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Friday, March 16, 2012
New Bi-Plane Design Promises All of the Sonic, None of the Boom [Planes]
Source: http://gizmodo.com/5893768/new-bi+plane-design-promises-all-of-the-sonic-none-of-the-boom
As a plane moves through the air, it stacks up air pressure in front of the plane and creates a vacuum in its wake. When the plane hits super sonic speeds—actually travelling faster that the sound wave it's creating—the plane will drag and compress the leading and trailing pressure waves together to form a single big shock wave moving at the speed of sound. The wave from this hits the ground is what's considered the sonic boom.
A team of researchers from MIT and Stanford University developed the bi-plane design based on a design devised in the 1950's by German engineer Adolf Busemann. He figured that a design using triangular wings connected at the tip would effectively cancel out the boom. His original design wasn't quite efficient—the inner channel prevented sufficient air flow— so the researchers had to tweak the design a bit.
And man what a tweak. The design they settled on—with a smooth finish on the inner edge of the triangle and small bumps on the outer—could reduce the plane's fuel consumption by 50 percent and allow speeds in excess of Mach 5. Not to mention they'd be able to fly over the country and not just the oceans. Get ready for two-hour jaunts across the continent if this design reaches the market. [Sonic Boom Wiki - LiveSciences]
TED expands its reach with streaming talks on Netflix
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/ted-expands-its-reach-with-streaming-talks-on-netflix/
You can already watch TED talks on any number of devices via the web or the various apps available, but the oft-debated conference / organization has now added another fairly big feather to its cap: it's streaming on Netflix. That includes around 200 talks to start with, which have been grouped into 14 different "shows" with titles like Space Trek, Cyber Awe, Building Wonder and Video & Photo Mojo. Those are naturally all available in HD, and they can be seen in Canada, Latin America, the UK and Ireland in addition to the US.
TED expands its reach with streaming talks on Netflix originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsGoogle Earth for Android and iOS reaches version 6.2, supports custom KML overlays and more
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/google-earth-for-android-and-ios-reaches-version-6-2-supports-c/
Good news for fans of the iOS and Android ports of Google Earth: the apps are getting updated to version 6.2, which brings more customizable experience with it. Just like the browser and desktop variants, Keyhole Markup Language files are now accessible, meaning you'll be able to open up information overlays you find on websites, or from the app itself now that Google Earth Gallery's been added. Better yet, Android users will be pleased to know that their even gets baked-in screenshot functionality, while both versions feature "improvements in navigation." Although the iOS version will get released sometime soon, those of you running Google's goods can download the update from Google Play right now to get exploring. As per usual, make your way over to the source link below for all the details.
Google Earth for Android and iOS reaches version 6.2, supports custom KML overlays and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Verge! | Email this | Comments
These Are The Killer Apps For Your iPad's New Retina Display (AAPL)
Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/here-are-the-best-apps-to-use-on-your-ipads-new-retina-display-2012-3
The new iPad launches at the Apple Store in just a couple hours.
TechCrunch's MG Siegler has rounded up a list of apps that will make the best use of the new tablet's impressive high definition screen.
Here's a brief selection of what we're most excited about, but click over to Siegler's article for the full list.
- ABC Player
- The Daily
- Diamond Dash
- Evernote
- Flight Control Rocket
- Galaxy on Fire 2 HD
- Incredibooth
- Infinity Blade II
- iStopMotion for iPad
- Kindle
- Labyrinth 2 HD
- Real Racing 2 HD
- Skitch
- Sky Gamblers: Air Supremacy
- Soundcloud
- Vimeo
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Join the conversation about this story »
See Also:
- Walt Mossberg: The New iPad Has A Million More Pixels Than An HDTV
- You Can Buy The New iPad At Walmart At Midnight TONIGHT
- A Frustrating Fact About The New iPad
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Gross Fluorescent Green Goo Spills In Dallas [Pollution]
Source: http://gizmodo.com/5893630/mysterious-fluorescent-green-goo-spills-over-dallas-water
An emergency crew appeared at the scene and quickly proceeded to block the green goo flow. Then, hazardous material experts were called. Was it a biological attack? Alien bodily fluids? Mutant blood? No. It was non-toxic fluorescent green dye used to detect leaks in the hospital cooling tower number 3.
Nothing to see here except a cool river of green crap, folks. Carry on. [WFAA]
PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/paypal-introduces-mobile-card-reader-square-rival/
As much as we jest about PayPal's polarizing nature, we've been victim to one too many unjustified account freezes to become overly joyous here, but we won't kvetch about a little competition. Here's hoping we see rates and fees on the decline thanks to another major player stepping up to bat, but something tells us those kinds of dreams are dreamt only by fools. That aside, the fact that famed designer Yves Behar (profiled here on The Engadget Show) and Fuseproject were tapped to engineer it gets a major thumbs-up from us.
Update: Looks like it'll go by the name Here. PayPal Here. Moreover, the hardware and app will be gratis, and shipments will begin to go out in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia today. Everyone else will need to sit tight for a few weeks, and we're still digging for information on compatibility beyond the iPhone.
Update 2: Look like Android support will be here at launch, but iOS devices will need to run iOS 4.0 or higher.
Continue reading PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts
PayPal Here mobile card reader: it's like Square, but with way more frozen accounts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalinkmike_isaac (Instagram), The Verge | 
CNET, PayPal | Email this | Comments
Google to switch on 'semantic search' within months, emphasize things as well as words
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/google-semantic-search/
Google to switch on 'semantic search' within months, emphasize things as well as words originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3 brings an NVIDIA Kepler GPU to the ultrabook party
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/acer-aspire-ultra-timeline-m3-brings-an-nvidia-kepler-gpu-to-the/
Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3 brings an NVIDIA Kepler GPU to the ultrabook party originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
NVIDIA | Email this | Comments
Samsung considering Android-based digital camera
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/samsung-researching-android-based-digital-camera/
What exactly would an OS like Android mean for digital camera users? It could be a major breakthrough from a usability standpoint, opening up the in-camera ecosystem to third-party developers. We could see Twitter and Facebook apps that let you not only publish your photos directly with a familiar interface, but also see photos shared by your friends. A capacitive touchscreen would let you type in comments directly as well. You could publish to web-based services, utilize apps that enable post-capture creativity or receive firmware updates directly over WiFi. That hotshoe or USB port could acc! ommodate a variety of different accessories, like a microphone or 4G modem that could be used with several models, including those from other manufacturers. While there's nothing making Android integration impossible from a technical standpoint, there are obvious disadvantages as well -- especially for camera makers. Stability would become an issue -- your camera could need a reboot just as often as your smartphone -- and such a powerful imaging device could theoretically cannibalize tablets and smartphones, though on a limited scale. Sadly this is merely educated speculation at this point, pending a product announcement from Samsung, though we wouldn't be surprised to come to fruition -- perhaps even before the next CES.
Update: Samsung reached out to us asking to clarify that this is simply something under consideration; nothing is confirmed yet. We've updated the post above to match.
Samsung considering Android-based digital camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsTuesday, March 13, 2012
ARM's Super-Efficient New Chip Can Get "Years of Battery Life" [Guts]
Source: http://gizmodo.com/5892873/arms-super+efficient-new-chip-can-get-years-of-battery-life
The Cortex-M0+ chip is capable of 32-bit processing, measures 1mm x 1mm, and is based on Flycatcher architecture. ARM says it's the world's most energy-efficient design. It's even more efficient than the 8- and 16-bit MCUs it's replacing.
The idea is that if the "Internet of Things"—that near-future sci-fi aspiration where your toaster knows when your dishwasher is using too much power—is ever going to happen, we'll need super low power chips to make it possible. [ARM via Geek, BBC]
Rdio rolls out redesigned website and desktop apps, promises to make things more social
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/rdio-rolls-out-redesigned-website-and-desktop-apps-promises-to/
If you've checked into Rdio's website this afternoon (and are a web or unlimited subscriber) you've probably noticed a message prompting you to try out the "new Rdio." Clicking on it will take you to the redesigned website that the music streaming service has rolled out today -- something the company claims is "faster, simpler, and more social." That includes a completely overhauled layout that puts it slightly more in line with the likes of Spotify and iTunes, and social networking features that are brought to the fore, including a new "People Sidebar" where you can see who's online and what they're listening to (along with suggestions of people to follow). You can also now simply drag tracks to the People Sidebar to share them with friends, or drag entire albums to add them to a playlist. What's more, that overhaul also carriers over to Rdio's desktop apps, which now mirror the web interface quite closely. Hit the links below to take a closer look or try it for yourself.
Rdio rolls out redesigned website and desktop apps, promises to make things more social originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
PermalinkThe Verge | Rdio, Rdio Blog | Email this | Comments
Intel: Optical Thunderbolt cables arriving this year
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/optical-thunderbolt-this-year/
Intel's Dave Salvator has been talking about Thunderbolt's future, promising that optical versions of the high-speed interconnect will arrive this year. The copper version currently available is cheaper and can carry 10 watts of power, but it can only be run a maximum distance of six meters. While the fiber version loses the ability to power devices, it's reportedly far faster and capable of running to the "tens of meters." Dave Mr. Salvator wouldn't commit to a release date, or how much more we'll be expected to pay for the cables, but given that we're also expecting to see PCI-Express 3.0 bolted on to the standard soon, we'll start saving today.
Intel: Optical Thunderbolt cables arriving this year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |Macworld | Email this | Comments
ARM Cortex-M0+ is a low-power, low cost 32-bit processor for the 'internet of things'
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/arm-cortex-ultra-low-power-32-bit-processor/
ARM Cortex-M0+ is a low-power, low cost 32-bit processor for the 'internet of things' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsWe Demand Ikea's Magical Touchscreen Thread In America Now Now Now [Video]
Source: http://gizmodo.com/5892612/we-demand-ikeas-magical-touchscreen-thread-in-america-now-now-now
Winter and touchscreens don't mix because gloves and mittens aren't so capacitive. Ikea's Beröra sewing kit could change the world forever, had they not decided to only produce 12000 of the thread kits. We demand Ikea bring it back.
Beröra is an über-simple solution to the wooly-handed problems of winter. It's a sewing kit with a piece of conductive thread which turns the glove of your choice into a touchscreen-ready glove. We've seen touchscreen gloves before, but the idea that any glove could be a touchscreen glove is the kind of bigger hammer thinking we've come to expect from Ikea. Well done.
Unfortunately, this brilliant idea wasn never intended for a long lifespan on the shelves of Ikea—It was a short-lived marketing campaign designed to promote Ikea's new iPad catalog in Norway. The catalog came out in mid-Winter, and the Beröra kits sold out in under two weeks.
This is an injustice. We demand that like Sweedish meatballs before it, the Beröra be brought to Americans so that next winter we might all touchscreen-enable our gloves. There is a bright future ahead in which winter will no longer dominate my tablet usage. It's up to Ikea to make this right. Do the right thing Ikea. [PSFK via Laughing Squid]
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