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- Hulu Plus app heads to Windows 8 PCs and tablets, tailored for new UI (video)
- LG exec claims Nexus due at October 29th event, ships to India one month later
- Isis' NFC payments go live in Austin and Salt Lake City: 3 carriers, 9 phones, 1 long way to go (video)
- Apple's iPad mini event happens tomorrow, get your liveblog here!
- Firefox begins testing Social API with Facebook Messenger, here's how you can take part
- Orange begins first HD Voice calls between countries, decides clarity knows no borders
- Nokia Lumia 920 pre-orders reappear: $699 off-contract at Negri Electronics
- Bill Gates already has a Surface and you don't (video)
- Samsung Galaxy Premier rumor gathers steam with leaked GLBenchmark results
- Meet the Arduino Due, the 32-bit board that'll let your projects fly (really)
- Microsoft announces Skype for Windows 8: full-screen calls, push notifications and People Hub integration
- Autodesk researchers develop 'magic finger' that reads gestures from any surface (video)
- Acer see sales decline in Q3 2012 as customers hold out for Windows 8
- GreenWave Reality ships WiFi-aware light bulbs that flick on through motion and smartphones
- Motorola Solutions outs HC1 head-mounted computer, keeps workers' hands free in sticky situations (update: video)
- Japan court rules Apple did not infringe two Samsung patents
- 'Defiance' blends basic cable sci-fi, MMO shooter action when it launches in spring 2013
- Folding@Home packs up on PlayStation 3: over 100 million computation hours added to research
- LG announces Windows 8 12-inch slider laptop hybrid and all-in-one PC (updated)
- Seagate Backup Plus brings USB 3.0 speed, sociability to new Macbooks
- AMD Never Settle bundle gives Radeon HD 7000 buyers free games they'd actually care to play
- How Would you Change ASUS' Transformer Pad TF300?
- Refresh Roundup: week of October 15th, 2012
- Engadget Mobile Podcast 155 - 10.21.2012
- Switched On: Sell the hardware, attract the apps
- Dish Network settles Voom HD lawsuit, AMC comes back on the air tonight
- Best Buy offering pre-orders for Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X for $149.99 and $99.99 under contract (Update: Lumia 920 no longer listed)
- Inhabitat's Week in Green: the world's tallest skyscraper, mind-controlled robot exoskeleton and a Lego Bat Cave
- Microsoft Touch Mouse gets promised Windows 8 support, works like a Charm
- HTC Droid Incredible X possibly spotted with Verizon badging intact (Update: DLX is short for 'Deluxe')
- Ask Engadget: What's the best way to store my media collection?
- Mobile Miscellany: week of October 15th, 2012
- PayPal Here goes on sale at AT&T stores: like a one-stop shop for account hiccups
- Node modular iOS sensor hands-on
- Alt-week 20.10.12: our oldest primate ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with four stars
- LG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the same time (video)
| Hulu Plus app heads to Windows 8 PCs and tablets, tailored for new UI (video) Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:51 AM PDT
Windows 8 users, what with their "Modern" UI and pinned applications, won't have to stoop to using Hulu Plus in an antiquated internet browser any longer. Hulu today announced its brand new Windows 8 and Windows 8 tablet application, which is designed specifically for use with the tiled UI that Micrsoft's new multiplatform OS is based around. The new app aims to take advantage of that UI in a variety of ways -- pinning an episode or show to your start screen, for instance, or multitasking with other apps while Hulu continues playing in a smaller window, cropped to the left. We've dropped a video walkthrough of the app just below the break. Those with early access to Windows 8 can grab the app right now in the Windows Store through this link (at least, when it goes live again -- it seems to be down right now); the app will be available to the rest of us at launch on October 26th, and on Windows 8 tablets the same day. |
| LG exec claims Nexus due at October 29th event, ships to India one month later Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:09 AM PDT
It's either a premature confirmation or one of the larger executive gaffes we've seen in recent memory, but it's hard to ignore. LG's Mobile Product Planning lead for India, Amit Gujral, just claimed in an interview with IBNLive that the "LG Nexus" will launch at Google's October 29th event and ship to India "by the end of November." He even stuck his neck out to offer specifications -- the Nexus will reportedly have a very Optimus G-like 4.7-inch screen and quad-core 1.5GHz chip while throwing the unreleased Android 4.2 into the equation. Nothing's official so far despite the statements, and we're not expecting to Google to spoil its own party; if Gujral really does have the inside track, though, we may have been given a peek at the main attraction in Google's playground. |
| Posted: 22 Oct 2012 10:36 AM PDT
To say that the launch of Isis has felt drawn out would be a mild understatement. The alliance first signaled its intentions two years ago, detailed its first markets one year ago and faced a last-minute delay. All the ducks are finally in a row, however, and residents of both Austin as well as Salt Lake City can tap to pay (or score discounts) at the "hundreds" of locations that accept NFC-based purchases through American Express, Capital One, Chase and Isis' own cash card. Launch day brings app- and SIM-enabled access for nine devices spread rather unevenly across AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon: only the Droid Incredible 4G LTE is confirmed working for Verizon subscribers, while the rest are divided more equally between multiple Samsung Galaxies and HTC devices like the Amaze 4G and One X. Over 20 phones should be Isis-aware before the end of the year. It's a potentially strong start to one of the few truly cross-network mobile payment systems in the US, but we see a long road ahead before Isis gives Google Wallet some jitters -- there's legions of banks, cities and stores needed before Isis is widespread, and we're not counting on that ever-elusive universal hardware support. |
| Apple's iPad mini event happens tomorrow, get your liveblog here! Posted: 22 Oct 2012 10:00 AM PDT
It seems like just yesterday we were reporting on the launch of the iPhone 5, but already Apple has something else exciting to show us. What could it be? An iPad mini? A 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display? A new iMac? All of the above? We'd love to have you along as we find out, and the quickest way to take it all in is to watch the event brought to you live through our dynamic liveblog experience. You can find that if you set your browser at this URL at the time listed below: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/23/apple-ipad-mini-liveblog/ October 23, 2012 1:00 PM EDT |
| Firefox begins testing Social API with Facebook Messenger, here's how you can take part Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:15 AM PDT
You live a fast-paced life, and you don't have time to stop your high-speed internet surfing just to check up on Suzie's latest Facebook update. Mozilla understands your plight, digital denizen, and its "Social API" is here to help -- Firefox browser users can beta test Facebook's Messenger functionality right this minute, should they be able to pause for long enough to get it set up. Thankfully, that setup isn't too strenuous, requiring little more than the latest beta version of the Firefox browser and an opt-in to the Social API program. Mozilla's promising more social service integration as the beta rolls on ("soon"), but for now you can more readily stay in touch with Suzie at least, right? |
| Orange begins first HD Voice calls between countries, decides clarity knows no borders Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:40 AM PDT
Orange was one of the vanguards of high-quality cellphone calls, having kicked off HD Voice with a Moldovian launch back in 2009. The premium chatter has always stopped at the border, however -- even two Orange customers couldn't see the improvement if they were in different countries. The carrier is bridging that gap with claims that it's the first to support improved voice on the international level: starting today, Moldovans and Romanians on Orange can give each other a ring and expect the extra-smooth calling they're used to from local conversations. We don't yet know if and when other countries will hop on the bandwagon. We've reached out, but it's possible that any upgraded links between other countries will come only from case-by-case negotiations. Those in Bucharest might want to track down any relatives in Chișinău for a quick chat in the meantime. World premiere: High Definition mobile voice now possible between two countries From today, Orange customers in Romania and Moldova will be able to enjoy HD quality voice calls between the two countries. For the first time in the world, Orange has been able to interconnect these two mobile networks with different infrastructure to ensuring end-to-end HD voice quality from one country to another. From now on, when a call is made between two HD voice mobile phones from these countries, Orange customers will enjoy crystal clear sound instead of "standard" voice quality. |
| Nokia Lumia 920 pre-orders reappear: $699 off-contract at Negri Electronics Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:09 AM PDT
If you missed Best Buy's early pre-order showing of the Lumia 920 (which soon disappeared) then you might be interested in stumping a headier amount for the same handset, off-contract. Negri Electronics is now listing the device at $699, but minus those monthly payments to AT&T. The online retailer has the yellow iteration, while it's also stocking the Lumia 820 free from contract restrictions -- and in red -- for $599. The site is sticking resolutely to that pre-order label on both, however, with no mention of a possible delivery date just yet. |
| Bill Gates already has a Surface and you don't (video) Posted: 22 Oct 2012 07:39 AM PDT
Being the founder of Microsoft certainly has its advantages, as well as its downsides. Case in point: the video interview Microsoft released this morning, starring none other than Bill Gates himself talking about the world of Windows 8. On the positive side, Gates reveals he's already got his own soon-to-be-released Microsoft Surface RT -- he calls it "an unbelievably great product," unsurprisingly -- with a black keyboard. On the less than positive side, despite being out of the CEO seat at the company, Gates still has to do interviews like the one found after the break. You'd think he could just get Ballmer to put on his old Crazy Eddie's impersonation! We've dropped that notorious video after the break as well, for comparison sake. |
| Samsung Galaxy Premier rumor gathers steam with leaked GLBenchmark results Posted: 22 Oct 2012 07:01 AM PDT
When we first heard of a rumored Samsung Galaxy Premier handset that might be a Nexus device, we had our doubts, especially when we saw TouchWiz adorning the alleged leaked image from Mobile Geeks. Now, GLBenchmark is also giving the idea of a new model more credence, as it briefly showed a possible GT-I9260 model packing a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display, dual 1.5GHz processor and 8-megapixel camera. The page has since been pulled, but a screen cap of the benchmark (after the break) shows PowerVR SGX 544 graphics on the device along with middle-of-the-road scores, though all that would be on a pre-production handset without final software, if it's accurate. Whether such a device would come along at a Google event or one of Samsung's shindigs remains to be seen, but its very existence should be taken with a boulder-sized chunk of salt. |
| Meet the Arduino Due, the 32-bit board that'll let your projects fly (really) Posted: 22 Oct 2012 06:22 AM PDT
As much as we love the Arduino Uno, it's not the most powerful of hobbyist microcontrollers. Fortunately, the folks in Turin have just put the finishing touches on a 32-bit upgrade with buckets of potential. At the heart of the Arduino Due is an 84MHz Atmel CPU, based on ARM's Cortex M3 Architecture, which is capable of being the brains inside your own flying drone or homemade 3D printer. It should start trickling out onto shelves from today, setting you back $49, but hey, that's a small price to pay to automate your drinking adventures. Arduino Due is here! Arduino announces the release of the new Arduino Due board based on the Cortex M3 ARM processor Main features of Arduino Due Technical Specification |
| Posted: 22 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT
With Windows 8 going on sale in just four days, Microsoft is doing a sensible thing and releasing a version of Skype optimized for Win 8. As you'd expect, Skype for Windows 8 has the same overarching look and feel as other apps, which is to say you can swipe from left to right to see different categories, such as recent activity, favorites and a complete contacts list. But the integration with Windows 8 goes a little deeper than that. Just as you can pinch your Live Tiles to zoom out and make them easier to navigate, you can use semantic zoom to sift through a long list of contacts. And, because Skype runs in the background, you can set up your Start Screen so that the Skype Live Tile shows notifications for things like missed calls. Additionally, Skype is now baked into the People Hub, so that someone's Skype handle shows up alongside other forms of contact, like an email address or phone number. The in-call experience has also been modified to take advantage of certain features in Win 8. For one, you can link your Skype and Microsoft account, so that when you log into your system using your Microsoft ID, you'll already be logged into Skype. While on a call, you can conduct video chats using the whole screen, at which point chat messages from that person will show up as text bubbles on the side of the screen. At any time, you can swipe to see other recent activity, which could be handy if you're juggling multiple IM conversations at once. If you prefer, you can also dock Skype on the side of the screen, as you can with any other program in Win 8. With the Skype chat taking up just a third (or two thirds) of the screen, you can use that remaining real estate for an IM chat within Skype, or maybe a web search. Lastly, if you return to the home screen, there's a large phone icon up top where you'll find the dialer, whose number pad allow your fingers plenty of room to hit the right keys. You'll see your balance listed there, too, in the event you're not planning on making a free call to another Skype user. That's our quick summary of what's new, but if you like you'll soon be able to experience it for yourself: the app will be available for free in the Windows Store on October 26th.
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| Autodesk researchers develop 'magic finger' that reads gestures from any surface (video) Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:49 AM PDT
By combining a camera that detects surfaces with one that perceives motion, Canadian university researchers and Autodesk have made a sensor that reads finger gestures based on which part of your body you swipe. The first camera can detect pre-programmed materials like clothing, which would allow finger movements made across your pants or or shirt to activate commands that call specific people or compose an email, for instance. Autodesk sees this type of input as a possible compliment to smartphones or Google Glasses (which lack a useful input device), though it says the motion detection camera isn't accurate enough yet to replace a mouse. Anyway, if you wanted that kind of device for your digits, it already exists -- in spades. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Acer see sales decline in Q3 2012 as customers hold out for Windows 8 Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:22 AM PDT
Acer has reported a net profit of NT$68 million ($2.3 million) for Q3 of this year, ducking far below many estimates for the Taipei computer maker. According to Reuters, the company isn't offering up any reasons why profits disappointed just yet, and it plans to hold a briefing on Thursday to add more detail on the figures and its outlook. The reported results, currently unavailable direct from Acer, note that consolidated revenue in the third quarter was down 5.6 percent since Q2, although its after-tax profit has improved since then. It's a difficult time to be a PC maker. [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons] |
| GreenWave Reality ships WiFi-aware light bulbs that flick on through motion and smartphones Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:00 AM PDT
GreenWave Reality Delivers Next Generation Connected Lighting Solution Consumer friendly lighting platform utilizes NXP Internet-based wireless technology (IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – October 22, 2012) – In conjunction with the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, GreenWave Reality, a global innovator in the Smart Home Services market, announces the next generation in lighting with the availability of its Connected Lighting Solution. Consumers can now easily control and automate lighting through a handheld remote or smartphone, increasing the comfort of their home while significantly reducing energy costs. The GreenWave Reality Connected Lighting Solution, incorporating JenNet-IP™ network layer software from NXP Semiconductors, can be used directly out of the box without any rewiring of the home or need for an electrician. GreenWave Reality's innovative solution combines Energy Star certified LED bulbs with Internet connectivity to provide consumers with fully controllable, rich, warm light throughout their homes. Leveraging these highly efficient, controllable LED bulbs, consumers will use only 20 percent of the energy a traditional incandescent bulb uses. Additional savings come from being able to easily control and dim home lighting. For instance, by replacing only 10 incandescent bulbs, consumers can immediately begin saving up to $150 a year on their utility bill, resulting in thousands of dollars of savings over the lifetime of these long lasting bulbs. By simply screwing in the bulbs, consumers can immediately begin to control their lights. The solution comes pre-configured with "home," "away" and "night" Smart Controls. For example, before bed, consumers can simply press the "night" Smart Control to turn off all lights, eliminating the need to go from room to room to turn lights off. Consumers can also create their own custom Smart Controls to fit their lifestyle, such as having outdoor lights automatically come on at dusk and turn off at dawn, and even integrating with motion sensors to automatically turn lights on or off when entering or exiting a room. For added convenience and safety, the solution is "light switch friendly," meaning that existing wall switches will still turn the lights on or off in all circumstances. "According to Parks Associates, the most desired consumer feature of a smart home is lighting control," said Greg Memo, CEO of GreenWave Reality. "With our Connected Lighting Solution, we are providing consumers with a powerful, personal way to reduce energy consumption while enhancing the comfort in their home." The Connected Lighting Solution can be used on its own, or in conjunction with the existing GreenWave Reality Smart Home Platform. Currently deployed at leading utility and service provider partners, the Smart Home Platform allows consumers to easily monitor and control their appliances and heating/cooling systems in the home. Advanced features like interactive coaching, energy budgeting, Smart Controls, and usage alerts all lead to helping consumers reduce wasted energy. The GreenWave Reality end-to-end solution is built on a highly-scalable, secure IP-based network platform that connects all of these devices into an IP ecosystem, creating the foundation for the "Internet of Things." "The GreenWave Reality Connected Lighting Solution, in conjunction with the NXP Jen-Net IP technology, has reached a great milestone in delivering on the promise of the 'Internet of Things'," said Geoff Mulligan, the Chairman of the IPSO Alliance. "Their solution is based on IPv6 for low-power devices (6LoWPAN), which is a foundation of the IPSO Alliance." Energy companies see the benefit of the Connected Lighting Solution for their customers. A number of leading European-based utilities, including Seas-NVE (Denmark), Nuon (Netherlands), and Fortum (Sweden) also plan to offer the Connected Lighting Solution to customers. Now shipping to utilities in Europe, the Connected Lighting Solution is also certified for the United States market from GreenWave Reality or its lighting partners who have licensed the platform. The GreenWave Reality solution works with bulbs from any JenNet-IP Certified lighting manufacturer, many of which plan to introduce certified lights and fixtures for the residential, hospitality, commercial and industrial markets. To learn more about GreenWave Reality and the Connected Lighting Solution, visit www.GreenWaveReality.com. |
| Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:00 AM PDT
We're very familiar with Kopin's Golden-i, but it was surprising that an early collaboration with Motorola Solutions didn't immediately lead to Motorola selling the head-mounted computer on its own. That odd discrepancy is being patched up now that Motorola Solutions' HC1 is here. The design keeps its signature micro-display, head tracking and voice commands, but sees a slight repurposing from Kopin's focus on security: Motorola Solutions' attention is on giving construction workers, field technicians and soldiers an always-up computer that keeps their hands free when it would be too dangerous (or just unwieldy) to grab a handheld. We haven't been told if the HC1 has been upgraded to that promised TI OMAP 4 chip, although we do know that there's an optional camera to bring on the Aliens-style video feeds as well as pairing support that offers cellular data, GPS and voice calls when linked to the right phone or hotspot. Whether or not the HC1 keeps the Golden-i's $2,500 price is an unknown as well -- that said, the corporate emphasis is more likely to see bulk sales of the wearable PC than any kind of scrimping and saving. Update: You'll find an official clip for the HC1 after the break. The clip also confirms that there's no OMAP 4 in this version. No Hands Required: Motorola Solutions Introduces the Next Evolution of Mobile Computing Revolutionary enterprise-class HC1 headset mobile computer designed to improve productivity and collaboration and increase worker safety on job sites WASHINGTON, DC – AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition (Booth #1239) – Oct. 22, 2012 – Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI), a leading provider of mission-critical communication solutions and services for enterprise and government customers, today unveiled the HC1 headset computer, the first in a new class of Motorola hands-free enterprise mobile computers that leverages advanced voice recognition, head gestures and video streaming to navigate applications that access and view business-critical documents and schematics. The HC1 can be used in harsh environments and most remote locations, where access to complex graphical data or text is needed and using a laptop or handheld device is impractical without obstructing vision. KEY FACTS • Designed for field services and the defense, utilities, telecommunications, aerospace and aviation markets, the HC1 can be used for maintenance, repair, operations/overhaul (MRO) and training and simulation applications that improve inspection time and accuracy, reduce labor rates and increase safety. SUPPORTING QUOTES Dr. Andrew G. Cook, senior vice president of Operational Excellence and Innovation, AREVA Inc. "In the highly demanding and regulated nuclear energy industry, innovation is essential in meeting ever-increasing standards for safety and operational performance for our utility customers. With the Entervise Remote Expert application running on Motorola's HC1 headset computer, we can perform independent quality oversight at nuclear power plants without requiring a second person to enter restricted areas. With the HC1's added camera functionality, our on-site technicians can enlist the support of our experts at the home office in real time to see exactly what is seen in the field and help them resolve conditions quickly and safely. We expect that the HC1 will provide us with measurable gains in productivity and efficiencies that will reduce radiation dose and operating costs." Girish Rishi, corporate vice president and general manager of Enterprise Mobile Computing, Motorola Solutions "The HC1 represents a paradigm shift in hands-free mobile computing and is Motorola's first of its kind to be commercially available for industrial use. Offering a more productive hands-free work environment for technical field workers, the HC1 will benefit both businesses and government and public safety organizations." |
| Japan court rules Apple did not infringe two Samsung patents Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:10 AM PDT
In the latest scuffle between Apple and Samsung, a Tokyo court has ruled that the iPhone 4 and 4S do not infringe on two of Sammy's patents. According to The Asahi Shimbun, a decision on September 14th found Apple had not violated a patent related to app downloads, as Samsung's method is different. A dispute regarding flight / airplane mode also went in Cupertino 's favor on October 11th, because the technology in question was regarded by the court as incremental. Only one case against Apple remains undecided in Japan -- for a patent on using "homescreen space" -- but, as usual, don't expect that to be the last chapter in the neverending story. |
| 'Defiance' blends basic cable sci-fi, MMO shooter action when it launches in spring 2013 Posted: 22 Oct 2012 03:26 AM PDT
With shows like Battlestar Galactica, all of the Stargates and even Eureka on ice, where will Syfy go when it runs out of places and/or marginal celebrities to tell ghost stories about? One answer may be a show slated to debut next spring called Defiance, which will depict an Earth populated by humans and aliens alike trying to pick up the pieces after years of war between the two have left the planet in pieces. The twist here is that the show will run along concurrently with a massively multiplayer shooter being developed for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 from the makers of RIFT that takes place in the same world. The team behind it has been posting content about the making of both sides of the project recently (check out Massively by Joystiq's coverage for more info), as well as a trailer for the TV show, which you can check out after the break. We're not sure if this will go over with any more of a splash than Syfy's usual Saturday night monster-of-the-week flicks, but at least they're trying. We'll be keeping an eye out for this one in April one way or another because really what else would we do, watch Revolution?
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| Folding@Home packs up on PlayStation 3: over 100 million computation hours added to research Posted: 22 Oct 2012 02:32 AM PDT
Squared away in the PlayStation 3's latest software update post, Sony announced that the Folding@Home service will be retired starting next month, alongside the console's 4.30 update. The project, which tied into Stanford University's work on protein folding and research into the causes of a diseases like Alzheimer's, pulled in over 15 million PlayStation owners since it started in 2007. In fact, according to Stanford's client statistics, PS3 users offered the second greatest contribution after Windows devices, adding more than 100 million computation hours to the research project -- and well, we did our bit. |
| LG announces Windows 8 12-inch slider laptop hybrid and all-in-one PC (updated) Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:25 AM PDT
Windows 8's imminent launch continues to draw out even more devices in almost every permutation imaginable. LG's up next, with its collection ranging from a familiar-looking V325 all-in-one PC, through to a slider PC with tablet skills. The size of LG's 11.6-inch H160 hybrid means we're not certain whether it'll be running Windows RT or the more power-intensive complete package. LG's brief explanation below the press shots also suggests we're only looking at two models for now -- despite the three devices on show here; presumably that tablet is just the laptop transformed, given that the company decided to put that particular family of devices on the back burner. The hybrid laptop houses its own auto-slide button, and measures in at 15.9mm thick, despite the built-in keyboard. The 11.6-inch screen is another LG-made IPS panel, promising up to 178 degrees of crisp visibility, while the manufacturer expects the battery to last up to 10 hours. Connectivity encompasses WiFi, HDMI output and a USB port and -- according to Google's translation -- a microSD card slot. The device will have to compete for fans against Sony's similarly-sliding VAIO Duo 11 -- not to mention Toshiba's U925t Ultrabook. The touchscreen V325 AIO packs all the thinking parts behind a 23-inch display, with up to 10-point touch sensitivity. There's a (presumably Korea-only) TV tuner built-in, which can be activated without powering up the whole PC, while processing powering is provided by a third-generation Core i5 processor and NVIDIA's GeForce GT640M. Both devices are currently set to remain on home turf for now, starting from October 26th and will be accompanied by LG's latest range of Ultrabooks, refreshed with Windows 8 software. |
| Seagate Backup Plus brings USB 3.0 speed, sociability to new Macbooks Posted: 21 Oct 2012 11:25 PM PDT
When Seagate launched its PC/Mac Backup Plus offering that could safeguard not only your folders but your Facebook or Twitter content, too, it seemed like a nice idea. But conspicuously missing from the Mac side of that equation was a USB 3.0 port to hustle transfers along at a much less pedestrian 5 Gbps -- likely because until recently, no Macs directly supported it. Now, Seagate has launched a USB 3.0 version of the device for those shiny new Macbook Pro Retina and Air models that pack it, while offering the option to upgrade to Thunderbolt or FireWire 800 "as the need presents itself." Prices go from $110 for the 500GB model up to $180 for the 3TB version -- check the PR after the break to see the entire range. Seagate Super Speeds New Backup Plus Portable for Mac Faster Connection Options for Mac OS X with USB 3.0 CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seagate Technology plc. (NASDAQ: STX) today introduced SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to the award-winning Backup Plus storage for Mac. Currently available through Amazon.com and from Apple Stores in November, both Backup Plus Portable for Mac and Backup Plus Desktop for Mac drives will feature the new USB 3.0 interface, which is also compatible with earlier USB 2.0 ports. This new interface means faster transfer of data, so you can backup more quickly, up to 10x that of USB 2.0, via TimeMachine® or simply transferring a file from a computer to external storage. Selected as the Editor's Choice portable external drive by PC Magazine, Seagate® Backup Plus hard drives were first introduced in June of this year. Designed to work interchangeably with both Windows® and Apple® computers, these new drives deliver features to protect, share and save nearly every aspect of one's digital life. Seagate Backup Plus products include a software feature that makes them the world's first external hard drives to provide a way to backup content from social networks, such as Facebook and Flickr. The Seagate Dashboard software included on Backup Plus for Mac drives delivers a quick and easy path to Save and Share personal photos and videos on Facebook and Flickr. A Versatile Storage Device In 2010, Seagate adopted the Universal Storage Module (USM®) standard, which enables consumers to easily add the newest Mac® and PC connection capabilities to their Seagate storage product even if these technologies are not available at the time of purchase. Backup Plus for Mac will now provide a USB 3.0 cable out of the box and can be upgraded to Thunderbolt™ Technology or FireWire 800, as the need presents itself. To add yet another level of versatility, Seagate has introduced a way to have the company's external storage products work cross-platform with both Mac® and Windows® operating systems without reformatting.1 Seagate Backup Plus Storage Available immediately from Amazon, and other retailers including Seagate.com, Seagate Backup Plus Portable drives will be shipping in 500GB for an MSRP $109.99 and 1TB, MSRP of $129.99 and Backup Plus Desktop drives; 2TB, MSRP $129.99 and 3TB for an MSRP of $179.99. About Seagate Seagate is a worldwide leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions. Learn more at http://www.seagate.com. |
| AMD Never Settle bundle gives Radeon HD 7000 buyers free games they'd actually care to play Posted: 21 Oct 2012 09:01 PM PDT
Just about anyone who has bought more than one aftermarket graphics card knows that bundled games rarely matter. They're usually year-old titles or neutered editions built only to showcase the GPU's performance for a few hours. AMD thinks its Never Settle bundle might finally get us to notice. Buy any modern Radeon HD video card from the 7770 GHz Edition on up and you'll get a download code for at least one new game you'd genuinely want to try, ranging from Far Cry 3 on basic cards to a full three-game deal that supplies Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution and Sleeping Dogs to high rollers buying the 7900 series. There's likewise a discount for Medal of Honor: Warfighter and promises of bundles in 2013 for Bioshock Infinite and the reimagined Tomb Raider. As long as you're not dead set on springing for a GeForce board in the next few months, one of the qualifying cards might be worth a look to jumpstart your game collection. |
| How Would you Change ASUS' Transformer Pad TF300? Posted: 21 Oct 2012 07:33 PM PDT
ASUS' Transformer Pad was tucked in beneath the Transformer Prime in the company's range of hybrid Android tablets. The only problem however, was that the company forgot to really differentiate the two -- with only a few hours less battery life the real distinction. But how has it been for you to live with? Did you get used to its slightly fiddly keyboard, have you been as smitten with it as our reviewer? Step into Jonney Shih's shoes and tell us what you'd suggest he does differently when next year's model comes out. |
| Refresh Roundup: week of October 15th, 2012 Posted: 21 Oct 2012 05:48 PM PDT
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates
Unofficial Android updates, custom ROMs and misc. hackery
Refreshes we covered this week
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| Engadget Mobile Podcast 155 - 10.21.2012 Posted: 21 Oct 2012 02:44 PM PDT  Since we missed you so much last week we have prepared an Engadget Mobile Podcast MAXX Edition for you to feast your hungry ears upon: dial it in and be prepared to have your wildest mobile news fantasies unfold before you. Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen 00:02:12 - Samsung Galaxy Note II review Hear the podcast This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Switched On: Sell the hardware, attract the apps Posted: 21 Oct 2012 02:30 PM PDT Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. Microsoft has finally revealed details on the pricing for the all-singing, all-dancing Surface RT. True to Steve Ballmer's word, the Windows RT device is priced competitively with the iPad. It is, in fact, the same price as the entry-level, now not-so "new iPad" and with double the flash memory, an advantage that may change by the time the Surface ships. The commercial shows off the device's signature hardware features -- the kickstand and touch keyboard cover -- and plays up the "click" they make when they attach to the Surface, which is of course similar to the "click" made when an Apple Smart Cover connects to an iPad. And in a bit of irony for a product that is more focused on tapping than the mouse clicks of the desktop mouse, its campaign slogan is "click in." (It also raises the question as to why people would be constantly attaching the sold-separately touch keyboard when it doubles as a cover, but it is a commercial after all.) While expensive relative to the price of the device, Microsoft's keyboard covers represent an extension of one of Apple's best-conceived iPad accessories (the Smart Cover) and far exceed one of Apple's worst (the original iPad keyboard dock). Surface RT is in some ways the more pure of Microsoft's Windows-driven tablet plays -- without most of the legacy support for Windows desktop apps of its Intel-based sibling. And so, as with all operating systems before it, Windows RT will rely on a catalog of apps -- cultivated by its developer -- to create a rich Surface experience. The inclusion of Office RT is a double-edged sword. The now ARM-compatible office suite offers marginally touch-optimized productivity and wide compatibility out of the box, but it is not a great showcase for the Windows-style user interface. More InfoIf Windows Phone, which has much in common from a development perspective with Windows 8, is an example, Microsoft has spent much time and effort in building that app library since it rebooted its mobile strategy and has not only begun to reach a critical mass of apps, but also attracted apps that tend to take good advantage of the operating system's features, notably Live Tiles. One unique advantage that Windows RT will enjoy, though, is the benefit gained from cross-platform (Windows 8 and Windows RT) development that will exploit the scale of Windows notebooks. Microsoft is also sweetening the revenue-sharing deal for apps sold via its Windows app store, which has led to the company proclaiming it as the greatest developer opportunity ever. Also looking at Windows Phone, however, most of the apps created for that operating system have had counterparts on iOS and Android. This makes some sense as developers are unlikely to be interested in Windows Phone unless they are interested in mobile software development generally. Still, if the same apps are available on Surface RT and iPad, why would one choose Surface RT (or an RT tablet in general)? Beyond Surface's clicky hardware amenities and accessories, it will come down to a preference for features such as the panoramic Live Tile home screen, which avoids much of the icon clutter of the iPad, side-by-side apps, and Charms, which allow apps to communicate with each other in a more standardized way than we see on Apple's tablet. These points, though, are too subtle to communicate as an opening salvo for Surface, which will be sold on the promise of more transparently bridging the consumption-oriented mode of the tablet with the productivity-oriented one of the PC. Ross Rubin is principal analyst at Reticle Research, a research and advisory firm focusing on consumer technology adoption. He shares commentary at Techspressive and on Twitter at@rossrubin. |
| Dish Network settles Voom HD lawsuit, AMC comes back on the air tonight Posted: 21 Oct 2012 01:21 PM PDT
Dish Network customers have been without AMC and its family of channels since July 1st, but thanks to a settlement between the satellite company and Cablevision's former Voom HD unit, AMC will be back on the air starting tonight. The possibility of a settlement leaked out late last week via a court filing, and it looks like Dish CEO Charlie Ergen will avoid taking the stand Monday after all. According to the terms, Dish will hand over $700 million in cash plus its 20 percent stake in Voom, and receive 500MHz of video and data spectrum licenses in 45 areas. In a separate deal, Dish and Cablevision spinoff AMC Networks have a new multiyear deal that should bring back AMC (on channel 131) in time for The Walking Dead to air tonight, and all of its other channels (IFC, WE tv, Sundance and for the first time, Fuse) starting November 1st. While Dish had previously claimed the channel deal was being held up by AMC's distribution of its shows via iTunes, Netflix and Amazon, now that lawsuit is over those concerns seem to have faded away. DISH Network and Voom Reach Settlement Terms call for DISH to pay $700 million in cash; DISH to receive certain wireless spectrum licenses Terms of the settlement call for DISH Network to pay $700 million in cash. As part of the agreement, DISH will receive 500 MHz of wireless multichannel video distribution and data service ("MVDDS") spectrum licenses that cover a population of 150 million in 45 DMAs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia. As part of a separate, multi-year agreement, DISH will resume broadcast of the AMC channel Sunday, October 21. The AMC channel will be carried on DISH channel 131. "We are glad to have settled the case and reestablished our long-term relationships with AMC Networks and Cablevision," said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming at DISH. "This multi-year deal delivers a fair value for both parties and includes digital expansion opportunities for AMC Networks' programming." Other AMC Networks programming, including Sundance Channel, WE tv and IFC, will return to DISH Nov. 1. The Madison Square Garden Company's music-oriented Fuse channel will begin broadcast Nov. 1, as well. Cablevision and AMC Networks Announce Settlement in VOOM HD Litigation With DISH Network DISH Network enters into a long-term distribution agreement with AMC Networks to carry AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv, and with The Madison Square Garden Company to carry Fuse on its satellite service; and DISH also conveys its 20-percent membership interest in VOOM HD to Rainbow Programming Holdings LLC, such that all of the cash settlement remains with Cablevision and AMC Networks. |
| Posted: 21 Oct 2012 10:15 AM PDT
Nokia and HTC's upcoming Windows Phone 8 flagships are still on the standard release path: announcement, federal approval and now, pre-order. Keeping device availability tucked firmly under its hat, Best Buy is now offering Nokia's Lumia 920 and the HTC 8X for pre-sale, priced at $149.99 and $99.99, respectively. Early buyers have options, too: the Lumia 920 is kitted out in red, blue, yellow, black and white shells. Fashionistas with a flair for purple, however, will need to stick to HTC's hardware. Unfortunately, you don't get that much choice -- Best Buy's pre-orders don't balk at the devices' AT&T exclusivity. The retailer doesn't say when devices are going to ship, but we imagine early adopters won't have to wait too long. Update: The Lumia 920 has disappeared from Best Buy's listings, while the 8X remains. This seems to suggest that pre-order stock for Nokia's new flagship has sold out, but given the short time it was available, let's hope that other issues are to blame and the absence is only temporary. |
| Posted: 21 Oct 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. At Inhabitat, we always keep our ear to the ground for new green building techniques and technologies as we look for more sustainable ways to shape our world. For the past year, we've been following the story of the Chinese developer BSB, who is planning to build the world's tallest skyscraper -- the entirely prefabricated 220-story building is set to break ground next month, and the building is expected to take just 210 days to build. In Chicago, transportation officials held an official groundbreaking ceremony last week for the "greenest street in America," a 2-mile stretch of road that is paved with permeable, smog-eating pavement. In material news, scientists at the Institut de Physique de Rennes in France have figured out a way to create biodegradable computer chips from spider silk. And with Halloween fast approaching, we've come across perhaps the creepiest building material ever made: a recent architectural graduate has been collecting blood from slaughtered animals and forming it into bricks. In the world of wearable tech, Japanese company Cyberdyne created a mind-controlled robot exoskeleton to protect Fukushima workers from nuclear radiation, and NASA developed an Iron Man-like exoskeleton that could be used by astronauts for exercise or for paraplegics for mobility. In a discovery that could have plenty of interesting medical applications, scientists have developed tiny electronic devices that, once they have functioned for a set period of time, dissolve harmlessly inside the body. We're also excited about the potential of this cancer-detecting smart bra, which could soon surpass mammograms in accuracy. As the seasons change, we've been focusing on winterizing our homes, and we've come up with seven great winter home improvement tips to save you energy (and money) this winter. We also checked in on Brett Herbst, the king of corn mazes (or the Master of Maize), who has built more than 2,000 incredible corn mazes (including a Star Wars labyrinth) using computer software, GPS technology and a heaping portion of imagination. In green energy news, Saudi Arabia announced plans to ditch oil and harvest 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, and a scientist developed a water-resistant solar panel coating inspired by iridescent butterfly wings. Billionaire Larry Ellision bought 98 percent of the Hawaiian island of Lanai -- and he plans to transform it into a haven for sustainable technology complete with solar thermal and photovoltaic cells, organic farms and desalinization plants. This week New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a 3D printing competition called "New York's Next Top Makers" to help spark creativity and innovation in the city. Meanwhile, in a move that could spell doom for 3D printing, Microsoft CTO and patent troll extraordinaire Nathan Myhrvold has obtained a patent for a technology that could impose digital rights management on 3D printing. And we'd be remiss not to share two of our new favorite Lego creations. Lego builders Wayne Hussey and Carlyle Livingston have built an amazing LED-lit Bat Cave, which is filled with all of Batman's toys, using 20,000 Lego bricks. And the folks at Vienna's ModelMaker Fair recreated Felix Baumgartner's death-defying leap from the edge of space with Legos. |
| Microsoft Touch Mouse gets promised Windows 8 support, works like a Charm Posted: 21 Oct 2012 03:02 AM PDT
Microsoft vowed that its Touch Mouse would get Windows 8 support in time for the software's big release day, and it's being very true to its word by posting the relevant update with less than a week to go. Mouse and Keyboard Center 2.0 saves time for those not graced with a touchscreen by introducing multi-touch swipes that bring up Windows 8's Charm bar, switch between active apps and invoke Semantic Zoom. Will the Touch Mouse update trick you into thinking you have a Surface? No, but it's certainly much easier on the wallet. |
| Posted: 20 Oct 2012 10:30 PM PDT
It's about time. The HTC DLX has most often been rumored carrying a Verizon-style 6435LVW or Droid Incredible X name, and yet it was unveiled first in Japan as the J Butterfly; we really needed the photos just now surfacing at Android Central to remind us that the 5-inch, 1080p gigantophone could still come to Big Red. While nothing's confirmed yet, the black-with-red-trim design and all too prominent Verizon labeling make a convincing case for the DLX's ultimate US destination. A helpfully provided phone profile screen might be more interesting to some, as it hints that we might get the same quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2GB of RAM and 8-megapixel rear camera as in the J Butterfly -- Verizon won't pull a Droid Incredible 4G LTE and tone down the hardware, if this is true. Without any more details, we're still left wondering just how soon Verizon could commit to launching the smartphone. There's no guarantees that Verizon will follow KDDI's schedule and ship in early December. Update: We've been wondering whether the odd name was meant to be short for Droid Incredible X, i.e. "DIX" instead of "DLX," but our friend @evleaks on Twitter just showed us a list of device PIDs that mentions the latter. @evleaks also suggests that DLX might be short for the codename "Deluxe" for the international variant, just as "ENRC2" was short for "Endeavor C2" (One X+). Update 2: It turns out the J Butterfly has the codename "Deluxe J" in its bootloader menu, so there you have it. Thanks again, @evleaks! |
| Ask Engadget: What's the best way to store my media collection? Posted: 20 Oct 2012 08:00 PM PDT
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Michael, who is suffering from a storage crunch. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.
That said, perhaps our friendly readers know a way to tame this man's ever growing media collection, so if you've already set up your own system, why not share your knowledge in the comments below? |
| Mobile Miscellany: week of October 15th, 2012 Posted: 20 Oct 2012 07:00 PM PDT
If you didn't get enough in mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, we received further evidence of an imminent replacement for the Galaxy Nexus and the Optimus 4X HD found a new home in Canada. 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 October 15th, 2012. Bell Mobility declares 'end of life' for the Galaxy Nexus All eyes are on Google and its Android event that's currently set for October 29th. While we've already seen a number of good indications that the Galaxy Nexus is on its way out, Bell Mobility took away any doubt this week, as the Canadian carrier has given an end-of-life status to Google's venerable smartphone. [MobileSyrup] FCC approves AT&T's proposal for LTE within WCS spectrum The writing has been on the wall for nearly a month, but this week, the FCC unanimously approved the joint proposal of AT&T and Sirius XM that would authorize deployment of LTE service within a 20MHz portion of the 2.3GHz (WCS) band. A final order must be issued before everything becomes official, but given the FCC's support, this is more of a technicality than a hurdle. WCS has historically been used for satellite radio, and AT&T's mobile broadband deployment -- currently set for three years from now --will be a first for the spectrum. [AT&T] LG Optimus 4X HD arrives at Wind Mobile Quad-core processing has arrived at Wind Mobile with the Optimus 4X HD. For $199 on a three-year contract, the phone offers a 1.5GHz quad-core Tegra 3, a 4.7-inch HD (1,280 x 720) IPS display, an 8MP rear camera and 16GB of internal storage. Those who'd prefer foregoing the contract will find the Optimus 4X HD for $549 outright from Wind. [MobileSyrup] |
| PayPal Here goes on sale at AT&T stores: like a one-stop shop for account hiccups Posted: 20 Oct 2012 06:00 PM PDT
PayPal Here, despite all its focus on in-store transactions, hasn't really been available to buy in a US store -- that's been the domain of the seemingly ubiquitous Square reader. eBay's payment wing has at last established that retail beachhead through a deal with AT&T. About 1,800 of the carrier's stores are now carrying PayPal Here readers, and they'll keep the service's big rival from hogging the spotlight at a time when most aren't even aware that there's any competition. If you're still cynical, you can look at the AT&T move as a matter of convenience: at least this way, all your account headaches will come from one place. |
| Node modular iOS sensor hands-on Posted: 20 Oct 2012 04:56 PM PDT
With the spate of bad publicity surrounding all those Kickstarter projects that never make it beyond the funding stage, there's a certain surreality to actually holding a crowd-funded device in your hands. But here it is, the Node, a project we highlighted in its infancy, way back in February. The whole thing blew way past its funding goal, scoring $76,000 out of a requested $50,000. And now, roughly eight months later, the product has been shipped out to enthusiastic supporters all over the place, inside an unassuming white box. Since its inception, the Node's been an interesting (if not particularly easy to explain) proposition. Now that we've got our hands on one, not all that much has changed -- which is to say, in its early stages, there's a lot of potential, but its still a bit of a hard sell. Hardware-wise, the Node's a solid proposition -- the size and shape of a roll of quarters. The body is made of a white plastic, with Node logos indented on either side. Next to one, you'll find a micro-USB port for charging, and by the other, you get the power button, which also serves to turn on the flashlight module. Inside the body, you've got the battery (which should give you 12 to 14 hours with Bluetooth on), an accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope. The white plastic is flanked on either end by lights that flash red or blue, depending on whether the device is synced. Next to these, you'll find the metal modules, which are fastened to the device by two small screws (you'll want to pick up an eyeglass screwdriver kit). Those little metal discs supplement the internal sensors, including functionality for radiation, heat, chemical and climate sensing. There are also nodes that turn the device into a flashlight and game controller -- modularity is the key here. The Node syncs quickly with newer iOS devices (only those that are Bluetooth 4.0 compatible, sorry) once you've got the free app downloaded. At present, the app offers up four modes: Kore (accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope), Clima (climate), Luma (flashlight) and Therma (infrared thermometer), with lots more planned soon. We played around with Kore, which offers up three moving graphs, detailing adjustments to the aforementioned sensors -- data that you can record and email. Luma, meanwhile, offers up wireless adjustments to the device's intense flashlight module, letting you cycle through patterns as well as brighten and dim. Again, given the device's presently limited functionality, it's hard to see it as much more than a novelty. The app is smooth, however, and the hardware is solid. Between this and the promise of plenty of forthcoming functionality through official channels and open-sourcing, the Node will continue to grow into a more enticing proposition. If you're aching to pick one up now, it'll run you $150 through Variable Technology's site, with the interchangeable modules running between $25 and $75 a pop. |
| Alt-week 20.10.12: our oldest primate ancestor, the birth of the moon and a planet with four stars Posted: 20 Oct 2012 02:00 PM PDT Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days. Most mornings, we wake up with little to no idea what happened the day before, let alone last week. Fortunately, they don't let us run important scientific research projects. Or maybe they do, and we just forgot? This week (and most others as it goes) we definitely leave it to the pros, as we get some insightful glimpses at some important origins. Ball Lightning, the moon and even us humans are the benefactors of those tireless scientists, who work hard to explain where it all comes from. There's also a planet with four stars that sees the first few paragraphs of its origin story excitedly written out. One thing we never forget, however, is that this is alt-week. The origins of our moon may have become a little clearer this week, thanks to new research published in Nature. For the last few decades, one of the mainstream theories has involved an impact between Earth and another planet (dubbed Theia) roughly 4.5-billion years ago. The resulting debris then went on to form what we now see looming over us of a night. The new research looked at zinc levels both on our planet, and the moon, as well as asteroids. And the evidence suggests that the difference in density between zinc on Earth and its satellite was likely caused by large scale evaporation rather than, say, a volcanic eruption. This, they believe is consistent with the impact origin theory. There are still some unanswered questions, primarily surrounding the size of Theia, and the effect it would have had on the rate of Earth's rotation. For now, at least, another part of the puzzle seems to fit nicely. Which is great and all, but we're left thinking, what happened to Theia, and is it coming round again?
From the origins of one large body, to that of another -- the one currently hunched in a chair reading this. Recently discovered fossils of the oldest known primate -- Purgatorius -- show a primitive, tree-dwelling creature and offers a new insight into the earliest ancestors of man. Before now, no bones from below the neck had ever been found. This set, presented at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's 72nd Annual Meeting revealed a number of key, never before known details. Notably, the ankle joints, which were similar to that found in modern primates except for characteristics related to leaping. It's these joints that the researchers also believe played a pivotal (no pun intended) role in the evolutionary tardiness of primates -- providing vital climbing and food collection skills. And many, many years later, the ability to roller-skate -- the true pinnacle of natural selection? Keeping on the theme of unknown origins, what might microwave radiation, oxidizing aerosols, nuclear energy, dark matter, antimatter and black holes have in common? If you were thinking "an uncle," you'd be close, but wrong. They are all explanations given for the formation of ball lightning. Theories that new research thinks are now likely redundant. A paper published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, with the rather direct title of "The Birth of Ball Lightning" puts forward a new theory for the cause of the phenomenon. The paper suggests that ball lightning is the result of ions accumulate on the outside of glass (such as windows) causing an electrical field on the other side to stir up air molecules, form a ball, and then discharge into the famous globe of electricity. The theory hooks into many of the common factors in ball lightning sightings: on planes, in houses and around glass. As yet, it remains to be fully proven, but the hope is that as the paper outlines a mathematical theory for their prediction, putting it to test should be relatively simple. As much as science advances, there remain some things that simply defy explanation. Well, for the moment that is. One such thing is a recently discovered planet in a four star system. The discovery comes from website Planet Hunters, and has been names PH1 in its honor. The curious planet is a gas giant, with a diameter some six times larger than that of Earth. PH1 is circumbinary, meaning it orbits a pair of stars, but also has another two in the mix, 90-billion miles away, which are gravitationally bound to the system. As well as being the first confirmed discovery from Planet Hunters, it is the first four star system. This makes it a particularly interesting find, as cosmologists are naturally keen to investigate how planets can form, and remain stable, in such a complex environment. Due to the relative proximity of all four stars, it's also believed that they would be clearly visible from the planet's surface, making sunsets, sunrises and buying good curtains completely other-worldly. 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. [Image credit: Doug Boyer, Haven Giguere / Yale] This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| LG tells the story behind QSlide multitasking, won't be mad if you tweet at the same time (video) Posted: 20 Oct 2012 12:08 PM PDT
LG's been stepping up its mobile game recently, with the Optimus G being the firm's clearest display of podium-position ambitions yet. And just like its regional neighbors, it's getting in on the "explaining-ideas-behind-concepts" video action. In this clip we see senior research engineer, Sebastian Hochan Song, explain the inspiration and process behind the new phone's QSlide multitasking function. Again, like its fellow Korean nationals, nature and the real world play a heavy part in the idea process. Head past the break if you want to see LG's thoughts about pushing Android multitasking forward, and keep an eagle eye out for one of our very own editors' quick cameo appearance.
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