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Sunday, July 29, 2012

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Next-gen iPhone parts purportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 10:43 AM PDT

Nextgen iPhone parts reportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards

Ready for another supposed look at the next-gen Apple iPhone? Matching up with previous leaks we've reported on, the elongated iPhone body with a miniaturized docking port and brushed metal back has appeared again, this time courtesy of iLab Factory. While many of its parts look astoundingly similar to what we've already seen, this is the first time we've gotten a solid look at it fully assembled from all angles -- well, aside from the missing SIM card holder. While most of its all-important innards are clearly absent, this assembly does come complete with what appears to be the locking ribbons for the screen and home button. As always, grab the obligatory spoonful of sodium chloride, then check it out for yourself at the gallery and links below.

IRL: Kiboko 22L+ backpack, Corsair Vengeance K90 keyboard and the Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ with Jelly Bean

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 09:29 AM PDT

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

After some camera-heavy IRLs lately, this week's edition is more of a mixed bag. Darren tests out a camera backpack big enough to carry his D3S and D3200, Sean buys Corsair K90 keyboard for his homemade gaming rig and Edgar makes the jump from iPhone owner to proud Jelly Bean user.

Kiboko 22L+

IRL Kiboko 22L backpack, Corsair Vengeance K90 keyboard and the Galaxy Nexus HSPA with Jelly Bean I've tried a plethora of camera-minded backpacks over the years, from Kata's 3N1-33 to a couple from Maryland's own Ona Bags. Recently, I was able to strap Gura Gear's Kiboko 22L+ on for size. It's a $379 purpose-built bag that's capable of carrying most 15-inch laptops (as well as Apple's outgoing 17-inch MacBook Pro) alongside a litany of camera lenses, bodies and accessories. The primary differentiator here are the "butterfly-style" openings. To me, this design solved the "my lens is stuffed under another lens!" issue that many conventional bags face.

I was able to fit a Nikon D3S, a D3200, Rode VideoMic Pro, Steadicam Merlin 2, a Gorillapod, a lens cleaning kit, remote trigger kit, three battery chargers and six lenses (all under 70mm) into the bag. That's a lot of kit, and there are two ways to look at the results. On one hand, it's actually capable of safely containing all of that in a bag that'll fit into the overhead bin of an Embraer 175 (seriously!). On the other, the carrying mechanisms simply aren't designed to hold that kind of load long-term.

Sadly, the pack's rear is entirely flat (i.e. not curved with the shape of your back like Kensington's magnificent Contour). After 60 minutes of carrying it around Yellowstone National Park, I was aching in a way that I've never ached with my Contour. Sure, you could use either of the two (remarkably study) carry handles, but with that much weight, even that's a poor choice. While I'm thrilled with the unit's overall internal design, it's rigid / rugged nature and the lovely zipper pulls, the $379 price point is tough to swallow given the somewhat disappointing rear strap system. Those carrying lighter loads, however, will find plenty to love.

-- Darren Murph

Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ with Jelly Bean

IRL Kiboko 22L backpack, Corsair Vengeance K90 keyboard and the Galaxy Nexus HSPA with Jelly Bean I'd been an iPhone user since way back in the silver old days, when 3G was becoming the new standard and EDGE was all I had to help me through everyday browsing. But that all changed recently (last week, in fact), after I suddenly became weary of iOS. Now, don't get me wrong, I think Apple's mobile operating system is great -- maybe even the best there is. Still, I needed a change, and the obvious choice for me was to go with Google's flagship handset, the Galaxy Nexus.

Why, you ask? For one, I went went with the HSPA+ variant being sold in the Play store. Thus, I didn't have to extend my two-year deal with AT&T, and since it's an unlocked model, I can use it with mostly any GSM carrier worldwide if need be. Not to mention, it's a bargain at $349 (plus shipping and tax), and I'm likely to always be first in line when Mountain View decides to roll out its latest and greatest software treats. Speaking of which, Jelly Bean was served to my GNex over-the-air soon after my initial setup -- a nice welcoming gift, to say the least.

It's now been a little over a week since I made the jump to Android, leaving behind a good amount of invested cash back in Cupertino's ecosystem. That said, I don't regret my choice one bit. So far, the Nexus has been a great sidekick; it runs smoothly, offers all the apps I want and, more importantly, can get through the day without a recharge -- something I can't honestly say about my iPhone 4S. If only I could match the Nexus' rear camera with that marvelous 4S shooter, and everything would be just perfect.

All in all, it's been a great ride so far, and you know the mythical "Android lag" folks speak of? It's non-existent in the Galaxy Nexus. For my sake, I hope this continues to be a great experience, but if anything changes, you'll be among the first to know. For now, I'm quite content with my pick, even if I have trouble fitting it in my jean pockets from time to time.

-- Edgar Alvarez

Corsair Vengeance K90 keyboard

IRL Kiboko 22L backpack, Corsair Vengeance K90 keyboard and the Galaxy Nexus HSPA with Jelly BeanBetween Intel's Ivy Bridge and NVIDIA's latest Kepler GPUs, I couldn't help myself. 2012 was the year I set out to build a new gaming rig. When one concedes one's bank account to the burden of assembling a machine of raw power, it's easy to justify a handful of pricey peripherals. That's how I came across my new mechanical keyboard, the Corsair K90.

It started in the keyboard aisle of my local electronics retailer -- my fingers danced across the keys of various demo units until they stopped on something loud, clicky and familiar. Having been raised on the tactile typewriters of yore, the K90's Cherry MX Red mechanical key switches felt like coming home. Soon, depressing any other type of key felt wrong -- which was really too bad, because doing so is unavoidable. The K90's magical mechanical keys are surrounded by membrane toggles that feel cheap by comparison. None of the keys stick -- nor do they feel particularly mushy -- but switching from mechanical to membrane can be a bit jarring. I eventually adjusted, but the inconsistency still nags at me.

As much as I love the keyboard's fancy switches, it has other notable features. In addition to a few standard media keys and blue backlighting, the K90 features 18 programmable buttons (all membrane, unfortunately.) These are designed to help serious MMO players micromanage in-game macros -- they work well, but the companion software isn't particularly straight forward. In the end, the keyboard has its quirks, but its solid build and Cherry switches overshadow its faults. It's a proud part of my PC gaming arsenal -- though in retrospect I might have paid a premium for a clacker with consistent keys.

-- Sean Buckley

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 3D printed boat, algae-based biofuel and a bus that does push-ups

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 07:00 AM PDT

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

DNP Inhabitat's Week in Green TKTKTK

The Olympic flame completed its tour through the UK this week as the 2012 Summer Games officially kicked off on Friday, and all eyes have been on London ever since. All week long we've been focusing on the Olympics, beginning with an overview of London's new Olympic Park, which is headlined by the Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Centre, and Anish Kapoor's controversial ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower. For a deeper look at the venues that will be on display at the Olympics over the next two weeks, check out our roundup of the top six green buildings at the Olympics. In addition to the sports stadiums, Olympics visitors will also be treated to the sights and sounds of Coca-Cola's multi-sensory Beatbox Pavilion, an interactive sound and light display that responds to touch. But the art installation that we're most excited about is the one by artist David Cerny, who retrofitted a 6-ton London double-decker bus with a gigantic pair of human arms. Best of all, the arms are motorized, enabling the bus to do push-ups.

In other news, green vehicles broke new boundaries by land, sea and air. A team of University of Washington students successfully tested the world's first 3D-printed boat, while halfway around the world, the Solar Impulse sun-powered airplane completed a record-breaking 6,700-mile trip. Rail news also rallied the East Coast as Amtrak proposed plans for a high-speed train that could take riders from New York to Philly in 37 minutes and New York City unveiled the first images of the final installment of its High Line park.

This week also saw exciting energy developments all over the world. Scientists at UCLA developed a new transparent solar cell that can essentially transform windows into photovoltaic panels. The South Pacific nation of Tokelau announced the ambitious goal of transforming itself into the world's first solar-powered country. Meanwhile, Brazil is set to build the world's first algae-based biofuel plant, which will convert seaweed into fuel. And in another exciting development, Maine is set to launch the first commercial tide power project in the US.

For the past few months, we've been gearing up for the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs, and this week we produced a video explaining how to make the transition to LEDs. As for other exciting green products, this week we shined the spotlight on Olafur Eliasson's Little Sun, a solar-powered lamp that provides five hours of continuous light. We also learned about Exotic Solar's "PowerCloth," an innovative new cloth that turns clothes into energy generators, and a vibrating glove that teaches piano and helps people with spinal cord injuries to improve motor skills. And lastly, we're excited to learn that JPMorgan Chase and Good360 are teaming up to refurbish and distribute computers to charities across the country.

CyanogenMod 10 preview build now available for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 04:37 AM PDT

CyanogenMod 10 preview build now available for Verizon's Galaxy Nexus

We know it didn't take much time for the Tenth iteration of that CM greatness to reach Google's popular Nexus 7 and Samsung's most colossal Galaxy handset on the block, but one other Android big shot was still yet to join the "preview build" bash. The marvelous news is Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners can now also take part in the early adoption process, as CyanogenMod's Brint Kriebel has said via Mountain View's social network that CM10 for Big Red's GNex is out and up for grabs. That said, he's let it be known the goods aren't exactly fully baked, though he has been rockin' it as his "daily driver" for about two weeks -- which, needless to say, is quite a good sign. Those interested in going a step further can hit up bekit's Google+ page, where you'll find the rest of the underlying details.

Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air soundbar further befits its moniker with custom speaker grilles

Posted: 29 Jul 2012 01:50 AM PDT

DNP Klipsch's Gallery G17 Air soundbar befits its moniker with custom speaker grillsRemember Klipsch's $500 Gallery G-17 Air soundbar that wowed our ears last holiday season? If you weren't fond of the AirPlay-enabled rig's piano-black finish, you might be pleased to know that the company is ready to let you spice it up visually. If you'll recall, the unit features a removeable magnetic speaker grill, which can now be customized to your heart's desire -- provided you've got another 25 bucks, a 300 DPI image file and four weeks of waiting time to spare. Naturally, we're partial to seeing it affixed with the Engadget white and blue, but feel free to give it a go with something of your own favor at the source link below.

Show full PR text

Custom Grilles Now Available for the Klipsch Gallery™ G-17 Air


INDIANAPOLIS (July 26, 2012) - Klipsch, a leading global speaker manufacturer, today announces the availability of custom grilles for the Klipsch Gallery™ G-17 Air, the brand's highly regarded wireless music system. With a specialized online ordering portal now live on the company's website, product enthusiasts, as well as new buyers, can seek maximum customization of their G-17 Air wireless music systems.

After ordering the custom grille, brand fans will receive an email with instructions for sending their own JPEG or TIF image files for Klipsch to create a customized, magnetic grille for the G-17 Air. Whether it's personal artwork, a family image or room-matching décor, Klipsch will execute a flawless representation of the provided image and ship each grille within two to four weeks of ordering. By providing personalized grilles, Klipsch is able to offer product users added style and ensure the G-17 Air not only provides wireless, high-performance sound, but that it also serves as a perfect fit to one's home, personality and lifestyle.

"There's no doubt this AirPlay-enabled product category is currently in its infancy," said Paul Jacobs, CEO of Klipsch. "Since many are still unfamiliar with the benefits this wireless technology provides, we're striving to effectively communicate them with this unique offering. By straying from all that is traditional, we hope to provide a lasting impact on the lifestyle of the G-17 Air user."

With the ability to utilize any Wi-Fi network and operate as a wireless music system, the Klipsch G-17 Air streams high-quality audio directly from any iPod, iPhone or iPad capable of running iOS 4.2– all without wires or the need to dock the relevant device. iTunes can also be streamed from a Mac or PC to one, or up to five, Klipsch G-17 Air systems in the home or office, taking advantage of a simple and efficient new method of creating a whole-house audio system. In a matter of minutes, setup of this product allows for customized, wireless sound in any environment. The Klipsch G-17 Air also contains a USB input for direct digital connection and charging of most 30-pin Apple devices and a 3.5mm analog input to accept almost every music player available. It will also work with the iPhone 5 via the USB cable.

Measuring 17 inches in length and engineered for the ultimate sound experience, the G-17 Air captures the same distinct power, detail and emotion of Klipsch's renowned horn-loaded speakers. Employing exclusive Tractrix® Horn technology, the music system effortlessly delivers legendary Klipsch sound, complete with reduced distortion and constant directivity for a live soundstage experience. The elegant, injection molded polymer cabinet has a front baffle which curves on both sides to create both an attractive design and a solid, low-resonance structure. The unique, 12-step cabinet finishing process achieves a sleek, piano-black and high-gloss luster that emulates a fine musical instrument.

Customized grilles are available for a limited time price of $24.99 (U.S. MSRP) each with free shipping. The Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air retails for $499.99 (U.S. MSRP) and is currently available for purchase at authorized retailers and http://www.klipsch.com.

Archos Arnova GBook heads to the FCC, may have literary ambitions

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 10:40 PM PDT

Archos Arnova GBook heads to the FCC, may have literary ambitions

Archos makes regular stops at the FCC. We know this. When it passes an Arnova-badged device called the GBook through the US agency, though, that piques our interest. The name immediately suggests a reading-friendly Android tablet in the vein of the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet, but there's not much in the way of imagery and details to make a definitive judgment call. The hand-friendly small design and the 802.11n WiFi inside only fuel those suspicions, however. We don't see clues in the testing as to when the Arnova GBook might reach stores; that said, the looming back-to-school and holiday seasons may have some sway in getting the device to bookworms sooner rather than later.

Ask Engadget: best case for the Samsung Galaxy S III?

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 08:15 PM PDT

Ask Engadget best case for the Samsung Galaxy S III

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from is from Amandeep, who needs a case for his new superphone. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"Hey guys, I just snagged myself a new Galaxy S III, but I'm at a loss when it comes to deciding on a case. I'm looking for something that falls between the typical silicone wrap and a full-on army grade rubber block of invincibility. It needs to provide sufficient protection from the occasional drop or two while staying relatively sleek and somewhat stylish. That said, my last phone was a Thunderbolt with an extended battery, so it's safe to say that I won't mind a bit of thickness. I've had my eye on a Shell-Gel series case from Ballistic, but I'm still in need of suggestions. Any ideas?"

How about it peeps? What do you use to protect your Galaxy S III that you'd recommend to another? Constructive suggestions are always welcomed.

Mobile Miscellany: week of July 23rd, 2012

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 06:35 PM PDT

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Nokia introduced a custom edition Lumia 610 smartphone and also released its Camera Extras app for global availability. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of July 16th, 2012.

Motorola RAZR V and Atrix HD LTE coming to Bell Mobility on August 2nd

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

We first met the Motorola RAZR V just two weeks ago, which was announced for Q3 availability within Canada. Word on the street has it that the phone will become available through Bell Mobility on August 2nd, where it'll be joined at the same time by the Atrix HD LTE. Pricing has yet to be announced for either handset, though it seems we won't have long to wait to learn that last tidbit. [MobileSyrup]

Samsung Omnia M now available in India

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

China may have gotten it first, but the Samsung Omnia M -- an entry-level Windows Phone -- is now available in India for 17,990 INR (approx. $325). The smartphone includes a 1GHz CPU, a 4-inch display and a 5-megapixel camera. [WMPoweruser]

Nokia teams up with Quiksilver to release custom Lumia 610

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

It's the middle of summer, so why not hit the beaches? That seems to be the logic at Nokia, anyway, which has partnered with surf apparel company Quiksilver to create a special edition Lumia 610 smartphone. Availability is currently limited to the French carrier Sosh, which is a youth-oriented subsidiary of Orange, along with Quicksilver retail outlets. [WPCentral]

Bell Mobile TV update brings HD content along for the ride

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

Bell's Mobile TV app received an update this week, and most importantly, it brings HD content for seven channels to the iPad, Galaxy Note and Galaxy S III. If your device isn't eligible for this round, you'll be glad to know that Bell plans to introduce HD support on more handsets in the near future. [MobileSyrup]

Nokia Camera Extras marks global launch

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

Nokia's Camera Extras brings a self-timer, the ability to take panorama shots, action shots and smart group shots to the Lumia lineup of smartphones. Up until this week, however, it was only available in the US and China. Thankfully that's now a thing of the past, as Nokia has announced the global availability for its Camera Extras suite. [All About Windows Phone]

Motorola Motoluxe XT685 arrives in China

Mobile Miscellany week of July 23rd, 2012

Motorola recently debuted the RAZR V XT885 in China, and now it's time for the Motoluxe XT685 to follow suit. The Android 4.0 smartphone features a 1GHz CPU (upgraded from 800MHz), a 4-inch FWVGA display and an 8-megapixel camera. Those within mainland China can purchase the handset today for 1,999 RMB ($313), which is available in brown and white. [Android Central]

Alt-week 7.28.12: social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humans-on-a-chip

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 05:30 PM PDT

Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days.

Alt-week 7.28.12

It's a beautiful world we live in. And, while the sweet and romantic part is debatable, strange and fantastic is not. Our universe is one populated by non-planetary celestial bodies with their own non-planetary satellites, high school social heirarchies based on predictable mathematical formulas and military-funded "gut-on-a-chips." It's a weird place filled with weird stories, and we just can't get enough of it. So, what has the last seven days brought us from the fringes of science and tech? Keep reading after the break to find out. This is alt-week.

Turns out, math isn't just something you suffer through in high school -- it can actually determine your social standing. In the clique-filled world of secondary school there is a clear social hierarchy, and researchers at the University of Michigan believe they've found the formula that unlocks its secrets. The unfortunate truth is that social circles are filled with one-way relationships and, the more unreciprocated ties you're the benefactor of, the higher your social standing. Not only that but, the more lower-ranked individuals claiming friendship with you increases as you advance from one grade to the next and as your number of true friendships grows. Turns out high school isn't really all that tough to figure out after all -- so long as you can pass pre-calc.

Altweek 72812 social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humansonachip

Maybe you couldn't quite figure out that whole "people" thing in high school (there's enough us on staff at Engadget -- we understand), but perhaps you could increase your social standing by making your own friends. We're not quite to the point where you can cause a beautiful woman to materialize Anthony Michael Hall-style, but researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard are inching us closer with some help from DARPA. The military research arm has agreed to work with the school's scientists and provide them with up to $37 million in funding to further develop their organ-on-a-chip program. The goal is to use flexible plastic circuits to recreate all the basic functions of the human body, from digestion to breathing and everything in between. They claim that the primary goal is to provide platforms for studying diseases, toxins and medication, but we know the truth -- the army wants replicants.

Not every attempt to recreate the human anatomy in synthetic form is destined to lead to our enslavement, however. Engineers at the University of Missouri are using the human eye as inspiration for what may be the printers of the future. See, your eyelids actually spread a film of oil over your eyeball which protects a thin layer of tears that allow you to keep your eye open without it drying out. Similarly, an inkjet printer's nozzles need to be kept open to put words and images on paper, but drying out can lead to clogs and less than desirable results. By placing a tiny droplet of silicon oil in the nozzle the researchers are able to prevent the ink from crusting up. Obviously an eyelid-like shutter mechanism would be too large and complicated for something as small as a print head, so an electrical field is applied instead to keep the film spread thin.

Altweek 72812 social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humansonachip

Our eyes aren't just good for inspiring technology, they're also pretty good for lookin' at stuff. Sometimes they need a little help from something like the Hubble Space Telescope, but its our peepers that ultimately spotted Pluto's fifth moon, P5. Since being demoted from planet to dwarf planet in 2006 we've actually discovered two new moons orbiting the icy sun satellite. Which makes us wonder if -- is Pluto trying to convince the International Astronomical Union to reverse its decision? At least it's got entire class of space debris named after it now. Being the inspiration for the name Plutoid has to count for something, right?

Altweek 72812 social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humansonachip

Seen any other far-out articles that you'd like considered for Alt / week? Working on a project or research that's too cool to keep to yourself? Drop us a line at alt [at] engadget [dot] com

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Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 02:57 PM 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.

Insert Coin: Stabil-i reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket

Ah, stability, a commodity valued by videographers who want to produce footage that won't make their viewers throw up. Reducing camera shake can be especially tricky when using a smartphone such as the iPhone, whose form factor and light weight make it easier to have the shakes while shooting. Currently, options for reducing camera vibration in iPhone videos include apps like the Dolly Cam and more hardware-oriented solutions such as the Steadicam Smoothee. Our latest Insert Coin candidate, the Stabil-i, happens to use the latter route, serving up a "video stabilization iPhone case" that's still reasonably affordable. According to its creators, the Stabil-i's design is based on concepts found in larger, more expensive camera stabilization systems used in the film industry -- minus 90 percent of the hardware and the expensive bearing system. The result, they say, is a device that does a good job in reducing camera shake while still being compact enough to fit in one's pockets.

When attached, the Stabil-i increases the iPhone's length by 5 percent, width by 15 percent and thickness by about 55 percent. The Stabil-i's high-density lead alloy counterweight is about a third of the weight of an iPhone. Pledges for getting the actual device and a T-shirt at Kickstarter begin at $44. Bump it up to $55 and you get a tripod adapter as well. The project's overall goal is $80,000 by Sept. 1st with delivery pegged for November if the project is successful. In the meantime, you can see the device reduce those video heebie jeebies by checking out the video below.

Previous project update: The Botiful telepresence robot for Android has passed the halfway mark for its $90,000 goal with a little over three weeks to go.

Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 01:15 PM PDT

Native screenshot feature for Windows Phone 8 confirmed by emulator

While we found many features worth noting in our review of Windows Phone 7.5, one that was missing (and near to our hearts as people who review phones) was the ability to easily take screenshots on the devices. Thankfully, that issue appears to be resolved in Windows Phone 8, as WP7App.de has dug deep into the emulator (video evidence after the break) and confirmed the feature exists, enabled by clicking the Start and Camera button at the same time. That should make our lives easier and, for most, let them share snaps of their phone of choice's tile setup and inevitable autocorrect mistakes.

Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 11:07 AM PDT

Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec

Calling Windows 8 "a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space" may not endear Valve's Gabe Newell to the folks at Microsoft, but it struck a chord with a member of Blizzard Entertainment's top brass. Rob Pardo, Executive Vice President of Game Design at the Irvine-based company, took to Twitter and chimed in on the matter, stating that Windows 8 is "not awesome for Blizzard either." While far from a resounding indictment, it's not the warmest of welcomes for Redmond's latest desktop OS. By the sounds of it, the October-bound operating system will have to win over a few hearts and minds in the game development community.

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur e-bike

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT

Engadget takes Faraday Porteur ebike for a spin

We've watched as Faraday Bicycles' first offering, the Porteur electric bike, went from award-winning concept to a fully-fledged consumer product courtesy of Kickstarter. Recently, company founder Adam Vollmer offered us the chance to ride one, and naturally, we couldn't wait see it for ourselves and put feet to pedals.

First impressions are important, a fact of which the folks at Faraday are clearly aware. The Porteur's white frame, wood fenders, and sea foam green trim pieces and rims provide a pleasing visual counterpart to the leatherwork adorning the seat, frame and handlebars. Add in the yesteryear script of the logo and vermilion detailing work, and it's retro done right -- visually arresting without being gaudy. As is often the case, the coolest bits of the bike reveal themselves upon close inspection. We're fans of the leather pouch (for holding smartphones or other sundries) nestled between the parallel top tubes and chain stay guard embossed with the Faraday name. And, the addition of the company slogan claiming it's "the ultimate electric propelled utility bicycle" along with each bike's production number is a nice touch. But enough about its good looks, how's the thing ride?

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur ebikeIn a word, well. But, before we give you our full impressions, a quick disclaimer is in order. We rode two bikes: a prototype mule with an operational electric powertrain, and the battery-free production model you see in our gallery of photos. We did get to ride that lovely bike, but we did so using human power only. We were disappointed not to get the full production model experience, but were still impressed with Faraday's e-assist system during our ride.

When you first start pedaling the Porteur, you receive little-to-no assistance from the lithium ion cells lurking within the frame, but as you pick up your pedaling cadence, the power delivery increases. That's due to some custom algorithms Faraday developed to give riders a smooth, virtually seamless transition into power-assisted cycling. So smooth is the system, that we had trouble pinpointing exactly when the bike started giving us a helping hand. That's the beauty of the Porteur, you're hardly aware that the bike is pushing you along until you're zipping around at 20mph with minimal physical exertion. It feels as if you're riding with a constant, hefty tailwind or are cruising down a small decline at all times -- it's a sensation that we could certainly get used to whenever taking human-powered two wheeled transport. While the production model we rode wasn't powered, we still found it to be a slick set of wheels. The steel frame has zero flex, and was surprisingly lightweight (we easily picked it up with one hand) though the batteries will, of course, result in some significant weight gain. Aside from that, the Shimano Alfine hub shifts flawlessly and overall, the Porteur was a pleasure to ride.

Engadget takes a ride on the Faraday Porteur ebike

What's next for Faraday? Well, while the Kickstarter campaign's been a resounding success thus far, Adam told us he would like to build a companion app to go with the e-bike. The app would allow users to tweak power-delivery settings and customize taillight blinking patterns, while also providing info about nearby cycling routes and bike shops certified to provide Porteur maintenance. Problem is, app developers don't come cheap, so Faraday needs almost triple the funding it has now. If you're interested, you can head on over to the Kickstarter page, where backers will be able to vote on its features as the app is designed, and receive the app free of charge once it's finished.

Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 08:49 AM PDT

Google Earth, Maps get new high-res aerial and satellite imagery

3D City View for iOS isn't the only update from the Google Maps and Earth team this week, they've also spruced up their services with new imagery. Fresh high-resolution aerial and satellite photos have been added for a roster of 25 cities and 72 countries or regions, ranging from Antelope Wells, New Mexico to Zimbabwe. In addition, seven international locales and 21 US cities received the 45-degree view treatment, letting you gaze at skylines from a different perspective. The maps are already available, so you can peruse new satellite images of London's Olympic Park and Village just in time for the festivities. For the full list of areas with crisper cartographic visuals, check out the source below.

Remote camera mounts replace AFP photographers at Olympic Games

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 06:16 AM PDT

AFP photographers kit out robots for the Olympic games with Nikon D4s

Remember those robotic camera rigs Reuters cooked up for the Olympic games? They won't be alone -- the AFP have lined the games with their own remote mounts. Traditionally, aerial shots are captured by brave, well harnessed photographers -- but the AFP's acrobatic photojournalists have been grounded by the powers that be. "The Olympics Committee has warned us that, for security reasons, no photographer will be allowed on the stadium roof," stated the AFP's chief editor of technical issues, Francois-Xavier Marit. "We had to come up with a system of remote-controlled photography." Marit worked with Nikon and Mark Roberts Motion Control to build a dozen rigs to pepper throughout Olympic facilities. It's not Marit's first time kitting out the games either -- he's been using remote camera rigs to snap underwater Olympians since 2004. Each mount is equipped with a Nikon D4 and 16 to 400mm zooms, ten will be mounted in the main Olympic stadium with an additional two covering the swimming complex. Worried you won't be able to see the hardware from the bleachers? Mosey on past the break for a quick preview.

AT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT

AT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on

While AT&T's been flaunting a rather patriotic red, white and blue Galaxy S III lineup since launch, the carrier's exclusive Garnet Red handset's been rather elusive so far, with pre-orders starting July 15 and deliveries expected July 29. If you've been eying Samsung's blood red $199 flagship, you'll be happy to know that we received our review unit yesterday and snapped a bunch of pictures, including comparison shots with the white and blue models. The phone is identical to its siblings other than the burgundy screen bezel and back cover, and the gunmetal rim running along its edge. It's a pretty gorgeous color scheme that's sure to attract vampires everywhere. Still unsure? Peek at our hands-on gallery below, then sound off in the comments.

BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph

Posted: 28 Jul 2012 02:41 AM PDT

BMW's C Evolution electric scooter does 62 miles on a charge, maxes out at 75 mph

All things considered, we think it's safe to say BMW very rarely disappoints with its latest road-friendly creations, and one of the outfit's most recent concoctions is this eco-friendly C Evolution electric scooter. According to the German company, the prototype two-wheeler's quite close to hitting its final production stages, noting "it might soon become a part of everyday road traffic in cities throughout the world" and that it is "outstanding in terms of performance, functionality and design." On paper, the C Evolution appears to be rather promising, with BMW also claiming the environmental hog can ride out about 62 miles on a single charge -- all while being able to reach max speeds of around 75 mph. No word yet on how much you'll have to save up for one of these, but for now, there's a video of the C Evo in action waiting on you just past the break.


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