor speed of 650 MHz .The phone features a 7.9 cms multi touch capacitive screen to provide ease to the users. It's another dual SIM Android powered offering from Micromax. However, with A50 Micromax offers a new innovation to the user in form of AISHA. Through the voice recognition tool, Users can initiate a Google search, view stock market details, Know phone status, movie reviews, make calls, read news of desired locations, know horoscopes, make language translations and also view recipes through AISHA. This is not just enough, AISHA helps you to inquire your missed calls, send message, inquire date and time, weather conditions, pose knowledge questions and a number of jobs to count on. For the smooth functioning of AISHA to provide an intelligent and immediate response, Micromax has back-end tie up with Indian portals such as Timesjob.com, Simplymarry.com etc Through AISHA, the users can update their status on Facebook and Twitter. A50 comes on the Gingerbread platform and the users can discover a hub of apps that awaits them at the Google Play Store ranging from entertainment to music apps. Micromax A50 sports a 2.0 MP camera. Superfone A50 Ninja is available at an attractive price of Rs. 4,999. This model will be available across all leading retail outlets in India. For more information, please visit www.micromaxsuperfone.com. |
| Google Maps 'Cube' game rolls out, back, up, back again Posted: 28 Apr 2012 04:08 AM PDT
Cast your mind back to January if you will. Head full of steamy CES action? Of course, but you may also remember Google teased us about a new tilt-and-roll Maps game. Well, it looks like the creators may have missed the original February deadline, having finally snuck it out this week. The browser-based game is a series of maze challenges, that'll take you through the streets of San Francisco, downtown Tokyo and beyond. All atop Google's iconic 3D textured maps, naturally. Eight levels in total are on offer, making it an ideal lunchtime -- or if the boss is away -- afternoon time kill. Roll down to the source link below to give it a spin, nudge and roll. |
| Canon reports slightly higher profits in Q1, teases new compact cameras on the way Posted: 28 Apr 2012 02:11 AM PDT
Canon reported its Q1 2012 earnings this week, and things certainly appear to have gone better than the last time we checked in when it replaced the company president. While revenue declined slightly, net profit reached 61.54 billion yen ($766 million), up 11 percent from a year ago. There's no executive moves to report, however on the earnings call executive VP and CFO Toshizo Tanaka noted a unit sales increase of 30 percent for SLR cameras including the new EOS 5D Mark III as well as the cheaper T3i, Mark II and 60D models, combined with strong sales for WiFi-connected point-and-shoots. As far as new products, while its new cinema cameras got a glancing mention the plan this year includes compact cameras "offering the image qualities that approaches SLR cameras", with improved design and network connectivity features. All the numbers and earnings call talk are in black and white at the links below, although we prefer to spend our time speculating about the future of mirrorless cameras. |
| ShelfX's Vending Fridge nixes the cashier, uses QR codes, RFID to 'know what you took' Posted: 27 Apr 2012 11:35 PM PDT
QR codes and RFID tags aren't uncommon when it comes to automated payment applications, and now Colorado-based ShelfX has purposed them for its new wireless-equipped Vending Fridges. Eliminating the need for a cashier -- or cash, for that matter -- each unit allows you to purchase any items packed inside by scanning a QR code with your phone (using the company's app) or an RFID badge. Upon presenting either method to the machine, it's able to tell who you are and unlocks its door. From there, you can grab whatever you'd like, while ShelfX automatically pulls funds your account for what's been removed. The system is also smart enough to know when goods are put back, so you won't have to worry about being charged while making up your mind. All of the money goes through ShelfX, allowing it to take "a small percentage" for itself before sending a monthly payment to owners. The Vending Fridge is currently on sale for $600, and a retrofitting kit for your own fridge is also available for half that amount -- no word on whether it has kid-blocking or crab-proofing options, though. You'll find more information in the press release just after the break. ShelfX Releases A Fridge That Knows What You Took SHELFX, INC. VENDING FRIDGE ShelfX Vending Fridge. (PRNewsFoto/ShelfX, Inc.) BOULDER, CO UNITED STATES BOULDER, Colo., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- ShelfX, provider of revolutionary self-checkout and inventory management solutions, announces the availability of the Vending Fridge. As the next-generation vending machine, the Vending Fridge lets consumers use a simple QR code scanner from their mobile phone and the ShelfX Mobile App to seamlessly purchase refrigerated products. The Vending Fridge can be conveniently installed in hotels, offices, retail stores, gyms, coffee shops, schools, libraries or various other locations where flexible food vending is needed. With the Vending Fridge installed, a customer simply uses their mobile phone to scan a QR code on the fridge, prompting the download of the ShelfX app from which accounts are created and payment information is entered. Within seconds, scanning the QR code again will unlock the fridge door and beverages, sandwiches, apples, whatever is offered, will be available for the taking. For added simplicity, existing customers will also receive an RFID-enabled XCard in the mail, which acts as the same as the app on their mobile phone. New customers are also offered the convenience of creating their accounts online to start shopping without hassle or lines. And for the owner of the Vending Fridge, the process is just as easy; owners only need to stock the fridge. ShelfX handles account creations, payment processing, and sends owners a payment each month, deducting only a small percentage of sales for services rendered. Just as with the ShelfX retail system, the Vending Fridge is equipped with the company's proprietary Smart Shelf that knows the exact quantity and type of products that are stocked on it. The Vending Fridge also knows what the consumer removes from, or returns to its shelves; and through wireless communication, the Vending Fridge updates accounts and instantly automates billing. This award-winning Vending Fridge is now available for sale at $599 USD. For skilled technicians and do-it-yourself owners, the ShelfX Vending Fridge kit is also available for $299 USD. Start cashing in on this revolutionary new vending technology; reserve your Vending Fridge today at shop.shelfx.com. |
| Space travel coming to an airport near you? Maybe, if Skylon keeps its cool Posted: 27 Apr 2012 08:56 PM PDT
Want to get from New York to Perth in under 4 hours, or maybe just head to outer space on a lark? Reaction Engines' "Skylon" mach 5 spaceplane might be your chariot -- or not. Its scheme of ingesting oxygen from the atmosphere instead of stowing it like a |
| Leaked T-Mobile roadmap outlines Ice Cream Sandwich updates, new myTouch devices Posted: 27 Apr 2012 07:14 PM PDT
Looks like our friends over at TMoNews have unearthed a roadmap with some tasty morsels of info about what's coming down the pipe from T-Mobile USA in the next few months. Of course, none of this is set in stone or even confirmed, so take it with a grain of salt. Most interesting is a pair of dates for Ice Cream sandwich updates, with Magenta's Galaxy S II slated to receive Android 4.0 on May 14th, followed by the Sensation 4G and Amaze 4G getting ICS (with Sense 3.6, presumably) on June 16th. A bunch of device launches from Samsung and Huawei round up the list of dates, with no sign of HTC's One X, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S III, or T-Mobile's rumored Galaxy Note variant. Sadness. Check out the entire bounty below.
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| LG gives away 2,000 specially modified phones for the blind Posted: 27 Apr 2012 05:43 PM PDT
Skipping on the LTE, HD IPS screen or dual-processor is usually not a recipe that will land your phone on the pages of Engadget. But, these LG-LU2700Ss are not just any unspectacular flip phone. The handset has been specially modified for use by the blind and visually impaired. The manual is printed in braille and, rather than require the constant mashing of buttons, the phone is controlled primarily through voice commands. 2,000 of the devices were given away as part of the company's donation program. Now if only they would mass produce them, LG would earn some serious cred. |
| FAA writing rules for electric aircraft, to allow public to fly them in the next decade Posted: 27 Apr 2012 04:33 PM PDT
There are those in the general aviation community who think electric planes are the future for private aircraft, but regulatory hurdles are in place preventing them from proliferating in our skies. You see, current FAA requirements for light sport aircraft (LSA) -- planes that can be flown by anyone with a pilot's license -- preclude electric powerplants, and that makes such planes unavailable to most private pilots. Well, today at the CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium, FAA analyst Tom Gunnarson delivered some good news for flying EV advocates, stating that the FAA has completed its regulatory study on electric aircraft, and the rulemaking process will begin soon. Once those rules have been written, electrically-propelled aircraft will be available for use as LSA by the public, which isn't possible today given their current status as experimental craft. The bad news? Governmental wheels spin slowly, and Gunnarson said that incorporating those new rules into the current regulatory framework will take five years if we're lucky, but ten years is a more likely time frame for the FAA to finish. In the meantime, you'll have to settle for air shows or terrestrial transport to get your EV fix. |
| Time Warner Cable is preparing for TWC TV IPTV streaming on Roku boxes Posted: 27 Apr 2012 04:01 PM PDT
Time Warner Cable's TWC TV streaming TV service has already arrived on iOS and Android 4.0, so what's next? According to information we've received, the next stop should be connected TV platforms, starting with the popular Roku media streaming boxes. We already got a glimpse of TWC TV on an HDTV during CES 2012 when it was being demonstrated at the Panasonic and Samsung booths, and were told at the time that it could launch on "multiple platforms" later this year. While company personnel are currently being briefed on compatibility with Roku the launch could still be some time off, as previous preparations for rollouts like streaming to PCs came months ahead. We contacted reps for the company about the plan and received a "no comment" in response, so there's nothing in the way of official word just yet. Either way, if all you want to do is ditch the bulky cable box for a diminutive hockey puck, it seems like 2012 could finally be the year. |
| Google Drive now offers a bumpy ride for Chrome OS dev-channel users Posted: 27 Apr 2012 03:26 PM PDT
You knew it was gonna happen, but Google's cloud-based storage service has now been married to its cloud-based operating system, as Chrome OS users who receive updates via the dev-channel may now benefit from integration with Google Drive. Most notably, Drive will now appear as an additional folder within the file manager, although the implementation isn't without its quirks. For example, our peers at TechCrunch described the inability to make these files available for offline access. It goes without saying that dev-channel releases aren't for everyone, but if you enjoy living on the edge, then be sure to take a peep at what Google has in store for the inevitable mainstream release. |
| Panasonic details radar-based technology that can detect collisions in low light Posted: 27 Apr 2012 03:05 PM PDT
Collision detection for cars? Yeah, scientists are on that. But whenever we read about concepts like this, the accompanying literature is often curiously light on details pertaining to real-life driving conditions; it's often unclear how well the tech will fare if you dredge it up on a foggy day, or in the middle of torrential storm. But in that press release you see down there, low visibility and poorly lit roads are all Panasonic wants to talk about. The company just unveiled its new crash-avoidance system, which, like other concepts we've seen, uses millimeter-wave radar technology to detect pedestrians and bicyclists. Since humans tend to reflect weaker radar signals than cars, Panasonic has designed a new pulse radar code sequence that allows pedestrians to leave a bigger footprint. It's so effective, the company claims, that it can detect bystanders up to 40 meters (131 feet) away, and will work at night and through rain, fog, snow and blinding sunlight. That all sounds promising, of course, but as with other concepts, it's not clear, when, exactly we'll see this system put to good use in the real world.
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| Acer Aspire V3 coming to Japan for $1,100 with right processor, wrong ppi Posted: 27 Apr 2012 02:33 PM PDT
Want a 2.1GHz Ivy Bridge Core i7 in your next media laptop? Mmm, yes please. And a 1080p LED backlit display to devour movies on? Well, of course. Then keep looking, because the Acer Aspire V3 maxes out at just 1366 x 768 -- despite being equipped with a Blu-ray spinner and Dolby Theater v4, and also despite the eye-popping competition. Then again, at 15.6-inches that resolution might not be a total deal-breaker, plus our hands-on taster at CeBIT (before we even knew about the Ivy Bridge internals) wasn't totally unpleasant. The HD 4000 graphics should give you the odd gaming snack, even if not a full meal, while a 750GB HDD, up to 8GB RAM and a ton of I/O options take care of the back room. The V3 will hit Japanese shelves on April 29th for around $1,100 -- but watch out for a 17-incher too (which will do 1080p) plus cheaper Core i5 variants coming later. |
| Reuters: Apple in talks to stream films owned by Epix, no deal expected before September Posted: 27 Apr 2012 01:51 PM PDT
It's reasonably well known at this point that Apple is looking to line up partnerships for some sort of a streaming video service. We've heard again and again that it's coming, so get ready to hum along with that 'ol tune one more time. Reuters is reporting that Apple has been in negotiations with Epix since earlier this year, hoping to secure access to films from Lions Gate, MGM and Paramount Pictures. There's no indication of when such a service might come to light, but Reuters indicates the company's current deal with Netflix, which expires on September 1st, could be a conflict (though that hasn't stopped Google TV in the past). So, no proper Apple-branded TV until the fall? Stay tuned... |
| AT&T stockholders vote down net neutrality proposal Posted: 27 Apr 2012 01:28 PM PDT
AT&T stockholders took to the ballot box today at their annual meeting and voted not only to reelect the entire board of directors, but also on a number of measures concerning how the company should conduct business. Chief amongst them was a provision that would have required the carrier to operate its network according to the tenets of net neutrality. Unfortunately for you (unless you're an AT&T exec), the proposal was voted down by a pretty stunning margin. 94.1 percent of shareholders opposed, with only 5.9 casting their voice in favor of true network neutrality. For more info check out the PR after the break. AT&T Announces Preliminary Results of 2012 Annual Meeting SALT LAKE CITY, April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At its annual meeting of stockholders today, AT&T Inc.* (NYSE: T) announced that each of the 11 nominees were reelected to the company's board of directors for one-year terms, with each member receiving at least 96.3 percent of the shares voted. Additionally, AT&T stockholders voted to approve the following items proposed by the board of directors: The appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the company's independent auditor, with 98.4 percent of shares cast in favor and 1.6 percent cast against. The board of directors proposed a fourth item - an amendment to the company's certificate of incorporation to eliminate the article requiring the approval of two-thirds of the outstanding shares for action by written consent. Under Delaware law, the amendment to the certificate of incorporation requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares. This proposal received the approval of 50.9 percent of shares outstanding and did not pass. The following proposals from stockholders were also voted on: A proposal asking AT&T to issue a semi-annual report on political contributions and the policies and procedures for making such contributions was defeated by a vote of 61.4 percent against to 38.6 percent in favor. When final voting results are available, they will be posted on the AT&T Investor Relations website. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. © 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. |
| Google MapsGL updates 3D buildings, improves virtual tourism Posted: 27 Apr 2012 12:51 PM PDT
Google's been spending some quality time with its Maps offering of late. Most recently, it overhauled the 3D buildings and landmarks to make them, well, better. This time, its Maps' juiced up sibling MapsGL that's been feeling the paternal love. The WebGL-based 3D renderings have been the same treatment, making your virtual aerial tours all the more realistic. Now, as you glide over the landscape, your view of the buildings is much more like real life. Or you could just take the lazy tourism one step further. Hit the source for examples. |
| Sony Xperia ST21i with ICS leaks out, shows off its chunky physique Posted: 27 Apr 2012 12:29 PM PDT
It may not be as sleek as its S kin, or even as powerful as that mid-level U, but this recently leaked Xperia ST21i might just have enough goodies to lure a handful of you in. According to Techblog, this thick, 3.2-inch unit packs some pretty run-of-the-mill features, including an 800MHz Qualcomm chip paired with 512MB of RAM, a 3-megapixel shooter to help with those Instagram shots and a low 480 x 320 screen res. Unlike a few of the other Xperias still waiting to be served, though, the ST21i has already been filled with a portion of Google's famous ICS. No word yet on when the pudgy device will see a legit introduction, but until then you can peek at some extra photos at the source link below. |
| Engadget Podcast 291 - 04.27.2012 Posted: 27 Apr 2012 12:07 PM PDT  It's the Engadget Podcast, the only podcast in the multiverse that tried to change its name to "My Podcast Beat Up Your NPR's Science Friday." Host: Brian Heater, Dana Wollman, Terrence O'Brien Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace.
Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens. Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @bheater, @danawollman @terrenceobrien This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Patterned by Nature: it's big, blocky and earth-approved (video) Posted: 27 Apr 2012 11:50 AM PDT
Quick quiz: which consumes more power, an "energy-efficient" 55-inch LED TV, or the 90-foot "Patterned by Nature" video installation at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences? It's actually a trick question, because the sculpture does eat less power -- just 75 watts -- but then it only has a fraction of the TV's pixels. Each of its 3600 "dots" is in fact a 6-inch glass pane which can vary its transparency, a decidedly more lo-fi approach than similar tech we've seen before, but no less arresting as a result. As the video shows, it combines an eight channel soundtrack with twenty Mario-like animations on its serpentine skin -- ranging from bacteria to flocking geese -- to bring mother nature to the viewer without sapping her energy. |
| Fanatec's Clubsport pedals V2 bring improved brake and clutch feel to the virtual speedway (video) Posted: 27 Apr 2012 11:26 AM PDT
Around these parts, we're generally suckers for all things related to racing simulators. As such, we're excited to learn that Fanatec has unveiled its next generation of the Clubsport pedals that we reviewed over a year ago. Dubbed as the Clubsport pedals V2, the company refers to the peripheral as an "evolutionary" update to original, offering a trio of improvements. The clutch has been retooled to have a "regressive feel" that's said to be similar to a real automobile, while the brake is now of the hydraulic variety, featuring user replaceable synthetic oil -- naturally, it still has an adjustable spring and load cell pressure sensor for the utmost customizability. The final touch is merely some visual spice in the way of black anodization. Notably, there won't be any tuning kit available initially, and V1 owners might be disappointed to know that the company has opted not to offer an upgrade kit, citing costs and potentially complicated installation. Fanatec is aiming to have the Clubsport pedals V2 out by June, bundled alongside its Clubsport wheel, with pricing set at $250 for the US (€250 in the UK). Pre-orders won't begin until May, so in the meantime, shift over to the source link below and the video past the break for all the details.
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