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• Facebook proposes more transparent privacy policy, wants to know what you think of it
• Report: Apple dumping Google for own Maps app in iOS 6
• IBM celebrates the 15th anniversary of Deep Blue beating Garry Kasparov (video)
• Engadget Giveaway: win a Sony 40-inch 1080p HDTV, courtesy of The Grey on Blu-ray and DVD
• Nintendo prepares to kill off Aqua Blue 3DS, dump it in a watery grave
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 lands at UK's Carphone Warehouse
• Artificial Space Shuttle Explorer readies for launch at sea, journey to Houston
• CTIA Wireless 2012 wrap-up
• Baidu announces new smartphone partnership, stops short of saying who with
• SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace drum up support for the space hotel of the future
• Spotify offers up playlist radio stations and more with latest upgrade
• Redsn0w 0.9.11b1 now allows post-iPad 2 devices to downgrade to an older firmware
• Nintendo to pull the plug on 3D TV service in Japan
• Engadget Podcast 293 - 05.11.2012
• LG Optimus Elite on pre-order at Virgin Mobile; carrier's first NFC phone in the US
• ASUS PadFone's real world battery life: 14.1 hours of 3G browsing in laptop mode
• Distro Issue 40: the battle for smartphone dominance continues and we go hands-on at CTIA 2012
• Samsung Galaxy S III: Pentile Super AMOLED used 'because it lasts longer'
• NVIDIA reports Q1 earnings: rakes $60.4 million profit on $924.9 million in revenue
• Dish Network Remote Access iPad app upgrade brings a new UI, more speed
• Nokia Reading opens its pages to select European nations, more to follow
• Insert Coin: Neva smart ski poles keep you connected while shredding powder
• Samsung's SHV-E170K has dual-core Snapdragon, LTE and an inferiority complex
• LG LS970 superphone rumored: Krait quad-core, 2GB RAM, LTE and 13MP camera
• USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas
• Facebook testing 'highlight' feature, lets users pay $2 to promote their status updates
• Total Recall 'Mind-Bending' Blu-ray remembers a better looking video transfer July 31st
• Samsung Omnia M revealed for Europe: 4-inch Super AMOLED and some software extras
• Simple firmware updater for Raspberry Pi released, won't speed up your order
• NHK shrinks its 8K Super Hi-Vision-ready camcorder to the size of HD cameras
• E-Onkyo music service becomes first to offer Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio
• Teehan+Lax's 'Do We Have Milk?' answers the burning question with your Android phone, custom jugs (video)
• Adobe Creative Cloud rolls out today: CS6 applications, storage and syncing from $50 per month
• Brammo Empulse and Empulse R finally unveiled: 100-mph speeds and raised prices
• 'Hundreds' of Cablevision iO TV on-demand rentals now last 48 hours, procrastinators rejoice
• FreedomPop Sleeve wants to spread 'free' WiMAX love in the form of a $99 iPhone case
• New shear touch technology lets you skip a double-tap, push your device around (video)
• Isis bolsters its mobile wallet with American Express cards
• J&W announces M001 Cedar Trail nettop, to keep desks and ears happy
• Europe votes to cap data roaming prices, will make it cheaper to tweet from Ibiza

Facebook proposes more transparent privacy policy, wants to know what you think of it Posted: 11 May 2012 11:19 AM PDT Facebook's had some privacy foibles in the not-so-distant past, and has been working to improve its policies to better inform Facebook users how their info is exploited. Last year, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner's Office did an audit of Facebook's data usage approach, and determined that, while Facebook's doing a decent job, further details should be provided to us all. Well, the social network's recently responded by creating a Terms and Policies Hub to make its myriad policies easy to find. Additionally, it's adding new examples and explanations to its Data Use Policy about how the 'book employs cookies on its site, while also shedding some light on how our info's used for advertising and improving site operations. There's also a detailed description of the Activity Log tool that lets you see every bit of info you've entrusted to Mr. Zuckerberg, so you can better manage your pictures and wall posts. These changes aren't yet set in stone, however, because Facebook wants to know what you think before doing so. Just head on over to Facebook's Site Governance page to peruse the changes and provide feedback at your leisure, or tune into a live Q&A session with Chief Privacy Officer Erin Egan next Monday (May 14th) at noon ET to tell her face-to-digital-face.

Report: Apple dumping Google for own Maps app in iOS 6 Posted: 11 May 2012 10:56 AM PDT Granted, Apple and Google aren't quite the bosom buddies they once were, but how far is Cupertino going to free itself from the Android-maker? Well, Apple's picked up a number of mapmakers and is now reportedly getting ready to unveil a Google map competitor for iOS. 9to5Mac is reporting that the mapping solution will be in-place for the next major version of the mobile operating system, combining technologies gathered with the acquisition of Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly9. The star of the show is said to be the 3D mode with graphics nabbed from C3. All Things D has "independently confirmed" the forthcoming app reinvention, with sources adding, (hopefully a bit hyperbolically) that it will "blow your head off." According to rumors, we'll be finding out a lot more come WWDC next month.

IBM celebrates the 15th anniversary of Deep Blue beating Garry Kasparov (video) Posted: 11 May 2012 10:24 AM PDT It's been 15 years since IBM's Deep Blue recorded its famous May 11th 1997 victory over world champion chess player Garry Kasparov -- a landmark in artificial intelligence. Designed by Big Blue as a way of understanding high-power parallel processing, the "brute force" system could examine 200 million chess positions every second, beating the grandmaster 3.5-2.5 after losing 4-2 the previous year. It went on to help develop drug treatments, analyze risk and aid data miners before being replaced with Blue Gene and, more recently, Watson -- which recorded a famous series of victories on Jeopardy! in 2011. If you'd like to know more, we've got a video with one of the computer's fathers: Dr. Murray Campbell and a comparison on how the three supercomputers stack up after the break. As for Garry Kasparov? The loss didn't ruin his career, he went on to win every single Chess trophy conceived, retired, wrote some books and went into politics. As you do.

Engadget Giveaway: win a Sony 40-inch 1080p HDTV, courtesy of The Grey on Blu-ray and DVD Posted: 11 May 2012 10:01 AM PDT It's movie time, folks. The bad news is that you have to bring your own popcorn. The good news, on the other hand, is that the feature film and the TV are on us! Thanks to the folks at Universal Studios Home Entertainment, there's a 40-inch 1080p HDTV up for grabs. The occasion is the studio's release of The Grey, starring Liam Neeson, on Blu-ray this coming Tuesday May 15th. If you're the lucky winner, however, you won't even have to venture out to stores to pick up a copy of your own -- one will come included with the TV! Unfortunately, there's one additional restriction this time around: only US residents are able to enter. But if you qualify, head below and leave a comment, and good luck! The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do. Duplicate entries will be filtered out and discarded, so adding additional comments won't increase your likelihood of winning. Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Due to additional restrictions regarding this contest, Canadian residents are unable to enter as well. Winners will be chosen randomly. One winner will receive a Sony 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV and a copy of The Grey on Blu-ray. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. NBC Universal, Sony and Engadget are not held liable to honor warranties or customer service. The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here. Entries can be submitted until May 12, 2012 at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!

Nintendo prepares to kill off Aqua Blue 3DS, dump it in a watery grave Posted: 11 May 2012 09:47 AM PDT Anyone that bought Nintendo's 3D portable early on may have laid their hands on an endangered species. The original Aqua Blue model will cease production soon, according to Nintendo Japan's official site. In a full list of the 3DS's ever-increasing color options, the original has been tagged (above, top left), stating that it'll no longer be made, although there's no official date for the literal end of the line. Its turquoise coat didn't cost all that much, right?

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 lands at UK's Carphone Warehouse Posted: 11 May 2012 09:31 AM PDT Brits left unaffected by last month's US launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 can now get in on the Ice Cream Sandwich action: the silver version of the tablet recently landed at Carphone Warehouse in the UK, and the white model is reportedly coming on May 18th. The retailer is offering the 8GB, WiFi-only flavor for £199. Though the Tab 2 7.0 didn't top the charts when it crossed our reviewer's desk, its solid performance and decent battery life make it one of the best value-priced Android 4.0 slates out there. Click through to the source link to reserve this 7-incher, but if it's the silver model you're after, it looks like you'll have to pick up the phone to make the purchase (at least for now).

Artificial Space Shuttle Explorer readies for launch at sea, journey to Houston Posted: 11 May 2012 09:14 AM PDT Were you asleep at mission control during Endeavor's final flight? Did you forget to look to the New York City skyline for the Enterprise's last adventure? Buck up buttercup, there's still one Space Shuttle launch you haven't missed -- a faux Space Shuttle, named Explorer, is prepping itself to ride a barge to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The full-size shuttle mockup was shuffled out of the Kennedy Space Center Complex to make way for an actual spacecraft last year, and will now embark on a ten day journey by sea to its new home in Texas. "NASA's Space Shuttle changed the way we think about space, making it more accessible, understandable and useful," stated Space Center Houston President, Richard Allen. "It is our intent to continue that legacy with this exciting new attraction." The replica shuttle will be getting a few upgrades, including a new cockpit that more closely resembles the interior of space shuttle Atlantis, and will be housed in a new education facility that is being built around the mock spacecraft. Sure, it's not as exciting as a legitimate shuttle launch, but we're still happy to give the old bird one final send off.

CTIA Wireless 2012 wrap-up Posted: 11 May 2012 09:00 AM PDT Oh, how we will miss New Orleans. It's been a long and busy week in the Big Easy as tens of thousands of calories were sacrificed in the name of bringing you the most comprehensive coverage of CTIA's annual spring show. Not that we mind -- we love doing it, and it's easy justification for the dozens of beignets we downed during our stay. The event was a tad on the quiet side this year (no companies announced any buyouts, for starters) we still kept ourselves more than adequately busy sticking our noses in every nook and cranny of the show floor. After the break, feast upon our entire scope of coverage, in case you missed it the first time around. Major news / product releases: AT&T cancels Samsung Skyrocket HD AT&T's Glenn Lurie sees the end of WiFi-only tablets AT&T small cell site pilot due between late 2012, early 2013 Sprint confirms Direct Connect Now Virgin Mobile and Boost take WiMAX live, launch EVO V 4G and EVO Design 4G T-Mobile expands HSPA+ 42, picks LTE vendors and notches 1 million VoIP users Nokia announces string of new Lumia app partnerships MasterCard introduces PayPass Wallet Services, Online and API Samsung, Qualcomm starts up Alliance for Wireless Power to take on Qi Hands-ons / previews: iCache Geode hands-on HTC EVO 4G LTE review First sample shots with the HTC EVO 4G LTE HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon hands-on Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T hands-on HTC micro-arc oxidation eyes-on HTC EVO Design 4G for Boost Mobile hands-on HTC EVO V 4G for Virgin Mobile hands-on HTC Car Stereoclip hands-on Huawei MediaPad 10 hands-on Huawei Ascend Y200 hands-on Kyocera Rise hands-on Kyocera Hydro hands-on ZTE V96 hands-on Sony Xperia Acro HD for NTT DoCoMo hands-on Konka W900 hands-on Plum Mobile KIRFs the Galaxy Note:hands-on Plum Mobile lineup hands-on Braven Six Series hands-on Rhode & Schwarz anechoic test chamber waves-on Alcatel OneTouch 995 hands-on Unnecto Quattro hands-on Nyx Mobile Twist hands-on Nyx Mobile Lyuba Max and Fun mockups: hands-on Clarity Pal hands-on Jabra Supreme UC bluetooth headset ears-on Nokia City Lens AR browser hands-on Energizer's universal Multi-Port and Portable chargers: hands-on Escort SmartRadar hands-on Clarion Next Gate hands-on Everything else: Engadget Interview with Nokia's Richard Kerris, VP of Developer Relations Engadget Interview with AT&T's Glenn Lurie, Head of Emerging Devices Engadget Interview with Sprint's John Tudhope and David Owens Engadget Interview with Mozilla's Chief of Innovation Todd Simpson CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices Live from President Clinton's keynote address Live from Jim Cramer's Q&A keynote with the CEOs of the four largest US carriers Live from CTIA keynote with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski

Baidu announces new smartphone partnership, stops short of saying who with Posted: 11 May 2012 08:39 AM PDT China's search giant Baidu has already got its foot in the mobile platform door, now it plans to wedge it open a little further. Reuters report that the firm will be announcing a new partnership next week that will involve a new smartphone running an updated version of its mobile operating system, this time called Baidu Cloud. There's no word right now on who is supplying the hardware, with vice president Wang Jing only going as far to say it's in talks with "global" manufacturers. So looks like it's names in a hat for now, until the big reveal.

SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace drum up support for the space hotel of the future Posted: 11 May 2012 08:21 AM PDT SpaceX and Bigelow Aerospace are teaming up to cross-promote their private aerospace tech. The duo are kicking off a tour in Asia to drum up governmental and business support for the Falcon 9 rocket and BA's BA 330 floating habitat. The latter has 330 cubic meters of space and can support a crew of six for scientific experimentation, or ensuring no-one can ever out-do your bachelor party. More details about the tie up are expected just as soon as Elon Musk's company can get that DragonX to escape the atmosphere. Show full PR text SPACEX AND BIGELOW AEROSPACE JOIN FORCES TO OFFER CREWED MISSIONS TO PRIVATE SPACE STATIONS Hawthorne, CA, and Las Vegas, NV– Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Bigelow Aerospace (BA) have agreed to conduct a joint marketing effort focused on international customers. The two companies will offer rides on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, using the Falcon launch vehicle to carry passengers to Bigelow habitats orbiting the earth. According to Bigelow Aerospace's President and Founder, Robert T. Bigelow, "We're very excited to be working with our colleagues at SpaceX to present the unique services that our two companies can offer to international clientele. We're eager to join them overseas to discuss the substantial benefits that BA 330 leasing can offer in combination with SpaceX transportation capabilities". The BA 330 is a habitat that will provide roughly 330 cubic meters of usable volume and can support a crew of up to six. Bigelow Aerospace plans to connect two or more BA 330s in orbit to provide national space agencies, companies, and universities with unparalleled access to the microgravity environment. "SpaceX and BA have a lot in common. Both companies were founded to help create a new era in space enterprise," said SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. "Together we will provide unique opportunities to entities -- whether nations or corporations -- wishing to have crewed access to the space environment for extended periods. I'm looking forward to working with Bigelow Aerospace and engaging with international customers," Shotwell explained. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft will be capable of carrying seven passengers to orbit. With the company's Falcon family of rockets, SpaceX is working to create the world's safest human spaceflight system. The companies will kick off their marketing effort in Asia. Representatives from Bigelow and SpaceX will meet with officials in Japan shortly after the next launch of the Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft.

Spotify offers up playlist radio stations and more with latest upgrade Posted: 11 May 2012 07:58 AM PDT For an upgrade with a fairly underwhelming number like 0.8.3 attached, the latest version of the Spotify desktop client brings the goods. First up is much requested the ability to create radio stations based on playlists or albums, with the click of a button (that would be the Start Playlist Radio or Start Album Radio button, for the record), generating a queue of similar music. A new boost to search brings up music in the main view when you hover over it in search results, while embeddable HTML codes have been added to right click functionality. The service has also added Tumblr posting to the game. The update is rolling out today for Windows and Mac users. More info in the source link below.

Redsn0w 0.9.11b1 now allows post-iPad 2 devices to downgrade to an older firmware Posted: 11 May 2012 07:41 AM PDT Per usual, the Dev-Team whiz-kids have been hard at work trying to make your jailbroken iOS life a tad bit easier. This time around, MuscleNerd & Co. have outed their latest revision of RedSn0w (0.9.11b1), allowing folks using the new iPad, iPad 2 and iPhone 4S to downgrade to lower firmwares for jailbreaking purposes -- a feature others have been enjoying for some time now. As expected, you'd still need those saved SHSH blobs from the previous firmware in order to do so, and if your device depends on an unofficial unlock, it's recommended (with a few exceptions) to steer clear since this method will upgrade your baseband. Speaking of, the Dev-Team also notes you should stick with an earlier version of Redsn0w unless you must have the new tidbits. Those of you eager to give it a try can head over to the Dev-Tem Blog to grab yourself a copy.

Nintendo to pull the plug on 3D TV service in Japan Posted: 11 May 2012 07:19 AM PDT If you were still holding out for those 3D-erific videos of cute dogs and sumo wrestlers for your American 3DS via Nintendo's "Itsu no Ma ni Terebi" service, bad news just got badder. In short, it's not coming. Ever. In fact, worse than that, the service will take its last look at the rising sun on the 20th of June, as Nintendo has announced that it's shuttering the service one day short of a year since it launched. There is mention of occasional content coming to both 2D and 3D devices via the Nintendo Video service, but if we didn't know better, we'd suggest this is Kyoto's way of saying "I'll call you".

Engadget Podcast 293 - 05.11.2012 Posted: 11 May 2012 07:00 AM PDT Looking for the real dirt behind all the salacious, earth-shaking news from the Cellular Telephone Industries Association's 2012 throwdown? You won't find it here, and that's only because you won't find it anywhere, because there wasn't any. What we can offer instead, though, is a recording of two men having a startlingly civil and even-tempered discussion about the issues such a dearth leaves in its wake. The men then take your questions, and it's an Engadget Podcast, the Grey Poupoun of the technology podcasting community. Host: Tim Stevens, Brian Heater Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Orbital - Never 00:03:20 - CTIA 2012: a look back at our favorite devices 00:04:06 - Samsung Focus 2 for AT&T hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video) 00:04:40 - HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE for Verizon hands-on at CTIA 2012 (update: video) 00:05:05 - HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint review 00:06:37 - Sprint Galaxy Nexus review 00:12:25 - iCache Geode digital wallet hands-on (video) 00:22:40 - Live from CTIA with Jim Cramer and the CEOs of the four largest US carriers! 00:23:00 - Live from President Bill Clinton's CTIA keynote 00:25:18 - Hands-on with SuperTooth Disco2 00:39:02 - HP on laptop design similarities with Apple's: it's a struggle as we drive to simplicity 00:55:00 - Listener questions Hear the podcast 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, @tim_stevens This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

LG Optimus Elite on pre-order at Virgin Mobile; carrier's first NFC phone in the US Posted: 11 May 2012 06:39 AM PDT Sprint may already count the LG Optimus Elite among its roster of smartphones, but today that handset is finding a second home at Virgin Mobile. The $150 Gingerbread-powered device is now up for pre-order, and Virgin says it will start shipping on May 15th. Though the 3.5-inch HVGA display, 800MHz CPU and 5-MP rear camera aren't exactly impressive specs, the Optimus Elite stands out as the carrier's first phone to include NFC and Google Wallet for mobile payments. Unlike Sprint, which offers a white version, Virgin Mobile will only sell the Optimus Elite in silver. And while the former carrier prices the phone at just $30 after a mail-in rebate, Virgin's cheaper monthly plans might convince customers that it's worth shelling out more up front.

ASUS PadFone's real world battery life: 14.1 hours of 3G browsing in laptop mode Posted: 11 May 2012 06:18 AM PDT Since the official launch at MWC, ASUS has been mum on how many hours its upcoming PadFone can stay on the treadmill for, but earlier today, we spotted an official promotional video -- which has since been removed from ASUS's YouTube channel -- that mentioned 16 hours of battery for the phone itself, 63 for tablet mode and 102 for laptop mode. Something smells funny here so we pinged ASUS, and guess what? Those turned out to be just continuous talk time over 2G, so perhaps said video clip was pulled to be re-edited. Conveniently, ASUS was also kind enough to share some very realistic battery life figures from the lab. With the corresponding screen set to 137 nits (about half the brightness), you get the following for phone mode, tablet mode and laptop mode, respectively: 2.6 hours, 10.7 hours and 17 hours of continuous WiFi browsing; and 2.1 hours, 8.9 hours and 14.1 hours of continuous 3G browsing. Just as promised before, the PadFone Station (the tablet) and the PadFone Station Dock (the keyboard) do seem to pump up the battery by about five-fold and nine-fold max, respectively. Now sure, these may make the 1,520mAh battery inside the phone look feeble and silly, but do bear in mind that these aren't the "up to" numbers. As always, stay tuned for our own tests whenever the PadFone finally lands on our doorstep.

Distro Issue 40: the battle for smartphone dominance continues and we go hands-on at CTIA 2012 Posted: 11 May 2012 06:15 AM PDT Having trouble with the barrage of smartphone news in recent weeks? Don't worry, we've got you covered in this Friday's edition of our e-publication. The focus this week is the on-going quest for the ultimate smartphone champion. In our search, we take a look at the recently outted Samsung Galaxy S III while putting both the AT&T HTC One X and the Sprint Galaxy Nexus through their paces. While he's a fan of their thin frames, Darren Murph demands better battery life in new laptops and his editorial offers some thoughts on the matter. Our hands-on section is all CTIA this week, as we look back at a handful of gadgets that caught our eye. Smartphone reviews just not doing the trick this week? Well, we take the Jawbone Big Jambox for a spin in this week's issue as well. Yes, all the regulars are here -- including Reaction Time with a word on The Avengers and Call of Duty. Stat takes a look at phone profits, Switched On tackles smartplayers, IRL takes another peek in our backpacks, Square's CTO Bob Lee gets cozy with the Q&A and Dustin Harbin offers the Last Word on excessive texters. So, grab a seat in your favorite reading chair and hit the download link of your choice to get your copy of our tablet mag. Distro Issue 40 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (For sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Samsung Galaxy S III: Pentile Super AMOLED used 'because it lasts longer' Posted: 11 May 2012 05:59 AM PDT Nice processor, shame about the Pentile. It's something that several people have been saying about Samsung's new chest-beating flagship. So why didn't it plump for the warmer Super AMOLED Plus found on both its predecessor and the bigger-boned Galaxy Note? According to Samsung's spokesperson, it's because those blue sub-pixels that are absent on Super AMOLED displays degrade faster than their red and green allies. With the aim of keeping its phones healthily glowing for at least 18 months, it made the decision to go with the Pentile formation. Compared to the Galaxy Nexus, which matches the resolution of the Galaxy S III, Samsung has also shrunk the gaps between pixels on its newest phone in an effort to reduce complaints leveled at its Super AMOLED technology -- although we didn't notice it all that much under our microscope.

NVIDIA reports Q1 earnings: rakes $60.4 million profit on $924.9 million in revenue Posted: 11 May 2012 05:42 AM PDT What's black and white and red all over? One thing it's probably not is NVIDIA's Q1 2013 earnings report. That's why we're here to dig through the muck and tell you that the company saw both profits and revenue fall from last quarter. Revenue was down three percent to $924.9 million but, more shockingly, net income dropped 47.9 percent to just $60 million. With a slew of new product launches over the last few months NVIDIA is optimistic about the future and actually managed to beat Wall Street's expectations. Though it offers little explanation for the drop off in its earnings press release, we'd expect things to get back to normal soon. For all the fine financial details, check out the PR after the break. Show full PR text NVIDIA Reports Financial Results for First Quarter Fiscal Year 2013 SANTA CLARA, CA, May 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- NVIDIA NVDA +9.50% -- Revenue of $924.9 million. -- GAAP net income was $60.4 million, or $0.10 per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income was $97.5 million, or $0.16 per diluted share. -- GAAP gross margin was 50.1 percent. Non-GAAP gross margin was 50.4 percent. NVIDIA NVDA +9.50% today reported revenue of $924.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 ended Apr. 29, 2012. "Kepler GPUs are accelerating our business," said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and chief executive officer of NVIDIA. "Our newly launched desktop products are winning some of the best reviews we've ever had. Notebook GPUs had a record quarter. And Tegra is on a growth track again, driven by great mobile device wins and the upcoming Windows on ARM launch. "Graphics is more important than ever. Look for exciting news next week at the GPU Technology Conference as we reveal new ways that the GPU will enhance mobile and cloud computing," he said. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q1 FY13 Q4 FY12 Q1 FY13 Q4 FY12 (in millions except per share data) GAAP GAAP NON-GAAP NON-GAAP ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $924.9 $953.2 $924.9 $953.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross margin 50.1% 51.4% 50.4% 52.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating expenses $390.5 $367.7 $348.0 $325.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $60.4 $116.0 $97.5 $158.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share $0.10 $0.19 $0.16 $0.26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outlook Our outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 is as follows: -- Revenue is expected to be between $990 million and $1.05 billion. -- GAAP gross margin is expected to be 51.2 percent, plus or minus one percentage point. Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be 51.5 percent, plus or minus one percentage point. -- GAAP operating expenses are expected to be approximately $418 million. Non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to be approximately $354 million. GAAP operating expenses for the second quarter are expected to include a one-time charge related to a corporate donation to Stanford Hospital of $25 million, payable over a 10-year period. We are joining Stanford's initiative, along with other corporations in the high-tech community, including Apple, eBay, HP, Intel, Intuit and Oracle, to build a leading-edge health care institution. -- GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates are expected to be approximately 20 percent, plus or minus one percent, for the second quarter and fiscal year, excluding any discrete tax events that may occur during the quarter, which, if realized, may increase or decrease our GAAP and non-GAAP tax rates. If the U.S. research tax credit is reinstated into tax law, we estimate our annual effective tax rate for the fiscal year 2013 to be approximately 16 percent. We estimate depreciation and amortization for the second quarter to be approximately $55 million to $57 million. Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $35 to $45 million. Diluted shares for the second quarter are expected to be approximately 628 million. First Quarter Fiscal 2013 and Recent Highlights: -- NVIDIA launched its new Kepler(TM)-architecture GPUs to rave reviews. Products included the GeForce(R) GTX 670, GeForce GTX 680, the dual-GPU GeForce GTX 690, and the notebook range of GeForce 600M GPUs. -- The first Ultrabook with an NVIDIA(R) GPU, the Acer Aspire Timeline M3, launched on March 6. -- NVIDIA's first Tegra(R) 3 phone launched on Feb. 26, the HTC One X, to wide acclaim in the media. Tegra 3 phones are available from 22 carriers in Europe and Asia. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GAAP Quarterly Financial Comparison ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in millions except per share data) Q1 FY13 Q4 FY12 Q/Q ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $924.9 $953.2 down 3% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross margin 50.1% 51.4% down 1.3 p.p. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating expenses $390.5 $367.7 up 6.2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $60.4 $116.0 down 47.9% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share $0.10 $0.19 down 47.4% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-GAAP Quarterly Financial Comparison* --------------------------------------------------------------------- (in millions except per share data) Q1 FY13 Q4 FY12 Q/Q --------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue $924.9 $953.2 down 3% --------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross margin 50.4% 52.5% down 2.1 p.p --------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating expenses $348.0 $325.2 up 7% --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $97.5 $158.1 down 38.3% --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share $0.16 $0.26 down 38.5% --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Non-GAAP earnings excluded stock-based compensation, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, other acquisition-related costs, a legal settlement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, and the tax impact associated with such items. CFO Commentary Commentary on the quarter by Karen Burns, NVIDIA interim chief financial officer, is available at www.nvidia.com/ir . Conference Call and webcast Information NVIDIA will conduct a conference call with analysts and investors to discuss its first quarter fiscal 2013 financial results and current financial prospects today at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time (8:00 a.m. Eastern Time). To listen to the call, please dial (706) 679 2572. A live webcast (listen-only mode) of the conference call will be accessible at the NVIDIA investor relations web site www.nvidia.com/ir and at www.streetevents.com . The webcast will be recorded and available for replay until the company's conference call to discuss its financial results for its second quarter fiscal 2013. Non-GAAP Measures To supplement NVIDIA's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets presented in accordance with GAAP, the company uses non-GAAP measures of certain components of financial performance. These non-GAAP measures include non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP income tax expense, non-GAAP net income, and non-GAAP net income, or earnings, per share. In order for NVIDIA's investors to be better able to compare its current results with those of previous periods, the company has shown a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. These reconciliations adjust the related GAAP financial measures to exclude a non-recurring charge related to a legal settlement, stock-based compensation, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, other acquisition-related costs, a non-recurring contribution expense, and the associated tax impact of these items, where applicable. NVIDIA believes the presentation of its non-GAAP financial measures enhances the user's overall understanding of the company's historical financial performance. The presentation of the company's non-GAAP financial measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the company's financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and our non-GAAP measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. About NVIDIA NVIDIA NVDA +9.50% awakened the world to computer graphics when it invented the GPU in 1999. Today, its processors power a broad range of products from smartphones to supercomputers. NVIDIA's mobile processors are used in cell phones, tablets and auto infotainment systems. PC gamers rely on GPUs to enjoy spectacularly immersive worlds. Professionals use them to create 3D graphics and visual effects in movies and to design everything from golf clubs to jumbo jets. And researchers utilize GPUs to advance the frontiers of science with high performance computing. The company has more than 4,500 patents issued, allowed or filed, including ones covering ideas essential to modern computing. For more information, see www.nvidia.com . Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to statements as to: the impact of Kepler GPUs on our business; reviews of our newly launched desktop products; the growth of Tegra, driven by great mobile device wins and the upcoming Windows on ARM launch; important news at our GPU Technology Conference; new ways that the GPU will enhance mobile and cloud computing; the company's financial outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2013; the company's tax rate for the second quarter and fiscal year 2013; and the effects of the company's patents on modern computing are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2012. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company's website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Copyright 2012 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, GeForce, Kepler, and Tegra are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice. NVIDIA CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended --------------------------- April 29, May 1, 2012 2011 ------------- ------------- Revenue $ 924,877 $ 962,039 Cost of revenue 461,513 477,536 ------------- ------------- Gross profit 463,364 484,503 Operating expenses Research and development 283,902 231,524 Sales, general and administrative 106,636 98,117 ------------- ------------- Total operating expenses 390,538 329,641 ------------- ------------- Operating income 72,826 154,862 Interest and other income, net 4,269 1,623 ------------- ------------- Income before income tax expense 77,095 156,485 Income tax expense 16,658 21,266 ------------- ------------- Net income $ 60,437 $ 135,219 ============= ============= Basic net income per share $ 0.10 $ 0.23 ============= ============= Diluted net income per share $ 0.10 $ 0.22 ============= ============= Shares used in basic per share computation 615,780 594,802 Shares used in diluted per share computation 623,786 613,474 NVIDIA CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited) April 29, January 29, 2012 2012 ------------- ------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 3,130,812 $ 3,129,576 Accounts receivable, net 411,155 336,143 Inventories 342,707 340,297 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 147,442 99,342 ------------- ------------- Total current assets 4,032,116 3,905,358 Property and equipment, net 553,541 560,072 Goodwill 641,030 641,030 Intangible assets, net 363,395 326,136 Other assets 118,085 120,332 ------------- ------------- Total assets $ 5,708,167 $ 5,552,928 ============= ============= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 395,578 $ 335,072 Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 551,826 594,886 ------------- ------------- Total current liabilities 947,404 929,958 Other long-term liabilities 452,505 455,807 Capital lease obligations, long term 20,830 21,439 Stockholders' equity 4,287,428 4,145,724 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 5,708,167 $ 5,552,928 ============= ============= NVIDIA CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended ------------------------------------- April 29, January 29, May 1, 2012 2012 2011 ----------- ----------- ----------- GAAP gross profit $ 463,364 $ 490,013 $ 484,503 GAAP gross margin 50.1% 51.4% 50.4% Stock-based compensation expense included in cost of revenue (A) 2,526 3,048 2,477 Legal settlement (B) - 7,300 - ----------- ----------- ----------- Non-GAAP gross profit $ 465,890 $ 500,361 $ 486,980 =========== =========== =========== Non-GAAP gross margin 50.4% 52.5% 50.6% GAAP operating expenses $ 390,538 $ 367,696 $ 329,641 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense (A) (33,043) (32,388) (29,262) Amortization of acquisition- related intangible assets (4,342) (5,041) (2,296) Other acquisition-related costs (C) (5,171) (5,052) (1,255) ----------- ----------- ----------- Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 347,982 $ 325,215 $ 296,828 =========== =========== =========== GAAP net income $ 60,437 $ 116,025 $ 135,219 Total pre-tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments 45,082 52,829 35,290 Income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments (7,989) (10,718) (4,796) ----------- ----------- ----------- Non-GAAP net income $ 97,530 $ 158,136 $ 165,713 =========== =========== =========== Diluted net income per share GAAP $ 0.10 $ 0.19 $ 0.22 =========== =========== =========== Non-GAAP $ 0.16 $ 0.26 $ 0.27 =========== =========== =========== Shares used in diluted net income per share computation 623,786 618,599 613,474 (A) Excludes stock-based compensation as follows: Three Months Ended ------------------------------------- April 29, January 29, May 1, 2012 2012 2011 ----------- ----------- ----------- Cost of revenue $ 2,526 $ 3,048 $ 2,477 Research and development $ 21,207 $ 20,908 $ 18,589 Sales, general and administrative $ 11,836 $ 11,480 $ 10,673 (B) On February 7, 2012, the Company and Rambus entered into a licensing agreement and both parties also agreed to settle all outstanding legal disputes. For accounting purposes, a charge of $7.3 million associated with the fair value prescribed to the settlement portion was recognized for the year ended January 29, 2012. (C) Other acquisition-related costs are comprised of transaction costs, compensation charges and restructuring costs related to the acquisition of Icera, Inc. that was completed on June 10, 2011. NVIDIA CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP OUTLOOK Q2 FY2013 Outlook ----------------- GAAP gross margin 51.2% Impact of stock-based compensation (A) 0.3% ----------------- Non-GAAP gross margin 51.5% ================= Q2 FY2013 Outlook ----------------- (In millions) GAAP operating expenses $ 418.0 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense (29.8) Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (4.5) Other acquisition-related costs (B) (4.7) Contribution expense (25.0) ----------------- Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 354.0 ================= (A) Represents $2.6 million of stock-based compensation expense included in cost of revenue. (B) Other acquisition related costs are comprised of transaction costs, compensation charges and restructuring costs related to the acquisition of Icera, Inc. that was completed on June 10, 2011.

Dish Network Remote Access iPad app upgrade brings a new UI, more speed Posted: 11 May 2012 05:34 AM PDT Sure, it's not as revolutionary as the new automated ad skipping built into its DVRs, but Dish Network has also just revamped its Remote Access iPad app. While other pay-TV providers are proud about streaming channels to mobile devices only within the home or shifting a few recordings, Dish's tight Sling integration still provides the most video wherever the user might be, as well as DVR management, a full guide and remote control. The 3.0.3 upgrade brings an entirely new user interface that's optimized for the retina display, guide data without interrupting the video, favorite channels list, and claims to speed up the process of both loading various screens and connecting to stream live TV. Hit iTunes for the updated app or read the press release after the break for more details and let us know how it's working for you. Dish Network Remote Access iPad app Show full PR text DISH Steps Up TV Everywhere Technology With Enhanced App for iPad · Watch live TV, DVR recordings and on-demand programs · Stream premium and Blockbuster programs · Performance improved and program browsing simplified · New user interface leverages iOS5 and iPad 3 Retina display ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 11, 2012 – DISH, one of the nation's leading pay-TV providers, is making TV and on-demand programs more engaging to watch on the iPad with the revamped DISH Remote Access app. Available now, this free app improves the performance and enhances the on-screen dashboard so customers can easily find and watch their favorite programs on the popular mobile device. DISH is the only pay-TV provider with comprehensive TV Everywhere™ technology and the DISH Remote Access app is a key element of that capability. Customers can watch live and recorded TV anytime, anywhere using the app in concert with an Internet-connected DISH receiver and a Sling® Adapter. On the iPad, DISH offers the added ability to stream thousands of titles from an expansive on-demand library of Blockbuster titles and premium networks. In addition to the on-demand programs, the DISH app lets customers with an iPad access shows recorded using PrimeTime Anytime™, an exclusive feature found on the DISH Hopper™ Whole-Home HD DVR. PrimeTime Anytime allows customers, with one click, to record all of the primetime TV programming on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC in high definition. Programs recorded with PrimeTime Anytime are available on the Hopper (and through the DISH Remote Access app) for eight days after they have aired. "The enhanced app improves an already dynamic and engaging TV viewing experience on the iPad," said Vivek Khemka, vice president of Product Management at DISH. "The magic of our app is that it extends the value of DISH programming beyond the home. Customers can watch their programs anywhere and, with this upgrade, the viewing experience is even better." The enhanced DISH Remote Access app improves on-device video quality, particularly on the new iPad 3's Retina display, with the implementation of Apple's HTTP live streaming (HLS) technology. The app features simple on-screen browsing that provides a responsive entertainment experience, including: · A multi-tasking slider that allows users to simultaneously watch a program and, with the swipe of a finger, browse available video content without interrupting the current program on screen. · A DVR tab that includes a PrimeTime Anytime section, allowing DISH customers with the new Hopper to watch on their iPad the primetime shows from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC recorded on their DVR. · A Blockbuster @Home-branded tab that allows users to quickly access thousands of on-demand movies and children's programs for DISH customers who subscribe to this service. · An On Demand tab that makes it easy for DISH customers to access on-demand titles from popular networks, including HBO, Cinemax, EPIX, Encore, Starz and MoviePlex. · A Guide tab that has been visually enhanced and now uses color coding options to highlight select categories of programs, including movies, sports, shows, family and favorites selections. To watch live TV on the iPad, subscribers need a Sling Adapter from DISH and a compatible broadband-connected DISH HD DVR receiver, such as DISH's Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR. More information is available at www.dish.com/technology/tv-everywhere. The Blockbuster @Home premium service includes thousands of streaming programs on the iPad from networks including Encore, Epix, Starz and MoviePlex; features a disc-by-mail service for DVDs, Blu-Rays and games; and more than 20 additional programming channels available through the set top box. The Blockbuster package is available to DISH customers for $10 per month. The DISH Remote Access app is available for free on iTunes. # # #

Nokia Reading opens its pages to select European nations, more to follow Posted: 11 May 2012 05:17 AM PDT Nokia's not shy when it comes to decorating the Lumia halls with proprietary and partnership apps. The latest addition? That Nokia Reading app we first saw announced at MWC. Owners of Lumia 900, 800, 710 and 610 phones in France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and the UK will be able to get their thumbs amidst those digital pages over the next few weeks, while unspecified "other" countries can look forward to it some time later in the year. Espoo is keen to point out that there'll be an emphasis on "own language" titles, but also a large collection of English language best sellers for which translations aren't available. It's just the written word for now, but audio books and news feeds will be introduced later. Let's just hope you finish reading The Color Purple by then.

Insert Coin: Neva smart ski poles keep you connected while shredding powder Posted: 11 May 2012 05:01 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. Hitting the slopes means ditching your phone for a few hours, or risking losing it while bombing down the mountain. More troubling than an AWOL handset, though, is getting yourself lost in the backcountry sans smartphone while searching for fresh powder. An intrepid skier / software coder is well aware of this, and he's taken to Kickstarter to fund the Neva ski poles, which keep you safe and connected by wirelessly communicating with the Android or iPhone in your pocket. Incoming calls and text messages pop up on the built-in OLED display, and a finger swipe lets you answer the phone without lifting your gaze from the path ahead, as long as you've managed to mod your mitts accordingly. It's on you to decide which calls are really so pressing they need to be taken on your downhill runs -- though, to do so, you'll probably want to buy one of those Bluetooth-enabled jackets. The poles also display temperature, time and elevation, and the related smartphone app lets you toggle features such as calculating your slope angle and tracking your route. As far as Kickstarter pledge rewards go, the Neva project is quite generous. The base $1 donation gets you early access to the smartphone app, while stepping up to $120 earns you a pair of 7075 aluminum poles (only one is data-enabled), the app for Android or iPhone and a vinyl Neva decal. Of course, you could always shell out $2,500 or more and get a reseller pack of 25 Neva ski pole sets. While those are enticing offers for backers, the project has raised just $851 of its requested $100k -- and there are only 26 days left. Hit up the source link to donate, and check out the video past the break for a look at the poles in action. Previous project update: The Etcher iPad case has raised a modest $6,000 of its $75,000 goal. There's a solid month left, though, so head over to its Kickstarter page if you want to give it a boost in the right direction.

Samsung's SHV-E170K has dual-core Snapdragon, LTE and an inferiority complex Posted: 11 May 2012 04:36 AM PDT We're sure Samsung isn't playing favorites... but after that rather extravagant product launch just the other week, it seems it's released another phone to market with barely a streamer nor slice of cake in sight. The phone in question is the SHV-E170K, and will be coming to South Korea's KT network. The handset was announced with minimal details, other than having a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD (960×540) display, LTE, 5-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel shooter up front. However, with a little bit of internet cunning (i.e. some discovered benchmark tests) SammyHub has determined that we're dealing with a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 on top of Android 4 (TouchWiz'd by the looks of things). It should be out later this month, again, alas, potentially in its sister's shadow.

LG LS970 superphone rumored: Krait quad-core, 2GB RAM, LTE and 13MP camera Posted: 11 May 2012 04:28 AM PDT Not to be outdone by its Korean rival, LG's reportedly preparing a potent new phone with some of Qualcomm's latest SoC hardware. According to BriefMobile's leak, it'll pack an LTE-friendly MDM9615 alongside the Adreno 320 GPU and 2GB of RAM -- something LG has already announced for its Optimus LTE2. A 2,1000 mAh battery will apparently power the 4.67-inch 1280 x 768 LCD display, while a Sony-matching 13-megapixel camera will face out the back. The leak -- which includes the decidedly abstract photo above -- reckons the LTE slab will arrive on Sprint, which tallies with the LS970 model number. We're cautiously holding out for something more official soon -- perhaps once the Now Network's flipped that 4G switch.

USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas Posted: 11 May 2012 04:15 AM PDT The USPS has announced that it'll refuse to ship any gear containing lithium ion batteries overseas. The postal service believes combusting power packs have caused two fatal cargo plane crashes since 2006 -- hence the ban, which takes effect from May 16th. Anyone wishing to ship the latest tech to those living or serving overseas will have to use another shipping company -- although the ban might be relaxed in 2013, once safety testing has been carried out.

Facebook testing 'highlight' feature, lets users pay $2 to promote their status updates Posted: 11 May 2012 03:59 AM PDT Finding ways to throw money at Mark Zuckerberg is notoriously difficult, but a new 'highlight' feature could be just the trick. Currently being tested with a small population of users, it allows an ordinary member to pay $2 to ensure that their latest status update crops up in more of their friends' news streams. Ordinarily, the degree to which a status update is streamed depends on the number of likes or comments it has, which ensures that users generally only see the juiciest gossip, but paying this little premium would cause Facebook's algorithms to distort that in your favor. In other words, it's money replacing popularity, or simply -- sigh -- life.

Total Recall 'Mind-Bending' Blu-ray remembers a better looking video transfer July 31st Posted: 11 May 2012 03:42 AM PDT After a disappointing initial go-round on Blu-ray back in '06 due to poor picture quality (which was improved upon slightly in a later Studiocanal release overseas), the 1990 version of Total Recall is coming back to the US with a "Mind-Bending Blu-ray Edition this summer. Timed to hit shelves along with the remake that's arriving in theaters, Blu-ray.com mentions this one promises a video transfer process supervised by original director Paul Verhoeven. There will even apparently be brand new extras including an interview with Verhoeven and featurette comparing the restoration process from the original film negative, although the Governator himself Arnold Schwarzenegger appears to be absent. The new version should run $14.99 when it arrives July 31st, assuming you're not already camped out for the Colin Farrell / Kate Beckinsale / Jessica Biel flick which opens up August 3rd. Theatrical trailers for both versions follow after the break.

Samsung Omnia M revealed for Europe: 4-inch Super AMOLED and some software extras Posted: 11 May 2012 03:11 AM PDT More new Windows Phones, this time for the old continent. Instead of the Focus 2, Samsung announced that the Omnia M will take its place in Europe and it's looking an awful lot like its predecessor -- although we're a bit concerned the build quality may not match its older brother. With a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, and 1GHz processor, the Omnia M should be more than up to the task of dealing with Windows Phone, alongside some Samsung-specific software additions, including AllShare and its own cross-platform ChatON messenger app. A front-facing VGA camera will also link up with Samsung's own video-call features, while a 5-megapixel sensor is in charge of primary camera functions. The company says the phone will roll out to other regions following its European launch, although it's keeping quiet on whether a visit to the US is on the cards.

Simple firmware updater for Raspberry Pi released, won't speed up your order Posted: 11 May 2012 02:32 AM PDT Getting hung up by having to constantly reinstall the firmware while working with your Raspberry Pi? So was developer Hexxeh (of ChromiumOS fame) who apparently got fed up enough to write his own tool that greatly simplifies the process. Thankfully for the thousands of other folks lucky enough to get their hands on their own Raspberry Pi already, he also recently went ahead and released the tool for free. Hit the source link below for all the necessary details to get started with it.

NHK shrinks its 8K Super Hi-Vision-ready camcorder to the size of HD cameras Posted: 11 May 2012 02:04 AM PDT We may still be years away from watching the sweet, sweet 33MP resolution video promised by Super Hi-Vision in our own homes, but over in Japan, NHK engineers are slowly working out the various kinks keeping it from us. Their latest development is this camera seen above on the left, capable of recording 8K in a camera head that is smaller and lighter than the previous unit (the new one weighs 4kg, about 1/5th the weight) shown on the right, and is more comparable to the size of a standard HDTV camera. According to the NHK the savings were achieved by developing a new single plate color imaging mechanism and eliminating the need for a prism to separate the colors beforehand, so it's small enough to be used with standard SLR camera lenses. Sure, it's not quite ready to go on your next vacation, but if you're in Japan you can get a peek at it (and that 145-inch 8K Panasonic plasma) at the broadcaster's open house later this month.

E-Onkyo music service becomes first to offer Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio Posted: 11 May 2012 01:44 AM PDT Looking for something a little more than your average online music store has to offer? Then you may soon want to give Onkyo's somewhat niche e-onkyo service some consideration. It's set to be the first store to offer music in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 -- something that will initially be limited to just 100 albums (heavy on the classical, from the looks of things) and require a compatible Onkyo receiver. Those downloads will also only be available in Japan initially (where they're rolling out on May 30th), but Dolby says they'll be available "elsewhere in the world" sometime this fall. Not surprisingly, that new option will demand a bit of a premium as well, with albums starting at ¥3,000 (or about $35) and singles setting you back ¥400 (or $5). Show full PR text Dolby Announces World's First Implementation of Dolby TrueHD 5.1 in Online Music Distribution Service e-onkyo music service to launch 100 titles, 1,000 tracks, starting May 30 SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) announced today that e-onkyo music, the high-quality music distribution service managed by Onkyo Entertainment Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of Onkyo Corporation, will be the first online music distribution service to feature Dolby® TrueHD 5.1-channel surround sound. Expected to launch on May 30, 2012, in Japan and in fall 2012 elsewhere in the world, this service will enable users to download music from 100 album titles (about 1,000 tracks) in Dolby TrueHD 5.1-channel surround sound. The new Onkyo® A/V receivers (AVR) TX-NR818 and TX-NR717 will support the service. The e-onkyo music service began in August 2005, with DRM-free music (music without digital copyright protection technology) and DSD format music distribution added in 2010, and featured a high-quality distribution of music by the rock group Queen in 2011. Now, with lossless Dolby TrueHD 5.1-channel surround sound, the music service will provide consumers with high-quality audio at reduced download times and file sizes. Shinsuke Yamashita, President and Representative Director, Onkyo Entertainment Technology Corporation, explained: "We are very happy that e-onkyo music will start distribution with Dolby TrueHD lossless audio, thanks to the cooperation of Dolby. The evolution of network audio and PC audio means that users can enjoy high-resolution sound with data volumes greater than those that are possible on a CD. And we are aiming to achieve even further growth in our music distribution business. Through the collaboration between our two companies, we intend to increase our breadth of content and improve the user's listening experience, in a way that only high-quality surround sound distribution can." Michael Bergeron, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Support, Dolby Laboratories, commented: "Consumer appreciation of the highest-quality audio playback experiences is increasing. Onkyo's e-music service with Dolby TrueHD gives the listener access to 100 percent studio master-quality audio, delivering unparalleled detail and immersion, and reproducing every nuance of the recording or concert event. We congratulate Onkyo on their leadership in bringing these exciting experiences to the consumer through their download music service." e-onkyo music's Dolby TrueHD 5.1-Channel Surround Sound Distribution (Provisional) Service begins: May 30, 2012, 13:00 Japan standard time (JST) Available titles*: 100 album titles, approx. 1,000 tracks Distribution format: 24-bit/96 kHz, 24-bit/192 kHz 5.1-channel Dolby TrueHD Price (provisional): Albums: Starting at 3,000 yen (incl. tax) , singles: Starting at 400 yen (incl. tax) Service URL: http://music.e-onkyo.com/ * Distribution titles are subject to change without prior notice. About e-onkyo music The e-onkyo site launched in August 2005 with the aim of enabling users to enjoy lossless "original audio," not available from compression-type music distribution sites. With 24-bit/96 kHz distribution, the site enabled users to listen to Japanese jazz and fusion performers such as Chie Ayado and Katsumi Watanabe; foreign jazz musicians such as Charlie Haden and others; and top-flight classical musicians from Japan and overseas, such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Valery Abisalovich Gergiev, and Yutaka Sado. e-onkyo music has grown into a high-quality music distribution site with one of the largest catalogs of music in Japan. In July 2010, the site began DRM-free distribution of high-quality data and also began Japan's first download sales of 24-bit/192 kHz ultrahigh-quality audio. Then, in December of that year, DSD format high-quality data distribution was started; and e-onkyo is developing the highest-quality music distribution in any required format. As of April 2012, the site has already distributed some 60,000 tracks. Of those, about 15,000 tracks have been delivered at 24-bit/96 kHz or higher. For details about the e-onkyo music service, visit http://music.e-onkyo.com/. About Dolby TrueHD Dolby's latest audio codec, Dolby TrueHD is an HD audio technology that can reproduce the original source-master sound exactly and without compromise. This audio format can deliver the highest-resolution digital signals of master soundtracks produced in-studio, with 100 percent bit-for-bit accuracy while saving data capacity compared to the source PCM. This means that users can enjoy in their homes the same audio quality that music and movie creators experience in the studio. About Dolby Laboratories Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com. Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Onkyo is a registered trademark of Onkyo Kabushiki Kaishi Corporation. S12/25671 DLB-G

Teehan+Lax's 'Do We Have Milk?' answers the burning question with your Android phone, custom jugs (video) Posted: 11 May 2012 01:22 AM PDT Let's face it: whether or not there's enough good milk to drink has been an ongoing problem among the technology set, which is why we're surprised that we're only now seeing true smartphone-milk integration through a project at Teehan+Lax's Labs group. As the name implies, Do We Have Milk? will figure out whether or not there's enough in the milk bag (did we mention Teehan+Lax is very Canadian?) based on a weight sensor in the jug. Run low, and your Android phone will tell you not just to buy some more but produce a map pinpointing the nearest convenience or grocery store. DWHM? is an experiment that might take awhile to become a real product, if it ever does, but it could have broad implications for consumables of all kinds in addition to saving you from having to eat your Shreddies dry.

Adobe Creative Cloud rolls out today: CS6 applications, storage and syncing from $50 per month Posted: 11 May 2012 12:52 AM PDT If you haven't already upgraded to CS6, then maybe Adobe can entice you to take the "radical" next step of signing up to its cloud service, which starts today in 36 countries priced at $50 per month on an annual contract, or $75 per month for the non-committal. Will it be worth the potatoes? That depends on whether you're the type of person who prefers to pay $2,600 upfront for a perpetual license, or alternatively make use of subscription-based access to online install files, HTML5 apps like Adobe Muse 1.0 (for code-free HTML design) and Adobe Edge preview (for animations and interactive content), plus integration with Adobe's Touch Apps for iOS and Android tablets. You'd also get that other big cloudy offering: 20GB of online storage for easy sharing, viewing and syncing of all your hard work. Finally, if you're using an older version of Creative Suite, then Adobe's offering you a pretty hefty introductory discount to entice you onto the slippery upgrade slope. Check out the press release for further price info, or just look up in the sky. Show full PR text Adobe Creative Cloud Coming May 11 SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 7, 2012 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Creative Suite® 6 software. The CS6 product line includes powerful new releases of Photoshop®, InDesign®, lllustrator®, Dreamweaver®, Adobe Premiere® Pro, After Effects®, Flash® Professional and other products as well as four suite versions – Creative Suite 6 Design & Web Premium; Creative Suite 6 Design Standard; Creative Suite 6 Production Premium; and Creative Suite 6 Master Collection. Adobe Creative Cloud™, a radical new way of providing tools and services* for creatives worldwide is expected to be available on Friday, May 11. A subscription-based offering, Adobe Creative Cloud is a hub for making, sharing and delivering creative work and it is centered around a powerful release of Adobe Creative Suite® 6 software, packed with innovation across its industry-defining design, Web, video and digital imaging tools. CS6 point product subscriptions will also be available May 11. "We announced Creative Cloud and CS6 two weeks ago and these releases have caught the imagination of creatives everywhere," said David Wadhwani, senior vice president, Digital Media Business, Adobe. "Today we're shipping CS6 and look forward to the beginning of an exciting new era as we introduce Creative Cloud later this week." Top new features across the CS6 product line include: New levels of performance with tools that take advantage of Adobe Mercury Graphics functionality, allowing users to go from ideas to finished work faster than ever before. Enhanced user interfaces that vastly simplify workflows, so users can focus on their content and achieve results quicker. New capabilities that streamline the creation of responsive content, ensuring website and apps look great across virtually all screen sizes and form factors. Remarkable new science, integrated into imaging and video apps, makes previously impossible tasks suddenly possible. Adobe Creative Cloud membership delivers: Access to download and install all CS6 applications, new HTML5 desktop products – Adobe Muse™ 1.0 and Adobe Edge preview – and deep integration with Adobe Touch Apps. Easy storage and sharing of content across desktop, mobile devices and the cloud. Integrated website publishing and hosting. Ongoing innovation that provides members with the most up-to-date products and services Pricing and Availability Adobe Creative Suite 6 products are immediately available through Adobe Authorized Resellers, the Adobe Store in North America and Adobe Direct Sales. Estimated street price for the suites is US$2,599 for CS6 Master Collection, US$1,899 for CS6 Production Premium, US$1,899 for CS6 Design & Web Premium, and US$1,299 for CS6 Design Standard. Upgrade and education pricing as well as volume licensing are available. For more information visitwww.adobe.com/products/creativesuite.html. Adobe Creative Cloud membership is available to customers in 36 countries and in multiple languages. Pricing for Creative Cloud membership for individuals is US$49.99 per month based on annual membership and US$74.99 per month for month-to-month membership. A special introductory offer of US$29.99 per month for CS3, CS4, CS5 and CS5.5 individual customers is also available. Education pricing is available. Learn more atwww.adobe.com/go/creativecloud. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Brammo Empulse and Empulse R finally unveiled: 100-mph speeds and raised prices Posted: 11 May 2012 12:32 AM PDT Brammo has suffered some major setbacks in getting its latest Empulse electric motorcycle to market, but the company has stuck to its revised launch date: it unveiled the 2013 model last night. The key specs haven't changed during the delay -- we're still looking at a six-speed gearbox, a max speed of 100 mph and a fast-recharge time of 3.5 hours -- but the price has jumped from $14,000 to $16,995. There's also the Empluse R, a more premium model that will go on sale for $18,995 in June. The main difference between the base model and the R is the material: the Empulse has a plastic body, while the R uses carbon fiber. Check out the full presser below the break -- and if you're holding out for the 2013 Empulse, the gallery pics of the R will have to tide you over till the base model launches early next year. Brammo Empulse R Show full PR text ASHLAND, Ore., May 9, 2012 -- Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the stunning new design. At this unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo has demonstrated to consumers and motorcycle insiders alike the advancements in electric motorcycling and is providing a glimpse of what is to come in the future. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100-mile range and 100-mph top speed as well as a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a great zero-emission experience. At the launch party, Brammo announced the Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively with financing available from Sheffield Financial. Through this financing, customers will be able to purchase the new Empulse and Empulse R from Brammo dealers as follows: Empulse: 8.9% for 72 months at $303, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $334 and 3.9% for 36 months at $499 Empulse R: 8.9% for 72 months at $339, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $373 and 3.9% for 36 months at $558 Availability of each model will vary based on demand for the Empulse and Empulse R. Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013. Research conducted by Brammo with both customers and dealers has driven the development of the Empulse and Empulse R. As a result, these motorcycles now come with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET™ six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. To ensure the highest quality performance and design, Brammo works with internationally renowned manufacturers for superior components of their motorcycles. This close attention to the supply chain ensures the durability, reliability and ultimately future resale value of Brammo products. "It was important to Brammo to create a great motorcycle and we paid attention to customer feedback to create just that," said Craig Bramsher, CEO and president of Brammo. "From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected." The two models vary as follows: The Empulse body work is all plastic, has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension. The Empulse R uses carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing. Brammo promised that of the first 1000 people who pre ordered an Empulse, one would be selected at random to receive their motorcycle free of charge. Last week from the first 1000 orders six finalists were selected. At the event, Craig Bramscher rolled a dice and Jueiming Chen was the lucky winner. True to Brammo's devotion to zero tailpipe-emission transportation, the Empulse launch event was carbon-neutral. Brammo has worked with Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse emissions generated by transportation, electricity use, and other resource-intensive activities associated with this event. In additional efforts to reduce travel and carbon intensity of the event, Brammo will stream the launch event live to tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, who will be able to experience the launch party across the nation and afar in Asia and in Europe.

'Hundreds' of Cablevision iO TV on-demand rentals now last 48 hours, procrastinators rejoice Posted: 10 May 2012 11:51 PM PDT Last we heard from Cablevision, it was bringing its Optimum App live TV streaming to Windows and Macs. Shifting directions to its more "traditional" cable offerings, the company now has good news for folks who've been generally bummed out about the 24-hour viewing window allotted with movie rentals on its iO TV service. Just in time for your weekend movie marathon, the company has announced that "hundreds" of its on-demand movie rentals will now last for 48 hours with unlimited viewing -- huzzah! As usual, content pricing starts at three bucks, and you'll be pleased to know that all that extra time comes at no additional cost to your subscription. Better yet, the amount of titles part of the deal to grow over time, and you'll find all the details in the press release after the break. Perhaps most notable is all the time you'll have to grab more microwaveable popcorn. Show full PR text Cablevision Doubling Rental Windows to 48 Hours for Hundreds of On Demand Movies iO TV Customers Can Enjoy Additional Flexibility in Watching and Returning to On Demand Rentals at No Additional Charge Bethpage, NY (PRWEB) May 10, 2012 Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced that it was doubling the rental window for hundreds of on demand movies, from 24 hours to 48 hours, at no additional charge. iO TV offers customers an exciting on demand lineup of new release, classic, international and independent films, many in HD. To view available titles, customers can visit channel 500 or hit the iO button on their remote control navigate to the "on demand" category to see the vast library of available selections. Rental window information is clearly presented on the order confirmation screen. As new movies are added, an increasing number will be available for full two-day rentals. On demand movies are available starting at $2.95 per title for unlimited viewing during the rental period. Each film's rental availability period will appear on its order screen. Customers must have digital cable set-top box and a HD digital cable box and TV for HD movies on demand. For more information on the currently available titles, customers can visit http://www.optimum.net/VOD. Cablevision delivers an expanding array of valuable and unique product features to its customers, including the ability to watch our full cable television service on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch devices and laptop computers in the home, unmatched local content from News 12 and MSG Varsity, fast and reliable access to the Internet through Optimum WiFi and hundreds of discounts through the Optimum Rewards program. Cablevision's award-winning digital cable service, iO TV, offers customers access to hundreds of channels, including more than 50 premium movie channels, 46 channels of commercial-free digital music, thousands of titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, more than 120 free high-definition programming services and uniquely valuable and relevant local content through News 12, MSG Varsity and their companion interactive television applications.

FreedomPop Sleeve wants to spread 'free' WiMAX love in the form of a $99 iPhone case Posted: 10 May 2012 11:05 PM PDT Life, Liberty and the pursuit of free WiMAX? According to FreedomPop, yeah, that seems to be the deal. The outfit, started by one of Skype's co-founders, is peddling $99 WiMAX-equipped iPhone cases that share up to 500MB of free data per month via an embedded WiFi module. The case also extends battery life by six hours and enables FaceTime everywhere you go. FreedomPop Sleeve rumors have been circling the net since December, but now the company is taking things to the next level by officially accepting pre-orders for a launch some time after July 1st. It seems that the company intends to get you hooked on free data in the hopes of selling you premium features later on, such as a VoIP tool and a $0.01 charge per megabyte over the monthly data limit. There's a video of the device in action after the break.

New shear touch technology lets you skip a double-tap, push your device around (video) Posted: 10 May 2012 10:13 PM PDT Most every touchscreen in the market today can only register your finger input as coordinates; that's fine for most uses, but it leads to a lot of double-taps and occasionally convoluted gestures. A pair of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, Chris Harrison and Scott Hudson, have suggested that shear touch might be a smarter solution. Instead of gliding over fixed glass, your finger could handle secondary tasks by pushing in a specific direction, or simply pushing harder, on a sliding display. Among the many examples of what shear touch could do, the research duo has raised the possibility of skipping through music by pushing left and right, or scrolling more slowly through your favorite website with a forceful dragging motion. The academic paper is still far away from producing a shipping device, although a Microsoft doctoral fellowship's partial contribution to funding the study indicates one direction the technology might go. You can take a peek at the future in a video after the jump -- just don't expect a tablet-based Van Gogh this soon. [Thanks, Chris]

Isis bolsters its mobile wallet with American Express cards Posted: 10 May 2012 09:06 PM PDT The carrier-backed Isis mobile payment service added a batch of new financial partners earlier this year, and it's now back with another fairly big addition. The venture announced today that it has brought American Express' various credit card offerings into the fold (including the company's own mobile-linked Serve cards), which will let users of those cards load them into the Isis app and make payments with their NFC-equipped smartphone -- when the service begins its rollout this summer, that is. As you may recall, American Express itself had already signed on as an Isis partner last year, but this is the first time that the company has committed to tying its cards to the platform -- which is a rather important little detail. Show full PR text American Express Cardmembers to Shop, Tap and Pay with Isis Mobile Wallet American Express Adds U.S. Consumer, OPEN® Small Business and Serve Cards to Isis Mobile Wallet NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 -- American Express (NYSE:AXP) and IsisTM, the mobile commerce joint venture between AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, today announced an agreement to make American Express' U.S. Consumer, OPEN® Small Business and Serve Cards available in the Isis Mobile WalletTM. American Express Cardmembers will be able to shop, tap and pay with their mobile device equipped with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, starting in Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin, Texas later this year. Last year the American Express network joined the Isis Mobile Commerce Platform. Now American Express is adding its Cards to the Isis mobile wallet to connect its merchant network with Cardmembers and create a secure shopping experience. With a tap of their phone, the Isis Mobile Wallet provides Cardmembers with a secure way to pay and take advantage of loyalty programs, together with the service they expect from American Express. "Now our Cardmembers and merchants can benefit from the ease and convenience of a tap-and-go experience on a mobile phone and still enjoy the benefits, services and support of American Express," said Josh Silverman, President, U.S. Consumer Services for American Express. Serve is American Express' new digital payments and commerce platform and its addition into the Isis Mobile Wallet opens the door to new customer segments who can benefit from the service and security of American Express, without credit checks or monthly or annual fees. Serve extends the overall reach of American Express and provides a highly flexible and open platform that unifies online, offline and mobile payments into one single account. Serve account holders will be able to use the Isis Mobile Wallet at a later date. "The relationship with American Express underscores our commitment to ensuring a flexible and inclusive platform that offers consumers choice in mobile payments while delivering new opportunities for merchants to connect with consumers," said Michael Abbott, CEO, Isis. "Today's announcement is testament to the vision and commitment of American Express to make mobile commerce a real and positive experience for their customers." The Isis and American Express agreement brings together leaders in the industry to build and grow the next generation of mobile commerce. About American Express American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress About Isis The joint venture is between AT&T Mobility LLC, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless and is based in New York City. The venture is chartered with building Isis™, a national mobile commerce venture that will fundamentally transform how people shop, pay and save. The Isis™ mobile commerce network will be available to all merchants, banks, payment networks and mobile carriers. ISIS is a trademark of JVL Ventures, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos, product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

J&W announces M001 Cedar Trail nettop, to keep desks and ears happy Posted: 10 May 2012 08:32 PM PDT If you like your computing to be neither seen, nor heard (or less seen and less heard), J&W has announced another bantam slab of nettop for your consideration. On the inside there's a choice of Cedar Trail D2550, N2800 and N2600 dual-core options, with support for up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Diminutive machines don't mean lack of I/O, and in this case you'll be getting three USB ports, a multicard reader, LAN, HDMI, VGA and RS232. Fanlesstech points out that it's actually a nano-ITX system, which measuring in at only 135 x 128 x 45 mm means it can be tucked away into even more convenient crevices. Just make sure not to hide it away too securely, else that 8011.n WiFi might suffer.

Europe votes to cap data roaming prices, will make it cheaper to tweet from Ibiza Posted: 10 May 2012 08:08 PM PDT European Union countries already had a data roaming cutoff law in place to prevent bill shock after your next Balearic vacation, but the price of the data in question should get much cheaper very soon. The European Parliament has just voted 578 to 10 to cap the price customers pay at no more than 70 Euro cents (91 US cents) per megabyte starting from July 1st, with that price eventually dipping to 45 Euro cents (58c US) a year later and just 20 Euro cents (26 US cents) in 2014. Voice and text price caps are going down to as little as 19 and nine Euro cents (25 and 12 cents US) in that two-year span, and if you're visiting from outside the EU, you'll be glad to hear that the anti-bill shock rule will apply to you this year as well. So, while you still might want to avoid uploading large videos from your phone while in Spain, you'll at least have the option of checking in on Foursquare without having to take out a small mortgage.

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